Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 5 February 2026 to Question 109179, and of 21 January 2026, to Question 105241, on Public Sector: Reform, for what reason publishing the key performance indicators for the Test, Learn & Grow programme, further to the Statements of Work agreed under the contract, are commercially confidential.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the hon. Member to Question 105241 answered on 21 January 2026 and to Question 109179 answered on 5 February 2026.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 5 February 2026 to Question 109179, and of 21 January 2026, to Question 105241, on Public Sector: Reform, if she will publish the job titles and organisations of the people on the evaluation panel.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the hon. Member to Question 105241 answered on 21 January 2026 and to Question 109179 answered on 5 February 2026.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the answer of 3 March 2026 to Question 113799 on Telephone Exchanges: Tower Hamlets, and of 9 March 2026 to Question HL14715 on Chinese Embassy: Construction, which specific public body has lead responsibility for undertaking steps to secure the telecommunication cables and telecommunications exchange by the Royal Mint.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

As the UK’s technical authority for cyber security, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the lead public body responsible for providing cyber security advice and support to industry on such matters.

Ofcom, as the telecoms regulator, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing public telecoms providers’ compliance with their legal obligations under the Communications Act 2003, as amended by the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021.

DCMS, as the lead government department for telecoms, is responsible for developing policies, including legislation, to help ensure the security and resilience of the UK’s public telecoms networks and services.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2026, to Question HL2688, on Proof of Identity: Digital Technology, and with reference to the answer of 9 December 2025, to Question 96190, on Identity Cards: Digital Technology, if she will set out the methodology in (a) the estimate by the OBR of £1.8 billion over three years and (b) that adopted by the Cabinet Office, further to the statement that the OBR estimate was not an accurate cost of the programme.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The £1.8 billion over three years was a provisional forecast published by the OBR. The OBR is an independent body and is best placed to provide details on the methodology it uses when producing forecasts.

As this was a provisional forecast it was not acknowledged by the Cabinet Office as an accurate cost estimate for implementing the national Digital ID programme.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, further to the answer of 3 September 2026, to Question HL2688, on Proof of Identity: Digital Technology, how much was spent on social media influences for Digital ID.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Any costs incurred across government as part of the Digital ID programme will be reported through the usual, departmental accounts processes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2026, to Question 15410, on Members: Correspondence, through what mechanisms can Hon Members raise a formal complaint about actions of the Department, and whether there is a Complaints Procedure other than that for the consular service.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

If the Honourable Member wishes to submit a general policy or departmental complaint, they should do so by sending their enquiry directly to [email protected]. This is set out on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Complaints procedure page on the gov.uk webpage and is separate from the Consular Service Complaints procedure.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will make it her policy to to build a searchable platform for government transparency data and facilitate monthly publication as set out in the previous Government's report entitled Strengthening Ethics and Integrity in Central Government, published in July 2023.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is currently considering its response to the Ethics and Integrity Commission’s review of Lobbying, Business Appointment Rules and Disclosure, including its recommendations to change the way transparency data is currently published, and publication frequency.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the answer of 15 September 2025 to Question 73327 on Alan Milburn, what Alan Milburn’s requirement to recuse himself from matters relating to NHS dentistry stems from.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 July 2026 in response to Question HL2137.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office, Special adviser data releases: numbers and costs, July 2026, footnote 4, for what reason each of the salaries was temporarily uplifted.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Salaries may be uplifted to reflect a temporary increase in responsibilities, such as covering a higher grade. It would not be appropriate to comment on responsibilities of individual special advisers.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost was of rebranding her Department’s regional office in Leeds as DHSC North.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

No costs have been incurred. Leeds is already the Department’s second headquarters where it has a significant and long-standing presence.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether all DHSC Arm's Length Bodies reported external EDI expenditure to the Cabinet Office for 2024-25 in line the Cabinet Office EDI expenditure guidance.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The information requested is not held by the Department. Civil Service Arm’s Length Bodies are responsible for managing their external expenditure in line with the Civil Service Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expenditure Guidance. The guidance only applies to Civil Service organisations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2026, to Question HL1547, and of 15 September 2025, to Question 73327, on Alan Milburn, if he will list the departmental businesses relating to the (a) clients and (b) investments held by Alan Milburn where mitigations have been agreed, such that Mr Milburn must recuse himself from involvement in such matters, other than the recusal from NHS dentistry stated in the answer to Question 73327.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 July 2026 in response to Question HL2137.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2026 to Question 15563 on DHSC: Annual Reports, how the annual consultation on the draft Group Accounting Manual has changed.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

As noted in the response of 8 July 2026, the Department’s consultation on the draft Group Accounting Manual (GAM) gives group bodies and auditors the opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the guidance within the GAM, identify where further clarification is needed, and suggest practical improvements. The Department’s approach to the annual consultation has not changed and there are no plans to change this in the future.

However, each year the consultation is tailored to address current technical issues in financial accounting and reporting. I refer the Hon. Member to the latest consultation response which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-dhsc-group-accounting-manual-2026-to-2027/outcome/consultation-response-changes-to-dhsc-group-accounting-manual-2026-to-2027

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the revised Cabinet Office facility time framework on expenditure by her Department on facility time relative to the 2023-24 base.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Whilst an official assessment has not been made, the difference in expenditure between 2023/24 and 2024/25 increased by £38,483. Facility time for 2025-26 was not reported, as it is no longer a requirement following the repeal of the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017 in February 2026. The Cabinet Office published facility time data for the last time in 2024/25.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 25 June 2026, to Question 8556, on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, if he will place in the Library a copy of the UISPC Scoping Report referenced in the terms of reference document.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The report and recommendations of the Unified Information Standard for Protected Characteristics will be released in due course.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Regulatory Policy Committee document entitled Post-implementation reviews outstanding across government 2015 to 2026, updated 12 May 2026, what steps his Department is taking to undertake and publish the outstanding Post Implementation Reviews identified.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department takes its obligations to conduct Post Implementation Reviews (PIRs) seriously and had a single PIR outstanding in the RPC's May 2026 update.

