Written questions by Stephenson.

Innovation and Technology, if she will make an estimate of the redundancy costs for the decision to close the UK Space Agency.

UK Space Agency employees will move Department under the Cabinet Office Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector (COSOP), either into DSIT or our service providers. The integration brings together teams already working closely, creating a single unit with a clear line from strategy through policy to delivery. This approach, completing by April 2026, will strengthen our space sector support whilst building on the firm foundations both organisations have established, including developing cutting-edge missions and attracting significant investment.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Boosting British jobs and skills key for firms to win major infrastructure projects, published on 16 June 2025, if he will publish an impact assessment for that policy.

This Government is committed to supporting British jobs and industry. As part of this, we have consulted on further reforms to public procurement. If appropriate, impact assessments will be undertaken following our response to the consultation, in accordance with the Better Regulations Framework.

Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential benefits for her policies on tourism of appointing a full-time Tourism Minister focused exclusively on tourism.

The Government has a Minister responsible for Tourism, within a portfolio that also includes Sport, Civil Society and Youth. As ambitions to promote growth and improve the productivity of the tourism sector are reliant on a cross-government approach, DCMS works collaboratively with other government departments. This collaboration facilitates wider discussions to find solutions that help support the Visitor Economy, which in turn can help support the objectives of other departments and cross-government interests on foundational matters such as spreading opportunity, creating jobs and growth across all parts of the UK. DCMS is supported by the joint industry and government-led Visitor Economy Advisory Council. The Council aims to act as a candid sounding board and challenge function for Government policy decisions. It is also supporting the Government in delivering the Visitor Economy Growth Plan which will set out a long term plan to increase visitor flows across the UK, boost value, and deliver sustainable growth.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Plan for wind developers to pay for skilled job training, published on 23 August 2025, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the measures referred to in that press release on energy prices.

The Government recently consulted on proposals under the Clean Industry Bonus which aim to incentivise developers to provide routes to high-quality employment. The Government will analyse responses and set out its proposed next steps in the response due to be released this winter. An impact assessment will also be published before relevant secondary legislation is laid.

If he will publish a lessons learned review relating to the decision of Newcleo not to pursue its investment in nuclear reactors in the UK.

Newcleo Ltd’s decision to suspend its advanced nuclear activities in the UK was a commercial decision for the company. Government will not be publishing a lessons learned review into this matter. It was announced in the 2025 Spending Review that the Government would provide a pathway for privately-led advanced nuclear projects, with Great British Energy - Nuclear having a role in assessing proposals, the National Wealth Fund exploring potential investable opportunities and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero exploring revenue support for viable projects. This will be published in a framework document shortly.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse entitled The Rural Premium, published on April 2023.

Defra regularly publishes statistics on a range of social and economic topics and provides broad comparisons between Rural and Urban areas by settlement type, including assessment on the rural economy, transport, housing and cost of living. These are available through The Statistical Digest for Rural England. This Government is committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural business and communities. We have made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed to ensure that rural areas are not overlooked and that the intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas. The specific challenges and opportunities that make rural economies distinctive can be harnessed by funds such as The Rural England Prosperity Fund which provides targeted support to rural businesses and communities.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the rural premium on rural communities.

Defra regularly publishes statistics on a range of social and economic topics and provides broad comparisons between Rural and Urban areas by settlement type. These are available through The Statistical Digest for Rural England. This Government is committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural business and communities. We have made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed to ensure that rural areas are not overlooked and that the intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas.

With reference to the press release entitled Powering Britain's future: Electricity bills to be slashed for over 7,000 businesses in major industry shake-up, published on 22 June 2025, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of this intervention.

As stated in the Modern Industrial Strategy, we intend to fund the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme by bearing down on levies and other costs in the energy system.

With reference to the press release entitled Powering Britain's future: Electricity bills to be slashed for over 7,000 businesses in major industry shake-up, published on 22 June 2025, whether vehicle manufacturers will be eligible for this support.

The Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy states that the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme “will benefit manufacturing electricity intensive frontier industries in the IS-8, such as automotive and aerospace, and foundational manufacturing industries in the supply chains, such as chemicals.” The precise details of eligibility will be determined following a consultation, which will open in the coming weeks.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press release entitled UK government gathers business and environment leaders in support of UN nature agreement, published on 25 June 2025, how much investment the UK will benefit from.

