theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of disallowing mainstream school students from being given EHCPs on (a) autistic children in mainstream schools and (b) their families. \p Catherine McKinnell: The government is determined to restore confidence in the system of support for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and ensure they get the chance to achieve and thrive in their education and beyond.

We are working with organisations who represent parents, local authorities, SEND organisations, education settings and others on how best we can strengthen the system and deliver better support for children and their parents, and we are committed to getting this right. We will set out our proposals for SEND reform in a Schools White Paper in the autumn.

The Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group has brought together experts to make recommendations on how to best meet the needs of neurodivergent children within mainstream education settings. ​

We have made no decisions at the moment on the future of education, health and care plans. There will, however, always be a legal right to additional support for those with SEND.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, on what evidential basis there is a six second time limit per question in the national multiplication tables check; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of this methodology on children with (a) special educational needs or disabilities and (b) other neurodiversity issues. \p Catherine McKinnell: The multiplication tables check (MTC) assesses fluent recall of times tables, meaning the time available is a key element. The six second time limit was decided as the most appropriate to promote effective recall following a rigorous test development process, including trials of different time allowances with over 1,000 pupils. Six seconds minimises the use of inefficient methods of working out the answer, for example counting up.

For pupils with processing difficulties, additional time was considered, but this approach would provide a less valid outcome for a check of fluency of recall. A range of alternative access arrangements are available, which schools should consider for individual pupils where appropriate to their needs.

Although the MTC was designed to be accessible to most pupils, if pupils are unable to engage with it, schools should explain to parents how they are helping the pupil to learn their multiplication tables. Multiplication and division in a wider context will continue to be assessed through the end of key stage 2 mathematics assessment, providing further opportunity for pupils to demonstrate their understanding of multiplication tables.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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John Glen:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 16 July 2025 to Question 65744 on Special Educational Needs: Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder, if her Department will take steps to include the number of children with foetal valproate spectrum disorder in future statistic reports. \p Catherine McKinnell: The department does not have any plans to collect information on the numbers of children with special educational needs (SEN) who have foetal valproate spectrum disorder.

The department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with foetal valproate spectrum disorder. The SEND code of practice makes it clear that meeting the needs of a child with SEN does not require a diagnostic label. Instead, we expect teachers to monitor the progress of all pupils and put support in place where needed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she has considered the potential merits of requiring schools to have (a) allergy policies, (b) staff training on allergy management and (c) adrenaline auto-injectors available on site. \p Catherine McKinnell: Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units to make arrangements for supporting pupils with medical conditions. Schools should ensure they are aware of any pupils with medical conditions and have policies and processes in place to ensure these can be well managed. Policies should set out how staff will be supported in carrying out their role to support pupils, including how training needs are assessed and how training is commissioned and provided. Any member of school staff providing support to a pupil with medical needs should have received suitable training.

Schools can purchase spare adrenaline auto-injectors from a pharmacy without a prescription and for use in an emergency situation.

The department intends to consult on updated statutory guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions later this year. The full guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions--3.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has had recent discussions with education stakeholders on the inclusion of financial education in the curriculum review. \p Catherine McKinnell: The Curriculum and Assessment Review is evaluating the existing national curriculum and statutory assessment system in England, to ensure they are fit for purpose, and to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work.

The Review is being informed by evidence, data and in close consultation with education professionals and other experts, parents, children and young people, and other stakeholders such as employers, universities and trade unions. This includes over 7,000 responses to the public call for evidence, and a range of research and polling.

During the public consultation, the Review Group heard consistently from parents and children that they want more focus on the applied knowledge and skills that will equip them for later life and work, such as financial education. The Review is considering whether there is sufficient coverage of these skills within subjects, and how content can remain relevant and support young people to thrive in a fast-changing world. The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in the autumn.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure schools in low-income communities can recruit and retain high-quality teachers. \p Catherine McKinnell: Recruiting and retaining more qualified, expert teachers is critical to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost the life chances for every young person.

For the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years, the department is offering a targeted retention incentive worth up to £6,000 after tax for secondary teachers in shortage subjects in the first five years of their careers who choose to work in disadvantaged schools. In Leigh and Atherton Constituency, two out of five schools are eligible for this retention payment.

The High Potential Initial Teacher Training Programme, currently delivered by Teach First, also recruits high quality candidates specifically for placement in schools serving low-income communities to help improve outcomes for pupils.

