Questions Asked 22 May 2024
Treasury
Cost of Living HL4882 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) address, and (2) mitigate, the ongoing increased cost-of-living.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Water Supply: Devon HL4881 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the recent parasitic outbreak in drinking water in Devon, what assessment they have made of (1) the proposed compensation for affected consumers, and (2) the impact on consumer confidence.
Cabinet Office
Police: Demonstrations HL4880 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the proposed new police powers concerning protests (1) maintain public order and, (2) protect the right to peaceful protest; and what steps they are taking to address concerns of potential misuse of those new powers against specific groups or causes.
Questions Asked 21 May 2024
Treasury
UK Trade with EU: Carbon Emissions HL4831 To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to align the UK’s carbon border tax with the EU’s mechanism to ensure that the UK steel industry is not adversely affected by the delayed implementation.
Department for Business and Trade
Postal Services: Competition HL4829 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the competitive landscape of the UK’s postal and parcel delivery market (1) remains fair, and (2) does not lead to monopolistic practices post-takeover.
Cabinet Office
Borders HL4830 To ask His Majesty’s Government what measures they are considering implementing to (1) monitor, and (2) evaluate the progress of the post-Brexit border strategy, and what steps they are taking to share new information with affected companies and organisations across the UK.
Questions Asked 20 May 2024
Treasury
Mortgages: Interest Rates HL4797 To ask His Majesty’s Government, in the light of the fluctuations in mortgage rates, what steps they are taking to ensure guidance and support is available to help homebuyers when deciding their mortgage options.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Retail Trade: Empty Property HL4795 To ask His Majesty’s Government, what steps they are taking to address (1) concerns raised by landlords about potential below-market rents, and (2) any impact on property valuations, as a result of the proposed high street rental auction scheme.
Cabinet Office
Civil Servants: Remote Working HL4796 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of hybrid working models in the Civil Service; and what steps they are taking to adapt policies to balance the benefits of both remote and in-office work.
Questions Asked 16 May 2024
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Artificial Intelligence: Recruitment HL4752 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) attract, and (2) retain, top AI professionals in the UK.
Home Office
Visas: Eligibility HL4751 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support businesses in understanding and navigating the changes to visa eligibility rules, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on international talent.
Treasury
Interest Rates HL4753 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) address, and (2) mitigate, any potential risks associated with falling interest rates; and what assessment they have made of the impact on (a) inflation, (b) consumer spending, (c) and financial market stability.
Questions Asked 15 May 2024
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Supply HL4718 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking (1) to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s food supply chain, and (2) to enhance food security, in the face of external disruptions and challenges.
Department for Business and Trade
Pay HL4720 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to reports of a discrepancy between wage growth and pay settlements, what steps they are taking to (1) ensure fair compensation for workers, and (2) address income disparities across different sectors of the economy.
Department for Business and Trade
Infrastructure: Vacancies HL4719 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to implement strategies to mitigate the risks of labour shortages in the supply chain for infrastructure projects.
Questions Asked 14 May 2024
Home Office
Undocumented Migrants: Northern Ireland HL4649 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) address, and (2) mitigate, the potential implications of the recent High Court ruling in Northern Ireland which ordered the disapplication of some provisions of the Illegal Migration Act 2023.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Stock Market HL4650 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following Asda’s recent announcement about developing a town centre in London, what steps they are taking to support supermarket chains’ initiatives involving mixed-use developments that include housing.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Sleeping Rough HL4648 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) support rough sleepers, and (2) ensure their access to support services.
Questions Asked 13 May 2024
Treasury
Economic Growth HL4607 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to leverage the positive growth momentum reported in the first quarter of 2024, particularly in sectors such as housing and recreation, to stimulate further economic expansion and job creation.
Treasury
Stock Market HL4606 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of the recent performance of the UK stock market on (1) investor confidence, and (2) economic recovery.
Treasury
Labour Market: Databases HL4605 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of unreliable labour market data on the accuracy of inflation forecasts and other economic indicators used for policy formulation.
Questions Asked 9 May 2024
Treasury
Small Businesses: Loans HL4546 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the bank loan application success rates of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Department for Business and Trade
Construction: Economic Growth HL4548 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index, published on 7 May, which showed that construction activity grew at its fastest pace in April for more than a year, what steps they are taking to ensure continued growth in commercial and civil engineering activities within the construction sector.
