Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's Guidance on Public Sector Exit Payments: Use of Special Severance Payments, updated on 28 July 2025, for what reason the guidance no longer requires all special severance payments to be approved by her Department.

Departments are fully accountable for ensuring that exit payments are appropriate and proportionate. HMT scrutiny will now focus on the largest and most contentious payments.

This change supports greater departmental autonomy while maintaining strong standards of financial control.