Written questions by Davies.

With reference to the Government press release entitled Sizewell C gets green light with final investment decision, published on 22 July 2025, for what reason the Government's funding for Sizewell C will be made through the National Wealth Fund.

The National Wealth Fund is the provider of the Government’s loan for Sizewell C. This enables the project to benefit from the NWF’s operationally independent infrastructure finance expertise. Sizewell C is also a strong fit with the NWF’s mandate, as one of the UK’s top clean energy priorities, and will bring significant regional economic growth benefits.

With reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether she plans to conduct an Infrastructure and Projects Authority review prior to a removal of the exemption for filling quarries from the Landfill Tax.

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

With reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what discussions her Department has had with the Environment Agency on the adequacy of its capacity to process an increase in recovery permit applications before the proposed 2027 Landfill Tax exemption removal.

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. HM Treasury is working with Defra and the Environment Agency on the proposals set out in the consultation. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

With reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Landfill Tax on the Government’s capacity to meet the housing target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes over 5 years as set out in the Plan for Change. The government is considering the potential impacts of proposed Landfill Tax reforms on housing delivery and government targets. We are working with the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to assess these impacts and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

With reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the Landfill Tax on the (a) cost and (b) viability of (i) the expansion of Heathrow airport and (ii) other major infrastructure projects.

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

With reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what estimate her Department has made of the total cost of proposed Landfill Tax changes on government-funded infrastructure projects in the next five years.

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

With reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether she has considered the potential long-term inflationary impact of the proposed Landfill Tax changes on public infrastructure procurement.

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

With reference to the Climate Change Committee's report on the Seventh Carbon Budget, published on 26 February 2025, what estimate he has made of the proportion of emissions reductions in aviation that will come from (a) demand management and (b) other steps.

The Department for Transport leads on policy to reduce transport emissions and is making great strides in transitioning to greener aviation. Measures to date include introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate, delivering the airspace modernisation programme - which will see cleaner, quicker and quieter journeys - and providing nearly a further £1 billion of funding to support the develop of low and zero emission aerospace technologies through the Aerospace Technology Institute.

What recent discussions she has had with the Security of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a response to the Climate Change Committee’s report on the Seventh Carbon Budget, published on 26 February 2025.

In line with the Climate Change Act 2008, the Government will respond to the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget Advice and set the seventh carbon budget in law by 30 June 2026. The Government will set out policies to support delivery of the seventh carbon budget as soon as reasonably practicable after this.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increases to Air Passenger Duty in (a) 2025 and (b) 2026 on passenger demand.

The Government published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2025/26 and 2026/27 Air Passenger Duty rates: Air Passenger Duty: rates from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 - GOV.UK Air Passenger Duty: rates from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 - GOV.UK The OBR certified costing of the changes includes a behavioural effect to account for the change in flights taken resulting from the change in the tax rates.

What assessment she has made of the implications for her Department’s policies of section 7.6 of the Climate Change Committee's Seventh Carbon Budget on aviation, published on 26 February 2025.

In line with the Climate Change Act 2008, the Government will respond to the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget Advice and set the seventh carbon budget in law by 30 June 2026. The Government will set out policies to support delivery of the seventh carbon budget as soon as reasonably practicable after this.

With reference to her letter to the CEO of the National Wealth Fund entitled Statement of Strategic Priorities to the National Wealth Fund, dated 19 March 2025, in what circumstances the National Wealth Fund should be receptive to investment suggestions made by Ministers in her Department.

The National Wealth Fund remains operationally independent in its day-to-day activities and its investment committees make investment decisions based on the merits of each opportunity. All investments should align with its objectives and investment principles.As the sole shareholder, it is right that the National Wealth Fund should be responsive to Treasury ministers’ requests to consider investment proposals. In particular, it may consider investments in emerging government priorities that are facing access to finance gaps. However, final decisions will be subject to the National Wealth Fund’s operating framework and investment principles.

Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the contribution of (a) churches and (b) church buildings to (i) society and (ii) the economy each year.

