Munira Wilson Portrait

Munira Wilson

Liberal Democrat - Twickenham

First elected: 12th December 2019

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Education)

(since October 2021)

Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill
8th Feb 2023 - 22nd Feb 2023
Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill
14th Dec 2022 - 11th Jan 2023
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Health and Social Care)
6th Jan 2020 - 21st Oct 2021
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)
6th Jan 2020 - 7th Sep 2020


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Munira Wilson has voted in 766 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Munira Wilson Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Matt Hancock (Independent)
(102 debate interactions)
Boris Johnson (Conservative)
(23 debate interactions)
Nadhim Zahawi (Conservative)
(21 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(147 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(108 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(49 debate contributions)
Home Office
(37 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Munira Wilson's debates

Twickenham Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Revoke local government powers to charge CAZ, LEZ, and ULEZ.

The Mayor's proposed extension of ULEZ over a short timeframe could negatively impact millions of people and businesses across SE England.

Review statutory maternity pay in line with inflation and cost of living

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is currently:
90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
£156.66 or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for next 33 weeks. This averages £7.5k p/a

The Government should not reduce the existing adult-child childcare ratios as has been suggested. There are surely better ways to reduce the cost of living – potentially endangering children in trusted care is not how it should be done.

Reverse the plan to withdraw funding for most applied general qualifications such as BTECs and guarantee they will continue to play a major role in the qualifications landscape. Students should not be forced to choose between studying A levels or T levels from the age of 16.

Join other nations in providing a route to safety for refugees. Waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian passport holders arriving in the UK.

Endometriosis and PCOS are two gynaecological conditions which both affect 10% of women worldwide, but both are, in terms of research and funding, incredibly under prioritised. This petition is calling for more funding, to enable for new, extensive and thorough research into female health issues.

We want the Government to commit to not rolling out any e-vaccination status/immunity passport to the British public. Such passports could be used to restrict the rights of people who have refused a Covid-19 vaccine, which would be unacceptable.

Advice from the JCVI on the priority groups for a Covid-19 vaccine does not include school/childcare workers. This petition calls for these workers, who cannot distance or use PPE, to be kept safe at work by being put on the vaccine priority list when such a list is adopted into government policy.

The UK's departure from the EU looms but questions remain about the legitimacy of the Referendum. The Electoral Commission said illegal overspending occurred during the Referendum. Were the vote/any subsequent political acts affected? Article 50 was triggered. Was the overspend known about then?

There is now strong evidence of serious misconduct during the 2016 EU Referendum, including intereference by foreign actors and governments. This must be investigated under the Inquiries Act (2005).

The government should consider delaying negotiations so they can concentrate on the coronavirus situation and reduce travel of both EU and UK negotiators. This would necessitate extending the transition period; as there can only be a one off extension, this should be for two years.

I would like the government to review and increase the pay for healthcare workers to recognise the work that they do.

To revoke the Immigration Health Surcharge increases for overseas NHS staff. The latest budget shows an increase of £220 a year for an overseas worker to live and work in the UK, at a time when the NHS, and UK economy, relies heavily on them.

We would like the government to support and regard social care: financially, publicly and systematically on an equal par as NHS. We would like parliament to debate how to support social care during COVID-19 and beyond so that it automatically has the same access to operational and financial support.

Give NHS workers who are EU and other Nationals automatic UK citizenship if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis.

After owning nurseries for 29 years I have never experienced such damaging times for the sector with rising costs not being met by the funding rates available. Business Rates are a large drain on the sector and can mean the difference between nurseries being able to stay open and having to close.

For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.

If nurseries are shut down in view of Covid-19, the Government should set up an emergency fund to ensure their survival and ensure that parents are not charged the full fee by the nurseries to keep children's places.

