Rachael Maskell
MP for York Central
Labour (Co-op)
Labour
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7 May 2015 - 3 May 2017
Labour
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8 Jun 2017 - 6 Nov 2019
Labour
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12 Dec 2019 - 30 May 2024
Labour
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4 Jul 2024 - 16 Jul 2025
Independent
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16 Jul 2025 - 7 Nov 2025
Labour
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7 Nov 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Many independent business owners I have met fear the cumulative impact of the rateable value revision and relief reductions, particularly in York where hospitality businesses will see an average rise of 41%, music venues a rise of 44.4% and shops around 27%. This means doors are closing and trade ceasing—businesses simply cannot do it. Will the Prime Minister urgently review the business rates proposals, and will he ensure that a Minister or official attends my business rates summit at the end of January? I want to avert a crisis on York’s high streets.
Context
Independent business owners in York are facing significant increases in business rates, with hospitality businesses seeing an average rise of 41%, music venues a rise of 44.4%, and shops around 27%. These rate rises threaten to close doors and cease trade for many businesses.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue. As she knows, the rates went down during covid, and that is now coming to an end. We have therefore put in interim relief as we move to the new rates. We are continuing to work with and talk to the sector about that support and about what further support and action we can take.
Session: PMQs 2026-01-07
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Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister agree to set up a pensioner poverty taskforce so that older people do not have to worry about paying for their housing, food and heating costs, ensuring that they have dignity in later life?
Context
The MP highlights the issue of older people in poverty and requests a pensioner poverty taskforce.
Keir Starmer
We will deliver on our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty, as we did last time in government. We will publish our strategy in the spring.
Assessment
Setting up a pensioner poverty taskforce
Deflection
Session: PMQs 2024-10-30
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I have heard many heart-rending stories of constituents who had poor palliative care. Will the Deputy Prime Minister agree to set up a commission for palliative and end-of-life care, so that everyone can access the best support when terminally ill?
Context
The MP highlighted constituents' heart-rending stories of poor end-of-life support.
Angela Rayner
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this emotive subject. Discussions have begun on how to improve access to palliative and end-of-life care, and I will ensure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Assessment
Did not commit to setting up a commission
Session: PMQs 2024-10-23
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The Government were making great strides on imprisonment for public protection sentences, yet after my constituent, who was held for nearly two decades, had a minor infringement—he missed an appointment—he ended up back inside. That cannot be right. We need to ensure that people get proper support outside. Will the Government review what happens to IPP prisoners post release?
Context
Ms Maskell raises concerns about a constituent who was re-incarcerated after a minor breach of conditions post-release.
Lammy
I was looking at these issues just yesterday with one of the leading campaigners on IPP. We are making progress with the action plan, but I am happy to arrange a meeting with my hon. Friend and the Prisons Minister to discuss these issues in a bit more detail.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-03
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When the data is segmented, there is a strong correlation between NHS waiting lists and the number of claimants of personal independence payments. So what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that those people who are unable to work because they are on an NHS waiting list are having their health optimised so that they can engage with employment and be fast-tracked through the system?
Context
There is a strong correlation between NHS waiting lists and the number of personal independence payment (PIP) claimants.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
My hon. Friend will welcome, as I do, the dramatic record fall in waiting lists that has been recently reported, but of course we need to make further progress in reducing waiting lists and we are determined that the assessment for PIP will be fair to everybody. As I have mentioned, the steering group will meet for the first time over two days at the end of this week, and I know that everyone on that group will be focused on ensuring that we can deliver a fair system for those who need it.
Session: PIP Number of Claimants 2026-01-26
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The local housing allowance covers just over half of private rents for social tenants in York, as private rents are so extortionate, so will the Government review the broad rental market area, which does not work for our area? It has not been reviewed properly since 2008.
Context
The local housing allowance covers less than half the cost of private rents in York, highlighting affordability issues.
Alison McGovern
I am working closely with my Department for Work and Pensions colleagues, and we know that there are many problems with affordability in the private rented sector. Ministers have mentioned some of the actions we are taking today, but we will be working with the DWP to do more.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-12
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We know that workers are often unfairly dismissed before the two-year threshold despite the application of the Equality Act 2010. That threshold was one year under the previous Labour Government; we are reducing it again down to six months. However, there is still a risk of disabled workers, ethnic minority workers and young workers being unfairly dismissed. Will the Government monitor the data about workers who have been unfairly dismissed in the first six months to ensure that their protected characteristics are not a feature of their dismissal?