Our investment is starting to deliver: the workforce has grown by 2,346 full time employed staff between 2023/24 and 2024/25 in secondary and special schools and vacancies have fallen to their lowest since 2020.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason the UK classifies mastectomy bras under Chapter 6212 of the Harmonised System Nomenclature; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the classification approach of the EU. \p James Murray: The UK’s tariff schedule, known as the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), adheres to global classification standards. The UK classification of mastectomy bras follows the harmonised commodity description system, which was developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Following EU exit, the UK continues to follow the WCO classification, implemented under the TCTA.

We continue to monitor the UKGT to ensure our Most Favoured Nation tariff schedule functions as effectively as possible, supports domestic priorities, and provides a stable operating environment for businesses.

Businesses are able to request the partial or full liberalisation of the import duty applied to the products under this commodity code, including mastectomy bras either through the online feedback form or the next business suspensions window.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-28)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has held recent discussions with relevant experts on the Government’s review into the legal frameworks governing subsea telecommunications cables. \p Chris Bryant: DSIT works closely with relevant experts including other government departments, international partners, academics and industry to develop policies to help ensure the security and resilience of subsea telecoms cables. This includes regular discussions on the role of legal frameworks governing subsea telecommunications, which are informing our review. The Government is, of course, incorporating legal advice into its review of the legal frameworks governing subsea telecoms cables. That advice is confidential and legally privileged.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of tax receipts from the hair and beauty sector. \p James Murray: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not hold readily available analysis on tax receipts from the hair and beauty sector.
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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many retailers with a retail value of under £51,000 are based on retail parks. \p James Murray: The Valuation Office Agency does not hold information specific to retail parks.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much money has been raised by the addition of VAT to school fees in the 2024-25 financial year. \p James Murray: The Annex to the Government Response to the Technical Note, Government_Response_to_the_Technical_Note_on_Applying_VAT_to_Private_School_Fees_and_Removing_the_Business_Rates_Charitable_Rate_Relief.pdf, sets out the expected VAT revenue resulting from this measure and the costing methodology. The Government estimates that it will raise £460 million in 2024/25, rising to £1,725 million in 2029/30.

VAT revenue overall is recognised in the National Accounts on an accruals basis. As set out in the above Annex, the VAT liability in 2024/25 is time apportioned for the implementation date of 1 January 2025. The actual VAT liability reported on VAT returns for any month or quarter will depend on various factors, including the date when schools meet the requirement to register for VAT (if not already registered), and which of the staggered quarterly accounting periods apply to the business. VAT returns are generally due one month and seven days after the end of the accounting period.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 15200 on Council Tax: Wales, when the Valuation Office Agency will publish this information. \p James Murray: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) published the information on gov.uk on 31 March 2025:

How model assisted valuation delivers large-scale property valuations - GOV.UK – A high level overview of how the VOA uses model assisted valuation and mass appraisal to support large-scale valuation. This links through to further information:

External assurance of the VOA automated valuation model (AVM): VOA response - GOV.UK - This page sets out the VOA response to external review and assurance of the VOA AVM developed to support Wales Council Tax reform.

More_information_on_mass_appraisal_and_AVM.pdf - More information on how the VOA is using mass appraisal to support Council Tax reform in Wales and on the AVM.

Model_specification_document.pdf – A document setting out the data utilised in development of the AVM for a future revaluation of Council Tax in Wales, as well as the core spatial regression model specification and an overview of the comparables model.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what individual investments have been made by the National Wealth Fund since July 2024; and how many jobs each investment is expected to support. \p James Murray: The National Wealth Fund and its predecessor the UK Infrastructure Bank have announced 19 deals since July 2024, committing nearly £3bn, and estimate creating or supporting over 12,400 jobs. The National Wealth Fund sets out details of the investments which it makes, including estimate jobs created, on its website at https://www.nationalwealthfund.org.uk/.

The following list provides the project client, the amount committed by the National Wealth Fund and the estimated number of jobs created or supported by those commitments at the time of their announcement.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on the VCSE sector. \p James Murray: In order to repair the public finances and help raise the revenue required to increase funding for public services, the government has taken the difficult decision to increase employer National Insurance contributions (NICs).

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Government has protected the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to Employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which means that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all this year and more than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package.

More broadly, within the tax system, we provide support to charities through a range of reliefs and exemptions, including reliefs for charitable giving, with more than £6 billion in charitable reliefs provided to charities, CASCs and their donors in 2023 to 2024.
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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ending the non-domiciled tax status on the financial sector. \p James Murray: The Government’s priority is improving the UK’s competitiveness internationally and securing economic growth. The non-domicile reforms have been specifically designed to make the UK competitive with a modern, simple tax regime that is also fair. The reforms establish a tax regime for new residents, which is more attractive to new arrivals than the current rules.

