Written questions by Timothy.

What senior leadership positions are vacant in the EU Directorate within his Department.

The EU Relations Secretariat was established in the Cabinet Office to give effect to the Government's manifesto commitments to reset the relationship with the EU, implement the Windsor Framework in good faith and protect the UK's internal market, as well as responsibility for the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and Trade and Cooperation Agreement. All Senior Civil Servant roles within the EU Relations Secretariat are currently filled. We are recruiting for the new role of Second Permanent Secretary; the advert for which closed on 8 December.

If she will take steps to remove (a) diversity and inclusion advisers and (b) champion positions in her Department.

The type of positions referred to by the Hon. Member were established under the previous Government, for the reasons set out in the answer of 10 January 2017 to Question 58238, which remain relevant today.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 October 2024 to Question 8515 on Home Office: Art Works and Cultural Heritage, which (a) portraits and (b) other works of art from the (i) Government Art Collection and (ii) her Department's collection are on display in her Department; what the reference numbers are of each; and which works have been (A) added and (B) removed since the general election.

The Home Office does not hold any central record of the requested information, and could only collate it at disproportionate cost.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisors, and (c) officials in his Department had with the National Energy System Operator on modelling assumptions in the Clean Power 2030 report.

NESO is operationally independent from Government and decisions relating to modelling assumptions are not made by the Department. Earlier this year the Government commissioned the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to provide independent advice on achieving a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030. NESO consulted publicly in September and October on its approach and assumptions. The Government continues to engage with NESO and other key stakeholders in developing our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

What steps his Department is taking to construct grid connections for (a) Norfolk and (b) Tilbury.

The Transmission Owner National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is responsible for constructing the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, including for Norfolk and Tilbury. The Government is working with delivery stakeholders, including NGET, to ensure accelerated delivery of the critical grid infrastructure, including both new lines and upgrades to existing lines, needed for a cheaper and secure energy system, in line with our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. This includes both new infrastructure and upgrades to existing lines.

Whether he has made any declarations of interest to the Permanent Secretary of his Department relating to the direct appointments he has made.

There is an established process in place for the declaration and management of interests held by ministers. This ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. A statement covering relevant Ministers’ interests is published on a quarterly basis following advice from the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards and the Department’s Permanent Secretary. The most recent list of interests was published in November 2024.

What steps he is taking with the National Energy System Operator to increase transmission network capacity by 2030.

As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, and in line with the National Energy System Operator’s advice published in November, the Government is working to develop the necessary grid infrastructure and manage the level of constraints to create a cheaper and secure energy system for Britain. The Government is working with Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator, and the transmission owners to ensure accelerated delivery of critical projects, including through reforms to the planning system, unlocking supply chains and mobilising the investment and streamlining regulatory processes.

Whether he is taking steps with the National Energy System Operator to increase demand flexibility in the electricity system by four to five times the current level by 2030.

NESO’s Clean Power 2030 Report demonstrates that clean power is achievable under a number of pathways. We have now published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan setting out capacity ranges for different technologies in the government’s indicative 2030 clean power pathway. The Action Plan also highlights a number of actions that government, Ofgem and NESO are taking to support greater energy system flexibility in line with the pathway, including from consumer-led flexibility.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers, and (c) officials in his Department have had with Quadrature Capital since 5 July 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to Question UIN 6511.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers, and (c) officials in his Department have had with Ecotricity since 5 July 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to Question UIN 6511.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers, and (c) officials in his Department have had with the Quadrature Climate Foundation since 5 July 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to Question UIN 6511.

If she will publish her Department's equality training documentation on Windrush.

The documentation in question is due to be published shortly in response to a Freedom of Information request, and I will ensure that a copy is place in the House of Commons Library.

How many non-professional diversity and inclusion (a) advocates, (b) champions and (c) advisers work in each business area within her Department.

This information is not held centrally and could only be collated at disproportionate cost.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the regulation of mortgage brokers.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is independent of Government, is responsible for the regulation of mortgage brokers in the UK. Mortgage brokers must either be authorised by the FCA or become an appointed representative of another firm that has the relevant permissions. The FCA is also responsible for monitoring authorised firms, including mortgage brokers, to ensure they comply with its rules and has powers to take action if necessary.

What estimate he has made of the financial impact of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism on the average household income.

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism is not expected to have an impact on average household income. Estimated costs and benefits associated with the scheme can be found in the impact assessment which was published alongside the laying of a Draft Statutory Instrument for the scheme.

When she plans to commence the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, and whether she plans to include China in the enhanced tier of that scheme.

The Government is working at pace to implement the scheme. All further announcements will be made in the normal way in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to minimise delays in constructing new grid connections.

Accelerating connections is mission-critical for Government as we seek to meet our Clean Power 2030 ambition and drive economic growth. As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, Government is working with Ofgem, National Energy System Operator and network companies to reform the connections process to ensure that viable projects, that meet our strategic needs, can connect in time.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce curtailment payments.

As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, and in line with the National Energy System Operator’s advice published in November, the Government is working to develop the necessary grid infrastructure and manage the level of constraints to create a cheaper and secure energy system for Britain. The Government is working with Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator, and the transmission owners to ensure accelerated delivery of critical projects, including through reforms to the planning system, unlocking supply chains and mobilising the investment and streamlining regulatory processes.

If he will make an estimate of the reduction in emissions in tCO2 due to the introduction of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism in each year from 2025 to 2030.

The impact assessment published alongside the laying of the Draft Statutory Instrument for the Clean Heat Market Mechanism estimates the net greenhouse gas emissions savings at the initial target level at 0.03MtCO2e annually in the years 2025 through to 2028 and 0.04MtCO2e in both 2029 and 2030. The majority of emissions savings relating to heat pump deployment over this period are attributed to other policies, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

How many full-time equivalent staff support central staff diversity networks in her Department.

I refer the Hon Gentleman to the answer provided by Lord Hanson to question HL1115 on 30 September 2024.