theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1049
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1049

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the number of vehicles that are using roads that have no known registered (a) keeper and (b) owner. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) takes the accuracy of its vehicle register seriously. It is crucial that registered keeper details are accurate for road safety and law enforcement purposes. The latest available data shows that more than 92 per cent of vehicle keepers are contactable and traceable from the information held on the DVLA’s records. Of the remainder, six per cent are in the motor trade which means that there will be no registered keeper details on the vehicle record.

The DVLA works closely with a range of key stakeholders on these important issues. The DVLA gathers information and intelligence regarding illegal and improper conduct and will follow up any notifications of fraudulent activity with the relevant authorities. The DVLA also sends the police ‘vehicle of interest’ reports so that the police can use automatic number plate recognition cameras to identify potential offenders. These reports include vehicles which have no registered keeper details, no insurance or no valid MOT.

Evidence of identity, which can be a passport, driving licence or utility bill, must be presented when a vehicle is being registered for the first time. However, to ensure that services remain both easy for customers to use and cost effective for taxpayers, there are no plans to introduce checks when a vehicle subsequently changes hands. It would be very difficult for ordinary members of the public to verify or authenticate the identity documents being provided to them when selling their vehicle privately.

It is already an offence to provide false or misleading information or to use a vehicle on the road without a valid driving licence. The police have existing powers to seize vehicles which are not complying with legal requirements.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1050
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1050

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which regulations govern the use of (a) motorcycles and (b) mopeds with L-plates for commercial delivery work in urban areas; and whether she plans to amend those regulations. \p Lilian Greenwood: There are no current rules limiting commercial riding to those with a full licence. New riders are allowed to ride learner legal motorcycles, mopeds and scooters once they have passed their compulsory basic training (CBT) course. If riders do not to progress to a full licence within the two-year validity period of the CBT certificate, then they are required to complete their CBT course again. All riders are required to have a valid insurance policy to cover the type of machine and the activity they are undertaking.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether DVLA-registered mopeds can be lent to drivers with provisional licenses. \p Lilian Greenwood: There is no requirement for the rider of a moped to be the registered keeper of the vehicle, whether they hold a provisional or full driving licence. Anyone riding or driving any vehicle must have the appropriate driving entitlement and must be insured for the purpose for which the vehicle is being used.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1052
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1052

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of online taxi app companies on (a) independent taxi companies and (b) their drivers. \p Simon Lightwood: Government supports choice for passengers in the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. It is a matter for taxi drivers if they wish to use a taxi app company as an intermediary between them and the passenger. All private hire vehicle journeys must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. It is for private hire vehicle drivers to decide which operators they wish to work with, subject to licensing requirements. The Department’s taxi and private hire vehicle survey provides information on the numbers of licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, vehicles and private hire vehicle operators and how these have changed since the adoption by passengers and the sector of new technology.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1053
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1053

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to (a) cap rail fares and (b) provide targeted concessions to (i) young people, (ii) students, and (iii) people in rural areas disproportionately affected by fare rises. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government caps the amount by which regulated fares can increase each year. Regulated fares make up around 45% of rail fares and include commuter fares, such as season ticket and shorter-distance peak singles and returns, alongside longer-distance off-peak singles and returns. Whilst the fares increase cap applies to regulated fares only, train operators have typically adopted a very similar approach for non-regulated fares.

Young people and students (as well as senior citizens, disabled people, veterans and other groups) are offered discounted rail fares from existing railcard schemes.

Regarding the impact of fares increases on people in rural areas, low income commuters and key workers, any long-term changes to rail fares policy requires balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1054
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1054

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how the British Transport Police will be funded (a) during and (b) after the establishment of Great British Railways. \p Simon Lightwood: The British Transport Police’s (BTP) budget is set by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA). It is the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the Force and is their employer. BTPA sets the BTP’s budget annually following proposals from the Force and views from industry.

We anticipate that the level of funding for the BTP during the transition to and commencement of Great British Railways will similarly balance the needs of the industry and the force against public sector affordability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1055

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54084 on Roads: Fylde, what proportion of the £500 million funding uplift for local highway maintenance was allocated to Lancashire. \p Lilian Greenwood: Details about local highway maintenance funding allocations and what authorities must do to receive incentive funding are all available on gov.uk. The first thing authorities must do is to publish a report on their websites by the end of June providing information on various matters including how they are planning to spend the funding, and what the overall condition of their road network is.

