Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made before his decision of how long it would take for efficiency savings as a result of restructuring local authorities in Essex to exceed any costs of restructuring.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK crackdown on vile scam centres steps up with sanctions on illicit crypto network, published 26 March 2026, whether the UK has sought the extradition of any individuals linked to scam centres targeted by the sanctions.

Fraud is increasingly industrialised, transnational and technologically advanced. Methods used to contact and target victims in the UK also include measures to obscure offenders’ true identities and locations. This represents significant challenges for law enforcement in disrupting and bringing perpetrators to justice.Scam centre activities typically involve actors, infrastructure, victims and financial flows across several jurisdictions. Proceeds of crime are also often transferred and laundered through multiple countries. This creates operational complexity which can prolong investigations.The NCA, through the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), works with international partners to identify and recover the proceeds of fraud affecting victims in the UK and overseas. For example, recent collaboration between the NCA and the Ghanaian authorities resulted in Ghana’s first cryptocurrency seizure, valued at approximately US$15 million.The UK has also announced support for INTERPOL’s Global Fraud Task Force (Operation Shadow Storm), aimed at strengthening international coordination against scam centres and associated criminal financeAs a matter of long-standing policy and practice, the UK neither confirms nor denies that an extradition request has been made or received where no arrest has taken place, however the government attaches significant importance to ensuring that our extradition arrangements provide a path to justice for victims of crime and their families.The decision to make a request for extradition is taken by the prosecuting authorities in each UK jurisdiction.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, whether the commitments made by lenders are voluntary or legally binding.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK crackdown on vile scam centres steps up with sanctions on illicit crypto network, published 26 March 2026, what barriers exist to prosecuting individuals involved in scam centres operating overseas.

Fraud is increasingly industrialised, transnational and technologically advanced. Methods used to contact and target victims in the UK also include measures to obscure offenders’ true identities and locations. This represents significant challenges for law enforcement in disrupting and bringing perpetrators to justice.Scam centre activities typically involve actors, infrastructure, victims and financial flows across several jurisdictions. Proceeds of crime are also often transferred and laundered through multiple countries. This creates operational complexity which can prolong investigations.The NCA, through the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), works with international partners to identify and recover the proceeds of fraud affecting victims in the UK and overseas. For example, recent collaboration between the NCA and the Ghanaian authorities resulted in Ghana’s first cryptocurrency seizure, valued at approximately US$15 million.The UK has also announced support for INTERPOL’s Global Fraud Task Force (Operation Shadow Storm), aimed at strengthening international coordination against scam centres and associated criminal financeAs a matter of long-standing policy and practice, the UK neither confirms nor denies that an extradition request has been made or received where no arrest has taken place, however the government attaches significant importance to ensuring that our extradition arrangements provide a path to justice for victims of crime and their families.The decision to make a request for extradition is taken by the prosecuting authorities in each UK jurisdiction.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, what estimate she has made of the proportion of local media organisations that will receive no support from the action plan.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether by-elections will continue to take place to Basildon council, in light of his decision to cancel the 2027 Basildon council election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

What assessment she has made of the contribution of motorcycles to road wear compared with cars.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of motorcycles to road wear compared with cars.Guidance for local authorities already highlights the need for maintenance plans to account for changes in circumstances. The main guidance for local highway authorities on asset management is the Code of Practice for Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure, published by the UK Roads Leadership Group and funded by the Department for Transport. The guidance sets out a national framework for how local highway authorities should manage their networks using a risk-based, evidence-led approach, taking account of current and expected highways usage. The Department is currently reviewing the Code of Practice, including to ensure it considers the implications of different vehicle types, their increasing weights, and traffic composition on road maintenance. An updated version will be published by the end of this year.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled UK crackdown on vile scam centres steps up with sanctions on illicit crypto network, published 26 March 2026, how many individuals linked to scam centres targeting UK citizens have been (a) arrested, (b) charged and (c) prosecuted in their host countries.

