Written questions by Braverman.

Whether his Department has conducted a cost analysis for GP practices impacted by changes to employer National Insurance contributions.

We have made the necessary decisions to fix the foundations of the public finances in the Autumn Budget. Resource spending for the Department will be £22.6 billion more in 2025/26 than in 2023/24, as part of the Spending Review settlement. The employers’ National Insurance rise was implemented in April 2025. General practices (GPs) are valued independent contractors who provide over £13 billion worth of National Health Services. Every year we consult with the profession about what services GPs provide, and the money providers are entitled to in return under their contract, taking account of the cost of delivering services. We are investing an additional £889 million in GPs to reinforce the front door of the NHS, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This is the biggest increase in over a decade, and we are pleased that the General Practitioners Committee England is supportive of the contract changes.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the effectiveness of structural surveys undertaken by developers for potential locations for newbuild homes.

The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) is clear that planning proposals and decisions should ensure that a site is suitable for its proposed use taking account of ground conditions and any risks arising from land instability and contamination, and that adequate site investigation information, prepared by a competent per-son, is available to inform these assessments. Planning Practice Guidance sets out that if land stability could be an issue, developers should seek appropriate technical and environmental expert advice to assess the likely consequences of proposed developments on sites where subsidence, landslides and ground compres-sion is known or suspected. Developers must demonstrate to a Building Control Body that they meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations. Part A of the Building Regulations refers to loading, collapse and ground movement. Ground movement caused by swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil, land-slip or subsidence, as far as can be reasonably foreseen, ought not to impair the stability of the building. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to ensure that ground surveys are effectively carried out by housing developers.

The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) is clear that planning proposals and decisions should ensure that a site is suitable for its proposed use taking account of ground conditions and any risks arising from land instability and contamination, and that adequate site investigation information, prepared by a competent per-son, is available to inform these assessments. Planning Practice Guidance sets out that if land stability could be an issue, developers should seek appropriate technical and environmental expert advice to assess the likely consequences of proposed developments on sites where subsidence, landslides and ground compres-sion is known or suspected. Developers must demonstrate to a Building Control Body that they meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations. Part A of the Building Regulations refers to loading, collapse and ground movement. Ground movement caused by swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil, land-slip or subsidence, as far as can be reasonably foreseen, ought not to impair the stability of the building. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the number of complaints on the quality of construction from new home owners to developers.

The Building Regulations set out high-level functional requirements that most building work – including all new build housing – must meet. The regulations are supported by statutory guidance in the form of Approved Documents (ADs) which set out in more detail how to meet the functional requirements. It is the responsibility of the building designer to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations. The relevant building control authority will determine whether building work meets those requirements. The Building Safety Act and the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry set out how we will strengthen building control procedures, including establishing an independent panel to review the way in which building control is delivered in England. In October 2023, new procedures came into force which provide strengthened regulatory oversight of Building Regulations before, during, and on completion of higher-risk building work. This will ensure safer, better-quality buildings, without systemic defects. To further reinforce standards, we remain committed to introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme that developers will have to join, with an accompanying Code of Practice about the standards of conduct and standards of quality of work expected of members.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of homeowners required to underpin their property due to construction faults within ten years after the date of completion of the purchase of a new home.

The Department does not hold information on the number of new-build homes that suffer structural collapse or require underpinning as a result of construction faults or malpractice by the developer. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe. Where a homeowner is dissatisfied with the service given, warranty providers should have a clear complaints procedure for warranty holders to follow. This procedure should be followed in the first instance. If the complaint is about a developer in the first two years of warranty cover, providers may offer an alternate dispute resolution service. This may need to be followed as part of the complaints process. If this still does not resolve the issue, the next step would be to refer the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a decision.

Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on the number of homeowners who have been required to underpin new properties within 10 years of completion due to construction faults in each of the last five years.

