theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_296
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_296

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she expects the final evaluation report for the Rural Mobility Fund to be published. \p Simon Lightwood: The Rural Mobility Fund evaluation consists of two elements – a first stage including monitoring data collection and a process evaluation and a second stage including impact and value for money evaluation.

An interim monitoring data collection and process evaluation report was published in September 2023 and a second concluding process evaluation report will be published later this year.

The impact and value for money evaluation will be published in 2026.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_297
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_297

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the final evaluation report for the Rural Mobility Fund will include a conclusion on the optimum zone size for Demand-Responsive Transport services. \p Simon Lightwood: The Rural Mobility Fund (RMF) impact and value for money evaluation will seek to explore what works best, when and why in the RMF scheme areas (rural and suburban). However, it may be the case that there is no single optimal zone size, as the optimal size may vary depending on the number of vehicles in operation, hours of operation, traffic congestion, rurality, population density, other transport infrastructure and connections and demographics.

Additionally, DRT Best Practice Guidance is being developed which will support local authorities in determining whether DRT might be a suitable option in certain areas.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_298
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_298

Chris Ward:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that (a) taxi and (b) private hire journeys either (i) start or (ii) finish within licensed vehicle areas. \p Simon Lightwood: It is widely accepted that taxis and private hire vehicles have always been permitted to carry pre-booked fares outside the area in which they are licensed. This allows the sector to work more flexibly to meet the needs of their passengers.

Licensing authorities in England are required by law to share safeguarding or road safety concerns about taxi and private hire vehicle drivers licensed in other areas with the authority that issued the licence. The authority that issued the licence must then consider whether to suspend or revoke the driver’s licence.

The Department for Transport has issued guidance to licensing authorities which includes ways that authorities can, if needed, seek increased compliance and enforcement powers. Licensing authorities can jointly authorise each other's officers or can seek additional powers over all licensed vehicles and drivers through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. Licensing authorities can also undertake joint enforcement operations.

The Government recognises concerns around out-of-area working and is considering options to strengthen the regulation of the sector.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_299
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_299

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) average waiting time for people phoning and (b) time people spent on hold for the DVLA was in 2024. \p Lilian Greenwood: In the calendar year 2024, the average waiting time for someone telephoning the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to be connected to an advisor was 12 minutes 8 seconds.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_300
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_300

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much was spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation for people contacting the DVLA in 2024. \p Lilian Greenwood: In the financial year 2023-24 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency spent a total of £28,403 on translation and interpretation services, including Welsh language and sign language translations.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_301
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_301

Natalie Fleet:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with National Highways on works to improve congestion at junction 28 of the M1. \p Lilian Greenwood: Officials from my Department regularly engage with National Highways on the progress of proposals to improve the safety and performance of Junction 28 of the M1. The proposals are in early stages of development and are being considered for possible delivery as part of a future Road Investment Strategy.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_302
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_302

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the suspension of USAID programmes on his Department's international development programmes. \p Anneliese Dodds: We are currently working to assess the implications of the US funding pause across development sectors. We welcome the news that emergency food aid and life-saving humanitarian assistance should be exempt from the pause in US foreign aid. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work with international partners toward that vision.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_303
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_303

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to increase funding to UNRWA. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since the Foreign Secretary restored funding to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in July 2024, the UK has committed £41 million this financial year to UNRWA, to deliver essential services for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to Palestinian refugees across the region. The UK remains opposed to anti-UNRWA Knesset legislation which came into force on 30 January, and unequivocally rejects attempts to undermine or degrade UNRWA. UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza and enabling the broader international response through its logistics and distribution network. We reiterated this position in our E3 joint Foreign Ministers' statement of 31 January, alongside France and Germany. As with all Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend, any new allocations provided to delivery partners (including UNRWA) are announced in the usual way.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_304
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_304

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the number of reports of Hamas using UNRWA facilities. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Prime Minister was pleased to speak with Emily Damari on 31 January and was deeply moved by her personal story. We are aware of the various reports since 7 October 2023 of Hamas using the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facilities. UNRWA Commissioner General Phillipe Lazzarini has since stated that UNRWA takes any such allegations extremely seriously, and that UNRWA was forced to vacate all its installations in the north of Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, on 13 October 2023. We welcome the fact that UNRWA has said there should be independent investigations into any misuse of its facilities by Palestinian armed militants, including Hamas. Furthermore, following Catherine Colonna's Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by UNRWA to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality, UNRWA set out an action plan with detailed management reforms. As the Minister for Development told the House on 28 January, she has discussed the issue of neutrality with UNRWA's leadership, including directly with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. She also spoke to UNRWA staff members on their work to implement the recommendations of the Colonna report during her visit to the region on 3-5 December.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_305
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_305

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 23888 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Flags, which flags other than the Union and Ukraine flags have been flown by his Department since 5 July 2024; and what was the estimated cost was of flying those flags. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's flag flying policy is that any additional flags flown on the estate are considered on a case-by-case basis and must have a compelling reason for inclusion in the flag flying schedule. Since 5th July 2024, in addition to the Union and Ukrainian flags, King Charles Street has flown the following flags externally on the roof flag poles: British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Rainbow, International Day of Criminal Justice, Falklands, Tristan da Cunha, Gibraltar, Commonwealth, United Nations, British Indian Ocean Territory, St Andrew's Saltire, Pitcairn Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. All of these flags were held in stock and no cost was associated with flying these flags from 5 July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_306
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_306

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department (a) monitors and (b) reviews the granting of visa applications to British citizens by the Government of India. \p Catherine West: The UK government does not monitor or review individual visa applications made by British citizens to the Government of India.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_307
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_307

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the British Council on the UK soft power and diplomacy. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The British Council plays a leading role in promoting UK values and interests through its work in arts and culture, education, and promotion of the English language.

The British Council's 2023 Global Perceptions report survey demonstrates that cultural relations initiatives are connected to higher levels of trust in the UK Government. The average score for trust in the UK Government given by young people surveyed across the G20 was 54%. However, for those who had participated in a UK cultural initiative, the score was 62%, and where this initiative was produced by the British Council, it was 69%.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_308

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2025 to Question 26628 on USA: World Health Organisation, whether he plans to increase the monetary value of the UK contribution to the World Health Organisation as a consequence of the departure of the United States. \p Anneliese Dodds: I refer the Hon. Member to my answer of 5 February 2025 to Question 26628, which can be found on the Q&A web pages: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-01-27/26628. Further information on the UK's support to the World Health Organization can be found in my recent Written Ministerial Statement: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-11-21/hcws243. The UK will continue to work with all international partners and the World Health Organization to create a healthier and safer world.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_309

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle global child malnutrition. \p Anneliese Dodds: Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger, and tackling malnutrition, is essential to our mission of a world free from poverty on a liveable planet. Malnutrition is the underlying cause of 45% of child deaths and 20% of maternal deaths and the UK is committed to acting with urgency. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is a co-founder of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), which supports partner governments to procure essential nutrition commodities and to prevent and detect malnutrition. Since 2021 the UK has contributed £15.74 million to the CNF and committed a further £8.55 million.

The UK continues to champion the integration of nutrition across different sectors such as health, agriculture, humanitarian, and climate, in order to achieve improved nutrition outcomes alongside successes on other UK development priorities.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_310
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_310

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the global immunisation of children living in poverty. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We have supported Gavi to immunise 300 million children and save up to 8 million lives from vaccine-preventable diseases. Since 2000, Gavi has vaccinated more than 1 billion children, saving over 18 million lives. We have committed £1.65 billion to the current strategic period for Gavi, covering 2021-2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_311
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_311

Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen partnerships with (a) humanitarian organisations, (b) women-led organisations and (c) local civil society in development work. \p Anneliese Dodds: A vibrant civil society is one of the most important ingredients of a healthy democracy. The FCDO recognises that stronger, more inclusive engagement with partners and local organisations can better empower those that development and humanitarian efforts are designed to serve, so we are changing how we work with local civil society, prioritising their sustainability and helping them to advocate for the needs of their communities.

FCDO has also committed to putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do. This includes working to ensure that international responses better reflect the voices, needs, experience, and aspirations of affected populations, in particular women and girls. We are driving change by advocating for the systematic and meaningful participation of women in humanitarian action, which includes partnerships and direct funding of women-led organisations.

