theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Jessica Toale:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of providing taxi companies and drivers with autism awareness training. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government keeps all policies under review and is aware that neurodiverse people can face inadequate or discriminatory treatment when using taxis and private hire vehicles. We recognise the role of effective training in equipping drivers and operator staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support passengers appropriately. The latest best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England confirms our expectation that all drivers undergo training which should include, among other topics, how to engage with people with different communication needs.

The Government continues to consider how to improve the regulation of the sector to enable the provision of safe and accessible services that meet a wide range of passenger needs.
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Jessica Toale:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure public transport is accessible for adults and children who are neurodiverse. \p Simon Lightwood: This Government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services, so they are more inclusive and enable people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. This includes making sure that all passengers, whether adults or children, can make the journeys that they want and need to make.

As we bring forward bus reform, Great British Railways and a new Passenger Standards Authority, as well producing our vision for the future of transport through the Integrated National Transport Strategy, we will listen carefully to all people and their representatives as we make transport safe, inclusive and accessible for all.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has plans to include Aldridge station in the proposed Wrexham to London Euston open access line. \p Simon Lightwood: Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway, the applicant behind the Wrexham to Euston proposal, is an aspirant open access operator and as such has no direct contractual arrangement or direct financial support from Government. Therefore, although the Department recently supported this application, it has no remit over Wrexham, Shopshire & Midlands Railway and their operations, including proposed station stops, as this would be a commercial decision to be taken directly by the operator.
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the economic contribution of light railways. \p Simon Lightwood: Responsibility for light rail is devolved in England, where each local authority owns and is responsible for the operations and financial sustainability of its system.

The economic contribution of each scheme can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including specific project conditions and requirements, geography, urban density, and land values.

The Department will continue to work alongside local authorities to assess the economic contribution of light rail schemes.
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support light railway projects. \p Simon Lightwood: Responsibility for light rail is devolved in England, where each local authority owns and is responsible for the operations and financial sustainability of its system.

Future local transport funding is subject to the outcome of the upcoming Spending Review.
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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance her Department provides to define (a) stranded, (b) stranded and (c) abandoned vessels under section 252 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. \p Mike Kane: The gov.uk website provides a definition of abandoned when discussing derelict vessels. Guidance is available on Wreck and salvage law - GOV.UK and port association websites.
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Mrs Sharon Hodgson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her plans to improve the safety of the rail network for women and girls will include changes to existing roles and responsibilities on (a) safety and (b) tackling (i) crime and (ii) anti-social behaviour. \p Simon Lightwood: Ensuring the safety of passengers on the rail network is a priority for the department. We work closely with BTP, the rail industry, and Home Office police forces for cross government strategies to tackle violence against women and girls, and we have ambitions in this space to reduce offences on the transport network.

There are currently no plans to change existing roles and responsibilities regarding safety and tackling crime and anti-social behavior. The British Transport Police will continue to police the rail network in England, Scotland and Wales.
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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will published updated guidance to define (a) sunk, (b) stranded and (c) abandoned vessels for the under the terms of s.252 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. \p Mike Kane: At present there is no evidence that the department has received that suggests that the definitions require updating. The department keeps all of its guidance under review and should there be a need to, updates guidance accordingly.
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve rail infrastructure using dormant rail lines. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government believes that local transport authorities are best placed to advocate for projects which will most benefit their local areas. The ultimate aim is to encourage strong business cases, which effectively identify the optimal transport solution, which support growth, more homes and increased job opportunities.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to correspondence from the hon. Member for Henley and Thame of (a) 21 November 2024 and (b) 13 January 2025, what steps his Department is taking to reconsider the inclusion of Ewelme in Project Gigabit for Oxfordshire. \p Chris Bryant: Based on the latest information shared by broadband suppliers regarding their commercial build plans in the area, we currently expect most premises in Ewelme to gain access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection from commercial operators without the need for support through Project Gigabit.

We are seeking to bring any remaining premises in Ewelme, that are unlikely to be reached by these plans, into one of the Project Gigabit contracts being delivered by Gigaclear in Oxfordshire. There will also be a wider review of the area this year, which will involve consulting with various suppliers regarding additional interventions to connect premises in Ewelme if required.

We have responded with further details to both items of correspondence to which the hon. Member refers.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will meet with Silver Voices to discuss their safety concerns in relation to the digital switchover. \p Chris Bryant: This is an issue that the new Government takes especially seriously, which is why my officials have been in regular contact with Silver Voices and met them on two occasions.

