Written questions by Taylor.

How she plans to undertake loan charge settlement for those impacted prior to December 2010.

This Government recognised that concerns continued to be raised about the loan charge and that some felt strongly that this had not been handled appropriately. The Government therefore commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. The settlement opportunity will only include disguised remuneration scheme use between December 2010 and April 2019 because this is the period during which the loan charge applies.The settlement opportunity will not apply to other tax avoidance schemes that are not within scope of the loan charge. In those cases, HMRC will continue to work with taxpayers to resolve their cases in line with existing legislation and case law. HMRC is committed to working sensitively and pragmatically with taxpayers to reach settlement. This includes by offering flexible payment terms where people need more time to pay their liabilities.

What plans he has to support structured recruitment pathways for newly qualified paramedics entering the ambulance workforce.

No estimate has been made of the number of newly qualified paramedics unable to secure employment in National Health Service ambulance trusts.Decisions on the employment of newly qualified paramedics are a matter for individual NHS trusts which manage their recruitment at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are working closely with NHS England, employers, and educators to improve transition into the workforce.

What steps he is taking to help ensure NHS ambulance trusts have sufficient funding to recruit newly qualified paramedics.

No estimate has been made of the number of newly qualified paramedics unable to secure employment in National Health Service ambulance trusts.Decisions on the employment of newly qualified paramedics are a matter for individual NHS trusts which manage their recruitment at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are working closely with NHS England, employers, and educators to improve transition into the workforce.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to tackle the use of so-called guilt by blood tactics against Hong Kongers.

This Government will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas. Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers have raised directly with the Chinese authorities their strong opposition to the Hong Kong Police's use of arrest warrants and bounties. In the most recent Six-monthly Report to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary spoke out against the deliberate targeting of opposition voices in the UK and elsewhere. FCDO officials have reiterated the Government's deep concerns regarding transnational repression in engagements with Chinese officials and continue to engage regularly with likeminded partners about combatting transnational repression.

What estimate he has made of the number of newly qualified paramedics unable to secure employment in NHS ambulance trusts due to financial constraints on recruitment.

No estimate has been made of the number of newly qualified paramedics unable to secure employment in National Health Service ambulance trusts.Decisions on the employment of newly qualified paramedics are a matter for individual NHS trusts which manage their recruitment at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are working closely with NHS England, employers, and educators to improve transition into the workforce.

What assessment she made when considering the changes proposed in the Immigration White Paper of the economic contribution of business holders who entered the country on the European Communities Association Agreement route.

Following the end of the EU exit transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly. It will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement will continue to apply.

Whether an impact assessment been completed on the potential impact of the changes from the Immigration White Paper on individuals who entered the UK under the European Communities Association Agreement route.

Following the end of the EU exit transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly. It will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement will continue to apply.

Communities and Local Government, what the current average time is between submission and approval of Gateway 2 applications for cladding remediation works on high-risk buildings.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has increased their regulatory capacity throughout 2025. There were 115 posts approved, with 83 members of staff already onboarded. The BSR’s monthly Building Control Approval data was released on 25th February 2026 for data between December 2025 and February 2026. The median wait time between submission and approval of Gateway 2 applications for cladding remediation works on Higher-Risk Buildings which include some older applications was 31 weeks. Newer applications (received in 2026) are currently being determined significantly quicker due to both improving quality of applications as well as more efficient BSR processes. The BSR is currently launching a plan that will further drive down application times and help unsafe buildings be remediated at pace. In relation to remediation applications, the statutory target for issuing a determination is eight weeks.The BSR confirms that, of the 117 Gateway 2 remediation applications received since November 2025, the current position is as follows: Status Number Timeframe Invalidated7Determined within the 8-week SLARejected5Determined after more than 12 weeksWithdrawn1Withdrawn after more than 12 weeksLive Case45Still within the 8-week SLALive Case26Exceeding 8 weeks but under 12 weeksLive Case30Exceeding 12 weeks