Context
The question arises from concerns that disabled, ethnic minority, and young workers are at risk of being unfairly dismissed before the two-year threshold despite protections under the Equality Act 2010. The previous Labour government had a one-year threshold for unfair dismissal.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
Data about tribunal cases will continue to be collected in the usual way. We know that disabled people are more likely to be impacted by unfair dismissals. Employees already have day one protections against discrimination, and recent developments in the Employment Rights Bill do not change that protection. This Government are absolutely committed to supporting disabled people to thrive at work, including by introducing disability pay gap reporting and stronger flexible working rights.
Session: Unfair Dismissal Protected Characteristics 2025-12-10
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On Friday, I learned of an 81-year-old constituent who had to return to work because of the cost of living in York. Will the Government take a deep dive and carry out an inquiry into poverty in later life, so that we can ensure that we deal with pensioner poverty once and for all?
Torsten Bell
I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. We have seen poverty rates fall less fast among people approaching the state pension age, rather than those over it. We need to look across the range of policy levers to address that, which includes growing the economy so that wages are rising and building houses so that people’s housing costs come down.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-08
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I met people from my regional adoption agency just last Thursday—I thank them and all their partners for their excellent work—who raised the adoption and special guardianship support fund, recognising that the quantum in resource is not there and that the demand is so high. Will the Minister meet the all-party parliamentary group on adoption and permanence to talk about the future of the fund and work with people who have lived experience to ensure that we get it right in the future?
Context
Regional adoption agency representatives met Rachael Maskell to discuss the adoption and special guardianship support fund, noting insufficient resources and high demand.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
I know that my hon. Friend has been a long-standing campaigner and champion for these issues. When I was doing the independent review of children’s social care, she was a powerful voice advocating for support for adopters, and has continued to be one. I will gladly speak to and meet the all-party parliamentary group.
Session: Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund 2025-12-01
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When the last Government allowed the sale of Royal Mail to billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s company, they maintained a golden share, which I now ask Government to use. Services are less frequent, outsourced workers are handling parcels and postal workers feel devalued, with their traditional Christmas stamps downgraded to second class. Will the Leader of the House ask the Business Secretary to make a statement on Royal Mail, a service that should be renationalised, and ensure that our postal workers get their first-class stamps because they are simply first class?
Context
Royal Mail services have been outsourced, with worker devaluation and Christmas stamps downgraded to second class.
Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the work of our postal workers and I join her in paying tribute to the dedication that they show particularly at this time of the year, but also throughout the year. I understand the disappointment that workers will feel at that decision and I will ensure that Ministers hear her concerns.
Session: Business of the House 2025-11-13
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Likewise, in York, children and adolescent mental health services are just not working for children, who are left on waiting lists often with no management or treatment. In order really to achieve reorganisation in our NHS, would our Government look at local authorities commissioning mental health services, to deliver such services and to meet the holistic needs of young children’s development and mental health wellbeing?
Context
In York, children and adolescent mental health services are not working well for young people who remain on waiting lists with no management or treatment. The issue of holistic needs of young children's development and mental health wellbeing is raised.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
Again, I echo comments on the state of mental health services, as the hon. Member has done. As it says in our manifesto, we are committed to those 8,500 extra mental health support workers in local areas such as hers. It is important that commissioners work closely with their local authorities on mental health services, and I know my hon. Friend the Minister for Care is ensuring that that happens as part of the reforms we are undertaking.
Session: NHS Reorganisation 2025-10-21
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What steps are being taken to help protect creative copyright in light of Daisy May Johnson’s situation where her work has been scraped and reproduced by AI without consent or payment, causing financial loss? Could the Minister outline progress made since the commitment given during the passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and ensure that legislation addressing this issue will be introduced in the next parliamentary session?
