Written questions by Glindon.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of business rates changes on the ability of small businesses to expand, invest and recruit staff.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.To respond to those who are seeing large increases, the Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.The Government is also supporting businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. The Call for Evidence, published at Budget, focused on how reform of the business rates system can be used to incentivise and secure more investment by Britain’s businesses.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of business rates changes on the ability of small businesses to grow and invest.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.To respond to those who are seeing large increases, the Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.The Government is also supporting businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. The Call for Evidence, published at Budget, focused on how reform of the business rates system can be used to incentivise and secure more investment by Britain’s businesses.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the ability of small businesses such as bakeries, cafés and hairdressers to manage changes in business rates alongside other cost pressures.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.To respond to those who are seeing large increases, the Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.The Government is also supporting businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. The Call for Evidence, published at Budget, focused on how reform of the business rates system can be used to incentivise and secure more investment by Britain’s businesses.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to business rates on the level of employment in small hospitality, retail and leisure businesses.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.To respond to those who are seeing large increases, the Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.The Government is also supporting businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. The Call for Evidence, published at Budget, focused on how reform of the business rates system can be used to incentivise and secure more investment by Britain’s businesses.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to business rates from April 2026 on small businesses outside the pub sector.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.To respond to those who are seeing large increases, the Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.The Government is also supporting businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. The Call for Evidence, published at Budget, focused on how reform of the business rates system can be used to incentivise and secure more investment by Britain’s businesses.

What modelling her Department has undertaken on the potential impact of proposed business rates changes on the level of small business closures and employment levels.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.To respond to those who are seeing large increases, the Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.The Government is also supporting businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. The Call for Evidence, published at Budget, focused on how reform of the business rates system can be used to incentivise and secure more investment by Britain’s businesses.

Whether her Department has considered the potential merits of applying full business rates relief already provided for within the business rates system across eligible sectors.

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base. At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years, including to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. Government support also means that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. More broadly, later this year, the Government will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy to reinvigorate our communities. The Government will work with businesses and representative bodies to pull this Strategy together.

Whether she has assessed the potential merits of applying the proposed 15% business rates relief for pubs to the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors.

Other RHL properties will continue to benefit from the wider £4.3 billion support package announced at Budget. This support package means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible RHL properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. More broadly, later this year, the Government will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy to reinvigorate our communities. The Government will work with businesses and representative bodies to pull this Strategy together.

What assessment she has the made of the potential impact of limiting extended business rates support to pubs on other hospitality, retail and leisure businesses.

Other RHL properties will continue to benefit from the wider £4.3 billion support package announced at Budget. This support package means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible RHL properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. More broadly, later this year, the Government will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy to reinvigorate our communities. The Government will work with businesses and representative bodies to pull this Strategy together.

What recent progress she has made on responding to the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the minimum income requirement for the UK’s spouse and partner visa routes.

The MAC’s recommendations are being considered in detail alongside the work being carried out as a result of the Immigration White Paper (Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper - GOV.UK) which made clear that family migration would be reformed to tackle the over complex family immigration arrangements, including the financial requirements.However, there is no set date for when we will publish a response to the MAC report.

Media and Sport, what recent progress she has made on establishing a programme to guarantee a library space in every primary school.

We have allocated £12.5 million from the Dormant Assets Scheme to ensure every primary school has a library space by the end of this Parliament. The National Lottery Community Fund is working to develop more of the programme details, including which schools will receive funding.

What plans his Department has to ensure continuity of specialist weight management services, including workforce capacity and multidisciplinary provision, during the transition following the abolition of NHS England.

The National Health Service and local government provide a range of weight management services. This includes behaviour change support such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, intensive treatments like very low-calorie diets, pharmaceutical treatments, and bariatric surgery. NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for arranging the provision of health services, such as specialist weight management services, within their area, in line with local population need, and taking account of relevant guidance.NHS England will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities and statutory functions during the transition period following the Government’s decision to abolish the organisation. This includes commissioning the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, oversight of NHS weight management services, and providing guidance, clinical leadership, and performance oversight of ICBs, while the Government brings forward legislation to amend the Department’s responsibilities.Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.Until the transfer of its functions, NHS England will continue to work with ICBs and providers to support the continuity of multidisciplinary provision and workforce capacity, and access to services across England.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the abolition of NHS England on the commissioning, oversight and consistency of access to weight management services across England.

The National Health Service and local government provide a range of weight management services. This includes behaviour change support such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, intensive treatments like very low-calorie diets, pharmaceutical treatments, and bariatric surgery. NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for arranging the provision of health services, such as specialist weight management services, within their area, in line with local population need, and taking account of relevant guidance.NHS England will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities and statutory functions during the transition period following the Government’s decision to abolish the organisation. This includes commissioning the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, oversight of NHS weight management services, and providing guidance, clinical leadership, and performance oversight of ICBs, while the Government brings forward legislation to amend the Department’s responsibilities.Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.Until the transfer of its functions, NHS England will continue to work with ICBs and providers to support the continuity of multidisciplinary provision and workforce capacity, and access to services across England.

