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Sovereign Grant Bill - Clause 1
14 September 2026
Lead MP
Caroline Nokes
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Standards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Caroline Nokes raised concerns about sovereign grant bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I propose Amendment 1 to Clause 2, which ensures that any future increase to the percentage of Crown Estate profit used to calculate the Sovereign Grant is subject to independent assessment and an affirmative vote in the House of Commons. This amendment aims to provide transparency and accountability in the decision-making process regarding future increases to the Sovereign Grant.
Dan Tomlinson supports the Bill and explains that Clause 1 sets the amount of the sovereign grant for 2027-28 at £99.9 million, reflecting the conclusion of the 2026 royal trustees review. He also highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of the Buckingham Palace reservicing programme.
Richard Fuller
Con
Bedford
Richard Fuller supports the Bill but seeks clarity on the financial assessments and the use of other income to support the sovereign grant. He also questions the adequacy of the reserve fund range and the conditions for adjusting the grant in exceptional circumstances.
Bobby Dean supports the amendment to Clause 2, arguing for greater transparency and independent scrutiny of taxpayer money. He believes that the amendment ensures an independent value-for-money assessment by the National Audit Office and a vote in the House of Commons before any future increase to the percentage of Crown Estate profit used in the grant formula.
Richard Fuller
Con
Bedford
The hon. Member thanked the Minister for presenting the Bill and His Majesty the King for his service. He expressed hope that the sovereign grant would be used wisely and sagaciously, supporting the Bill.
The hon. Member thanked the Minister for his comments on the Liberal Democrat amendment and recognised the arguments made in response, supporting the Bill.
Government Response
The Government supports the Bill and explains that Clause 1 sets the amount of the sovereign grant for 2027-28 at £99.9 million, reflecting the conclusions of the 2026 royal trustees review. It resets the level of the grant following the completion of the Buckingham Palace reservicing programme and implements the conclusions of the royal trustees review to establish a new baseline for future years.
Shadow Response
Bobby Dean
Shadow Response
The Liberal Democrats support the Bill but propose an amendment to Clause 2 to ensure greater transparency and independent scrutiny of taxpayer money. The amendment requires the National Audit Office to carry out a value-for-money assessment of any proposed change to the percentage of Crown Estate profit used in the grant formula, with a vote in the House of Commons before any change is implemented.
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Assessment & feedback
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