Context
Daisy May Johnson, a children’s book author from York, has had her work scraped and reproduced by generative artificial intelligence without permission or compensation. The issue was raised during discussions on the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
We have been working closely with the creative industries and major tech companies to ensure that our copyright regime remains robust. Progress includes establishing an expert working group focused on these issues; a parliamentary working group will also be set up to gather further input from MPs across constituencies. I can confirm that a statement detailing future plans for copyright framework updates will be delivered to Parliament by the end of this year.
Session: Creative Copyright 2025-10-16
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In my kind and inclusive city of York, those who are putting up flags and expressing support for them have been emboldened to perpetrate racism and intimidate communities. They have beaten people up and hung a death threat on our city wall. What further support can the Government give my local authority to enable it to get those flags down, given that even contractors are being intimidated?
Context
Residents in York are intimidated by those expressing support for certain flags, leading to racism and violence.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
The flag is something that we must reclaim, and reclaim proudly. We know that in some communities flags are being used to intimidate and divide, and we are working with local authorities throughout the country to ensure that they have the support that they need to make those judgment calls, but I return to the fact that the flag is ours, we need to reclaim it, and we need to stand up against those who want to divide our communities across the country.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-13
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Would the Minister be willing to meet the BioYorkshire project, which brings together Fera Science, the University of York, Askham Bryan College and others, to ensure we have the research and the translation and scaling of that to protect the future of farming?
Context
Depletion of soil health, risk of disease, and climate change threaten food security over the long term. The BioYorkshire project brings together Fera Science, University of York, Askham Bryan College, and others to ensure research and translation in biotechnology.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
I assure my hon. Friend that I have had numerous conversations with leading academics in her great city, and I would be happy to have further conversations along those lines.
Session: Climate Change Food Security 2025-09-04
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Over the summer, I have been doing a deep dive into children with special educational needs and disabilities, not least the transition points between education and work. As part of the Timms review—the Minister’s own review—will he ensure that that interface is looked at, so that there is a smooth transition for young people, as opposed to the cliff edges that many of them face when making the transition into work?
Context
Rachael Maskell has been investigating the transition points between education and work for children with special educational needs and disabilities, highlighting existing challenges in this area.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
The review will look specifically at the PIP assessment, but one proposal in our Green Paper published earlier this year was increasing the age of transition from DLA to PIP from 16 to 18. I think that that change could assist with the concern expressed by my hon. Friend.
Session: PIP Application Process 2025-09-01
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Survive is a York-based charity providing specialist services and trauma-specific interventions to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. However, it has had to close its waiting list because it does not have the capacity to meet the demand. Will the Minister look at providing additional funding, so that we can get those vital services to survivors and victims now and they do not have to wait?
Context
Survive, a York-based charity providing specialist services and trauma-specific interventions to survivors of sexual violence and abuse, has had to close its waiting list due to capacity issues.
Alex Davies-Jones
My hon. Friend has contacted me and written to me on this issue. She will know that we in the Department are looking at the spending allocations following the spending review. However, we have protected and ringfenced special support for sexual violence victims, because we know that there is huge demand coming through the system and we need to keep those victims engaged in the criminal justice system to ensure they get their day in court and justice is served.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-08
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Evidence shows that integrating policing and health is vital in delivering better outcomes in areas like mental health, substance misuse and youth violence—areas that we need to address in my city of York. With both police and health realigning into neighbourhood teams, will the Home Secretary ensure that there is reach across the services, with a named lead police officer, to develop prevention and early intervention strategies, diverting those at risk through harm reduction approaches, including treatment and support?
Context
The MP has experience in health matters and is concerned about the potential merits of integrating public services for better outcomes.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
With the recently launched 10-year health plan, we are moving away from those siloed services towards a more joined-up approach, including the preventive model of care. That aligns very much with policing and keeping people safe, and supporting wellbeing. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the national neighbourhood health implementation programme and to ensure that policing is part of the conversation from the outset. By working more closely with health and care partners, we can reduce inappropriate demand on policing. Officers should not be left to pick up the pieces when other support services are better placed to help. This is about getting it right—and getting that tailored support—first time.
Session: Community Policing and Neighbourhood Health Teams 2025-07-07
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What fiscal steps does the Chancellor plan to take to help reduce the number of disabled and sick people in poverty, particularly considering the intersectionality between women, disabled individuals, and other protected characteristics?