Department for Transport
Electric Vehicles: Finance HL4547 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce additional incentives encouraging electric vehicle adoption among consumers.
Questions Asked 8 May 2024
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing: Greater London HL4486 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that fewer Londoners are looking for houses outside London, and of the impact on (1) housing supply, and (2) affordability, in the capital; and what steps they are taking to ensure a balanced housing market.
Women and Equalities
Equal Pay: Gender HL4487 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that the median gender pay gap narrowed to 9 per cent in 2023–24, what assessment they have made of the impact of wage pressures in different industries on the gender pay gap.
Ministry of Defence
Agriculture: Food Supply HL4485 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to a recent poll conducted by the National Farmers Union which showed that business confidence among farmers is at its lowest since 2010, what steps they are taking to support the agricultural sector to ensure food security.
Questions Asked 7 May 2024
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Carbon Budgets HL4431 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take in response to the ruling of the High Court on 3 May regarding their carbon budget delivery plan.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Affordable Housing: Construction HL4429 To ask His Majesty’s Government what measures they are implementing to support housing associations to build affordable homes, following reports that high private sector debt costs are affecting development plans.
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence: Cybersecurity HL4430 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the recent cyber-attack targeting the personal details of UK military personnel, what steps they are taking, if any, to review their current data security protocols and cyber defence strategies.
Questions Asked 2 May 2024
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Veterinary Medicine: Northern Ireland HL4366 To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they have had, or intend to have, discussions with the EU regarding the implementation of a post-Brexit agreement on the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.
Department for Business and Trade
Manufacturing Industries HL4367 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index survey published on 1 May, which showed contraction in the manufacturing sector in April, what support they are providing to this sector to boost growth.
Department for Business and Trade
Africa: Renewable Energy HL4368 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of British International Investment’s increased focus on renewable energy projects in Africa; and what assessment they have made of how this aligns with the UK’s international development policy.
Questions Asked 1 May 2024
Treasury
Foreign Investment in UK HL4309 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) retain, and (2) attract, foreign financial firms and jobs in the UK.
Department for Business and Trade
Retail Trade HL4307 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports of non-food item deflation, what assessment they have made of the impact of this on (1) employment, and (2) business profitability, in the retail sector.
Home Office
Asylum: Republic of Ireland HL4308 To ask His Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Ireland concerning asylum seekers returning from that country to the UK; and what impact this has on the Common Travel Area agreement.
Questions Asked 30 April 2024
Treasury
Small Businesses: Taxation HL4245 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of HMRC’s reported customer service issues on tax compliance among small businesses; and what steps they are taking to mitigate this impact.
Treasury
Housing: Sales HL4243 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the 12 per cent increase in house sales during April; and what steps they are taking to support first-time buyers.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Financial Times: Artificial Intelligence HL4244 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the recent content licensing agreement between The Financial Times and OpenAI, what assessment they have made of the potential implications this may have for the AI industry; and what steps they are taking to further promote transparency and accountability in AI-driven content generation and distribution.
Questions Asked 29 April 2024
Treasury
Companies: Insolvency HL4182 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the recent decline in corporate insolvencies, what steps they are taking to (1) identify the factors they believe contributed to this reduction, and (2) ensure this trend continues.
Department for Transport
Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries HL4183 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles supports the automotive industry.
Department for Business and Trade
Small Businesses: Mergers HL4181 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the reported recent increase in mergers and acquisitions activity among medium-sized companies, what steps they are taking to support continued mergers and acquisitions activity whilst ensuring that it does not lead to (1) monopolistic practices, or (2) reduced competition in key industries.
Questions Asked 25 April 2024
Treasury
New Businesses HL4120 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to recent data released by S&P Global showing that April had the fastest rise in business activity since last May, what steps they are taking to sustain this momentum and ensure continued economic growth.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Artificial Intelligence: Competition HL4122 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority about potential ‘over-dependence’ on a small number of major tech firms in the AI industry, what steps they are taking (1) to promote competition, and (2) to prevent monopolistic practices, within the AI sector.
Department for Business and Trade
Arts HL4121 To ask His Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the EU regarding barriers to trade and exports faced by the creative industries since Brexit; what steps they are taking to address this; and what plans they have to support UK creative businesses in global markets.