I will write separately with further detail on the Public Switched Telephone Network to Voice over Internet Protocol migration and the actions we have taken to ensure people transition safely.
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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the transition to digital telecommunications infrastructure on (a) older and (b) vulnerable people in (i) Scotland and (ii) other areas where digital signal coverage is limited; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that telecoms providers implement enhanced safety measures for at-risk people before proceeding with the withdrawal of traditional landline services in 2027. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is determined to ensure that any and all risks of the industry-led migration from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated, for all customers across the UK.

The Department has acknowledged that customers who may be considered vulnerable in the context of the digital switchover may require additional support. A definition of a vulnerable customers was published in November 2024. It includes those who are telecare users and those dependent on their landline. Any customer, including the elderly, can also self-identify as requiring additional support.

Communication providers and network operators signed voluntary charters in December 2023 and March 2024, committing to protect vulnerable consumers during the PSTN migration. On 18 November 2024, the major communication providers agreed to adhere to further safeguards set out in the non-voluntary migrations checklist before restarting non-voluntary migration of customers.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help protect (a) women and (b) girls from deepfake pornography. \p Feryal Clark: Online safety is a priority for government. Services in scope of the Online Safety Act must remove illegal content and protect children from harmful content - including when this content is AI-generated. Services providing pornographic content must use highly effective age assurance to ensure that children cannot access it.

We are committed to tackling the atrocious harm posed by the creation of non-consensual intimate images and are bringing in legislation to criminalise this behaviour in the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
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Dan Tomlinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the document entitled CEF Funded Projects, published on 31 July 2024, how many projects his Department had funded in total through the Community Energy Fund by 31 December 2024; and if he will list each project funded between 1 August and 31 December 2024 broken down by (a) Local Net Zero Hub region, (b) community group and (c) grant value. \p Michael Shanks: The Community Energy Fund enables both rural and urban communities across England to access grant funding to develop local renewable energy projects for investment.

Projects funded by the Community Energy Fund are published on GOV.UK. This list will be updated in due course to include projects funded during the period from 1 August to 31 December 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-net-zero-support-for-local-authorities-and-communities/local-net-zero-central-support-for-local-authorities-and-communities#community-energy.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking through the Warm Homes Plan to help ensure that (a) homes occupied by low-income families and (b) all homes meet high energy efficiency standards. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government has pledged to take action to stand with tenants and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes, and has committed an initial £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency, with £1bn of this allocated to 2025/2026. We have published our consultation on improving energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector in England and Wales, containing proposals that could lift up to half a million households in England out of fuel poverty by 2030. Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out in due course.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the (a) workforce, (b) skills of the workforce and (c) funding is adequate to support the roll-out of his Department's retro-fitting schemes. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department has invested over £25 million to establish three Skills Training Competitions and the Heat Training Grant, which subsidise 33,000 retrofit training opportunities. The Heat Training Grant is on track to train 10,000 trained heat pump and heat network installers by April this year. These initiatives support the delivery of the Department’s retrofit schemes. The Government will continue to work with industry to facilitate a competent and robust retrofit supply chain in which businesses can grow. Further detail will be set out in our Warm Homes Plan later this year.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that (a) heat pumps and (b) other renewable heating solutions are (i) accessible and (ii) affordable. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Under the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, policies including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Local Grant and Energy Company Obligation are delivering financial support for low carbon heating. Heat pump installations are also zero-rated for VAT.

The Government will also amend Permitted Development Rights, removing the 1m rule for air source heat pump installations in England.

We expect most properties will ultimately switch to heat pumps, with evidence showing they are widely suitable across UK housing archetypes. The Government will keep this position under review as the evidence base on possible alternatives develops.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) local authorities and (b) community groups that provide energy efficiency improvements receive adequate funding to implement his Department's policies as set out in the Warm Homes Plan. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future. We will partner with combined authorities and local and devolved governments to roll out this plan. We will set out full details of our Warm Homes Plan in due course.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for publication of the review of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. \p Sarah Jones: I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to my hon Friend the Member for Falkirk (Euan Stainbank) on 29 January 2025 to Question UIN 25410.
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Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage the adoption of low-cost, room-based air conditioner heat pumps; and if he will have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on (a) reducing VAT and (b) introducing carbon reduction heat pump grants for those pumps. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: There is a 0% rate of VAT on the installation of heat pumps, including air-to-air systems, due to last until 2027. The Government wants to target grant support at technologies that offer the greatest potential to decarbonise our buildings, and in most cases air-to-air heat pumps only provide space heating, with many installations still reliant on another less efficient appliance to provide hot water. The Government will, however, keep its position on alternative electric heating technologies under review, utilising the latest evidence before making any decisions.
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Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The department launched the consultation ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes’ on 7 February 2025, with more information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update (opens in a new tab)

As per the department's accessible documents policy, the consultation document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform.

