Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to publish a winter preparedness analysis for 2025-26 defining eligibility for covid boosters.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an independent expert committee which reviews the latest data on COVID-19 risks, vaccine safety, and effectiveness and advises the department on the approach to vaccination and immunisation programmes. The JCVI published advice for future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in autumn 2025 and spring 2026 in November 2024, and published advice for autumn 2026 and spring 2027 in July 2025. The Government accepted JCVI advice for autumn 2025 in June 2025. The Government is considering the JCVI’s advice for 2026 and spring 2027 carefully and will respond in due course.

The primary aim of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme remains the prevention of serious disease, involving hospitalisations and deaths, arising from COVID-19. The JCVI assessment indicates that the oldest age cohorts and individuals who are immunosuppressed are the two groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease.

Therefore, in autumn 2025, a COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to:

- adults aged 75 years old and over;

- residents in a care home for older adults;

- individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in the ‘immunosuppression’ sections of tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the UK Health Security Agency Green Book.

The National Health Service is preparing earlier and more robustly for winter this year, with rigorous stress testing of local plans, closer working with local partners, and a far earlier kick-off of winter preparations. Vaccinations have been ramped up across the board for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus so families can protect themselves and others. This includes the surge capacity and escalation plans in place across all NHS and urgent care services. As set out in the 2025/26 Urgent Emergency Care Plan, the NHS is focusing on improvements that will see the biggest impact on urgent and emergency care performance this winter. The 2025/26 Urgent Emergency Care Plan is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/urgent-and-emergency-care-plan-2025-26/

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of Community Infrastructure Levy in the Borough of Waverley on the supply of new (a) residential and (b) commercial premises in that borough.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My Department has made no such an assessment.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the targeting of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to question 70115.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to provide (a) additional support (b) exemptions and (c) simplified alternatives for small businesses and landlords to comply with Making Tax Digital requirements without the need for specialist accounting expertise.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now.

HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at:

Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs.

HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available.

Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Government has made of the (a) costs, (b) administrative burdens, (c) the risk of being forced to close and (d) other impacts as a result of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax on sole traders and landlords with low turnover.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now.

HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at:

Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs.

HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available.

Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if the Government will make an assessment of the potential merits of retaining the option for small low-income businesses and landlords to continue submitting an annual Self Assessment Tax Return on paper instead of requiring full Making Tax Digital submissions.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now.

HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at:

Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs.

HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available.

Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of the Socialist Workers Party with the criteria for proscription.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

To proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary must have a reasonable belief that it is currently concerned in terrorism, and it must be necessary and proportionate to do so. This means the organisation participates or commits; prepares for; promotes, encourages, or unlawfully glorifies; or is in some way otherwise concerned in terrorism. The Home Secretary may then exercise her discretion to proscribe an organisation and will consider all the relevant factors in deciding whether to do so.

It is our long-standing policy not to comment on intelligence and security matters, including whether or not an organisation is under consideration for proscription.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of guidance issued to local planning authorities on the increase in housing delivery targets through revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework; and whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of that guidance in enabling authorities to meet statutory obligations.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 includes a new Standard Method for assessing housing needs that is aligned to our Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new safe and decent homes in England by the end of this Parliament

The standard method is used by local authorities to inform the preparation of their local plans. Once local housing need has been assessed, authorities should then make an assessment of the number of new homes that can be provided in their area. This should be justified by evidence on land availability, constraints on development, such as National Landscapes and areas at risk of flooding, and any other relevant matters. The approach taken is then be tested by the Planning Inspector during the examination of the Local Plan.

Alongside the publication of a new Standard method, my Department also published revised planning practice guidance to reflect these changes. This can be found on gov.uk here.

We will keep the need for additional planning practice guidance under review.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to announce the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant for the 2026-27 financial year.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As announced in the Local Government Policy Statement on 20 November, found here, the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant will be worth at least £480 million over the 3 years from 2026/27 and the distribution will follow the existing allocation formula. Further details will be in the Local Government Finance provisional settlement before Christmas.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Turkish counterpart on the expulsion of Christian foreign workers under national security legislation.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a fundamental right that we regularly discuss with our Turkish counterparts. We will continue to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a lower business rates multiplier for pubs on levels of investment.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible properties, including pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. Under the previous Government, RHL relief was due to end entirely in April 2025, and so by extending it, the Government has saved the average pub, with a ratable value of £16,800, over £3,300.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the early flu season on corridor care, hospital capacity and patient outcomes.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We continue to monitor the impact of flu and the performance of hospitals over the winter months.

The Department is continuing to take key steps to ensure the health service is prepared for the colder months. This includes taking actions to try and reduce demand pressure on accident and emergency, increasing vaccination rates, and offering health checks to the most vulnerable, as well as stress-testing integrated care boards and trust winter plans to ensure that they are able to meet demand and ensure patient flow.

Flu is a recurring pressure that the National Health Service faces every winter. There is particular risk of severe illness for older people, the very young, pregnant people, and those with certain underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine remains the best form of defense against influenza, particularly for the most vulnerable, and continues to be highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalisation.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department provides on financial settlements for public appointments that are cancelled or withdrawn.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are a wide variety of public appointments which are made by Ministers. A person appointed to such a position is an office holder, whose appointment is defined by the office itself, not a contract.

An office holder’s terms of engagement will set out a Minister’s authority to terminate an appointment at any time with or without notice. Office holders do not receive payment in lieu of notice or severance for loss of office because they are not employees with contractual rights.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to ensure transparency and propriety in negotiating any financial settlement for Lord Mandelson following the withdrawal of his ambassadorial appointment.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson will receive a financial settlement following the cancellation of his proposed five-year term as Ambassador to the United States.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will publish the terms or value of any financial settlement agreed in relation to Lord Mandelson’s cancelled appointment.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the current strategic approach to ME/CFS research; and whether his Department plans to develop a coordinated national research strategy for the condition.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We have outlined our strategy to support myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), research in the ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan published in July. These steps include a research showcase event, a new funding opportunity for a development award focussed on evaluating repurposed pharmaceutical interventions, and the announcement of new funded studies in health and care services, and research infrastructure and capacity-building.

We are determined to accelerate progress in the treatment and management of ME/CFS and will continue working with the ME/CFS community to identify and address barriers to research, with the ambition of supporting more research and capacity-building programmes.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including ME/CFS. Research funding is available, and applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.

Found: Erdington) Alex McIntyre (Labour; Gloucester) Joe Robertson (Conservative; Isle of Wight East) Gregory Stafford

Found: Cooper; Josh Fenton-Glynn; Andrew George; Paulette Hamilton; Alex McIntyre; Joe Robertson; Gregory Stafford

Submit Evidence (by 13 Feb 2026)

The Committee is holding an inquiry into what is needed from the NHS estate to deliver the Government’s vision of a ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’ — shifting care from hospitals to integrated, preventative services in local communities.