Questions Asked 24 April 2024
Treasury
Mortgages: Interest Rates HL4087 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the extension of long-term fixed-rate mortgage options to borrowers.
Treasury
Public Sector Debt HL4086 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce public sector debt from its current level of 98.3 per cent of GDP.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Immigration Controls: Borders HL4088 To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support small businesses in adapting to additional costs for post-Brexit border checks.
Questions Asked 23 April 2024
Treasury
Inflation HL4056 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following recent remarks from the deputy governor of the Bank of England, Dave Ramsden, that inflation could remain around the two per cent target for the next three years, what steps they are taking to ensure sustainable economic growth in this environment.
Treasury
Inflation HL4055 To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to address the impact of rising inflation on household budgets while stimulating consumer spending, given the stagnation of retail sales between February and March.
Department for Business and Trade
Exports HL4057 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the publication of figures by the Office for National Statistics which show UK services exports grew 63 per cent in real terms between 2010 and 2023, while goods exports grew only seven per cent, what steps they are taking to boost the export of goods.
Questions Asked 22 April 2024
Department for Transport
Motor Insurance: Fees and Charges HL4016 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following a 43 per cent increase in car insurance prices compared to this time last year, what steps they are taking to address the underlying factors that contribute to those high premiums, such as rising claims costs and inflation.
Treasury
Financial Services: Foreign Investment in UK HL4017 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the delay of the Overseas Funds Regime on the UK’s attractiveness to overseas asset managers; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any negative effects.
Home Office
Youth Mobility Scheme: EU Countries HL4018 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following news that they have rejected an offer by the European Commission for a youth mobility scheme, what factors they considered when deciding to reject the offer.
Questions Asked 19 April 2024
Department for Transport
Motor Insurance: Fees and Charges HL4016 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following a 43 per cent increase in car insurance prices compared to this time last year, what steps they are taking to address the underlying factors that contribute to those high premiums, such as rising claims costs and inflation.
Treasury
Financial Services: Foreign Investment in UK HL4017 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the delay of the Overseas Funds Regime on the UK’s attractiveness to overseas asset managers; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any negative effects.
Home Office
Youth Mobility Scheme: EU Countries HL4018 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following news that they have rejected an offer by the European Commission for a youth mobility scheme, what factors they considered when deciding to reject the offer.
Questions Asked 18 April 2024
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Renewable Energy: Supply Chains HL3968 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the UK renewables deployment supply chain readiness study, published on 17 April; and what steps they are taking to address the UK’s renewable energy supply chain constraints.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Rents: Increases HL3967 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of figures released by the Office for National Statistics showing an average increase of 9.2 per cent in monthly rental costs in the UK in the 12 months to March; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any negative effects on (1) landlords, and (2) tenants.
Department for Business and Trade
Business: Economic Situation HL3969 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Quarterly Economic Survey by the British Chambers of Commerce, published on 11 April; and what steps they are taking to address and mitigate the challenges in relation to wages, bills and other expenses faced by businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Questions Asked 17 April 2024
Treasury
New Businesses: Capital Investment HL3918 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of a decline in venture capital investment in UK start-ups in the first quarter of 2024; and what steps they are taking to support the growth of the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
Home Office
UK Border Force: Heathrow Airport HL3917 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential economic impact of the upcoming strikes by Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport on (1) businesses, and (2) tourism.
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment HL3919 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the rise in (1) unemployment, and (2) economic inactivity, highlighted in the Office for National Statistics data, published on 16 April; and what steps they are taking to support individuals transitioning back into employment.
Questions Asked 16 April 2024
Treasury
Economic Situation HL3870 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) ensure that stabilising mortgage rates contribute to sustained growth in the housing market, and (2) address challenges faced by homebuyers concerning the increased cost of living.
Treasury
Cost of Living HL3869 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the Financial Conduct Authority survey indicating an increase in adults across the UK struggling to pay bills due to the high cost of living, and what steps they are taking to help individuals and families facing financial difficulties.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing Market HL3697 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors survey indicating a third consecutive monthly increase in demand in the housing market.
Questions Asked 15 April 2024
Treasury
Housing Market HL3699 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) ensure that stabilising mortgage rates contribute to sustained growth in the housing market, and (2) address challenges faced by homebuyers concerning the increased cost of living.