Investing in nature at home and abroad is critical to the UK’s security and prosperity. Healthy global ecosystems reduce the risk of supply chain shocks, create opportunities for UK businesses, and help prevent conflict and forced migration. To advance this agenda, Defra Ministers hosted the flagship event “Nature Action: Mobilising Frameworks and Finance” on 25 June 2025 at Lancaster House during London Climate Action Week. The event, followed by a reception attended by His Majesty The King, brought together over 100 participants, including senior representatives from global financial institutions and major corporations representing over £12 trillion, alongside Indigenous leaders, NGOs and Government ministers. It made a strong business case for investing in nature and led to several announcements aimed at accelerating private finance for nature.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of Post Office services on rural communities.

Post Office services are vital to rural communities, providing access to mail, cash, banking, bill payments, and government services. Around 41% of branches are in rural areas, and 99% of the rural population lives within three miles of a branch. The Government supports the rural network with targeted funding and access criteria, recognising its role in tackling social isolation and supporting local businesses. The Department for Business and Trade continues to monitor the impact of network changes and works closely with Post Office Ltd to ensure rural communities retain convenient access to essential services.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Reed: Government to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030, published 19 July 2025, if he will set out how the £104 billion investment is being funded.

The Government will introduce root and branch reform to revolutionise the water industry, working in partnership with water companies, investors and communities to deliver a systematic approach to improving drainage and wastewater systems. This will have benefits for communities, the environment, flood prevention, economic growth, and urban development, ensuring policies and services work better together to deliver real benefits for people and nature. This will include setting out the opportunity to make greater use of nature-based solutions where these represent good value for money and do more for the environment. Ofwat published its final determinations from the 5-year price review (PR24) in December 2024. This set out a package of expenditure for the regulated water companies of £104 billion from 2025 to 2030, including over £10 billion to reduce sewage discharges from over 2,500 storm overflows in England and £4.795 billion to reduce phosphorous pollution. Regarding the 50% target, storm overflows are designed to act as relief valves when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed, such as during heavy rain. The Government has required all storm overflows to have event duration monitors installed which provides information on sewage discharges. That information is published in near real time. The pledge is for a 50% cut in spills from storm overflows by the end of December 2029. In addition, the pledge includes the EIP interim target to reduce Phosphorus loadings in treated wastewater by 50% by 31 January 2028, on a 2020 baseline. Phosphorus is a key cause of nutrient pollution in the environment, including contributing to algal blooms and eutrophication.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press notice entitled Reed: Government to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030, published on 19 July 2025, if she will set out specific measures being taken on (a) sustainable drainage systems and (b) nature-based solutions.

The Government will introduce root and branch reform to revolutionise the water industry, working in partnership with water companies, investors and communities to deliver a systematic approach to improving drainage and wastewater systems. This will have benefits for communities, the environment, flood prevention, economic growth, and urban development, ensuring policies and services work better together to deliver real benefits for people and nature. This will include setting out the opportunity to make greater use of nature-based solutions where these represent good value for money and do more for the environment. Ofwat published its final determinations from the 5-year price review (PR24) in December 2024. This set out a package of expenditure for the regulated water companies of £104 billion from 2025 to 2030, including over £10 billion to reduce sewage discharges from over 2,500 storm overflows in England and £4.795 billion to reduce phosphorous pollution. Regarding the 50% target, storm overflows are designed to act as relief valves when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed, such as during heavy rain. The Government has required all storm overflows to have event duration monitors installed which provides information on sewage discharges. That information is published in near real time. The pledge is for a 50% cut in spills from storm overflows by the end of December 2029. In addition, the pledge includes the EIP interim target to reduce Phosphorus loadings in treated wastewater by 50% by 31 January 2028, on a 2020 baseline. Phosphorus is a key cause of nutrient pollution in the environment, including contributing to algal blooms and eutrophication.

Whether he has made an estimate of the number of Stellantis Luton workers who have not yet found alternative employment as of 1 September 2025.

The Department for Business and Trade has not made an estimate of the number of Stellantis Luton workers who have not yet found alternative employment as of 1 September 2025. The Government worked with Stellantis, Unite the Union and other partners to support affected workers, including via the Department for Work and Pensions’ Rapid Response Service. The range of support available from Jobcentre Plus and partners included connecting people to jobs in the labour market; help with job search including CV writing, interview skills, where to find jobs and how to apply for them; help to identify transferable skills and skills gaps; and what benefits they may get and how to claim.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Trees for Climate project.

