Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to allow full-time carers with no work commitments to claim back the cost of childcare.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)
The Government’s Universal Credit childcare offer is designed to address a key barrier to work by providing financial help with childcare to make it easier for low-income families to work, stay in work and progress in work.
Carers who are not in paid work are not generally eligible for Universal Credit childcare support, as the support is intended to help with childcare costs associated with employment. There is an existing exception, for cases where one parent in a couple has regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person, and the other is in paid work, supporting the policy ambition to enable low-income families to enter and stay in work.
Whilst the Government keeps Universal Credit policy under review, there are no plans to change the existing eligibility requirements for Universal Credit childcare.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to tackle housing benefit fraud.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
In May 2026 we published the annual national statistics on Fraud and Error in the Benefit System. For Housing Benefit (HB) the overpayment rate decreased to 6.2% (£795m) in the Financial Year Ending (FYE) 2026, from 7.2% (£1103m) in FYE 2025.
This was a statistically significant reduction. Analysis of these rates indicates that existing DWP initiatives and support for Local Authorities (LAs) have driven some reductions in HB.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the Office of the Public Guardian.
Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
The Public Guardian is appointed by the Lord Chancellor to carry out statutory responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. These include registering Lasting Powers of Attorney, supervising deputies and addressing concerns when raised.
The Office of Public Guardian’s (OPG) effectiveness against these responsibilities is kept under review by the Ministry of Justice through various mechanisms based on a proportional approach to the requirements set out in the Cabinet Office’s Arm’s Length Body Sponsorship Code of Good Practice and MoJ/OPG Framework Document.
These include:
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of mandating that a person granted Lasting Power of Attorney must submit a detailed financial statement of themselves to an oversight body upon appointment.
Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is improving public awareness of its role and responsibilities by working with organisations that support its customers and can help extend the reach of its information. Through webinars, meetings and targeted engagement with legal, finance, charity, health and social care sectors, OPG provides timely information about its services, including Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), and helps stakeholders support the public's understanding more effectively.
In addition, OPG continues to raise awareness of LPAs through its Your Voice, Your Decision campaign, which is delivered in locations across England and Wales. OPG also uses its digital channels and GOV.UK content to provide information about its role and services, and how customers can access support and guidance.
OPG does not have current plans to introduce mandatory safeguarding training. There are several ways throughout the LPA process where OPG supports attorneys to manage a donor’s welfare, property or financial affairs once a donor loses capacity. Following registration, OPG outlines their legal responsibilities and signposts them to further guidance, including the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and GOV.UK guidance on being an attorney, for example ‘Getting started as an attorney’ and ‘How to be an attorney’. OPG’s Contact Centre also provides support to attorneys when handling calls, signposting to online guidance or forwarding to a separate team to give specialised advice and signposting when there are potential safeguarding concerns. This guidance is currently being updated to ensure it continues to support attorneys in understanding and carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
OPG does not consider that mandating personal financial statements by all attorneys would be proportionate, as LPAs are private legal arrangements which allow a person to choose who they trust to make decisions on their behalf should they lose capacity. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a donor must have capacity when making an LPA and is entitled to make their own decisions about who they trust to act on their behalf. The LPA framework therefore reflects the importance of donor choice and autonomy. There are statutory eligibility requirements and safeguards which mean some people cannot be appointed as attorneys for property and financial affairs, including individuals who are bankrupt or subject to a Debt Relief Order.
OPG can investigate concerns raised about an attorney's conduct and, where appropriate, apply to the Court of Protection to remove attorneys who are not meeting their duties under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. OPG works closely with the financial services sector, including through its engagement with UK Finance, to ensure financial institutions understand when and how to report suspected fraud, financial abuse and other safeguarding concerns involving attorneys and deputies. Financial institutions can and do raise concerns with OPG through established reporting routes, enabling concerns about an attorney's conduct to be investigated.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department plans to introduce mandatory safeguarding training for individuals granted Lasting Power of Attorney.
Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is improving public awareness of its role and responsibilities by working with organisations that support its customers and can help extend the reach of its information. Through webinars, meetings and targeted engagement with legal, finance, charity, health and social care sectors, OPG provides timely information about its services, including Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), and helps stakeholders support the public's understanding more effectively.
