Written questions by Gethins.

What percentage payment was made in 2024 (when the annual Pension Increase was 6.7%) to Civil Servants who had retired before 2016, for the Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP/COD) component of their public service pension in respect of each of the following: (a) pre ’88 GMP, (b) post ’88 GMP up to 3%, (c) post ’88 GMP over 3%, (d) and if PI is applied to the GMP part of all public service pension schemes in the same way as above.

The Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) provides for annual Pension Increases (PI) in line with the relevant September to September annual increase, using the relevant Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure for indexation. In April 2024, this increase was 6.7%. The application of this increase to the Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) component for members who retired before 2016 depends on the period in which the GMP was earned and the legislation governing the indexation of "contracted-out" benefits. For a Civil Servant who retired before 2016 and reached State Pension Age before 6 April 2016: (a) Pre-1988 GMP: In accordance with statutory requirements, the CSPS does not apply a pension increase to the pre-1988 GMP component. For these members, indexation on this part of the pension is traditionally provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the State Pension. (b) Post-1988 GMP up to 3%: The CSPS is responsible for increasing the post-1988 GMP by the rate of the Pensions Increase Order, capped at 3%. For the 2024 increase, the scheme paid the maximum 3% on this component. (c) Post-1988 GMP over 3%: The CSPS does not pay the increase on the post-1988 GMP above the 3% cap. For these members, the remaining 3.7% (the difference between the 6.7% CPI and the 3% scheme cap) is typically paid by the DWP as part of the member's State Pension. Data regarding the specific proportion of a total pension payment that is comprised of GMP for each of the approximately 500,000 pensioners is not held centrally. (d) Application across Public Service Pension Schemes: The rules for the indexation of GMP described above are derived from the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 and the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 and apply across the main public service pension schemes.

What support his Department provides for young disabled people who are transitioning to adult benefits and Universal Credit.

DWP notifies young people who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 5 months before they reach age 16 to advise them they will need to apply for Personal Independence Payment after they reach their sixteenth birthday. This is to establish if they will require an appointee and to ensure that benefits continue to be paid into the right bank account. If necessary, DLA can continue to be paid until a decision on their PIP application is made. Where applying for Universal Credit, which can usually only be accessed from the age of 18, disabled people can access tailored support, including the independent ‘Help to Claim’ service delivered by Citizens Advice, assisted digital support, and the option to claim by phone where needed. DWP also provides reasonable adjustments, alternative communication formats, home visits, and claimants can choose to use an appointee; ensuring disabled people can access Universal Credit safely and fairly. Universal Credit Work Coaches are trained to support disabled claimants and to tailor conditionality to reflect health conditions and individual capability.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support farmers with (a) increase in diesel prices and (b) the supply of diesel.

The Government is actively monitoring the developments in the Middle East, including impact on the supply and prices of red diesel. Currently red diesel remains well stocked for all fuel types. Fuels Industry UK have been clear that fuel production and imports are continuing across the UK as usual. The CMA has put the industry on notice that they are monitoring petrol and diesel prices closely and red diesel used by farmers continues to benefit from an 80% tax discount compared to full duty diesel, supporting farm operating costs.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential economic effect on consumers of reducing fuel duty.

The Government recognises the impact of fuel costs on household budgets and is already taking action to help keep fuel prices down. Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government’s decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist around 8 to 11 pence per litre, compared to the plans inherited from the previous government. The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that potential reductions in wholesale fuel costs are passed on to consumers.

Fuel markets are governed by competition and consumer protection law, overseen by the Competition Market Authority (CMA). The Government and the CMA are closely monitoring petrol and diesel prices in light of instability in the Middle East, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and my Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State recently met with fuel retailers to set out a clear message: unfair practices will not be tolerated. This government has also introduced the Fuel Finder scheme, which will increase price transparency so drivers can compare prices to find the best deal and incentivise greater competition.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of fuel, fertiliser and other costs on farmers.

Defra is actively monitoring the developments in the Middle East and the impacts for our food and farming sectors, including ongoing discussions with industry leaders to gather evidence. Food security is a core national priority. We are closely monitoring the impacts of the conflict on food businesses and working with stakeholders across the farm sector. The Government is supporting the food sector by investing £11.8bn this Parliament to support sustainable farming and domestic food production. This includes £2bn a year by 2028/29 and a 150% increase in funding for Environmental Land Management schemes.

When he plans to answer written question 110026, submitted on 2 February 2026.

A response has been issued here.

When he plans to answer written question 115846, submitted on 24 February 2026.

A response has been issued here.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Peter Mandelson's contract required him to be given a period of notice.

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what basis Peter Mandelson's contract was terminated with the FCDO.

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

For what reason emails of 4 February 2026 were published as part of their release of documents around the appointment of Peter Mandelson; and whether more context for their inclusion will be provided.

I refer you to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

When his Department plans to respond to correspondence from the hon. Member for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry dated 7 November 2025 and 12 January 2026.

