Written questions by Snowden.

Whether her Department requires contractors providing hotel accommodation to asylum seekers to disclose their use of subcontractors.

The provision of asylum accommodation is primarily delivered through the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services contracts. These were competitively tendered and awarded in 2019. These contracts are in place for a 10 year term and details can be found in the contract finder website.It is a requirement of the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) that the AASC providers submit information about subcontractors in their supply chain to the Home Office.The Home Office requires its outsourced contractors to comply with the legal minimum standards of pay of their staff as set out in the Government National Living Wage legislation; again, this is a contractual obligation on the supplier and is monitored through contract compliance mechanisms.Our suppliers of Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) are required to deliver comprehensive training to their staff. The level of training required is dependent on the role being carried out by the staff member. Training standards are a contractual requirement and are monitored through the same mechanisms as referred to above.The Home Office undertakes rigorous performance management of contracted providers in the provision of accommodation services. This is managed directly through the provisions of the AASC contracts which set out the required service performance levels, service requirements and consequences for not delivering these services to the required standards.In addition to our contract management procedures the Home Office, through the AIRE contract with Migrant Help, provides a service for asylum seekers to raise any issues or complaints with the services they receive.

Which companies held contracts for the provision of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers on 1 September 2025; and what the (a) value and (b) duration is for each of those contracts.

The provision of asylum accommodation is primarily delivered through the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services contracts. These were competitively tendered and awarded in 2019. These contracts are in place for a 10 year term and details can be found in the contract finder website.It is a requirement of the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) that the AASC providers submit information about subcontractors in their supply chain to the Home Office.The Home Office requires its outsourced contractors to comply with the legal minimum standards of pay of their staff as set out in the Government National Living Wage legislation; again, this is a contractual obligation on the supplier and is monitored through contract compliance mechanisms.Our suppliers of Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) are required to deliver comprehensive training to their staff. The level of training required is dependent on the role being carried out by the staff member. Training standards are a contractual requirement and are monitored through the same mechanisms as referred to above.The Home Office undertakes rigorous performance management of contracted providers in the provision of accommodation services. This is managed directly through the provisions of the AASC contracts which set out the required service performance levels, service requirements and consequences for not delivering these services to the required standards.In addition to our contract management procedures the Home Office, through the AIRE contract with Migrant Help, provides a service for asylum seekers to raise any issues or complaints with the services they receive.

What information her Department holds on (a) employment conditions, (b) levels of pay and (c) training undertaken by staff working for subcontractors in migrant hotels.

The provision of asylum accommodation is primarily delivered through the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services contracts. These were competitively tendered and awarded in 2019. These contracts are in place for a 10 year term and details can be found in the contract finder website.It is a requirement of the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) that the AASC providers submit information about subcontractors in their supply chain to the Home Office.The Home Office requires its outsourced contractors to comply with the legal minimum standards of pay of their staff as set out in the Government National Living Wage legislation; again, this is a contractual obligation on the supplier and is monitored through contract compliance mechanisms.Our suppliers of Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) are required to deliver comprehensive training to their staff. The level of training required is dependent on the role being carried out by the staff member. Training standards are a contractual requirement and are monitored through the same mechanisms as referred to above.The Home Office undertakes rigorous performance management of contracted providers in the provision of accommodation services. This is managed directly through the provisions of the AASC contracts which set out the required service performance levels, service requirements and consequences for not delivering these services to the required standards.In addition to our contract management procedures the Home Office, through the AIRE contract with Migrant Help, provides a service for asylum seekers to raise any issues or complaints with the services they receive.

What proportion of ongoing contracts for the provision of migrant hotel services were awarded through (a) competitive tender, (b) direct award and (c) emergency procurement.

