Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, on what date BCP Council applied for permission to increase its council tax for 2026/7 above the 4.99% limit without the need for a local referendum; and whether he plans to invite (a) oral and (b) written representations from local hon. Members before making a decision.
Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Whilst the government works towards a local government funding system fit for the future and delivering reforms that move funding to the places where it is most needed, the government recognises the potential for some continued instability and that some local authorities may be in a challenging financial position.
That is why, as set out in the local government policy statement in November, we confirmed for those councils in the most challenging financial positions there will be – similar to previous years – an Exceptional Financial Support framework and the ability for local requests for council tax flexibility where an authority views additional council tax increases as critical to managing financial risk.
In considering any requests for council tax flexibility, the government will carefully consider a local authority’s specific circumstances and the impacts of any proposed council tax increase to local taxpayers, the most vulnerable and the authority’s ability to provide key services. Additionally, unlike the previous government, this government would not agree to requests for additional flexibilities from authorities where council tax payers are already paying more than average.
The government will continue to work constructively with local authorities requesting support but remains clear that authorities should take reasonable steps locally to manage financial pressures and deliver for their residents and only seek support in exceptional circumstances.
In line with the position of the previous government, we treat all discussions in confidence and do not publish details of requests from individual authorities ahead of decisions being made.
As ever, I remain happy to meet with Members to discuss any local concerns and would invite them to share their views.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the meeting between the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention and the hon. Member for Christchurch on 5 November 2025, what progress has been made on possible reform to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme for claims relating to Covid-19 vaccinations; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Budget on the affordability of proposals for change.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the meeting between the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention and the hon. Member for Christchurch on 5 November 2025, what progress has been made on consulting with the Cabinet Office on increasing the limitation period for court claims relating to harm from Covid-19 vaccinations.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Whitehaven and Workington.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Na-h Eileanan an Iar.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Kensington and Bayswater.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton North East.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Milton Keynes Central.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 96081, if she will publish the representation made by the hon. Member for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not publish individual representations on behalf of respondents.