Thank you for raising this. Both cases, CMPT12025/108144 and CMPT12026/02004, have now been assigned to a Complaints Resolution Manager for urgent action. We are prioritising them to ensure a response within 15‑working‑days, and we will monitor progress closely to avoid any further delays.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy current EU visa arrangement for professional haulage drivers and those in the creative sector.

UK haulage drivers are able to operate in the EU without the need for a visa, providing they do not spend more than 90 days in the EU within any 180-day period. The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90 in 180-day Schengen immigration limit (‘90/180’) on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses (including those working in the creative sector) that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the findings will be published in due course. Members of the creative sector are bound by the 90/180 limit for short stays but must apply for a work-permit or performance visa or other national visa to work. The Government recognises that this can create real challenges for them as their work often involves moving between multiple countries over short periods. In the UK-EU Summit of 19 May 2025, the European Commission and the United Kingdom recognised the value of travel and cultural and artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists. They committed to continuing their efforts to support travel and cultural exchange. Building on the Summit, the Government is exploring with the EU Commission and EU Member States how best to improve arrangements for touring across the European continent. The Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the adequacy of visa arrangements for the creative sector.

How many outstanding cases of people facing the Loan Charge she expects will be settled as a result of the McCann review.

At Budget 2024 the Government announced a new independent review of the loan charge. The purpose of the review was to bring the matter to a close for people who have not settled and paid their loan charge liabilities. The review identified affordability as a key barrier preventing those individuals from settling and made recommendations to remove this barrier. The Government has gone further in supporting people on the lowest incomes by providing an additional £5,000 deduction for those in scope of the review. This entirely removes approximately 10,000 individuals from the charge and reduces liabilities for the vast majority. Most others will see their liabilities reduced by at least half. Under the review recommendations, an individual earning £30,000 who used a disguised remuneration scheme for three years would have their liability reduced by 66 percent. Under the Government’s plans, they will instead see 89 percent written off. It represents the Government’s attempt to provide a fair route to resolution for those who have not settled with HMRC. In turn, those people need to come forward and engage with HMRC in good faith.

What assessment she has made of the value for money to the taxpayer of the Loan Charge.

At Budget 2024 the Government announced a new independent review of the loan charge. The purpose of the review was to bring the matter to a close for people who have not settled and paid their loan charge liabilities. The review identified affordability as a key barrier preventing those individuals from settling and made recommendations to remove this barrier. The Government has gone further in supporting people on the lowest incomes by providing an additional £5,000 deduction for those in scope of the review. This entirely removes approximately 10,000 individuals from the charge and reduces liabilities for the vast majority. Most others will see their liabilities reduced by at least half. Under the review recommendations, an individual earning £30,000 who used a disguised remuneration scheme for three years would have their liability reduced by 66 percent. Under the Government’s plans, they will instead see 89 percent written off. It represents the Government’s attempt to provide a fair route to resolution for those who have not settled with HMRC. In turn, those people need to come forward and engage with HMRC in good faith.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax on self-employed childminders.

Childminders make a significant contribution to children’s development, learning, and wellbeing. 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. Only a small proportion of childminders with qualifying income over £50,000 will be mandated into Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax from April 2026. Childminders moving to MTD for income tax can continue to claim tax relief for household costs, wear and tear of household items and furniture, and food and drink, by deducting actual business costs. This ensures childminders receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business. The Government will monitor the impact of MTD for income tax on childminders and other home-based childcare providers in the same way as it will for all sole traders moving to MTD for income tax.

What assessment has she made of the potential financial impact of the proposed pay-per-mile charge for electric vehicles for those with hybrid vehicles, who also pay fuel duty.

As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that electric vehicles (EVs) contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty. The taxation of motoring is a critical source of funding for public services and investment in infrastructure. PHEVs have the capacity to drive in either electric or petrol mode and will continue to pay fuel duty on miles driven in petrol mode. In recognition of this, they will be subject to a reduced eVED rate of 1.5 pence per mile upon its introduction in April 2028 – half the rate that will apply to fully electric cars. An average EV driving 8,000 miles per year will pay £240, or £20 a month in eVED (and no fuel duty), with a PHEV paying £120 in eVED (and fuel duty on petrol/diesel used). In contrast, an average petrol/diesel car driving the same distance will pay around £480 in fuel duty.

What was the expenditure on advertising for financial year 2024/5 and what is the budget for 2026 for the office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

The Department has spent the following on advertising: Financial YearAdvertising £’0002024-2550, 277.07 Please note, budgets for financial year 2026-27 will be agreed at the beginning of the next financial year.

What was the expenditure on paid-for social media advertising and promotion, such as on Facebook and X for financial year 2024/5 and the budget for 2026 for the office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

In the financial year 2024-25, the total amount spent on social media advertising and promotion was £2,806. The social media marketing budget for the financial year 2025-26 was £10,000.

What was the total expenditure on press and communications, including staffing costs, for financial year 2024/5, and for 2026 for the office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

The total expenditure on press and communications, including staffing costs, for financial year 2024/25 was £1.944m. Departmental spend on communications staff for financial year 2024-25 was £1.744m, including all on-costs such as pension contributions, national insurance and VAT. The total Communications budget for the financial year 2025-26 is £1.949m.