Context
In her constituency, three in ten disabled people are living in poverty. The Women’s Budget Group report highlighted that 75% of those losing their personal independence payment and carer's allowance are women.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
Nobody currently receiving personal independence payments will see any reduction in support. The Government have increased the national living wage by 6.7%, introduced the fair repayment rate to lower the cap on deductions for universal credit, and are rolling out more childcare including new nurseries at primary schools. A review of parental leave is being launched which could benefit all working parents, particularly mothers.
Session: Poverty Reduction 2025-07-01
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York and North Yorkshire is a national leader in the bioeconomy with BioYorkshire creating 4,000 jobs. The project needs £67 million for facilities but will generate £215 million back into the economy. When will the science plan recognise this impact? Can we have a meeting about the BioYorkshire project?
Context
The Chancellor has announced increases in the R&D budget, which will benefit York constituency. BioYorkshire is a national leader in the bioeconomy set to create 4,000 jobs over a decade.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
My hon. Friend is right that it is a brilliant project precisely the kind of thing the UK excels at: we manage to get the private sector working with Government and local government to deliver not only jobs but real innovation. As the Secretary of State is not here today, I am sure I can offer my hon. Friend the opportunity of a meeting with him.
Session: Science and Innovation Funding 2025-06-25
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With 800,000 people not going to be in receipt of PIP by 2029-30, we have to be honest in this House. We all know that many of those people are just not able to access the healthcare that they need, such as for mental health, neurodiversity and physical health. As a result, they will not be able to work but they will be pushed into poverty because of these reforms. Will the Secretary of State please, please, please pause these reforms to ensure that those people, who have desperate health needs, are not forced into poverty?
Context
PIP reforms are expected to result in over 800,000 people not receiving the benefit by 2029-30.
Liz Kendall
My hon. Friend will know that this Labour Government are investing billions extra into the NHS precisely so that we can drive down waits for vital operations and increase the number of people getting mental health treatment. It is also the case that good work is good for physical and mental health. There is very clear evidence on that, and that is one of the things we know that we can achieve with the £1 billion extra a year in employment support.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-23
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Given the sharp rise in diagnosis in York of children with SEND, we have established a SEND-focused family hub. We are also reviewing other services. I am particularly concerned about the culture within schools. We need nurturing and inclusive education, so that we have a therapeutic learning environment. Will the Minister say what she is doing to ensure that schools, local authorities and others can feed into the White Paper to share best practice and raise concerns?
Context
In York, there has been a sharp rise in diagnosis of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A SEND-focused family hub has been established to address this issue.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
I know that my hon. Friend cares very deeply about this issue. I can reassure her that we are actively collaborating with sector parents and experts on how we drive forward our SEND reforms. That includes working closely with Dame Christine Lenehan, our strategic adviser on SEND, and Tom Rees, who leads the expert advisory group on inclusion. Changes we make will focus on improving support for children and parents, ending that fight for support, and protecting existing provision. We are listening very closely as we develop the plans.
Session: SEND Strategy 2025-06-16
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This is not an issue on which to make a party political point. The reality is that a 40% cut to the adoption and special guardianship support fund will be deeply impactful for young people who have experienced significant trauma—abuse, neglect and so much more. Given that our mental health services are not fit for purpose at the moment, it is imperative that we make the right investment so that those young people are not denied a life course opportunity if that fund is cut. Will the Minister review the decision and ensure that we have the proper funding that young people need?
Context
The MP notes that a 40% cut to the adoption and special guardianship support fund will be deeply impactful for young people who have experienced significant trauma.
James Murray (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
As my hon. Friend will know, spending decisions are for the Chief Secretary of the Treasury to discuss with Departments. I make the general point that investment in mental health, for instance, which she mentioned, is possible only because of the decisions we have taken on taxation to ensure that we can support public spending on mental health services and on support for young people.
Session: Vulnerable Families Tax System Support 2025-05-20
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In my local authority, adult social care is deeply concerned over additional costs and moving people into dependency as their independence diminishes with PIP changes. What assessments has been done on these impacts? Can figures be provided?
Context
The hon. Member raises concerns about the implications for public services like adult social care due to proposed changes in personal independence payments.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
Our objective is to give disabled people more independence by ensuring those who can work receive support. We have evidence that employment benefits health. Extra social care funding includes £3.7 million this year, on top of the £26 billion increase for NHS. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend further discuss these issues.