As part of the reforms, the Government also wants to incentivise non-domiciled individuals who are not eligible for the new regime to spend and invest their foreign income and gains in the UK. That is why existing and previous users of the remittance basis will be able to take advantage of a three-year Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF) to bring their offshore funds to the UK at a discounted tax rate.

The Government has also reformed Overseas Workday Relief to ensure the UK remains competitive with other countries that offer similar schemes for talented internationally mobile employees. The Government wants to continue to encourage highly skilled workers to work in the UK and contribute their skills to the workforce, including in the financial services sector.

The Government published a Tax Information and Impact Note for this policy at Autumn Budget 2024. This can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tax-changes-for-non-uk-domiciled-individuals/reforming-the-taxation-of-non-uk-domiciled-individuals.
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Suella Braverman:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made any assessment of the potential impact of the Double Contribution Convention on employment opportunities for British citizens in the seasonal fitness industry. \p James Murray: The OBR will certify the impact of the trade deal including the Double Contributions Convention in the usual way at a fiscal event, once the deal is finalised and ratified. The agreement to negotiate a Double Contributions Convention was made in the context of the wider deal, which will bring billions into the economy.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of people claiming tax relief for working from home between March 2022 and March 2024, have been found to be ineligible for such tax relief. \p James Murray: Work related expenses claims can be submitted by various methods. Due to high volumes of claims, it is not possible to produce data on claims that were found to be ineligible for a specific expense.

We are encouraging customers to check they are eligible for expenses before they claim through our "Don't Get Caught Out" campaign and have introduced a new evidence requirement from 14 October 2024.
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Ben Lake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of not increasing the personal allowance on levels of disposable income in Wales. \p James Murray: The Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility. At our first Budget, we decided not to extend the freeze on personal tax thresholds which was implemented by the previous Government.

The OBR’s forecast does not decompose policy impacts on Real Household Disposable Income (RHDI) per capita by individual policies or by country. Accounting for the total impact of Budget measures on a UK basis, the OBR forecast RHDI per capita to rise at an annual average rate of 0.5% per year over the parliament.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total value of (a) funds, (b) near cash assets and (c) other financial instruments held by (i) the Bank of England and (ii) other UK licensed financial institutions is on behalf of Euroclear Group entities as a result of European Union sanctions on Russia. \p Emma Reynolds: The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) does not comment on individual entities.

Please note OFSI has no role in the implementation of any other country’s sanctions. Therefore, it is unable to comment on EU financial sanctions.

Every year, OFSI undertakes a frozen asset review, which requires all persons holding or controlling assets (including funds and economic resources) frozen as a result of UK financial sanctions to report the nature and values of these assets to OFSI. The 2023 Frozen Asset Review saw approximately £10.2 billion of funds reported to OFSI as frozen under the Russia regime. This figure does not include the value of all assets reported to OFSI as a part of the annual frozen asset review due to difficulties defining their values with accuracy. This may include the contents of safety deposit boxes or tangible assets.

OFSI’s 2023-2024 Annual Review can be found here:

OFSI Annual Review 2023-24: Engage, Enhance, Enforce - GOV.UK
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James Naish:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will publish her Department's plans for an open finance regulatory framework. \p Emma Reynolds: As set out in the National Payments Vision, the government’s ambition is for the UK to be a world leader in Open Finance – the next generation of financial data sharing. The benefits are potentially transformative for businesses and customers, enabling choice, innovation and a greater ability to engage with financial services.

The government is prioritising the development of a long-term regulatory framework for Open Banking, which will lay the foundations for Open Finance.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has had discussions with the Bank of England on the proposed Chinese Embassy in London. \p Emma Reynolds: Treasury officials hold regular discussions with the Bank of England across various financial and economic matters. A final decision on the application for the new Chinese embassy in Tower Hamlets will be made in due course by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government in her independent, quasi-judicial role. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the case.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 45654 on Bank Services: Vetting, what her planned timetable is for issuing revised guidance on Political Exposed Persons. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government has been working closely with the FCA to follow up on the findings of its review into the treatment of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) by financial institutions and to ensure firms improve their practices where necessary. The FCA expects that the revised guidance will be published and brought into effect this summer.
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Claire Hanna:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the value inclusive of accrued interest is of assets frozen by the UK that belonged to the Libyan Qaddafi regime. \p Emma Reynolds: The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury published in its 2023-2024 Annual Review that £13.4 billion in assets relating to the Libya sanctions regime have been reported as frozen as of September 2023. This is an aggregated total of all entities and individuals listed on the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets.

