Written question asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Lords.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Question: To ask The Leader of the House what steps they are taking, if any, to develop a methodology for assessing the cost of answering written questions; and, if so, whether this involves the use of artificial intelligence.

Answer: The current disproportionate cost threshold for written questions is £850. A review was undertaken in 2021 following the House of Commons Procedure Committee’s report, as a result the methodology in the 2022 version of the Guide to Parliamentary Work was updated. The threshold is set at 140% of the Freedom of Information Act cost limit which is currently set at £600, to the nearest £50. The Government will carry out an updated estimate on the cost of questions for written answer in due course. Any artificial intelligence used will adhere to Civil Service guidance in the “Artificial Intelligence Playbook for the UK Government” which sets out principles for the use of a wider range of artificial intelligence technologies safely, effectively and responsibly.

Secondary information