Session: Personal Independence Payment Assessment Review 2025-05-12
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Over half of UK universities, including the University of York, are again consulting on academic and staff redundancies. In line with the University and College Union’s “Stop the Cuts” week of action, does the Minister agree that we need an urgent review into higher education funding and visa arrangements for international students and their dependants, and that we need to protect students from poverty, to safeguard our world-class universities and, ultimately, drive research, innovation and their economic output?
Context
Over half of UK universities are consulting on academic and staff redundancies, including the University of York. The University and College Union is calling for a review into higher education funding and visa arrangements for international students.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
We are committed to securing the future of our higher education sector and we absolutely recognise its excellent economic value, which is crucial to our future economic growth. We welcome international students, who enrich our campuses, forge networks with domestic students and become global ambassadors. We will set out our plan for reform in the summer.
Session: Higher Education Funding 2025-04-28
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The Belfry in York is left in ruins with a £1.5 million shortfall, affecting their project progress. Can my hon. Friend arrange a meeting for churches midway through their project with the Secretary of State to address this funding issue?
Context
The Belfry in York has a £1.5 million shortfall and needs support for ongoing projects that have received planning permission.
Marsha De Cordova
I will seek to arrange a roundtable meeting with impacted churches, including potentially having a Minister present to hear about the impact of the cap and future support for the scheme.
Session: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme 2025-04-03
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One in three hospital admissions occurs in a person’s last year of life, and 43% of people will die in an NHS hospital. Clearly, that is not acceptable when people are at their frailest. What is my right hon. Friend doing to invest in virtual wards so that we can keep those people at home, and in the district nurse workforce to ensure that district nurses have a proper career structure and that theirs can be a profession of choice once again?
Context
One in three hospital admissions occurs within the last year of life, highlighting the need for home care options.
Wes Streeting
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the innovation and the impact of virtual wards. I have seen at first hand the impact they can have—not just in providing better value for taxpayers and freeing up hospital beds for those who genuinely need to be in hospital, but in providing what everyone wants, which is to receive high-quality care in the comfort of their own home wherever possible. That will be a big part of our 10-year plan, and of course, it will be underpinned by really good community nursing and community healthcare teams.
Session: Community Hospitals 2025-03-25
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As a human rights city, York believes that disabled people should be at the heart of all decision making. How have disabled people formed the Minister’s views in making these changes? Have they been at the heart of the decision making?
Context
The MP is concerned about the involvement of disabled individuals in welfare reform decisions.
Stephen Timms
My hon. Friend is right. Our manifesto has a firm commitment that the views and voices of disabled people should be at the heart of everything that we do. Over the past week I have had discussions with a number of disabled people’s fora. When we come forward with our proposals shortly, we will consult extensively with disabled people and their organisations about the right way forward.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-17
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Will the Minister meet me to ensure that the Government hub is not separate from the rest of the site but integrated into the economic vision for York?
Context
The York Central development site is pivotal for the economy of York and North Yorkshire, with a Government hub at its heart.
Georgia Gould
It is critical that Government property and Government assets support economic growth in constituencies, including that of my hon. Friend, and I would be delighted to meet her to discuss that further.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-06
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I welcome this Labour Government getting a grip on the feudal racket that enslaves leaseholders to ever-rising management fees and ground rents, making it impossible to pay and impossible to move. Will the Minister provide transitional arrangements to cap those costs while ensuring that all new developments—even developments that are soon to enter the planning stage, such as the one at York Central—can make the transition to commonhold as soon as the law changes?
Context
Leaseholders face increasing financial strain due to opaque and unfair fees and charges.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The Government have no plans to cap service charges for tenants and leaseholders, given that would prevent necessary funds from being raised for legitimate purposes. However, we do plan to tackle unregulated unaffordable ground rent provisions through legislation. As the White Paper published today makes clear, we want to make the process of converting to commonhold as easy as possible, and we will set out proposals in the draft leasehold and commonhold reform Bill, which is to be published later this year.