Through the UK's flagship partnership with the Equality Fund, funding has helped them reach over 1000 women's rights organisations across the globe, including in regions affected by conflict. The UK has supported the Start Network since its inception to deliver rapid NGO-led humanitarian crisis responses, with locally-led action central to this work. In December, the Prime Minister announced £37 million for the Grassroots and Counter Rollback Programme (2024-29). This will strengthen local and national civil society organisations and movements to expand access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and counter rollback, within their own communities and countries.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_312
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_312

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid from (a) UK and (b) international NGOs and partners to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian impacts of the current situation in North Kivu. At the United Nations Security Council, the UK called on all parties not to obstruct the vital services that humanitarians are providing, and to cease hostilities and uphold the protection of humanitarian workers, as outlined in international humanitarian law. We also urged all parties to consider humanitarian corridors to restore essential services and ensure the safe passage of civilians and aid. The UK remains committed to supporting those most in need, providing £62 million this year in lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_313
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_313

Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help mitigate the potential impact of USAID’s funding pause on the UK’s international development programmes. \p Anneliese Dodds: We are currently working to assess the implications of the US funding pause across development sectors. We welcome the news that emergency food aid and life-saving humanitarian assistance should be exempt from the pause in US foreign aid.

The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme budget will be £9.24 billion in 2025/26. The FCDO will allocate budgets in line with UK priorities.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_314
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_314

Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterparts in other donor countries on responding to the decision to pause USAID funding. \p Anneliese Dodds: Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work with all international partnerships toward that vision. We are currently working to assess the implications of the USAID funding pause and working with partners to gather information and analysis of the pause. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_315
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_315

Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many UK aid programmes have been (a) paused and (b) otherwise affected by the USAID funding pause. \p Anneliese Dodds: We are currently working to assess the implications of the US funding pause across development sectors. We welcome the news that emergency food aid and life-saving humanitarian assistance should be exempt from the pause in US foreign aid. We are assessing implications in other humanitarian and development sectors. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_316
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_316

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to increase funding to the World Health Organisation. \p Anneliese Dodds: In November 2024, the UK announced new funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in support of its delivery and transformation agenda. The UK will continue to work with the WHO, Member States and other partners to support WHO's ongoing transformation and to strengthen its efficiency, transparency and responsiveness.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_317
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_317

Josh MacAlister:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase the provision of mental health services in rural areas. \p Stephen Kinnock: Integrated care boards are responsible for providing mental health services to meet the needs of their local populations.

As part of our plan for change, we will reduce delays and provide faster treatment.

We are working with NHS England to transform mental health services, shift care from hospitals to local communities and increase access to support for people across the country, including rural areas.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_318
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_318

Maureen Burke:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce barriers to treatment and care between UK nations. \p Ashley Dalton: While health is predominantly devolved, working together across the United Kingdom on health and social care is ingrained in our values. NHS emergency care is available for all patients, regardless of borders and we are working with the Devolved Governments to support people to lead independent, healthier lives for longer. This government has provided an additional £6.6 billion through the Barnett formula to support the Scottish Government.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_319
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_319

Sally Jameson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services. \p Stephen Kinnock: We are determined to rebuild dentistry for the long term.

We will deliver an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments; reform the dental contract; and introduce supervised toothbrushing for three- to five-year-olds in the most deprived communities.

We are working with the dental sector, including the British Dental Association, to deliver these shared ambitions.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_320
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_320

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services. \p Stephen Kinnock: We are determined to rebuild dentistry for the long term.

We will deliver an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments; reform the dental contract; and introduce supervised toothbrushing for three- to five-year-olds in the most deprived communities.

We are working with the dental sector, including the British Dental Association, to deliver these shared ambitions.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_321
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_321

Catherine Atkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services. \p Stephen Kinnock: We are determined to rebuild dentistry for the long term.

We will deliver an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments; reform the dental contract; and introduce supervised toothbrushing for three- to five-year-olds in the most deprived communities.

We are working with the dental sector, including the British Dental Association, to deliver these shared ambitions.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_322
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_322

Daniel Francis:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to shift care from hospitals into the community. \p Stephen Kinnock: We are determined to transform the NHS into a neighbourhood health service. As a downpayment we have announced the biggest boost to GP funding in years - an extra £889 million.