Communities and Local Government, how many cladding remediation applications submitted to the Building Safety Regulator have exceeded the 12-week service level agreement for determination since November 2025.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has increased their regulatory capacity throughout 2025. There were 115 posts approved, with 83 members of staff already onboarded. The BSR’s monthly Building Control Approval data was released on 25th February 2026 for data between December 2025 and February 2026. The median wait time between submission and approval of Gateway 2 applications for cladding remediation works on Higher-Risk Buildings which include some older applications was 31 weeks. Newer applications (received in 2026) are currently being determined significantly quicker due to both improving quality of applications as well as more efficient BSR processes. The BSR is currently launching a plan that will further drive down application times and help unsafe buildings be remediated at pace. In relation to remediation applications, the statutory target for issuing a determination is eight weeks.The BSR confirms that, of the 117 Gateway 2 remediation applications received since November 2025, the current position is as follows: Status Number Timeframe Invalidated7Determined within the 8-week SLARejected5Determined after more than 12 weeksWithdrawn1Withdrawn after more than 12 weeksLive Case45Still within the 8-week SLALive Case26Exceeding 8 weeks but under 12 weeksLive Case30Exceeding 12 weeks

Communities and Local Government, how many high-risk residential buildings in England with identified dangerous cladding have not yet commenced remediation works.

As of end January 2026 there are 916 residential buildings 18m metres and over in height, in England, with identified unsafe cladding that have not yet commenced remediation works. Of those 916 buildings, 15 have ACM cladding. These 18m+ buildings are known as higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022. Higher-risk residential buildings also include buildings that have at least 7 storeys. Residential buildings which are 7 storeys tall but not 18 metres and over in height will not be included in the above figures.

Communities and Local Government, how many additional staff were recruited to the Building Safety Regulator by the end of 2025; and whether the recruitment target set for that year was met.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has increased their regulatory capacity throughout 2025. There were 115 posts approved, with 83 members of staff already onboarded. The BSR’s monthly Building Control Approval data was released on 25th February 2026 for data between December 2025 and February 2026. The median wait time between submission and approval of Gateway 2 applications for cladding remediation works on Higher-Risk Buildings which include some older applications was 31 weeks. Newer applications (received in 2026) are currently being determined significantly quicker due to both improving quality of applications as well as more efficient BSR processes. The BSR is currently launching a plan that will further drive down application times and help unsafe buildings be remediated at pace. In relation to remediation applications, the statutory target for issuing a determination is eight weeks.The BSR confirms that, of the 117 Gateway 2 remediation applications received since November 2025, the current position is as follows: Status Number Timeframe Invalidated7Determined within the 8-week SLARejected5Determined after more than 12 weeksWithdrawn1Withdrawn after more than 12 weeksLive Case45Still within the 8-week SLALive Case26Exceeding 8 weeks but under 12 weeksLive Case30Exceeding 12 weeks

Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy for the National Planning Policy Framework to safeguard against the loss of a public house where they are there are no other such establishments in an area.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 105500 on 20 January 2026.

Whether he has had recent discussions with Royal Mail on taking steps to provide timely deliveries during (a) adverse weather events and (b) periods of high staff sickness absence.

Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider. Royal Mail is an independent, privately‑owned business, and the government does not have a role in its operational decisions. Ofcom, the independent regulator for postal services, monitors and assesses Royal Mail’s provision of the universal service. It can take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification. Royal Mail is required, under Ofcom’s regulations, to maintain, implement, and review appropriate contingency plans to provide the universal service in the event of an emergency or a natural disaster at the local, regional, and national level.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has had recent discussions with Royal Mail on the timely delivery of postal votes for the May 2026 local elections.

Officials in the Ministry of Housing and Communities and Local Government meet regularly with the Royal Mail to discuss matters relating to elections including capacity, capability and contingency planning. As part of the usual engagement ahead of the significant electoral events, Ministers and senior government officials have met with the Chief Executive and other senior representatives from Royal Mail and it is intended to do so again ahead of the May elections.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence legislation as part of the Responsible Business Conduct Review.

