Written questions by Savage.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce any short-term financial support for farmers to mitigate rising fuel costs in 2026.

The Government is conscious of the increases to prices of red diesel and other fuel influenced by the continued instability in the Middle East. The Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to look into industry concerns about red diesel prices, including price transparency. The Government are determined to help keep costs down for our farmers. Red diesel continues to benefit from an 80% tax discount - saving farmers almost £300 million a year. The Government’s commitment to farming and food security is steadfast, which is why it has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.

What steps his Department is taking to clear the backlog of outstanding Remediable Service Statements under the McCloud remedy; and what revised timetable he has set for impacted Armed Forces personnel to receive statements.

The Ministry of Defence is collaborating with the scheme administrator to accelerate the delivery of Remediable Service Statements (RSS) by increasing resources, implementing automation to reduce manual processing, and reallocating the workforce to allow staff to focus on the most complex cases.The department is finalising the timeline for issuing all RSSs; this will be communicated to members once confirmed.Regular progress updates are available to members at the following link on the Armed Forces Pensions gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#remediable-service-statement-delivery-update

What assessment she has made of the impact of current fuel duty levels on the agricultural sector; and whether she is considering any temporary reductions or exemptions for red diesel used in farming.

Farmers retained the entitlement to use red diesel for agricultural machinery after it was withdrawn from most sectors in 2022. Red diesel used in agriculture is subject to fuel duty at just 10.18p per litre compared to 52.95p for diesel used on roads, representing savings of almost £300m p.a. At Budget 2025, the Government extended the temporary 5p fuel duty cut alongside extending the proportionate percentage cut for rebated fuels, which includes red diesel. This maintains the red diesel rate at the levels set in March 2022 at 10.18p per litre until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027, an increase of less than 1p a litre. The planned inflation increase for 2026-27 has also been cancelled.The Government keeps fuel duty under review.As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to bring down fuel prices but the Government will also take the necessary decisions to help families with the cost of living and protect the public finances.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased agricultural fuel costs on (a) UK food prices and (b) food security.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with HM Treasury on targeted relief or subsidies for agricultural fuel use.

The Government is determined to help keep costs down for farmers. Red diesel continues to benefit from an 80% tax discount - saving farmers almost £300 million a year – and continue to provide £11.8 billion to support sustainable farming and food production. There is a commitment across Government to ensure that this market functions fairly and the Government will continue discussions with industry leaders, including the NFU and farming stakeholders. The Government stands ready to act swiftly and appropriately to support our farming industry and protect food security.

What steps she is taking to ensure that proposed reforms to the SEND system help support local authorities to comply with their statutory duties.

The Schools White Paper sets clear expectations for local authorities in regard to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision and we are backing that with significant investment to support transformation of the system.We have written to local authorities and Integrated Care Boards requesting SEND reform plans on improving outcomes for children.We will hold them to account to deliver strong outcomes for children and young people with SEND and intervene decisively wherever needed.

What proportion of VAT penalties issued in the 2024-25 financial year were subsequently (a) overturned or (b) cancelled on appeal.

The information you have requested can be found here: 2024-25 HMRC Annual Reports and Accounts and here: 2024-25 Tax Assurance Commissioners Report

What policy HMRC follows on suspending automated penalty notices and enforcement action in cases where a taxpayer's account has been compromised by a third party.

Since May 2025, HMRC has seen a significant increase in VAT fraud attempts relating to criminals compromising legitimate customer accounts. HMRC security teams actively investigate these incidents and work with experts across the department to continually strengthen the security of online services. HMRC’s approach is to identify and prevent fraud upstream by strengthening perimeter controls to prevent fraudulent access to systems, applying effective risk‑based controls at the point of registration and repayment, and targeting the organised criminal groups behind these attacks. HMRC’s Cybercrime team works proactively to understand these threats and identify those responsible. Where HMRC identifies that a taxpayer’s VAT account has been compromised by a third party, the department takes action to lock the digital account to prevent further unauthorised access and to mitigate any adverse impact on the customer. HMRC contacts the customer to explain what has occurred, the action taken to correct their account, and any steps the customer needs to take. Until recently, customers were asked to appeal any penalties or interest incurred. However, the process has been adjusted so that any incorrect penalties are now inhibited and removed. Once the customer regains access to their account, HMRC provides appropriate support and allows additional time for the customer to submit updates and returns without accruing penalties.

What guidance HMRC issues to third-party debt collection agencies acting on its behalf to recover debts subject to (a) an active dispute or (b) an unresolved fraud investigation.