The provision of asylum accommodation is primarily delivered through the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services contracts. These were competitively tendered and awarded in 2019. These contracts are in place for a 10 year term and details can be found in the contract finder website.It is a requirement of the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) that the AASC providers submit information about subcontractors in their supply chain to the Home Office.The Home Office requires its outsourced contractors to comply with the legal minimum standards of pay of their staff as set out in the Government National Living Wage legislation; again, this is a contractual obligation on the supplier and is monitored through contract compliance mechanisms.Our suppliers of Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC) are required to deliver comprehensive training to their staff. The level of training required is dependent on the role being carried out by the staff member. Training standards are a contractual requirement and are monitored through the same mechanisms as referred to above.The Home Office undertakes rigorous performance management of contracted providers in the provision of accommodation services. This is managed directly through the provisions of the AASC contracts which set out the required service performance levels, service requirements and consequences for not delivering these services to the required standards.In addition to our contract management procedures the Home Office, through the AIRE contract with Migrant Help, provides a service for asylum seekers to raise any issues or complaints with the services they receive.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to prevent the spread of bluetongue BTV3 disease among animals in England.

Defra’s disease control measures aim to limit the spread of infection, whilst balancing the burdens of controls against the benefits of eradication of bluetongue. Defra acted quickly to contain bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) when the first case was detected on 26 August 2024, implementing zones with movement controls on susceptible livestock to prevent spread. These disease control restrictions have been adapted in response to new findings and there is now a single restricted zone (RZ) covering the whole of England. This change was made because the area in England where disease has been found is now too large for movement restrictions to remain an effective and proportionate way of controlling the disease. Vaccination remains the most effective long-term approach for reducing the impacts of bluetongue disease throughout the UK. Defra has permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3 and these vaccines are now widely available for vets to prescribe in England.We urge farmers to consider vaccination in consultation with their private vet. Defra and APHA continue to test animals with suspect clinical signs and remain vigilant for any new serotypes or changes in clinical signs, and are working closely with key industry stakeholders to review how we approach controls for BTV-3.

How many (a) weekly, (b) monthly, (c) annual bus journeys eligible for the price fare cap were taken in (i) England, (ii) Lancashire and (iii) Fylde between 1 January 2023 and 1 September 2025.

The Department is currently undertaking an evaluation of the £3 single bus fare cap and its impacts. This will include analysis of bus usage. The evaluation will focus on understanding the national impacts of the scheme rather than changes at the level of individual local authorities. The final monitoring and evaluation report into the impact of the £2 bus fare cap, including analysis on bus usage, was published on 12 February. Trends in bus usage will continue to be monitored and reported through the Department’s national statistics which are published annually.  The Department also publishes statistics on daily bus passenger journeys across local authorities in England outside London. This can be found on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/developing-faster-indicators-of-transport-activity.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the DVLA’s updated vehicle registration guidance on the UK’s (a) classic and (b) historic vehicle sector.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s new guidance supports historic vehicle keepers and the wider industry with clearer registration processes that reflect modern restoration and modification practices.The feedback from the historic and classic vehicle sector is that the new policies reflect a pragmatic approach and satisfactorily address the major issues raised, alleviating many of the difficulties associated with the previous policies.

What data her Department holds on the demographics of people who have taken bus journeys which were eligible for the price far cap.

The Department is currently undertaking an evaluation of the £3 single bus fare cap and its impacts. This will include analysis of bus usage. The evaluation will focus on understanding the national impacts of the scheme rather than changes at the level of individual local authorities. The final monitoring and evaluation report into the impact of the £2 bus fare cap, including analysis on bus usage, was published on 12 February. Trends in bus usage will continue to be monitored and reported through the Department’s national statistics which are published annually.  The Department also publishes statistics on daily bus passenger journeys across local authorities in England outside London. This can be found on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/developing-faster-indicators-of-transport-activity.

Communities and Local Government, whether the new homes accelerator will prioritise (a) specific geographical areas and (b) types of housing need.

The New Homes Accelerator (NHA) is a collaboration between the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers, and other key stakeholders. It aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.The NHA is helping to progress large development sites across the country by providing site-specific support and also addressing system-wide constraints. To date, NHA has announced 16 sites for site-specific support, amounting to c.48,600 homes. Through addressing system-wide constraints, the NHA has helped overcome blockages on sites with capacity for c.63,000 homes.The NHA does not have a focus on particular geographical areas, although the programme will keep in mind wider government policy priorities when deciding on which sites will receive targeted support, such as the percentage of affordable housing a site is expected to deliver.The NHA targets support on development sites in England that are over 500 homes, with a particular focus on sites over 1,500 homes that are a) already in the planning system b) can be delivered this parliament and c) are viable without requiring substantial additional government funding or infrastructure investment.In FY25/26, the NHA is providing £2 million of funding to the Building Safety Regulator’s Fast Track Innovation Plan; £1 million of funding to statutory consultees to bolster resources and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where necessary; and £3.01 million of funding to local authorities for site-specific support. Future funding is subject to the outcome of business planning, following the Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, what the objectives are of the new homes accelerator programme; and how success will be measured against those objectives.

