Written questions by Reynolds.

Whether he has undertaken consultation with (a) business organisations and (b) export-focused SMEs on workforce reductions in export support services.

We are changing how we deliver export support in line with the Trade Strategy, and in response to the asks of businesses and our stakeholders, to provide a more accessible and easier to navigate offer that utilises technology to deliver more cost-effective and impactful support for SME exporters. For the first time, DBT has integrated its support for SMEs in a single place – the Business Growth Service – making government support for SME exporters more accessible and effective. We will focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact, supporting businesses with the highest growth potential and targeting markets with significant economic opportunity. This strategic approach will deliver better value for taxpayers and stronger results for UK exporters. In addition, we expect UKEF to play a more substantial role in supporting SMEs to export.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of export support service workforce reductions on small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to export.

We are changing how we deliver export support in line with the Trade Strategy, and in response to the asks of businesses and our stakeholders, to provide a more accessible and easier to navigate offer that utilises technology to deliver more cost-effective and impactful support for SME exporters. For the first time, DBT has integrated its support for SMEs in a single place – the Business Growth Service – making government support for SME exporters more accessible and effective. We will focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact, supporting businesses with the highest growth potential and targeting markets with significant economic opportunity. This strategic approach will deliver better value for taxpayers and stronger results for UK exporters. In addition, we expect UKEF to play a more substantial role in supporting SMEs to export.

What steps he is taking to ensure continuity of export support services during workforce reductions.

We are changing how we deliver export support in line with the Trade Strategy, and in response to the asks of businesses and our stakeholders, to provide a more accessible and easier to navigate offer that utilises technology to deliver more cost-effective and impactful support for SME exporters. For the first time, DBT has integrated its support for SMEs in a single place – the Business Growth Service – making government support for SME exporters more accessible and effective. We will focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact, supporting businesses with the highest growth potential and targeting markets with significant economic opportunity. This strategic approach will deliver better value for taxpayers and stronger results for UK exporters. In addition, we expect UKEF to play a more substantial role in supporting SMEs to export.

What methods will be used to reduce staffing levels in export support services; and whether these will include (a) redundancy, (b) voluntary redundancy, (c) redeployment to other departments, and (d) non-replacement of retiring staff.

All staff in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) were able to apply for a voluntary exit scheme, before the announcement of workforce reductions. Staff impacted in export support services and in other areas of DBT may be offered redundancy, voluntary redundancy and redeployment opportunities in line with the rest of the department.

How much funding has been allocated for redundancy packages related to workforce reductions in export support services.

A programme of transformation for the Department for Business and Trade’s export services is ongoing and will entail workforce changes. It is not yet possible to determine a level of redundancies that might result from that process. Any related funding needs will be addressed within the course of business planning.

Over what time period workforce reductions in export support services will take place.

The Department for Business and Trade’s new export structures in the UK are expected to be in place from 1 April, however the workforce reductions in teams involved in export work across the UK and overseas will be ongoing over the course of 2026.

How much funding his Department has allocated for AI and digital technology to replace staff removed from export support services.

DBT is making use of AI tools to improve our services to business, but we are not replacing staff with AI and digital technology.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protections for leaseholders undertaking informal lease extensions, in the context of the (a) absence of specialist qualification requirements for solicitors handling such transactions, (b) exclusion of lease extension advice from Financial Conduct Authority regulation and (c) lack of price controls in the informal extension process.

My Department has considered the adequacy of consumer protections for leaseholders undertaking informal lease extensions as part of the wider package of leasehold reform. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 already provides some protections by restricting the ground rent payable following a non-statutory lease extension. Given that the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 will make the statutory route cheaper and easier, we expect more leaseholders to use it in future. Solicitors must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s strict education, training, and ethical standards and maintain competence throughout their careers. While there is no statutory requirement for specialist qualifications in lease-extension work, solicitors are professionally obliged to act only where competent and to provide a proper standard of service. Consumer protections include mandatory professional indemnity insurance, access to the Legal Ombudsman, and SRA enforcement powers. The government and Parliament set the rules for financial services and decide which activities require official approval. These rules are detailed because financial products are varied and complex. The costs and benefits of bringing activities into the regulatory perimeter can be finely balanced, which is why the government is committed to regulating only where there is a clear case for doing so.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) increases in costs and (b) recent trends in levels of economic uncertainty on the ability of (i) small and micro-businesses and (ii) other businesses to invest in cybersecurity measures.