Treasury
Food: Prices HL3698 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the easing grocery price inflation on (1) consumer spending habits, and (2) household budgets.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing: Prices and Standards HL3697 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following recent findings by the Resolution Foundation regarding the affordability and quality of housing, what steps they are taking to (1) address, and (2) mitigate, those challenges.
Questions Asked 27 March 2024
Treasury
Housing Market HL3699 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) ensure that stabilising mortgage rates contribute to sustained growth in the housing market, and (2) address challenges faced by homebuyers concerning the increased cost of living.
Treasury
Food: PricesHL3698 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the easing grocery price inflation on (1) consumer spending habits, and (2) household budgets.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing: Prices and Standards HL3697 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following recent findings by the Resolution Foundation regarding the affordability and quality of housing, what steps they are taking to (1) address, and (2) mitigate, those challenges.
Questions Asked 26 March 2024
Treasury
Economic Situation HL3642 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the revision to the UK’s sovereign credit outlook by global ratings agency Fitch from negative to stable, what assessment they have made of the impact of this on the UK’s standing in (1) global trade, and (2) investment markets.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agriculture: UK Trade with EU HL3643 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following concerns raised by farmers regarding changes to the standard of food imports, what steps they are taking to address the impact of post-Brexit trade deals on British farmers.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Energy: Prices HL3644To ask His Majesty’s Government what support they intend to provide to households to adapt to changes in energy prices.
Questions Asked 25 March 2024
Treasury
Consumers: Expenditure HL3605 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent trends in consumer spending; and what assessment they have made of the impact of this on (1) the retail sector, and (2) the wider economy.
Treasury
Consumer Prices Index HL3604To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the factors contributing to the recent decline in consumer prices inflation.
Department for Work and Pensions
Poverty: Children HL3603To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the release of data showing that the number of children living in absolute poverty has risen by the highest rate in 30 years, what steps they are taking to address the increase in child poverty rates.
Questions Asked 21 March 2024
Treasury
Economic Growth HL3543 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that the economy returned to growth in January after entering a recession in the second half of 2023, what steps they are taking to (1) support, and (2) sustain positive momentum in, sectors of the economy which have shown signs of growth in 2024.
Department for Transport
Railways: Strikes HL3545 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to implement contingency plans to manage the impact of the upcoming train strikes in April across multiple rail companies.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Rented Housing HL3544 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of regional disparities in rental prices across the UK; and what steps they are taking to address affordability challenges for tenants.
Questions Asked 20 March 2024
Treasury
Pay: Inflation HL3492 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are considering to mitigate the potential inflationary effects of the increase in the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage.
Department for Transport
Aviation: Hydrogen HL3494 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the role of hydrogen technology in reducing aviation carbon emissions to net 0 x 20 50, and what steps they are taking to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Governing Bodies HL3493 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Football Governance Bill and independent football regulator on the governance structures and processes in football clubs and leagues.
Questions Asked 19 March 2024
Treasury
Tourism: VAT HL3428 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential (1) costs, and (2) benefits, of reintroducing tax-free shopping for international visitors, including the impact on (a) retail sales, (b) employment levels, and (c) economic recovery.
Treasury
Foreign Investment in UK HL3426 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 2 March concerning the requirements by 2027 for pension funds to disclose how much they invest in British businesses, what steps they are taking to assess the potential consequences on overall competitiveness and attractiveness of the UK as an investment destination.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Regional Planning and Development: Finance HL3427 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of programmes funded under (1) the Levelling Up Fund, (2) the Towns Fund, and (3) the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in addressing regional socio-economic divides across the UK.
Questions Asked 14 March 2024
Treasury
Payments: Regulation HL3303 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the publication of the draft Payment Services (Amendment) Regulations 2024, what steps they are taking to introduce legal safeguards to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency in the process of delaying payments for further investigation.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Mortgages: Arrears HL3304 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following report that mortgages in arrears hit a seven-year high in the Final quarter of 2023, what assessment they have made of the impact on (1) housing stability, and (2) homelessness rates.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Water Companies: Billing HL3305 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that water companies plan to raise customer bills by up to 70 per cent over the next five years, what assessment they have made of the impact of those rises on (1) household budgets, (2) consumer spending, and (3) overall economic stability; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any such challenges.
