David Simmonds MP: written questions
457 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Radicalism: USAHome OfficeTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8275More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of US funding of extreme far-right activism in the United Kingdom.
Answer: The Government takes extremism seriously and we are committed to ensuring that we have the required understanding, tools and powers needed to address this issue.Analysts within the Home Office assess all available information and intelligence in order to ...
Answered 23 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordTrade Unions: FinanceDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8274More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Government’s initial response to the Rycroft Review, whether trade unions’ political funds will be able to accept payments via cryptocurrencies.
Answer: The Government has accepted the recommendation of the independent Rycroft Review for a moratorium on the use of crypto assets as political donations to safeguard the integrity of our political finance system from foreign interference. Payments into trade ...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordPolitical Parties: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8273More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has considered amending the exemptions on conference sponsorship using powers under PPERA.
Answer: The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) sets out a comprehensive framework governing political donations and controls on permissible sources of funding. This includes provisions relevant to sponsorship and other forms of support ...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordPolitical Parties: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8271More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether political parties and regulated donees will be able to accept political donations from companies which have been trading less than three years.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 6029 on 2 June 2026. Companies that have been trading for less than three years will not be excluded from making political donations, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria, includi...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordPolitical Parties: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8270More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the cap on overseas donations over £100,000 will apply to donations from Ireland to Northern Ireland.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 6035 on 10 June 2026, which sets out the position on the interaction between the overseas electors cap and donations relating to Northern Ireland.
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordCouncillorsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8269More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what (a) guidance and (b) advice his Department has given to local authorities on whether employees of (i) district and (ii) county councils can serve as a councillor of a shadow
Answer: The position is set out in the relevant standard disqualification provisions that are contained in existing legislation, including the Local Government Act 1972. The Electoral Commission provides guidance on disqualifications and working for a council, av...
Answered 22 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordPolitical Parties: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8268More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what representations he has received on the provisions of political finance laws on declarations of political gifts, sponsorship and donations to (a) hon. Members in the 12 month
Answer: Following the publication of the independent Rycroft Review, which made recommendations on strengthening the political finance framework, including in relation to donations made to individuals before they become Members of Parliament, these issues have be...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordZack PolanskiMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8267More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his department has received written representations from London Assembly member Zack Polanski, since July 2024.
Answer: Following a search of our correspondence system, we have not identified any correspondence from Zack Polanski AM.
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: Pedestrian AreasMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8265More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 27 May 2026, to Question 2007, on Hospitality Industries: Pedestrian Areas, what are the proposed changes on pavement licences that the Government inten
Answer: The Government brought forward licensing easements for the World Cup by extending pubs opening hours until 1am for England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 5pm to 9pm and until 2am for kick-offs between 9pm to 10pm. The Sec...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: Pedestrian AreasMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8264More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 27 May 2026, to Question 2007, on Hospitality Industries: Pedestrian Areas, whether the Government plans to introduce national easements in this regard
Answer: The Government brought forward licensing easements for the World Cup by extending pubs opening hours until 1am for England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 5pm to 9pm and until 2am for kick-offs between 9pm to 10pm. The Sec...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordPolitical Parties: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8263More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the proposed retrospective ban on cryptocurrency donations will apply to unreportable donations below (a) £500 under the Political Parties Elections Act 2000 and (b) £50
Answer: As announced by the Secretary of State on 25 March 2026, the Government will introduce a moratorium on the acceptance of political donations made using cryptoassets. This moratorium will apply to cryptoasset donations of any value, including those valued ...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government Finance: West SurreyMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8260More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2026, to Question 442, on Local Government Finance: West Surrey, if he will publish equivalent figures for the absolute monetary amount of core s
Answer: Funding allocations for all councils covering 2026-27 to 2028-29, including those which have been invited to undergo reorganisation, were set out in the final Local Government Finance Settlement in February. Where an area reorganises into multiple unitary...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordTaxation: Greater ManchesterMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8259More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has received representations from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority or its mayor since July 2024 on (a) council tax reform and (b) land value taxat
Answer: The Government keeps all aspects of local government finance, including council tax, under review and engages regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including combined authorities and mayors. The Department does not routinely comment on discussions ...