However, the reform needed to shift health care from hospital to community will come through our 10 year plan.

We are also making the biggest investment into hospices in a generation, boosting the Disabled Facilities Grant by £86 million and implementing an Elective Reform Plan that will see more tests and scans delivered in the community.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_323
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_323

Tonia Antoniazzi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to medical cannabis on the NHS. \p Karin Smyth: Licensed cannabis-based medicines are routinely funded by the NHS where there is clear evidence of their quality, safety and effectiveness. Two licensed cannabis-based medicines are available for prescribing on the NHS, but more research is required on unlicensed cannabis-based medicines to inform use on the NHS. We are supporting this by investing over £8.5m in randomised clinical trials.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_324
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_324

John Glen:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to tackle ADHD medication shortages. \p Karin Smyth: The Department has worked intensively with industry and some supply issues with ADHD medicines have been resolved. We continue to engage with suppliers and also the NHS to resolve the remaining issues as quickly as possible, and improve the planning of future demand. I understand concerns in this area and would be happy to give my time to MPs, to sit down with the experts, to explain this further.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_325
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_325

Peter Lamb:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure the long-term future of Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre. \p Karin Smyth: Urgent Treatment Centres have played a vital role in supporting patients while A&Es were under high demand this winter. We’ve taken action – announcing an extra £26 billion at the budget, rolling out the new RSV vaccine, and ending the resident doctor strikes. The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for decisions on commissioning services for the local community.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_326
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_326

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to allow bids for the New Hospital Programme from hospitals which did not bid previously. \p Karin Smyth: At this stage, the Government does not have plans to add additional schemes into the New Hospital Programme (NHP) but is committed to tackling the crumbling estate through the full breadth of capital investment, of which the NHP is only one element.

The purpose of the review into the NHP was to put the programme onto a realistic and sustainable footing through a new costed and prioritised timetable for the delivery of the schemes already in the NHP. The NHP’s Plan for Implementation sets out the outcome of the review, is published on the GOV.UK website, and is available at the following link:

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

The Department has a £13.6 billion capital settlement for 2025/26, from which the Department has allocated £4 billion to integrated care boards in annual operational capital allocations. These allocations are managed locally, with funds allocated towards local priorities. In addition, my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, also committed over £1 billion to make inroads into the backlog of critical maintenance and to tackle dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. £1.35 billion will be allocated to systems to support their progress towards achieving constitutional standards, with a focus on improving the efficiency and productivity of existing workforces as well as capacity. Capital funding levels for future years will be determined through the current Spending Review which concludes in June 2025. This combined investment will be felt in all parts of the National Health Service estate in England.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_327
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_327

Nesil Caliskan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle shortages of medicine for people with (a) epilepsy and (b) Parkinson’s disease. \p Karin Smyth: The Department is working hard with industry to help resolve intermittent supply issues with some epilepsy medications. As a result of ongoing activity and intensive work, including directing suppliers to expedite deliveries, most issues, including with carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and oxcarbazepine presentations, have been resolved.

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

The Department is aware of supply constraints with one supplier of amantadine 100 milligram capsules used in the management of Parkinson’s Disease, however stocks remain available from alternative suppliers to cover demand. The Department has also been notified of a discontinuation of apomorphine (APO-go PFS) 50 milligram/10millilitre pre-filled syringes from April 2025. Alternative formulations of apomorphine remain available for patients, and management guidance has been issued to the NHS.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_328
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_328

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the waiting lists for gynealogical referals in London. \p Karin Smyth: Patients have been let down for too long whilst they wait for the care they need. At the end of November 2024, the gynaecology waiting list in London stood at 99,018, with 57.1% of patient pathways waiting less than 18 weeks.

As set out in the Plan for Change, we have committed to return to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients, including those waiting for gynaecology services, wait no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment by March 2029.

