Written questions by French.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77715 on Betting: Excise Duties, which stakeholders her Department has engaged with through the consultation process.

The Government launched a consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system, which closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025. As part of the consultation process, the Government engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including, the British Horseracing Authority, the Jockey Club and Betting & Gaming Council as well as gambling businesses and charities.

Media and Sport, if she will publish the (a) governance framework, (b) remit, (c) terms of reference and (d) operating rules for (i) the Levy Board for the statutory levy on gambling and (ii) its associated advisory groups.

The Gambling Levy Programme Board has been established as the central oversight mechanism for establishment and oversight of the levy to ensure that funding is being spent appropriately and efficiently, and that the system is delivering on its objectives. The Programme Board is chaired by DCMS Director of Sport and Gambling, and its membership consists of government officials from relevant departments across government, and the Scottish and Welsh governments. The Board's membership is currently limited to government officials as its focus is on the operational aspects of the levy system to ensure a smooth transition to and successful implementation of the new system. We have also established the Gambling Levy Advisory Group. It is chaired by a DCMS official and membership consists of working level representation from UK Research and Innovation, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England, the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, and the Gambling Commission. The Advisory Group brings together the research, prevention and treatment strands of the levy at a working level, facilitating appropriate integration and collaboration between commissioning leads. Funding decisions will be taken by the appropriate bodies, with scrutiny provided by relevant governance structures. We will continue to regularly monitor the levy’s governance arrangements to ensure that there is effective oversight of delivery against objectives. We will publish the Terms of Reference for the Levy Board and Advisory Group in due course.

If he will take steps to help ensure the continuity of the (a) National Gambling Helpline and (b) other national gambling harms charities.

The introduction of the new statutory levy on gambling operators, which came into effect in April 2025, guarantees independent, sustainable funding for the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms.The Government recognises the important role national gambling harm charities play in providing help and support for those experiencing gambling-related harms. To ensure the continuity of these services during the transition to the levy system, GambleAware will continue to commission existing treatment and support services until 31 March 2026.From 1 April 2026, NHS England will assume responsibility for commissioning the full gambling harms treatment pathway in England. Organisations, including those who operate the National Gambling Helpline, will be permitted to apply for ringfenced levy funding, provided they comply with the stated eligibility requirements. NHS England is actively working to confirm future commissioning arrangements and is committed to keeping stakeholders informed, with a further update expected in November.The Office for Improvement and Disparities, as the prevention commissioner for England under the levy, intends to launch a competitive grant process for 2026/27 to provide funding for the voluntary sector to deliver effective prevention activity. Further details will be confirmed in November 2025.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of organised protests on (a) tourism to and (b) businesses in London.

The Home Office has not made a formal assessment of the potential economic impact of organised protests on tourism or businesses in London. Responsibility for tourism policy rests primarily with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, while business resilience and economic analysis are led by the Department for Business and Trade.We continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police Service and to ensure that lawful protest is facilitated while minimising disruption to the public and economic activity.

When the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group next plans to consider funding for Abiraterone in a prioritsation round.

NHS England considered abiraterone as an off-label treatment for hormone sensitive, non-metastatic prostate cancer through its clinical policy development process in 2024/25. Through this process, NHS England confirmed that there was sufficient supporting evidence to support the routine commissioning of abiraterone in this indication and it was ranked as the top priority for routine commissioning. This position is being kept under review, although currently there is no requirement for another meeting of the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group to reprioritise this policy, and the policy will be progressed as soon as recurrent funding is identified.

Media and Sport, if she will take steps to ensure that organisations previously funded under the voluntary research, education and treatment system administered by GambleAware will be able to bid for statutory levy funds.

The Government recognises the important work undertaken by organisations funded under the voluntary research, education and treatment system administered by GambleAware. The introduction of the statutory levy marks a significant further step in tackling gambling harm, providing sustainable and independent funding to deliver interventions that have the greatest impact on reducing harm across Great Britain.The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), NHS England and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, are the new commissioners for prevention, treatment and research under the statutory levy system. Organisations funded through GambleAware will be permitted to apply for funding under the relevant funding schemes currently being established by the new Commissioners, provided they comply with the stated eligibility requirements. Details regarding UKRI’s funding schemes can be found on their webpage and further detail regarding criteria for funding under the other commissioning bodies will be available in due course.Commissioners are working to develop a consistent approach to ‘Declarations of Interest’ and the management of potential conflicts of interest, recognising the need for a pragmatic approach during the transition to the new system, whilst mindful of the need to ensure that moving forward, all commissioning activity is independent of industry influence.Commissioners remain committed to ensuring all stakeholders receive timely updates as they continue to work at pace on their respective gambling harms programmes.

Whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of changes to Soft Drinks Industry Levy thresholds on trade with the Republic of Ireland.

An assessment of economic and other impacts is included as part of the ‘Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy’ consultation document. This is available athttps://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-soft-drinks-industry-levy. The indicative Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) analysis estimates that the changes would reduce calories, across the UK population, by around 15 million kcal per day in children and 46 million kcal per day in adults. These calorie reductions could achieve health and economic benefits of around £4.2 billion over 25 years. The proposed changes were subject to a consultation, which was open until 21 July 2025. The Government will consider the consultation responses closely prior to making any decision at a future Budget. If the Government decides to make changes to the levy, it will publish an updated assessment of the confirmed policy’s impacts.

What steps she is taking to reduce the tax burden on the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector.

The Government is committed to supporting the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector, which is largely made up of small businesses. At the Autumn Budget, a range of measures were announced to reduce the tax burden on these sectors. The Employment Allowance has been more than doubled to £10,500, ensuring that over half of businesses with National Insurance liabilities will either gain or see no change this year. The Small Profits Rate of Corporation Tax and marginal relief have been maintained at current rates and thresholds. The £1 million Annual Investment Allowance has been retained to support investment. Duty on qualifying draught products has been reduced, supporting pubs and smaller brewers. The Government intends to introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Until these new multipliers come into force, business rates RHL relief has been extended for one year at 40% up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. The Government keeps all areas of the tax system under review and changes to the tax system are made at fiscal events, in line with usual practice.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy thresholds on future investment in the development of healthier soft drinks.

An assessment of economic and other impacts is included as part of the ‘Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy’ consultation document. This is available athttps://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-soft-drinks-industry-levy. The indicative Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) analysis estimates that the changes would reduce calories, across the UK population, by around 15 million kcal per day in children and 46 million kcal per day in adults. These calorie reductions could achieve health and economic benefits of around £4.2 billion over 25 years. The proposed changes were subject to a consultation, which was open until 21 July 2025. The Government will consider the consultation responses closely prior to making any decision at a future Budget. If the Government decides to make changes to the levy, it will publish an updated assessment of the confirmed policy’s impacts.

Whether she has met the Police Federation since her appointment.

Home Office Ministers have regular meetings as part of the process of policy development and delivery.As part of Government transparency information about meetings is published on a quarterly basis on gov.ukThe Police Act 1996 establishes the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) as the representative body for police officers in the federated ranks in England and Wales.

If she will make establish a National Police Trust funded from money seized from the proceeds of crime.

The allocation of criminal funds recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) is governed by the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). The Scheme is designed to incentivise all agencies involved in asset recovery, including the police, to pursue criminal proceeds with the overarching aim of reducing crime and delivering justice.Under ARIS, a proportion of the assets recovered using POCA powers is redistributed to the agencies involved in the recovery, based on their relative contributions. Currently, up to 50% of ARIS receipts are returned to operational partners depending on their contribution. The Scheme also supports the development of regional and national asset recovery capabilities through the ARIS Top Slice Fund, which ringfences £13.9 million annually for this purpose.In line with the spirit of the Scheme, the Government encourages agencies to invest their ARIS funds to enhance asset recovery and, where appropriate, to fund local crime fighting priorities that benefit communities. The use of ARIS allocations is at the discretion of each agency, ensuring they retain flexibility to direct funds in line with local priorities and operational needs. As such, these funds may be eligible for donation to support a National Police Trust, should agencies choose to do so.More detail on the breakdown of ARIS funding can be found in the Asset Recovery Statistical Bulletin (ASB) at section 7: Asset recovery statistical bulletin: financial years ending 2020 to 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what support she is providing to the (a) horseracing industry, (b) equine sector and (c) rural economy.

Horseracing is the only sport in receipt of a direct government-mandated levy which helps to drive improvements in the sport.This year’s levy yield is set to be around £108 million which, if confirmed, exceeds the previous year's figure of £105 million.The Secretary of State recently approved the request to put £1.15 million of levy funds towards the production costs of “Champions: Full Gallop” Series 2, which is designed to attract new fans to the sport. This sits alongside Great British Racing’s “The Going is Good” campaign which also received £3.62 million from the Levy Board.There has been ministerial engagement between Defra and His Majesty’s Treasury to ensure that they are aware of the specific way British horseracing is funded and the potential implications of any changes to taxation.Defra recognises the importance of the equine sector to the UK economy and acknowledges the value of a robust equine identification and traceability regime. The current system supports public health, disease outbreak management, and biosecurity. Biosecurity is also protected by the UK’s imports requirements and imports health certificates for equines.The SPS agreement, outlined at the UK-EU Leader’s Summit on 19th May 2025, will establish a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, aimed at facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trade. The SPS Agreement will cover sanitary rules and the regulation of live animals, including animal health conditions governing the movement and importation of Equidae. The SPS Agreement is built on a commitment for the UK to regulate consistently with the EU on specific SPS rules. Defra is currently working to establish what implementation of the SPS Agreement will involve for equines.We know that rural areas offer significant potential for growth and are central to our economy, contributing over £240 billion a year to England alone. This government is committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural business and communities.The Spending Review settlement outlined support for the rural economy and protect the countryside. In addition to funding for sustainable farming and nature recovery, the government confirmed investment of over £1.9 billion over four years into broadband and 4G connectivity, and £2.3 billion of Local Transport Grant funding for smaller cities, towns and rural area. This funding addresses the key blockers to growth in rural areas.Separately, Defra will confirm detailed allocations for other programmes through this round of business planning.