Improving the cyber security of our nation’s small and micro organisations is critical to the resilience of our wider economy. We recognise many smaller organisations lack the resources to invest in their cyber security. As such, the government has developed a wide range of free tools, guidance and training to help SMEs implement cyber security measures, including the recently launched Cyber Action Toolkit which provides SMEs with tailored advice.NCSC-certified Cyber Advisors are available to provide advice and guidance on commercial terms. Additionally, the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme helps all organisations, including SMEs, implement critical cyber security controls, protecting them from most common cyber attacks. We recently completed a funding programme supporting over 1,000 SMEs to get certified to the scheme.Early next year, the Government will publish a new National Cyber Action Plan which will set out further work to help protect our nation’s smallest organisations.

Innovation and Technology, what steps the she is taking to support (a) small and (b) micro-businesses to prioritise cybersecurity spending.

Improving the cyber security of our nation’s small and micro organisations is critical to the resilience of our wider economy. We recognise many smaller organisations lack the resources to invest in their cyber security. As such, the government has developed a wide range of free tools, guidance and training to help SMEs implement cyber security measures, including the recently launched Cyber Action Toolkit which provides SMEs with tailored advice.NCSC-certified Cyber Advisors are available to provide advice and guidance on commercial terms. Additionally, the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme helps all organisations, including SMEs, implement critical cyber security controls, protecting them from most common cyber attacks. We recently completed a funding programme supporting over 1,000 SMEs to get certified to the scheme.Early next year, the Government will publish a new National Cyber Action Plan which will set out further work to help protect our nation’s smallest organisations.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the High Court judgment in Arc Time Freehold Income Authorised Fund and others v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government [2025] EWHC 2751 (Admin) on the timeline of implementing (a) the removal of the requirement for leaseholders to pay freeholders' legal and professional fees when extending leases, (b) the cap on ground rent calculations for lease extensions and (c) the changes to marriage value provisions for leases with 80 years or less remaining.

Following a robust defence from the government, the High Court comprehensively dismissed challenges brought to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. We warmly welcome the Court’s judgment. The reforms that were challenged will make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to extend their lease or buy their freehold by removing the requirement for marriage value to be paid; and capping the treatment of ground rents in the valuation calculation at 0.1% of the freehold value. Valuation rates used to calculate the enfranchisement premium will be set by the Secretary of State in secondary legislation. We will consult on valuation rates and commence the relevant provisions as soon as possible. As per my Written Ministerial Statement of 21 November 2024 (HCWS244), primary legislation will be required to rectify a small number of specific flaws in the 2024 Act before the Act’s enfranchisement provisions are commenced.

Whether she has had recent discussions with his EU counterparts on establishing sector-specific mobility arrangements for UK professional drivers engaged in international (a) freight and (b) passenger transport.

There have been no recent discussions with the EU regarding sector-specific mobility arrangements for UK road freight and coach drivers. The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by existing rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the 90 in 180 day Schengen rule on (a) employment levels among UK-based HGV drivers working in international transport and (b) the competitiveness of UK logistics companies operating cross-border services to the EU.

The Schengen 90/180-day immigration rule has applied since 2021 to all UK nationals (including drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and coaches) undertaking short stays for leisure and work in the Schengen area. The Schengen 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory. As such, it is not UK Government policy. The Department for Transport is undertaking a research study to improve understanding of the effects of a) the Schengen 90/180-day limit to date, and b) preparedness for the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the study’s findings will be published in due course.

Whether his Department has plans to make an assessment of the adequacy of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 for tackling the cumulative impact of repeated private firework use from a single residential property within the permitted hours over consecutive nights; and if he will publish guidance on provisions to limit the (a) duration and (b) frequency of such use.

Currently, no assessment of the adequacy of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 has been made in relation to repeated private firework use.Existing legislation controls the sale, availability, and use of fireworks. Local Authorities and law enforcement agencies are empowered to take action against offenders when fireworks are not used appropriately. While there are no plans to publish guidance to limit their use further, the Government launched a campaign for this fireworks season which promotes lower noise fireworks alongside considerate use.

