Written questions by Jarvis.

When Horizon redress claimants where no evidence of shortfalls can be established will have their claims assessed.

We are aware that some postmasters are waiting for their Horizon Shortfall Scheme Fixed Sum Offer due to a lack of available data to verify that shortfalls occurred. To help address this, the Post Office is conducting further investigations using branch files to identify potential Horizon-related shortfalls. Where evidence is found, fixed sum payments are being issued as quickly as possible.In cases where additional information is needed, the Post Office will reach out to these individuals for further information about the shortfalls that they experienced.

What steps his Department is taking to support the growth of the night-time economy in Eastleigh constituency.

The Government recognises the vital role that night-time venues, including those in Eastleigh constituency play in supporting local economies.In April, the Government established the Licensing Taskforce, bringing together representatives from the hospitality industry to help shape reform. The Government’s response, published on 31 July, set out proposals for a new National Licensing Policy Framework designed to simplify outdated licensing rules and protect long-standing venues from noise complaints, which are particularly relevant to the night-time economy.Additionally, we are reforming the business rates system to support high street investment, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his small business plan of research published by Intuit QuickBooks in August 2025 entitled Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Index.

The Government published its Small Business Plan in July 2025 delivering the most comprehensive package of support for small and medium sized businesses in a generation The Plan outlines a series of actions, including unlocking access to finance, ending the scourge of late payments and revitalising high streets. It was developed through engagement with businesses and drew on a significant body of evidence and research. The Intuit report referenced was published after the Plan’s launch.We will continue to monitor delivery of the Small Business Plan and work with businesses as we implement it, alongside the Modern Industrial and Trade Strategies.

What recent discussions he has had with Ofcom on the causes of delays in the delivery of first class post by Royal Mail in (a) the UK (b) Hampshire.

Ministers and officials meet with Ofcom regularly to discuss a range of issues in relation to its role as the independent regulator for the postal sector.It is for Ofcom to decide how to respond should Royal Mail fail to meet its obligations. While the government does not have a role in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions, in January, I met with representatives from Ofcom to discuss the importance of Royal Mail’s quality of service performance.The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and take action where appropriate.

What steps his Department is taking to support hospitality businesses that made an economic and social contribution to towns and city centres.

We recognise the vital role hospitality businesses play in driving economic growth and strengthening community cohesion across the country.We plan to introduce permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000, we have reduced alcohol duty on qualifying draught beer products, saving the sector over £85 million annually. We’ve introduced a £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects aligned with Department for Business & Trade and Hospitality Sector Council priorities, such as supporting initiatives like Pub is The Hub to encourage local investment. We have also launched a licensing taskforce to cut red tape and remove barriers to business growth.

What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of safety regulations on the storage of lithium-ion powered (a) e-bikes and (b) e-scooters.

There is a cross-Government programme of work to tackle unsafe e-bikes, e-scooters and associated products such as lithium-ion batteries, involving the Office for Product Safety and Standards in my Department, and the Department for Transport, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. DBT is not responsible for regulations covering the storage of electric vehicles. The Government’s Buy Safe, Be Safe campaign contains vital safety advice for consumers where these products are kept in the home.

If he will take steps to clarify the new guidance sent to the Horizon Shortfall scheme by his Department on cases where a shortfall has previously not been identified; and what his planned timeline is for the new process to address these cases being available to claimants.

My Department is working with the Post Office to develop a way to fairly assess claims where there is no record of a Horizon Shortfall. Recognising the challenges postmasters may face in providing evidence, Post Office is further investigating its branch files as quickly as possible.Fixed sum payments will be made as quickly as possible when evidence of shortfalls is found. Where further information is required, Post Office will ask individuals for further information.Claimants opting for a full assessment will have their case considered on the basis of the evidence available.

What steps he is taking to monitor levels of disguised employment in the hair and beauty sector.

This Government recognises the immense economic and social value of the hair and beauty industry, and we know it can be difficult for some to understand their tax obligations. We are working with the industry on producing educational material to help businesses remain within the rules, including providing clarity for those using the ‘rent-a-chair’ model which we are due to publish on GOV.UK this month.We are committed to tackling false self-employment where HMRC will investigate evidence suggesting businesses have misclassified individuals for tax purposes. We are also combatting high street crime, for example the National Crime Agency has been coordinating Operation Machinize, which saw 265 premises visited where officers secured freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1 million.

Whether the Trade Strategy will establish animal welfare standards that imports will be required to meet.

I refer the member for Eastleigh to the answer I provided to UIN 20696 on 20th December 2024.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of fireworks on animal welfare.

Most people use fireworks in a responsible, safe, and appropriate manner and there are laws in place to address situations where fireworks are misused. The current regulatory framework is designed to support people to enjoy fireworks whilst lowering the risk of dangers and disruption to people, pets, and property.No assessment has been made of the potential impact of fireworks on animal welfare. To inform any future decisions the Government is engaging with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues and impacts of fireworks.