Every parliamentary written question tabled by Dan Carden this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 61–80 of 137 · this parliament
What recent assessment his Department has made of the efficacy of the regulatory framework for the health and wellness sector.
The Government has not made a recent assessment of the efficacy of the regulatory framework for the health and wellness sector.
Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment her Department has made of (a) trends in the level of houses in multiple occupation and (b) the potential impact of those trends on local communities.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) can play an important part in the housing market, providing relatively low-cost accommodation for rent. Local planning authorities already have powers to limit the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) through ‘Article 4’ directions. In addition to the mandatory licensing of large HMOs, local areas can also choose to require smaller HMOs to be licenced to ensure such properties are safe and well managed, and that the character of local communities are protected. Local authorities have robust powers to ensure landlords of HMOs comply with all relevant regulations. This includes powers to issue civil penalties, prosecute landlords and obtain banning orders. No recent assessments of the trends in the level of HMOs, or of the potential impacts of these trends on local communities, have been made. The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces reforms to improve the regulation of private rented sector properties, including HMOs, and drive-up standards within the sector. This includes a Decent Homes Standard and new enforcement powers for local authorities. My Department will continue to engage with local authorities on a range of local issues, including matters relating to HMOs and we will keep the regulation of HMOs under review.
What steps his Department is taking to improve treatment of phenylketonuria.
The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as phenylketonuria, through the UK Rare Diseases Framework.The fourth priority of the Framework is improved access to specialist care, treatment and drugs. In February 2025, the England Rare Diseases Action Plan 2025 was published, including progress made under this priority:- Meeting to discuss the effectiveness of early access pathways for rare disease therapies;- Launching a review of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence highly specialised technology programme for evaluating rare disease treatments; and- Introducing two new actions on reforming clinical trial regulations; and developing an operational framework for individualised therapies in the National Health Service.The NHS England Health A to Z page contains information about symptoms, medicines, tests and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. There is an NHS England webpage on phenylketonuria, which is available at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phenylketonuria/.Since 2021, the treatment sapropterin has been available to all eligible people with phenylketonuria. Clinical trials suggest that around four in 10 people may benefit from sapropterin, improving their quality of life significantly and reducing restrictions on the food they can eat.
If her Department will conduct an impact assessment on increasing financial pressures in the retail sector in (a) the UK and (b) Liverpool Walton constituency.
The Government is committed to supporting the retail sector across the UK and we are acutely aware of the challenges faced by businesses. We frequently engage with the retail sector to understand their concerns.We are determined to support retail businesses to succeed against a difficult economic backdrop. We will introduce a permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, we extended the RHL relief for 2025-26 at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and froze the small business multiplier.In addition, we have:Increased the Employment Allowance to £10,500, shielding the smallest retail businesses the from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance;Committed to cut regulatory admin burdens for businesses by 25% through simplification and reduced uncertainty, with further details on targets to follow later this year; andIntroduced tougher measures on retail crime, including a new offence for assaulting retail workers, ending immunity for shop theft under £200, and investing over £9 million in police support and the National Business Crime Centre over three years.We will continue to work with the retail sector to help drive economic growth, regenerate our high streets, and support vibrant and healthy communities.
Whether her Department has conducted a comparative assessment of how much physical retailers will pay as a result of business rates changes with online-only retailers in 2026.
We are creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that these properties benefit from much-needed certainty and support. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties in 2026-27 - those with RVs of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants. Ahead of these changes being made, the Government recognises that businesses will need support in 2025-26. As such, we prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. We have also frozen the small business multiplier, taken together with small business rates relief, this will protect over a million properties from inflationary bill increases. The Government will confirm the rates for any new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context. When the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
Whether her Department has conducted an impact assessment of charging business rates for physical retail premises in (a) Liverpool Walton constituency, (b) constituencies which have an anchor store providing footfall to other stores and (c) deprived areas with a high proportion of employment in retail.