Communities and Local Government, if he plans to provide financial support to local authorities seeking to rename (a) streets and (b) roads currently named after Prince Andrew where there is support from local residents for such a change.

Section 81 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 enables Local Authorities to make changes to street names if they determine they command ‘sufficient local support’ and sets an expectation of local engagement prior to any change. Local Authorities are funded for their street naming and numbering functions in the usual manner.

Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to promote awareness among leaseholders of their right under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 to extend their lease to 990 years at a peppercorn ground rent; and what support his Department will provide to ensure leaseholders can exercise this right without requiring professional legal assistance.

The government is committed to ensuring leaseholders can take advantage of the reforms provided for by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform act 2024 as they are implemented. We will continue to work closely with delivery partners and stakeholders to raise awareness about these, including publishing guidance as and when appropriate. Specialist legal advice should be taken from a solicitor or surveyor when considering enfranchisement or extensions. Leaseholders can also get free information and advice from the government supported Leasehold Advisory Service.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that freeholders of leasehold properties comply with their legal obligations to maintain asbestos management plans; and what penalties apply to freeholders who fail to provide leaseholders with access to such plans when requested.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published information to help landlords understand their duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for the common parts of multi-occupancy domestic premises (such as foyers and corridors, lifts and lift-shafts and staircases etc). and what they are required to do to comply here: The duty to manage asbestos in buildings: Check if you have the duty to manage asbestos - HSE and here: Managing and working with asbestos - HSE. Those that are in breach would be subject to the normal range of penalties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Leaseholders can contact the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) for specific guidance on their situation and potential courses of action.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the number of pub closures in the last 12 months; and what fiscal measures she plans to take to support that sector.

The Government recognises the important role pubs play on our high streets and in community spaces and we want to see them thrive. That’s why the Government is investing £440,000 with Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify, aiming to support rural communities, create new jobs and services. In recognition of the economic and cultural importance of pubs, as well as the wider hospitality sector, at Autumn Budget 2024 the Government cut alcohol duty on qualifying draught products by 1.7% in cash terms. This duty reduction, worth over £85m a year, covers approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs and is equivalent to a 1p duty reduction on a typical pint. As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with ratable values below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that small hospitality businesses, such as pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government keeps all areas of the tax system under review. Any changes to the tax system are announced as part of the annual Budget process.

If she will take steps to reduce business rates for (a) hospitality businesses, (b) pubs and (c) breweries.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from April 2026. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible RHL businesses, including hospitality venues and pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support. Breweries that are wholly or mainly open to visiting members of the public (for instance, mainly used as a bar or for providing tours to the public) will also benefit from the lower multipliers. The rates of the new 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. 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, and froze the small business multiplier. By extending the relief, the Government has saved the average pub, with a RV of £16,800, over £3,300.

Whether he plans to allow inhalers to be sold over the counter without a prescription.

At present, inhalers used for conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are authorised as prescription-only medicines (POM). This classification reflects the clinical need for a healthcare professional to confirm diagnosis, advise on correct inhaler technique, determine appropriate dosing, monitor treatment response, and detect any adverse reactions. The prescription requirement also supports the systematic recording of use and helps prevent inappropriate or excessive use.It is also important to note that inhalers themselves are not a class of medicine per se but a delivery device for a range of medicines.If a manufacturer or marketing authorisation holder wishes to pursue POM to pharmacy medicine reclassification for any type of medicine or their mode of delivery, the appropriate route is to submit a major reclassification application to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This is a formal dossier that must present a robust evidential case in support of reclassification.The MHRA publishes guidance on the requirements for reclassification applications, including what constitutes a “major” reclassification. The MHRA is open to early dialogue with sponsors to clarify expectations and help focus application efforts via the provision of scientific advice. Until such an application is received and assessed under the statutory framework, the prescription requirement remains in place.Should a comprehensive dossier be submitted, the MHRA will consider it in line with its public-health mandate. The MHRA remains open to innovations that improve patient access and convenience, provided they uphold safety, clinical outcomes, and quality of care.