theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of used tyre exports on the environment; and what steps his Department is taking to help mitigate these impacts. \p Emma Hardy: UK legislation requires that those involved in the shipment of waste take all necessary steps to ensure waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner throughout its shipment and at the waste management facility in the country of destination. Any operators found to be illegally exporting waste can face severe sanctions - from financial penalties to imprisonment for a period of up to two years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has issued guidance to local waste authorities on whether fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping can be issued in relation to domestic waste receptacles located within the curtilage of a dwelling. \p Mary Creagh: Local authorities have a range of enforcement powers to help tackle fly-tipping including fixed penalty notices and seizing vehicles. They can also prosecute which can lead to a significant fine, a community sentence or even imprisonment. It is for local authorities to determine what enforcement action, if any, is appropriate in the circumstances.

We are considering whether further guidance for local authorities is necessary with regards to fly-tipping enforcement. Any announcements on this will be made in the usual way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2025 to Question 23653 on Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal, how much funding her Department has provided for the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in the 2024-25 financial year; and what the (a) terms of reference and (b) estimated delivery dates are for the commission to WRAP to provide guidance on best practice. \p Mary Creagh: As a charity organisation WRAP’s annual report and accounts detailing Defra grant funding is available from the Charity Commission on Gov.UK. WRAP is working with and engaging Local Authorities to help bring together good practice by Spring.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support closed loop recycling schemes; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals to protect those schemes through regulations. \p Mary Creagh: The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, which reform the UK’s producer responsibility system for packaging came into force on 1 January 2025. Extended Producer Responsibility is a major reform that will be iterated over several years to incentivise packaging producers to reduce their material footprint and use more recyclable packaging. We continue to consider further improvements to the scheme with input from a range of stakeholders, including how to treat businesses which run closed loop recycling systems for packaging that is commonly collected by Local Authorities, and my officials are reviewing options to bring forward an offset for closed loop recycling systems at the earliest opportunity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to consult with civil service trade unions prior to the publication of the Governing Greening Commitments 2025-30. \p Mary Creagh: A response to the Public and Commercial Services Union was sent on 3 February 2025. I apologise for the delay in responding. Defra officials will discuss the implementation of the new framework with the relevant unions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department issues guidance on the frequency of household rubbish and recycling collections. \p Mary Creagh: Through Simpler Recycling, all householders will receive a comprehensive and consistent set of waste and recycling services. This will enable householders to recycle as much waste as possible and to frequently dispose of bad-smelling food waste, which will be collected from all households at least weekly.

Defra recognises that as recycling services are expanded and improved, local authorities may want to review residual waste services to ensure they are providing best value for money in line with local need. The Government’s priority is ensuring that households’ needs are met, and we expect local authorities to continue to provide services to a reasonable standard, as they do now.

Building on existing and new legal duties, Defra has published guidance to ensure that local authorities consider certain factors when they review services, to ensure that reasonable standards are maintained.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) environmental and (b) animal welfare standards are maintained in planning reforms. \p Mary Creagh: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 January 2025 to the hon Member for West Dorset, PQ 25127.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to Question 24518 on Farming Recovery Fund, tabled on 16 January 2025 by the hon. Member for North Shropshire. \p Daniel Zeichner: A response to Question 24518 is being prepared and will be provided as soon as possible. I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support community farms. \p Daniel Zeichner: We welcome community farms in England as they give local communities a chance to get involved in the countryside. Community farms, like any other farm, may be eligible for a variety of grants.

Depending on the setup of the community farm, projects may be eligible for the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Our ELM schemes provide fairer support to smaller farms, and farmers and land managers can choose the scheme or schemes that work best for their business.

To work out what’s available, you can visit the ‘funding for farmers, growers and land managers’ landing page on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timetable is for introducing mandatory food waste reporting. \p Mary Creagh: In our manifesto, the Government committed to reducing waste by moving to a circular economy.

