theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_140

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) reduce the risk of violence to children in rural areas. \p Stephen Morgan: Keeping children safe is a top priority for this government. Statutory guidance, 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' (2023), is clear that children at risk of or experiencing harm from outside their home should receive a multi-agency safeguarding response to keep them safe. It is important to recognise threats may arise from school, peer groups, online or the wider community.

From April 2025, £500 million is being made available to local authorities to roll out reforms to family help and multi-agency child protection, including where harm is outside the home. Furthermore, the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will strengthen multi-agency safeguarding arrangements so that opportunities to keep children safe are not missed.

The government’s Young Futures programme will establish prevention partnerships which will identify those most at risk of violence and enable access to support. In the community, a new network of Young Futures Hubs is aimed at increasing access to opportunities for children and young people, improving mental health, and reducing vulnerability to violence and crime. Cross-government work to develop the programme is taking place with a large variety of stakeholders, including those who understand best practice in rural and urban areas.

The department monitors a range of data related to children’s risk of violence, including education, social care and police national computer data. Our published dashboard allows local areas to understand factors in their area which result in vulnerability to crime and compare to their nearest statistical neighbours. This dashboard is available here: https://department-for-education.shinyapps.io/childrens-social-care-and-offending/.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_141

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that schools in close proximity to (a) high-traffic areas and (b) hospitals are able to access funding for (i) perimeter fencing and (ii) other essential security infrastructure. \p Stephen Morgan: The department supports local authorities, academy trusts and voluntary-aided school bodies, which are responsible for keeping their estates safe and well-maintained, by providing capital funding, delivering major rebuilding programmes, and offering guidance and support.

The government increased capital funding to improve the condition of school buildings to £2.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year and has committed to sustain that investment in real-terms, rising to around £2.3 billion by 2029/30. This is over £400 million more than 2024/25.

For 2025/26, Essex County Council was allocated £9,336,522 to invest across its maintained schools, including those in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency. Large academy trusts and large voluntary-aided school bodies with schools in the area will also have been allocated capital funding, but allocations typically cut across constituency and local authority boundaries. These responsible bodies decide how to invest funding based on local knowledge, and this may include installing fencing or other security measures, where appropriate to the circumstances.

Smaller and single academy trusts, smaller voluntary-aided bodies and sixth-form colleges will instead have been invited to bid into the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). Allocations and CIF outcomes for 2025/26 are published on GOV.UK.

Departmental guidance is clear that schools and colleges should have a policy and plan in place to manage and respond to security related incidents and understand how to undertake a health and safety survey and risk assessment.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_142

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of school-aged children in Woking who will become newly eligible for free school meals under the planned September 2026 Universal Credit extension. \p Stephen Morgan: This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. The department has now announced that we are extending free school meals to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit from September 2026. This will lift 100,000 children across England out of poverty and put £500 back in families’ pockets, supporting parents in decisive action to improve lives ahead of the Child Poverty Strategy coming later this year.

Providing over half a million children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds with a free, nutritious lunchtime meal every school day will also lead to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes, meaning children get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life.

The department’s published data shows that over 4,000 children in Woking could benefit from expanded free meal support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-expansion-impact-on-poverty-levels.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_143

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing financial incentives to employers to support the employment of people with severe mental illnesses. \p Alison McGovern: There is a strong evidence base showing that work is generally good for physical and mental health and well-being. The right type of joined-up work and health support can prevent people falling out of work and support people to return, ensuring they gain the physical and mental benefits of employment. Therefore, we actively engage in collaborative action with a range of stakeholders, including employers, welfare systems and health services, to open opportunities for individuals to engage in good work, fostering a healthier, more inclusive nation.

We announced our Get Britain Working White Paper in November. Alongside funding for trailblazers and NHS ‘Health and Growth Accelerator’ in local areas to bring together and streamline work, health, and skills support for disabled people and people with long term health conditions, the Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions and Business and Trade asked Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent review, considering how best to support and enable employers to recruit and retain more people with health conditions and disabilities, promote healthy workplaces, and support more people to stay in or return to work from periods of sickness absence. Sir Charlie will deliver his final report in the autumn. Employers are crucial in enhancing employment opportunities and supporting disabled people and those with health conditions to thrive in the workforce.