The Department does not hold information on the number of new-build homes that suffer structural collapse or require underpinning as a result of construction faults or malpractice by the developer. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe. Where a homeowner is dissatisfied with the service given, warranty providers should have a clear complaints procedure for warranty holders to follow. This procedure should be followed in the first instance. If the complaint is about a developer in the first two years of warranty cover, providers may offer an alternate dispute resolution service. This may need to be followed as part of the complaints process. If this still does not resolve the issue, the next step would be to refer the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a decision.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to increase the powers of mortgage holders to hold developers to account in relation to inadequate construction.

The government is aware of the challenges faced by mortgage holders and all other purchasers of new build properties with building safety and other defects.Presently, most new home warranties are 10 years in length and are regularly a requirement placed on potential borrowers by mortgage providers.The developer is often held accountable for the first two years of this period, with the rest of the period covered by the warranty provider.Where issues arise with a new home, the government would urge new build homeowners to check the terms of any warranty their home may be under to see if the developer can be held accountable for rectifying any issues before referring back to the warranty provider. Where a homeowner is dissatisfied with the service given, warranty providers should have a clear complaints procedure for warranty holders to follow. If this still does not resolve the issue, the next step would be to refer the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a decision.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to require housing developers when assessing the suitability of sites to take into account the potential occurrence of (a) sink and (b) swell holes.

The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) is clear that planning proposals and decisions should ensure that a site is suitable for its proposed use taking account of ground conditions and any risks arising from land instability and contamination, and that adequate site investigation information, prepared by a competent per-son, is available to inform these assessments. Planning Practice Guidance sets out that if land stability could be an issue, developers should seek appropriate technical and environmental expert advice to assess the likely consequences of proposed developments on sites where subsidence, landslides and ground compres-sion is known or suspected. Developers must demonstrate to a Building Control Body that they meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations. Part A of the Building Regulations refers to loading, collapse and ground movement. Ground movement caused by swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil, land-slip or subsidence, as far as can be reasonably foreseen, ought not to impair the stability of the building. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has any plans to require housing developers to take into account the risk of structural changes when constructing new homes.

The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) is clear that planning proposals and decisions should ensure that a site is suitable for its proposed use taking account of ground conditions and any risks arising from land instability and contamination, and that adequate site investigation information, prepared by a competent per-son, is available to inform these assessments. Planning Practice Guidance sets out that if land stability could be an issue, developers should seek appropriate technical and environmental expert advice to assess the likely consequences of proposed developments on sites where subsidence, landslides and ground compres-sion is known or suspected. Developers must demonstrate to a Building Control Body that they meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations. Part A of the Building Regulations refers to loading, collapse and ground movement. Ground movement caused by swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil, land-slip or subsidence, as far as can be reasonably foreseen, ought not to impair the stability of the building. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the quality of newly constructed newbuilds.

The Building Regulations set out high-level functional requirements that most building work – including all new build housing – must meet. The regulations are supported by statutory guidance in the form of Approved Documents (ADs) which set out in more detail how to meet the functional requirements. It is the responsibility of the building designer to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations. The relevant building control authority will determine whether building work meets those requirements. The Building Safety Act and the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry set out how we will strengthen building control procedures, including establishing an independent panel to review the way in which building control is delivered in England. In October 2023, new procedures came into force which provide strengthened regulatory oversight of Building Regulations before, during, and on completion of higher-risk building work. This will ensure safer, better-quality buildings, without systemic defects. To further reinforce standards, we remain committed to introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme that developers will have to join, with an accompanying Code of Practice about the standards of conduct and standards of quality of work expected of members.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the number of new-build homes that suffer structural collapse as a result of malpractice by the developer.

The Department does not hold information on the number of new-build homes that suffer structural collapse or require underpinning as a result of construction faults or malpractice by the developer. Most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term. The terms of warranty should give more detail on what developers would be expected to cover in this timeframe. Where a homeowner is dissatisfied with the service given, warranty providers should have a clear complaints procedure for warranty holders to follow. This procedure should be followed in the first instance. If the complaint is about a developer in the first two years of warranty cover, providers may offer an alternate dispute resolution service. This may need to be followed as part of the complaints process. If this still does not resolve the issue, the next step would be to refer the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a decision.

Whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of Child Maintenance Service cases where bank accounts held in a joint name prohibited payment.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has a range of strong enforcement powers that are designed to get money flowing quickly, prevent the build-up of arrears and ensure children get the financial support they deserve.When a paying parent does not make maintenance payments on time or in full, the CMS will initially negotiate a payment that is feasible for the parent to pay. If this is unsuccessful, the CMS has powers to deduct maintenance from a wide range of bank accounts.In 2018, regulations were passed which allow the CMS to make deductions from joint and unlimited partnership business accounts.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the timescale for the cancellation of debts owed to the Child Maintenance Service.

In 2012, powers were introduced which allowed the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to write off historic Child Support Agency (CSA) and CMS debt in specific scenarios where it would be unfair or inappropriate to enforce liability. Examples of these scenarios include if the receiving parent tells us they no longer want us to collect the arrears, or the paying parent is deceased, and no further action can be taken to recover the arrears from the paying parent’s estate. Further powers were then introduced in 2018, which allowed remaining CSA cases to be closed following the collection or write-off of historic arrears, as part of the closure of the scheme. This was a one-off exercise, applying only to CSA debt. Writing off is not a quick or easy decision and involves exhausting other approaches to deal with the debt. Where receiving parents wanted the CMS to attempt to collect the CSA debt, the CMS made one last attempt to collect CSA arrears where this was cost effective and had a possibility of success. Both parents were able to make representations during the process and paying parents were given an opportunity to provide evidence to dispute the value of the outstanding debt. No payments of compensation are issued by the CMS where write off decisions are made. The CMS’ priority is to collect money owed to children who will benefit today, thereby preventing the build-up of arrears on the CMS.

Whether her Department has plans for the compensation of children in Child Maintenance Service cases where the debt is cancelled.

In 2012, powers were introduced which allowed the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to write off historic Child Support Agency (CSA) and CMS debt in specific scenarios where it would be unfair or inappropriate to enforce liability. Examples of these scenarios include if the receiving parent tells us they no longer want us to collect the arrears, or the paying parent is deceased, and no further action can be taken to recover the arrears from the paying parent’s estate. Further powers were then introduced in 2018, which allowed remaining CSA cases to be closed following the collection or write-off of historic arrears, as part of the closure of the scheme. This was a one-off exercise, applying only to CSA debt. Writing off is not a quick or easy decision and involves exhausting other approaches to deal with the debt. Where receiving parents wanted the CMS to attempt to collect the CSA debt, the CMS made one last attempt to collect CSA arrears where this was cost effective and had a possibility of success. Both parents were able to make representations during the process and paying parents were given an opportunity to provide evidence to dispute the value of the outstanding debt. No payments of compensation are issued by the CMS where write off decisions are made. The CMS’ priority is to collect money owed to children who will benefit today, thereby preventing the build-up of arrears on the CMS.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Child Maintenance Service’s ability to secure outstanding loans.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) does not provide loans. The CMS encourage paying parents to pay their maintenance on time and in full to avoid accrual of arrears. Where a paying parent fails to pay child maintenance on time or in full, the CMS aims to take immediate action to recover the debt and re-establish compliance, such as contacting the paying payment to agree a repayment plan. Where parents fail to take responsibility for paying for their children, the CMS is committed to using its wide-ranging enforcement powers proportionally, and in the best interests of children and separated families. The CMS already has a suite of strong enforcement powers at its disposal. These include, using Enforcement Agents (previously known as bailiffs) to take control of goods, forcing the sale of property, removal of driving licence or UK passport, deductions directly from earnings and bank accounts or even commitment to prison. Where required, enforcement agents may visit the paying parent at their home, business premises or place of employment. In the year ending December 2024, the CMS collected £2.6m via enforcement agents (formerly known as bailiffs).