The Secretary of State has convened a Small Ministerial Group on Circular Economy and a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts across government, industry, academia, and civil society has been established to help develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England and a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the Government will make on a sector-by-sector basis. Preventing food waste will be a key part of this work and we will consider the evidence for action right across the economy to evaluate what interventions may be needed as we develop the strategy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2024 to Question 10820 on Trapping, what his timetable is for banning the use of snares. \p Mary Creagh: As stated in the reply to Question 10820, Defra is considering the most effective way to deliver this commitment and will be setting out next steps in due course. As outlined in our manifesto, we will bring an end to the use of snare traps in England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Michael Wheeler:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department are taking to help protect properties bordering (a) the Bridgwater Canal, (b) the Manchester Ship Canal and (c) other (i) natural and (ii) artificial waterways in Worsley and Eccles constituency from flooding. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) does not have any regulatory powers for flood risk management for the Bridgewater Canal or Manchester Ship Canal which are both privately owned assets. The owners are responsible for operating and maintaining their assets.

The EA responded during the recent incident in Little Bollington, Cheshire, and continues to support this area during the recovery period.

The EA has permissive powers to undertake maintenance on Main Rivers including vegetation clearance and removal of blockages. Within this constituency there are 8 debris screens on Main Rivers that the EA own, maintain, and clear. Debris screens stop debris entering culverts which if blocked can cause flooding. Before and during heavy rainfall the EA clears debris from these screens. The EA also work closely with partners, including Salford CC and United Utilities to have a strategic overview of all sources of flooding.

Within the Worsley Brook area the EA has 4 flood warning areas where they a offer a flood warning service to over 330 properties. There are also a further 4 flood warnings areas within the wider constituency, where a further 315 properties are able to receive a flood warning enabling them to take action when flooding is expected.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support flood preparedness projects. \p Emma Hardy: We are investing a record £2.65 billion over two years in building, maintaining and repairing our flood and coastal defences, protecting 66,500 properties and funding around 1,000 projects. This includes £108 million we are shifting towards maintenance to shore up creaking defences.

Farmers and rural communities across the country will see their resilience to flooding improved thanks to the £50 million funding for Internal Drainage Boards. In addition, £57 million has been paid out to support 12,700 farm businesses through the Farming Recovery Fund.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) financial, (b) planning and (c) infrastructure support for the (i) development and (ii) improvement of sewage treatment facilities. \p Emma Hardy: Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 (the price, investment and service package for water companies in England and Wales) on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030.

This will deliver substantial, lasting, improvements for customers and the environment through £104 billion of investment in the water sector, including improving over 1700 wastewater treatment works.

Government recognises the importance of having a robust drainage and wastewater system both now and for future demand. As part of the Environment Act 2021, water companies in England are required to produce Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs). DWMPs set out how a water company intends to improve their drainage and wastewater systems over the next 25 years. These plans will help sewerage companies to fully assess the capacity of the drainage and wastewater network and develop collaborative solutions to current problems and future issues.

It is ultimately water companies’ responsibility to maintain and improve their sewage treatment facilities, as needed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support water regulators in (a) monitoring (i) river and (ii) sea water quality and (b) rectifying low water quality. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.

Since 01 January 2025, water companies are required to publish data related to discharges from all storm overflows within one hour of the discharge beginning. In addition to this, the Water (Special Measures) Bill will introduce a duty for water companies to publish data related to discharges from all emergency overflows within one hour of the discharge beginning. This will ensure that every sewage discharge outlet is monitored.

Price Review 24 set record levels of investment into the water industry of £104 billion over the next five years and sets out work water companies have to conduct. This includes investing £12 billion to upgrade nearly 3,000 storm overflows in England and Wales, reducing the number of spills from storm overflows and installing water quality monitors to provide further information on the impact of sewage discharges on water quality.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with South West Water on steps to upgrade the sewage processing facilities on the River Lim. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.

That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Bill. The Bill will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

In October 2024, the Secretary of State and the Welsh Government launched an Independent Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. These wide-ranging recommendations will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment: £104 billion over the next five years. This includes South West Water delivering £749 million of investment over the next five years in storm overflows, continuous water quality monitoring and event duration monitoring.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how his Department plans to ensure that sewage treatment facilities (a) in Horley and (b) nationally are upgraded according to agreed timescales. \p Emma Hardy: For Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025 – 2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment: £104 billion over the next five years.

