Written questions by Aquarone.

What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of levying fines on Royal Mail to secure compliance with Universal Service Obligation targets.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, what his planned timetable is for making a commencement order under section 108 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 to enact Schedule 30 of the Act.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS65) made today, 21 May 2026.

What proportion of enquiries from MPs to the Child Maintenance Service were responded to within 15 working days in a). 2024, b). 2025 and c). 2026 to date.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

How individuals and small businesses can contribute to the Access to Banking Services Review.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people can continue to access in-person banking services. In addition, small businesses are an important and diverse part of the UK economy and supporting their growth, including their access to suitable banking services for their needs, is a priority for the Government. That is why, on 14 May, the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, chaired by Richard Lloyd OBE. The Review will assess the impact of changes in the provision of in-person banking services across the United Kingdom, including the scale and nature of any detriment to consumers arising from a lack of access, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. The evidence gathered will inform decisions on whether future action is needed. The Review will seek input from market participants and consumer representatives, and may also consult Government and regulators. Further details regarding how individuals and firms can contribute their evidence to the Review will follow in due course.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of signal issues on smart meters on reducing energy bills.

The Government is working closely with the Data Communications Company (DCC) - the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain - to ensure that connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties as soon as possible. One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN which involves using customers’ broadband connections (with consent) to carry smart metering communications. Smart Meters are helping millions of consumers save money (households saved an estimated £700 million on bills in 2025 by managing energy usage using smart meters), whilst also supporting the delivery of Clean Power 2030.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of electricity connection charges on investment in renewable energy (a) small businesses and (b) farms.

Ofgem is responsible for the connection charging regulatory framework, which strikes a balance between recovering costs from connecting customers and electricity bill payers. In recent years Ofgem has reduced the connection costs that customers face, for example demand customers are typically not now required to contribute towards distribution network reinforcement costs of accommodating their connection.

What discussions he has had with cabinet colleagues about the potential impact of signal issues on smart meters on the energy transition and net-zero.

The Government is working closely with the Data Communications Company (DCC) - the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain - to ensure that connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties as soon as possible. One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN which involves using customers’ broadband connections (with consent) to carry smart metering communications. Smart Meters are helping millions of consumers save money (households saved an estimated £700 million on bills in 2025 by managing energy usage using smart meters), whilst also supporting the delivery of Clean Power 2030.

What the cost to the public purse is of advertising the Digital ID consultation on podcasts.

The digital ID consultation is open to the public, and its success is hinged on open and transparent participation. We have a duty to reach as broad a population as possible and have worked with media partners in order to ensure that the public are aware of the consultation and how to participate. For this campaign, we’ve worked with two podcast partners: Acast and Audioboom, with a combined spend of £62,817 for the duration of the 12 week consultation.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the UK’s capacity to (a) process and (b) recycle electric vehicle batteries over the next 20 years.

Defra has not formally made this estimate, however as part of the department’s ongoing review of the UK batteries regulations we are considering waste electric vehicle battery arisings and the capacity that will be required to process them.Under current regulations, take back, treatment and recycling of waste industrial batteries, which includes electric vehicle batteries, are statutory requirements under the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations (2009). Producers of industrial batteries are required to take back waste batteries and must then ensure they are delivered to and accepted by an approved battery treatment operator or an approved battery exporter, for treatment and recycling either in or outside the United Kingdom. Producers must, by law, finance this treatment.Businesses are taking steps to capture the economic opportunity in recycling electric vehicle batteries, and the Department of Business and Trade’s DRIVE35 funding programme recently awarded £18.5m grant funding to Altilium in Plymouth, who expect to be able to process 24,000 electric vehicle batteries per year.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of electric vehicle batteries were (a) reused, (b) recycled and (c) disposed of via landfill or incineration in the UK in the most recent 12-month period for which data are available.

Defra does not currently collect this data. Current statutory reporting requirements for waste batteries do not distinguish between reuse and recycling, or between different types of industrial battery, which includes electric vehicle batteries. It is against the law to dispose of waste industrial batteries in a landfill or by incineration.Taking into account the expected increases in end-of-life electric vehicle batteries over the coming years and to support optimal end-of-life outcomes for waste electric vehicle batteries, Defra is currently engaging with industry and other stakeholders to inform a review of the UK batteries regulations.

What the cost to the public purse was of advertising the digital ID consultation on a) Spotify, b) Apple Podcasts and c) Audible.