Lancashire have been allocated an uplift in local highway maintenance funding of up to £12,308,000 for local highway maintenance in 2025/26, subject to them meeting the incentive criteria set out on gov.uk. This represents 2.46% of the total uplift of £500,000,000 across England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to publish her Department's assessment of the potential impact of the expansion of Gatwick Airport on the area within a 50 mile radius before a decision on whether to expand that airport is made. \p Mike Kane: As this is live planning application that is yet to be decided, unfortunately I cannot comment in detail at this time. The Secretary of State will assess all evidence provided to her by the applicant, the Examining Authority, and any parties who chose to make written representations regarding relevant Government policy, and once the decision is made, the decision letter will set out the full rationale.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1057
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure safe and accessible cycling routes to (a) schools, (b) workplaces and (c) local services for (i) women and girls and (ii) people who trip-chain during peak travel times. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department and Active Travel England (ATE) work with local authorities and other delivery partners to support active travel outreach programmes for underrepresented groups, including women and girls.

Design guidance for new infrastructure, such as that funded through the Active Travel Fund, requires that new schemes are accessible to all users, including women. ATE is working with local authorities to provide high-quality cycling infrastructure including as part of multi-modal schemes. This includes providing lighting for walking and cycling schemes, improving social safety and delivering road safety improvements to existing schemes.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the impact of cycling on women’s safety. Annual reported road casualty statistics published by the Department provide a breakdown of reported casualties by sex.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to improve night-time public transport to support the night-time economy. \p Simon Lightwood: The government knows that public transport is vital to keeping communities connected, including at night to support the nighttime economy.

The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This funding can be used in whichever way local authorities wish to improve services for passengers, including improving nighttime bus services.

Rail services are supported by requirements on train operators to plan services and design timetables to meet both current and future passenger demand, while also ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. The government commitment to public ownership through Great British Railways will also help to deliver a unified system that focuses on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient transport services, whilst also ensuring safety and accessibility. Under public ownership, passenger services can be operated in the interests of passengers, not shareholders, including by helping to improve access to night time services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the practical driving test backlog on the (a) availability and (b) scheduling of theory test appointments. \p Lilian Greenwood: Theory test availability is monitored by both the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the external service providers. Candidates wait on average no more than 28 calendar days from booking to their theory test appointment date, as per the contractual performance measures.

Capacity in the theory test centre network is managed using demand forecasting, and ongoing monitoring of tests booked into the 210 test centres in the network across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1060
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with car insurance companies on the affordability of compulsory car insurance for drivers who require larger vehicles for disability-related mobility needs. \p Lilian Greenwood: My officials meet motor insurers and their representative bodies such as the Association of British Insurers periodically to discuss a range of motor insurance issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with local authorities in Surrey on pavement parking powers. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Secretary of State has not had any discussions with local authorities in Surrey on this matter.

The Department has been considering all the views expressed in response to the consultation and is currently working through the policy options and the appropriate means of delivering them. As soon as the Government has decided its preferred way forward, we will announce the next steps and publish our formal response. In the meantime, local authorities can make use of existing powers to restrict and enforce pavement parking.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the lessons learned from the implementation of pavement parking restrictions in (a) Edinburgh and (b) London. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department has been carefully considering the responses to the consultation that took place in 2020 and is currently working through the policy options. There will be a full impact assessment of the policies to be implemented, which will consider a wide range of issues including lessons from other parts of the country. Departmental officials are in contact with the Scottish Government and London Councils. As soon as the Government has decided its preferred way forward, we will announce the next steps and publish our formal response.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1063
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many (a) certificates of competency and (b) certificates of equivalent competency were issued to ships’ cooks by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in each year between 2015 and 2024. \p Mike Kane: Please see below table for the number of certificates of competency issued for ships’ cooks in each year between 2015 to 2024

Ships Cooks Certificates of Competency issued

Year

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Total

Certs Issued

141

141

190

254

397

134

83

65

75

92

1572

Please be advised that there is no requirement for a certificate of equivalent competency for Ships Cook.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Wiltshire and (b) other rural counties are not deprioritised under the new decision-making framework proposed for Great British Railways. \p Simon Lightwood: Great British Railways (GBR) will be organised to work collaboratively with devolved leaders and local stakeholders and ensure rail services meet local needs.

All tiers of local government in England will benefit from empowered local GBR business units that are outward-facing and engage local authorities on their priorities and Local Transport Plans.