Ofwat, Environment Agency (EA) and Natural Resources Wales have developed a new Delivery Monitoring Framework for the delivery period from 2025-30. It will establish a system for tracking and reporting on water company delivery of their WINEP obligations, to report to their customers and regulators on progress. Thames Water will be expected to comply with the 6 monthly reporting requirements.

As part of the Environment Act 2021, water companies in England are required to produce Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs). DWMPs set out how a water company intends to improve their drainage and wastewater systems over the next 25 years. These plans will help sewerage companies to fully assess the capacity of the drainage and wastewater network and develop collaborative solutions to current problems and future issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the funding allocated to local authorities to improve air quality. \p Emma Hardy: The department works closely with local authorities to develop approaches to reducing air pollution.

Under the NO2 Programme, the Government’s DfT-Defra Joint Air Quality Unit has provided significant funding to support local authorities to improve air quality in areas of NO2 exceedances, for example recently agreeing Greater Manchester’s £86m Clean Air Plan. We continue to work closely with local areas as they implement their plans.

Local authorities have funding allocated to them as part of the local government settlements. Any future, additional funding for local authorities will be subject to the Government’s spending review process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what he expects the operating capacity of the A&E at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to be on its relocation from the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. \p Karin Smyth: The future operating capacity of local services, including accident and emergency units, is a matter for National Health Service commissioners, in this case the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board, working closely with providers and in the best interests of their populations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Claire Coutinho:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation entitled NHS Constitution: 10 year review, which closed in June 2024. \p Karin Smyth: In May 2024, the Department consulted on a series of proposed updates to the NHS Constitution as part of the 10-year review. We appreciate the time and care spent by everyone who contributed to the consultation at the time. Following the General Election in 2024, the Department is considering next steps and will provide an update shortly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Helena Dollimore:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many doctors applied for medical specialty training in each of the last five years; and how many training places were available in the same period. \p Karin Smyth: Doctors undertake two years of foundation training after graduation, which is followed by a choice of core training programmes. Most of those in core training then apply for higher specialty training programmes.

For 2024, there were 4,177 applications across the 25 specialty training programmes that comprise medical specialty training, which came from 2,897 unique applicants due to doctors being able to apply to a number of different specialities when seeking specialty training posts. The number of unique applicants for prior years is not held by the Department.

The attached table shows the number of doctors who applied for training in the 25 individual specialty training programmes that comprise medical specialty training, along with how many training posts were available across the United Kingdom in each speciality, in each of the last five years.

This information is drawn from information published by NHS England on the Competition Ratios for all doctor training specialties each year, which is available at the following link:

https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/competition-ratios

Table of Medical Specialty Training (xlsx, 21.1KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding will be allocated for (a) Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and (b) Milton Keynes Hospital through the New Hospital Programme. \p Karin Smyth: My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care set out a credible and deliverable plan for the new hospital schemes in the New Hospital Programme (NHP) on 20 January 2025, following the conclusion of the review of the NHP. The Plan for Implementation was laid in the House Library and published on the GOV.UK website, and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-hospital-programme-review-outcome

As confirmed by the publication, the estimated cost for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital scheme and the Milton Keynes Hospital scheme is £500 million or less for each scheme. However, these are estimates and the exact funding for the schemes is determined through the review and through the agreement of the individual hospital scheme business cases, as is usual for large infrastructure projects.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to integrate digital tools into NHS services to help (a) tailor those services to the diverse needs of patients and (b) improve those services. \p Karin Smyth: Patients are able to access National Health Services, such as requesting general practice appointments and managing secondary care appointments, through local online tools and the NHS App, which can also be accessed through a web browser. The NHS App is designed to meet international accessibility standards, and the services are routinely tested with a range of people with accessibility issues. However, digital health tools are part of a wider offering that includes face-to-face support, with appropriate help for people who struggle to access digital services.

NHS England has also published a framework for NHS action on digital inclusion, and is developing further resources to support practical actions. All digital programmes are actively considering how they can contribute to improvements in healthcare inequalities and digital inclusion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve digital (a) literacy and (b) confidence in NHS clinical staff. \p Karin Smyth: We are striving for digital services to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for the widest range of people, based on their preferences, as any digital healthcare benefits will be limited if people remain digitally excluded.