The Trees for Climate Programme is delivered by England’s Community Forests and is funded by the Defra Nature for Climate Fund Programme (NCF). Between 2020-2025 the Trees for Climate Programme has planted trees totalling 6,551ha. Defra is currently evaluating the NCF. The evaluation is comprised of three stages, covering different tree planting years and stages of NCF delivery. The evaluation findings indicate that Woodland Creation Partnerships, including the Community Forests, have a long-established record of success in generating tree planting and contributing to wider social benefits. The interim Value for Money report (NCF Tree Programme for England: Value for Money (VfM) Interim Evaluation - AE1915) found that Community Forest planting in particular, has achieved high benefits per hectare. The first two stages of the evaluation have been completed and published [Nature For Climate Fund Tree Programme Final Interim Evaluation - LM04188, Nature for Climate Fund Tree Programme Evaluation - LM04172]. The third stage is due to take place this year with findings expected next spring.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Reed: Government to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030, published on 19 July 2025, whether he will publish the evidential basis for his claim that the measures outlined will result in a 50% reduction in spills from storm overflows.

The Government will introduce root and branch reform to revolutionise the water industry, working in partnership with water companies, investors and communities to deliver a systematic approach to improving drainage and wastewater systems. This will have benefits for communities, the environment, flood prevention, economic growth, and urban development, ensuring policies and services work better together to deliver real benefits for people and nature. This will include setting out the opportunity to make greater use of nature-based solutions where these represent good value for money and do more for the environment. Ofwat published its final determinations from the 5-year price review (PR24) in December 2024. This set out a package of expenditure for the regulated water companies of £104 billion from 2025 to 2030, including over £10 billion to reduce sewage discharges from over 2,500 storm overflows in England and £4.795 billion to reduce phosphorous pollution. Regarding the 50% target, storm overflows are designed to act as relief valves when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed, such as during heavy rain. The Government has required all storm overflows to have event duration monitors installed which provides information on sewage discharges. That information is published in near real time. The pledge is for a 50% cut in spills from storm overflows by the end of December 2029. In addition, the pledge includes the EIP interim target to reduce Phosphorus loadings in treated wastewater by 50% by 31 January 2028, on a 2020 baseline. Phosphorus is a key cause of nutrient pollution in the environment, including contributing to algal blooms and eutrophication.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has prepared an impact assessments on the decisions to (a) merge Ofwat and the Drinking Inspectorate and (b) remove the environmental regulatory functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England.

The Government has committed to establishing a single, powerful regulator for the entire water sector that will stand on the side of customers, investors and the environment. The current fragmented approach to water has led to contradictory and competing priorities. The reforms will ensure regulation is in lock step to deliver for customers and the environment. Defra will work closely with the regulators to ensure a smooth transition. Further information will be provided in the white paper.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of opening Post Office branches within Banking Hubs.

Thousands of Post Offices already provide the same everyday banking services, such as cash withdrawals and deposits, that are available at Banking Hubs. In its published response to the Government’s Post Office Green Paper, Post Office recently set out how it could enhance its banking offer by accommodating community bankers within larger post offices. This would enable customers to access support for more complex services available via community bankers at Banking Hubs. Government would welcome further collaboration between Post Office and the banking sector and will be convening a roundtable to discuss opportunities for future potential collaboration.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact for his policies of Newcleo’s decision not to provide funding for clear reactors in the UK.

As set out at the Spending Review, the Government’s policy is to develop a new framework for privately-led advanced nuclear projects to be published shortly. The framework will have a new role for Great British Energy – Nuclear assessing proposals, with the National Wealth Fund exploring potential investment opportunities and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero exploring revenue support for viable projects. Newcleo LTD’s decision to suspend its advanced nuclear activities in the UK was a commercial decision for the company.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Cash boost for coastal towns hosting clean energy infrastructure, published on 21 May 2025, if he will make it his policy to provide similar benefits to promote the adoption of onshore wind by communities.

In May 2025, the government published a working paper on mandatory community benefits and shared ownership of low carbon energy infrastructure. The proposals would require developers to contribute to community benefit funds to support people and businesses near low carbon energy infrastructure, including onshore wind. The paper also sets out how communities could own a stake in renewable energy infrastructure through shared ownership. The government has also published updated voluntary guidance on community benefits for onshore wind in England, setting out best practice approaches to ensure developments have a lasting positive impact on communities.