Questions Asked 13 March 2024
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Gas Fired Power Stations: Environment Protection HL3266 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential environmental impact and carbon emissions associated with the development of gas-fired power plants.
Treasury
Pay HL3264 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of slowing wage growth on household finances and consumer spending; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any negative impact.
Cabinet Office
Statistics HL3265 To ask His Majesty’s Government, in the light of the recommendations of the Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority on the separation of functions and reporting arrangements, what steps they are taking to ensure greater transparency in the governance and enhancements of the statistical system.
Questions Asked 12 March 2024
Treasury
Cryptocurrencies HL3233 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to mitigate any risks associated with trading crypto-backed exchange traded notes by professional investors, particularly in relation to market manipulation and investor protection.
Treasury
Exchange Rates HL3222 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the recent strengthening in sterling on inflation in the UK; and what assessment they have made of the effect this may have on the timing and magnitude of monetary policy adjustments made by the Bank of England.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Import Controls: Small Businesses HL3221 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address challenges faced by small businesses and importers due to the introduction of new border checks and paperwork requirements post-Brexit.
Questions Asked 11 March 2024
Treasury
Holiday Accommodation and Multiple Occupation: Tax Allowances HL3190 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the Budget statement announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 6 March, what assessment they have made of the long-term implications of abolishing tax relief for holiday lets and ending multiple dwelling relief from stamp duty land tax on the housing market and local economies.
Treasury
Business: Exchange Rates: Overseas Trade HL3192 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of recent fluctuations in the exchange rate of the pound sterling on the price of imports and exports.
Treasury
Financial Services: Equality HL3191 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to accelerate progress towards gender equality in the financial services industry.
Questions Asked 7 March 2024
Treasury
Housing: Sales HL3133 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support prospective homebuyers amidst recent increases in house prices.
Department for Business and Trade
Business: Prices and Supply Chains HL3134 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to safeguard firms from the effects of rising prices and supply chain disruptions.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Gambling: Artificial Intelligence HL3132 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address the risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence in the gambling industry, particularly (1) problem gambling, (2) addiction, and (3) mental health issues.
Questions Asked 6 March 2024
Treasury
Retail Trade: Sales HL3087 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to reports that retail sales and consumer spending rose at the slowest pace in February since 2022, what steps they are taking to address any challenges resulting from slow growth.
Department for Business and Trade
Products: Environment Protection HL3088 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking (1) to assess the impact of the EU’s introduction of digital product passports on trade agreements and standards between the EU and the UK, and (2) to ensure compatibility and interoperability with global trading partners’ systems.
Questions Asked 5 March 2024
Treasury
Owner Occupation HL3045 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support property owners facing challenges in refinancing against lower property values.
Home Office
Retail Trade: Crime HL3046 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential role of technology in tackling theft and violence in convenience stores across the UK.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Employment HL3047 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the Institute for Public Policy Research report State of the North 2024: Charting the Course for a Decade of Renewal, published in March, what steps they are taking to address the widening gap in employment between London and the rest of England.
Questions Asked 4 March 2024
Treasury
Credit Cards: Interest Rates HL3011 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support consumers facing financial difficulty due to high credit card interest rates and increasing levels of debt.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Homelessness: Government Assistance HL3010 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support people at risk of homelessness due to ‘no fault’ evictions.
Department for Business and Trade
UK Trade with EU: Productivity HL3012 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the fall in the UK goods trade on national productivity, particularly in sectors affected by any barriers to trade resulting from Brexit.
Questions Asked 29 February 2024
Treasury
Small Businesses: Bank Services HL2925 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have had their bank accounts closed, what steps they are taking to ensure SMEs have continued access to banking services.
Treasury
Food: Prices HL2923 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recent reduction in grocery price inflation on overall inflationary pressures in the economy.
Treasury
Credit HL2924 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports of the shrinkage of the non-prime lending market, what steps they are taking to ensure that vulnerable customers have access to fair and regulated credit products.
Questions Asked 28 February 2024
Treasury
Inflation: Mortgages: Interest Rates HL2856 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assess any correlation between recent increases in swap rates and rising mortgage rates.
Department for Business and Trade
Piracy: Red Sea HL2858 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support exporters affected by delays and higher shipping costs as a result of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Social Rented Housing: Investment HL2857 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the National Housing Federation report The economic impact of building social housing, published in February, what assessment they have made of the economic benefits gained by investing in social housing.