We are considering the requirements for governance and disclosure set out in Part V of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 alongside the Government's wider programme of pension reforms, given the close relationship between the proposed Value for Money (VfM) framework and these requirements. We are committed to conducting the PIR and will report once the relevant VfM reforms have been developed sufficiently to better understand and reflect the wider context.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department's special advisers have had meetings with representatives of Arden Strategies since July 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Details of external meetings held by Special Advisers are published in line with the requirements set out in guidance here.

Information on meetings held by HM Treasury Special Advisers is published through the department's quarterly Special Adviser transparency returns, which are available on HM Treasury: special advisers’ gifts, hospitality and meetings, January to March 2026 - GOV.UK

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 August 2026 to Question 17353 on Digital ID Advisory Group, whether this group has been disbanded.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

As the Digital ID programme has now been cancelled, the Advisory Group has no further meetings planned and is accordingly disbanded. We are grateful to the group’s members for the expertise, insight and constructive challenge they provided to the programme.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Annual Report and Accounts of HM Treasury, 16 July 2026, HC424, footnote 48, what is the methodological basis by which the Prime Minister's benefit in kind of £6,700 in 2025-26 was calculated, including the underlying amount on which a percentage was calculated.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The benefit in kind disclosed in footnote 48 of HM Treasury's Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 was calculated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 and HMRC guidance. Where section 315 applies, the taxable value of certain expenses connected with living accommodation is limited by reference to a statutory formula.

The Government does not disclose the detailed personal tax calculations of individual taxpayers, including officeholders. The underlying figures used in the calculation of an individual's benefit in kind constitute confidential personal taxpayer information and therefore will not be disclosed.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 8552 on Department of Health and Social Care: Public Relations, if she will list each external public relations firm commissioned since July 2024, and the expenditure to date.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Any external public relations requirements from the Department are covered by a contract with AMV (previously MullenLowe) which was procured following a competition under the CCS/GCA RM6125 Campaign Solutions Framework. The Department undertakes limited public relations support for public health campaigns under this contract.

Spend with AMV is detailed in the regular transparency data released by the Department which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dhsc-spending-over-25000

This is the breakdown of financial data held by the Department. Any alternative breakdown is not held by the Department and could only be obtained for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Sir Stephen Lovegrove remains her Special Representative on AUKUS.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

Sir Stephen Lovegrove remains the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on AUKUS.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to HM Treasury annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026, HC 424, July 2026, page 51, for what reason 40% of Ministerial correspondence replies to hon. Members were within the 20 working day deadline.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

HM Treasury fully recognises the important role Parliament has in holding Government to account and the need for ministers to provide full and timely responses to requests for information.

Treasury ministers received significant volumes of correspondence during 2025 to 2026 with a further spike at Autumn Budget, resulting in a backlog of cases. In response officials worked with Private Offices and Special Advisers to clear outstanding cases as quickly as possible. Additional resource has been secured to assist ministers’ offices with drafting and clearances and further actions are underway to improve our performance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the status is of civil defence planning in relation to threats from Russian hostile actors.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Government already has plans to manage the most severe risks to the UK, and constantly reviews a broad range of scenarios with allies and industry. The Home Defence Programme supports these joint efforts, delivering the various related commitments from the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan. In the 2026 Annual Statement on National Resilience, the Government announced that we have accelerated our Home Defence Planning to reflect the complex, novel and interconnected risks that face the UK.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 13 July 2026 to Question 14865 on Labour, if she will place the guidance provided to departments in the Library.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government does not routinely publish internal guidance.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State Work and Pensions, which Government Department has responsibility for the National Fraud Initiative.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced a series of changes to the Machinery of Government on 22 July. This included the Public Sector Fraud Authority’s (PSFA) transfer to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - whilst retaining its sponsorship by HM Treasury. The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is part of the PSFA’s Data Analytics Service.

The Cabinet Office still maintains responsibility for the NFI - and the powers underpinning the NFI in the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 can continue to be exercised on behalf of the Minister for the Cabinet Office - until those powers are transferred or amended as part of the machinery of government. Under the Ministers of Crown Act 1975, a Transfer of Functions Order (TFO) may be made where there is legislation that requires amendment to ensure a relevant Minister taking over the functions, as well as any related powers, in that legislation can properly exercise them.

The functions and operations of the NFI continue as normal - supporting over 1,000 public and private sector organisations in enhancing their fraud response through the use of data and analytics.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether her Department has taken steps to require James Purnell to divest his shareholdings, share options and residual financial interests in Flint Global, its associated holding companies and private equity owners; and whether there are restrictions on contact with his former firm.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

There is an established system in place for the declaration and management of special advisers' 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.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026, to Question 18037, on Civil Service: Trade Unions, whether her Department has a policy on the level of trade union (a) membership and (b) recognition within the Civil Service.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not have a policy on the level of trade union membership within the Cabinet Office, nor the level of trade union recognition within the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2026, to Question 14356, on Cabinet Office: Staff, whether the Cabinet Office Mission Delivery Unit has been closed or renamed in the recent restructuring.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Mission Delivery Unit closed in 2025 and the delivery and monitoring capabilities of that unit were integrated into joint teams working across Downing Street and the Cabinet Office. Since the restructure, these teams now form part of the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Procurement Policy Note 002: The Social Value Model has been repealed.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the letter, "Simplification and Agency of Government - Letter to all ministers", of 7 September 2026, whether the Cabinet Office Consultation Principles will be amended; and if she will place in the Library the new general guidance circulated by officials.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

To align with the government’s revised approach to consultation and public participation, we will amend the Cabinet Office Consultation Principles. There is no current plan to place the new general guidance in the library.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026, to Question 10205, on Ministry of Defence: Public Expenditure, in which financial year will the 3% target be met.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Government has committed to reaching 3% of GDP on defence in the next Parliament, with further details to be set out at the next Spending Review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 1 September 2026 to Question 18691 on Office for Road and Rail, if he will list each public body which is required to submit a quarterly efficiency report to his Department.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The central government departments, set out in Table 1.1 of the published Departmental Efficiency Plans, are expected to report efficiencies to HM Treasury on a quarterly basis, in line with the Government Efficiency Framework.