Podcasts are not bought at partner level, so we’re not able to provide this information. I refer the Hon Member to PQ126891 for details on costs.

If she will make it her policy to delay departmental decisions on academy closures or mergers in Norfolk until after the 2026 local elections.

In line with the Cabinet Office May 2026 elections guidance, during the three weeks preceding local authority elections, the department will take special care in relation to decisions, announcements and other public actions which could have a bearing on the elections.

Innovation and Technology, what progress has been made implementing the recommendations of the State of Digital Government Review since its publication in January 2025.

Since January 2025, the Government has united digital, data, and AI teams into one centre to tackle identified systemic blockers to transformation. Government has also launched the GOV.UK app, the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, and 13.2 million people have now proven their identity using the single sign-on system OneLogin.In January 2026, the Government published ‘A Roadmap for Modern Digital Government’, its plan to make government more user-focused, efficient and resilient to deliver better outcomes for the public and the economy. It provides a public-facing, whole-of-government commitment to digital transformation and holds departments accountable for progress, updates on which will be regularly published.

Innovation and Technology, what steps have been taken to reduce fragmentation of digital systems across departments, as identified in the State of Digital Government Review.

At the same time as publishing the State of Digital Government Review, the Government set out the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government. In January 2026, the Government published the Roadmap for Modern Digital Government, translating that vision into a practical delivery plan and setting out further action to join up services and strengthen shared digital infrastructure. This included establishing the Technical Design Council, comprised of technical experts from across the Public Sector, to provide strategic direction on shared strategies and technical solutions.

Innovation and Technology, what progress has been made in increasing the number of digital and data professionals in the civil service.

In April 2025, the Prime Minister made the commitment that one in 10 civil servants will work in technology and digital roles by 2030. When like-for-like roles are compared over the 6-months from April to October 2025, the digital workforce has grown by 0.3% of the civil service - from 4.9% to 5.2%. However, for the first time, we are now also able to report on cyber and other digital roles (the majority of which are included in the one in 10 definition), which uplifts the October figure to 5.7%The next workforce commission will take place in April 2026, in which we hope to see further growth.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of delaying decisions on school closures until after the 2026 local elections in relevant local authorities.

The department has not made such an assessment.However, in line with the Cabinet Office May 2026 elections guidance, during the three weeks preceding local authority elections the department takes special care in relation to announcements, including academy closures, and other public actions which could have a bearing on the elections.Local authorities are the decision makers for proposals to close maintained schools. Local authorities are subject to their own restrictions when elections are taking place.

What was the total VAT revenue from a). domestic and b). commercial heating oil sales in FY2024-25.

HM Revenue and Customs does not hold information on VAT revenue from specific products or services. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden. VAT is chargeable at the reduced rate of 5% on domestic fuel and power. Business consumers of energy may reclaim VAT on their purchases of energy subject to normal VAT deduction rules.

What steps he is taking to help reduce bureaucracy and improve export processes for SMEs trading with the EU.

We are improving our relationship with the EU and will align with the EU where it is in our national interest. This will help reduce barriers to trade, and the bureaucracy and onerous paperwork for UK businesses, particularly SMEs. Alongside this, DBT publishes explainer documents on key EU regulations and market specific guides on business.gov.uk, through which SME’s can access Unlock Europe, a new programme from UK Business Academy, designed to help businesses build stronger relationships with European customers and increase exporting potential to the EU.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the termination of the UK–Australia social security agreement in 2001 on UK citizens who return from Australia after long periods of work there; and whether the Government has considered reviewing the policy or providing support for returners who are unable to access either the Australian Age Pension or a UK State Pension.

The Government currently has no plans to reinstate or negotiate a new reciprocal social security agreement with Australia. Support for pensioners who, for whatever reason, find themselves on a low income is provided through Pension Credit. It guarantees a minimum level of income – the Standard Minimum Guarantee – which will increase by 4.8% from April 2026, protecting the most vulnerable pensioners. They may also have access to other forms of UK support subject to the usual eligibility rules, such as Housing Benefit (if in eligible accommodation) or Council Tax Reduction These provisions operate independently of the former UK–Australia agreement and remain available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements.

What steps she is taking to help increase economic growth in Norfolk.

The government is restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming the economy to drive growth across every region of the UK.Norfolk will receive £32.5 million in Local Transport Grant funding enabling local authorities to deliver transport improvements including more zero emission buses, cycleways, accessibility and congestion improvement measures.The record breaking results of our most recent offshore wind auction will support projects in the region, delivering further local jobs and growth.