Written questions by Morton.

With reference to the statement of 25 February 2026 on the Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, what proportion of the Post Office network consists of full-time, full-service branches; how many branches will be (a) upgraded and (b) reclassified to meet the 50% requirement; what estimate his Department has made of the cost of achieving that requirement; and what guidance has been issued to the Post Office on the implementation of that target.

As set out in the Government’s response to the Post Office Green Paper, at least half of the Post Office’s network must be full‑time, full‑service branches. This new requirement provides flexibility for the Post Office to expand lighter-touch formats, such as parcel shops, where there is demand, while guaranteeing the core majority of the network is full time and full-service. The network must also continue to comply with the pre-existing 11,500 minimum branch requirement and Access Critieria, which mean, for example, that 99% of the total UK population must be within three miles of their nearest Post Office branch.As set out in Government’s Green Paper response, as of April 2025, 79% of branches already meet the ‘full-time, full-service' definition. Consequently, no branches require upgrade or reclassification to achieve the 50% threshold at this stage and there are accordingly no additional associated costs or further guidance required.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what estimate he has made of the aggregate level of debt held by local authorities in relation to commercial property acquisition; how many councils hold commercial property investments exceeding 100% of their annual core spending power; what exposure the Public Works Loan Board has to such investments; and whether he plans to use statutory capital powers to prevent debt-financed commercial activity.

The government does not collect data specifically on debt incurred to finance commercial property. However, authorities are required to submit data on borrowing, capital spend and asset holdings to government as part of quarterly and annual returns. Borrowing and investment data for each authority is shown by quarter on gov.uk here. This includes detail on the value of outstanding borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board.Capital expenditure, receipts and financing data is published on gov.uk here.Data on assets held by authorities is published on gov.uk here.Core Spending Power for each authority is published on gov.uk here The government is taking forward work to implement the capital powers introduced into the Local Government Act 2003 in 2023, which provide powers for government to take action where an authority is exposed to excessive risk from borrowing and investment practices. The government will consult on use of these powers later this year.The government’s objective is to safeguard the existing framework so that it continues to support essential investment—such as for housing and regeneration—while preventing practices such as taking on excessive debt for novel and risky investments. We will work closely with the sector to ensure that the powers are effective and avoid unintended consequences.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the statement of 9 March 2026 entitled Social Cohesion Action Plan, what indicators he will include in the proposed Social Cohesion Measurement Framework; how frequently those indicators will be reported; whether the framework will include metrics relating to migration levels, language proficiency and community participation; and whether local authorities will be required to report against those measures as part of their statutory duties.

The social cohesion action plan published last week, set out the steps that Government is taking to improve social cohesion. This includes the development of a social cohesion measurement framework and a social cohesion risk tool. Both of these are needed to enable central and local government and relevant partners to assess cohesion in a robust and comparable way. The Framework will be available to local government, civil society and impact investors across England, to help them identify emerging tensions. The cohesion risk tool will create a clear information-sharing link between local and central government – including Prevent and other relevant partners. Work on the social cohesion measurement framework and cohesion risk tool is underway. We will publish fuller details of this work, including the purpose and content of the framework, and findings in due course.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what changes have been made to the assessment of relative need within the Settlement; whether independent validation has been undertaken to test the updated needs formula; what weightings have been applied to deprivation, rurality, population growth and service demand; and if he will publish any technical modelling and equality impact assessment.

The recent Local Government Finance Settlement is our most significant step yet to make English local government more sustainable. For the first time since 2013-14, the government is updating the relative needs formulas that form a key part of how local authorities' funding allocations are calculated, using more up-to-date data. This includes using the recently published 2025 Indices of Multiple Deprivation, an official Statistic produced by MHCLG. Each relative needs formula has been constructed using consistent principles, applying statistical techniques to weight variables according to their influence on service demand. An overview of the weightings applied to the formulas within the assessment of relative need can be found within the Fair Funding Share Calculator on gov.uk here. For further detail on the weightings and technical modelling underpinning the relative needs assessment, please refer to the relevant technical annex published on gov.uk here. The methodology proposed by the government was subject to a technical peer review by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which can be found here. An assessment of the equalities impacts of our proposals was published as part of the government’s response to the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which can be found on gov.uk here Overall, the government assessed that the changes delivered through the Settlement would have positive equalities impacts.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of writing off 90% of Dedicated Schools Grant high needs deficits accrued to the end of 2025-26 on the economy; what the estimated value of write-off is by local authority; what steps he is taking to prevent deficits re-accumulating; and whether councils impacted by the write-off will face (a) borrowing restrictions and (b) additional oversight.

The government has set out details of a reformed SEND system which meets needs earlier, before challenges escalate. All local authorities with a SEND deficit are eligible for a grant to resolve 90% of their historic deficits up to 2025‑26— projected to be worth over £5 billion nationally—protecting their ability to support children and young people with SEND in local schools while sustaining wider services and tackling deprivation. Addressing deficits accrued to 2025‑26 could reduce financing costs by an estimated £300 million by 2027‑28. Each local authority’s grant allocation will be determined by reviewing all available sources on local authority expenditure to establish the eligible SEND deficit. This will include comparing Section 251 data, draft and published Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) notes, DSG s151 assurance, Revenue Outturn data and published accounts. Grant eligibility is conditional on securing Department for Education approval of a Local SEND Reform Plan, which will also be used to assess ongoing performance and delivery to target support and challenge throughout the reform period. Local authorities will continue to operate under existing prudential financial management frameworks.

