Written questions by Braverman.

Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to introduce penalties for developers who (a) fail to notify local authorities of proposed remedial works and (b) provide incorrect information to homeowners regarding the status of such works.

Work to an existing home is considered a material alteration, and therefore falls within the definition of building work, if changes to the structural, fire safety, or accessibility features of that building are made as part of the work. Unless work is covered by a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS), all building work requires an application to local authority building control or a private sector Registered Building Control Approver. Local authorities have existing powers to prosecute those who breach the building regulations or carry out building work without authorisation and can require that work that breaches the regulations is altered or removed. These powers were strengthened in the Building Safety Act 2022. Where work has been carried out without a building control application the person carrying out the work can also apply to the local authority to have the work regularised. The competence, conduct, and performance of the building control profession is regulated by the Building Safety Regulator. The Building Control Independent Panel is considering how building control is delivered and the performance of building control bodies; it will report in due course.

Communities and Local Government, if he will hold discussions with Homes England on the identification of snagging defects in new‑build shared‑ownership properties built by Abri.

Housing associations are independent bodies responsible for the management of their properties and for resolving disputes with their residents. Where such disputes cannot be resolved through a landlords’ complaints procedure, the Housing Ombudsman can investigate concerns relating to housing management, including access issues, repairs, and complaint handling. Homes England does not have a role in overseeing the quality of homes delivered by individual providers once completed. The government expects all housebuilders to deliver good quality homes, and we know that the vast majority do so. When things do go wrong, the government expects housebuilders to make things right. To help customers resolve issues with new homes which developers have been unable or unwilling to fix, the government has committed to establishing a statutory UK-wide New Homes Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints and provide new home buyers with effective redress. We will set out further details in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether his Department holds data on the number of occasions Vistry has undertaken structural remedial works without obtaining the necessary Building Control approval in each of the last five years.

The information is not held. MHCLG collects quarterly data from developers who have signed the developer remediation contract. This data covers buildings requiring life critical fire safety remedial works, however no data is collected in relation to structural remedial works.

Communities and Local Government, whether his Department holds data on the number of defects, snagging issues or complaints raised in relation to homes developed by Hampshire Homes and managed by Abri since 2019.

My Department does not hold data or information requested.

Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that registered providers complete remedial works within reasonable timescales when defects are identified in newly constructed homes.

The government has no current plans to introduce new statutory timescales for registered providers to complete remedial works on new‑build homes. There are already a range of legal and contractual protections in place to ensure defects are addressed promptly. Developers and landlords have duties under the Defective Premises Act 1972 to ensure homes are fit for habitation when completed. Many new‑build homes are also covered by warranties and the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which set standards for quality and provide routes for redress. In addition, landlords remain legally responsible for meeting their repair obligations under Awaab’s Law, which requires them to investigate and remedy serious damp and mould and emergency hazards within statutory timeframes. The government expects all housebuilders to deliver good quality homes, and we know that the vast majority do so. When things do go wrong, the government expects housebuilders to make things right. To help customers resolve issues with new homes which developers have been unable or unwilling to fix, the government has committed to establishing a statutory UK-wide New Homes Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints and provide new home buyers with effective redress. We will set out further details in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to introduce statutory timescales for registered providers of social housing to complete remedial works following the identification of defects in new‑build homes.

The government has no current plans to introduce new statutory timescales for registered providers to complete remedial works on new‑build homes. There are already a range of legal and contractual protections in place to ensure defects are addressed promptly. Developers and landlords have duties under the Defective Premises Act 1972 to ensure homes are fit for habitation when completed. Many new‑build homes are also covered by warranties and the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which set standards for quality and provide routes for redress. In addition, landlords remain legally responsible for meeting their repair obligations under Awaab’s Law, which requires them to investigate and remedy serious damp and mould and emergency hazards within statutory timeframes. The government expects all housebuilders to deliver good quality homes, and we know that the vast majority do so. When things do go wrong, the government expects housebuilders to make things right. To help customers resolve issues with new homes which developers have been unable or unwilling to fix, the government has committed to establishing a statutory UK-wide New Homes Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints and provide new home buyers with effective redress. We will set out further details in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether his his Department has issued guidance on effective communication between housing associations and developers for resolving defects.