Session: Leasehold Costs 2025-03-03
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The capping of the listed places of worship grant scheme has left many churches in physical ruin, such as the Belfrey in York, which will lose £1.5 million, even though it has done everything that was expected of it. Clearly, we need to find a solution, and the suggestions from Government have been insufficient. Will my hon. Friend ensure that the Church Commissioners co-ordinate a meeting of all churches that are mid-project, to ensure that they can complete the works that they have undertaken?
Context
Many churches are mid-project and will miss out on vital funds for necessary repairs due to the capping of the grant scheme. Example project: Belfrey in York losing £1.5 million.
Marsha De Cordova
I will take my hon. Friend’s question back to see if we can set up a meeting. As she highlighted, many churches will be missing out on vital funds to carry out necessary repairs, particularly those that have already started work. If that work extends beyond the March 2026 deadline, they will not be able to reclaim any VAT. It is important that we find a long-term solution.
Session: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme 2025-02-27
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What further steps can the Foreign Secretary take to use our leverage, not least our trading leverage, to ensure that actors are not fuelling this horrendous war and humanitarian crisis?
Context
The MP is concerned about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, fuelled by external actors with economic and mineral interests. The conflict involves Russia, Egypt supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces, and the UAE supporting the Rapid Support Forces.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
My hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that I raised these issues in my contribution at the G20. I had a lengthy discussion with Amina Mohammed of the United Nations, with the Foreign Minister of Angola, and with President Ramaphosa on the situation in Sudan. We continue to emphasise, with all international partners, the importance of refraining from actions that prolong the conflict.
Session: Conflict in Sudan 2025-02-25
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We know that the ceasefire is incredibly fragile, and that there have been breaches with impunity—in particular, we think about the people of Jenin at this time. Does the Minister recognise that the lack of recognition of Palestine now is denying people across Palestine the protection that they need?
Context
MP raised concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire, breaches with impunity, lack of recognition of Palestine denying people protection.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
That protection is critical at every stage. The UK Government have been absolutely clear that we have seen far too much death and destruction in Gaza—we are now seeing truly heart-rending scenes of people trying to return to communities that have been destroyed, and we have seen over 46,000 people being killed. That population requires our support, and I do not believe that is contingent on political circumstances.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2025-02-06
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Government figures show that an additional 42,500 households have claimed pension credit, yet that is only about 5% of all those eligible who were not claiming it. As constituency MPs, we are having to support people who are really struggling with the cold and their financial balances. Will the Minister think about setting up a pensioner poverty taskforce, so we can really get underneath the issues facing older people?
Context
Government figures show an additional 42,500 households have claimed pension credit but this is only about 5% of all those eligible who were not claiming it. Constituency MPs are supporting people struggling with cold and financial balances.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Torsten Bell)
I am sure that all Members, on both sides of the House, are providing support to their constituents—pensioners, those of working age and children—to ensure they can cope following a difficult few years for everyone because of the cost of living crisis. On pensioner poverty specifically, it is important that we update our understanding of how that has developed. If we look at the record, we see that pensioner poverty halved under the previous Labour Government, but rose by 300,000 under the Tory Government over the past 14 years.
Session: Pension Credit Take-up 2025-02-03
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Ensuring sensory and motor integration is crucial for a child’s development and learning, yet many services that do so are available only in the private sector. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can ensure that parents can access those crucial services?
Context
Ensuring sensory and motor integration is crucial for a child’s development, but many such services are only available in the private sector.
Catherine McKinnell
I know that my hon. Friend is a strong advocate for children with special educational needs and disabilities in her constituency, and I am happy to meet her to discuss the issue.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-27
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Will the Minister not consider such a scheme so that we can raise revenue for York?
Context
A voluntary tourism levy could raise significant funds for local communities, as seen in Manchester.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Attacked on both sides in different ways—pushmi-pullyu, I think it was—but my hon. Friend makes a good point. There is of course provision for local mayors and local authorities to be able to introduce similar measures on a voluntary basis, as has already happened in Manchester.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-16
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In 2022, there were more than 10,000 deaths from alcohol use. We know that more than 600,000 people have an alcohol dependency. We need to focus not just on treatment services and their funding, but on prevention. The last Government failed to bring forward a timely alcohol strategy. Will the Minister update the House on what he is doing to ensure that we are tackling this massive situation in our communities?