Mitigating against the risk of digital exclusion is one of five key priorities that NHS England has asked the integrated care systems to address in their drive to reduce healthcare inequalities. NHS England successfully ran a number of programmes to support patients, carers, and health service staff with their digital literacy. These include:

NHS England has also published a framework for NHS action on digital inclusion and is developing further resources to support practical actions and to build clinical confidence in using digital tools. All digital programmes are actively considering how they can contribute to improvements in healthcare inequalities and digital inclusion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Mr Luke Charters:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will issue guidance on commissioning policies for NHS-funded IVF. \p Karin Smyth: Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning local health services, including fertility services, taking account of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines. The NICE is currently reviewing the fertility services guidelines.

The Government recognises that access to National Health Service funded fertility services is variable, and is working jointly with NHS England on options to improve access for all eligible groups.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Helena Dollimore:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many doctors applied for core anaesthetic training in each of the last five years; and how many training places were available in the same period. \p Karin Smyth: The following table shows the number of doctors who applied for training in the Core Anaesthetics programme, as well as how many training places were available across the United Kingdom in each of the last five years:

Year

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Applications

1,479

2,046

2,337

2,604

3,522

Training places (posts)

569

566

558

545

542

Source: Workforce, Training and Education, Competition Ratios, published by NHS England and available at the following link: https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/competition-ratios
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking with NHS England to ensure that eligible patients have access to Givinostat employee assistance programmes. \p Karin Smyth: ITF Pharma UK, the United Kingdom marketing authorisation holder for givinostat, is providing access to givinostat through a type of compassionate use scheme called an Early Access Programme (EAP). Under the EAP, givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it and to the National Health Service, but the trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. Only Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinicians can make requests for givinostat for their patients. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis for individual named patients, aligned to eligibility criteria.

NHS England does not have any initiatives to encourage participation in compassionate use schemes, which are the responsibility of individual pharmaceutical companies. Participation in the EAP for givinostat, which must be through one of the 23 NorthStar Centres in the UK, is decided at an individual NHS trust level, although there is general advice that trusts should engage with the relevant commissioner if they choose to participate, so that any impacts on the wider service can be taken into account. A NorthStar Centre will not be able to provide givinostat if its local trust has not approved participation.

NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge medicines schemes such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from the medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made on the negotiations with Biomarine on the provision of Brineura as a treatment for Batten disease. \p Karin Smyth: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently developing guidance for the National Health Service on whether Brineura (cerliponase alfa) can be recommended for routine NHS funding, taking into account real-world evidence collected during a period of managed access. The NICE and NHS England are actively engaging with BioMarin, as well as other stakeholders in the development of the guidance. These discussions are complex, and given the exceptional nature of this evaluation and the impact on patients and their families, it is essential that they take the necessary time and care to reach the best possible outcome. All parties are also committed to providing updates to stakeholders, notwithstanding the necessity that discussions are undertaken in a confidential setting.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the Health Mission Delivery Board will next meet. \p Karin Smyth: My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care chairs a cross-Government Health Mission Board to oversee and drive delivery of the Health Mission. The current membership of the Health Mission Board includes the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster as the Deputy Chair. Other ministers will be invited to meetings according to the agenda.

Mission Boards are Cabinet Committees. It is a long-established precedent that information about the proceedings of the Cabinet, or of any committee of the Cabinet, is not normally shared publicly, and this includes mission boards.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Alex McIntyre:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to help improve ambulance waiting times in Gloucester. \p Karin Smyth: We are committed to improving urgent and emergency care performance and getting ambulance response times, including in Gloucester, back to the NHS Constitution’s standards. We are clear, however, that there are no quick fixes and to turn things around will take investment and reform.

Recent action includes the Autumn Budget, which announced £25.6 billion of additional healthcare funding over the next two years; and the publication of the ‘Road to recovery: the government's 2025 mandate to NHS England’ on the 30th January, which set prioritised delivery instructions for the NHS including for urgent and emergency care. This is available at the following link:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-to-recovery-the-governments-2025-mandate-to-nhs-england/road-to-recovery-the-governments-2025-mandate-to-nhs-england  In Spring, we will publish a 10-Year Health Plan which will set out the reforms needed to build a health service that is fit for the future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of publishing year-round data on the number of patients being treated in temporary care environments. \p Karin Smyth: The Government is clear that patients should expect and receive the highest standard of service, and is determined to tackle the issue of corridor care.