Home Office
Visas: Skilled Workers HL2859 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the Migration Advisory Committee’s report Rapid review of the Immigration Salary List, published in February, what assessment they have made of the impact of the increased salary threshold for the Skilled Workers Visa on the ability of UK employers to fill jobs in key shortage areas.
Questions Asked 27 February 2024
Treasury
Inflation: Food: Prices HL2808 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent data from the British Retail Consortium which found that food inflation in February was at its lowest rate in almost two years; and what assessment they have made of the impact this will have on consumer confidence.
Treasury
Business HL2807 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the recent survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group, what steps they are taking to address the chief concerns identified by businesses, such as (1) high energy prices, and (2) taxation.
Questions Asked 26 February 2024
Treasury
Inflation: Consumers Copyright HL2768 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to mitigate the impact of high inflation on consumers.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
First Time Buyers and Private Rented Housing HL2766 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking (1) to promote housing affordability and stability for renters, and (2) to support first-time buyers.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Dairy Products and Meat Products: UK Internal Trade HL2767 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of proposed ‘Not for EU’ labels on meat and dairy products on (1) food costs, and (2) exports.
Questions Asked 22 February 2024
Treasury
Mortgages: Older People HL2688 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to identify the primary factors contributing to the recent decline in mortgage lending to borrowers aged over 55 in the UK.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Energy: Prices HL2687 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Cornwall Insight’s forecast of a 15 per cent reduction in the household energy price cap in the second quarter of this year; and what steps they will take to further alleviate the financial burden on households.
Treasury
Economic Growth and Productivity HL2689 To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to promote economic growth and productivity whilst supporting monetary policy objectives.
Questions Asked 21 February 2024
Treasury
Mortgages: Older People HL2688 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to identify the primary factors contributing to the recent decline in mortgage lending to borrowers aged over 55 in the UK.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Energy: Prices HL2687 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Cornwall Insight’s forecast of a 15 per cent reduction in the household energy price cap in the second quarter of this year; and what steps they will take to further alleviate the financial burden on households.
Treasury
Economic Growth and Productivity HL2689 To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to promote economic growth and productivity whilst supporting monetary policy objectives.
Questions Asked 20 February 2024
Home Office
Frontex: Immigration Controls HL2631 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that the UK has nearly reached a cooperation agreement with the EU’s border protection agency, Frontex, whether they have any plans to make legislative or regulatory changes relating to illegal migration as a result of that agreement.
Department for Business and Trade
Competition: Unfair Practices HL2629 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to combat anti-competitive practices in the consumer products sector, in particular (1) price-fixing, and (2) collusion.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Affordable Housing and Holiday Accommodation HL2630 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to balance the availability of affordable housing with the need to support the tourist economy, particularly in areas reliant on short-term property rentals.
Questions Asked 19 February 2024
Treasury
Duty Free Allowances: Tourism HL2581 To ask His Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to reinstating tax-free shopping for tourists, and what stage the review by the Office for Budget Responsibility has reached into the potential benefits of doing so.
Treasury
Economic Situation HL2583 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to monitor and mitigate the impact of potential recessionary pressures on household finances and consumer confidence.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Renewable Energy HL2582 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following recent fluctuations in the energy market, what long-term plans they have to transition to more sustainable and affordable energy sources.
Questions Asked 14 February 2024
Treasury
Vacancies: Employment HL2454 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics on 13 February, what steps they are taking to address factors contributing to the recent slowing down of job vacancies and employment growth.
Cabinet Office
Foreign Investment in UK: National Security HL2502 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to recommendations made by the House of Commons Business and Trade Sub-Committee on National Security and Investment on 9 February in their submission to the Government’s call for evidence ahead of reforms to the UK’s investment-screening regime, what steps they are taking to strengthen the screening processes under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to better align with the investment rules of UK allies.
Questions Asked 6 February 2024
Treasury
Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland HL2263 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following a request from the Northern Ireland Executive for increased funding from Britain, what steps they are taking, if any, to (1) review their current funding offer, and (2) negotiate a new offer..