There are a range of efforts underway, nationally and in London, to reduce the time patients are waiting for gynaecological care. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the productivity and reform efforts we will undertake to return to the 18-week standard, and will ensure that patients have the best possible experience while they wait. This includes commitments to support innovative models that offer patients care closer to home, in the community, and piloting gynaecology pathways in community diagnostic centres for patients with post-menopausal bleeding. We have also committed to increasing the relative funding available to support gynaecology procedures with the largest waiting lists and reviewing support options from the independent sector.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_329
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_329

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 21831 on Cancer: Drugs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the findings on page 21 of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations’ publication entitled EFPIA Patients W.A.I.T. Indicator 2023 Survey, published in June 2024, that 25% of new oncology medicines approved by the European Medicines Agency had full public availability to English patients in 2019-2022. \p Karin Smyth: The Government wants National Health Service patients to benefit from effective NHS treatments at a price that is fair to the NHS and the taxpayer. It is important that we have a system in place for making evidence-based decisions on whether new medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS, based on an assessment of their costs and benefits.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends most new licensed cancer medicines for use in the treatment of eligible NHS patients in England. Since 2019, 89% of NICE appraisals of cancer medicines have resulted in a positive recommendation for some or all of the eligible patient population.

Other countries operate very different health systems and direct comparisons in medicine availability are very difficult to make. The NICE’s methods establish what is considered value for money for the NHS in England and overall, the rate of the availability of cancer medicines in England is higher than the European average.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_330
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_330

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) transparency and (b) public trust in the collection and sharing of NHS patient data. \p Karin Smyth: Strong public trust is critical for the collection and sharing of National Health Service patient data, and transparency is key to building that trust and retaining public confidence.

NHS England publishes a range of documentation to maintain transparency about how data is used. These include:

- directions made by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to NHS England to establish information systems;

- Data Protection Impact Assessments and other documentation, which provide information on how the information will be used in particular programmes; and

- data use registers that include details of external data sharing agreements and are published monthly. All NHS Research Network Secure Data Environments also maintain a data use register that includes details of data access agreements.

Statutory roles and functions have also been established to provide confidence and assurance that data is used lawfully and for the benefit of patients. The Confidentiality Advisory Group of the Health Research Authority (HRA), provides independent, expert advice to the HRA, and to my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on the use of confidential patient information, and their minutes and a register of the applications and decisions made are published. The National Data Guardian (NDG) provides advice to help ensure that people’s confidential information is kept safe and used properly. The eight Caldicott rules established by the previous NDG set out key principles for the use of confidential information, including that individuals are informed about how their data is used. Caldicott guardians in every NHS organisation work to ensure these principles are upheld. The NDG publishes an annual report on their work and objectives.

To further build trust, we are delivering a national programme of large-scale public engagement on data which will reach over 6,000 people across England, representative of our diverse communities. This provides the opportunity for us to meaningfully involve the public in decisions and changes to how their health data is used, and complements smaller-scale activities carried out by data programmes throughout the NHS.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_331
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_331

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what purposes NHS Property Services has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months. \p Karin Smyth: Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country.

NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is at an early stage of trialling AI technology to enhance its service offer for customers and to support its staff. This includes integrating AI into its cyber security, piloting its use as an assistant for customer support advisers, using it for data analysis on its staff survey results and employee development offer, and trialling Microsoft 365 Copilot. An AI ethics framework has been established across NHSPS to ensure appropriate controls and governance regarding AI usage.

NHSPS can draw on a range of resources, published on the GOV.UK website, to inform AI usage.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_332
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_332

Will Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of whether the Bath, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board's decision to award a contract to HCRG Care Group for community-based care (a) includes social value in the contract, (b) conducts a public interest test for procurement and (c) ensures value for money while achieving the goals in the Business Case. \p Karin Smyth: Following a procurement process, HCRG Care Group will lead an innovative partnership with the National Health Service, local authorities, and voluntary sector groups, and will take responsibility for community services from 1 April 2025, under a contract that will run for at least a seven-year period.

The performance of HCRG Care Group, both from a clinical and non-clinical perspective, will be subject to the same scrutiny as all other health and care providers commissioned by the integrated care board (ICB), which includes NHS and non-NHS organisations. The contract contains the usual safeguards and ability to issue notices, as is standard with all NHS contracts. There is a fixed financial envelope, and the provider is contractually required to deliver the services from within this funding. HCRG Care Group will also be required to undertake regular reporting regarding financial performance to the ICB.