On 30 January, we published Road to recovery: the government's 2025 mandate to NHS England, which set out the priorities and actions to be taken to reform and improve urgent and emergency care services.

We continue to keep the data available and published to support improvements to urgent and emergency care services under review. Subject to data quality, NHS England would intend to publish data collected on the use of temporary escalation spaces in the spring.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many alleged (a) rapes or (b) sexual assaults have taken place in hospitals since 1 January 2024. \p Karin Smyth: The Government is committed to tackling the appalling crimes of rape and sexual assault. NHS England has introduced a comprehensive package of measures to improve sexual safety across the NHS.

NHS providers have a mandatory duty to notify the Care Quality Commission of all incidents that affect the health, safety, and welfare of people who use services, including allegations of sexual abuse.

NHS England is investing in improving the collection and analysis of sexual violence data to support organisations to implement policies that reduce incidents of sexual misconduct in the NHS.

Data relating to rape and sexual assault would be held at NHS Trust level. There is no single national dataset in the NHS which captures information on rape and sexual assault for all combinations of staff, patients or visitors to NHS hospitals. Local police forces hold data where there has been a report to the police of rape or sexual assault.

For assaults on staff, the most recent NHS Staff Survey includes questions about staff experiences of sexual misconduct. Results from the 2024 staff survey are expected to be available after March 2025. Results are made available for each NHS Trust, and they are not broken down into hospital and non-hospital settings and do not include patient, carer, or visitor reports.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_37

John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much (a) his Department and (b) each of its Arm’s Length Bodies has spent on external public relations since 5 July 2024; and which firms that funding went to. \p Karin Smyth: Figures are available only for the total cost of external public relations support to paid campaigns incurred by the Department for the period 5 July 2024 to 3 February 2025. This cost is £474,763.33. All spend has been through a single contract with Mullen Lowe.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_38

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that dementia care receives long term investment. \p Stephen Kinnock: With our Plan for Change, the Government is committed to getting the National Health Service back on its feet and creating a society where every person with dementia receives high-quality, compassionate care, from diagnosis through to the end of life.   The 10-Year Health Plan will address the challenges diagnosed by Lord Darzi and set the vision for what good joined-up care looks like for people with complex health and care needs, including those with dementia. It will set out how we support and enable health and social care services to work together better to provide that joined-up care

The Department delivers dementia research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR has established significant investments into research for dementia care. This includes a £13.5 million investment in the NIHR’s Three Schools Dementia Programme, which links public health, primary care, and social care. The programme addresses key evidence gaps around how we can effectively support and care people living with dementia
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_39

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of exploitative employment practices by social care employers. \p Stephen Kinnock: We have seen unacceptable increases in unethical practices and exploitation in the adult social care sector. The Department works closely with regulators, local authorities, other departments, and enforcement bodies to share concerns and intelligence about unethical practices in adult social care. The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority investigates reports of worker exploitation and illegal activity, such as human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, and other labour market offences. The Government is also delivering the legislation for a new flagship Fair Work Agency, ensuring fair and strong employment rights for all.

In relation to the exploitation of international recruits, £16 million has been provided to regional partnerships this financial year to support them to prevent and respond to unethical practices. The Home Office has also recently announced measures to ban rogue employers from sponsoring overseas workers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_40

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of early diagnosis rates on the quality of life choices for dementia patients. \p Stephen Kinnock: Lord Darzi’s independent review showed that a timely diagnosis is vital to ensure that a person with dementia can access the advice, information, care, and support that can help them to live well and remain independent for as long as possible. The Government and NHS England are committed to recovering the dementia diagnosis rate to the national ambition of 66.7%.

