Written questions by Taylor.

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, 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.

On what date the Government intends to launch the public consultation on wedding law reform.

We will be undertaking the consultation on the reform of weddings law in England and Wales early this year. The exact publication date is yet to be confirmed.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Home Office on fire safety and the use of flammable materials in indoor entertainment venues.

No such discussions have taken place. The Home Office is the department responsible for fire safety policy and the enforcement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which governs the safety of all non-domestic premises, including indoor entertainment venues. Building regulations regarding the use of materials are the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Whether he has considered introducing a ban on the use of indoor pyrotechnics in nightclubs.

To inform any future decisions in relation to all fireworks, I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and the impact of fireworks. Particularly given the recent tragic events in Switzerland, this will include any evidence on the risks and use of indoor firework products.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to prevent the illegal killing of hen harriers.

The illegal killing of hen harriers is unacceptable. Bird of prey persecution is a national wildlife crime priority and there are strong penalties in place for offences committed against birds of prey, including hen harriers. Defra supports the work of a national Tactical Delivery Group which brings stakeholders together to tackle such criminality. Defra is a principal funder of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), which helps prevent and detect wildlife crime and directly assists law enforcers in their investigations. Defra is providing £494,000 for NWCU this year. In 2024, the NWCU launched the Hen Harrier Task Force (HTF) – a partnership designed to help tackle the illegal persecution of hen harriers. Through the HTF, more efficient channels of communication, cooperation, and data sharing between partners such as Natural England, the RSPB, and the NWCU expedites the coordination of effective enforcement response. This also supports efforts to successfully prosecute criminals and deters other would-be offenders. The HTF represents a pivotal shift in combating wildlife crime; it is using innovative technology (such as tracking drones and specialised detection dogs) to overcome logistical challenges and enhance evidence collection in remote areas.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of bereavement payments not being payable to cohabiting partners.

Bereavement Support Payment is currently available to those who are married, in a cohabiting relationship with dependent children, or in a civil partnership. A marriage or civil partnership is a legal contract associated with certain rights, including entitlement to benefits derived from another person's National Insurance contributions such as Bereavement Support Payment. The Government keeps the eligibility of all benefits, including Bereavement Support Payments, under review.

What assessments and consultation have been undertaken to understand the potential impact of the removal of the 10% wear and tear allowance within Making Tax Digital on the daily running of childminding businesses.

At Budget 2025 the Government confirmed that the standard rules for calculating income tax would apply to childminders within Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. We will phase in this change between 2026 and 2028, in line with MTD for Income Tax thresholds. The threshold from April 2026 is £50,000 of qualifying income, reducing to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Childminders can continue to claim tax relief for wear and tear by deducting the actual cost of buying, repairing or replacing items. They can also deduct the cost of business expenses such as utilities, cleaning and equipment. This ensures childminders receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business. HMRC engaged with stakeholders before the Budget and continue to engage with them, and will produce updated guidance for childminders in early 2026. Guidance on business expenses and on MTD for Income Tax is already available on GOV.UK. Childminders play a vital role in childcare. The Government has eased rules on working from schools and community centres and increased early years funding rates above 2023 average fees. These increases reflect increased costs, and from April 2026, local authorities must pass at least 97 per cent of funding to providers.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the removal of the 10% wear and tear allowance for child minders within Making Tax Digital on the level of complexity for users of the system.

At Budget 2025 the Government confirmed that the standard rules for calculating income tax would apply to childminders within Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. We will phase in this change between 2026 and 2028, in line with MTD for Income Tax thresholds. The threshold from April 2026 is £50,000 of qualifying income, reducing to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Childminders can continue to claim tax relief for wear and tear by deducting the actual cost of buying, repairing or replacing items. They can also deduct the cost of business expenses such as utilities, cleaning and equipment. This ensures childminders receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business. HMRC engaged with stakeholders before the Budget and continue to engage with them, and will produce updated guidance for childminders in early 2026. Guidance on business expenses and on MTD for Income Tax is already available on GOV.UK. Childminders play a vital role in childcare. The Government has eased rules on working from schools and community centres and increased early years funding rates above 2023 average fees. These increases reflect increased costs, and from April 2026, local authorities must pass at least 97 per cent of funding to providers.

When she plans to share guidance for child minders as a targeted profession as part of proposed changes in Making Tax Digital.

At Budget 2025 the Government confirmed that the standard rules for calculating income tax would apply to childminders within Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. We will phase in this change between 2026 and 2028, in line with MTD for Income Tax thresholds. The threshold from April 2026 is £50,000 of qualifying income, reducing to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Childminders can continue to claim tax relief for wear and tear by deducting the actual cost of buying, repairing or replacing items. They can also deduct the cost of business expenses such as utilities, cleaning and equipment. This ensures childminders receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business. HMRC engaged with stakeholders before the Budget and continue to engage with them, and will produce updated guidance for childminders in early 2026. Guidance on business expenses and on MTD for Income Tax is already available on GOV.UK. Childminders play a vital role in childcare. The Government has eased rules on working from schools and community centres and increased early years funding rates above 2023 average fees. These increases reflect increased costs, and from April 2026, local authorities must pass at least 97 per cent of funding to providers.

If he will publish in full the UK-US pharmaceuticals deal, including a full assessment of the cost implications for the NHS and wider public purse.

In December 2025 we agreed a landmark deal with the US that results in 0% tariffs on pharmaceutical exports to the US for 3 years – the lowest rate offered to any country. As you’d expect, there will now be further work to finalise underpinning details. Costs will start smaller but will increase over time as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves more life improving and lifesaving medicines. Total costs over the spending review period are expected to be around £1bn. The final costs will depend on which medicines NICE decides to approve and the actual uptake of these.