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an accessible format by emailing xxx@xxx.xx. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact xxx@xxx.xx.
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Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the Review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy: consultation document, published on 7 February 2025. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The department launched the consultation ‘Review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy’ on 7 February 2025, with more information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-fuel-poverty-strategy

(opens in a new tab)

As per the department's accessible documents policy, the consultation document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform.

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an accessible format by emailing xxx@xxx.xx. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact xxx@xxx.xx.
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Jade Botterill:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to the Mineworkers Pension Scheme on the living standards of the recipients of that pension in Ossett and Denby Dale constituency. \p Sarah Jones: At the end of November last year, the first uprated payments for the Mineworkers Pension Scheme landed for over 100,000 miners and their families. This is an average increase of 32% on their monthly payments (or an average additional £28/week).
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his department will make an assessment on the potential merits of the heating-as-a-service (HaaS) business model as a solution to tackle high energy bills in the private rented sector. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government has pledged to take action to stand with tenants and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes. We are currently consulting on plans to reduce energy bills by increasing standards in the private rented sector in England and Wales.

As Government-funded trials have shown, Heat-as-a-Service is a potentially attractive way for consumers to finance the installation and operation of low carbon heating systems. We continue to explore how Government can enable these types of business models, while working to ensure consumers are protected.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his Department's timetable is for publishing submissions to the consultation entitled Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, opened in December 2020; and what plans he has to publish new minimum energy efficiency standards for non-residential buildings. \p Sarah Jones: The Government published the ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales’ consultation on 7 February 2025. This consultation includes government responses to the 2020 consultation on ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes’.

Responses to the 2019 and 2021 consultations on minimum energy efficiency standards in the non-domestic private rented sector are being reviewed to inform the policy design and ensure it remains fair and appropriate for landlords and tenants, with the aim to publish in the early part of 2025.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish the research paper entitled UK:EU Ecofin Regulatory Divergence Study of minimum energy efficiency performance standards (MEPS) for water pumps, vacuum cleaners and tumble dryers, commissioned from Riccardo-AEA Ltd in May 2022; and if he will make it his policy to seek to align related regulations with future EU's Ecofin regulations. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: A summary of the research is available. We will consult on the merits of alignment with new EU regulations and will align where it makes sense to do so. GB may choose not to align if it is not in the interests of consumers, businesses, and our wider policy goals.

UK-EU EcoDesign Regulatory Divergence Study - Summ (pdf, 325.5KB)
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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the recommendation 10.4 of the report entitled Road fuel market study, published by the Competitions and Markets Authority on 8 July 2023, if he will take steps to introduce a statutory fuel finder scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government response to the road fuels consultation published on 30 October 2024 confirmed that the Government will implement the recommendation made by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in its Final Road Fuel Market Study to set up a statutory open data scheme for fuel prices, called Fuel Finder.

Fuel Finder will increase price transparency and help drivers easily compare prices and find the best deals. This will increase pressure on fuel retailers to compete strongly to attract customers. Subject to legislation and parliamentary timings, we aim to launch Fuel Finder by the end of 2025.
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Dr Danny Chambers:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether prevention and public health will feature in the 10 year health plan. \p Ashley Dalton: Yes. The Government’s Health Mission sets out our ambition to build a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which will be published later this year, will set out broader actions for how we shift health and care systems in England towards preventing ill-health rather than treating sickness.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of low NHS dental access in South Basildon and East Thurrock on levels of pressure on urgent care services. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term and increase access to NHS dental care, we will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.

