James McMurdock MP: written questions
830 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Great British Energy: Solar PowerDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 27 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 42173More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the long-term sustainability of the solar panels being installed under the Great British Energy scheme in relation to their (a) lifespan, (b) efficiency degrada
Answer: We expect panels delivered under this scheme to have an estimated lifespan of 30 years [with a 0.5% yearly attrition rate] which is based on our published assumptions. Recyclability is a critical factor in the sustainability of solar panels and the school...
Answered 4 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordEnergy: SchoolsDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 27 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 42172More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) primary and (b) secondary schools with high energy costs.
Answer: The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently. The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy wit...
Answered 4 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordEnergy SupplyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 27 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 42116More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to improve the process for procuring (a) transformers, (b) cables and (c) other critical components for electricity network expansion projects.
Answer: The Government is committed to working with electricity operators and Ofgem to improve procurement processes for critical electricity network expansion projects. Ofgem recently launched the Advanced Procurement Mechanism to enable Transmission Owners to p...
Answered 4 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordEnergy: InfrastructureDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 27 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 42115More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to (a) help decrease planning delays for energy infrastructure projects and (b) engage with the public on those projects.
Answer: In December 2024, the Government published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which sets out an ambitious package of legislative and non-legislative reforms to our planning system to accelerate the development of energy infrastructure. The Government is cur...
Answered 4 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordElectricity: InfrastructureDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 27 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 42114More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to (a) consult and (b) compensate local communities impacted by new electricity network infrastructure projects.
Answer: The Government has announced measures to ensure that communities directly benefit from hosting clean energy infrastructure, to help support the rollout of grid infrastructure which will deliver our new renewable generation to homes and businesses. This in...
Answered 4 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordPupils: Mobile Phones and Social MediaDepartment for EducationTabled 26 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 41747More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) secondary school teachers and (b) head teachers on (i) smart phones in schools and (ii) young people on social media.
Answer: The department engages regularly with teachers and headteachers and their representative bodies on a range of issues, including mobile phone use in schools and the impact of social media on young people. This includes engagement through the department’s t...
Answered 22 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordMobile Phones and Social Media: ChildrenDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 26 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 41746More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with parents on (a) smart phones in schools and (b) young people on social media.
Answer: Ministers and officials regularly meet stakeholders to discuss online child protection. Ofcom, the independent regulator for online safety, also has statutory duties under the Online Safety Act to consult with users. Ofcom engaged with over 7,000 parents ...
Answered 3 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordYouth JusticeMinistry of JusticeTabled 25 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 41305More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the time taken to complete cases on (a) youth offenders and (b) victims.
Answer: This Government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis and recognises the impact the outstanding caseloads left behind by the previous administration is having. That is why we are working tirelessly to tackle this, including increasing sitting days...
Answered 2 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordYouth JusticeMinistry of JusticeTabled 25 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 41304More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to reduce the time taken to complete youth justice cases.
Answer: This Government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis and recognises the impact the outstanding caseloads left behind by the previous administration is having. That is why we are working tirelessly to tackle this, including increasing sitting days...
Answered 2 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordCare HomesDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40977More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support care homes operating at full capacity.
Answer: Local authorities are best placed to understand and plan for the needs of their population. That is why, under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are tasked with the duty to shape their care market and to commission a range of high-quality, sustainable,...
Answered 31 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordCare Homes: ConstructionDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40974More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to increase the number of new care home developments.
Answer: Local authorities are best placed to understand and plan for the needs of their population. That is why, under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are tasked with the duty to shape their care market and to commission a range of high-quality, sustainable,...
Answered 31 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordHousing: Older PeopleMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40972More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support she is providing to local authorities to encourage the development of specialist retirement housing.
Answer: The government is committed to helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible.The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should assess the size, types and tenure of housing needed for dif...
Answered 1 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordHousing: Older PeopleMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40971More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has considered setting targets for the development of retirement housing within her new homes target.
Answer: The government is committed to helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible.The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should assess the size, types and tenure of housing needed for dif...
Answered 1 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordPrescription Drugs: ShortagesDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40965More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) ensure patients have timely access to and (b) prevent shortages in prescription medication.