In addition, OPG continues to raise awareness of LPAs through its Your Voice, Your Decision campaign, which is delivered in locations across England and Wales. OPG also uses its digital channels and GOV.UK content to provide information about its role and services, and how customers can access support and guidance.
OPG does not have current plans to introduce mandatory safeguarding training. There are several ways throughout the LPA process where OPG supports attorneys to manage a donor’s welfare, property or financial affairs once a donor loses capacity. Following registration, OPG outlines their legal responsibilities and signposts them to further guidance, including the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and GOV.UK guidance on being an attorney, for example ‘Getting started as an attorney’ and ‘How to be an attorney’. OPG’s Contact Centre also provides support to attorneys when handling calls, signposting to online guidance or forwarding to a separate team to give specialised advice and signposting when there are potential safeguarding concerns. This guidance is currently being updated to ensure it continues to support attorneys in understanding and carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
OPG does not consider that mandating personal financial statements by all attorneys would be proportionate, as LPAs are private legal arrangements which allow a person to choose who they trust to make decisions on their behalf should they lose capacity. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a donor must have capacity when making an LPA and is entitled to make their own decisions about who they trust to act on their behalf. The LPA framework therefore reflects the importance of donor choice and autonomy. There are statutory eligibility requirements and safeguards which mean some people cannot be appointed as attorneys for property and financial affairs, including individuals who are bankrupt or subject to a Debt Relief Order.
OPG can investigate concerns raised about an attorney's conduct and, where appropriate, apply to the Court of Protection to remove attorneys who are not meeting their duties under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. OPG works closely with the financial services sector, including through its engagement with UK Finance, to ensure financial institutions understand when and how to report suspected fraud, financial abuse and other safeguarding concerns involving attorneys and deputies. Financial institutions can and do raise concerns with OPG through established reporting routes, enabling concerns about an attorney's conduct to be investigated.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of mandating financial institutions to notify the Office of the Public Guardian if they suspect an individual with Lasting Power of Attorney is undertaking negligence and fraud regarding money in a donor's account.
Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is improving public awareness of its role and responsibilities by working with organisations that support its customers and can help extend the reach of its information. Through webinars, meetings and targeted engagement with legal, finance, charity, health and social care sectors, OPG provides timely information about its services, including Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), and helps stakeholders support the public's understanding more effectively.
In addition, OPG continues to raise awareness of LPAs through its Your Voice, Your Decision campaign, which is delivered in locations across England and Wales. OPG also uses its digital channels and GOV.UK content to provide information about its role and services, and how customers can access support and guidance.
OPG does not have current plans to introduce mandatory safeguarding training. There are several ways throughout the LPA process where OPG supports attorneys to manage a donor’s welfare, property or financial affairs once a donor loses capacity. Following registration, OPG outlines their legal responsibilities and signposts them to further guidance, including the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and GOV.UK guidance on being an attorney, for example ‘Getting started as an attorney’ and ‘How to be an attorney’. OPG’s Contact Centre also provides support to attorneys when handling calls, signposting to online guidance or forwarding to a separate team to give specialised advice and signposting when there are potential safeguarding concerns. This guidance is currently being updated to ensure it continues to support attorneys in understanding and carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
OPG does not consider that mandating personal financial statements by all attorneys would be proportionate, as LPAs are private legal arrangements which allow a person to choose who they trust to make decisions on their behalf should they lose capacity. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a donor must have capacity when making an LPA and is entitled to make their own decisions about who they trust to act on their behalf. The LPA framework therefore reflects the importance of donor choice and autonomy. There are statutory eligibility requirements and safeguards which mean some people cannot be appointed as attorneys for property and financial affairs, including individuals who are bankrupt or subject to a Debt Relief Order.
OPG can investigate concerns raised about an attorney's conduct and, where appropriate, apply to the Court of Protection to remove attorneys who are not meeting their duties under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. OPG works closely with the financial services sector, including through its engagement with UK Finance, to ensure financial institutions understand when and how to report suspected fraud, financial abuse and other safeguarding concerns involving attorneys and deputies. Financial institutions can and do raise concerns with OPG through established reporting routes, enabling concerns about an attorney's conduct to be investigated.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to improve public awareness of the role and responsibilities of the Office of the Public Guardian.
Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is improving public awareness of its role and responsibilities by working with organisations that support its customers and can help extend the reach of its information. Through webinars, meetings and targeted engagement with legal, finance, charity, health and social care sectors, OPG provides timely information about its services, including Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), and helps stakeholders support the public's understanding more effectively.
In addition, OPG continues to raise awareness of LPAs through its Your Voice, Your Decision campaign, which is delivered in locations across England and Wales. OPG also uses its digital channels and GOV.UK content to provide information about its role and services, and how customers can access support and guidance.
OPG does not have current plans to introduce mandatory safeguarding training. There are several ways throughout the LPA process where OPG supports attorneys to manage a donor’s welfare, property or financial affairs once a donor loses capacity. Following registration, OPG outlines their legal responsibilities and signposts them to further guidance, including the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and GOV.UK guidance on being an attorney, for example ‘Getting started as an attorney’ and ‘How to be an attorney’. OPG’s Contact Centre also provides support to attorneys when handling calls, signposting to online guidance or forwarding to a separate team to give specialised advice and signposting when there are potential safeguarding concerns. This guidance is currently being updated to ensure it continues to support attorneys in understanding and carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
OPG does not consider that mandating personal financial statements by all attorneys would be proportionate, as LPAs are private legal arrangements which allow a person to choose who they trust to make decisions on their behalf should they lose capacity. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a donor must have capacity when making an LPA and is entitled to make their own decisions about who they trust to act on their behalf. The LPA framework therefore reflects the importance of donor choice and autonomy. There are statutory eligibility requirements and safeguards which mean some people cannot be appointed as attorneys for property and financial affairs, including individuals who are bankrupt or subject to a Debt Relief Order.
OPG can investigate concerns raised about an attorney's conduct and, where appropriate, apply to the Court of Protection to remove attorneys who are not meeting their duties under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. OPG works closely with the financial services sector, including through its engagement with UK Finance, to ensure financial institutions understand when and how to report suspected fraud, financial abuse and other safeguarding concerns involving attorneys and deputies. Financial institutions can and do raise concerns with OPG through established reporting routes, enabling concerns about an attorney's conduct to be investigated.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of its processes for assessing the wealth of prospective football club owners.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Fans deserve to know who makes decisions at their clubs and have confidence that the owners are suitable. We also know that ensuring football attracts the right, continued investment is crucial to the long-term health of the game.
That is why we established the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and gave it the powers to test all owners and officers at the point of entry, and act to remove existing owners if deemed necessary.
Crucially, what stands the IFR’s tests apart from the leagues’ existing tests is its ability to access greater depths of intelligence to inform its decision making. They can do this through their information gathering powers and sharing agreements with key organisations, including the National Crime Agency.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that the fitness test for owners and directors in the football industry is adequate.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Fans deserve to know who makes decisions at their clubs and have confidence that the owners are suitable. We also know that ensuring football attracts the right, continued investment is crucial to the long-term health of the game.
That is why we established the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and gave it the powers to test all owners and officers at the point of entry, and act to remove existing owners if deemed necessary.
Crucially, what stands the IFR’s tests apart from the leagues’ existing tests is its ability to access greater depths of intelligence to inform its decision making. They can do this through their information gathering powers and sharing agreements with key organisations, including the National Crime Agency.
Asked by: Cameron Thomas (Independent - Tewkesbury)
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to close regulatory loopholes for owners and prospective owners of football clubs.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Fans deserve to know who makes decisions at their clubs and have confidence that the owners are suitable. We also know that ensuring football attracts the right, continued investment is crucial to the long-term health of the game.
That is why we established the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and gave it the powers to test all owners and officers at the point of entry, and act to remove existing owners if deemed necessary.
Crucially, what stands the IFR’s tests apart from the leagues’ existing tests is its ability to access greater depths of intelligence to inform its decision making. They can do this through their information gathering powers and sharing agreements with key organisations, including the National Crime Agency.