The small and independent departments, set out in Table 2.18 (Section 19) of the published Departmental Efficiency Plans, are required to submit efficiency reports to HM Treasury on a bi-annual basis, rather than a quarterly basis, using a proportionate process. Reporting arrangements for small and independent bodies are subject to bespoke agreements that reflect their resource constraints.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether a determination has been made of the split between the MOD and FCDO of the cost of the 99 year Chagos Treaty obligations.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

No payments are due under the terms of the UK-Mauritius agreement until the Treaty has been ratified.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2026, to Question 20860, on Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, what assessment her Department has made of whether hostile foreign actors are promoting Local Government Pension Scheme divestment in firms involved in the Trident nuclear deterrent or its renewal.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) strengthens the resilience of the UK's political system against covert foreign influence by increasing transparency around certain arrangements involving foreign powers.

Investment decisions associated with Local Government Pension Scheme funds are a matter for the administering authorities responsible for those schemes. Where activity is undertaken at the direction of the Russian or Iranian states to influence these decisions, this will need to be registered with FIRS.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 August 2026 to Question 18648 on Government departments: artificial intelligence, how much statutory consultation duties have been identified by the AI tool for which the latest data is available.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Using the AI tool, the Cabinet Office has identified approximately 7000 statutory duties to consult.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the reappointment of Alex Depledge, announced by HM Treasury on 7 September 2026, whether the Entrepreneurship Advisor has made a declaration of political activity; how many days a month the adviser is working; and on what matters is the adviser recused from.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Alex Depledge MBE was re-appointed by the Chancellor as Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Treasury through the Direct Ministerial Appointment process. The role has a time commitment of two to three days per week, as needed.

As set out in the Terms of Reference, a full declaration of interest process has been conducted in the usual way for direct ministerial appointments (this includes a declaration of political activity) and mitigations have been agreed to minimise any potential, actual or perceived conflicts.

The postholder will comply with the measures and mitigations set out by HM Treasury's Permanent Secretary and will remove herself from the discussion or determination of matters in which she has a conflict or financial interest.

The Department handles personal information, including any declarations of political activity, in accordance with data protection requirements. For direct ministerial appointments, personal information including political activity is protected.

The published Terms of Reference can be found online at Gov.uk: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a9ea2f95a0c25165ae469d7/ToR_-_ADP_Re-appointment.pdf

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the No10 press release entitled No10 North open for business as the Government’s new situation room for making Britain better, of 23 July 2026, what are the full terms of reference of the National Economic Council; who are its (i) temporary/ad hoc and (ii) permanent members; and how the National Economic Council differs from the Council for the Nation and Regions in relation to combined authority mayors attending.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The list of Cabinet committees, including their memberships and terms of reference will be published on gov.uk in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many staff are assigned to work permanently in Number 10 North; and how many staff are assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not hold the information requested in the specified format.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there is a (a) target and (b) budgeted headcount for No10 North.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We will recruit the necessary people to No 10 North in Manchester to continue to support good growth in every postcode. This will be covered by existing departmental budgets.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Inter Mediate has undertaken any work for the UK Government in relation to the Chagos Islands or Mauritius.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Inter Mediate have not undertaken any work for the UK Government in relation to the Chagos Islands or Mauritius.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026, to Question 16924, on FCDO: Official Hospitality, what was the budget for the summer reception.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave on 8 September 2026, to Question 20771 where the cost of the event was £45,357.26.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 28 August 2026, to Question 18828, on Gambling Commission: staff, what other central government public bodies have public servant staff which are neither crown servants or civil servants.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Out of a total of 304 Arm’s Length Bodies in 2023/24, 241 ALBs employed staff who were neither crown servants nor civil servants. The vast majority of this non-civil service workforce was concentrated within Executive NDPBs, where 118 ALBs accounted for 150,847 FTE staff.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of staff assigned to No10 North are loaned.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Surge capability was inserted on a temporary basis from a range of government departments and secondees from local government.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will list the names of the organisations that have (a) had departmental Civil Servants seconded to them since July 2024, and (b) seconded organisational staff to his Department.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is his policy on (a) cultural, (b political and (c) economic engagement within the Communist Party of China.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Foreign Secretary has been allocated a Ministerial residence or residences.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Foreign Secretary has been allocated use of Chevening.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, whether the Government plans to negotiate changes to the European Convention of Human Rights at a Council of Europe level.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The PQ relates to whether the government plans to negotiate changes to the European Convention of Human Rights at a Council of Europe level. There are no current plans to do so. However, the response refers to the recent Chișinău Declaration which concerns the ECHR and migration and which was adopted by the full Council of Europe in May 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what responsibility No10 North has for economic policy, and what specific responsibilities previously held by HM Treasury have been transferred to No10 North.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The Prime Minister established No10 North on the first day of the new administration, including the transfer of local economic growth and devolution strategy from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and local economic growth policy from HM Treasury, with these arrangements confirmed in a statement published on 22 July.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, how many people were sent by the Church of England to the UN Climate Change (a) COP29 and (b) COP30 delegation.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have 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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on exit taxes on (a) individuals and (b) companies which relocate out of the United Kingdom.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Chancellor makes decision on tax policy at fiscal events.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 111 of his Department's annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026, HC 424,published on 15 July 2026, what is the methodological definition of a diverse ethnic background; and whether this includes (a) white Irish and (b) white Travellers.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

HM Treasury's definition of diverse ethnic background includes ethnicities in the following categories: Mixed / Multiple ethnic groups, Asian/Asian British, Black/African/Caribbean/Black British, and Other ethnic groups, as defined in the Government Statistical Service's (GSS) Harmonised Standards.