I understand from the ICB that social value contributions will be monitored as part of the contract monitoring process. As part of procurement evaluation, 10% of the score was weighted to social value benefits in line with central guidance. The commitments made by HCRG Care Group within their bid form part of their contract.

Furthermore, the ICB report that they had a legal duty to proceed to procurement because existing contracts were ending and there was no scope to legally extend them further. Reprocuring the contract could not be subject to consultation as it was not optional. The procurement was carried out in line with the requirements of the process, and therefore, commissioners are required to abide by the outcome.

Engagement with patients and the public took place on the ICB’s Health and Care model and elements of the ICB’s Integrated Care Strategy, which gave a framework of the priorities that fed into market engagement events with providers. These events shaped the primary and community questions response from the ICB’s Delivery Plan, and subsequent transformation priorities and key outcomes for integrated community-based care, which formed the basis of the Integrated Community Based Care programme, and the procurement.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_333
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_333

Nick Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) Newington Road Surgery limited, (b) Lockwood Surgery prime health ltd, (c) Fieldhead health limited, (d) Mid Dorset primary healthcare limited, (e) Fieldhead property ltd, (f) Fieldhead medical services ltd, (g) Lockwood property ltd, (h) Gamaq Lockwood limited, (i) Gamaq Nook limited, (j) Viaduct care network limited, (k) Greenwood PCN limited and (l) Blue PCN limited have been subject to rulings by the Care Quality Commission. \p Ashley Dalton: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) can bring prosecutions against providers. The CQC has not brought any criminal prosecutions against any of the providers referred to in the Hon. Member’s question. All prosecutions are published on the CQC website, and are available at the following link:  https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-do-our-job/prosecutions

The CQC can also bring civil enforcement action against providers, which includes warning notices. The CQC issued Newington Road Surgery Limited with two warning notices in June 2019, for breaches of Regulations 13 (Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment) and Regulation 17 (Good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.   The CQC also issued two further warning notices to this provider in March 2022 for breaches of Regulations 12 (Safe care and treatment) and Regulation 17 (Good governance).
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_334
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_334

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps his Department has taken to improve (a) the provision of and (b) access to palliative care. \p Stephen Kinnock: Palliative care services are included in the list of services that integrated care boards (ICBs) must commission. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative and end of life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.

NHS England has also developed a palliative and end of life care dashboard, which brings together all relevant local data in one place. The dashboard helps commissioners understand the palliative and end of life care needs of those in their local population, thereby enabling ICBs to put plans in place to address and track the improvement of health inequalities.

We have committed to develop a 10-year plan, to deliver a National Health Service fit for the future, and as part of this we will carefully be considering policies, including those that impact people with palliative and end of life care needs, with input from the public, patients, health staff, and our stakeholders as we develop the plan.

I met with key palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders on 3 February 2025 to discuss the long-term sustainability of palliative and end of life care, within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_335
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_335

Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people are seeking support for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle, d) the North East (e) England. \p Stephen Kinnock: NHS England has advised that the information requested is not available in the format requested. This is because it is not possible to specifically identify avoidant restrictive food intake disorder in relation to other eating disorders within the Mental Health Services Dataset.
wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_336
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_336

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to retain the 66.7% national dementia diagnosis rate target for the 2025-26 financial year. \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/answers2025-02-11 conversation_337
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_337

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2025 to Question 26911 on Dental Services: Contracts, how many NHS dental providers have had to return their contracts in each month since January 2020. \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/answers2025-02-11 conversation_338
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_338

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many nursing shifts went unfilled at acute NHS trusts in each month since January 2020. \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/answers2025-02-11 conversation_339
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_339

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the prevalence in the use of off-framework agency staff by NHS providers; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of using these staff on NHS finances. \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/answers2025-02-11 conversation_340
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_340

Nick Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) companies and (b) subsidiaries trading under (i) E-Harley Healthcare Services Ltd and (ii) Harley Street Health Online Ltd been subject to rulings by the Care Quality Commission. \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/answers2025-02-11 conversation_341
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-11 conversation_341

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of future trends in the level of prostate cancer rates up to May 2028. \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.