The prospect of widespread cancellations of concerts, theatre productions and exhibitions due to COVID-19 threatens to cause huge financial hardship for Britain's creative community. We ask Parliament to provide a package of emergency financial and practical support during this unpredictable time.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak there are travel bans imposed by many countries, there is a disastrous potential impact on our Aviation Industry. Without the Government’s help there could be an unprecedented crisis, with thousands of jobs under threat.

The cash grants proposed by Government are only for businesses in receipt of the Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Relief, or for particular sectors. Many small businesses fall outside these reliefs desperately need cash grants and support now.

To extend the business rate relief to all dental practices and medical and aesthetics clinics and any small business that’s in healthcare

Zoos, aquariums, and similar organisations across the country carry out all sorts of conservation work, animal rescue, and public education. At the start of the season most rely on visitors (who now won't come) to cover annual costs, yet those costs do not stop while they are closed. They need help.

As we pass the COVID-19 Peak, the Government should: State where the Theatres and Arts fit in the Coronavrius recovery Roadmap, Create a tailor made financial support mechanism for the Arts sector & Clarify how Social Distancing will affect arts spaces like Theatres and Concert Venues.


Latest EDMs signed by Munira Wilson

11th March 2024
Munira Wilson signed this EDM on Wednesday 13th March 2024

Alleged comments by Frank Hester

Tabled by: Dawn Butler (Labour - Brent Central)
That this House expresses its shock regarding the alleged comments made by Frank Hester reported by The Guardian about the hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and all Black women; believes these alleged comments to be both racist and violent in nature; notes that Mr Hester is a …
70 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 37
Scottish National Party: 15
Liberal Democrat: 10
Plaid Cymru: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Conservative: 1
Independent: 1
Alba Party: 1
Green Party: 1
Alliance: 1
24th January 2024
Munira Wilson signed this EDM on Monday 4th March 2024

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome awareness

Tabled by: Cat Smith (Labour - Lancaster and Fleetwood)
That this House notes that Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) is an autonomic nervous system abnormality where sitting, standing and exercise can cause symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog, dizziness, pain, fainting, vomiting and fatigue; recognises that many people suffer a combination of symptoms, which can be chronic …
31 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 9
Scottish National Party: 6
Liberal Democrat: 6
Independent: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Conservative: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
View All Munira Wilson's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Munira Wilson, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Munira Wilson

Tuesday 28th March 2023

Munira Wilson has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

5 Bills introduced by Munira Wilson


A Bill to require the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament annual reports on progress in reducing miscarriage and stillbirth rates among Black and Asian women.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to require the Government to report annually to Parliament on mental health provision for children and young people.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to make provision to require every school to have access to a qualified mental health professional; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 9th January 2024
(Read Debate)
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 21st June 2024

A Bill to provide for a statutory definition of kinship care; to make provision about allowances and parental leave for kinship carers who take on responsibility for children whose parents are unable to care for them; to make provision about education in relation to children who are looked after by a kinship carer; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 5th July 2022
(Read Debate)

A Bill to establish a right to specialist sexual violence and abuse support services for victims of sexual, violent and domestic abuse; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 10th March 2020

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
4 Other Department Questions
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what proportion of the support fund announced for swimming pools in the Spring Budget 2023 will be allocated to support pools and leisure centres with (a) immediate operational costs and (b) energy bills.

We recognise the importance of ensuring public access to swimming pools, as swimming is a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy. The responsibility of providing this access lies at Local Authority level, and the Government continues to encourage Local Authorities to support swimming facilities.

At the Budget, we announced a dedicated £63 million support package for swimming pools, which is targeted at addressing cost pressures facing public swimming pool providers. It will also help provide investment in energy efficiency measures to reduce future operating costs and make facilities sustainable in the long-term.

Details of the eligibility process will be published shortly, however, this fund will focus on those public swimming pool providers whose cost pressures are most acute, leaving them most vulnerable to closure. The Government intends for community and charitable trusts to be eligible to receive this funding. Sport England will manage a competitive application process and set out further detail on eligibility shortly.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether swimming pools and leisure centres run by (a) community groups and (b) charities will be eligible for the support fund announced for swimming pools in the Spring Budget 2023.

We recognise the importance of ensuring public access to swimming pools, as swimming is a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy. The responsibility of providing this access lies at Local Authority level, and the Government continues to encourage Local Authorities to support swimming facilities.

At the Budget, we announced a dedicated £63 million support package for swimming pools, which is targeted at addressing cost pressures facing public swimming pool providers. It will also help provide investment in energy efficiency measures to reduce future operating costs and make facilities sustainable in the long-term.

Details of the eligibility process will be published shortly, however, this fund will focus on those public swimming pool providers whose cost pressures are most acute, leaving them most vulnerable to closure. The Government intends for community and charitable trusts to be eligible to receive this funding. Sport England will manage a competitive application process and set out further detail on eligibility shortly.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
21st Mar 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what steps the Government is taking as COP President to ensure that the $100 billion International Climate Finance commitment is met before 2023.

In the lead up to COP26, the UK Presidency has made significant progress in securing new and ambitious finance commitments. 95% of the largest donors made new commitments to the $100bn goal, which will be reached by 2023 at the latest, and continue on a rising trajectory through to 2025. It is now likely that $500 billion will be mobilised over the period 21-25.

Throughout our Presidency year, working with other donor countries will be a top priority, and we will continue to work with developed countries to ensure the implementation of the climate finance Delivery plan. At COP26, we also agreed to a first report on the $100bn/yr goal under the UNFCCC to ensure we maintain focus and build trust.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
15th Nov 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps her Department is taking to reduce transphobia in the (a) media, (b) NHS and (c) UK.

The Government is clear that transphobia is unacceptable and has no place in British society. We are working across Government to tackle transphobia, homophobia and biphobia. This action includes working with stakeholders to tackle transphobic hate crime, and we have committed to publishing a new Hate Crime Strategy later this year.

Also announced this week, the Department for Education has confirmed funding for five leading organisations, worth over £1 million in total, to support schools and colleges in championing tolerance and respect as part of their responsibility to tackle all forms of bullying.

On tackling transphobia in the media, the Government’s Online Safety Bill will deliver a ground-breaking new system of accountability which will require internet companies to protect users from online abuse, and will make it easier to report harmful activity. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will also be examining the current advertising regulatory framework to make sure it is equipped to tackle online harms.

Within the NHS, a range of activity is in place to ensure that transgender people receive appropriate support and do not face discrimination. This includes the provision of Gender Identity Clinics and training for staff. NHS England also runs the Rainbow Badges scheme which is an initiative that enables staff in participating Trusts to demonstrate to service users that they offer open, non-judgemental and inclusive care for patients and their families, who identify as LGBT.

Next year, we will be holding Safe To Be Me: A Global Equality Conference, which will bring together government representatives, businesses, civil society and international parliamentarians to address the safety of LGBT people at home and abroad.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
15th Oct 2021
To ask the Attorney General, how many open cases the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has closed due to the CPS sending queries to those that had submitted the case, but receiving no response in the allotted time, in (a) 2018, (b) 2019, (c) 2020 and (d) 2021.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) may close cases at the pre-charge stage as ‘pending response – further investigation’ for a number of reasons, which are not limited to queries about submitted cases. The reasons could include, for example, that the suspect had died. However, it is not possible to distinguish in the CPS figures between the reasons.

Closing a case that is pending response for further investigation is known as an ‘administrative finalisation’, not a legal decision, and may not be the end of the case. The table below shows the numbers finalised pending response for further investigation, excluding submissions for early advice (EA), per calendar year.

2018201920202021*

Pending Response - Further Investigation

(excluding EA)
30,78228,20923,9786,196

*In line with the CPS publication policy the 2021 figure covers January – March 2021.

Alex Chalk
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
9th May 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department plans to publish an updated Transparency Report on the Government's land and property disposals in (a) 2020-21, (b) 2021-22 and (c) 2022-23.

In recent years, the Cabinet Office has reported information on receipts from property disposals through its annual State of the Estate report which is laid before Parliament (SOFTE 2020-21; SOFTE 2021-22). The Department plans to continue to do this.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the Office of Government Property's policy is on the disposal of surplus land following the withdrawal of that office's previous guidance on that matter on 1 June 2021.

The new Government Property Strategy, which was published in the Summer, sets out the policy to achieve a smaller, better, greener government estate, disposing of surplus, underutilised and poor quality property to enable efficiency savings and bring in capital receipts. When disposing of surplus sites, organisations should assess alternative uses and Government policy priorities to identify the most appropriate disposal mechanism.

Work has been underway to revise guidance for the disposal of government property to reflect the aims of the new Strategy. It is intended to reissue this guidance in the New Year.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
22nd Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much the Government has spent on campaigns to encourage better ventilation in buildings across the UK in (a) 2020 and (b) 2021.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to PQ 33512 on 23 March 2020.

The Government has promoted the importance of ventilation in homes and businesses in its coronavirus (COVID-19) behaviour change campaigns throughout 2020 and 2021. The fresh air message has been integrated into other important behaviours for individuals and businesses to take and as such it is not possible to identify a specific amount focused solely on ventilation.

14th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what reports he has received of the Office for National Statistics sending out negative covid-19 test results for tests taken six or more weeks ago.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

10th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether door-to-door carol singing is permitted under the new national covid-19 lockdown restrictions in operation from 5 November 2020.

On 5 November, the Government acted swiftly in accordance with growing evidence of virus prevalence to put in place new national COVID-19 restrictions in England. Under these new restrictions from 5 November until 2 December you must stay at home and avoid meeting people you do not live with (except for specific purposes).


From 2 December, we will return to a regional approach and any guidance on carol singing will be updated depending on the Local COVID alert level of the area in which you live. For further information on COVID-19 restrictions, please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
5th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reasons the Government chose not to provide a live British Sign Language interpreter at each daily covid-19 briefing.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 39766 and 41529 on 4 May 2020.

16th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reopening applications to the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding closed to new applications on 31 May, and the department does not plan to re-open the scheme. There was a limited extension until 16 June, allowing corporate appointees with business bank accounts to apply on behalf of the eligible households they represent. The government believes that the 3-month time window provided sufficient time for eligible households to apply for their £400 support.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
7th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department made an equality impact assessment before (a) determining the period of time that applications would be open and (b) deciding when to publish the deadline for making applications on the GOV.UK portal for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding.

The Department conducted a Public Sector Equality Duty assessment before the scheme launched, and this document is regularly updated. Officials also conducted an assessment for the length of the scheme, concluding that 3 months would provide suitable time for eligible households to apply, whilst lowering the risk of overpayments because of individuals moving during the scheme. The 31st May deadline was communicated by the Department in the 27th February press notice and to key stakeholder groups who represented eligible applicants, and was added to the GOV.UK portal in May for further clarity.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
2nd Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many and what proportion of eligible households applied for Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding before 31 May 2023.

The latest application figures for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding were published on 11 May as of 3 May on the GOV.UK website - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-alternative-fund-gb-ni-and-alternative-fuel-payment-alternative-fund-applications-made-by-customers.

The next set of figures will be published in June which will include application figures for the scheme up to 31 May 2023.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to increase awareness of the deadline for the EBSS Alternative Funding.

The Department has communicated the schemes using a variety of methods, including Press Notices, social media, and digital resources. Government understands many EBSS Alternative Fund applicants are hard-to-reach through mainstream channels and has engaged with key stakeholder organisations who have filtered down scheme information encouraging eligible households to apply. With awareness that park home residents make up a large proportion of applicants, Government has also requested local authorities write to all park home sites in their area, further spreading information on the schemes, especially to residents without online access.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of heat network customers who are eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund and were incorrectly informed by his Department that they were ineligible because they had received £400 in support through their electricity supplier.

The Department has estimated that there are approximately 31,000 UK households who are part of a heat network who are eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. The Government do not have any figures for the number of these households who were incorrectly informed that they were ineligible for the scheme. Application numbers for the scheme were released on 11th May and can be located here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-alternative-fund-gb-ni-and-alternative-fuel-payment-alternative-fund-applications-made-by-customers.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
18th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April to Question 176758 on District Heating, if he will publish the source of the data used to estimate the annualised heating bills of heat networks customers.

The response to Question 176758 made an assessment of estimated heating bills for a comparable heat network customer and domestic gas customer. The estimated annualised heating bills for a heat network customer used the data sources detailed below.

Data source

Comments on publication

Quarterly Energy Pricesstatistical publication. Average non-domestic gas prices paid (March 2022 to September 2022)

Currently published ( https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/industrial-energy-prices)

Average non-domestic gas prices paid by Energy Bill Relief Scheme recipients, Winter 2022

Not published due to commercial sensitivity.

Impact of Energy Bill Relief Scheme on non-domestic gas contract prices

Currently published ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers)

Heat network gas price under Energy Bills Discount Scheme

Currently published ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bills-discount-scheme-heat-networks-support)

Historic Ofgem domestic gas price cap

Currently published. Separate time periods published on separate web pages. ( https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/default-tariff-cap)

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
30th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of utilising SMRs and other small and medium-sized nuclear projects for the co-generation of heat and power via district heat networks as part of the Great British Nuclear programme.

The Heat Networks and Nuclear teams at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero oversee potential for utilising nuclear power as a source of energy for heat networks, including collaboration on nuclear power station siting work and its effect on future heat network zones. Heat network zone potential would increase significantly if there were a viable nuclear power source nearby due to the abundance of waste/recovered heat. Government remain up-to-date on international research in this area through the IEA and international partners.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the (a) average annual cost between 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 and (b) projected annual cost until 31 March 2024 of (i) electricity and (ii) heating bills for households on communal and district heat networks; and if he will make a comparative assessment of the cost of (A) those customer's bills and (B) the bills of other domestic customers.

The table below makes a comparative assessment of heating bills for a heat network customer and a typical domestic gas boiler customer. Bills are given as annualised estimates to account for heat consumption varying throughout the year. Time periods have been separated to reflect the introductions of government support schemes. No estimates have been made beyond June 2023 due to uncertainty in future prices.

An electricity comparison has not been included above as most households with domestic electricity contracts and the same electricity demand will face the same electricity bills, regardless of whether they are connected to a heat network.

Time period

Estimated annualised heat network heat bill (7,000 kWh of heat, fuel cost only)

Estimated annualised domestic gas bill (7,000 kWh of heat, fuel cost only)

April 2023 - June 2023 Energy Bill Discount Scheme supporting heat networks, Energy Price Guarantee capping domestic gas prices.

£861

£861

October 2022 – March 2023 Energy Bill Relief Scheme supporting heat networks, Energy Price Guarantee capping domestic gas prices.

£1,037

£861

March 2022 – September 2022 No government support in place for heat networks, Ofgem price cap limiting domestic gas price.

£968

£585

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that energy suppliers for communal and district heat networks pass on the full benefit of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme to their domestic customers from 1 April 2023.

As with the EBRS, the Government will be introducing regulations to ensure that heat networks pass through the discount in a 'just and reasonable' manner and to set up wider enforcement measures. As part of this, the Energy Ombudsman and the Consumer Council will be empowered to hear complaints from consumers and micro-businesses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland respectively.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to make available further information on the Energy Bills Discount Scheme in relation to households on heat networks.

The Government will provide an update on how households on heat networks will continue to benefit from support in the coming weeks.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
31st Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he will extend the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment to all households without a direct relationship to an energy supplier.

The Government is not planning to extend the current eligibility of the Alternative Fuel Payment.

Every household that does not source its central heating directly from an energy supplier should be benefiting from Government support this winter, either through the benefits of the Energy Price Guarantee or the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, passed through an intermediary, or via the Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department plans to update the Digital Inclusion Strategy, published 4 December 2014.

The Government is committed to ensuring no-one is left behind in this digital age. The 2022 UK Digital Strategy outlined work that will promote digital inclusion and help people to get online, including committing to at least 85% gigabit broadband coverage by 2025 and delivering legislation that will mitigate online harms through the Online Safety Bill (now Act).

Rather than write a standalone Digital Inclusion strategy, the Government is focused on delivering work that will address this issue. This is a cross-Government effort, with work being overseen by a new ministerial group, which will meet twice a year to drive progress.

Saqib Bhatti
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
31st Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether households connected to communal and district heat networks will be eligible for the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment.

The Government is determined that the benefits of all energy support schemes are received by the appropriate party. The Government will provide further details on the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment shortly.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reason it is his policy that the national minimum wage for workers aged under 23 is lower than that for other workers.

For younger workers, the priorities in those first years are to secure work and gain experience which has always been reflected in the National Minimum Wage rate structure. The Government is committed to increasing the National Minimum Wage as much as possible without damaging employment prospects for younger workers. This is why on 1 April 2023, Government will increase the National Minimum Wage rates for workers under 18 by 9.7% to £5.28, 18-20 year olds by 9.7% to £7.49 and 21-23 year olds by 10.9% to £10.18. The Government is also committed to reducing the age threshold for the National Living Wage to 21 and over by 2024.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will review the list of Energy and Trade Intensive Industries eligible for increased support under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme to include swimming pools and leisure centres.

There are currently no plans to review the list of Energy and Trade Intensive Industries eligible for support under the Energy Bill Discount Scheme. The Government has taken a consistent approach to identifying the most energy and trade intensive sectors, with all sectors that meet agreed thresholds for energy and trade intensity eligible for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries support. These thresholds have been set at sectors falling above the 80th percentile for energy intensity and 60th percentile for trade intensity, plus any sectors eligible for the existing energy compensation and exemption schemes.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to provide advice to heat networks customers on the level of support available through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

Information and advice on the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS), including in relation to requirements for intermediaries to pass through support to end users, can be found online. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers)

For end consumers of heat networks, further advice can also be found online (https://www.ombudsman-services.org/sectors/heat-networks) on the EBRS from the Energy Ombudsman.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether houseboat residents will be eligible for the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment.

The Alternative Fuel Payment of £200 will provide support for those in properties using fuels such as heating oil, liquified petroleum gas, coal or biomass for heating. The Government will set out more details on the scheme soon.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reasons it is his Department's policy that heat network customers are receiving equivalent support under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme to those eligible for the Energy Price Guarantee.

Heat network consumers need protection from the soaring energy prices this winter period, as the cost of energy for many heat network operators has increased. Regulations covering the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) and associated pass-through requirements ensure that heat network operators and other intermediaries pass on any EBRS benefits to the end user in a just and reasonable way.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to take steps to support businesses that want to implement a 32-hour four-day working week.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to work arrangements. The Government supports flexible working in all its forms, where it has benefits for, and is agreed between, both individuals and employers.

The existing legal framework provides a statutory right to request flexible working, where employees can request a change to their hours, pattern or place of work. Between September and December 2021, the Government consulted on changes to this framework to better support the uptake of flexible working arrangements. We will respond in due course.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund and the Alternative Fuel Payments Fund will distribute payments to households ineligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme, and when these payments will begin.

The Alternative Funding will provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the small minority of households who will not be reached through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Full details on eligibility, timescales and method of delivery will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Alternative Fuel Payment will provide £100 to support households who do not use mains gas for heating. It is designed to compensate for the rise in the price of heating oil from October 2022 in a way which is equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee. Further details for both schemes will be set out in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to regulation 6 of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme Pass-through Requirement (Heat Suppliers) (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2022, how an end user may challenge an intermediary if they believe that the pass-through amount being provided is not just and reasonable.

If an end user (a heat network consumer) cannot reach direct resolution with the intermediary (the heat supplier), they can raise a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman. The Regulations also allow heat network consumers to pursue recovery of the benefits of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme as a debt through civil proceedings. More information can be found in guidance accompanying the Regulations: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pass-through-requirements-for-energy-price-support-provided-to-intermediaries/guidance-on-the-energy-bill-relief-scheme-pass-through-requirements-for-heat-networks.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he will publish specific energy bill support for households connected to communal heat networks; and whether that support will be equivalent to the two-year cap for other UK households.

The Government wants heat network consumers to receive equivalent support to mains gas and electricity consumers. That is why on 21 September the Energy Bill Relief Scheme was announced, which will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. These discounted prices for wholesale gas and electricity will ensure lower prices for customers on communal heat networks and the Government intends to publish a review of the scheme in 3 months' time to inform decisions on future support.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the support scheme for energy bills for (a) schools and (b) other public sector organisations will cap the unit price of (i) gas and (ii) electricity.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers, including schools and other public sector organisations, was announced on 21 September and details can be found at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers. To administer support, the Government has set a Supported Wholesale Price, which is a discounted price per unit of gas and electricity. The supported wholesale prices are expected to be £211 per MWh for electricity and £75 per MWh for gas, less than half the wholesale prices anticipated this winter, but will be confirmed on 30 September.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution on 8 September 2022, Official Report, column 398, whether (a) early years providers, (b) schools, (c) colleges and (d) universities will be included in the sectors provided with further support with their energy bills beyond the initial six-month period.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers was announced on 21 September and details can be found at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers. The scheme applies to all non-domestic customers, including education establishment. The Government will publish a review of the scheme in three months, which will consider how best to offer further support to customers who are the most vulnerable to energy price increases, beyond the initial six months of the scheme. Continuing support to those deemed eligible would begin at the end of the initial six month support scheme, without a gap.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on what date he expects the energy bills support scheme announced on 8 September 2022 for schools and other public sector organisations will be implemented.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers, including schools and other public sector organisations, was announced on 21 September and details can be found at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers. The scheme will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers. It will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, running for an initial six-month period. The savings will be first seen in October bills, which are typically received in November.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of providing the energy bills support scheme announced on 8 September 2022 to (a) businesses and (b) public sector organisations.

The Government will set out more details on the costs of the Government’s support in Friday’s fiscal event.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the support scheme for energy bills will apply to existing fixed-term energy contracts agreed by public sector organisations.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will be available to all business, voluntary sector and public sector organisations who are on existing fixed price contracts, agreed on or after 1 April 2022.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish further details on how the energy bills support announced on 8 September 2022 will apply to (a) schools and (b) other public sector organisations.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers was announced on 21 September and details can be found at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers. The scheme will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers, including businesses, the voluntary sector and the public sector, including schools. This support will be equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of onshore wind on (a) the price of energy bills and (b) energy security.

The costs of onshore wind have fallen dramatically, and it is around 50% cheaper than in 2015. More low-cost renewables like onshore wind on the system will limit household electricity bills by ensuring that Britain is less affected by fluctuations in volatile global gas prices. As set out in the Energy White Paper and Net Zero Strategy, a low-cost net zero system of the future will be predominantly comprised of wind and solar. To achieve this, the Government will require a sustained increase in locally supported onshore wind to 2030 and beyond, alongside other renewables such as solar and offshore wind.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps to re-skill workers for jobs in the green economy.

The Net Zero Strategy sets out the Government’s plans to work with industry to help retrain workers for jobs in a low carbon economy. This includes offering green skills bootcamps in housing retrofit, solar, nuclear energy and vehicle electrification, alongside delivering a Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Free Courses for Jobs Offer.