The GSS does not define a formal category of "diverse ethnic background"; ethnicity is a self-reported characteristic based on the standard ethnic group classifications. Under the GSS standard, White Irish and White Travellers falls within the White ethnic group.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2026, to Question 4161, on Government departments: marketing, how much has been spend on branded goods and merchandise by the Department since the Government Chief Commercial Officer letter was sent; on what items; and at what cost.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We have not procured any corporate-branded or non-essential merchandise. We do not collate centrally how much arm’s length bodies have spent on these products.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 138, how many of the special severance payments were on matters separate to the wider restructuring of the department.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 recorded 29 special severance payments. None of these payments related to the wider restructuring of the department.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment and research has been undertaken by her department of the performance of Northern Ireland water as a nationalised utility, including its handling of water pollution, as a potential model for water services in England.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government commissioned the Independent Water Commission which scrutinised different ownership models, including Northern Ireland Water.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England provides training on (a) unconscious bias, (b) anti-racism, and (c) white privilege.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have 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.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2026, to Question 15567, on DEFRA: Marketing, how much has been spend on branded goods and merchandise in the last six months.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The information requested is not held centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate costs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2026 to Question 11665 on Local Government: Reorganisation, whether (a) borough and (b) city status can be transferred to (i) a (A) town and (B) parish council and (ii) Charter Trustees in the absence of a parished body; and whether the geographical areas must be the same as the predecessor local authority with that status.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring ceremonial rights and privileges are maintained where local government reorganisation proposals are taken forward, and there are established mechanisms for doing so.

Many ceremonial matters can be preserved through existing general regulations, including arrangements for the transfer of aldermanic rights and privileges and historic borough status, where appropriate, from predecessor to successor councils. This is distinct from new unitary councils seeking borough status, which would require a resolution supported by not less than two thirds of members voting before a petition for a Royal Charter is submitted to the Privy Council. City status is more complex, as it is granted by Royal Prerogative, and arrangements to preserve it will depend on the circumstances of each area. The Government has committed to work with local leaders to ensure all ceremonial rights, including city status, are maintained through reorganisation.

The position on armorial bearings requires separate consideration. The Department is engaging with the College of Arms, which is considering options for arrangements following local government reorganisation. The Department will consider the College’s advice as this work progresses.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication, Expenditure Over £25,000 - July 2026 (Cabinet Office Core), 27 August 2026, what training was provided in relation to transaction, GCS SKILLS AND STANDARDS, PROVERSITY.ORG LTD, Ref: 1037287441; and for whom.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This relates to the provision of development, design and support for provision of GCS Advance, the flagship development programme for government communicators.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the (a) Summary Business Case and (b) Full Business Case for the Manchester Digital Campus have been written.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Manchester Digital Campus programme is progressing well, with its Outline Business Case approved earlier this year. The Full Business Case is currently in development, with submission targeted for 2027. A summary Business Case has not been produced. Any future publication of the approved business case for the Manchester Digital Campus (MDC) will be assessed in accordance with government guidance, taking into account standard exemptions.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2026 to Question 18632 on Departmental Responsibilities, on what data her Department’s strategic plan was updated; and if she will publish that data.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We expect the plan to be updated in due course reported on in the usual way, including via the Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will publish the address of every office building maintained by the Government Property Agency for use by civil servants; and which public bodies have staff in each of those buildings.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

As has been the case under successive Governments we are unable to release a list of occupants and addresses of Government office buildings in order to safeguard national security. Occupier locations are generally available via each department's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 112 of his Department's annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026, HC 424, published on 15 July 2026, what number and percentage of staff have declared whether they are from a lower socio-economic background.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 1 September 2026 to Question HL2445, on Home Office: X Corp, what guidance has been given by the (a) Cabinet Office and (b) Government Communications Service on the use of the complimentary Premium service status by X.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No guidance has been given by Cabinet Office or the Government Communication Service on the use of complimentary Premium service status by X.

Departments individually manage their X accounts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2026 to Question 18641 on Cabinet Office: Public Relations, whether her Department holds the name of firms and external contractors used since July 2024 to undertake public (a) relations and (b) affairs activity.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This information is not centrally held across the Cabinet Office.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the comments by the Minister of 2 September 2026, Official Report, Columns 340 and 342, on the Representation of the People Bill, what are the terms of reference for the Government task and finish team; when will it report by; whether the report will be laid before Parliament; and who are the members of the team.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the UK's political finance framework remains robust and commands public confidence.

We are establishing a cross-government task and finish team to consider the issues threatening UK democracy, including political funding, illegitimate influence, and broader threats to political equality.

