David Smith MP: written questions
13 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Community AssetsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 4 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 27342More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress has been made in preparing the secondary legislation, regulations and statutory guidance required to implement the community right to buy provisions contained in th
Answer: The new Community Right to Buy will empower local people to protect valued community spaces and help to end the blight of empty properties on our high streets. We will announce more details on the implementation of the policy in due course.
Answered 14 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordSchools: Mobile PhonesDepartment for EducationTabled 4 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 27341More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support is being given to schools to enable them to enforce phone bans.
Answer: The government has published strengthened statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools, available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-phones-in-schools/mobile-phones-in-schools. This guidance states that all schools should be mobile pho...
Answered 11 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordStudents: Dyslexia and NeurodiversityDepartment for EducationTabled 4 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 27340More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what work she is doing on exam conditions for students with dyslexia and neurodivergence.
Answer: It is vital that students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions, can access exams and assessments without disadvantage. The Equality Act 2010 requires awarding organisations t...
Answered 14 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordElectricity: VATTreasuryTabled 4 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 27339More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason his Department is applying VAT on new connections to off-electrical grid homes; and what consideration he has given to lifting this on off-grid homes.
Answer: The VAT treatment of electricity connection charges depends on the nature of the supply and the circumstances in which it is made. Where a grid connection forms part of a qualifying domestic supply of electricity, it is subject to the same VAT treatment a...
Answered 14 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordElectricityDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 4 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 27338More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many households in the UK are living off the electric grid; and what actions his department are taking to ensure access to energy for communities in all parts of the UK, including rural a
Answer: DESNZ does not hold data on off-grid households. DESNZ works with Ofgem to ensure grid investment supports all communities, including rural and remote areas. Under Ofgem’s price control framework, network companies are investing in new electricity capacit...
Answered 14 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordMBR Acres: Animal WelfareHome OfficeTabled 1 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 26302More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria is used by the Home Office when considering whether to review, vary, suspend or revoke an establishment licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and whether concerns r
Answer: Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), the Home Office may review an establishment licence where information raises concerns about compliance or animal welfare. In deciding whether to vary, suspend or revoke a licence, it considers the...
Answered 9 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordAnimal Experiments: DogsHome OfficeTabled 1 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 26301More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure rigorous application of section 5(5)(b) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 during the assessment of project licence applications involving th
Answer: The Government has interpreted the question as referring to section 5B(3) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, as the Act does not contain a section 5(5)(b).Before granting a project licence, the Home Office must evaluate the proposed programm...
Answered 9 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordMBR Acres: DogsHome OfficeTabled 1 Sept 2026AnsweredUIN 26300More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of housing and welfare conditions for dogs kept at MBR Acres, including the effectiveness of heat mitigation measures during periods of high temperature; a
Answer: The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 sets a rigorous and robust framework for protecting the welfare of animals used in science, including dogs. The framework establishes minimum standards for the care and accommodation of animals, including envir...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Housing Allowance: North NorthumberlandDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 16 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 19651More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of levels of Local Housing Allowance on the ability of Universal Credit claimants to secure housing in North Northumberland.
Answer: The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum financial support available for renters receiving housing support in the private rented sector. LHA rates are not intended to meet all rents in all areas. The Secretary of State for Work and Pension...
Answered 2 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordCrime: Rural AreasHome OfficeTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 900981More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help tackle rural crime.
Answer: This Government is introducing the most significant policing reforms in nearly 200 years, restoring neighbourhood policing to better support rural communities, whilst strengthening the police response to cross-border crimes such as wildlife crime and orga...
Answered 13 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordBabies: ScreeningDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16738More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he expects the UK National Screening Committee to publish its recommendation following the consultation on newborn screening for metachromatic leukodystrophy; and when Ministers expect to make
Answer: The Government is advised on all screening matters by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which is made up of leading medical and screening experts.The UK NSC considered newborn screening for metachro...
Answered 20 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordHousing: Planning PermissionMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16737More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what consideration has been given to ensuring equitable permitted development rights for homeowners for properties that were originally built with stepped rear elevations.
Answer: Under the householder permitted development rights (set out in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) homeowners are able to extend and improve their homes and to erect outbuildings incidental to the main dwe...
Answered 15 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy: MetersDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16736More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress he has made on upgrading smart meters in North Northumberland constituency.
Answer: Energy suppliers are now able to install smart meters in the ‘North’ region using the 4G cellular mobile network, with 4G communication hubs available for rollout across Great Britain since July 2025. 4G operates alongside the existing long range radio so...
Answered 15 Jul 2026
Original Parliament record
Published records only — not a full account of an MP’s work. How we work →