The government has no current plans to introduce new statutory timescales for registered providers to complete remedial works on new‑build homes. There are already a range of legal and contractual protections in place to ensure defects are addressed promptly. Developers and landlords have duties under the Defective Premises Act 1972 to ensure homes are fit for habitation when completed. Many new‑build homes are also covered by warranties and the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which set standards for quality and provide routes for redress. In addition, landlords remain legally responsible for meeting their repair obligations under Awaab’s Law, which requires them to investigate and remedy serious damp and mould and emergency hazards within statutory timeframes. The government expects all housebuilders to deliver good quality homes, and we know that the vast majority do so. When things do go wrong, the government expects housebuilders to make things right. To help customers resolve issues with new homes which developers have been unable or unwilling to fix, the government has committed to establishing a statutory UK-wide New Homes Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints and provide new home buyers with effective redress. We will set out further details in due course.

Communities and Local Government, if he will hold discussions with Homes England on the quality of new‑build shared‑ownership homes delivered by Abri in the last five years.

Housing associations are independent bodies responsible for the management of their properties and for resolving disputes with their residents. Where such disputes cannot be resolved through a landlords’ complaints procedure, the Housing Ombudsman can investigate concerns relating to housing management, including access issues, repairs, and complaint handling. Homes England does not have a role in overseeing the quality of homes delivered by individual providers once completed. The government expects all housebuilders to deliver good quality homes, and we know that the vast majority do so. When things do go wrong, the government expects housebuilders to make things right. To help customers resolve issues with new homes which developers have been unable or unwilling to fix, the government has committed to establishing a statutory UK-wide New Homes Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints and provide new home buyers with effective redress. We will set out further details in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether his Department holds information on the average time taken by Abri to complete defect‑rectification works on shared‑ownership homes in the past three years.

My Department does not hold data or information requested.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the long‑term financial sustainability of the Civil Service Pension Scheme; and whether further reforms are being considered to ensure value for money for both members and taxpayers.

Public Service Pension policy is the responsibility of HM Treasury, including the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS). Any reform of the scheme must align with or ensure legal compliance with HM Treasury policy, and no further reforms are being considered at this time.

Whether he plans to review the regulatory framework governing the energy supply to small businesses; and what steps he is taking to ensure that it reflects the practical needs and vulnerabilities of small enterprises.

Licence conditions and compliance and enforcement matters, for both domestic and non-domestic customers, are a matter for Ofgem as the sector regulator. The Government wants to provide businesses with better protection from being locked into unfair and expensive energy contracts, and more redress when they have a complaint. That’s why the Government has decided to regulate Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), such as energy brokers. This will improve consumer outcomes and enhance consumer protections for non-domestic consumers, particularly charities and small businesses. Regulation will be introduced once parliamentary time allows. Since December 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees have been able to access free support to resolve issues with their energy supplier through the Energy Ombudsman. This means that 99% of British businesses can now access this service with outcomes ranging up to £20,000 in financial awards. We consulted in late 2025 on measures to strengthen the Ombudsman’s tools for ensuring suppliers implement decisions in a timely manner.

How many trauma‑informed civilian liaison officers are currently employed within the Victim Witness Care Unit, and what assessment he has made of the Unit’s effectiveness in supporting victims of sexual assault since its establishment.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) has 15 Victim Liaison Officer positions. The assessment of VWCU’s standard and quality of service has to date been based on internal assurance, reviews and proactively acting upon feedback surveys from both clients (victims/witnesses) and professional stakeholders. When His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services undertake their assessment of the Defence Serious Crime Command, the VWCU will welcome their review of the victim service that is being provided. Furthermore, the VWCU have welcomed and generated open and transparent visits with key stakeholders.

