Written questions by Stafford.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the early flu season on corridor care, hospital capacity and patient outcomes.

We continue to monitor the impact of flu and the performance of hospitals over the winter months.The Department is continuing to take key steps to ensure the health service is prepared for the colder months. This includes taking actions to try and reduce demand pressure on accident and emergency, increasing vaccination rates, and offering health checks to the most vulnerable, as well as stress-testing integrated care boards and trust winter plans to ensure that they are able to meet demand and ensure patient flow.Flu is a recurring pressure that the National Health Service faces every winter. There is particular risk of severe illness for older people, the very young, pregnant people, and those with certain underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine remains the best form of defense against influenza, particularly for the most vulnerable, and continues to be highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalisation.

What guidance his Department provides on financial settlements for public appointments that are cancelled or withdrawn.

There are a wide variety of public appointments which are made by Ministers. A person appointed to such a position is an office holder, whose appointment is defined by the office itself, not a contract. An office holder’s terms of engagement will set out a Minister’s authority to terminate an appointment at any time with or without notice. Office holders do not receive payment in lieu of notice or severance for loss of office because they are not employees with contractual rights.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of guidance issued to local planning authorities on the increase in housing delivery targets through revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework; and whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of that guidance in enabling authorities to meet statutory obligations.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 includes a new Standard Method for assessing housing needs that is aligned to our Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new safe and decent homes in England by the end of this Parliament The standard method is used by local authorities to inform the preparation of their local plans. Once local housing need has been assessed, authorities should then make an assessment of the number of new homes that can be provided in their area. This should be justified by evidence on land availability, constraints on development, such as National Landscapes and areas at risk of flooding, and any other relevant matters. The approach taken is then be tested by the Planning Inspector during the examination of the Local Plan. Alongside the publication of a new Standard method, my Department also published revised planning practice guidance to reflect these changes. This can be found on gov.uk here. We will keep the need for additional planning practice guidance under review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will publish the terms or value of any financial settlement agreed in relation to Lord Mandelson’s cancelled appointment.

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Communities and Local Government, when he plans to announce the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant for the 2026-27 financial year.

As announced in the Local Government Policy Statement on 20 November, found here, the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant will be worth at least £480 million over the 3 years from 2026/27 and the distribution will follow the existing allocation formula. Further details will be in the Local Government Finance provisional settlement before Christmas.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson will receive a financial settlement following the cancellation of his proposed five-year term as Ambassador to the United States.

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to ensure transparency and propriety in negotiating any financial settlement for Lord Mandelson following the withdrawal of his ambassadorial appointment.

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Turkish counterpart on the expulsion of Christian foreign workers under national security legislation.

Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a fundamental right that we regularly discuss with our Turkish counterparts. We will continue to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.

Whether the Government plans to provide (a) additional support (b) exemptions and (c) simplified alternatives for small businesses and landlords to comply with Making Tax Digital requirements without the need for specialist accounting expertise.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now. HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs. HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available. Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

What assessment the Government has made of the (a) costs, (b) administrative burdens, (c) the risk of being forced to close and (d) other impacts as a result of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax on sole traders and landlords with low turnover.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now. HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs. HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available. Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

If the Government will make an assessment of the potential merits of retaining the option for small low-income businesses and landlords to continue submitting an annual Self Assessment Tax Return on paper instead of requiring full Making Tax Digital submissions.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now. HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs. HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available. Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a lower business rates multiplier for pubs on levels of investment.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible properties, including pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support.The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates 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. Under the previous Government, RHL relief was due to end entirely in April 2025, and so by extending it, the Government has saved the average pub, with a ratable value of £16,800, over £3,300.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the targeting of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to question 70115.

What assessment she has made of the compatibility of the Socialist Workers Party with the criteria for proscription.

To proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary must have a reasonable belief that it is currently concerned in terrorism, and it must be necessary and proportionate to do so. This means the organisation participates or commits; prepares for; promotes, encourages, or unlawfully glorifies; or is in some way otherwise concerned in terrorism. The Home Secretary may then exercise her discretion to proscribe an organisation and will consider all the relevant factors in deciding whether to do so.It is our long-standing policy not to comment on intelligence and security matters, including whether or not an organisation is under consideration for proscription.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of Community Infrastructure Levy in the Borough of Waverley on the supply of new (a) residential and (b) commercial premises in that borough.

My Department has made no such an assessment.

What plans her Department has to review the future of the fuel duty freeze.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26. The temporary 5p cut is scheduled to expire in March 2026. The Government carefully considers the impact of fuel duty on households and businesses, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events.

If she will take steps to ensure the Curriculum review includes a focus on practical financial skills.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review's final report was published on 5 November. As part of its focus on preparing learners for a changing world, the Review has recommended updating or strengthening five areas of applied knowledge: financial literacy, media literacy, digital literacy, oracy and climate education.The government’s response to the Review’s report was published on the same day. Through our reforms, children will be better prepared for the modern world.Improved financial literacy, taught from an early age, will help children and young people master money skills. The department will do this by making citizenship compulsory in key stages 1 and 2. Additionally, references to financial education in the mathematics and citizenship programmes of study will be strengthened, and the relevant content sequenced appropriately, so that content can then be applied to practical situations, contexts, and problems. We will ensure that key concepts relevant to financial education, such as calculating interest, are first introduced in mathematics.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact on household costs in the event that the freeze on fuel duty is lifted in the November budget.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26. The temporary 5p cut is scheduled to expire in March 2026. The Government carefully considers the impact of fuel duty on households and businesses, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events.

Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to implement the same rules on (a) binding contracts and (b) upfront information in property transactions as are in place in Scotland.

On 6 October 2025, the government published two consultations outlining reform proposals to transform home buying and selling. They can be found on gov.uk here and here. The consultations include proposals to require sellers and estate agents to provide upfront property information and to support binding contracts. Final decisions are subject to the outcome of these consultations.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure continued access to (a) cheque deposits and (b) other essential banking services for customers affected by branch closures.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and rural areas and is committed to championing sufficient access, including for older and digitally excluded customers. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place reasonable alternatives. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Firms are not able to close cash facilities, including bank branches, until any additional cash services identified as needed in the relevant assessment are available. Customers can access everyday banking services in a range of ways that suit their needs. This includes telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches and banking hubs. This mix of options helps ensure that people, particularly those who are less digitally engaged, can continue to manage their money confidently and securely. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Decisions about what services are available at the Post Office, such as cheque deposits, are made by the banks as part of their commercial arrangements. While there has been a decline in overall cheque volumes, they continue to be used by many individuals, charities and businesses. In addition to traditional deposit methods, cheques can also be deposited digitally via mobile apps using cheque imaging technology. Beyond banking hubs and Post Office services, some banks provide further points of access through initiatives like pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports these initiatives.