Department for Energy Security and Net
Hinkley Point C Power Station: France HL2265 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that the government of France are seeking a loan guarantee from Hinkley Point C, what steps they are taking to provide details on (1) the terms and conditions of this loan, and (2) its potential impact on UK taxpayers.
Treasury
Mortgages: Interest Rates HL2264 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the recent fall in mortgage rates on the wider UK economy.
Questions Asked 5 February 2024
Treasury
Taxation: Self-assessment HL2211 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports of a 10 per cent increase in UK taxpayers missing the self-assessment filing deadline, what steps they are taking to identify the factors that may have contributed to this increase.
Department for Enviroment, Food and Rural Affairs
Water Charges: Disadvantaged HL2210 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that water bills are due to rise by an average of six per cent from April, what steps they are taking to provide additional support to households facing financial pressures.
Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities
Income Tax: Low Incomes HL2212 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following increases to council tax from April this year, what steps they are taking to assess the impact of these increases on households with lower incomes.
Questions Asked 1 February 2024
Department for Business and Trade
EU Trade with EU: Costs HL2155 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that businesses have faced increasing difficulties and costs trading with the EU since Brexit, what steps they are taking to (1) identify areas of improvement, and (2) provide support.
Treasury
Mortgages: Interest Rates HL2154 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the recent decrease in mortgage rates on home ownership.
Department for Business and Trade
Insolvency: HL2153 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that corporate insolvencies rose to their highest level in 30 years last year, what steps they are taking to assist companies that are struggling.
Questions Asked 31 January 2024
Treasury
Cryptocurrencies: Retail Trade HL2111 To ask His Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to approving retail access to cryptocurrency exchange traded products.
Ministry of Justice
Industrial Disputes: Dispute Resolution HL2110 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure a fair and accessible system for resolving employment disputes which is not restricted by financial burdens.
Home Office
Immigration: Migrant Workers HL2109 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce net migration while maintaining access to skilled workers in critical sectors.
Questions Asked 30 January 2024
Treasury
Financial Services: Technology HL2057 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of public markets on the (1) valuing, and (2) supporting, of fintech.
Treasury
Consumers: HL2059 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research by GfK published on 26 January that UK consumer confidence in January rose to its highest level in two years; and what steps they are taking to sustain and build upon those findings.
Home Office
Immigration Controls: France HL2058 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of a correlation between the 2023 migration deal with France and a doubling in the number of migrants who have drowned crossing the English Channel; and what plans they have to review the deal in this regard.
Questions Asked 29 January 2024
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Hinkley Point C Power Station: Construction HL2011 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the delays to the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station on their 2030 target for low-carbon electricity generation.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Local Government Finance: HL2010 To ask His Majesty’s Government what process they are using to determine the allocation for (1) social care, (2) funding guarantees, and (3) grants, under their plans to provide an additional £600 million funding to councils.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Business: Horizon Europe HL2009 To ask His Majesty’s Government what are the eligibility criteria for businesses to apply for Horizon research programme funding; and how those grants will assist them.
Questions Asked 25 January 2024
Department for Work and Pension
Employment: Poverty HL1947 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) tackle in-work poverty, and (2) create more job opportunities across the UK.
Department for Business and Trade
Piracy: Red Sea HL1945 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the manufacturing sector in the light of increased inflationary pressure as a result of supply disruptions in the Red Sea.
Treasury
Annuities: Pensions HL1946 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of bulk annuity deals and their impact on pension schemes.
Questions Asked 24 January 2024
Treasury
Taxation: HL1902 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the feasibility of cutting taxes in the upcoming budget, further to the report, Public sector finances, UK: December 2023, published by the Office for National Statistics on 23 January, and having regard to the overall stability of the economy.
Treasury
Inflation: Economic Situation HL1904 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to mitigate the potential negative impact of the United Kingdom’s current inflation rates on the economy.
Department for Business and Trade
EU Law: HL1903 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to determine which European Union laws will be retained, reformed, or revoked under the plans set out in the Retained EU Law Parliamentary Report June 2023–December 2023, published on 22 January.
Questions Asked 23 January 2024
Treasury
Mortgages: HL1880 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the long-term impact of their proposed 99 per cent mortgage scheme on (1) the housing market, and (2) borrowers.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing: Construction HL1881 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to their plan to build 300,000 new homes a year, what steps they are taking to achieve this in 2024.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
UK Trade with EU: HL1882 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the implementation of new border controls being implemented from 31 January, what steps they are taking to mitigate any potential challenges faced by businesses within the EU exporting into the UK.