The Government supports greater involvement for devolved and local leaders as they know their areas best. Our proposals intend to balance GBR’s directing mind role with ensuring that devolved and local priorities are a significant consideration in its decision making.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department holds data on changes in bus usage in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) England since the increase in the bus fare cap. \p Simon Lightwood: The bus fare cap was increased in January 2025. Currently, the only available data relating to bus usage after this date comes from the Domestic Transport Usage by Mode publication available on GOV.UK, which contains daily figures at the Great Britain outside London level only.

No data are held on bus usage at (a) constituency level.

On 19 June, daily data for (b) Nottinghamshire are due to be published on GOV.UK for the first time as part of the new Daily local bus passenger and trip statistics publication.

In November, annual data for the year ending March 2025 covering (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) England are due to be published on GOV.UK as part of the regular Annual bus statistics publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Andrew Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help reduce the cost of car insurance for drivers aged between 17 and 25. \p Lilian Greenwood: The setting of premiums is a commercial decision for insurers based on their underwriting experience. Age and experience are factors that insurers use to price policies and there is evidence to suggest that younger drivers and those with less experience carry a higher risk.

However, the motor insurance market is competitive, and we recommend consumers shop around to get the best deal.

This Government is committed to tackle the high costs of motor insurance. The cross-Government motor insurance taskforce, launched in October, is comprised of ministers from relevant government departments and the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. The taskforce is supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sector.

This Taskforce has a strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums. It will look at the increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made on making at least 10,000 extra driving tests available each month. \p Lilian Greenwood: On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.

Since announcing these measures, DVSA has:

The ATA scheme is designed to encourage a high level of take up. It is too early to provide information on how many volunteers might take up the offer nationally and the number of additional tests created.

As part of the measures announced 23 April, DVSA also has:

Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she will publish the Aviation Night Noise Effects report. \p Mike Kane: The Aviation Night Noise Effects study is expected to conclude later this year and we intend to publish the report as soon as possible once it has been reviewed.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of non-road legal (a) conversion kits and (b) e-bikes on road safety. \p Simon Lightwood: E-bikes may only be legally used on public roads where they comply, in full, with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983. This includes where they have been converted from a conventional pedal bike.

E-bikes that do not comply with these Regulations are classed as an e-moped or motorbike in law. Such vehicles can only legally be used on public roads where they have been registered, taxed and insured. The rider must also wear a safety helmet and hold the appropriate driving licence.

While enforcement is a matter for the police, the Department's broader approach to road safety is in development and more details will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1071
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many civil servants are working on Heathrow expansion. \p Mike Kane: The Chancellor announced on 29 January that the government supports expansion that is in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, to be brought forward by the summer.

As the lead Department supporting this key priority, we are working with colleagues across government to ensure appropriate resource to support the successful delivery of this work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Home Secretary on reports of (a) abuse and (b) harassment of women cyclists. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government aims to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade, and agrees that any abuse or harassment of women cyclists is entirely inappropriate. Enforcement of any offences of this sort is a matter for the police. The Department for Transport is working very closely with the Home Office on their plans for a cross-government VAWG strategy, which is due to be published later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve reporting mechanisms for women cyclists who experience (a) abuse and (b) intimidation. \p Simon Lightwood: Everyone should have the right to travel in safety, and abuse or intimidation of any kind is entirely unacceptable.

In respect of women, including those who cycle, the Department for Transport is working with the Home Office on their plans for a cross-government strategy to reduce violence against women and girls. This is due to be published later this year.
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Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the reliability of Elizabeth Line services (a) to and (a) from Maidenhead in the last 12 months. \p Simon Lightwood: Statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road show that 4% of Elizabeth Line services scheduled to stop at Maidenhead station in the year ending 26 April 2025 were cancelled. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor, and TfL has overall responsibility for the management of the Elizabeth Line which is operated by their contractor GTS Rail Operations Limited.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the transition of passenger rail services into public ownership on rail provision in Wiltshire. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to delivering an improved railway for all users across Britain, including those in Wiltshire.

We are taking steps to ensure a smooth transition for staff and passengers as services transfer into public ownership. There will be no immediate changes to the running of services at the point of transfer, however, under public ownership, services will be run in the interests of passengers, not shareholders. One by one we are returning the railways to the service of passengers. It will take time, but we’re setting up a railway people can be proud of.

