Every parliamentary written question tabled by Wendy Morton this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,161–1,180 of 1,873 · this parliament
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she had made of the potential impact of a new national scheme of delegation in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on local democratic oversight.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes regulation-making powers to issue statutory guidance on a national scheme of delegation. The government intend to formally consult on these proposals alongside the Bill’s passage.
What steps she is taking to financially support local authorities in (a) providing rent subsidies and (b) providing homelessness services caused by accommodating dispersed asylum seekers.
This Government inherited an asylum system under exceptional strain, with tens of thousands of people stuck in limbo without any prospect of having their claims processed. At their peak use under the previous government, in the autumn of 2023, more than 400 asylum hotels were being leased by the Home Office, at a cost of almost £9 million a day.Inevitably, due to the size of the backlog we inherited, the Government has been forced to continue with the use of hotels for the time being. It remains our absolute commitment to end the use of hotels over time, as part of our reduction in overall asylum accommodation costs.The Home Office continues to work closely with local authorities to manage all the pressures arising from the provision of asylum accommodation including the impact on wider local authority obligations and plans.
What estimate she has made of the number of SMEs using National Insurance relief for apprentices aged under 25 in Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.
HMRC publishes estimates of the number of employers who benefit from the relief on employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25, which are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/main-tax-expenditures-and-structural-reliefs
What estimate she has made of the potential change in the number of people supported by local authorities under the (a) Afghan and (b) Ukraine resettlement schemes caused by births in the UK.
Arrivals under Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) are granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR).Afghan children born in the UK with parents who have ILR automatically become British citizens and are therefore eligible for support like any British Citizen. This does not impact the number of people supported by local authorities under the Afghan Schemes.The Home Office does not hold data on the number of children born in the UK to Ukrainian nationals. However, to support guests to fully integrate into communities and rebuild their lives, local authorities continue to receive a tariff of £5,900 per Homes for Ukraine arrival in their area. Councils can use this funding flexibly to support households as best suits the local area.Children who are born in the UK, to a Ukrainian national parent who holds permission to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes, are able to apply for the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, to gain permission to stay for up to 18 months.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the high growth accelerator programme in the West Midlands on the number of new SMEs created in Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.
The High Growth Accelerator is a great example of locally led business growth delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority through Business Growth West Midlands. Last year’s pilot saw fifty SMEs on track to boost investment and turnover by £20m with the West Midlands. The High Growth Accelerator continues into its second year, and the Department will be working closely with the Combined Authority to support its outcomes. DBT will be launching its New Business Growth Service which will make it easier and quicker for SMEs to find government advice and support and will be an integral part of the SME Strategy that will be published in 2025.
Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has consulted with (a) local authorities and (b) planning professional bodies on the proposed delegation reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
On 13 February 2025, the government published a Planning Committees Planning Reform Working Paper inviting views on models for a national scheme of delegation, which the government has committed to introduce to support better decision making in the planning system. We received feedback to the working paper from a range of stakeholders including local authorities and planning professional bodies such as the Royal Town Planning Institute.My Department continues to engage with a wide range of stakeholders as we progress detailed proposals for consultation alongside the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Whether she has considered extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
We are committed to standing with Ukraine and providing stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and those who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.The scheme provides the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the current Ukraine schemes.We keep the Ukraine schemes under continuous review in line with the ongoing conflict and the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine schemes can switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, if they choose to do so. More information on the application process and the requirements on the Skilled Worker route can be found on Gov.uk at: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the high growth accelerator programme in the West Midlands on the levels of investment secured by SMEs in Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.
The High Growth Accelerator is a great example of locally led business growth delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority through Business Growth West Midlands. Last year’s pilot saw fifty SMEs on track to boost investment and turnover by £20m with the West Midlands. The High Growth Accelerator continues into its second year, and the Department will be working closely with the Combined Authority to support its outcomes. DBT will be launching its New Business Growth Service which will make it easier and quicker for SMEs to find government advice and support and will be an integral part of the SME Strategy that will be published in 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a new oversight board at the West Midlands Fire Service on the quality of service provided.
I am responding as the Minister now with responsibility for Fire. It is the government’s priority to drive meaningful culture change across the fire and rescue sector. Our fire professionals work under significant pressure and in challenging circumstances, so it is important that the Fire and Rescue Authorities and the Fire and Rescue Services create a culture where every member of the team can thrive.The West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority have established, through working with the Local Government Association, the corporate governance improvement board. The board provides challenge and support to the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority and works to identify potential areas of improvement.I am supportive of the board’s work and my officials remain in regular contact with the Local Government Association to keep abreast of its ongoing work.To further support the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, in December 2024, the Home Secretary decided to commission a ‘Best Value Inspection’ of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority to ascertain whether the authority is meeting its Best Value obligations, particularly regarding governance. We will ensure partners are kept updated on the development of this Best Value Inspection.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the high growth accelerator programme in the West Midlands on the number of new jobs created in Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.
The High Growth Accelerator is a great example of locally led business growth delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority through Business Growth West Midlands. Last year’s pilot saw fifty SMEs on track to boost investment and turnover by £20m with the West Midlands. The High Growth Accelerator continues into its second year, and the Department will be working closely with the Combined Authority to support its outcomes. DBT will be launching its New Business Growth Service which will make it easier and quicker for SMEs to find government advice and support and will be an integral part of the SME Strategy that will be published in 2025.
What steps is she taking to support Ukrainians in the UK to obtain Skilled Worker visas.