Questions Asked 22 January 2024
Treasury
First Time Buyers: HL1827 To ask His Majesty’s Government, what assessment they have made of the impact of current (1) mortgage interest rates, and (2) house prices, on first-time buyers.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Immigration Controls: Airports and Ports HL1825 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prepare ports and airports for the introduction of new border controls being implemented from 31 January.
Treasury
Rented Housing: Taxation HL1826 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of current tax policy for small-scale lettings.
Questions Asked 18 January 2024
Department for Business and Trade
Imports: Internet HL1762 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to their policy paper Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy, published on 17 January, what steps they are taking to establish the new online portal for businesses to report disruption affecting their imports; and what assessment they have made of the impact this will have on communication and coordination in relation to supply chain issues.
Treasury
Property: Sales HL1763 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of increased interest rates in the property market on (1) homeowners, (2) prospective buyers, and (3) the wider economy.
Cabinet Office
Cybersecurity: HL1761 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to reports that spending on overseas cyber security programmes doubled last year, what assessment they have made of the impact of that increased spending on the cyber safety of (1) citizens, and (2) businesses.
Questions Asked 17 January 2024
Treasury
Interest Rates: HL1720 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that the Bank of England is considering cutting interest rates in response to the slowdown of wage growth; and what assessment they have made of the effect that this would have on the economy more widely.
Department for Business and Trade
Insolvency: HL1722 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to recent figures released by the Government Insolvency Service which found that 2002 companies were declared insolvent last month, what plans they have to support companies facing monetary challenges and mitigate the rise in insolvencies.
Department for Transport
Railways: Strikes HL1721 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to reports of upcoming rail strikes, what steps they are taking to implement contingency plans to minimise disruption for passengers.
Questions Asked 16 January 2024
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Local Government: Bankruptcy HL1665 To ask His Majesty’s Government what financial support they are providing to local councils at risk of receiving section 114 notices within the next five years.
Treasury
Housing: Prices HL1666 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of recent increases in average house prices.
Ministry of Justice
Civil Proceedings: Legal Costs HL1667 To ask His Majesty’s Government what legislative changes they intend to make, if any, to reverse the effects of the Supreme Court’s ruling on litigation funding in R (on the application of PACCAR Inc and others) v Competition Appeal Tribunal and others in July 2023.
Questions Asked 15 January 2024
Treasury
Economic Growth: Brexit HL1614 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to the report by Cambridge Econometrics London’s Economy After Brexit: Impacts and Implications, published on 11 January, which estimated that economic growth was “2–3 per cent lower in 2023 than had Brexit not occurred … and is expected to gradually increase to 5–6 per cent by 2035”, what steps they are taking to support the resilience and growth of industries affected by any economic challenges that have arisen as a result of the UK’s departure from the EU.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Floods: HL1615 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to mitigate the potential negative effects of adverse weather conditions impacting homes and businesses this week.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Artificial Intelligence: HL1613 To ask His Majesty’s Government, further to their plans to publish a series of tests that need to be met to pass new laws on artificial intelligence, what steps they are taking to decide the criteria for the tests; and how they plan to conduct those tests.
Questions Asked 11 January 2024
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Empty Property: HL1538 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to give local councils more powers to deal with empty homes and reduce the waiting list for council housing.
Treasury
Mortgages: Interest Rates HL1539 To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent cuts to mortgage rates announced by lenders; and what assessment they have made of the prospects of further reductions to mortgage rates in the near future.
Department for Business and Trade
Small Business: Government Assistance HL1540 To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support small firms struggling financially as a result of adverse economic conditions.
Questions Asked 10 January 2024
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Public Service Broadcasting: Equality HL1484 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase (1) racial, and (2) gender, diversity in senior management positions in public service broadcasters other than the BBC.
Cabinet Office
Public Sector: Technology HL1482 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the wrongful convictions that occurred as a result of faulty Post Office Horizon software, what plans they have to integrate advanced oversight technologies that ensure accuracy and reliability of software used in public service systems to prevent any future issues.
Department for Business and Trade
Manufacturing Industries: HL1483 To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to strengthen the UK’s advantages as a location for manufacturing operations.