Later this session we will be introducing legislation to enable the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR) as the new directing mind for the railways. Unifying track and train under a single public body will deliver better services for passengers and freight customers and better value for money for taxpayers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking following the nationalisation of South Western Railway to improve (a) train services and (b) access to train stations in Woking. \p Simon Lightwood: South Western Railway (SWR) services transferred into public ownership on 25 May. This was a watershed moment in our work to return the railways to the service of passengers. The new Managing Director of SWR will develop a detailed plan to improve performance and get new trains into service which will improve train services in the Woking area. There are no immediate plans to improve access to stations in Woking.
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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has considered improving pedestrian (a) access and (b) egress at Waterloo Station. \p Simon Lightwood: There are a series of improvement works underway at Waterloo station to improve pedestrian access and egress, including the recent refurbishment of the lift to Waterloo Road and with further escalator works to be completed by summer 2026. Network Rail is currently working on a London Waterloo masterplan which is at early stages to transform Waterloo station and the surrounding area.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has taken steps to help support (a) businesses and (b) consumers in Northern Ireland to order from suppliers based in Great Britain in the period since the signing of the trade agreement with the EU on 19 May 2025. \p Hilary Benn: The Government’s renewed partnership with the EU will deliver a broader range of benefits for people and businesses across the UK, including the SPS Agreement which, once implemented, will help facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, reduce costs for businesses and improve consumer choice. These new arrangements will now be developed into a legal text over the coming months.

The Government also remains committed to implementing the Windsor Framework and to protecting the UK internal market. The Framework guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the UK market and also supports traders to do business. Many are taking advantage of the support provided by the Trader Support Service.

On 1 May 2025, the Government introduced important new arrangements for freight and parcels movements to ensure that goods can continue to move smoothly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The new arrangements ensure that goods sent to or from consumers will not be subject to customs declarations or duty. We have also introduced a range of schemes to support businesses by removing unnecessary checks and paperwork; over 10,000 businesses are already signed up to the UK Internal Market Scheme.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the East–West Council. \p Hilary Benn: The East-West Council, established under the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, first met in London in March 2024. It will meet for the first time in Belfast later this month. This forum provides exciting opportunities for Northern Ireland as we prioritise building and strengthening connections across the United Kingdom, focussing on shared opportunities and addressing mutual challenges.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Alex Brewer:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what legislative steps his Department is taking to ensure that GP practices assess shared care requests on a case-by-case basis; and whether he plans to introduce legislation to improve consistency and equity in shared care arrangements for patients with mental health diagnoses. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: There are currently no plans to introduce legislation for shared care arrangements.

Shared care arrangements between a general practitioner (GP) and a specialist are voluntary agreements and are not a part of the GP Contract. GPs do not receive additional funding for taking part in shared care agreements and are able to refuse participation if they think they do not have capacity, or it is not clinically appropriate.

The General Medical Council’s guidance helps GPs decide whether to accept shared care responsibilities. In deciding whether to enter into a shared care arrangement, a GP will need to consider a number of factors to determine whether it is within their sphere of competence, and therefore safe and suitable for their patient’s needs. This includes being satisfied that any prescriptions or referrals for treatment are clinically appropriate.

These processes apply to all shared care requests, including those involving patients with a mental health diagnosis.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Sojan Joseph:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure more GP practices join the veteran friendly GP accreditation programme. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: NHS England, in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners, is continuing to encourage general practices (GPs) to participate in the Armed Forces Veteran Friendly GP accreditation scheme. This voluntary initiative is available to GPs across England and is free to access. To date, over 99% of primary care networks have at least one accredited GP in their area.

100% of National Health Service trusts and foundation trusts in England are now officially accredited as Veteran Aware. This achievement, led by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, reflects a national commitment to provide compassionate, personalised care to serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

In addition, the Department announced the National Training and Education Programme which will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_3
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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for the Op Courage service. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: NHS England meets with the regional providers of Op COURAGE on a regular basis to review the individual services, to ensure that they are meeting the needs of veterans. They are undertaking a comprehensive review which includes the time that veterans wait for assessment and treatment. Any recommendations from the review will be implemented from April 2026.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Penalty Charge Notices issued for maternity exemption certificates that could not be validated but who were eligible for the exemption on pregnant women and new mothers. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: The maternity exemption, known as matex, and penalty charge notices (PCNs) are administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) on behalf of the Department. The NHS BSA has adopted a policy of waiving the penalty charge for the matex, if a patient’s midwife or other clinician is able to submit a completed application for an exemption certificate within 60 days of receipt of the PCN. The matex certificate issued during this 60-day grace period can only be backdated one month from the date of application which means that the patient is still liable for any prescription charges that should have been paid before a valid matex certificate was put in place.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_5
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_5

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with NHS England on Innovative Medicines funding for givinostat. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: Department officials have regular discussions with NHS England on a number of topics, including funding for innovative medicines.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS independently, based on an assessment of their costs and benefits. The NHS in England is legally required to fund medicines recommended by NICE, normally within three months of the publication of final guidance.

