Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of migraines on (a) the economy and (b) levels of (i) presenteeism and (ii)absenteeism.

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

The Joint DWP and DHSC Work and Health Directorate was set up in 2015 in recognition of the significant link between work and health and to improve employment opportunities for disabled people and people with health conditions, including people with migraines. As part of the mission-led Government, regular cross-governmental collaboration takes place on work and health.

The Government recognises that long-term sickness continues to be the most common reason for economic inactivity among the working age population. In 2024, there were 3.1 million days lost through sickness absence where the reason given was ‘headaches or migraines’.

As part of the Get Britain Working Plan, more disabled people and those with health conditions will be supported to enter and stay in work, by devolving more power to local areas so they can shape a joined-up work, health, and skills offer that suits the needs of the people they serve.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to help reduce barriers to home ownership in London for first-time buyers.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The most sustainable long-term method to improve housing affordability and help people into homeownership is to increase the supply of housing. The government is committed to building 1.5 million homes this parliament (compared to the 1 million homes delivered the last parliament). In December, we announced major changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, including the restoration of mandatory housing targets and changes to allow development on ‘grey belt’. These reforms were forecast by the OBR to deliver 170,000 additional homes and add £6.8bn to the economy by 2029/30.

We have worked with the FCA and the Bank of England, who have clarified and increased the flexibility of their mortgage regulations. This is helping more customers – especially first-time buyers – to borrow what they need to buy the homes they want, while retaining protections so that lending remains affordable and responsible.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to help first-time buyers in (a) London and (b) general.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The most sustainable long-term method to improve housing affordability and help people into homeownership is to increase the supply of housing. The government is committed to building 1.5 million homes this parliament (compared to the 1 million homes delivered the last parliament). In December, we announced major changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, including the restoration of mandatory housing targets and changes to allow development on ‘grey belt’. These reforms were forecast by the OBR to deliver 170,000 additional homes and add £6.8bn to the economy by 2029/30.

We have worked with the FCA and the Bank of England, who have clarified and increased the flexibility of their mortgage regulations. This is helping more customers – especially first-time buyers – to borrow what they need to buy the homes they want, while retaining protections so that lending remains affordable and responsible.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to reform (a) Lifetime ISAs and (b) Stamp Duty Land Tax to support first time buyers in London.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

SDLT continues to be an important source of government revenue, raising around £12 billion each year to help pay for the essential services the government provides. Any changes to SDLT would therefore have to be carefully considered given the potential effect on public finances.

The Government is committed to helping first-time buyers own their own home. The Lifetime ISA remains focused on supporting people to achieve the aspiration of home ownership, or to build up savings for later life.

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the usual tax policy making process.

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