Whether her Department has plans for securing outstanding Child Maintenance Service payments when the party in arrears declares they have no fixed place of work.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to ensuring separated parents support their children financially, taking robust enforcement action against those who do not. Where parents fail to pay their child maintenance, the Service will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers, including deductions from earnings orders, removal of driving licences, disqualification from holding a passport, and committal to prison. If a paying parent is in receipts of benefits, the CMS can set up a deduction from the benefit to collect ongoing maintenance, or arrears in the case of Collect and Pay. The CMS is able to deduct £8.40 a week towards ongoing maintenance or arrears from certain prescribed benefits. Deductions towards arrears and ongoing maintenance are not taken at the same time. Arrears deductions are taken only after ongoing liability has been satisfied. Where parents frequently change employment, the CMS can use alternative powers such as deducting child maintenance directly from their bank account. To allow enforcement action to be taken where appropriate, the CMS can issue legal notifications and documents to a client’s last known or notified address. The CMS utilises a wide range of information sources to determine, on the balance of probabilities, which is the correct last known or last notified address.

Whether her Department plans to increase the ability of the Child Maintenance Service to access bank accounts held in joint names for securing outstanding payments.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has a range of strong enforcement powers that are designed to get money flowing quickly, prevent the build-up of arrears and ensure children get the financial support they deserve.When a paying parent does not make maintenance payments on time or in full, the CMS will initially negotiate a payment that is feasible for the parent to pay. If this is unsuccessful, the CMS has powers to deduct maintenance from a wide range of bank accounts.In 2018, regulations were passed which allow the CMS to make deductions from joint and unlimited partnership business accounts.

Whether her Department plans to expand the ability of bailiffs to enter a place of work to secure outstanding Child Maintenance Service loans.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) does not provide loans. The CMS encourage paying parents to pay their maintenance on time and in full to avoid accrual of arrears. Where a paying parent fails to pay child maintenance on time or in full, the CMS aims to take immediate action to recover the debt and re-establish compliance, such as contacting the paying payment to agree a repayment plan. Where parents fail to take responsibility for paying for their children, the CMS is committed to using its wide-ranging enforcement powers proportionally, and in the best interests of children and separated families. The CMS already has a suite of strong enforcement powers at its disposal. These include, using Enforcement Agents (previously known as bailiffs) to take control of goods, forcing the sale of property, removal of driving licence or UK passport, deductions directly from earnings and bank accounts or even commitment to prison. Where required, enforcement agents may visit the paying parent at their home, business premises or place of employment. In the year ending December 2024, the CMS collected £2.6m via enforcement agents (formerly known as bailiffs).

Whether her Department has plans for securing outstanding Child Maintenance Service payments when the party in arrears declares they have no fixed address.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to ensuring separated parents support their children financially, taking robust enforcement action against those who do not. Where parents fail to pay their child maintenance, the Service will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers, including deductions from earnings orders, removal of driving licences, disqualification from holding a passport, and committal to prison. If a paying parent is in receipts of benefits, the CMS can set up a deduction from the benefit to collect ongoing maintenance, or arrears in the case of Collect and Pay. The CMS is able to deduct £8.40 a week towards ongoing maintenance or arrears from certain prescribed benefits. Deductions towards arrears and ongoing maintenance are not taken at the same time. Arrears deductions are taken only after ongoing liability has been satisfied. Where parents frequently change employment, the CMS can use alternative powers such as deducting child maintenance directly from their bank account. To allow enforcement action to be taken where appropriate, the CMS can issue legal notifications and documents to a client’s last known or notified address. The CMS utilises a wide range of information sources to determine, on the balance of probabilities, which is the correct last known or last notified address.

Communities and Local Government, whether debts from local authorities being merged together will be taken on jointly by the new authority under her Department's local government reorganisation plans; and how any existing debt will be serviced.

On 6 February I wrote to the leaders of two-tier councils and neighbouring unitaries to formally invite them to develop proposals for reorganisation. It is for the councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of the whole area. As outlined in our invitation letter, in general, as with previous restructures, there is no proposal for council debt to be addressed centrally or written off as part of reorganisation. For areas where there are exceptional circumstances where there has been failure linked to capital practices, proposals should reflect the extent to which the implications of this can be managed locally, including as part of efficiencies possible through reorganisation.