Whether charities paying non-commercial rates will pay the Nuclear regulated asset base charges.

The Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) Model (Revenue Collection) Regulations 2023 set out how RAB levies for nuclear projects will be implemented; electricity suppliers are levied for the RAB allowed revenue, which we expect to be passed on to non-exempt domestic and non-domestic consumers. By allowing revenue from the start of the project’s construction, we expect to bring down project cost of capital and avoid the roll up of interest, the cost of which could otherwise be passed on to consumers. Once operational, analysis shows Sizewell C could create savings of £2 billion a year across the future low-carbon electricity system, leading to cheaper power for consumers.

What steps his Department is taking to support hospitality businesses that are (a) reducing their workforce and (b) operating at reduced capacity due to cost pressures.

The Government recognises the vital role hospitality businesses play in local economies and communities. We also recognise the pressures they face.That's why creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 and protecting the smallest businesses by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500, so that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all and can hire up to four full-time workers on the National Living Wage without incurring employer NIC costs.We also work closely with the Hospitality Sector Council to improve the productivity and resilience of hospitality businesses by co-creating solutions to the issues including cost and employment pressures.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the independent football regulator on the potential impact of ticket pricing policies on (a) supporter experience and (b) club-community relations.

The Independent Football Regulator has a tightly defined scope focusing on the financial sustainability of clubs, the systemic stability of the football pyramid and protecting club heritage. Football ticket price caps are commercial decisions and a matter for football clubs. However, fan consultation is a key part of the licensing regime within the Football Governance Act and the Regulator will require clubs to consult fans on a range of specified relevant matters, including ticket pricing.

Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of a mandatory extension of the £30 away-ticket cap beyond the Premier League on the finances of (a) lower-league and (b) non-league football clubs.

The Independent Football Regulator has a tightly defined scope focusing on the financial sustainability of clubs, the systemic stability of the football pyramid and protecting club heritage. Football ticket price caps are commercial decisions and a matter for football clubs. However, fan consultation is a key part of the licensing regime within the Football Governance Act and the Regulator will require clubs to consult fans on a range of specified relevant matters, including ticket pricing.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the (a) Independent Football Regulator and (b) Football Association on the conduct of (i) Manchester City and (ii) Chelsea.

The Independent Football Regulator has a tightly defined scope focusing on the financial sustainability of clubs, the systemic stability of the football pyramid and protecting club heritage. Football ticket price caps are commercial decisions and a matter for football clubs. However, fan consultation is a key part of the licensing regime within the Football Governance Act and the Regulator will require clubs to consult fans on a range of specified relevant matters, including ticket pricing.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the independent football regulator on engagement with supporters’ groups on away-ticket pricing.

The Independent Football Regulator has a tightly defined scope focusing on the financial sustainability of clubs, the systemic stability of the football pyramid and protecting club heritage. Football ticket price caps are commercial decisions and a matter for football clubs. However, fan consultation is a key part of the licensing regime within the Football Governance Act and the Regulator will require clubs to consult fans on a range of specified relevant matters, including ticket pricing.

Media and Sport, how much the Women’s Sport Taskforce (a) has cost her Department since 4 July 2025 and (b) will cost annually.

There is no additional cost to the department as a result of the Women’s Sport Taskforce, however, officials within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are allocated to support the Taskforce.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the independent football regulator on the feasibility of extending the £30 away-ticket cap to (a) the Championship, (b) League One, (c) League Two and (d) the National League.

The Independent Football Regulator has a tightly defined scope focusing on the financial sustainability of clubs, the systemic stability of the football pyramid and protecting club heritage. Football ticket price caps are commercial decisions and a matter for football clubs. However, fan consultation is a key part of the licensing regime within the Football Governance Act and the Regulator will require clubs to consult fans on a range of specified relevant matters, including ticket pricing.