Improving dementia care is one of four workstreams delivering NHS England’s Ageing Well Strategy. The dementia workstream is looking at improving early diagnosis and early access to care and support for patients, families, and carers, as well as taking preventative action through public health messaging, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and expanding NHS Health Checks. The workstream is also looking at improving local services and delivering an integrated approach to care across statutory, voluntary, community, and social enterprises, as well as other services, and providing dementia training for the workforce.

The Department delivers dementia research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR funds a range of research into dementia, for example an £11 million programme to develop new digital approaches for the early detection and diagnosis of dementia.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

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Julia Buckley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions on non-profit social care providers for under 65s. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government considered the cost pressures facing adult social care as part of the wider consideration of local government spending within the Spending Review process. To enable local authorities to deliver key services such as adult social care, the Government is making available up to £3.7 billion of additional funding for social care authorities in 2025/26. Overall, core local government spending power is increasing by 6.8% in cash terms.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_42

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help armed forces veterans access mental health support in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire. \p Stephen Kinnock: Across England, NHS England commissions Op COURAGE, the integrated mental health and wellbeing service for veterans. The Op COURAGE Midlands service, run by the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, covers the South Holland area.

In the South Holland and The Deepings constituency and in Lincolnshire, veterans can self-refer to Op COURAGE, or a referral can be made on their behalf by a clinician or a family member. The service has been designed to support veterans from all areas, and is delivered from a range of locations, including National Health Service trusts, general practices, Poppy Shops, veteran hubs, and drop-in centres. Elements of the service may also be provided online if this is clinically appropriate.

Whilst Op COURAGE provides a bespoke model of care for veterans, we recognise that there are some veterans who prefer to access mainstream NHS services such as Talking Therapies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_43

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to increase access to GP appointments. \p Stephen Kinnock: We recognise that patients are finding it difficult to see a general practitioner (GP), and we are committed to fixing the front door to the National Health Service to ensure that patients receive the care they deserve. That is why, in October 2024, we provided an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme enabling the recruitment of 1,000 newly qualified GPs across England. This will increase the number of appointments delivered in general practice, which will benefit thousands of patients that are struggling to care the care they desperately need. This will also secure the future supply of GPs and take pressure off those currently working in the system.

Additionally, we have announced a proposed £889 million uplift to the GP contract in 2025/26, with a rising share of total NHS resources going to general practice. We are also currently consulting on key proposals to improve access, continuity of care and GP recruitment. This uplift reflects this government’s commitment to bring back the family doctor, slash red tape and put general practice at the heart of the neighbourhood health service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_44

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of anti-epileptic medication. \p Karin Smyth: The Department is working hard with industry to help resolve the intermittent supply issues with some epilepsy medications. As a result of ongoing activity and intensive work, including directing suppliers to expedite deliveries, most issues, including with carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and oxcarbazepine presentations, have been resolved.

We are currently aware of an ongoing supply issue with all strengths of topiramate tablets from one manufacturer. This supply issue is expected to resolve by the end of May 2025. We are also aware of a shortage of phenobarbital 15 milligram tablets from one manufacturer, with the resupply date to be confirmed. In both cases, alternative suppliers are in stock with sufficient supply to support patients, and these issues have been communicated to the National Health Service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_45

Steff Aquarone:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce cost inefficiencies in purchasing medical supplies. \p Karin Smyth: NHS England’s new Operating Model, published on 30 January, sets out in Section 4 how it will support National Health Service bodies to deliver efficiencies by improving commercial arrangements. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/our-new-operating-model-supporting-you-to-deliver-high-quality-care-for-patients/

These include supporting them to make full use of the products, goods, and services available through the NHS Supply Chain, when best value exists, to procure from frameworks operated by an accredited framework host, to use the NHS Spend Comparison Service to identify savings, the Health Commercial System, also known as Atamis, to undertake commercial activity, and the NHS procurement value and savings methodology to track and report on procurement savings and benefits.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_46

David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support is provided to people with mental health issues who are serving IPP sentences. \p Stephen Kinnock: NHS England Health and Justice commissioned healthcare providers deliver both primary and secondary care mental health services to all individuals within the custodial estate, irrespective of their detained status. Each individual will be assessed, their care formulation will be agreed, and appropriate clinical treatment, interventions, and support will be provided. If the individual requires transfer to hospital, the transfer to hospital process will be initiated.