The Government is committed to rooting out human rights, labour and environmental abuses from global supply chains. To this end, the Government is progressing the Responsible Business Conduct Review at pace, while ensuring that we harness the insights of a range of stakeholders.The review is considering the effectiveness of the UK's current approach and assessing the merits of alternative policy options to support responsible business practices, including mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. We shall notify Parliament when the Review is complete.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of student loan interest rates and repayment threshold freezes on (a) women, (b) disabled graduates and (c) graduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Interest accrues on loan balances until the loan has been repaid in full or cancelled, but interest rates do not impact monthly repayments made by borrowers.Borrowers on Plan 5 student loans only accrue interest at Retail Price Index (RPI) (currently 3.2%) meaning graduates will not repay more than they borrow in real terms. Borrowers on Plan 2 terms have interest applied at RPI only if earnings fall below the repayment threshold, or when out of the labour market, such as with caring responsibilities, ensuring that the loan’s debt value will not grow in real terms. Additionally, borrowers, regardless of their plan, earning under the repayment threshold are not required to make repayments.Graduates only begin repaying once their earnings exceed the earnings threshold, paying 9% of income above that level. If a graduate becomes disabled and permanently unfit for work, loan balances, including interest may be written off.For all borrowers, any outstanding loan, including interest accrued, will be cancelled after the loan term ends, and debt is never passed on to family members or descendants.

If she will commit to a review of the student loan interest rate system.

The government continuously reviews student finance to ensure it remains fair, sustainable, and supportive of students from all backgrounds.Interest accrues on loan balances from the first day the loan is paid to the learning provider, and/or to the student, until the loan has been repaid in full or cancelled. Interest rates are linked to the Retail Price Index to maintain the real value of the loan over a long loan term but do not impact monthly repayments made by borrowers.Prospective students have access to information across a range of platforms before submitting their loan application. Student loan terms and conditions make clear that the conditions of the loan may change in line with the regulations that govern the loans. Students sign these terms and conditions before any money is paid to them.Repayments are calculated solely on earnings, not on amount borrowed or the rate of interest applied. Any outstanding loan, including interest accrued, will be cancelled after the loan term ends, and debt is never passed on to family members or descendants.

What steps she is taking to ensure that young people are fully informed about student loan repayment terms.

The government continuously reviews student finance to ensure it remains fair, sustainable, and supportive of students from all backgrounds.Interest accrues on loan balances from the first day the loan is paid to the learning provider, and/or to the student, until the loan has been repaid in full or cancelled. Interest rates are linked to the Retail Price Index to maintain the real value of the loan over a long loan term but do not impact monthly repayments made by borrowers.Prospective students have access to information across a range of platforms before submitting their loan application. Student loan terms and conditions make clear that the conditions of the loan may change in line with the regulations that govern the loans. Students sign these terms and conditions before any money is paid to them.Repayments are calculated solely on earnings, not on amount borrowed or the rate of interest applied. Any outstanding loan, including interest accrued, will be cancelled after the loan term ends, and debt is never passed on to family members or descendants.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will include a national social tariff for water bills in the Government’s Water White Paper.

The Government is working with industry to keep support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers are supported. We are working with water companies to ensure vulnerable customers across the country receive support. This includes improving the guidance for companies to design the best social tariffs for their customers. We expect all water companies to put appropriate support in place for customers struggling to pay their bills and to proactively engage with their customers to ensure they know what support schemes are available and how to use them. Over the next five years, water companies will have more than doubled the number of customers that will receive help with their bills through social tariffs from 4% in 2025 to 9% in 2030. We expect companies to hold themselves accountable for their commitment to end water poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure appropriate measures are taken to this end.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Chinese counterpart on the release of Chow Hang-tung.

China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. Ministers have repeatedly called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it, including Chow Hang-tung.