The Department has also developed a digital information service for employers which provides tailored guidance to businesses to support employees to remain in work. This includes guidance on health disclosures and having conversations about health, and continues to oversee the Disability Confident Scheme which provides practical support to encourage employers to recruit, retain and develop disabled people and people with health conditions​. This fosters inclusive workplaces, benefitting people’s health and wealth, as well as the UK economy through increased productivity and reduced economic inactivity.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_144

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average response time is for CMS dispute appeals where a non-resident parent challenges the assessment on the basis of (a) false information and (b) undeclared shared care. \p Andrew Western: Information specifically in relation to false information or undeclared share care is not available. Child Maintenance Service appeals, together with Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Relief and Employment and Support Allowance (with no medical element), are heard by a judge.

In the last quarter for which data is available, January to March 2025, the average time to clear Social Security and Child Support Tribunal appeals which were heard by a Judge only, was 33 weeks.

To reduce the time taken to resolve CMS disputes that have reached Appeal stage, the disputes service has taken the following actions:
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_146

Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of people over 50 who are classed as economically inactive but contribute to society through (a) volunteer and (b) unpaid work. \p Alison McGovern: The department has not made such an estimate. We do not hold sufficient data to make this estimate in full. The number of inactive people over 50 who are inactive because of looking after their family or home could be estimated from the Annual Population Survey. DCMS’s Community Life Survey (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/community-life-survey-202324-annual-publication Community Life Survey 2023/24: Volunteering and charitable giving - GOV.UK) asks about volunteering and employment/unemployment status (see table C1b(E)).
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_147

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of implementing the policies in the Green Paper entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, published on 29 May 2025, on the number of additional people in employment in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire. \p Alison McGovern: The Department does not produce forecasts at parliamentary constituency, county or local authority level. However, we have evidence that delivering better and more tailored employment support can get more people off welfare, and into work - alongside a higher expectation to engage with that support.

Therefore, we are investing £1 billion a year by the end of the decade in new employment, health and skills support – one of the biggest packages of new employment support for sick and disabled people ever.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_148

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025. \p Andrew Western: We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements and aim to ensure appropriate facilities are available for all staff.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_149

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of Carer’s Allowance for unpaid carers. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Many people will care for friends or family members at some point in their life, and it is right that we recognise the vitally important role of carers. Carer’s Allowance (CA) provides a measure of financial support and recognition for unpaid carers who are unable to work full time due to their caring responsibilities. The DWP provides over £4 billion of financial support per year through CA to unpaid carers.

Between 2025/26 and 2029/30 real terms expenditure on CA is forecast to rise by over 6% - around £285 million. By 2029/30, the Government is forecast to spend over £4.7 billion a year on CA. Further CA caseload and expenditure information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-expenditure-and-caseload-tables-2025

In addition to CA, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the carer element and the additional amount for carers respectively. Currently, the Universal Credit carer element is £201.68 per monthly assessment period. The additional amount for carers in Pension Credit is £46.40 a week. These are worth £2400 a year in additional benefit.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_150

Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to increase employment opportunities for university graduates. \p Alison McGovern: As part of the Get Britain Working package, the government is investing £240 million to trial new ways of getting people into work. The government will test new approaches and collect robust evidence on how to tackle the root causes of ill-health related inactivity, support young people who are not in education, employment or training, and help people to develop their careers.

Jobcentre Plus is fully equipped to offer advice to anyone who is looking for work, regardless of their background, profession or occupation. It offers comprehensive services including, job search advice, skills advice, CV and job applications support, help with retraining, and access to the thousands of new vacancies posted daily.

In addition to general support, Jobcentre Plus provides a range of tailored opportunities to improve individuals’ likelihood of entering or re-entering the labour market. This includes demand-led training for higher skilled jobs in specific sectors.

Jobcentre Plus provides guidance and good practice ideas to help individuals to direct their job search in the most effective manner. Jobcentres work closely with several organisations to support graduates to secure employment. Our strong network of partnerships with external training providers, universities and colleges enhances the support available. We have also improved online signposting for graduates, managers and professionals looking to use our services.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_151

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential (a) mental health and (b) financial impact of losing entitlement to Personal Independence Payment due to the 20-metre walking rule on claimants; and if she will review this criterion in light of concern from disabled groups. \p Sir Stephen Timms: For those with physical restrictions, the enhanced rate of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mobility component is for those "unable" or "virtually unable" to walk. The 20 metre distance distinguishes between those whose mobility is significantly more limited than others and who face the greater barriers on a day-to-day basis, (those who have the highest need).

Distance is not the only factor considered when applying a descriptor for the ‘moving around’ activity, and the ‘reliability’ criteria also apply. This means individuals who can walk more than 20 metres can still receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component if they cannot do so safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly or in a reasonable time.

