Written questions by Wrigley.

Whether he plans to (a) end fossil fuel subsidies and (b) provide support for people working in the oil and gas industry to transition to other sectors.

The UK joined the Coalition on Phasing out Fossil Fuel Subsidies (COFFIS) at COP29, which demonstrates the UK’s continued engagement on fossil fuel subsidy reform. The UK has recognised for a long time that our economy will need to become less reliant on fossil fuels to reach our net zero targets. That’s why we’ve taken steps including abolishing an investment allowance for oil and gas production from 1 November 2024 and phasing out coal power in Great Britain as of October 2024. We know net zero requires a wide-reaching transformation of the UK economy, but equally, it will be an incredible opportunity for jobs and growth all across the country. There is a huge opportunity for reskilling and transferability of skills across the economy. The Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ) will support efforts to enable workers from high carbon sectors, including oil and gas, to move to clean energy jobs by targeting skill interventions to reskill and upskill workers.

Whether he plans to amend regulations on the (a) composition, (b) marketing and (c) labelling of commercial infant and toddler foods, in the context of products with (i) a high nutritional value and (ii) added sugar.

Children’s early years provide an important foundation for their future health and strongly influences many aspects of well-being in later life.It is vital that we maintain the highest standards for foods consumed by babies and infants, which is why we have regulations in place that set nutritional and compositional standards for commercial baby food. The regulations also set labelling standards to ensure consumers have clear and accurate information about the products they buy. We continue to keep these regulations under review to ensure they reflect the latest scientific and dietary guidelines.

What (a) risk assessment and (b) contingency plan his Department has produced for the National Grid in the event of a national blackout, in the context of the situation in Spain and Portugal in April 2025.

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy system, and a total failure of power supplies is assessed in the National Risk Register as a high impact but low likelihood event. In its 75-year history, the National Electricity Transmission System has never experienced a complete shutdown. As a responsible Government we prepare for all eventualities and work closely with industry to prepare for and exercise robust contingency plans. This includes the National Electricity System Operator’s established plans to restore the energy system in the event of a National Power Outage as set out in the Electricity System Restoration Standard.

If she will make an estimate of the number of households that have a joint income of over £90,000 that are not subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income parents where the higher earner earns £60,000 or more, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services. Information on the number of households that have a joint income of over £90,000 that are not subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge is only available at disproportionate cost.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of using household income to levy the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income parents where the higher earner earns £60,000 or more, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services. Information on the number of households that have a joint income of over £90,000 that are not subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge is only available at disproportionate cost.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the High Income Child Benefit Charge on (a) single-earner and (b) dual-earner households with similar or higher combined incomes.

By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income parents where the higher earner earns £60,000 or more, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services. Information on the number of households that have a joint income of over £90,000 that are not subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge is only available at disproportionate cost.

What discussions she has had with (a) school support workers and (b) other relevant stakeholders in the drafting of the Employment Rights Bill.

Clauses to establish the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) were introduced in Parliament as part of the Employment Rights Bill on 10 October 2024.The department has policy responsibility for school support staff and the SSSNB. The department worked closely with stakeholders on the drafting of SSSNB clauses prior to introduction, including the recognised trade unions representing school support staff and employer representative organisations.Departmental officials have established a regular working group with these organisations to provide a forum for stakeholders to give views on the design of the body.We also engage with wider stakeholders who can share knowledge and expertise on the school support staff sector.

Communities and Local Government, whether the Government plans to delay planned local elections for new unitary authorities after 2027.

Under the local government reorganisation programme, we anticipate that, on the most ambitious timelines, there could be elections to ‘shadow’ unitary councils in May 2027, ahead of “go live” of new councils on 1 April 2028. For Surrey, our expectation is that the only elections that will take place in May 2026 are elections to new shadow unitary local government, with a view to going live in April 2027. We have no plans to postpone the elections which councils are scheduled to hold, whether to new unitary authorities, or to district councils in 2027. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation. The exact timings and detail of elections will depend on the proposals received and the decision taken on which proposal, if any, to implement.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce a statutory obligation for water companies in special measures to prioritise environmental repair in their restructuring plans.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will review the conditions on which water companies' licences are renewed where there is repeated (a) pollution or (b) non-compliance.

Where companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take action through an enforcement order or financial penalty. This Government will continue to work with water sector regulators to hold water companies to account on poor performance and drive improvements for customers and environment. The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many meetings officials in his Department have held with (a) investor groups, (b) asset managers and (c) shareholder representatives with interests in UK water companies since July 2024.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Ofwat's powers to enforce compliance with (a) environmental and (b) financial regulations by water companies.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that costs incurred by the Government for water companies entering special administration are recovered from that company's creditors.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Communities and Local Government, what her Department's timetable is for responding to submissions from local authorities in relation to local government reorganisation, received by 21 March 2025.

The government’s invitation on 5 February 2025 to two-tier authorities asked them to develop interim plans by 21 March 2025 for local government reorganisation. All proposals will be assessed against all the criteria in the invitation.We are currently reviewing the interim plans that were submitted and providing feedback to support councils as they progress work on developing final proposals. Once a full proposal has been submitted it will be for the government to decide on taking a proposal forward and to consult as required by statute.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to hold district council elections in 2027.