HMRC does not place tax debts that are either in an active dispute or part of an unresolved investigation with debt collection agencies (DCAs). If a taxpayer communicates to a DCA that their debt is part of an active dispute, which could include being part of an open investigation, the guidance states that the case should be returned to HMRC

How many HMRC online accounts were reported as (a) compromised or (b) subject to unauthorised access in each of the last three financial years.

Information relating to suspected or confirmed account compromise is recorded across different systems and teams, reflecting variation in how fraud presents across HMRC services and channels. As a result, HMRC is unable to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the number of accounts reported as compromised or subject to unauthorised access for each of the last three financial years in the format requested.HMRC continues to strengthen its capability to identify, respond to and manage compromised accounts, including improving incident management processes and developing more joined‑up approaches to monitoring and response across services.

What steps HMRC is taking to improve information-sharing between its fraud investigation and customer service functions in cases involving compromised taxpayer accounts.

HMRC is establishing the Fraud Prevention Centre (FPC), a multifunctional capability led by HMRC’s Security directorate, to improve coordination between customer service, fraud investigation and security teams when taxpayer accounts are compromised. Through the FPC, HMRC is improving customer reporting routes, strengthening incident management processes across teams, and deploying targeted technical enhancements to support more joined-up handling of cases and enhanced support for affected customers.

Whether his Department plans to designate a national body with statutory responsibility for ensuring the adequate provision of nationwide burial sites; and what steps he is taking to ensure there are an adequate number of burial sites in the absence of such a body.

The Government does not have day-to-day operational responsibility for burial grounds, which are managed locally. There is no statutory duty on local authorities to make provision for burial, and it is a matter for each authority to allocate local resources in line with local priorities.The Law Commission’s final report on its review of burial and cremation law was published on 18 March 2026. The report makes a number of recommendations on a future legislative framework for burial but does not propose the creation of a national body to oversee burial provision.The Government will consider the Law Commission’s recommendations carefully and will respond in due course.

What data his Department collects on road traffic collisions involving horses; and whether he plans to improve the recording and publication of statistics on such incidents.

The Department’s published road collision statistics are based on data reported by police forces via the STATS19 data collection system. STATS19 covers collisions on the public highway reported to and recorded by police, and which involve injury to one or more human participants. This includes collisions involving horses. Within the collection, horses are recorded as vehicles, and riders (when injured) as casualties.There are currently no plans to change the recording of incidents involving horses in STATS19. The collection is reviewed periodically by the Standing Committee on Road Injury Collision Statistics (SCRICS). Any proposals to amend the collection will be considered during the next review, though the timing of this has not yet been set.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact on the welfare of Ukrainian children who have lived in the UK for extended periods if they are required to return to Ukraine; and what consideration is given to the best interests of the child in visa and settlement decisions affecting Ukrainian families.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What guidance is provided to local authorities on setting reduced speed limits in rural areas; and whether he plans to increase the powers available to local authorities to introduce speed limit zones in rural communities.

Guidance for local authorities on setting reduced speed limits, including in rural areas, is provided through the Department for Transport’s Setting Local Speed Limits guidance. This makes clear that local traffic authorities may introduce speed limits below the national limit where local conditions justify it, based on factors such as road layout, safety considerations and the character of the area. The Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026 committed to update current guidance on local speed limits and speed‑camera use.

What plans her Department has to introduce a route to indefinite leave to remain for Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What plans her Department has to introduce a minimum period of lawful residence after which Ukrainian nationals under the Homes for Ukraine scheme may apply for settled status.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that households are not charged higher assessed water tariffs where a water meter cannot be installed due to infrastructure limitations beyond the customer’s control.

On water metering, individual water companies are responsible for deciding how best to manage water demand, including their approach to metering. Customers charged on an unmeasured basis are typically charged by reference to the rateable value of the property. Where a meter cannot be installed, customers are instead offered an assessed charge based on one of the following: the number of bedrooms, the type of property, the number of people living in a property or the company’s average metered bill. Additional information about unmeasured charging can be found on the Ofwat website.

What support is available to victims of road traffic collisions involving animals where no human fatality occurs; and whether he plans to review existing support mechanisms for people who are affected.

Where a road traffic offence is criminal, those affected by the offence can expect to receive the services set out in the Victims’ Code. The Victim’s Code is a practical statutory guide for victims of crime, including victims of road traffic offences, to understand what they can expect from the criminal justice system, and outlines the minimum level of service they should receive. The Ministry of Justice is the lead government department for the Victim’s Code and has committed to undertaking a review of it.

What criteria her Department uses to determine when Ukraine is considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements for Ukrainian nationals.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.