Whilst claimants can only reach an enhanced mobility award in activity 12 if they cannot reliably walk more than 20 metres, they may still qualify for a standard award should they satisfy another descriptor scoring a minimum of 8 points. Claimants can also reach a standard or enhanced mobility award by scoring 8, or 12 points respectively across activities 11 and 12 combined.

No assessment has been made of the potential mental health impact of losing entitlement to PIP due to the 20 metre distance in the criteria. It would be extremely difficult to objectively separate the specific impact of this on mental health from other contributory factors.

I have launched a review of the PIP assessment, including the descriptors, which I am leading. The first phase of this work has now begun, which includes speaking to stakeholders to gather views on how best to approach the review, and the terms of reference will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_152

Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to PIP on people claiming benefits in Leeds North West constituency. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Estimates of the volumes of PIP claimants affected by the reform in the future are forecast for England and Wales only and therefore have not been broken down by Parliamentary Constituency or any other geographic area.

After taking account of behavioural changes, OBR predicts that 370,000 people in England and Wales who will be receiving PIP at the point of implementation of the four point requirement in November 2026, will have lost their PIP Daily Living entitlement by 2029/30. Of all PIP recipients at the point of implementation, 9 in 10 will not lose PIP during the subsequent 3 years from this change.

The proportion of people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment daily living component who were awarded fewer than four points in all daily living activities, by Parliamentary Constituency area, is available as part of the Pathways to Work Evidence Pack in Chapter 2, table 2.26.

There will be no immediate changes. Our intention is these changes will start to come into effect from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Changes will only apply at the next award review after November 2026. The average award review period is about three years. At the award review, claimants will be seen by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstances.

We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. PIP is not based on condition diagnosis but on functional disability as the result of one or more conditions, and is awarded as a contribution to the additional costs which result.

We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I am leading. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_153

Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are claiming PIP and not in work in Leeds North West constituency. \p Sir Stephen Timms: At the end of March 2024, 2,700 people in Leeds North West parliamentary constituency were in receipt of PIP but were not in employment.

Notes:

- HMRC data is used to determine whether a claimant was in employment. HMRC data covers up to the end of the tax year 2023/24, therefore March 2024 has been provided as the latest data available.

- Self-employment data from the financial year 2023/24 is not available until the end of the 2024/25 financial year, so self-employment data for the financial year 2022/23 has been used as a proxy for 2023/24 instead.

- People without any employment record in the HMRC data, as well as those who have been confirmed to not be in employment in the data, have been considered not employed.

- The data provided includes both normal rules and special rules for end of life claimants.

- The volume provided is rounded to the nearest 100.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_154

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many pensioners in Wiltshire were eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2024-25 but did not receive it. \p Torsten Bell: The next release of Winter Fuel Payment statistics will cover 2024/25 and will be published on 16 September 2025. The latest data on Winter Fuel Payment caseload is available here: Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_155

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many overseas voters from Twickenham constituency are impacted by frozen British Pensions; and what steps she is taking to support those overseas voters. \p Torsten Bell: UK State Pensions are payable worldwide, without regard to nationality, and are only up-rated abroad where there is a legal requirement to do so, for example in countries with which we have a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating.

The policy on up-rating UK State Pension paid overseas is a longstanding one and has been in place for over 70 years, including under recent Conservative and Liberal Democrat governments.

People move abroad for many reasons, and it is for individuals to weigh up the factors involved. Information regarding the effect of living abroad on State Pension entitlement is available on GOV.UK.

The Department does not hold information on overseas voters from a specific constituency among those with frozen pensions.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_156

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many pensioners in Wiltshire will receive the Winter Fuel Payment under the new income threshold. \p Torsten Bell: Winter Fuel Payments are £200 for a household with someone of State Pension age and £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out. Individuals with a taxable income above £35,000 a year Winter Fuel Payments will be recouped via HMRC.

This means that the majority of pensioners in England and Wales – over three quarters, or around 9 million individuals – will now benefit from Winter Fuel Payments, making it better targeted than the previous near-universal payment.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_157

Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people will receive Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2025-26 in (a) Middlesbrough and Thornaby East constituency, (b) Middlesbrough local authority area, (c) Tees Valley combined authority area and (d) the North East. \p Torsten Bell: For winter 2023 to 2024:

- 15,487 pensioners received the Winter Fuel Payment in Middlesbrough and Thornby East Constituency;

- 22,849 received it in Middlesbrough local authority area;

- 127,568 received it in the Tees Valley combined authority area (21,251 in Darlington, 17,484 in Hartlepool, 22,849 in Middlesbrough, 30,049 in Redcar and Cleveland, and 35,935 in Stockton-on-Tees);

- and 517,592 received it in the North East.

