Every parliamentary written question tabled by Sarah Pochin this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 161–180 of 512 · this parliament
What assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of cement imports over the last ten years.
The Department for Business and Trade routinely considers import volumes of cement and other foundational industries products. We also maintain close contact with the Mineral Products Association, the sector’s main trade association, and individual cement...
What assessment his Department has made of the potential regulatory impact of cement and construction product manufacturers on those manufactures profitability.
The Government considers impacts on business when developing new regulations in line with Better Regulation principles. This applies to businesses within the cement and construction product manufacturing industries. While no specific assessment has been m...
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of industrial electricity prices on the international competitiveness of UK-based energy-intensive manufacturing sectors.
The Government recognises that industrial electricity prices are an important factor in the international competitiveness of UK-based energy intensive manufacturing sectors. We engage regularly with industry and monitor evidence on the impact of energy co...
What assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policy of encouraging the import of higher-carbon cement as an alternative to UK production.
The government does not encourage the import of higher-carbon cement as an alternative to UK-production and is taking action to protect domestic industry and level the playing field. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) scheduled to take effect o...
From which countries the UK imports cement; and what assessment he has made of the comparative carbon intensity of those imports versus UK-produced cement.
In 2023, approximately 90% of cement imports by value were from European countries, including Ireland, Spain. Germany, and Portugal. No assessment has been made of the carbon intensity of cement imports versus UK produced cement.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK energy policy on the offshoring of energy-intensive manufacturing capacity.
The Government understands the pressure on businesses facing high energy costs. Our mission for Clean Power by 2030 will cut bills for good and will reduce the risk of carbon leakage by reducing Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuels. In the nearer t...
What steps he is taking to help reduce the impact of network charges, policy levies and regulatory costs on industrial electricity bills.
From 2027 the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for over 10,000 eligible businesses, reducing costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour. Eligible businesses will be exempt from paying the indirect costs of the Renewables O...
Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on capping parish council precepts.
To date, no referendum principles have been set for town and parish councils. The Government reviews this decision on an annual basis, taking into account the increases set by the sector. The Government consults on its proposed package of referendum princ...
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of bringing industrial energy prices in line with international competitors on UK manufacturing jobs.
The only way to bring energy bills down sustainably is by reducing Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. Our mission for Clean Power by 2030 will get us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel prices, to cut bills for businesses and households ...
What steps the Government is taking to simplify regulatory requirements for manufacturing sectors critical to national infrastructure.
The Government is simplifying regulation for manufacturing sectors critical to national infrastructure through the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and wider Industrial Strategy. We are reducing barriers to investment by improving coordination and speed...
If he will include the cement manufacturing sector in the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme.
I recognise the importance of the cement sector to the UK economy; which will play an essential role in delivering this Government’s commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliamentary term. The Government intends to review the Ener...
What steps the Government is taking to address the growth in cement imports and increase domestic production.
The Department for Business and Trade routinely considers import volumes of cement and other foundational industries products. We also maintain close contact with the Mineral Products Association, the sector’s main trade association, and individual cement...
What discussions he has had with integrated care boards and NHS England on ensuring that sufficient capacity is commissioned from independent sector providers to facilitate patient choice.
Integrated care boards (ICBs) have the flexibility to commission services across specialties within a fixed financial envelope and may use contract levers to manage that activity. This represents good management of public money to achieve the outcomes we want to see.Patients have a legal right to choose any qualified provider holding a contract with an ICB to deliver the services patients need. This right applies irrespective of levels of activity outlined in indicative activity plans contained in contracts.
What discussions he has had with NHS England and Integrated Care Board commissioners on the (a) fairness and (b) transparency of Indicative Activity Plans.
Indicative Activity Plans (IAPs) are non-binding, forecasted schedules under the NHS Standard Contract that define expected service volumes between commissioners for integrated care boards (ICBs) and providers. In setting these volumes, ICBs and providers are responsible for ensuring they do so with fairness and transparency.ICBs have contractual powers to manage activity by providers, which were enhanced in 2025/26 with central support for setting and managing activity. The NHS Standard Contract includes the ability to set IAPs to help providers and commissioners plan demand, capacity, and expenditure. While not binding, if activity exceeds, or falls short of the agreed plan, and therefore the funding agreed, an Activity Management Plan can be agreed to bring activity back in line.
If he will make it his policy to maintain patient choice.
The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care. Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient.The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, sets out plans to improve patient choice, empowering people to take control of their health by making the NHS App and Manage Your Referral website the default route for patients to choose their provider. We are improving the information available to patients, such as waiting times. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformed vision for elective care, that will ensure the National Health Service is receptive and reactive to patient preference, voice, and choice.In May 2023, NHS England asked all referrers to ensure they shortlist on average five choices from which the patient may choose, where this is practicable, clinically appropriate, and preferred by the patient. Integrated care boards have responsibility to ensure that their patients are aware of the choices available to them and are able to exercise their legal right to choose a provider following an elective care referral, and this is underpinned in Part 8 of the NHS Standing Rules, which are available at the following link:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2996/part/8NHS England has regulatory oversight responsibilities to ensure patient choice operates effectively in the NHS and has published Patient Choice Guidance, which includes guidance for referrers, and which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-choice-guidance/
What discussions he has had with integrated care boards and NHS England on ensuring that contracting decisions uphold the principles of patient choice.
The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care. Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient.Patients’ right to choose is set out in legislation. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population and to meet their statutory obligations to promote choice and enable patients' legal rights.There is guidance for the use and implementation of the contractual levers available to ICBs, detailed in the NHS Standard Contract Technical Guidance. Use of these must not restrict patients' choice for provider.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that patients are offered a choice of five providers at the point of referral where appropriate.
The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care. Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient.The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, sets out plans to improve patient choice, empowering people to take control of their health by making the NHS App and Manage Your Referral website the default route for patients to choose their provider. We are improving the information available to patients, such as waiting times. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformed vision for elective care, that will ensure the National Health Service is receptive and reactive to patient preference, voice, and choice.In May 2023, NHS England asked all referrers to ensure they shortlist on average five choices from which the patient may choose, where this is practicable, clinically appropriate, and preferred by the patient. Integrated care boards have responsibility to ensure that their patients are aware of the choices available to them and are able to exercise their legal right to choose a provider following an elective care referral, and this is underpinned in Part 8 of the NHS Standing Rules, which are available at the following link:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2996/part/8NHS England has regulatory oversight responsibilities to ensure patient choice operates effectively in the NHS and has published Patient Choice Guidance, which includes guidance for referrers, and which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-choice-guidance/
What performance targets his Department has set for the processing of claims under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
The Department works closely with the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), the administrators of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), to improve claimants’ experiences. While no specific performance targets have been set for the processing of claims, the Department and NHSBSA are committed to continuing to make improvements to the scheme, including by supporting engagement with healthcare providers to allow claims to be progressed to medical assessment at a faster rate.Data from the NHSBSA shows as of 31 March 2026, there were 2,203 live VDPS claims, claims that are yet to receive an outcome. This is compared to 4,985 live claims as of 31 September 2025.
What timetable the Cabinet Office has set for considering departmental submissions on arm’s length body reform and accountability following Statement UIN HCWS1467 of 26 March 2026.
The ALB review is ongoing and results will be communicated in due course.
What recent discussions he has had with the Chief Executive of the NHS Business Services Authority on the operation of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
The Department has been working with the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), the administrators of the scheme, to continue to take steps to improve the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), including through improving claimants’ experiences and supporting engagement with healthcare providers to allow claims to be progressed to medical assessment at a faster rate. Officials have regular discussions with the NHSBSA on the operation of the VDPS.