Where responsibility for national leadership and accountability for obesity and weight management services will sit following the abolition of NHS England; and what steps he is taking to prevent regional variation in access to those services.

The National Health Service and local government provide a range of weight management services. This includes behaviour change support such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, intensive treatments like very low-calorie diets, pharmaceutical treatments, and bariatric surgery. NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for arranging the provision of health services, such as specialist weight management services, within their area, in line with local population need, and taking account of relevant guidance.NHS England will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities and statutory functions during the transition period following the Government’s decision to abolish the organisation. This includes commissioning the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, oversight of NHS weight management services, and providing guidance, clinical leadership, and performance oversight of ICBs, while the Government brings forward legislation to amend the Department’s responsibilities.Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.Until the transfer of its functions, NHS England will continue to work with ICBs and providers to support the continuity of multidisciplinary provision and workforce capacity, and access to services across England.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Institute for Public Policy Research report entitled Resilient by design: Building secure clean energy supply chains, published on 16 January 2026.

The government is committed to growing resilient clean energy supply chains and creating good jobs across the UK. Our Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan gives investors the certainty they need to expand UK manufacturing across technologies from wind and nuclear to hydrogen, carbon capture, heat pumps and grid infrastructure. We have capitalised the National Wealth Fund with £27.8 billion, including £5.8 billion for key low‑carbon industries, and Great British Energy has launched a £1 billion supply chain programme, including a £300 million offshore wind fund now open for applications. We will continue to engage with industry, trade unions, and experts to implement the Sector Plan, including the IPPR.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the reports that Israeli Defences Forces have moved the Yellow Line deeper into Gaza.

The UK urges all parties to meet the commitments they have made under the 20-point peace plan, and we continue to monitor the situation on the ground in Gaza closely.

Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of community sports initiatives on (a) public health outcomes and (b) crime.

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to and benefit from quality sport and physical activity. Community sports initiatives can have a wide range of benefits, including promoting social inclusion, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, and delivering improvements to physical and mental wellbeing. The benefits to individual wellbeing through sport and physical activity are valued at £106.9 billion a year, and the wider value to society through savings to the health and care system is £15.9 billion a year.In June, following the Spending Review we committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK over the next four years. We will ensure that this funding promotes health and wellbeing, and helps to remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups. We are working with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need, before setting out further plans on how future funding will be allocated across the UK.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the exclusion of licensed betting offices from Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief, including the consistency with other gambling leisure premises.

In October 2024, the Government laid a statutory instrument defining the retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties that will be eligible for new, lower business rates multipliers from April 2026. Since they were announced at Budget 2024, the Government has been clear that scope of the RHL multipliers would broadly reflect the scope of the current RHL relief. The previous Government made the decision to exclude betting shops from the relief. This Government considered the issue in the round, and decided to continue the treatment the previous Government chose to ensure the tax cut is appropriately targeted. The classification of betting shops as financial and professional services is a planning use class and is not assigned by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for business rates purposes. The VOA values land and buildings based on physical features and how the property is occupied. Planning use classes do not affect how the VOA value betting shops.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the oral contribution of the Pensions Minister on 3 December 2025, Official Report, column 1043, whether his Department has considered the potential merits of introducing legislation to develop statutory guidance for the local government pension scheme on (a) fiduciary duty and (b) systemic risks.

Administering authorities in the Local Government Pension Scheme are already required by statutory guidance to discharge their responsibilities in managing investments with care, skill, prudence and diligence. They must also consider factors that are financially material to the performance of their investments, including systemic risks such as climate risk. Non-financial factors may also be taken into account, provided they do not risk significant financial detriment to the scheme and where they have good reason to think that scheme members would support their decision.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Autumn Budget 2025 on licensed betting offices; and whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the classification of betting shops for business rates purposes, including their eligibility for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief.

In October 2024, the Government laid a statutory instrument defining the retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties that will be eligible for new, lower business rates multipliers from April 2026. Since they were announced at Budget 2024, the Government has been clear that scope of the RHL multipliers would broadly reflect the scope of the current RHL relief. The previous Government made the decision to exclude betting shops from the relief. This Government considered the issue in the round, and decided to continue the treatment the previous Government chose to ensure the tax cut is appropriately targeted. The classification of betting shops as financial and professional services is a planning use class and is not assigned by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for business rates purposes. The VOA values land and buildings based on physical features and how the property is occupied. Planning use classes do not affect how the VOA value betting shops.