Context
In 2022, there were more than 10,000 deaths from alcohol use. More than 600,000 people have an alcohol dependency.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Andrew Gwynne)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. As part of the Government’s health mission, we are producing a five-point plan for prevention, and alcohol harms is one of those areas. I hope to be able to update her and the House in due course on the actions we will be taking to drive down the prevalence of alcohol harms and other addictions, because they are costing lives and causing misery in communities. That is why this Government are determined to tackle these public health problems.
Session: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment 2025-01-07
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on levels of pensioner poverty? Before the last general election, Labour suggested that removal of the winter fuel payment would mean an extra 4,000 pensioners dying from freezing in poverty each year. How many will die under this Government's policy this year?
Context
The question is prompted by the potential impact of means-testing on pensioners' winter fuel payments.
Emma Reynolds
Under the last Conservative Government, an estimated 880,000 of the poorest pensioners eligible for pension credit were not claiming it. We have launched the biggest ever pension credit awareness campaign and written to 120,000 pensioners on housing benefit, urging them to apply. As a result, claims for pension credit have more than doubled, and those who receive pension credit will also receive winter fuel payments and other related benefits.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment Pensioner Poverty 2024-12-16
View All Questions -->
Academisation has created fragmentation in lines of accountability, leaving local authorities carrying much risk, not least when it comes to SEND provision. Will my hon. Friend look at academy governance structures to ensure that local authorities can carry that responsibility and be able to deliver for children with SEN?
Context
Academisation has resulted in fragmented accountability lines, particularly for special educational needs (SEND) support from local authorities.
Catherine McKinnell
My hon. Friend raises an important point. Rather than obsessing about structures and names over doors, we are determined to ensure that every child in every community has a good school and that schools work together in communities with their local authorities to co-operate on place planning and admissions, with every child getting the best education and every school having high and rising standards.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-09
View All Questions -->
There are 2,193 short-term holiday lets in York driving up house prices. I have a private Member's Bill on this issue. Will the Minister work with me as I co-produce the Bill to address excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes?
Context
The housing market in York is overheated due to a high number of short-term holiday lets, which affects the local community.
Matthew Pennycook
My hon. Friend and I have discussed this matter many times. She is well aware of the Government's approach to tackling excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes. I am of course more than happy to discuss the issue with her again in the future.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-02
View All Questions -->
My constituent Amanda Mountain is a phenomenal artist, painting the most outstanding designs and then placing them on stationery. However, Temu and SHEIN are ripping off her work, and many artists' work, in breach of intellectual property controls. They are undercutting her business, at serious cost to her. What steps will the Minister take to protect artists and their businesses, and ensure that online retailers are held to account?
Context
The question addresses the issue of artist Amanda Mountain's work being replicated by online retailers such as Temu and SHEIN, causing economic harm.
Chris Bryant
Copyright and the protection of artists' moral and economic rights is an absolutely essential part of ensuring that they are properly remunerated for their creativity. We will do everything in our power to make sure that the copyright regime remains, is strong, and is strongly enforced.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-28
View All Questions -->
Hospices have charitable aims to provide palliative care at the end of life, but these could be compromised by the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. What consultation and impact assessment has there been with hospices that have a faith foundation? I am hearing that some hospices need an exemption or they might close.
Context
Hospices that have a faith foundation are concerned about potential financial impacts from the bill, possibly leading to closure.
Marsha de Cordova
I do not believe there has been consultation with any faith-connected organisations, and I do not believe that an impact assessment has been carried out. However, Hospice UK, the body to which most Church-associated hospices are affiliated, has surveyed providers, staff and practitioners, who have expressed concerns about the Bill's implementation. They are concerned about the following: who will qualify; the impact on those working in hospices, palliative care and end of life care; the ability of providers and staff to opt out; the practical operation of a conscience clause; the financial impact on the future funding of hospices; and the lack of public awareness of end of life care and the available choices.
Session: Church-owned Hospices Assisted Dying 2024-11-28
View All Questions -->
Fourteen years of neglect have left hospices in a perilous condition. They are dealing with the rise in national insurance contributions, pay and other cost pressures, so I welcome the fact that the Secretary of State is putting in place measures to ensure that the funding recovers. Will he assure me that integrated care boards not only will pass on that recovery from the increased costs to hospices, but will help them catch up from the Tory years of neglect of the whole sector?