Further details will be available in due course.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 2 September 2026, to Question 19349, on DBIST: Flint Global, whether minutes were taken of the meeting between the Minister and James Purnell of Flint Global, and which client or clients was Flint Global representing.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department holds a readout for the roundtable. The full list of attending companies has been published as part of the Department’s transparency returns on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/csv-preview/68640020354985706f111bd4/ministers_january_march_2025_meetings.csv

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to her Department's consultation entitled Strengthening the regulation of commercial sunbeds in England, published 22 May 2026, whether it remains her Department's policy to introduce photographic ID checks for under 18s using sunbeds.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The consultation on strengthening the regulation of commercial sunbeds in England closed on 14 August. Responses to the consultation are currently being assessed, and the Government will provide a formal response setting out the findings and next steps in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether Tom Kibasi still works for DHSC.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We can confirm that Tom Kibasi does not work for the Department.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2026, to Question 16029, on Darlington Economic Campus: Remote Working, how many HMT staff are assigned to Darlington Feethams House; and what is the expectation of the percentage rate of office attendance for staff at that office.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

362 active staff, as of March 2026, are assigned to work at the Darlington Economic Campus.

HM Treasury's office attendance policy applies across all office locations. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in their contractual workplace, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed through workplace adjustments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2026 to Question 21041 on EU Cohesion Fund, whether the European Commission has asked the UK to make payments to the EU Cohesion Fund in any other area.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is not currently contributing to the EU Cohesion Fund. As referred to in the previous response, the EU is seeking to establish a mechanism for an appropriate UK financial contribution towards reducing economic and social disparities between the regions of the EU as part of UK participation in the Internal Electricity Market. Any UK financial contribution would be subject to negotiations with the EU, and no contributions have yet been made or agreed upon.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her planned timetable is for the ratification and implementation of the EU SPS Agreement.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government is progressing negotiations on the UK-EU SPS Agreement alongside preparations for its ratification and implementation. Ratification and implementation will be completed once negotiations have concluded and the required UK and EU processes are conducted. Implementation will require passing the European Partnership Bill. Defra is preparing to ensure the benefits of the deal are realised as soon as possible.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Buy British procurement policy on the likelihood of the European Union adopting a Buy European procurement policy which discriminates against British imports.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The EU is a close trading partner. Our supply chains are highly integrated and maintaining trade in strategic sectors benefits both the UK and EU to achieve our economic objectives.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2026 to Question 9506 on Home Office: Public Relations, which communication agencies her Department holds contracts with; and what the expenditure was on each since July 2024.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office held a dedicated contract with Kindred Agency Ltd to provide public relations services, between the dates of 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2026. The contract was in place to support a wide range communications activity on priority policy areas. From 1 July 2024 to the end of the contract, total net expenditure through the contract was £369,553.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026, to Question 20637, on Inter Mediate: Contracts, what is the total sum of public money that has been paid to Inter Mediate since July 2024.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer provided to Question 20637 on 8 September 2026. As set out in that response, payments to Inter Mediate are not disclosed because of the sensitive nature of the activities supported and the associated transparency exemptions applied by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2026, to Question 16029, on Darlington Economic Campus: Remote Working, how many HMT departmental staff are assigned to work at the Darlington Economic Campus, how many desks are assigned to that office for those staff, and whether the expected office attendance rate is 60% or a lower figure.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

362 active staff, as of March 2026, are assigned to work at the Darlington Economic Campus. The campus operates a shared workspace model and HM Treasury's apportioned allocation is 105 desks and 133 workspaces.

HM Treasury's office attendance policy applies across all office locations. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in their contractual workplace, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed through workplace adjustments

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 25 June 2026, to Question 10084, on DWP: Public Relations, if he will list the names of any (a) public affairs and (b) public relations firms that have been used by the Department and each of its Arm’s Length Bodies since July 2024.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Data on spend relating to PR consultancy hire is not held by the department. The Government Communication Service encourages the prioritisation of low and no cost public relations activities wherever possible.

The Health and Safety Executive, The Pensions Ombudsman and Skills England have not used public affairs or public relations firms since July 2024. Since July 2024, the Money and Pensions Service have used ‘Relations Group’ and The Pensions Regulator have used ‘Four Agency Worldwide Limited.’

The Construction Industry Training Board confirm that the only Public Relations firm they have used since July 2024 is Cavendish Consulting. They have not used a Public Affairs firm.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will list the names of the organisations that have (a) had departmental Civil Servants seconded to them since July 2024, and (b) seconded organisational staff to the department.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Response to Q (a) – DWP staff seconded out to:

Response to (b) – Seconded into DWP from:

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of full-time staff on full pay (1.0 FTE) in the department work compressed hours over a four day week.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

As at 31 January 2026, there were 2,042 employees working full-time, each with an FTE of 1.0, who were recorded as working compressed hours over four days per week.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how many FTE staff were employed by the Government Equality Office / Office for Equality and Opportunity in (a) April 2024, (b) April 2025, and (c) to date.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Over the past three financial years, Office for Equality and Opportunity headcount has been as follows:

• April 2024: 127 FTE
• April 2025: 141 FTE
• April 2026: 167 FTE

This staffing will ensure delivery of manifesto commitments such as parts of employment rights legislation, pay gap reporting consultations, updating the Code of Practice and the Conversion Practices Bill, alongside delivery of other ministerial priorities.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of May 2026, to Question 1176, on DWP: Public Appointments, if he will name the four Direct Ministerial Appointments who made declarations of political activity and list the political activity that was declared.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Alan Milburn declared that he was a member of a political party (Labour).

Matthew Upton declared that he was a member of a political party (Labour) and worked at Labour Together.

Baroness Jeannie Drake declared that she was a member of a political party (Labour), had canvassed on behalf of a party or helped at elections and had undertaken other political activity, including contributions to the House of Lords Labour Group, which provides support to Labour Peers.