This is based on Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK.

Data covering winter 2024 to 2025 is not yet available. The next release of Winter Fuel Payment statistics will cover this period and will be published on 16 September 2025.

The Government wants to ensure a wider range of pensioners in England and Wales receive Winter Fuel Payment in future, while recognising public finance constraints and the fact that making payments to the highest income pensioners is hard to justify.

From winter 2025-26, the vast majority of pensioners in England and Wales – over three quarters, or around 9 million individuals - will benefit from Winter Fuel Payments. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out. Individuals with a taxable income above £35,000 a year will have any WFP recouped via HMRC.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_158

Sam Carling:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure the provision of full (a) training and (b) guidance on (i) arthritis and (ii) other long-term fluctuating health conditions for PIP assessors. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment evaluates how an individual’s condition affects their ability to live independently, rather than focusing solely on the nature or severity of their condition. The assessment considers whether a person can carry out specific activities safely, reliably, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time frame. The process does not assess individuals based on their ‘best days’; instead, it takes into account the overall impact of a condition over time, specifically considering functional limitations that occur on more than 50% of days within a given period.

All health professionals (HPs) are fully qualified in their health discipline and have passed strict recruitment and experience criteria. They are also required to be registered with the appropriate regulatory body. The department authorises HPs to conduct assessments only after suppliers demonstrate that the HP has successfully completed a department approved training and appraisal programme. This process confirms that HPs possess a sound understanding of the clinical aspects and likely functional effects of a broad range of health conditions.

As of September 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) took over responsibility for the Core Training and Guidance Material (CTGM) used within the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS). This material is provided by DWP to HAAS assessment suppliers, who are required to incorporate all relevant CTGM content related to specific conditions and assessment policies into their final training products.

DWP has provided suppliers with specific CTGM on rheumatoid arthritis, alongside a broader suite of training materials covering a range of long-term, fluctuating health conditions. These contain clinical and functional information relevant to the condition and is quality assured to ensure its accuracy from both a clinical and policy perspective.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_159

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to review the financial support available to carers whose role ends due to the death of a disabled adult child; and if she will introduce (a) a bereavement payment or (b) extended support for long-term carers in such circumstances. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Entitlement to Carer's Allowance in England and Wales can continue for up to eight weeks following the death of the disabled person who was being cared for. If the carer is in receipt of Universal Credit, entitlement continues for the next two full monthly assessment periods following the assessment period in which the Disabled Person dies (a maximum of 13 weeks).

These run-on periods support carers who have recently been bereaved by giving them some time to adapt to their new circumstances.

Within DWP there are a range of employment support programmes available to people who are or have been providing care. Support offered can include access to skills provision, referral to Restart careers advice, job search support, volunteering opportunities and access to the Flexible Support Fund to aid job entry.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_160

Brian Mathew:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog of people waiting for tribunals as part of their PIP application process. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department understands the potential effect of waiting for a tribunal hearing, which is why our aim is to make the right decision as early as possible in the claim journey so that people can get the support they are entitled to, without the need for an appeal. When a claim reaches the appeal stage, the Department can lapse the appeal where evidence supports a change in decision which is favourable to the customer.

Appeals are lodged with, and administered by, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). A variety of factors can affect the number of cases cleared by the Tribunal including the complexity of the issue in dispute; the availability of panel members assigned to a particular venue; and if an appeal is adjourned (which may be directed by the judge for a variety of reasons, such as to seek further medical evidence). Any increase to the live load is monitored, and investigated, locally.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_161

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of rolling out sheltered employment work schemes for adults with learning disabilities. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There is an international and domestic evidence-base demonstrating that sheltered employment, when delivered in line with one of the recognised Supported Employment models, is effective in supporting disabled people, people with health conditions and complex barriers to employment to find sustained work.

That is why we have announced, as part of the Get Britain Working Strategy, the locally led, voluntary, Supported Employment programme, Connect to Work, that will help disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment to get into and retain work. Connect to Work funding will provide Supported Employment programmes throughout all of England and Wales.

Local Authorities are required to deliver Connect to Work through two models of Supported Employment, Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment Quality Framework. The latter model, in particular, has been shown to benefit individuals with learning disabilities who are seeking sustained employment.