The New Homes Accelerator (NHA) is a collaboration between the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers, and other key stakeholders. It aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.The NHA is helping to progress large development sites across the country by providing site-specific support and also addressing system-wide constraints. To date, NHA has announced 16 sites for site-specific support, amounting to c.48,600 homes. Through addressing system-wide constraints, the NHA has helped overcome blockages on sites with capacity for c.63,000 homes.The NHA does not have a focus on particular geographical areas, although the programme will keep in mind wider government policy priorities when deciding on which sites will receive targeted support, such as the percentage of affordable housing a site is expected to deliver.The NHA targets support on development sites in England that are over 500 homes, with a particular focus on sites over 1,500 homes that are a) already in the planning system b) can be delivered this parliament and c) are viable without requiring substantial additional government funding or infrastructure investment.In FY25/26, the NHA is providing £2 million of funding to the Building Safety Regulator’s Fast Track Innovation Plan; £1 million of funding to statutory consultees to bolster resources and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where necessary; and £3.01 million of funding to local authorities for site-specific support. Future funding is subject to the outcome of business planning, following the Spending Review.

Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure that funding provided for The Dome in Farrington will affect wider Lancashire.

The indoor cricket dome in Farington will form part of a new high-quality professional and community cricket facility which benefits the local area and offers the opportunity to connect elite cricket with grassroots cricket, expanding opportunities for players in Lancashire. As home to the Lancashire Women’s first team and Lancashire Disability team, the facility will become a Women’s Centre of Excellence for the North-West of England, as well as a hub for disability cricket, meaning increased access for more players to participate. The facility will help the Lancashire Cricket Foundation to deliver a number of their nationwide cricket programmes such as All Stars Cricket and the Dynamos Cricket programmes for young people and Super 1s programme for young people with a disability. The all-weather nature of the facility means more playing opportunities are available all year round.Work with the England and Wales Cricket Board is ongoing to monitor the impact and effectiveness of these sites and we’re keen that they benefit as wide a local area as possible.

Communities and Local Government, what funding has been allocated to the new homes accelerator during the Spending Review period.

The New Homes Accelerator (NHA) is a collaboration between the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers, and other key stakeholders. It aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.The NHA is helping to progress large development sites across the country by providing site-specific support and also addressing system-wide constraints. To date, NHA has announced 16 sites for site-specific support, amounting to c.48,600 homes. Through addressing system-wide constraints, the NHA has helped overcome blockages on sites with capacity for c.63,000 homes.The NHA does not have a focus on particular geographical areas, although the programme will keep in mind wider government policy priorities when deciding on which sites will receive targeted support, such as the percentage of affordable housing a site is expected to deliver.The NHA targets support on development sites in England that are over 500 homes, with a particular focus on sites over 1,500 homes that are a) already in the planning system b) can be delivered this parliament and c) are viable without requiring substantial additional government funding or infrastructure investment.In FY25/26, the NHA is providing £2 million of funding to the Building Safety Regulator’s Fast Track Innovation Plan; £1 million of funding to statutory consultees to bolster resources and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where necessary; and £3.01 million of funding to local authorities for site-specific support. Future funding is subject to the outcome of business planning, following the Spending Review.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) veterinary certification guidance, (b) trade missions and (c) inclusion in mentorship schemes on Lancashire producers.

We will continue to work with Defra colleagues to support businesses and producers where appropriate.Trade missions are promoted widely to companies in Lancashire through direct marketing and partners. Following the mission to Food & Hospitality China, in November 2024, Lancashire companies have forecast increased sales from new international business.International Trade Advisers provide support for eligible businesses that require tailored advice to grow their international sales. DBT has seven Food & Drink Export Champions in the North, one of which is based in Lancashire.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to respond to the outbreak of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK.