NICE is currently evaluating givinostat for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and, following a call for evidence, its Appraisal Committee will meet to consider its recommendations on 23 October 2025. NICE currently expects to publish final guidance in January 2026.

If recommended by NICE in draft guidance, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has been clear that NHS England should aim to work with the pharmaceutical company, Italfarmaco, to provide early interim funding for givinostat through the Innovative Medicines Fund, which has made available £340 million of ringfenced funding for the NHS to fund early access to medicines. This could potentially speed up access to givinostat by up to five months.

To avoid the possibility of creating a way to circumvent the appraisal process, NHS England is unable to fund givinostat prior to the publication of draft NICE guidance that recommends the treatment.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_6

Lauren Edwards:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what general training all hospital and general practice staff are expected to receive in order to understand the needs of neuro-divergent and autistic patients; and what plans he has to improve the quality of such training in the future. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: Under the Health and Care Act 2022, all Care Quality Commission registered providers are required to ensure their staff receive specific training on learning disability and autism, appropriate to their role. This training will ensure staff can provide safe, informed care which caters for the needs of people with a learning disability and autistic people. The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice has been published to guide providers on how to meet the statutory requirement on learning disability and autism training under the Health and Care Act 2022. The Code became final on 6 September 2025. The Code sets out four standards which outline minimum training requirements including: expectations on training content at different levels; that training is co-produced and co-delivered with people with lived experience; and how training should be monitored and evaluated. The Code is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oliver-mcgowan-code-of-practice/the-oliver-mcgowan-draft-code-of-practice-on-statutory-learning-disability-and-autism-training

We are rolling out the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism (Oliver’s Training) to the health and adult social care workforce, which is the government’s preferred training package. Over three million people have completed the first part of this training, which is freely available on the NHS elearning for health hub. A long-term independent evaluation conducted by the University of Leicester is underway to assess the delivery and impact of Oliver’s Training.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_7

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to change the Pharmacy First payment threshold. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_8

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason the threshold for Pharmacy First payments has increased since July 2024. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_9

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much of the funding allocated to the Pharmacy First scheme has not been claimed by pharmacies because they did not reach the threshold since July 2024; and whether this money been reallocated. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_10

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the NICE cost effectiveness threshold. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_11

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who has been selected to represent (a) midwifery, (b) obstetrics and (c) neonatal care for his Independent Maternity and Neonatal Investigation. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_12

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of raising the threshold for Pharmacy First payments on the (a) number of pharmacies claiming payment for Pharmacy First consultations and (b) the total number of pharmacy first consultations undertaken. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_13

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to FOI-1626381, what methods of engagement were used by the Department to engage with individuals from (a) the travelling community and (b) the sex worker community as part of the development of the 10-Year Health Plan. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_14

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 72364 on Electronic Patient Records, what level on the HIMMS scale will Hinchingbrooke Hospital be required to achieve before completion as part of the New Hospital Programme. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_15

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to protect household contacts of the immunosuppressed from covid-19 infection. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_16

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19 vaccinations were available for use in England in winter (a) 2025-6, (b) 2024-5 and (c) 2023-4. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_17

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding his Department provided to Kent County Council for public health activities in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26; and whether the Council is required to use those funds to promote child vaccinations. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care allocated public health funding to Kent County Council of £86.6 million in 2024/25 and £91.3 million in 2025/26, which consists of:

Total DHSC Public Health Funding to Kent County Council, £

2024/25

2025/26

Public Health Grant

77,308,935

82,039,842

Drugs and Alcohol Treatment and recovering funding1

5,570,725

5,584,314

Start for Life Grant

1,755,000

1,799,600

Stop Smoking Services

1,944,823

1,891,779

Total

86,579,483

91,315,535

[1] Includes contributions from the Department for Work and Pensions for individual placement and support funding and from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for rough sleeping drug and alcohol treatment funding which are transferred to the Department of Health and Social Care, and paid out via Department of Health and Social Care grants.

Core funding for local authorities’ public health responsibilities is provided through the Public Health Grant. Local authorities are responsible for deciding how best to use this funding in support of their public health responsibilities. There is no specific requirement for them to use it to support access to National Health Service childhood immunisations, but local authority funded services may play an active role in promoting uptake of childhood vaccinations – for example through local authority-commissioned health visiting services that may advise parents on childhood vaccinations.