Connect to Work is rolling out on a phased basis, shaped by local authorities’ own timetables. Local areas are opening their Connect to Work programmes through 2025, with the first areas – covering the West London Alliance partnership of London Boroughs and East Sussex now open for participants. We expect more areas to go live this summer, with progressively more each month through 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_162

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish a health and social care impact assessment of the decision to reduce disability benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Pathways to Work Green Paper was published on 18 March 2025. This paper sets out plans and proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published in the impacts analysis and equality analysis on 26 March 2025 and the evidence pack on 2 May 2025 at:

[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-benefits-and-support-to-get-britain-working-green-paper]

A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.

We will consider the wider impacts of reforms for disabled people or those with a health condition as we develop our detailed proposals for change. We will also continue to work closely with the Department for Health and Social Care to ensure health and social care considerations are built into our policies and to ensure everyone’s health and care needs are met.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_163

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on disabled people of her decision not to hold a consultation on proposed cuts to disability benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Pathways to Work Green Paper set out our plans and proposals for reform to health and disability benefits and employment support. This includes some urgently needed reforms to PIP eligibility and Universal Credit rates that are not subject to consultation but on which Parliament will fully debate and vote.

This government values the input of disabled people and people with health conditions, in addition to the representative organisations and people that support them. The Green Paper consults on many key elements of the reform package, including employment support and Access to Work, which are at the centre of our plans to improve the system for disabled people. We hope that a wide range of voices will respond to the consultation, and we are holding a programme of public consultation events across the country to help facilitate input.

We are also continuing to develop other ways to facilitate the involvement of stakeholders and disabled people in our reforms. In addition to the consultation itself, we are establishing ‘collaboration committees’ that bring groups of people together for specific work areas and our wider review of the PIP assessment will bring together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience. We are also in the process of establishing the Disability Advisory Panel we announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper, which will be a strategic advisory panel of disabled people and individuals with long-term health conditions.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_164

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025. \p Feryal Clark: We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements. We aim to ensure appropriate facilities are available for all staff.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_165

Kevin Bonavia:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to require employers to provide cyber security training, in the context of the recent cyber security incidents in the retail sector. \p Feryal Clark: The cyber security of the UK economy is a priority, which is why the government already offers free cyber security training via the National Cyber Security Centre website. This includes the “Top Tips for Staff”, an online, accessible cyber security training package for organisations of all sizes and sectors, and the new Cyber Governance Code of Practice, which includes a training package to help boards and directors manage digital risks in their organisations. More widely, the government offers a range of guidance to help organisations improve their cyber resilience and many of these products recommend staff training. Existing legislation - including the Security of Network & Information Systems Regulations (2018) and the Data Protection Act (2018) - includes recommendations for organisations in scope to provide appropriate training for their staff. This year we will introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill to improve UK cyber defences and better secure our essential services and the IT infrastructure they rely upon. Later this year, the government will publish a new National Cyber Strategy setting out how we will approach the challenges and opportunities of cyber security.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_166

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle fake adverts for the sale of farm machinery. \p Feryal Clark: Under the Online Safety Act, user-to-user services and search services in scope must respectively prevent and minimise illegal fraudulent content from appearing on their platforms and swiftly remove it if it does. Services designated as Category 1 or 2A (the largest user-to-user and search services) will have additional duties to tackle paid-for fraudulent advertising, either where it appears on their service or is accessed in or via search results.

Work has also begun to develop a new Fraud Strategy, with Ministers working closely with law enforcement, consumer groups and business on how to best defeat this epidemic and protect the public.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_167

Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to phase out the LD50 toxicity test as an initial step to end animal testing. \p Feryal Clark: The Government is committed to the development of non-animal alternatives and will publish a strategy to support their development, validation and adoption later this year.

Significant progress has been made on validating alternative methods, including the possibility of replacing mice by in vitro suitable cell cultures in LD50-type testing methods, and relevant regulatory quality standards and testing requirements have been revised accordingly for these specific medicines.

The implementation of new tests for existing products must protect and prioritise human safety, often requiring extensive validation. It is not presently possible to replace all of the existing animal tests with in vitro non-animal replacements.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_168
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_168

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions he has had with Ofcom on the regulation of gaming companies under the Online Safety Act 2023. \p Feryal Clark: The Government engages regularly with Ofcom to discuss implementation of the Online Safety Act.