Defra’s approach to bluetongue virus (BTV) considers the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice and aim to limit the spread of infection through proportionate and evidence-based control measures with the aim of slowing the spread of disease through movement controls while safe and effective vaccines were developed.   On 1st July 2025 the restricted zone for bluetongue was extended to cover all of England. Susceptible animals can now move freely within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing. This change was implemented because the movement controls were no longer proportionate or effective. Disease control is a devolved matter. Defra works closely with the Devolved Governments with the aim of providing, where possible, a consistent and coordinated response across the UK. Vaccination remains the most effective long-term approach for reducing the impacts of bluetongue disease throughout the UK. Defra has permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3 and these vaccines are now available for vets to prescribe in England.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that Lancashire cheesemakers can access the benefits of the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement on equal terms with other UK artisan exporters.

We will agree a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and red tape for British producers and retailers. GB goods such as dairy are currently subject to 100% documentary checks and up to 30% physical checks when exported to the EU. An SPS deal will see these removed entirely.We are committed to working closely with businesses across the UK to ensure they are able to take advantage of the benefits the Agreement will provide.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) monitor and (b) help control the spread of Culicoides midges, the vectors of bluetongue virus serotype 3, in high-risk areas.

Defra’s bluetongue disease control measures aim to limit the spread of BTV infection through proportionate and evidence-based control measures, whilst balancing the burdens of controls against the benefits of slowing the spread of bluetongue and minimising the cost of any outbreak both to Government and farmers. Vector control is not an effective control measure and vaccination remains the most effective long-term approach for reducing the impacts of bluetongue disease throughout the UK. Defra has permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3 and these vaccines are now widely available for vets to prescribe in England. The Government conducts annual targeted surveillance for BTV. This is designed to detect new serotypes of bluetongue virus, including BTV-12 that may be circulating. The annual surveillance uses diagnostic testing protocols at the bluetongue national reference laboratory, The Pirbright Institute, that can detect and differentiate between different serotypes of bluetongue virus including BTV-12.

What recent discussions he has had with online retailers on the (a) environmental and (b) ethical implications of fast fashion (i) production and (ii) pricing models.

The Department engages regularly with retailers on a broad range of matters relating to the fashion industry, including its environmental and ethical implications. The UK supports voluntary due diligence approaches taken by UK businesses to respect human rights and the environment, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises. We recognise that trade policy is an important tool in a comprehensive approach to prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains and are considering measures that can help improve supply chain transparency and traceability. As part of the Trade Strategy, we have announced a review of our approach to ensuring responsible business conduct, focusing on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK.

What recent discussions he has had with fashion retailers on labour (a) rights and (b) conditions in supply chains.

The Department engages regularly with businesses across all sectors, including fashion retailers, on a range of issues including labour rights and working conditions throughout global supply chains. The UK has a strong legal framework to ensure that workers' rights are protected, both domestically and internationally. This includes the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which requires large businesses to report on the steps they have taken to tackle modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. The Department continues to work closely with the fashion retail sector to promote responsible business conduct and to support businesses in addressing labour rights challenges in complex global supply chains. This includes promoting adherence to international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

What assessment his Department has made of the performance of the national test of the UK Emergency Alert System conducted on 23 April 2023; and what lessons will be applied to the test on 7 September 2025.

The Government is committed to improving the Emergency Alerts system as it serves a crucial purpose helping to save lives in emergency situations by issuing an alert to all compatible mobile phones. There was an initial 12 month evaluation period (April 2023 - April 2024) during which the government carried out analysis on the effectiveness of the system. This analysis allowed the government to assess the benefit of emergency alerts during life-threatening emergencies. Following this evaluation lessons have been taken after each activation of emergency alerts to ensure any necessary changes or technical improvements are made to improve the system.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to publish the list of (a) individuals and (b) entities sanctioned under the new people smuggling sanctions regime.

The UK Sanctions List is updated every time a decision is made to make, vary or revoke a designation. The list is published on gov.uk and sets out which people, entities and ships are designated or specified under regulations made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, and why. It can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-sanctions-list. The list of individuals and entities sanctioned under the Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons regime was updated on 23 July 2025.