Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 2 February 2026 to Question 108237 on Trade unions, what the recognition of the FDA entails; whether the FDA is consulted on (a) exit payments and (b) pay rises for special advisers; and whether there is facility time for special advisers’ union representation.

The Cabinet Office recognises the FDA for collective bargaining on the terms of the annual pay award for special advisers. The Cabinet Office does not consult the FDA on individual pay rises or exit payments for special advisers.

There is no facility time agreement in place specifically for special advisers, but any arrangements would follow the Cabinet Office’s centrally issued facility time framework.