Game services are in scope of the Online Safety Act if they allow users to post content online or to interact with each other. The Act requires all user-to-user services, including in-scope gaming platforms, to have systems and processes in place to remove illegal content. In July, in-scope services will also need to take steps to protect children from harmful content.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_169
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_169

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to reinstate the UK's membership of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's European Geostationary Navigation Overlay (EGNOS) system. This work is ongoing and no decision has yet been made.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_170
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_170

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will work with wireless broadband operators to develop technology that is in keeping with local environments where it is installed. \p Chris Bryant: Planning legislation requires operators to minimise the visual impact of new network deployments on the surrounding area as much as possible. We have set out guidance on how operators should do this in the Wireless Code of Practice. Operators have also committed to place additional antennas and cabinets at existing sites where possible, and only where additional capacity and/or coverage is needed will additional sites be built.

The Government is actively working with industry through our R&D programmes to support companies developing telecoms technologies in the UK, including equipment that matches local environments.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_171
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_171

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to support the Government's shareholding in Eutelsat OneWeb. \p Chris Bryant: Government engages with OneWeb through government’s non-executive directors and with Eutelsat Group through UK Government Investments officials who are accountable to the Secretary of State and advise the department on commercial matters. Government works with OneWeb to facilitate its commercial rollout, such as supporting international engagement with key sovereign customers. Substantial Government R&D grant schemes will help UK businesses compete for large-scale contracts, including from OneWeb. We also collaborate with OneWeb to see how its services could deliver for citizens. For example, OneWeb equipment is employed in trials for high speed broadband in very hard to reach locations in the UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_172
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_172

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans his Department has to review the Electronic Communications Code on (a) broadband infrastructure and (b) local visual amenity. \p Chris Bryant: I wrote to operators on 16 August 2024 calling on them to consider revising the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice to take into account communities’ concerns. The industry answered my call by convening the Telecommunications Poles Working Group, which has published best practice recommendations setting out expectations for operators who plan to deploy telegraph poles, including how to minimise the impact on the visual amenity of the local area. My department will monitor the impact of this new guidance before taking any further steps.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_173
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_173

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to further the UK's strategic interest in low earth orbit satellite constellations. \p Chris Bryant: Low Earth Orbit is significant for many space use-cases, including Earth Observation, In-orbit Servicing Assembly and Manufacture, and Communications. There are a range of programmes and initiatives underway across Government to support UK objectives in these. For example, the UK Space Agency's Active Debris Removal mission seeks to develop the technologies needed to rendezvous, approach, hold and manoeuvre objects in orbit which are critical for many other In-Orbit use-cases such as servicing satellites.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_174
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_174

Matt Bishop:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to help tackle pay disparities for disabled people. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Tackling pay disparities for disabled people is a priority for this government.

The King’s Speech announced our intention to legislate to introduce mandatory disability pay gap reporting for large employers and to make the right to equal pay effective for disabled people.

Our consultation on disability pay gap reporting closed on 10 June and we are now considering over 650 responses to this.

Our Call for Evidence on changes to equality law, launched in April, seeks views on making the right to equal pay effective for disabled people.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_175
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_175

Kirsteen Sullivan:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when she expects the Equality and Human Rights Commission to publish the final version of its Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, following the Supreme Court’s judgment of 16 April 2025 in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers. \p Bridget Phillipson: On 20 May, the EHRC opened its consultation on the changes made to the draft updated statutory Code of Practice following the Supreme Court ruling. This consultation is open until 30 June.

We will consider the EHRC's final draft Code of Practice once it has been submitted and engage with them to ensure it provides the clarity service providers need, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.

Once the final draft is agreed, we will follow the correct parliamentary process.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_176
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_176

Jessica Morden:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote equality as part of the Government mission entitled Break Down Barriers to Opportunity. \p Bridget Phillipson: Our mission to spread opportunity will break the link between background and success. That’s why we’re extending free school meals to all children in households on Universal Credit – lifting 100,000 children across England out of poverty

We’re working to create a fairer Britain, where every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background.
wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_177
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-18 conversation_177

Sarah Dyke:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of developing a strategy on supporting LGBTQ people in care. \p Dame Nia Griffith: We want everyone, including LGBT+ people, to have fair access to high quality care, which is respectful and inclusive.

The government recently introduced a new qualification to improve our training offer to social care staff on being supportive and caring of everyone.

We’ve launched an Independent Commission into adult social care which will work with people from all backgrounds drawing on care and their families, to build a National Care Service that meets the needs of the whole population.