The UK is working with international partners to tackle the threat of cyber-enabled fraud emanating from scam centres in Cambodia, Myanmar, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. We have used sanctions to disrupt the networks behind these illicit activities and, where appropriate, we are providing technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of governments and law enforcement to address this issue. Nevertheless, it is important that we continue to go further, which is why strengthening international cooperation is at the heart of the Government's Fraud Strategy for 2026-29, published on 9 March.We are supportive of actions taken by Governments in Southeast Asia to tackle the threat of scam centres, including most recently in Cambodia. We continue to monitor these efforts and regularly review the latest evidence of the threat of cyber-enabled fraud. This includes assessing emerging trends of displacement into other jurisdictions and our ongoing work to address the issue at a regional level. In regards to funds lost by UK victims of fraud linked to foreign-based scam centres, I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to question 21153 on 18 December 2024.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, which mortgage lenders attended the meeting referenced in the press release.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what specific commitments were agreed by lenders during the meeting referenced in the announcement.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether minutes and records were kept of meetings relating to the decision set out in his letter.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK crackdown on vile scam centres steps up with sanctions on illicit crypto network, published 26 March 2026, what cooperation has taken place with authorities in host countries to trace and recover proceeds of fraud linked to scam centres.

Fraud is increasingly industrialised, transnational and technologically advanced. Methods used to contact and target victims in the UK also include measures to obscure offenders’ true identities and locations. This represents significant challenges for law enforcement in disrupting and bringing perpetrators to justice.Scam centre activities typically involve actors, infrastructure, victims and financial flows across several jurisdictions. Proceeds of crime are also often transferred and laundered through multiple countries. This creates operational complexity which can prolong investigations.The NCA, through the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), works with international partners to identify and recover the proceeds of fraud affecting victims in the UK and overseas. For example, recent collaboration between the NCA and the Ghanaian authorities resulted in Ghana’s first cryptocurrency seizure, valued at approximately US$15 million.The UK has also announced support for INTERPOL’s Global Fraud Task Force (Operation Shadow Storm), aimed at strengthening international coordination against scam centres and associated criminal financeAs a matter of long-standing policy and practice, the UK neither confirms nor denies that an extradition request has been made or received where no arrest has taken place, however the government attaches significant importance to ensuring that our extradition arrangements provide a path to justice for victims of crime and their families.The decision to make a request for extradition is taken by the prosecuting authorities in each UK jurisdiction.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the press release entitled Ministers rip up consultation culture, published on 26 March 2026, what differences will exist between Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Outcomes Reports in terms of scope and scrutiny.

I refer the hon. Member to the Environmental Outcomes Reports: Roadmap to reform published on 13 March 2026, which can be found on gov.uk here, and the response to the previous government’s March 2023 consultation on Environmental Outcomes Reports, which can be found on gov.uk here.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he has made of the financial viability of each of the five proposed Essex councils.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he has made the progress of local authorities’ local plans before deciding on the five-council model for Essex.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, what estimate she has made of the number of schools that will participate in the school newspaper initiative.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, what funding has been allocated to support the school newspaper initiative.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made of the expected level of debt of Basildon Council by 2028 in determining the creation of South West Essex Council.

All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information. This included evidence on the estimated costs and benefits of each proposal. The five unitary model met the criteria on being the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.The Government has committed to repay in-principle £200m of debt repayment support to Thurrock Council in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given the historic capital practices at the Council and is a decision that has not been taken lightly, reflecting the value for money case for protecting taxpayers from the spiralling costs of ever-increasing debt. This is a first tranche of debt repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, whether local media organisations will be involved in school newspaper projects.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Drones using AI to spot explosive dangers and help keep soldiers safe, published on 2 April 2026, what steps are being taken to help ensure that the AI systems used in these drones meet robust standards of safety and reliability.

The Department is taking steps to ensure that the artificial intelligence (AI) systems used in these drones meet robust standards of safety and reliability. The capability being developed under the Ground Area Reconnaissance and Assurance (GARA) project mandates a ‘human‑in‑the‑loop’ approach, ensuring trained personnel retain control over decisions relating to the identification and neutralisation of explosive hazards. AI‑enabled functions are separated from platform control and explosive ordnance disposal munitions, and the systems are subject to testing and user trials in line with Defence safety, legal and ethical standards. The equipment demonstrated during trials with 33 Engineer Regiment in November 2025 is largely based on commercially available uncrewed platforms and sensors, which could reduce lead times if requirements and funding were agreed. However, there is currently no formal programme of record to procure and deploy this capability at scale across the UK Armed Forces, and therefore no definitive estimate has yet been made of the timescales for wider procurement and deployment.