Under the local government reorganisation programme, we anticipate that, on the most ambitious timelines, there could be elections to ‘shadow’ unitary councils in May 2027, ahead of “go live” of new councils on 1 April 2028. For Surrey, our expectation is that the only elections that will take place in May 2026 are elections to new shadow unitary local government, with a view to going live in April 2027. We have no plans to postpone the elections which councils are scheduled to hold, whether to new unitary authorities, or to district councils in 2027. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation. The exact timings and detail of elections will depend on the proposals received and the decision taken on which proposal, if any, to implement.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will require additional public reporting from water companies placed into (a) special measures or (b) special administration.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the National Funding Formula on (a) rural areas and (b) Devon.

The purpose of the national funding formula (NFF) is not to give every school the same level of per pupil funding. It is right that schools with more pupils with additional needs, such as those indicated by measures of deprivation, receive extra funding to help them meet the needs of all their pupils.Through the dedicated schools grant (DSG), Devon local authority is receiving over £560.1 million for mainstream schools in financial year 2025/26, or £6,195 per pupil on average (excluding growth and falling rolls funding). This represents a 2.4% increase in per pupil funding compared to the 2024/25 financial year, excluding growth and falling rolls funding.The NFF accounts for the particular challenges faced by small schools in rural areas through the lump sum and sparsity factor. All schools attract a lump sum of £145,100 which provides a fixed amount of funding that is unrelated to pupil-led factors. Additionally, eligible primary schools attract up to £57,400, and all other schools up to £83,400, in sparsity funding in financial year 2025/26. Through the 2025/26 NFF, 148 schools in Devon attract sparsity funding.We will review the schools NFF for 2026/27 and beyond to ensure that we get any changes right, recognising the importance of a fair funding system that directs funding where it is needed.

What discussions she has had with local authorities in (a) rural areas and (b) Devon on (i) reducing the time taken for patients to be seen by and (ii) expanding SEND hubs.

The department has worked closely with statutory partners in Devon since the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspection in May 2022, which found insufficient progress on four significant weaknesses identified in the previous inspection in 2018, including the timeliness and quality of education, health and care (EHC) plans. In response, an improvement notice was issued in September 2022, and an Accelerated Progress Plan was developed with Devon County Council and the integrated care board. The department and NHS England have deployed SEND advisers to support the local area.Formal monitoring meetings are held with Devon County Council and partners, including on EHC plans and assessment timeliness. While recent monitoring meetings have shown some improvements, substantial progress is still needed to ensure all children and families receive the support they need and deserve.Many children and young people with SEND continue to face challenges in accessing suitable school placements close to home.My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has published allocations for £740 million high needs capital in the 2025/26 financial year to support children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision, with over £11 million high needs capital funding allocated to Devon County Council. This can be used to make classrooms more accessible and create specialist facilities in mainstream schools for intensive support, alongside continuing to provide places to support pupils in special schools with the most complex needs.The department is working closely with Devon County Council to consider proposals for an increase resourced provision in Devon as part of the local authority’s approach to SEND sufficiency.

What recent estimate she has made of additional funding required for SEND support in schools in Devon.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.Overall schools funding is increasing by £3.2 billion in the 2025/26 financial year and will total over £64.8 billion, compared to almost £61.6 billion in 2024/25. Within that total there is an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year. This brings total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to over £12 billion. Of that total, Devon County Council is being allocated over £125 million through the high needs funding block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG), an increase of £8.9 million on their 2024/25 DSG high needs block.Mainstream schools are expected to contribute from their budgets to the cost of supporting their pupils with SEND up to a cost threshold of £6,000 per pupil per annum. Local authorities support schools with SEND support costs in excess of that threshold, using funds from their high needs budgets. Nevertheless, the government recognises that the rising costs of SEND provision are putting a strain on local government and school finances. The government is considering, as part of the current spending review due to conclude in June, the funding and changes required in future years, to ensure that high-quality services for children and young people with SEND can be delivered in a financially sustainable way.

Whether she plans to increase per-pupil funding in Devon to the national average.

The purpose of the national funding formula (NFF) is not to give every school the same level of per pupil funding. It is right that schools with more pupils with additional needs, such as those indicated by measures of deprivation, receive extra funding to help them meet the needs of all their pupils.Through the dedicated schools grant (DSG), Devon local authority is receiving over £560.1 million for mainstream schools in financial year 2025/26, or £6,195 per pupil on average (excluding growth and falling rolls funding). This represents a 2.4% increase in per pupil funding compared to the 2024/25 financial year, excluding growth and falling rolls funding.The NFF accounts for the particular challenges faced by small schools in rural areas through the lump sum and sparsity factor. All schools attract a lump sum of £145,100 which provides a fixed amount of funding that is unrelated to pupil-led factors. Additionally, eligible primary schools attract up to £57,400, and all other schools up to £83,400, in sparsity funding in financial year 2025/26. Through the 2025/26 NFF, 148 schools in Devon attract sparsity funding.We will review the schools NFF for 2026/27 and beyond to ensure that we get any changes right, recognising the importance of a fair funding system that directs funding where it is needed.