Professor Nick Pearce declared he was a member of a political party (Labour), had canvassed on behalf of a party or helped at elections and had undertaken other political activity, including his previous SpAd role during the Labour government 1997-2010.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2026, to Question 14357, on Opinion Polls, whether the polling data has been referenced in the public domain.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This polling has not been referenced in the public domain.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the answer of 18 March 2026, to Question 118778, on Palantir, whether the Ministry of Defence holds a copy of the presentation.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

No. The Ministry of Defence does not hold a copy of the presentation referred to in Question 118778.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2026 to Question 14168 on DHSC: Stonewall, for what policy reason the NHS Blood and Transplant Service subscribes to Stonewall; and what was the total annual cost of payments to Stonewall in the last year for which figures are available.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 5 November 2024 in response to Question HL2084. The total annual cost of NHS Blood and Transplant’s Stonewall subscription in 2025/26 was £3,090.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, for what reason the names of current staff are no longer listed whilst the names of staff in previous registers are still listed in the Register of Interests of Members' Staff; and what representations the House of Commons received from trade unions on that issue.

Answered by Nick Smith

The decision to redact the names of staff Members in the Register of Interests of Members’ Staff is a matter for the Committee on Standards. The decision is set out in the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2024–26 (HC 1629).

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what funding has the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer made to employment schemes since July 2024.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Under the Get Britain Working Trailblazers programme, 12 Mayoral Strategic Authorities and the Welsh Government are delivering a range of activities through Economic Inactivity and Youth Guarantee Trailblazers, including new employment and skills services, support for employers, and improving how existing services work together. Up to £80m of funding was available to Economic Inactivity Trailblazers for 6 Mayoral Strategic Authorities and the Welsh Government from April 2025 – March 2026 and a further £80m of funding is available from April 2026 – March 2027.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2026, to Question 19347, on Pension Protection Fund: FleishmanHillard, if he will place in the Library a copy of the (a) Scope of Work document and (b) project specification for the FleishmanHillard public affairs for the Pension Protection Fund for each of the two activities.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Copies of these documents will be placed in the Library of the House. Personal data, including names and contact details of individuals, has been redacted in accordance with data protection requirements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what non-Treaty agreements have been made with China since January 2026.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 April in response to Question 126612.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2026, to Question 16921, on Treaties: Parliamentary Scrutiny, through what mechanism does the FCDO monitor compliance with obligations through such foreign agreements.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's published guidance "Treaties and Memoranda of Understanding: Guidance on Practice and Procedures", which is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/treaties-and-mous-guidance-on-practice-and-procedures; individual Departments are responsible for the implementation of treaties and non-legally binding instruments within their areas of responsibility. In accordance with the Government's response to the House of Lords International Agreements Committee published on 3 December 2025, the Government is currently engaging with the Committee on a review of this guidance, and updated guidance will be published on gov.uk in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 8069 on Treaties, and to the answer of 13 July 2026 to Question 16921 on Treaties: Parliamentary Scrutiny, through what mechanism the FCDO desk officer for a specific country knows what non-binding agreements are currently in force between that country and the United Kingdom.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's published guidance "Treaties and Memoranda of Understanding: Guidance on Practice and Procedures", which is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/treaties-and-mous-guidance-on-practice-and-procedures; individual Departments are responsible for the implementation of treaties and non-legally binding instruments within their areas of responsibility. In accordance with the Government's response to the House of Lords International Agreements Committee published on 3 December 2025, the Government is currently engaging with the Committee on a review of this guidance, and updated guidance will be published on gov.uk in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2026 to Question 16921 on Treaties: Parliamentary Scrutiny, through what mechanisms does the Department track the UK Government’s international obligations under non-binding instruments, including in relation to (a) instruments signed by the Department and (b) instruments signed by other Government Departments.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's published guidance "Treaties and Memoranda of Understanding: Guidance on Practice and Procedures", which is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/treaties-and-mous-guidance-on-practice-and-procedures; individual Departments are responsible for the implementation of treaties and non-legally binding instruments within their areas of responsibility. In accordance with the Government's response to the House of Lords International Agreements Committee published on 3 December 2025, the Government is currently engaging with the Committee on a review of this guidance, and updated guidance will be published on gov.uk in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has been made of the level of pay differentials between senior public sector positions in (a) the Civil Service and (b) the NHS.

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

In respect of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE), the two organisations currently operate under different pay frameworks. DHSC, as a Civil Service department, applies pay and grading arrangements in line with Civil Service requirements. NHSE, as an Arm's Length Body, uses NHS pay and grading arrangements including Agenda for Change and other NHS contractual frameworks. Any future decisions on pay and terms and conditions in the new DHSC will be subject to formal consultation with recognised Trade Unions, and we will not give a running commentary on those discussions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will place in the Library a copy of the Department's guidance on treaties and non-binding instruments (‘NBIs’).

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's published guidance "Treaties and Memoranda of Understanding: Guidance on Practice and Procedures", which is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/treaties-and-mous-guidance-on-practice-and-procedures; individual Departments are responsible for the implementation of treaties and non-legally binding instruments within their areas of responsibility. In accordance with the Government's response to the House of Lords International Agreements Committee published on 3 December 2025, the Government is currently engaging with the Committee on a review of this guidance, and updated guidance will be published on gov.uk in due course.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Department collects data on loss, resale, or misuse of equipment provided via the Flexible Support Fund.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The department does not hold central records on the loss, resale, or suspected misuse of Flexible Support Fund (FSF) funded equipment. Information is captured at individual customer level and is not collated nationally for reporting purposes.

Work coaches must ensure all awards made under the FSF are reasonable and represent good value for money in terms of improving employment prospects and reducing the time spent on benefits.