The most common reason children aged five to nine years old are admitted to hospital is for tooth decay. We will work with local authorities and the NHS to introduce supervised tooth brushing for children aged between three and five years old in the most deprived communities. These programmes are proven to reduce tooth decay and to boost good practices at home.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with the NHS on the dementia diagnosis target rate. \p Stephen Kinnock: We remain committed to increasing dementia diagnosis rates and agree that early diagnosis is vital to ensure people with dementia can access the treatment and support they need. NHS Planning Guidance is not an exhaustive list of everything the National Health Service does, and the absence of a target does not mean it is not an area of focus. Lord Darzi’s independent review showed that a timely diagnosis is vital to ensuring that a person with dementia can access the advice, information, care, and support that can help them to live well and remain independent for as long as possible. The dementia diagnosis target has not been met for half a decade.

We have taken a new approach to NHS Planning Guidance this year, reducing the number of national directives from 32 to 18. We will only turn the NHS around by doing things differently. These are the first steps on our journey for long-term reform of the NHS.

The Darzi investigation found that there are too many targets set for the NHS, which made it hard for local systems to prioritise their actions or to be held properly accountable. Our aim is to give more power to local systems and let them decide how they use local funding to best meet the needs of their local population. This approach signals our ambition for reform and putting patients at the centre of care.

Through our extensive public engagement as part of the 10-Year Health Plan, we will continue to listen to patients’ priorities and keep focused on what matters most to the public. The 10-Year Health Plan will address the challenges diagnosed by Lord Darzi and set the vision for what good joined-up care looks like for people with a combination of complex health and care needs. It will set out how we support and enable health and social care services to work together better to provide that joined-up care.
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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to deliver early diagnosis services for osteoporosis. \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.
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many extra appointments have been made available each (a) month and (b) week at the Shrewsbury and Telford hospital since July 2024. \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.
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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the NHS 111 service is accessible to elderly patients. \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.
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Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the NHS is taking to ensure that women with Neurofibromatosis type 1 are informed of their increased risk of breast cancer at an early age. \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.
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Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the provision of specialists in female urology across England to ensure that women suffering from recurrent episodes of UTIs receive the highest levels of care. \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.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the 2025-26 NHS Payment scheme consultation notice, whether there will be a deterioration in waiting times as a result of payment limits for elective services; and whether there will be (a) a nationally set floor for level of activity of each elective service in each ICB and (b) a minimum level of provision for ADHD and ASD assessments. \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.
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Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a national redress scheme for (a) mothers and (b) children living with fetal valproate syndrome. \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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

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Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of expediting the implementation of section 95 of the Health and Care Act 2022 on the rights of disabled people. \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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_235

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he had made of the number of GP appointments performed by each of the Spine Directory Service roles in 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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_236

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of making the NHS Accessible Information Standard mandatory in all NHS England health and social care settings on the ability of (a) deaf and (b) visually impaired people to access healthcare. \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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_237

Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to increase awareness among women with Neurofibromatosis type 1 that they are entitled to breast screening from the age of 40; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of GPs taking an increased role in (a) identifying and (b) referring such women for screening. \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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_238

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of patients seeking emergency dental care in A&E in the South East of England. \p Stephen Kinnock: In 2023/24, there were 11,360 accident and emergency attendances of patients resident in South East England where there was a primary diagnosis related to dental issues. The data is from the Emergency Care Data Set, collected by NHS England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_239

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he take steps to provide mental health support for victims of tool theft. \p Stephen Kinnock: We want to ensure that mental health support is available for all who need it. As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future, we will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers across mental health services in England to reduce delays and provide faster treatment.

Anyone in England experiencing a mental health crisis can now to speak to a trained NHS professional at any time of the day through a new mental health option on NHS 111. Trained NHS staff will assess patients over the phone and guide callers with next steps, such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens, which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to accident and emergency or a hospital admission.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_240

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to work with (a) Integrated Care Boards and (b) housing providers to provide support for people leaving hospital. \p Stephen Kinnock: On 30 January 2025, the Government published the policy framework for the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2025/26, which will take effect on 1 April. The framework requires National Health Service integrated care boards (ICBs) and local authorities to agree to a joint plan to deliver the objectives of the BCF. The objectives include that local areas must agree to plans that achieve more timely and effective discharge from hospital. It is a national condition of the BCF that the development of joint plans must involve joint working with local housing authorities.

Housing adaptations, including those delivered through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), support the BCF’s objectives by helping towards the costs of making changes to people’s homes to enable them to stay well, safe, and independent at home for longer.

