Written questions by Yang.

With reference to the Answer of 19 May 2026 to Question 754 on Immigration: Personal Income, whether her Department conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the salary thresholds referred to in that answer.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment she has made of the fiscal impact of applying the Government's proposed settlement reforms at the household as opposed to individual level.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact to visa holders already in the UK, including skilled workers. We also consulted on salary thresholds, which were selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax, and any alternative measures or potential exemptions.We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

On what evidential basis her Department chose the salary thresholds to qualify for discounts to the settlement qualifying period.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact to visa holders already in the UK, including skilled workers. We also consulted on salary thresholds, which were selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax, and any alternative measures or potential exemptions.We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

What steps her Department is taking to link main applicants and their dependents in its visa records, for the purpose of analysing household earnings.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact to visa holders already in the UK, including skilled workers. We also consulted on salary thresholds, which were selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax, and any alternative measures or potential exemptions.We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

What assessment she has made of the net fiscal impact of applying the Government's proposed settlement reforms to visa holders already in the UK.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact to visa holders already in the UK, including skilled workers. We also consulted on salary thresholds, which were selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax, and any alternative measures or potential exemptions.We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

What cost-benefit analysis her Department has made of lengthening routes to settlement for skilled workers already in the UK.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact to visa holders already in the UK, including skilled workers. We also consulted on salary thresholds, which were selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax, and any alternative measures or potential exemptions.We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of raising the language requirement for settlement from B1 to B2 on BNO visa holders.

Being able to communicate effectively in English is essential for accessing public services, participating in civic life, securing employment, and building strong connections within local communities.The Government is continuing to consider whether the B2 standard should be extended more widely and future decisions will take into account responses to the consultation on earned settlement.In the meantime, the current B1 English language requirement for settlement under the BN(O) route continues to apply.

What recent assessment she has made of the future viability of the Community Speedwatch Scheme.

Decisions on adopting the Community Speedwatch scheme, and other schemes, are operational matters for individual Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables to take, based on their local policing plans.They are best placed to understand how to meet the needs of local communities.

With reference to the White Paper entitled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 12025, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of exempting British National (Overseas) visa holders from the proposed extension of the settlement qualifying period from five to ten years.

The Government is committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and those who may come here in future.Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of exempting British National (Overseas) visa holders from the proposed extension of the settlement qualifying period from five to ten years on levels of net migration.

The Government is committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and those who may come here in future.Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of domestic abuse on levels of knife crime.

Physical abuse, violent or threatening behaviour often form part of controlling or coercive behaviour. As set out in the statutory guidance under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 on controlling or coercive behaviour, this can involve use, or threats of use, of ‘weapons’, such as knives, and coercing the victim into carrying out criminal behaviour such as carrying weapons.This government will treat tackling violence against women and girls as a national emergency. As part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, we will ask the police to relentlessly pursue those perpetrators who pose the greatest risk to women.We are clear that this is not a problem that can be solved by one government department, by one piece of legislation, or by one agency. It will require focused, coordinated, and joined up long-term action between all our key partners.

If she will make a comparative estimate of the funding allocation provided to (a) Thames Valley Police and (b) other regional police forces.

In December 2024, the Government published the 2025-26 provisional police funding settlement, which proposed funding of up to £19.5 billion for the policing system in England and Wales.Total funding to police forces will be up to £17.4 billion, an increase of up to £987 million compared to the 2024-25 police funding settlement.In 2025-26, Thames Valley will receive up to £622.4 million, an increase of up to £35.8 million compared to 2024-25.Funding allocations for all forces in England and Wales were confirmed via Written Ministerial Statement: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament