First elected: 1st May 1997
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
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).
Remain neutral in Israel-Palestine conflict and withdraw support for Israel
Gov Responded - 6 Nov 2023 Debated on - 11 Dec 2023 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsWe want the UK to be neutral in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and withdraw offers of support for Israel.
Seek a ceasefire and to end Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Gov Responded - 13 Nov 2023 Debated on - 11 Dec 2023 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to seek a ceasefire and also seek to address the root cause of the current conflict by promoting dialogue and advocating for the end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Urge the Israel Government to allow fuel, electricity and food into Gaza
Gov Responded - 10 Nov 2023 Debated on - 11 Dec 2023 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsThe UK Government should urge the Israeli Government to stop the blockade of Food, Fuel and Electricity to the already impoverished city of Gaza
Increase statutory maternity pay in line with cost of living crisis
Gov Responded - 13 Jun 2022 Debated on - 19 Jun 2023 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsReview 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
Legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults
Gov Responded - 3 Feb 2022 Debated on - 4 Jul 2022 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsThe Government should bring forward legislation to allow assisted dying for adults who are terminally ill and have mental capacity. It should be permitted subject to strict upfront safeguards, assessed by two doctors independently, and self-administered by the dying person.
UK Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine
Gov Responded - 8 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsRecognise the state of Palestine to help stop the conflict from Israel. Not recognising the Palestinian state allows Israel to continue their persecution of the Palestinians.
Introduce sanctions against Israel
Gov Responded - 8 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Steve McCabe's petition debate contributionsThe Government should introduce sanctions against Israel, including blocking all trade, and in particular arms.
These initiatives were driven by Steve McCabe, 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.
Steve McCabe has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Steve McCabe has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
A Bill to make provision about guidance to local authorities on when to take enforcement action for breaches of planning law; to clarify guidance on the scope of permitted development rights; to make provision about rights and entitlements, including of appeal, for people whose homes are affected by such breaches; to make provision for the inspection and regulation of building under the permitted development regime; to establish financial penalties for developers who breach planning law in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require developers to disclose for planning purposes an intention to use a building for supported housing or other accommodation that is specified for the purposes of Universal Credit and Housing Benefit; to establish a suitability test for accommodation proposed for such use; to make provision about the fitness of persons to be landlords or managers of supported or other specified accommodation; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about access to NHS fertility services, including equality of access to such services across England; to make provision about pricing of such services; to provide for a minimum number of fertility treatments to be available to women on the basis of their age; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about guidance to local authorities on when to take enforcement action for breaches of planning law; to clarify guidance on the scope of permitted development rights; to make provision about rights and entitlements, including of appeal, for people whose homes are affected by such breaches; to make provision for the inspection and regulation of building under the permitted development regime; to establish financial penalties for developers who breach planning law in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to establish a programme to provide training and employment opportunities for unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 25; to establish a comprehensive careers guidance service for young people seeking to enter the job market; to enable Apprenticeship Training Agencies to assist small businesses in employing apprentices; to provide small businesses with a National Insurance contributions holiday; to make provision for grants towards the wage costs of apprentices employed by small businesses; to make provision for a mechanism through which banks and other providers of financial services are required to allocate part of their bonus payment budget to support these measures; and for connected purposes
Supported Housing (Regulation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Kerry McCarthy (Lab)
Goods and Services of UK Origin Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gareth Thomas (LAB)
Marriage (Authorised Belief Organisations) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Rehman Chishti (Con)
Disabled Facilities Grants (Review) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Liz Twist (Lab)
Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Chris Stephens (SNP)
Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Bellingham (Con)
Organ Donors (Leave) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Louise Haigh (Lab)
The Government is committed to improving life choices and opportunities for disabled people in their private lives, in their communities and in employment. We want everyone to live their lives free from discrimination and harassment, including disabled people.
The Equality Act 2010 places obligations on employers and service providers regarding people with disabilities, to ensure that they are fully protected from any unlawful behaviour in employment or in the provision of services. This includes a disability that may not be obvious or may be entirely hidden.
The Government is delivering for disabled people - in just the last year, we have supported the passage of two landmark pieces of legislation, the British Sign Language Act and the Down Syndrome Act.
The Minister for Disabled People announced on 2 December 2022 that a new Disability Action Plan will be consulted on and published in 2023. The Plan will set out the action the government will take in 2023/2024 to improve disabled people’s lives.
This Government has successfully reduced inflation by more than half, which will make the cost of living more affordable for veterans along with every other resident in the UK. We’re also getting support directly to those who need it, with the £104 billion Cost of Living package worth an average £3,800 per household.
Veterans’ employment is at an all-time high, with 89% of those leaving service finding employment within six months, but we're determined to go further. That is why we recently launched OP PROSPER, our dedicated employment pathway for veterans, alongside introducing a 12-month National Insurance relief to eligible employers recruiting veterans in their first civilian role after service.
The Office for Veterans' Affairs has conducted extensive research with veterans and charities to understand the current service provided by the Veterans' Gateway. Based on the feedback received, we plan to improve information and content on GOV.UK as well as developing a new comprehensive signposting tool, ensuring veterans receive the right help as quickly as possible.
We plan to regularly assess, iterate and improve the services we provide to veterans to ensure that they meet individual needs and align with the principles in the Government Service Standard.
The Office for Veterans' Affairs works with partners across and beyond government to monitor the effectiveness and impact of the commitments outlined in the Veterans' Strategy Action Plan.
Since the publication of the Action Plan in 2022, the Government has published four updates on progress; two six monthly reports in August 2022 and August 2023, and two updates within the Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report laid before parliament in December 2022 and December 2023.
The most recent report highlighted notable achievements against the Action Plan and 2018 Strategy for our Veterans, outlining where commitments have been delivered and where more work is needed to deliver on our government’s ambition to make the UK the best place to be a veteran. The Office for Veterans' Affairs engages with its partners regularly to ensure the commitments in the action plan are delivered, with updates on progress provided to the Veterans Advisory Board and departments across government.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs’ definition of homelessness is in line with the Government’s definition of homelessness. Statutory homelessness is defined as households or individuals who are owed a homelessness duty by a local authority.
This Government is committed to supporting all veterans with securing appropriate accommodation.
In 2023, we launched Op FORTITUDE, the dedicated referral scheme for veterans facing homelessness and rough sleeping, which is part of a broader £8.55 million of funding for specialist help and wrap-around support for veterans in more than 900 supported housing units.
This is in addition to establishing the Veteran Capital Housing Fund, which is dedicating £20 million over three years to fund the refurbishment of existing affordable and social rental properties and the development and delivery of new build projects.
Through these programmes, the Government is not only supporting the sustainable supply of veteran housing, but also ensuring that no veteran is forced to sleep rough due to a lack of provision.
This Government is committed to making sure that all veterans have equal opportunities and can access valuable, sustainable careers, including in the Civil Service, after they leave the Armed Forces.
There are a range of Civil Service recruitment initiatives for veterans, offering a fulfilling career in public service which makes the most of the skills and capability they have to offer. Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative.
Whilst a breakdown of demographics of veterans who apply to Civil Service roles is not currently available, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is committed to enhancing the collection, use and analysis of data across the public, private and charitable sectors to build our evidence base to effectively identify and address the needs of veterans
This Government is committed to making sure that all veterans have equal opportunities and can access valuable, sustainable careers, including in the Civil Service, after they leave the Armed Forces.
There are a range of Civil Service recruitment initiatives for veterans, offering a fulfilling career in public service which makes the most of the skills and capability they have to offer. Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative.
Whilst a breakdown of demographics of veterans who apply to Civil Service roles is not currently available, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is committed to enhancing the collection, use and analysis of data across the public, private and charitable sectors to build our evidence base to effectively identify and address the needs of veterans
This Government has conducted extensive research with veterans and charities to improve the offer to the veteran community.
As a result of this feedback, we will improve access to guides and information by working with the Ministry of Defence and stakeholders to dramatically improve the information on GOV.UK. This will make content more accessible and easier to understand.
We also plan to improve referrals and signposting so veterans can make a more informed decision about where to go to seek help. This will take account of the offers available from both statutory and charitable providers.
A joint assessment with the Ministry of Defence is also underway to consider offline support, ensuring veterans receive the right help as effectively as possible.
Veterans’ employment is at an all-time high, with 89% of those leaving service finding employment within six months.
This Government's £700,000 Veterans’ Career Development Fund aims to build on that, increasing the provision and enhancing access to qualifications, training and skills development for veterans and their families across the UK.
The grant seeks to support veterans of all backgrounds, and encourages applications in particular from groups and organisations which seek to engage with and support minority groups and individuals within the overall veteran population, including those of ethnic minority backgrounds.
The fund closed for applications from organisations in January this year, with successful applicants due to be notified later this month. Activity and delivery of the projects will then commence after that point
Regular updates on a range of veteran specific initiatives, including Going Forward into Employment, are published as part of the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan 6 monthly report and in the Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report.
The latest updates report that over 200 veterans have been employed in the Civil Service through Going Forward into Employment, and over 1,000 Civil Service jobs secured through the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
This is matched by the all-time high of veterans’ employment in the UK, with 89% employed within six months of leaving service when engaging with available support.
There are a range of Civil Service recruitment initiatives for veterans, offering a fulfilling career in public service which makes the most of the skills and capability they have to offer.
Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative.
The Civil Service has career opportunities for veterans from all walks of life, backgrounds, identities and geographic locations throughout the UK.
There are a range of Civil Service recruitment initiatives for veterans, offering a fulfilling career in public service which makes the most of the skills and capability they have to offer.
Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative.
The Civil Service has career opportunities for veterans from all walks of life, backgrounds, identities and geographic locations throughout the UK.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that our welfare services for veterans are fit for purpose. This is why the response to the Welfare Services Review was published on 11 December 2023, and included commitments on taking forward the intentions of the recommendations.
Work is already underway in both the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and Ministry of Defence, and with stakeholders to implement changes. These include the retirement of the Veterans UK brand and improvements to the Veterans’ Gateway.
This Government understands that recruiting veterans is one of the most effective business decisions that any employer can make, and is committed to ensuring that all veterans have equity of opportunity and access into sustainable employment, including in the Civil Service, after they leave the Armed Forces.
The Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative provides an enhanced opportunity for all veterans, whatever their accessibility requirements, to secure employment and pursue a career in the Civil Service. It enables those who meet the minimum requirements to proceed to the next stage of the application process, which is usually an interview.
The Government has also introduced a range of measures to support veterans and members of the Armed Forces community in the workplace, including the Service Leavers’ Adjustment Passport. The passport enables veterans to have empowered, and where appropriate, confidential conversations with current or future prospective employers, including the Civil Service, to communicate any reasonable adjustments or any other support requirements they may require or benefit from.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs, alongside partners across and beyond government, continue to monitor the progress of delivery against commitments in the 2022-2024 Strategy Action Plan, and regularly publish updates on progress. The most recent update was provided in the Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report laid in Parliament in December 2023. Additionally, the Veterans Advisory Board receives verbal updates on progress made to delivering the Strategy and Action Plan at regular intervals.
Recruiting veterans is one of the most effective business decisions that any employer can make. The Civil Service recognises this, and has in place a range of dedicated recruitment initiatives for veterans in order to make the most of their skills and capabilities, and provide the opportunity of a fulfilling career in public service.
The Great Place to Work for Veterans programme is one of a number of veterans’ recruitment initiatives being delivered across the Civil Service.
Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative.
The Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative enables veterans who meet the minimum criteria to progress to the next stage of the application process, which is usually an interview.
This Government is committed to ensuring that our welfare services for veterans are fit for the future. That is why in March last year, my right hon. friend the Minister for Defence People, and Families and I jointly commissioned an Independent Review of UK Government Welfare Services for Veterans, which I was pleased was published in full in July 2023.
The Government's response, which was published in December 2023, accepts the principle and intended outcome of all of the review's recommendations.
There are a range of Civil Service recruitment initiatives for veterans, offering a fulfilling career in public service which makes the most of the skills and capability they have to offer.
Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative.
The Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative enables veterans who meet the minimum criteria to progress to the next stage of the application process, which is usually an interview.
The Government remains committed to ending the systemic use of hotels, and we do not plan to open new hotels to meet the increased demand from new arrivals from Afghanistan.
The information requested on hotel contracts is not publicly available; however, a small number of hotels with existing contracts have been extended for a limited time period to help accommodate Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme arrivals who have yet to be matched to settled housing solutions in the United Kingdom.
Through Op FORTITUDE, the single referral pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, this Government ensured that no veteran was forced to sleep rough over Christmas due to a lack of available provision, supporting over 450 veterans into housing to date.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs uses a number of data sources to monitor the levels of rough sleeping amongst veterans. This includes a number of data sources collected by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Combined Homelessness Information Network (CHAIN) data as well as relevant evidence bases including those collected by the Devolved Administrations.
Through Op FORTITUDE, the single referral pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, this Government ensured that no veteran was forced to sleep rough over Christmas due to a lack of available provision, supporting over 450 veterans into housing to date.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs uses a number of data sources to monitor the levels of rough sleeping amongst veterans. This includes a number of data sources collected by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Combined Homelessness Information Network (CHAIN) data as well as relevant evidence bases including those collected by the Devolved Administrations.
Sustainable, gainful employment is one of the most significant ways to enhance life outcomes for veterans and their families.
Over 1,000 veterans to date have secured a job in the Civil Service through the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative and a further 200 veterans have been recruited through the 'Going Forward Into Employment' initiative. Both figures are based on data sent from Government Departments to the Office for Veterans' Affairs.
The Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs work collaboratively together to deliver for veterans, as demonstrated by the recent publication of the Government’s response to both the Independent Review of UK Government Welfare Services for Veterans and LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
My officials and I continue to meet regularly with the Ministry of Defence to deliver shared priorities, including ramping up delivery of Veterans Cards to ex-service personnel across the country.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave the Hon. Member for Islwyn on 28 October 2022 to Questions 71037 and 71036.
The Government understands the huge significance of weddings. We recognise that because weddings have not been able to take place in recent months this has caused difficulty and distress for many people. As set out in the Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy, published in May, the Government has been examining how to enable people to gather in slightly larger groups better to facilitate small weddings. We have worked closely with faith leaders and local government on how best to achieve this. The Prime Minister announced on 23 June that wedding and civil partnership ceremonies will be able to take place in England from 4 July. People should avoid having a large ceremony, and should invite no more than thirty family and friends. Venues should ensure they are COVID-19 secure.
Following correspondence from Help for Heroes and Combat Stress in November 2023, officials in the Department recently met with representatives from the organisations to discuss the impact of fireworks on armed forces veterans. We agreed to continue engagement on this matter going forward.
Whilst the Government has no current plans to introduce further legislation on fireworks, we continue to monitor the situation and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to listen to and understand their views.
There is a comprehensive legislative framework regulating the manufacture, storage, supply, possession and use of fireworks in the UK. The Government has no current plans to review the legislation, but we continue to monitor the situation.
The Government regularly engages with its counterparts in Scotland. We have discussed the recent Scottish legislative changes with them, and we will continue to discuss the impacts of their approach to fireworks legislation.
There is a comprehensive legislative framework regulating the manufacture, storage, supply, possession and use of fireworks in the UK. The Government has no current plans to review the legislation, but we continue to monitor the situation.
The Government regularly engages with its counterparts in Scotland. We have discussed the recent Scottish legislative changes with them, and we will continue to discuss the impacts of their approach to fireworks legislation.
The Government commissioned an independent review from the British Geological Survey, the National Oceanography Centre and Heriot-Watt University, to support informed decision making regarding potential future development of mineral resources in the deep sea.
Chapter Four of that review addresses Economics, and the full document (published in October 2022) is available here: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/deep-sea-mining-evidence-review-published/
Royal Mail’s approach to informing customers of service disruptions is an operational matter for Royal Mail as a private business. I understand that Royal Mail had provided updates to its customers on the resumption of services through its international incident bulletin, published on its website: www.royalmail.com/international-incident-bulletin.
Emissions from UK oil and gas extraction are accounted for in our legally-binding carbon budgets. Projected future emissions from all licensing rounds are incorporated into the offshore sector’s North Sea Transition Deal commitments. The sector’s progress against these targets is monitored by the North Sea Transition Authority.
‘Scope 3’ emissions from the burning of oil and gas are accounted for in the country in which they are used, in line with guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Emissions will be reduced by reducing our consumption of fossil fuels, not by placing restrictions on our oil and gas industry.
Emissions from UK oil and gas extraction are accounted for in our legally-binding carbon budgets. Projected future emissions from all licensing rounds are incorporated into the offshore sector’s North Sea Transition Deal commitments. The sector’s progress against these targets is monitored by the North Sea Transition Authority.
‘Scope 3’ emissions from the burning of oil and gas are accounted for in the country in which they are used, in line with guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Emissions will be reduced by reducing our consumption of fossil fuels, not by placing restrictions on our oil and gas industry.
The UK has over-achieved against the first, second, and third carbon budgets. The transitions set out in the Net Zero Strategy and the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan keep us on track to meet Carbon Budgets 4, 5 and 6, our 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution, and net zero by 2050.
The Government will continue to use Contracts for Difference to grow renewables’ share of electricity generation which has already moved from less than 7% in 2010 to more than 40% today. Use of coal in electricity generation will be ceased by the end of this year - having been nearly 40% in 2012.
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme review took account of contributions from the private sector, trade associations, the voluntary sector and other types of organisations on sectors that may be most affected by rising energy prices based on energy and trade intensity. The outcome of the review informed the criteria for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS).
Eligible SMEs will get the baseline discount. The higher ETII support will be provided to SMEs that meet the eligibility criteria. The EBDS reflects the scale of change in the energy market as prices continue to fall. The EBDS strikes the right balance by supporting businesses over the next year, ensuring fiscal responsibility and limiting the taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets.
Under Ofgem’s Maximum Resale Price rules, landlords with a domestic contract with an energy supplier are required not to charge tenants more than they have paid suppliers for the energy.
Telegraph poles play an important role in delivering efficient and cost-effective coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard to reach areas without costly and disruptive roadworks, or where existing infrastructure cannot be used.
Permitted development rights allow telegraph poles and lines to be deployed without requiring case-by-case approval from the local planning authority, and we have no plans to introduce legislation to change permitted development rights for telegraph poles.
However, we are aware of the concerns that residents in some parts of the country have about the deployment of telegraph poles. There are existing measures to minimise pole deployment and avoid inappropriate siting, and we are also taking further action to respond to those concerns.
For example, the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 (“the 2003 Regulations”) set out the legal requirements operators must adhere to.
Already, Local Planning Authorities should be notified 28 days before poles are installed in many circumstances as set out in the 2003 Regulations, and can impose conditions on this installation which operators must adhere to provided that the conditions are reasonable. The 2003 regulations also state that operators should share infrastructure where practicable.
There is also a Code of Practice in place, which provides guidance on ways operators can ensure new installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are to be engaged with regarding proposed installations.
Ofcom can take enforcement action in respect of breaches of the restrictions and conditions contained in the 2003 regulations. Ofcom have also stated that they would investigate any cases where poles are sited in a way which is not consistent with the requirements and guidelines in place – including where they block residents’ drives or where operators systematically fail to engage with local planning authorities’ suggestions. We encourage Local Planning Authorities to make complaints to Ofcom if they feel these criteria apply.
I recently met with Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, to discuss this, and to explore ways DSIT and Ofcom can work together to raise awareness of statutory roles and responsibilities and ensure better compliance.
I also wrote to all fixed line operators on 14 March, setting out the government’s concerns and emphasising the importance of infrastructure sharing. Specifically, I have asked them to do everything possible to share existing telegraph poles before installing new ones.
Separately, DSIT is considering how revisions to the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice might be delivered to promote better working practices.
I met interested MPs on Monday 25 March 2024, and I remain keen to hear and understand the concerns shared by MPs and their constituents. I am also meeting fixed-line operators to discuss these concerns.