We are committed to standing with Ukraine and providing stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and those who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.The scheme provides the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the current Ukraine schemes.We keep the Ukraine schemes under continuous review in line with the ongoing conflict and the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine schemes can switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, if they choose to do so. More information on the application process and the requirements on the Skilled Worker route can be found on Gov.uk at: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of Winter Fuel Payments on older residents in (a) urban, (b) rural, (c) northern and (d) southern areas.
Winter Fuel Payment statistics are published annually, for the previous winter, and cover parliamentary constituencies, Local Authority areas, regional breakdowns, and international payments, amongst other things. The next release of annual Winter Fuel Payment statistics covering winter 2024 to 2025 will be published on 16 September 2025.
What steps she is taking to help ensure whistleblowing protections are in place for staff who report (a) misconduct and (b) discriminatory behaviour in the West Midlands Fire Service.
I am responding as the Minister now with responsibility for Fire. It is the government’s priority to drive meaningful culture change across the fire and rescue sector. Our fire professionals work under significant pressure and in challenging circumstances, so it is important that Fire and Rescue Authorities and the Fire and Rescue Services create a culture where every member of the team can thrive. This of course includes the staff at West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service.In December 2024, the Home Secretary decided to commission a ‘Best Value Inspection’ of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority to ascertain whether the authority is meeting its Best Value obligations or if it is failing to do so, particularly regarding governance. We will ensure partners are kept updated on the development of this Best Value Inspection.On 13 July 2023, the Home Office commissioned HMICFRS to undertake a thematic inspection of the handling of misconduct in fire and rescue services in England, building on the outcomes of the spotlight report. This report was published on 1 August 2024 and made 15 recommendations, including one to ensure all staff understand how to raise a concern and use grievance and whistle-blowing processes and feel safe in doing so. MHCLG is working closely with services to determine the level of progress made against these recommendations and if there are any systemic barriers to progress that government may be able to offer support for.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to (a) support staff morale and (b) help tackle concerns from staff in the West Midlands Fire Service.
I am responding as the Minister now with responsibility for Fire. It is the government’s priority to drive meaningful culture change across the fire and rescue sector. Our fire professionals work under significant pressure and in challenging circumstances, so it is important that Fire and Rescue Authorities and the Fire and Rescue Services create a culture where every member of the team can thrive. This of course includes the staff at West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service.In December 2024, the Home Secretary decided to commission a ‘Best Value Inspection’ of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority to ascertain whether the authority is meeting its Best Value obligations or if it is failing to do so, particularly regarding governance. We will ensure partners are kept updated on the development of this Best Value Inspection.On 13 July 2023, the Home Office commissioned HMICFRS to undertake a thematic inspection of the handling of misconduct in fire and rescue services in England, building on the outcomes of the spotlight report. This report was published on 1 August 2024 and made 15 recommendations, including one to ensure all staff understand how to raise a concern and use grievance and whistle-blowing processes and feel safe in doing so. MHCLG is working closely with services to determine the level of progress made against these recommendations and if there are any systemic barriers to progress that government may be able to offer support for.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure leaseholders in buildings under 11 metres with cladding issues are not excluded from safety remediation support.
The department reviews cases brought to its attention which includes undertaking audits of fire risk appraisals of external walls to make sure that proposed works are necessary and proportionate. We engage with freeholders and managing agents to reinforce our position that leaseholders should not face cladding remediation costs.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help tackle commercial fly-tipping involving construction and demolition waste.
This Government recently announced plans to move the regulation of waste carriers, brokers and dealers from a light-touch registration system into environmental permitting. This will mean that people who transport or control more than a certain volume of construction or demolition waste, which is produced by themselves in the course of their business, will be required to apply for the relevant standard rules permit. The reform will enhance the resources and capabilities available to the Environment Agency to take regulatory action and make it harder for rogue operators to escape detection. Local authorities also have enforcement powers to help tackle fly-tipping. We are taking steps to develop statutory fly-tipping enforcement guidance for local authorities and have also announced a review of their powers to seize and crush vehicles of suspected fly-tippers to identify how we could help them make better use of this tool. We committed to forcing fly-tippers to clean up their mess and will provide further details on this commitment in due course. Defra chairs the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group through which we work with local authorities, the Environment Agency and others to share good practice on preventing fly-tipping. Various practical tools are available at: https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/national-fly-tipping-prevention-group#.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of implementing a single standard for building safety remediation set independently by her Department on the process of remediation between developers and building owners.
The developer remediation contract sets the standard that developers must meet when remediating buildings covered by the contract. Remediation of external defects must be undertaken in line with PAS 9980 and remediation of internal defects must be undertaken in line with relevant industry standards and applicable law. Remedial works must reduce life-critical fire safety defects in the building to a tolerable level, in line with these standards.
Pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44990 on Government Departments: Advertising and Communication, how much money has been allocated to her Department's communications team in this financial year.
HMT sets its budgets annually. Allocations to the department’s communications team for this financial year have not yet been finalised.
What data she used to determine which areas had the highest unmet need for neighbourhood policing resources in the 2025-26 settlement.
Grant funding allocations for neighbourhood policing in 2025/26 were calculated using the Police Funding Formula.The approach to delivery in 2025/26, which will be year 1 of a 4-year programme, is designed to deliver an initial increase to the neighbourhood policing workforce in a manner that is flexible, and can be adapted to the local context and varied crime demands.
Communities and Local Government, how many times she has met with West Midlands Fire Service Chief Fire Officer between July 2024 and April 2025.
I am responding as the Minister now with responsibility for Fire. I can confirm that to my knowledge the Secretary of State for the Home Department did not meet with the West Midlands Fire Service Chief Fire Officer during that period. The Home Secretary decided to commission a Best value Inspection of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service. Any further announcements will be made on this in due course.