Written questions by Dalton.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of adjusting the Lifetime ISA property price cap in line with (a) inflation and (b) average house prices.

Data from the latest UK House Price Index(opens in a new tab) shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values. The Government keeps all aspects of savings tax policy under review.

What recent progress her Department has made on increasing its capacity to clear the backlog of asylum applications.

The Home Secretary has removed the retrospective application of the Illegal Migration Act. This allows asylum claims from individuals who have arrived in the UK since 7 March 2023 to be considered against the existing legislative regime under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, enabling decision-makers to progress the cases that had been put on hold.The Home Office continues to invest in a programme of transformation and business improvement initiatives to speed up and simplify decision making, reduce the time people spend in the asylum system and decrease the number of people who are awaiting an interview or decision.This will enable the department to maximise our capacity and progress cases in a more efficient and cost-effective way, in order to reduce the asylum backlog and cut the costs of asylum accommodation.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to extend the flexible use of capital receipts to include (a) pensions and (b) voluntary redundancies.

I am aware that the previous government consulted on options to extend freedoms for local authorities to use capital resources and borrowing to address budget pressures as well as other measures. This government will need to carefully consider the options available to support local authorities. The government is aware that current flexible use of capital receipts direction is due to end and intends to update the sector in due course. It is important that all decisions are consistent with putting the sector on an ongoing, sustainable financial footing.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to introduce three year funding settlements for local authorities.

We will be publishing a policy statement in late November, where we will set out our intentions for reform of the local government finance system, including a multi-year settlement starting in 2026-27.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of (a) reinstating and (b) replacing the New Homes Bonus and (c) increasing the S31 grant.

The New Homes Bonus (NHB) provides local authorities with an incentive to support new housing delivery. Since its introduction in 2011, over £10.6 billion has been paid through the NHB in respect of 2.7 million homes. Details of the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement will be set out shortly in the usual way.

What recent steps she has taken to tackle rural crime in Lancashire.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for communities. That is why this Government is committed to cracking down on crime and disorder in rural areas, with tougher powers for the police to tackle antisocial behaviour, and to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.The National Rural Crime Unit, takes the lead on improving co-ordination and partnership working, which provides police forces with specialist operational support in their responses to rural crime, such as the theft of farming or construction machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, which aims to prevent the theft and re-sale of high-value equipment, particularly for use in an agricultural setting.

What steps her Department is taking to improve the enforcement of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales.

This Government is committed to making sure victims have the information and support that they need, and we are determined to improve compliance with the Victims’ Code. We will implement the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which lays a good foundation for victims to know the rights they have under the Code, and hold agencies accountable for delivering them. But we will go further by increasing the powers of the Victims’ Commissioner so there is more accountability when victims’ rights under the Code are not upheld.