Asked by: Alex Burghart (Conservative - Brentwood and Ongar)
Question to the Leader of the House:
To ask the Leader of the House, Further to the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, 22 December 2025, what steps he will take to assist Parliament scrutiny of new EU laws that the UK will adopt as a consequence of dynamic alignment; and whether he has had discussions with the House authorities on re-establishing a European Scrutiny Committee.
Answered by Alan Campbell - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
The Common Understanding is clear that where the UK Government decides to align with EU rules as part of a new agreement this will give due regard to the UK’s constitutional and Parliamentary procedures. The UK will be involved, as a sovereign nation outside of the European Union, at an early stage and contribute to the decision-shaping process of EU legal acts.
We will work with Parliament on the arrangements for the scrutiny of any necessary legislation, and the agreement more broadly, as the negotiations progress.
Asked by: Alex Burghart (Conservative - Brentwood and Ongar)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the National Wealth Fund operates a salary sacrifice scheme for its Defined Contribution staff pension offering.
Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The National Wealth Fund does not operate a salary sacrifice scheme in respect of its Defined Contribution staff pension offering. Details of the National Wealth Fund’s pension offering are set out in the Remuneration Report within its Annual Report and Accounts, which can be accessed here: https://www.nationalwealthfund.org.uk/media/wpxnswqx/e03371942_nwf-ara-24-25_accessible_2.pdf
Asked by: Alex Burghart (Conservative - Brentwood and Ongar)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what data (a) her department and (b) NISTA holds on the number of central government PFI contracts which necessitate the underlying asset remaining in the ownership of the PFI contractor at the end of the contract.
Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury
HM Treasury, which includes NISTA, publishes aggregate information on PFI and PF2 projects annually.
In line with guidance, any arrangements which necessitate the underlying asset remaining in the ownership of the PFI contractor at the end of the contract would be the exception. Information on such cases is not collated centrally by HM Treasury.
Asked by: Alex Burghart (Conservative - Brentwood and Ongar)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what auditing processes are in place to monitor the use of equipment and technology provided to claimants through the Flexible Support Fund, and how the Department assures itself that equipment purchased using the Flexible Support Fund is used for its intended purpose.
Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Flexible Support Fund was introduced in April 2011. It provides discretionary support to help individuals move closer to employment. Work coaches must exercise their discretion in line with national and local guidance, ensuring that Flexible Support Fund (FSF) awards are reasonable, good value for money, and aimed at improving employment prospects. They consider each request on a case-by-case basis, confirming that all other funding options have been explored and that the individual cannot reasonably meet the cost themselves. As FSF is public money, work coaches must be confident that any award is necessary and appropriate ‑case basis, confirming that all other funding options have been explored and that the individual cannot reasonably meet the cost themselves. As FSF is public money, work coaches must be confident that any award is necessary and appropriate.
Once an award is made, work coaches must verify that the item is used as intended. If concerns arise — for example, where training supported by a purchased item was not attended — the coach will seek an explanation and determine whether repayment is required. Independent post-award checks also provide assurance that awards are accurate and appropriate‑award checks also provide assurance that awards are accurate and appropriate. A new digital FSF application, to be launched nationally by the end of March, will improve oversight and provide more detailed data to support stronger scrutiny of awards.
Asked by: Alex Burghart (Conservative - Brentwood and Ongar)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 9 December 2025, to Question 94700, on Tim Allan, whether the records held by the Cabinet Office as part of the declaration of interests process for special advisers show that Tim Allan has any shareholdings or share options in lobbying firm, BB Partners Advisory Holdings Limited.
Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
There is an established system in place for the declaration and management of special advisers' interests, including their financial interests. As has been the case under successive administrations, interests deemed relevant for publication for special advisers in No10 and the Cabinet Office are published on an annual basis by the Cabinet Office. Mr Allan sought and received advice on his interests. He has followed every element of the advice received.
Asked by: Alex Burghart (Conservative - Brentwood and Ongar)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the remuneration and terms of reference of Varun Chandra as the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the US on trade and investment; and whether he is a special adviser, civil servant or direct ministerial appointment.
Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Special Adviser Annual Report, and the press release on gov.uk which sets out the responsibilities associated with the role. No additional remuneration will be made for the role of Special Envoy.