The Government commitment to invest in R&D makes the UK a globally competitive destination for investment and partnerships. Funding programmes which anchor investment in the UK are open to international investors and partners.
An example is Research Partnership Investment Fund which supports investment in higher education facilities across the UK. Universities must attract a further £2 from non-public sources for every £1 invested by the fund. Funded projects go on to attract wider investment and partnerships as they develop to enrich the UK science and research system.
Ofgem has stringent rules on the force-fitting of prepayment meters and is responsible for ensuring licensed energy suppliers comply with those rules. Ofgem publishes details of its compliance and enforcement action on its website at: www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/compliance-and-enforcement.
The Government has set out its 5-point plan regarding prepayment meters and Ministers will keep the House updated on its progress. Ofgem has launched a new prepayment meter investigation, in response to the 5-point plan. I have spoken to Ofgem to discuss the specific case of British Gas.
Ofgem restricts the force-fitting of a prepayment meter on customers who are in debt, except as a last resort. When installing a PPM, suppliers must consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a PPM is appropriate for the customer, before remotely switching or installing a PPM under warrant.
The Government has set out its 5-point plan regarding PPM and Ministers will keep the House updated on its progress. Ofgem has launched a new PPM investigation, in response to the plan. I have spoken to Ofgem to discuss the specific case of British Gas.
The Government has expanded the Warm Home Discount scheme this year, providing £150 rebates to over 3 million households. The Government published impact assessments when consulting and publishing the Government’s response, which compared the option for reforming the scheme to continuing the previous scheme.
As households previously applied through their suppliers, which set their own application processes and eligibility criteria and selected successful applicants each year, the Government has not been able to assess how many households previously eligible are no longer eligible.
Third-party intermediaries, such as landlords, who receive the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) must pass that support through to end users, such as tenants, in a just and reasonable way.
The Government has introduced regulations to require that EBSS support is provided to the people it is designed to help. Further details can be found here.
This is an important issue which the Government has committed to act on shortly. We will introduce new civil monetary penalties for breaches of consumer law. The Government will do so through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill which will be brought forward in this session of Parliament.
This means that anyone ripping off consumers with misleading claims, unfair terms and conditions and hard-to-exit contracts may be penalised up to 10% of annual global turnover, or £300,000, whichever is higher.
Under these plans, the Competition and Markets Authority will be given direct fining powers, alongside the civil courts which would be able to act on application from enforcers like sector regulators and local authority trading standards departments.
The Government has expanded the Warm Home Discount scheme this year, providing £150 rebates to over 3 million households. The Government published impact assessments alongside the consultation and the final policy, which compared the option for reforming the scheme in England and Wales to continuing the previous scheme. These can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/warm-home-discount-better-targeted-support-from-2022.
In the UK in 2021, 19% of SMEs with employees (a three-percentage point increase on 2020) and 20% of firms with no employees (21% in 2020) were female-led. The government does not hold regional data relating to the number or proportion of female-led business.
The Rose Review is supported by the industry-led ‘Rose Review Council for Investing in Female Entrepreneurs’ that aims to coordinate industry-led action to increase investment into female-led businesses.
The Government has set an ambition to increase the number of female entrepreneurs by half by 2030, equivalent to 600,000 new entrepreneurs.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installations Database shows that as of 13 December 2022, 23 heat pump installations were registered in the Birmingham, Selly Oak constituency.
The database does not include all heat pump installations, for example, those installed without Government funding support, such as in new buildings. These not typically recorded in the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installations Database.
The Government is committed to improving the energy performance of homes across the country, including in Birmingham, Selly Oak.
The Government is already investing £6.6 billion over this parliament on decarbonising heat and energy efficiency measures.
An additional £6 billion of new Government funding, announced in the Autumn Statement, will be made available from 2025 to 2028. This provides long-term funding certainty, supporting the growth of supply chains, and ensuring we can scale up our delivery over time.
BEIS estimates that under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), Green Deal (GD), and Green Homes Grant (GHG) Government schemes, around 1,700 cavity wall insulation measures and 1,300 loft insulation measures have been installed in Birmingham, Selly Oak constituency as at end of October 2022.