We are creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that these properties benefit from much-needed certainty and support. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties in 2026-27 - those with RVs of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants. Ahead of these changes being made, the Government recognises that businesses will need support in 2025-26. As such, we prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. We have also frozen the small business multiplier, taken together with small business rates relief, this will protect over a million properties from inflationary bill increases. The Government will confirm the rates for any new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context. When the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
Pursuant to the Answer of 25 July 2025 to Question 68504 on Visas: Families, what her Department's timetable is for responding to the report by the Migration Advisory Committee entitled Family Route: Financial Requirements Review, published June 2025.
On 10 June the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published their independent review of the financial requirements across the family routes. The report is now under review and we will respond in due course.
Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed single remote betting and gaming duty on the finances of pools operators.
The tax treatment of remote gambling is a matter for HM Treasury. Following the conclusion of its recent consultation on 21st July, any legislative changes made to gambling duties will be accompanied by a tax information and impact note from HM Treasury, as is standard practice.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the report by the Migration Advisory Committee entitled Family Route: Financial Requirements Review, published June 2025.
On 10 June the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published their independent review of the financial requirements across the family routes. The report is now under review respond in due course.
Whether her Department plans to take steps to ensure that new tramway schemes use domestically produced tramway rails.
The responsibility for light rail and tramways is devolved, where each local authority owns and is responsible for the development and delivery of their own system. Therefore, it would be for local authorities to specify criteria for any future tram scheme, or tram extension, ensuring to adhere to the relevant procurement regulations when running their procurement competitions. In addition, under the Government’s Social Value policy, public contracting authorities, such as local authorities, can set rigorous environmental and social standards, and other criteria that play to the strengths of local supply chains who can meet those standards. This is also subject to the requirement not to discriminate directly or indirectly against tenderers on grounds of nationality.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 66249 on Pupil Exclusions, what her planned timetable is for her Department's changes to data collection to be made.
The proposed changes to the data collection, aimed at strengthening the oversight and monitoring of all exclusion through the school census, will require legislative amendments. As such they are subject to parliamentary procedure and are expected to come into effect for the 2026/27 academic year.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 66249 on Pupil Exclusions, whether parents will retain their ability to hold local authorities and schools to account through the EHCP procedure and its safeguards.
There will always be a legal right to additional support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to ensure they are supported throughout their education and into adult life.As we have set out, the department intends to retain the SEND tribunal. Any changes we make will improve support for children and parents, stop parents from having to fight for support, and protect provision currently in place.As part of our Plan for Change, we will restore the confidence of families up and down the country and deliver the improvement they are crying out for so every child can achieve and thrive.
What estimate her Department has made of the number of disabled children not reinstated in school when an independent review panel has quashed a permanent exclusion.
The department does not collect the pupil characteristics data for reinstated when an Independent Review Panel (IRP) has quashed a permanent exclusion.The department is taking action to strengthen the oversight and monitoring of all exclusion data collected through the school census, particularly for pupils who may be disproportionately affected by exclusion. This includes strengthening the monitoring of IRP decisions, with a stronger focus on the reinstatement of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Whether her Department plans to make changes to the collection of data in relation to (a) suspensions and (b) permanent exclusions in England.
The department does not collect the pupil characteristics data for reinstated when an Independent Review Panel (IRP) has quashed a permanent exclusion.The department is taking action to strengthen the oversight and monitoring of all exclusion data collected through the school census, particularly for pupils who may be disproportionately affected by exclusion. This includes strengthening the monitoring of IRP decisions, with a stronger focus on the reinstatement of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the level of statutory sick pay.