Context
Maskell noted the pressures on hospices from national insurance contributions and other cost factors.
Wes Streeting
I am looking carefully at the pressures on hospices. In fact, only last Friday I visited Saint Francis hospice, which serves my constituents and people right across east London and west and south Essex. I saw at first hand the brilliant work it is doing on end of life care, but also the pressures it is under, and I am taking those pressures into account before deciding allocations for the year ahead.
Session: Health and Care Staffing Costs Employer NI Contributions 2024-11-19
View All Questions -->
Pensioners in poverty now have just 40 days to apply for the winter fuel payment via the pension credit system. Will the Minister look at extending the deadline so that more people can claim pension credit and get the winter fuel payment?
Context
Pensioners have a limited time of only 40 days to apply for winter fuel payments via the pension credit system, causing concern among those who may miss out on this benefit.
Emma Reynolds
We have redeployed 500 additional staff to process claims, but the deadline remains at 21 December.
Session: Pensioner Poverty 2024-11-11
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Winter Fuel Payment
10 September 2024
Responding: Emma Reynolds
Main Concerns
['Charities, medics, academics and economists have highlighted the impact of fuel poverty on pensioners. With housing costs, food prices, and energy costs rising, 2.1 million pensioners are in poverty. The average bill is £1,717 but older people pay more due to inefficient homes. Pension increases do not cover cost-of-living rises, leading to a risk of excess winter deaths as seen under the previous government.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must mitigate the effects on pensioners this winter by providing an assurance that help is available for those in fuel poverty. The Minister should provide more information on what measures are being considered and when they will be implemented to ensure people have the support needed, including a social tariff or social prescribing.']
Ministry of Defence: Palantir Contracts
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Cancer Plan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's national cancer plan aims to save 320,000 more lives by 2035. The plan includes modernising the NHS, harnessing science and technology, prioritising clinical trials, early detection t...
Sudan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education Funding Distribution 2026-01-28
28 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am grateful for the opportunity to raise the issue of the distribution of education funding, because it goes to the heart of what kind of education system we want. As Liberal Democrats, we want ever...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates Retail, Hospitality and Leisure 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the planned changes to business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will not result in crippling rises? Given the significant negative impact these cha...
Higher Education Government Support 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am pleased to have secured this debate on Government support for higher education. The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, and their value is undeniable in terms of opport...
Middle East and North Africa 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary provided an update on the situation in Gaza, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising that ...
Two-Child Benefit Cap
14 January 2026
The petition addresses the Two Child Benefit Cap, which restricts families with three or more children born after April 2017 from receiving benefits for additional children unless they prove that furt...
View Full Petition -->
Two-child benefit cap
25 November 2025
The petition addresses the hardship caused by the two-child benefit cap, which restricts benefits for additional children beyond the first two unless they are conceived through rape, leading to increa...
View Full Petition -->
UK Government relations with Israel
15 October 2025
The petitioners declare that a genocide is occurring in Palestine and are calling for the UK Government to take immediate action.
View Full Petition -->
UK Government Relations with Israel
22 July 2025
The petition addresses the ongoing genocide against Palestinians and calls for immediate action from the UK Government to address human rights violations, particularly those affecting civilians includ...
View Full Petition -->
Geothermal Energy
06 March 2025
The potential for deep geothermal energy in the UK as a clean, secure power source and heat provider was discussed in Parliament, with emphasis on its ability to support job creation and reduce relian...
View Full Petition -->
CCTV cameras along river banks in city centres
16 October 2024
The petition concerns the installation of CCTV cameras and improved lighting along river banks in city centres to prevent fatalities and assist in locating missing persons.
View Full Petition -->
Dental Health Care
30 July 2024
The petition addresses a significant NHS dental crisis in York, where less than 40% of adults have accessed NHS dentistry in the past two years, leading residents to call for a new approach focusing o...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
100.0%
22 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
13
59.1% of votes
Abstentions
0
0.0% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
3
PMQs Asked
51
Ministerial Questions Asked
109
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
7
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+55% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+542% above average
This MP:
51
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4509% above average
This MP:
109
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
+212% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+32% above average
This MP:
100.0
Average:
75.6
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Rachael Maskell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.