Written questions by Medi.

Communities and Local Government, what criteria were used to determine how local authorities qualified for funding under the Pride in Place programme.

On 25 September the government announced its flagship Pride in Place Programme, supporting 244 of Great Britain’s most in need neighbourhoods with up to £20 million each over the next decade. This will serve as the cornerstone of this government’s support for communities, incorporating the existing 25 trailblazer areas announced at Spending Review and the 75 Plan for Neighbourhoods programme areas that were announced in March. New areas across England were selected using a robust, metrics-based methodology based on deprivation (the Index of Multiple Deprivation) and community need (the Community Needs Index) to identify areas with the poorest social and economic outcomes. The full list of areas and place selection methodology was published and is set out on gov.uk here.

What estimate he has made of the number of people employed in the nuclear energy industry in (a) Wales, (b) England, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last three years.

DESNZ do not produce their own figures on the number of jobs within the civil nuclear sector. The industry-led Nuclear Workforce Assessment (NWA) (produced annually by Cogent Skills) does contain data on the number of civil nuclear jobs across Wales, England and Scotland but not Northern Ireland. New nuclear projects are expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK, with the 2024 NWA estimating the need for an additional 24,000 employees by the early 2030s.

Whether he has made a comparative assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of a nuclear power station at Wylfa and large-scale solar developments on (a) food security, (b) job creation and (c) long-term sustainability in (i) Anglesey, (ii) Wales and (iii) the UK.

In the recently published Solar Roadmap, we set out our expectation that the solar industry could support up to 35,000 UK jobs in 2030. No estimates were made for Anglesey or Wales. Our assessment is that solar will not pose a threat to food security, whilst any Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project development will be required to undergo detailed environmental and other statutory impact assessmentA new nuclear project at any location would help create skilled, high-value jobs although no decisions have yet been taken on any nuclear project to be deployed at the Wylfa site.

Whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of proposed reforms to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief on the housebuilding sector in Wales.

The UK Government has discussions with the Welsh Government on a range of issues and I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to UIN 75735.

Whether she has made an estimate of the reduction in gross value added in Wales from proposed reforms to business property relief and agricultural property relief.

The Government has received representations, including from the construction and plant hire sector, about the reforms to both agricultural property relief and business property relief. The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free. Information from claims is not recorded to enable regional or national breakdowns of the number of estates expected to be affected. However, the Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data. The Government has also set out that around 1,500 estates across the UK only claiming business property relief are expected to pay more inheritance tax in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those estates only holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief are forecast to raise a combined £520 million in 2029-30. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility certified this costing at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

What discussions her Department has had with representatives of family-run construction companies on the potential workforce and skills implications of proposed reforms to business property relief and agricultural property relief.

The Government has received representations, including from the construction and plant hire sector, about the reforms to both agricultural property relief and business property relief. The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free. Information from claims is not recorded to enable regional or national breakdowns of the number of estates expected to be affected. However, the Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data. The Government has also set out that around 1,500 estates across the UK only claiming business property relief are expected to pay more inheritance tax in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those estates only holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief are forecast to raise a combined £520 million in 2029-30. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility certified this costing at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

What estimate she has made of the potential impact of business property relief and agricultural property relief reforms on local investment levels among small and medium-sized construction firms that form part of local supply chains.

The Government has received representations, including from the construction and plant hire sector, about the reforms to both agricultural property relief and business property relief. The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free. Information from claims is not recorded to enable regional or national breakdowns of the number of estates expected to be affected. However, the Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data. The Government has also set out that around 1,500 estates across the UK only claiming business property relief are expected to pay more inheritance tax in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those estates only holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief are forecast to raise a combined £520 million in 2029-30. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility certified this costing at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed reforms to business property relief and agricultural property relief on the availability of full-time equivalent jobs in Wales.

The Government has received representations, including from the construction and plant hire sector, about the reforms to both agricultural property relief and business property relief. The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free. Information from claims is not recorded to enable regional or national breakdowns of the number of estates expected to be affected. However, the Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data. The Government has also set out that around 1,500 estates across the UK only claiming business property relief are expected to pay more inheritance tax in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those estates only holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief are forecast to raise a combined £520 million in 2029-30. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility certified this costing at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

How many (a) allegations of non-fatal strangulation have been made that were not proceeded against and (b) cases for that offence were dropped due to evidence deficiencies since 29 April 2021.

The Home Office collects information on the number of investigative outcomes for offences recorded by the police in England and Wales.From 1st of June 2022, the subcodes ‘008/78 Racially or religiously aggravated non-fatal strangulation or suffocation’ and ‘008/77 non-fatal strangulation or suffocation’ were introduced.The below table shows the number of these offences and their investigative outcomes.Table – number of non-fatal strangulation offences2 recorded by the police in England and Wales1 (excluding Humberside police), 1st June 2022 to year ending March 2025, by outcomeCharged/Summonsed14,016Out-of-court (formal)1,191Out-of-court (informal)723Evidential difficulties (suspect identified; victim supports action)20,712Evidential difficulties (victim does not support action)51,628Prosecution prevented or not in the public interest1,258Investigation complete - no suspect identified2,912Further action undertaken by another body/agency1,932Further investigation resulting from the crime report that could provide evidence sufficient to support formal action being taken against the suspect is not in the public interest - police decision450Diversionary, educational or intervention activity, resulting from the crime report, has been undertaken and it is not in the public interest to take any further action498Not yet assigned outcome5,629Grand Total100,949NotesExcludes Humberside police who were unable to provide data to the Home Office Data HubConsists of subcodes ‘008/78 Racially or religiously aggravated non-fatal strangulation or suffocation’ and ‘008/77 non-fatal strangulation or suffocation’Subcodes 008/78 and 008/77 were introduced from 1st June 2022 The Home Office does not hold information on the number of allegations of non-fatal strangulation.

What discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on the appointment of a Crown Estate Commissioner with special responsibility for Wales, in the context of the Crown Estate Act 2025.

The UK Government has regular discussions with the Welsh Government at official and ministerial level. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury will next meet with Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning on 10 September. This will include discussion of the appointment of a Crown Estate Commissioner with special responsibility for Wales.

When she expects the Crown Estate Commissioners with special responsibilities for (a) Wales, (b) England and (c) Northern Ireland to be appointed.

These Crown Estate Commissioner appointments are governed by the Code for Public Appointments. The recruitment campaign for the Crown Estate Commissioner with special responsibility for Wales will launch this autumn, with a view to making an appointment by early 2026. The appointments of the Commissioners with special responsibility for Northern Ireland and England will follow later.

If she will provide funding to the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service in the Autumn Budget 2025 to enable it to expand its operations in key hotspots.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) is a national policing unit which provides dedicated specialist intelligence and enforcement on vehicle crime. NaVCIS is funded by industry, including finance and leasing companies, insurers and hauliers. In the financial year 2024-25, Home Office provided one-off funding of £250,000 to help support work at the ports to prevent stolen vehicles and vehicle parts being shipped abroad, including providing additional staff and specialist equipment. This Government is committed to tackling vehicle crime. In the Crime and Policing Bill, we have banned electronic devices used to steal vehicles, empowering the police and courts to target the criminals using, manufacturing, importing and supplying them.

For what reason Hydrogen fuel cells used by Nonroad Mobile Machinery are to be excluded from the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation subsidy.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) supports the use of low carbon fuels in surface transport, including specific non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). While hydrogen fuel cell generators are not currently covered by the definition of non-road mobile machinery, renewable electrolytic hydrogen used in fuel cells is supported under the RTFO when used in a range of transport modes, including road vehicles, trains, maritime and inland waterway vessels.Small but growing volumes of hydrogen have been supplied under the scheme in recent years. As part of a statutory review of the RTFO, the Department for Transport recently ran a Call for Evidence covering both the past performance and future of the scheme. Government is currently considering the responses submitted, including on hydrogen fuel cell generators, before publishing a summary of responses and setting out next steps.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the exclusion of Hydrogen fuel cells used by Nonroad Mobile Machinery from the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation subsidy on the financial viability of electrolytic hydrogen production projects.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) supports the use of low carbon fuels in surface transport, including specific non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). While hydrogen fuel cell generators are not currently covered by the definition of non-road mobile machinery, renewable electrolytic hydrogen used in fuel cells is supported under the RTFO when used in a range of transport modes, including road vehicles, trains, maritime and inland waterway vessels.Small but growing volumes of hydrogen have been supplied under the scheme in recent years. As part of a statutory review of the RTFO, the Department for Transport recently ran a Call for Evidence covering both the past performance and future of the scheme. Government is currently considering the responses submitted, including on hydrogen fuel cell generators, before publishing a summary of responses and setting out next steps.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of including Hydrogen fuel cells used by NonRoad Mobile Machinery within the scope of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation subsidy.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) supports the use of low carbon fuels in surface transport, including specific non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). While hydrogen fuel cell generators are not currently covered by the definition of non-road mobile machinery, renewable electrolytic hydrogen used in fuel cells is supported under the RTFO when used in a range of transport modes, including road vehicles, trains, maritime and inland waterway vessels.Small but growing volumes of hydrogen have been supplied under the scheme in recent years. As part of a statutory review of the RTFO, the Department for Transport recently ran a Call for Evidence covering both the past performance and future of the scheme. Government is currently considering the responses submitted, including on hydrogen fuel cell generators, before publishing a summary of responses and setting out next steps.

Whether the Government plans to appoint a new Minister with responsibility for nuclear energy.

Yes, in the meantime I am covering nuclear as part of my portfolio. The appointment of Ministers is a matter for my Rt hon Friend the Prime Minister.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of large solar developers on local communities.

Solar power is at the heart of our clean power mission. It is clean, cheap, and reliable. All projects are subject to a rigorous planning process, in which the views and interests of local communities are considered.

If he will provide an update on the publication of the final cross-government delivery plan for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, final delivery plan will be published shortly. The plan will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.

In reference to the Migration Advisory Committee report published on 10 June 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) revising and (b) lowering the family visa financial requirements.

On 10 June the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published their independent review of the financial requirements across the family routes. The report is now under review, and the Home Office will respond in due course.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing foster carers with the same legal status as (a) health workers and (b) teachers.

I pay tribute to the vital efforts of foster carers, who carry out a challenging role that requires skill, dedication and love. This government’s investments in foster care will recruit hundreds more new foster families and strengthen support to retain existing carers to improve the life chances of thousands of children.Health workers and teachers are classed as either workers or employees in law. Our assessment is that worker or employee status would not be appropriate for the family-centred nature of foster care, in which foster carers are committed to children as if they were their own. Instead of care being provided by staff in an institutional framework, children are provided with support and nurture in a loving family home.We are committed to reviewing our guidance and working with the sector to improve the support that foster carers receive.The Children Act 1989 and subsequent statutory guidance (Vol. 4: Fostering Services) set out strong safeguards to protect foster carers from unfair treatment, including the requirement for fostering services to have a complaints procedure and whistleblowing policy.