The Government has also established the Green Jobs Delivery Group, headed up by Ministers and business leaders, to act as the central forum for driving forward action on green jobs and skills.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Levelling Up White Paper, if he will make it his policy to undertake a Government consultation before making any changes to the Research Evaluation Framework.

In reference to the Research Excellence Framework, the four UK higher education funding bodies are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the UK’s national research assessment system. The Future Research Assessment Programme includes in-depth evaluation of the current Research Excellence Framework, exploratory work on future models, and advice from an independent group of international experts. The review will consider a wide range of issues relevant to the Levelling Up White Paper, including how best to recognise and reward the contribution that research carried out in UK higher education providers makes to society and the economy locally, nationally and internationally. This programme of work includes open consultation with those who work in and engage with research carried out in UK higher education providers. The consultation will be launched by the HE funding bodies in the coming weeks.

Background

This answer assumes that the question refers to the “Research Excellence Framework”, as we don’t recognise “Research Evaluation Framework”.

7th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Levelling Up White Paper, whether he plans to make changes to the Research Evaluation Framework.

In reference to the Research Excellence Framework, the four UK higher education funding bodies are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the UK’s national research assessment system. The Future Research Assessment Programme includes in-depth evaluation of the current Research Excellence Framework, exploratory work on future models, and advice from an independent group of international experts. The review will consider a wide range of issues relevant to the Levelling Up White Paper, including how best to recognise and reward the contribution that research carried out in UK higher education providers makes to society and the economy locally, nationally and internationally. This programme of work includes open consultation with those who work in and engage with research carried out in UK higher education providers. The consultation will be launched by the HE funding bodies in the coming weeks.

Background

This answer assumes that the question refers to the “Research Excellence Framework”, as we don’t recognise “Research Evaluation Framework”.

18th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding has been granted through the (a) Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and (b) Bounce Back Loan Scheme to (i) social care providers and (ii) the social care sector as a whole.

As of July 2021, the total value of CBILS and BBLS loans to businesses in the Human Health and Social Work sectors was £2,758,185,509, with 67,544 loans offered. The value of loans to businesses identifying as being in the residential care sector was £491,281,848, with 6,247 loans offered. The value of loans to businesses identifying as being in the non-residential social work sector was £512,447,147, with 13,083 loans offered.

11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of regulating electrical goods sold online to ensure their safety for use.

Existing laws require that all consumer products must be safe before they can be placed on the UK market, including those sold online.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (EESRs) require products to be designed and manufactured in accordance with the principal elements of the safety objectives. Under the EESRs, a distributor, including online retailers and those selling goods via online marketplaces, must act with due care to ensure that electrical products are in conformity with the requirements.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is engaged with online marketplaces to ensure that they are playing their part in protecting UK consumers from unsafe products. This includes developing a new voluntary commitment for online marketplaces to agree actions they will take to reduce the risks from unsafe products sold by others on their platforms, enabling them to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the safety of consumers in the UK.

In order to ensure that the UK’s Product Safety framework is flexible and fit for the future, the OPSS is conducting a review. The review will ensure we have a framework that continues to deliver safety for consumers while supporting businesses to innovate and grow and will consider non-traditional business models, including online sales.

12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to introduce a five year expiry period on gift cards and vouchers.

The Department asked the Law Commission to examine the protection given to consumer prepayments, including gift cards and vouchers, and consider whether such protections should be strengthened. The Law Commission concluded that that there was no need to introduce additional measures for gift cards and vouchers including in relation to expiry dates.

9th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the deadline for delivery of the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Phase 2.

The Green Homes Grant, Local Authority Delivery Scheme is part of a package of measures aimed at providing an urgent stimulus to the economy. BEIS intends to allocate £300m to the regional Local Energy Hubs for delivery by December 2021. This aims to balance the aim of the scheme to support economic recovery whilst being pragmatic over delivery timescales.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)