Answer: There are approximately 14,000 licensed medicines, and the overwhelming majority are in good supply. Where supply issues do arise, we know how frustrating and distressing these can be for patients, and we work closely with industry, the National Health Se...
Answered 31 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordGeneral Practitioners: InternetDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40964More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) elderly and (b) vulnerable patients can telephone their GP surgery for assistance rather than using online or digital services.
Answer: We understand that not all patients can or want to use online services. The GP Contract is clear that patients should always have the option of telephoning or visiting their practice in person, and all online tools must always be provided in addition to, ...
Answered 31 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordGeneral Practitioners: InternetDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 24 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 40963More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that online services provided by GPs are (a) accessible and (b) user friendly.
Answer: As part of the 2025/26 GP Contract, a new requirement has been introduced for general practices (GPs) to offer online appointment requests throughout their core opening hours. This aims to improve accessibility by ensuring that digital services are consis...
Answered 31 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordPrisons: OvercrowdingMinistry of JusticeTabled 19 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 39729More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to release more criminals from prison early due to prison overcrowding.
Answer: This Government inherited a prison system on the point of collapse and we were forced to take the necessary action to stop the criminal justice system from total gridlock.Whilst the SDS change provided the intended medium-term relief to the system, this w...
Answered 28 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordPrisons: OvercrowdingMinistry of JusticeTabled 19 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 39728More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate she has made of the average daily cost of housing prisoners (a) under Operation Safeguard and (b) in standard prison accommodation.
Answer: This Government inherited a prison system on the verge of collapse, which would have left the courts unable to send offenders to prison and the police unable to arrest dangerous criminals. We took decisive action and implemented changes to the standard de...
Answered 28 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordPrisons: ConstructionMinistry of JusticeTabled 19 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 39727More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many new prison places have been created since July 2024.
Answer: As outlined in the 10-Year Prison Capacity Strategy, this Government is committed to delivering an additional 14,000 prison places and aims to do so by 2031. Since July 2024, c.700 additional prison places have been created through new, modern houseblocks...
Answered 27 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordBill Discount SchemeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 18 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 39235More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the criteria for eligibility are for proposed energy bill compensation for people living near new pylons; and whether (a) type of infrastructure and (b) other factors will impact qualifi
Answer: The bill discount scheme will apply to eligible domestic households. We are currently proposing the scheme applies to new onshore, above ground transmission cables and associated infrastructure such as substations and certain significantly upgraded existi...
Answered 26 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordPylonsDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 18 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 39234More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that the prioritisation of overhead pylons in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill does not adversely impact (a) local communities and (b) the natural enviro
Answer: The Government’s position on overhead lines is set out in the National Policy Statement for electricity networks, NPS EN-5. In England and Wales, the Planning Act 2008 requires developers to demonstrate that they have consulted adequately with local commu...
Answered 26 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordElectronic GovernmentTreasuryTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38910More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to improve support available for people to (a) access and (b) use Government Gateway accounts.
Answer: Government Gateway is easy to access and use. It is available 24 hours a day, all year round. For the period April 2024 to March 2025, it had over 56 million active accounts and was used 434.9 million times to access Government Digital Services.HMRC provi...
Answered 25 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordElectronic GovernmentTreasuryTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38909More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to support people to access Government Gateway accounts without physical documentation.
Answer: Where a customer does not have a driving license or passport, dependent on what records exist for that customer, they can use the following evidence items to prove their identity using Government Gateway:• Self-Assessment – (If record available) This is a...
Answered 25 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordElectronic Government: ComplaintsTreasuryTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38908More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints her Department has received on the difficulty of (a) accessing and (b) using the Government Gateway.
Answer: HMRC has 56 million active users of Government Gateway, who successfully used Government Gateway 435m times for the period 1 April 2024 – 14 March 2025. In the same period HMRC received 472 complaints in respect of accessing and/or using the service.
Answered 25 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordElectronic GovernmentTreasuryTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38907More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) accessibility and (b) convenience of (i) setting up and (ii) using the Government Gateway.
Answer: The Government Gateway is continuously monitored for availability and performance. It complies with Government Digital Service standards, including accessibility standards. An accessibility assessment in June 2023 found it fully compliant with the Web Con...
Answered 25 Mar 2025
Original Parliament record
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