The Government is bringing in changes to Statutory Sick Pay through the Employment Rights Bill which will mean up to 1.3 million low-paid employees will now be entitled to SSP, and all eligible employees will be paid from the first day of sickness absence, benefitting millions of employees. Removing the waiting period means that all employees will receive at least £60 extra at the start of their sickness absence, rising to £150 if they work two days per week, compared to the current system. With these changes, we believe the current rate is fair and achieves the right balance between providing support for employees who are unable to work due to sickness or ill-health whilst limiting the cost to employers. We also know that many employees are eligible for more than the statutory minimum through contractual or occupational sick pay arrangements with their employer.
What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the report by ActionAid UK entitled Who Pays the Price?, published in April 2025.
The government is restoring the global leadership needed to tackle the climate and nature crisis, and aiming to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero carbon electricity by 2030. At COP 29, the Prime Minister announced the UK’s ambitious and credible Nationally Determined Contribution target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, excluding international aviation and shipping emissions. We must unlock a much greater scale of climate and nature finance to support developing countries’ energy transitions and those most vulnerable to climate change and nature degradation. While the UK government does not set out what private companies, including banks, should invest in, we are supportive of the standards published by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in June 2023 and are consulting on the UK version of these standards, UK Sustainability Reporting Standards. These aim to support long-term, sustainable decision-making by the business and investment community by providing high-quality information about the sustainability-related risks and opportunities that businesses face.
What steps her Department is taking to reduce delays to employment tribunal hearings.
We are working to reduce delays to employment tribunal hearings by investing in tribunal productivity through the recruitment of additional judges, the deployment of Legal Officers to actively manage cases, the development of modern case management systems and the use of remote hearing technology. This has delivered over 1,500 additional sitting days. As a result, the Lord Chancellor was able to announce on 5 March 2025 a sitting day allocation of 33,900 for the Employment Tribunals in the financial year 2025/26, the maximum allocation they are able to sit.Following judicial recruitment, in 2024 we added 21 more salaried judges in the Employment Tribunals than in 2023, and recruitment for up to a further 36 salaried Employment Judges commenced in March 2025. 50 fee-paid employment judges were appointed in 2024, and recruitment will commence for another 50 judges in early 2026. Additionally, recruitment for 150 non-legal tribunal members will commence this year.We recognise that there remain significant challenges for the performance of the Employment Tribunals. We are therefore continuing to monitor demand on the Employment Tribunals and will continue to work closely with the judiciary, HMCTS and the Department for Business and Trade on any further actions needed to alleviate pressures on the Employment Tribunals, improve efficiency and reduce waiting times in order to ensure timely access to justice for claimants and respondents.
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 12 February 2025, when he plans to introduce a public interest test for contracting authorities to assess whether work should be outsourced.
The Government is determined to deliver high quality public services and better value for money for the taxpayer. The Government is currently consulting on introducing a public interest test to assess whether expiring contracts could be better delivered, and drive better value for money, in-house. Contracting authorities are responsible for their own procurement decisions; introducing a public interest test will mean that authorities make evidenced-based decisions on the best way to deliver public services.
If he will take steps to consult trade unions on the (a) award of public contracts and (b) appointment of strategic suppliers.
The Government is determined to ensure public money spent on public procurement delivers economic growth, supports small businesses, champions innovation, creates good jobs and skills opportunities across the country, and maximises social value. Public sector procurement is subject to a legal framework set out by the Procurement Act, which encourages free and open competition and a focus on delivering value for money, in line with internationally and nationally agreed obligations and regulations. There is no specific legal requirement to consult trade unions on the award of public contracts or the selection of Strategic Suppliers. Individual Contracting Authorities are responsible for their own procurement and contract award decisions under the Act. Strategic Suppliers are selected based on the scale, scope and criticality of the services they provide, and are overseen centrally to observe their performance in the delivery of public services.
What steps she is taking to ensure that the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation is (a) independent and (b) led by survivors.
As previously announced, the national inquiry will be established as an independent statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005. While the Chair will determine the inquiry’s conduct and procedures, the Government remains firmly committed to placing victims and survivors at its heart. Further details, including the Terms of Reference, will be published in due course.