We have provided an immediate in-year uplift to the DFG of £86 million in 2024/25. This increase will provide approximately 7,800 additional home adaptations. This is on top of the £625 million paid to local authorities in May 2024. This uplift to the DFG will be maintained for 2025/26, so central funding for the DFG in 2025/26 will be £711 million.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_241

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to develop a national strategy to integrate health and housing services; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of such a strategy on delays in hospital discharges. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act will require local authorities to produce supported housing strategies, which will assist local authorities and partner organisations to deliver supported housing, including for people being discharged from hospital.

The Better Care Fund (BCF) policy framework for 2025/26 requires National Health Service integrated care boards and local authorities to agree to a joint plan to deliver the objectives of the BCF. The objectives include that local areas must agree to plans that achieve more timely and effective discharge from hospital. It is a national condition of the BCF that the development of joint plans must involve joint working with local housing authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_242

Mike Amesbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provision of dentistry in (a) Halton, (b) Cheshire West and (c) Chester in the last (i) three months, (ii) six months, (ii) 12 months and (iv) two years. \p Stephen Kinnock: Dental Statistics - England 2023/24, published by the NHS Business Services Authority on 22 August 2024, is available at the following link:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202324

Data for adults is measured for 24 months, and data for children is measured for 12 months, as this is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended timeframe in which adults and children should be seen by a dentist. This data is not held for three- and six-month intervals.

In the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), which includes Halton, Cheshire West and Chester, 46% of adults were seen by a National Health Service dentist in the 24 months to June 2024, compared to 40% in England.

Furthermore, 58% of children in the ICB were seen by an NHS dentist in the 12 months to June 2023, compared to 53% in England. 62% of children in the ICB were seen by an NHS dentist in the 12 months to June 2024, compared to 56% in England.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access NHS dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_243

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many secure mental health beds were available on the secure estate in each of the last ten financial years. \p Stephen Kinnock: The data requested is not centrally held nor published by NHS England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_244

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce the backlog of delayed discharges from hospitals. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is working to reduce delayed discharges, ensuring that people are not stuck in hospital beds when they are well enough to go home. We will tackle delayed discharges by improving local partnership working between the National Health Service and the social care system, making sure that people get the right support to return home as soon as possible. To drive improvements, we will work with those systems experiencing the worst discharge delays, utilising senior experts from across local government and the NHS.

On 30 January 2025, the Government published a revised Better Care Fund policy framework for 2025/26. The Better Care Fund helps local systems to plan joint health and social care, including support for those with complex discharge needs. The new framework is better aligned with the Government’s Health Mission and will take effect on 1 April 2025. As part of this, the NHS and local authorities will be expected to make measurable improvements on delayed discharges.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_245

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that all prisoners receive an initial health screening when arriving on the secure estate. \p Stephen Kinnock: Every prisoner, whether they are new into prison or have been transferred between establishments, undergoes a health screen upon arrival. This is in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance and covers immediate health problems, which includes identifying mental health or substance misuse issues, and is followed by a referral onto the appropriate health team within the prison estate, if necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_246

Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to achieve the Access and Waiting Time Standard for Children and Young People with an Eating Disorder in every area. \p Stephen Kinnock: It is vital that children and young people with a diagnosed or suspected eating disorder, as well as their families and carers, can access effective help quickly. Given this, NHS England is in the process of publishing updated commissioning guidance for children and young people with eating disorders and updated Access and Wait Time Standard guidance. NHS England has also recently published updated guidance on caring for children and young people in a mental health crisis.

The updated guidance will reflect NHS England's ambition to improve eating disorder services and align with the latest evidence-based care, improve outcomes and experiences of care, and focus on prevention, where possible, to reduce prevalence and re-occurrence. It supports providers in meeting the standard that 95% of children and young people referred for assessment or treatment for an eating disorder receive National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-approved treatment with a designated healthcare professional within one week for urgent cases, and four weeks for all other cases.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-27 conversation_247

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to support the voluntary health sector community on the Isle of Wight. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department recognises the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector as a valuable partner in improving people’s health and wellbeing. The Government is committed to resetting the relationship with civil society and unlocking its potential. We want civil society to be an equal, expert partner, integral to the delivery of the Government’s plan for a decade of national renewal, including for health and social care.

NHS England supports the voluntary sector on the Isle of Wight through investment from the Better Care Fund, alongside the Isle of Wight Council. Two substantial areas of investment are for preventative community services and support for carers.