Answered 9 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness Improvement DistrictsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8257More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 2 June 2026, HCWS81, on Pride in Place – High Streets Update, whether the Business Improvement Districts rule book will involve changes
Answer: In the Pride in Place Strategy, published in September 2025, we committed to a range of measures to expand and improve Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) including enabling property owners to form BIDs outside of London. This package is subject to cons...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordWaste Disposal: BirminghamMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8254More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 29 May 2026 to Question 2008 on Waste Disposal: Birmingham, what discussions he has had with the Best Value Commissioners on the status of the bin colle
Answer: My department continues to engage with Commissioners in line with standard practice for statutory interventions. The industrial dispute in the Council’s waste service is a local issue that requires a local solution. We therefore continue to urge the Counc...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordStrategic Migration Partnerships: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8253More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will list each Strategic Migration Partnerships Grant Payment made in 2025-26by recipient and amount.
Answer: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is one of a number of Departments who fund Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMPs). These grant agreements are bespoke and agreed between the Department and each recipient organisation, dep...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordElections: Pilot SchemesMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8252More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the publication entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, March 2026", on 26 May 2026, for what reason funding for flexible voting pilots was given to (a) Plymouth
Answer: Funding provided to Plymouth City Council, Stevenage Borough Council and Tamworth Borough Council relates to costs incurred in preparation for a flexible voting pilot activity prior to the withdrawal of their applications. The amounts provided reflect the...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Freedom of InformationMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8244More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his department’s Freedom of Information Act response, of 22 April 2026, Internal Review Ref: IR2026/08860, who was the qualified person.
Answer: The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness.
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordTreasury: Mayor of Greater ManchesterTreasuryTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8186More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether Ministers in her Department have received written representations from the Mayor of Greater Manchester since July 2024.
Answer: All Mayoral Strategic Authorities are encouraged to make formal representations to HM Treasury around fiscal events – the majority of MSAs provided submissions ahead of Autumn Budget 2025, including Greater Manchester Combined Authority. More widely, HMT ...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHome Office: GreenpeaceHome OfficeTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8184More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 22 May 2026 to Question 443 on Home Office: Greenpeace, whether her Department has had a policy of non-engagement with Greenpeace since 5 July 2024.
Answer: The Government does not comment on specific individuals or groups.As announced in the Protecting What Matters publication on the 9th March, we are currently updating and embedding the 2024 engagement principles and responsibility for decisions and due dil...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordBy-elections: CostsSpeaker's Committee on the Electoral CommissionTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7842More
Question: To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Electoral Commission has made an assessment of the average cost to a local authority of holding and administering a (a)
Answer: The Electoral Commission has not made an assessment on the average cost of holding and administering elections, as it is not responsible for funding elections. The UK Government, through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, provides ...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordElectoral RegisterSpeaker's Committee on the Electoral CommissionTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7841More
Question: To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Electoral Commission has provided guidance to electoral registration officers on whether British citizens who have a dwe
Answer: The Commission’s guidance for Electoral Registration Officers in England, Scotland and Wales sets out eligibility requirements.A person must be resident at the address at which they want to be registered. Residence has a particular meaning in electoral la...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordCouncillorsSpeaker's Committee on the Electoral CommissionTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7840More
Question: To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what guidance or advice the Electoral Commission has given to local authorities on whether employees of a district or county council
Answer: The Electoral Commission outlines the disqualification criteria at each relevant election in its guidance for candidates and agents. Due to the complexity of the rules, it does not provide direct advice on whether someone is qualified or disqualified from...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordForestry Commission: AppealsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7839More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the answer of 21 April 2026 to Question 124787 on Forestry Commission: Appeals, on how many instances appeal panels have recommended against upholding a Restocking No
Answer: Reference Committees have recommended the Restocking Notice should be withdrawn in five cases in 2025, and in one case to date in 2026.
Answered 15 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordBiodiversity: Property DevelopmentDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7838More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the departmental blog entitled Biodiversity Net Gain: what's changing and what it means for you, published 20 April 2026, for what reason the existing exemption for s
Answer: Government consulted on removing the exemption for small scale self-build and custom build development in the 2025 consultation on Improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and brownfield development. Most respondents support...
Answered 11 Jun 2026
Original Parliament record
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