What oversight her Department has of the scheduling and coordination of major highway repair works undertaken by local authorities; what requirements exist to minimise prolonged closures and manage delays; and whether she plans to introduce new standards for assessing the economic and community impact of extended roadworks.

Under the Highways Act 1980, responsibility for planning, prioritising and delivering maintenance on local roads sits with the relevant local authority, who are best placed to understand local network needs and manage works on their assets.This is supported by the statutory Co-ordination Code of Practice and the national permit scheme, which sets clear requirements to plan works effectively, minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary occupation of the highway. These include controls on the timing and duration of works, strengthened permit validity windows, and the use of sanctions where closures overrun.The Department does not currently plan to introduce new national standards for assessing the economic or community impacts of extended roadworks. However, we regularly review statutory guidance such as the Co-ordination Code of Practice to ensure that authorities continue to apply consistent, evidence‑based methods for minimising disruption and coordinating works effectively.In January 2026, the Department also introduced a new rating system for local highway authorities, measuring how well they are maintaining their local roads and whether they do so using best practice. As part of this, the ratings consider what actions local highway authorities are taking to reduce disruption to road users from street and road works. The ratings will be updated annually, and the Department is providing dedicated support to red-rated local highway authorities to help them improve and adopt best practice.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of e-scooter trial schemes on urban transport usage; what analysis she has undertaken of safety performance and usage trends; and what plans she has for the future regulation of shared micromobility schemes.

The first national evaluation of the e-scooter rental trials was published on the Department’s website in 2022. The evaluation captured evidence on the impact of schemes, including on usage and safety.A second national evaluation started in 2025 and is expected to report in 2027. This evaluation aims to gather updated evidence on usage, what journeys e-scooters are replacing, integration with public transport, and their safety both on the road and for other road users, compared to other modes.In July 2025, the Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The Bill includes measures empowering local leaders to license shared cycle schemes. This legislation may also extend to shared e-scooter and other shared micromobility schemes in future.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the statement of 9 March 2026 on Protecting What Matters, what criteria he will use to determine the allocation of the £5.8 billion Pride in Place funding; which local authorities will receive the additional £800 million allocated on social cohesion; what metrics he will use to determine whether cohesion is under pressure; and what proportion of that funding will be new money.

On Friday 20 March we announced a major expansion of the landmark Pride in Place programme. This follows the government’s action plan for social cohesion, “Protecting What Matters” which confirmed a further £800 million over ten years to 40 more areas where social cohesion is under pressure. Full details of the methodology used to select places is published on gov.uk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of progress towards meeting the commitments made at the London Sudan conference in April 2025.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what draft frameworks, texts or proposals for a ceasefire or peace process in Sudan the UK has reviewed as part of its presidency of the UN Security Council; and what role UK officials have had in shaping those proposals.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what financial, technical or diplomatic support the UK is providing to international justice mechanisms investigating crimes committed in Sudan.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of humanitarian aid delivery into Sudan, including the main cross-border routes used and the volume of aid delivered, since late 2025.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to impose sanctions on people or entities involved in financing the conflict in Sudan, including through the gold trade, and what criteria will guide such decisions.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she held with the Ethiopian Government and the African Union on conflict prevention and resolution during her February 2026 visit to Ethiopia.

Alongside our international partners, the UK continues to call for tensions or disputes in Ethiopia to be resolved peacefully and diplomatically, and for all parties to avoid actions that would inflame or escalate those tensions. We also continue to support multilateral efforts to promote peace and stability in Ethiopia, including backing implementation of the African Union-led Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.During her visit to Addis Ababa in February 2026, the Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which organisations are receiving UK funding to deliver humanitarian assistance in Sudan and how their performance is assessed.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the sanctions regime in tackling the financing of conflict in Sudan, including the gold trade.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which (a) countries and (b) organisations have confirmed their participation in the Sudan conference to be held in Berlin; and what outcomes the UK is seeking from that conference.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

What steps she is taking with her Ethiopian counterpart to improve the efficiency of returns of Ethiopian nationals with no right to remain in the UK.

The Home Office, working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, engages regularly with the Ethiopian Government to support the return of Ethiopian nationals with no right to remain in the UK.In February 2026 the Foreign Secretary visited Ethiopia and discussed cooperation on illegal migration and returns with Ethiopian counterparts, and officials are taking forward further technical and operational engagement to enhance cooperation on returns.The Government has removed or deported nearly 60,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals since it took office.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when her Department last undertook a department-wide value for money assessment of Official Development Assistance spending; and whether this assessment was shared with the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents detailing the forecast impact of those allocations, and the ways in which their impact will be assessed.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of UK Official Development Assistance was delivered through technical assistance in 2024-25; and what proportion was delivered through grant-based programmes.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents detailing the forecast impact of those allocations, and the ways in which their impact will be assessed.