Following an FSF award, work coaches are expected to undertake appropriate follow-up activity to ensure support has been used as intended. Where concerns arise, work coaches may seek further information from the customer and, where appropriate, consider recovery of funds. Independent post-award checks provide an additional layer of assurance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the FCDO Services Annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026, HC 458, 3 July 2026, how many contractors were incorrectly paying taxes following the HMRC investigation, whether any fine or penalty has been levied by HMRC, and whether the back payment of unpaid taxes are being settled by (a) FCDO Services or (b) the contractors.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Services is supporting His Majesty's Revenue and Custom's (HMRC) ongoing investigation into this matter. It is not possible to comment further on individual details, including any potential fine or penalty, until that investigation has concluded.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2026, to Question 13818, on DfE: Social Media, what was the aggregate cost of paying the 57 influencers in 2025-26, including agency fees.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

As set out in the answer to Question 1175 on 2 June 2026, the department’s influencer marketing spend in 2025 to 2026 totalled £589,671. Influencer marketing forms part of the department’s wider marketing approach, reflecting changes in how audiences consume information and helping campaigns reach people who may be harder to engage through traditional channels. This figure includes the costs attributed to influencer activity, such as influencer fees, production and paid media costs. The department cannot separately identify the aggregate influencer and agency fees requested because some engagements were procured and recorded as part of wider campaign delivery packages.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2026 to Question 10179 on Independent Football Regulator: Public Appointments, what feedback the No10 appointments unit provided following the consultation by her department.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Under the legislation, these appointments are made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The No10 Appointments Unit was consulted in the usual way.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will publish the most recent quarterly efficiency report submitted to HM Treasury by his Department.

Answered by Sarah Owen - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) complies with all efficiency reporting requirements set out by HM Treasury. The NIO is not required to publish quarterly efficiency reporting.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the FCDO Services Annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026, HC 458, 3 July 2026, which central government bodies did the HMRC investigation into unpaid taxes in relation to IR35 compliance cover, and how many central government bodies other than FCDO Services had irregularities identified by HMRC.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

HMRC cannot comment on specific organisations. However, Government Departments publish information on their compliance with the Off-Payroll Working (IR35) rules in their Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 6 July 2026 to Question 8559 on King Charles III: Artwork, what assessment has her department made of the reasons for the take-up rate by NHS bodies relative to that of the wider public sector.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

No such assessment has been made.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 3 July 2026 to Question 14621 on UK Soft Power Council, if she will list the dates the Council has met and its attendees.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The UK Soft Power Council has met five times in plenary since its launch. Information on the Council's membership and its full meetings is published on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-soft-power-council-membership-and-terms-of-reference

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has received representations from Amnesty International on (a) regulation of the press and (b) legislative action to impose limitations on the number of news articles published about a single individual within a defined time frame.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Ministers and officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regularly engage with stakeholders on a range of policy matters. Details of ministerial meetings are published on a quarterly basis on Gov.uk.

DCMS also engages with a range of civil society organisations in developing online harms policy, including where it relates to public safety. As part of this, the Centre for Countering Digital Hate has participated in official-level roundtables with the department in 2024 and 2026.

The department has not received representations from Amnesty International on either regulation of the press or legislative action to impose limitations but is aware of the published statement from its networks.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether representatives of the department and its predecessor bodies have met (a) Stop Funding Hate, (b) Hacked Off and (c) Center for Countering Digital Hate since July 2024.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Ministers and officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regularly engage with stakeholders on a range of policy matters. Details of ministerial meetings are published on a quarterly basis on Gov.uk.

DCMS also engages with a range of civil society organisations in developing online harms policy, including where it relates to public safety. As part of this, the Centre for Countering Digital Hate has participated in official-level roundtables with the department in 2024 and 2026.

The department has not received representations from Amnesty International on either regulation of the press or legislative action to impose limitations but is aware of the published statement from its networks.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether she plans to appoint a new Permanent Secretary for Government Communications.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Plans for the leadership for the Government Communications Service will be announced in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the publication, Cabinet Office - The Prime Minister's Gifts - July 2026, updated 27 August 2026, what use is being made of the firearm and ammunition from President Erdoğan; and whether it has been brought into the United Kingdom under licence.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Information about gifts and hospitality are made available on gov.uk on a monthly basis, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/register-of-ministers-gifts-and-hospitality

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister uses (a) Whatsapp and (b) Signal for government business.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

For security reasons, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific platforms. The Prime Minister follows guidance on use of non-corporate communications channels, available on gov.uk.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to make changes to the governance, outsourcing and regulation of the National Lottery.

Answered by Vicky Foxcroft - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS has no plans to make changes to the 4th National Lottery Licence.

In line with the approach taken for preparing for previous licences, planning for future operations will be considered at an appropriate time, in accordance with public procurement policy and best practice.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the answer of 5 June 2026 to Question 3763 on Government Communications Service: Staff, and of 19 January 2026 to Question 104195 on Government Communication Service: Staff, how many headcount staff in the Department are (a) members of the Government Communication Network and (b) embedded communicators but are not counted as members of the Government Communication Network.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