How many reports of sexual assault within the Armed Forces have been made to the Defence Serious Crime Command since 2022; how many have resulted in charges; and how many have resulted in convictions.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) publishes annual Official Statistics into Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offending in the Service Justice System. Based on the latest Official Statistic data (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/murder-manslaughter-sexual-offences-and-domestic-abuse-in-the-service-justice-system-2024), between 2022 and 2024 the Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) conducted 429 investigations into sexual assaults (s2 and s3, Sexual Offences Act 2003). Additionally, 65 sexual assault investigations were transferred to Civilian Police Forces for investigation or formed part of their enquiries, or were re-categorised following investigation and no longer fell under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Data for 2025 is not included as this will be published on 26 March 2026. Similar to the position in the published statistics from the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales, there is no central data set that tracks each investigation from initial report of an offence through to outcome. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate from our centrally held data how many initial reports of a sexual assault led to charges or a trial. From 2022 to 2024 there were 201 cases directed with charges for sexual assault by the Service Prosecuting Authority. This data is different to the Official Statistics data as it includes all cases with charges made each year, whereas the Official Statistics only report the outcomes from the referrals received each year. From Official Statistics data, since 2022 there have been 68 defendants convicted of sexual assault offences. Where a defendant has been tried for charges across multiple offence categories, it will result in the defendant being recorded more than once. Some cases that have been directed for Court Martial may still be ongoing. We are confident that a greater proportion of incidents got to trial in the Service Justice System for a number of reasons, including the rate that victims withdraw from investigations and prosecutions. Noting that there are procedural differences between the two systems, administrative data suggests 59% of victims of adult rape-flagged offences withdrew from investigations in 2024 in the Criminal Justice System compared to 24% of rape offences in the Service Justice System. During prosecutions, 19% withdrew in the Criminal Justice System compared to almost none in the Service Justice System.

What assessment he has made of the capacity of the Army Welfare Service to provide safeguarding, youth services, and mental health support to survivors of sexual assault within the Armed Forces.

The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has the capacity, professional expertise, and national coverage required to provide safeguarding oversight, youth service provision, and coordinated mental health support to survivors of sexual assault across the Army. For youth services, the AWS Community Support staff deliver early help services, youth engagement, and targeted support to Service children and young people which includes signposting and referral to specialist welfare and safeguarding services as required. Young people aged 11–18 from Armed Forces families, as well as Junior Soldiers and Cadets, can also access free and confidential online counselling through Kooth, including support for those affected by sexual harassment or assault. AWS Community Support staff deliver a Life Skills programme to Junior Soldiers at the Army Foundation College Harrogate. This programme includes sessions on consent, unacceptable behaviours, sexual harassment, and healthy relationships. It is Army policy that units must refer all incidents of sexual assault to AWS who work directly with the victim to agree an appropriate support plan. The AWS Specialist Welfare function delivers accessible, confidential, and independent welfare support to Army personnel and their families across the UK and overseas. AWS staff are trained to manage complex safeguarding and vulnerability concerns working within established Army and Defence safeguarding frameworks and advising the Chain of Command on their duty of care obligations and ensuring referrals are made to appropriate statutory services. Through the Vulnerability Risk Management process, AWS coordinates with Medical Officers, Departments of Community Mental Health, civilian GPs and NHS crisis mental health teams. This approach ensures survivors receive timely mental health assessment, therapeutic input, and ongoing multiagency support where required. However, we are not complacent and keep the provision, and communication of what is available, under consideration. For example, the Victim Support Pathway was launched on 1 September 2025: https://www.army.mod.uk/support-and-training/health-performance-and-wellbeing/ask-for-help/victim-support-pathway/ Where safety concerns exist, AWS has access to the Service Cotswold Centre, which can be used as a refuge setting, and can signpost victims to Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) funded through the Armed Forces Covenant.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the confidential 24/7 crime line is accessible, well‑publicised, and adequately staffed for serving personnel seeking to report sexual assault or harassment.

The Service Police Confidential crime line is monitored continuously by Service Police Officers employed within the Service Police Crime Bureau Operations Room. The service is widely publicised throughout the Services and on the internet, including but not limited to https://www.army.mod.uk/support-and-training/health-performance-and-wellbeing/ask-for-help/victim-support-pathway/ and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-serious-crime-unit-dscu.

When the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce will become fully operational, and what its remit will be in relation to prevention, education, and survivor support within the Armed Forces.

The Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce will address the cultural and behavioural drivers of unacceptable sexual behaviour, particularly against women, within the Armed Forces. Based on sites with significant training footprints, teams will work with local military training, welfare and other partners to design and test early intervention initiatives targeted at trainees, supporting the highest behavioural standards from the outset. The Taskforce is being introduced in phases to deliver quickly and iteratively. Phase 1 locations are HMNB Devonport (South West) and Catterick Garrison (Yorkshire and the Humber). Locations were selected to maximise impact across major training sites. Phase 2 locations will be RAF Halton and British Forces Cyprus, providing Tri-Service coverage. Future sites will be determined through ongoing data analysis. All Phase 1 Taskforce posts have now been filled and onboarding is underway, with teams expected to be fully operational this year. In parallel, the central Defence team is advancing wider victim survivor support measures, including launching the Independent Legal Advocacy Pilot.

How OFGEM monitors the adequacy of the energy market for small businesses; and what enforcement action has been taken in the last three years against suppliers found to be overcharging small business customers.

Licence conditions and compliance and enforcement matters, for both domestic and non-domestic customers, are a matter for Ofgem as the sector regulator. The Government wants to provide businesses with better protection from being locked into unfair and expensive energy contracts, and more redress when they have a complaint. That’s why the Government has decided to regulate Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), such as energy brokers. This will improve consumer outcomes and enhance consumer protections for non-domestic consumers, particularly charities and small businesses. Regulation will be introduced once parliamentary time allows. Since December 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees have been able to access free support to resolve issues with their energy supplier through the Energy Ombudsman. This means that 99% of British businesses can now access this service with outcomes ranging up to £20,000 in financial awards. We consulted in late 2025 on measures to strengthen the Ombudsman’s tools for ensuring suppliers implement decisions in a timely manner.

How many regional outreach teams will be established under the VAWG Taskforce, and what criteria will be used to determine their deployment across the UK.

The Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce will address the cultural and behavioural drivers of unacceptable sexual behaviour, particularly against women, within the Armed Forces. Based on sites with significant training footprints, teams will work with local military training, welfare and other partners to design and test early intervention initiatives targeted at trainees, supporting the highest behavioural standards from the outset. The Taskforce is being introduced in phases to deliver quickly and iteratively. Phase 1 locations are HMNB Devonport (South West) and Catterick Garrison (Yorkshire and the Humber). Locations were selected to maximise impact across major training sites. Phase 2 locations will be RAF Halton and British Forces Cyprus, providing Tri-Service coverage. Future sites will be determined through ongoing data analysis. All Phase 1 Taskforce posts have now been filled and onboarding is underway, with teams expected to be fully operational this year. In parallel, the central Defence team is advancing wider victim survivor support measures, including launching the Independent Legal Advocacy Pilot.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the new Independent Legal Advocacy service launching in 2026 provides impartial, accessible, and comprehensive legal advice to survivors of sexual assault in the Service Justice System.

The Independent Legal Advocacy pilot will provide impartial legal support to anyone aged 18 or over, irrespective of whether they are Service personnel or civilians. Anyone who reports a sexual offence pursuant with the Sexual Offences Act 1956/2003, that has been committed by a Service person subject to Service Law or a civilian subject to Service Discipline that is being investigated by the Service Justice System, will qualify for support from Spring 2026. It fills a longstanding gap by giving complainants clear procedural legal information to help them understand and navigate a complex system. The pilot will be delivered entirely by external specialist solicitors, fully independent of the Defence Chain of Command. The service will be free, with advice delivered virtually to ensure maximum accessibility across Defence, including overseas.

Whether he has had discussions with OFGEM regarding the potential impact of its guidance on the pricing practices of energy suppliers towards small businesses.

Licence conditions and compliance and enforcement matters, for both domestic and non-domestic customers, are a matter for Ofgem as the sector regulator. The Government wants to provide businesses with better protection from being locked into unfair and expensive energy contracts, and more redress when they have a complaint. That’s why the Government has decided to regulate Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), such as energy brokers. This will improve consumer outcomes and enhance consumer protections for non-domestic consumers, particularly charities and small businesses. Regulation will be introduced once parliamentary time allows. Since December 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees have been able to access free support to resolve issues with their energy supplier through the Energy Ombudsman. This means that 99% of British businesses can now access this service with outcomes ranging up to £20,000 in financial awards. We consulted in late 2025 on measures to strengthen the Ombudsman’s tools for ensuring suppliers implement decisions in a timely manner.