A fully comprehensive assessment of the social and spiritual contribution churches, whether in their physical or congregational form, make to the nation would be beyond the scope or ability of any government. They provide sanctuary, enlightenment, succour, warmth and solidarity. They offer a space in which to celebrate, congregate and commiserate; a place in which to witness some of the greatest art and architecture, ancient and modern; and a venue to mark the great occasions of our lives as individuals, as a community and as a nation. For many people of faith they offer a sense of purpose, commitment and shared religious identity. In many cases they also offer rooms for voluntary groups, rehearsal spaces and act as our most important valuable visitor attractions.In addition, the Government is aware of external research carried out by the National Churches Trust, which shows that for every £1 invested in church buildings there is an estimated Social Return on Investment of £3.74, which can go up to £18.10 when alternative wellbeing valuation methods are used.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2025 to Question 27493 on British Business Bank: National Wealth Fund and with reference to the press release entitled Boost for new National Wealth Fund to unlock private investment, published on 9 July 2024, for what reason the British Business Bank will no longer be aligned under National Wealth Fund with the UK Infrastructure Bank.

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is at the forefront of investing public money and will work in close partnership with other public financial institutions, including the British Business Bank. The UK’s public financial institutions each target specific market failures and finance gaps to drive growth. The Government is strengthening strategic coordination across these institutions, including by creating the Strategic Public Investment Forum. This CEO-level forum will consider how to leverage the institutions’ different expertise to best support investment and collectively identifying opportunities for greater effectiveness and coherence in the landscape.

With reference to her letter to the CEO of the National Wealth Fund entitled Statement of Strategic Priorities to the National Wealth Fund, dated 19 March 2025, whether additional risk management employees will be hired as the National Wealth Fund takes on greater risk.

As the National Wealth Fund delivers on its wider remit with an increased risk appetite, and its portfolio of investments grows, it will require more resources and expertise to manage the increasing number of projects effectively. The risk function is one of several front office teams that will need to expand to deliver on these objectives.

With reference to her oral answer to the question from the Rt hon. Member for Gainsborough on 21 January 2025, Official Report, col 859, how the Government plans to compensate hospices for the increase in Secondary Class 1 National Insurance Contributions.

The Government recognises the vital role hospices play in supporting people at the end of life and their families. The Government will provide support for departments and other public sector employers for additional employer National Insurance costs only. Private sector firms or charities including hospices or social care providers that are contracted by central or local Government will not be exempt from these changes. This is the usual approach the Government takes to supporting the public sector with additional employer National Insurance contributions as was the case with the previous Government’s Health and Social Care Levy. The Government is determined to shift more healthcare into the community and ensure patients and their families receive high-quality, personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and hospices will have a big role to play in that shift.Integrated Care Boards are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services to meet the needs of their local populations; where ICBs provide funding, they will work with hospices to agree funding arrangements through the normal contracting process. The Government has recently announced that we are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million boost for adult and children’s hospices to ensure they have the best physical environment for care, and £26 million revenue to support children and young people’s hospices. We will set out the details of the funding allocation in due course.

With reference to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury's oral contribution of 4 March 2025, Official Report, what her policy is on the operational independence of the National Wealth Fund.

The National Wealth Fund is operationally independent and has delegated authority to make investment decisions, subject to those investments meeting certain conditions agreed with HM Treasury. An investment made by the National Wealth Fund would need to have satisfied its investment principles and internal approval processes.

With reference to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury's oral contribution of 4 March 2025, Official Report, what is the process for approval by the National Wealth Fund of a proposed business case for investment; and who makes the final decision.

The National Wealth Fund considers business cases for investments on a case-by-case basis, supporting proposals that fall within the scope of its mandate and investment principles. An investment made by National Wealth Fund would need to have satisfied its investment principles and internal approval processes. The National Wealth Fund has delegated authority to make investment decisions, subject to those investments meeting certain conditions agreed with HM Treasury.

With reference to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury's oral contribution of 4 March 2025, Official Report, if she will publish the National Wealth Fund's business case to fund the £200 million investment in Grangemouth.

The National Wealth Fund has made financing available for new investment projects in Grangemouth, subject to viable proposals coming forward. This financing will help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential and secure our clean energy future. Any investment made into Grangemouth by the National Wealth Fund would be subject to the investment satisfying the National Wealth Fund’s normal requirements for investable proposals.

With reference to Q110 of the oral evidence given by the Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury Select Committee on 12 February 2025, how the risk framework of the National Wealth Fund differs from that of the UK Infrastructure Bank.

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) are currently revising their risk management framework to reflect changes made from the UK Infrastructure Bank’s strategic objectives, economic capital and risk appetite. A revised version will be published on the NWF website in due course.