All communicators are members of the Government Communication Service.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Pension Protection Fund's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2025–28, published on 12 June, Appendix, page 9, which 10 groups are advising on change.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The groups are Kaleidoscope (LGBTQ+), the Diverse Ability Action and Awareness Group (DAAAG), Neurodiverse Child Family Forum, the Empowering Women Group, the Race Action Group, Islamic Circle, Christian Fellowship Group, Menopause Café & Menopause Project Group, Working Families Alliance and the Men’s Network.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026, to Question 16927, on European IDAHOT+ Forum: Finance, in what way are the grants being allocated; and whether there is a bidding or application process for the grants from the £21 million of funding.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This funding will support civil society organisations around the world to address the root causes of violence, persecution and exclusion faced by LGBT+ people globally. It represents a continuation into FY2028-2029 of the ongoing LGBT+ Rights Programme and existing implementing partners are expected to remain the key beneficiaries.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the (i) Government Communications Service, (ii) Government Media Unit and (iii) New Media Unit holds a list of which (a) departments and (b) ALBs have a policy of not posting on X.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not centrally hold a record of policies adopted by individual government departments or Arm’s Length Bodies regarding the use of specific social media platforms. Individual departments manage their own organic accounts, ensuring that activity is proportionate, appropriate, and relevant to their audiences.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there will be reductions to other departmental and business unit spending and budgets to pay for the Government Media Unit.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is committed to ensuring value for money for the taxpayer across all departmental spending. Departmental budgets are kept under regular review as a matter of standard practice.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office publication, Applicant guidance: Government Skills College of Experts, of 31 July 2026, for what reason Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a priority research topic, and what are the specific EDI skills that the Cabinet Office is seeking to recruit experts on.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Mobility (EDI) is one of six research themes that form the Government Skills Priority Research Topics. These themes together form the strategic framework of long-term questions where external research and evidence can most effectively inform future public sector capability, curriculum design and delivery strategy.

The College of Experts Terms of Reference states that members are drawn from academic and practitioner expert communities, membership is voluntary and is not compensated. The College of Experts is not a decision-making or steering authority. Members provide insights to support the work of Government Skills.

Members are not expected to have specific skills in EDI or any other individual theme. Recruitment is currently based on members having a proven track record of research that aligns with one or more of the themes, and showing they can turn academic theory and evidence into government-ready advice.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2026 to Question 15722 on Metropolitan Police: Palantir, whether the PPRS may review individual decisions not to award a contract to a particular supplier.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) can review individual decisions not to award a contract to a particular supplier. To determine whether a specific concern is in scope, the supplier making the referral would submit the case to the PPRS via GOV.UK

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the budget for the development of the Manchester Digital Campus.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We are unable to disclose detailed budget figures for the Manchester Digital Campus to safeguard both national security and commercially sensitive information.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2026 to Question 13824 on Summer Internship Programme, how many and what proportion of people who applied to the 2026 Civil Service summer internship scheme were rejected on the basis of not having a qualifying working class background.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We will be publishing data on the Fast Summer Internship recruitment campaign in our 2026 Fast Stream Annual Report. This is the same approach as was taken in the previous administration.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the planned publication date is for the Civil Service External Expenditure on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for 2025-26.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We will publish the Civil Service External Expenditure on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the financial year 2025/2026 in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any Cabinet Office civil servants are on contracts that allow them to work remotely from home permanently; and whether any contracts allow for working from home from a foreign country.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office remains committed to flexible working and the business benefits that it offers. We expect that most of our staff will be able to work both from home and in the workplace as part of an informal, non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. This is agreed and arranged with staff members individually.

As of 31st August 2026 there are 128 staff members (121.6 FTE) in the Cabinet Office who are on home working contracts.

Cabinet Office staff may apply for permission to temporarily work remotely overseas in exceptional circumstances. Examples of this might include when accompanying a Civil Service or Armed Forces partner on an official posting.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2026, to Question 18049, on Government Departments: Greater Manchester, and to the answer of 14 July 2026, to Question 14979, on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Darlington, what was the average percentage attendance rate of assigned Government Property Agency staff at Piccadilly Gate 26 Store St, Manchester M1 2WD in the most recent working week for which figures are available, expressed as a percentage of assigned staff attending the workplace and in absolute terms.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The GPA does not monitor attendance of its staff at buildings. Gov Pass can obtain the data when looking at building occupancy at any point in time but this data is not broken down to the level of specific staff member identification.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the RM6364 Framework schedule 1 specification: lot 1 media strategy planning and buying v2, whether there (a) has been any central government spend or (b) any contracts agreed, under Lot 1, according to information held by the Government Commercial Agency.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The central government spend under and number of contracts agreed under Lot 1 are as follows:

(a) The actual spend recorded in GCA records since go-live is £14,784,206.00.

Call-off contracts under RM6364 are typically established on a zero-commitment basis, meaning contracts may be in place without committed spend, and individual campaign spend is subject to Advertising, Marketing and Communications (AMC) spend control approval for planned spend of £100,000 or more within a financial year.

(b) The number of call-off contracts agreed with the Lot 1 supplier, WPP650 is 33.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2026 to Question 17739 on Arms Length Bodies: Equality, what assessment she has made of the level of non-reporting by other ALBs for the financial year 2024-25: and what steps have been taken to ensure 100% reporting by ALBs in the 2025-26 report on EDI expenditure by public bodies.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

All external Equality, Diversity and Inclusion expenditure for the financial year 2024/2025 that was reported to the Cabinet Office has been published. The same principle will be applied for 2025/2026. It is the responsibility of arm’s-length bodies that fall within the Civil Service to report their relevant expenditure to the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office guidance, Roles of third-party vendors currently used to deliver digital advertising for the Cabinet Office, of 31 July 2026, how much has the Cabinet office spent on goods and services from (a) YouGov, (b) Pinterest, (c) TikTok and (d) Spotify since July 2024.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This information is not centrally held by the Government Communication Service.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2026, to Question 15417, on Cabinet office: Civil Service, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of reclassifying the civil service positions in the EU Relations Secretariat as a Reserved Post by Ministers under Section 3.6 or 3.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules where special allegiance to the Crown is required.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office, in conjunction with the relevant employing departments, keeps the security and nationality requirements of all roles under continuous review. This ensures that the classification of these posts remains proportionate and appropriate, effectively balancing the necessity of robust national security protocols with our commitment to maintaining a wide, diverse, and highly skilled talent pool.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) her Department, (b) the Government Communications Service and (c) the Government Media Unit hold data on the communications (i) outturn spending and (ii) budget of each Whitehall department.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This information is not centrally held by the Government Communication Service.