Interest accrued on frozen assets is still subject to an asset freeze to be frozen immediately by the person in possession or control of them, but there is no change in ownership of the frozen funds or economic resources, and they are not transferred to HM Treasury. As there is no obligation for a relevant institution to inform OFSI when it has credited interest to a frozen account, OFSI does not hold this information.
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Suella Braverman:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of banking hubs on (a) businesses and (b) economic growth in (i) towns and (ii) villages. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government continues to work closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 150 are already open. The location of these banking hubs is determined independently by LINK. The criteria that LINK consider includes population size, whether other banks remain nearby, the number of SMEs on the high street and public transport links, as well as the level of vulnerability in the community.

Access to financial services is key to ensuring all citizens can both contribute to and benefit from growth in the UK. Cash Access UK, who oversee the rollout of banking hubs, reported from their research in Brixham (Devon) and Rochford (Essex), in October 2024 that spend on the high street is 71% higher amongst those who have visited the banking hub. Almost half (47%) of businesses surveyed said they have experienced an increase in footfall thanks to the banking hub.
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John Glen:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43043 on Environment Protection: Finance, if she will make it her policy to remove the provisions in the (a) UK Climate Transition Benchmarks and (b) UK Paris-aligned Benchmarks on the requirements affecting UK weapons manufacturers. \p Emma Reynolds: I refer the Honourable Member to the answers given to his questions in PQ UIN 48396 on 1 May 2025, PQ UIN 43043 and 43449 on 9 April 2025, PQ UIN 47194 on 28 April, and PQ 47196 on 30 April 2025.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total value is of (a) funds, (b) near cash assets and (c) other financial instruments held by (i) the Bank of England and (ii) other UK licensed financial institutions for (A) the Central Bank of Russia, (B) the Russian Ministry of Finance, (C) the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation and (D) any other Russian state entities, by (1) asset type, (2) Russian state entity and (3) financial institution. \p Emma Reynolds: The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, published in its annual review that £25.03 billion in assets relating to the Russia sanctions regime have been reported as frozen between February 2022 and December 2024. This is an aggregated total of all entities and individuals listed on the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets, known as Designated Persons.

However, assets belonging to the Central Bank of Russia, the National Wealth Fund of Russia, or the Ministry of Finance of Russia have been immobilised in the UK and across the G7 by sectoral sanctions – rather than with an asset freeze, and therefore their value is not included within the above figure. In the UK, sanctions prohibit UK persons from providing financial services in respect of these assets.

There are sensitivities around publishing the figure for immobilised asset holdings in the UK covered by these sectoral sanctions. It is important a decision to release any detail about these assets it taken on a collective G7 basis.
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Dan Carden:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve (a) diagnosis and (b) treatment for Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department recognises the importance of raising awareness of conditions such as paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcus (PANDAS) among healthcare professionals, and improving the health and care system for the people living with them.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent, expert body that develops evidence-based guidelines for the National Health Service on best practice. While the NICE currently has no plans to issue guidance on PANS and PANDAS, should the evidence base develop further, we would look to the NICE to update clinical policy.

In the meantime, integrated care systems are responsible for planning care for their populations’ conditions, and clinicians will want to take account of any new research and developments in guidance, such as those being overseen by the PANS PANDAS Steering Group, to ensure that they can continue to provide high quality care to their patients.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with Dorset Integrated Care Board to recruit more GPs in West Dorset constituency. \p Stephen Kinnock: Last year, the Department added general practitioners (GPs) to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), and provided an extra £82 million in funding, meaning that GPs could be recruited more quickly by primary care networks (PCNs).

Between 1 October 2024 and 28 February 2025, 1,503 fully qualified GPs have been recruited through the ARRS, including in West Dorset.

The Government has committed to training thousands more GPs. NHS Dorset has established a joint task force with the Dorset GP Education Centre to increase the number of training placements for GP’s training in Dorset, with West Dorset identified as an opportunity for growth.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the average waiting time to see a GP in West Dorset constituency, in the latest period for which data is available. \p Stephen Kinnock: West Dorset sits within the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB). In March 2025, 39.2% of appointments in the ICB took place on the same day as booking, and 73.4% took place within two weeks of booking. Nationally, 44.2% of appointments took place on the same day as booking, and 82.1% took place within two weeks of booking.

There are a number of factors which can influence the timing of appointments, and patients may wish to book routine or follow-up appointments further in advance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support ADHD awareness initiatives in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is committed to creating a more inclusive society where neurodiverse people, including those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are supported to thrive.

NHS England has established an ADHD taskforce which is working to bring together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, with the report expected in the summer. Some of the key priorities that the taskforce is considering as part of its work include: tackling stigma; ensuring people with ADHD are treated with empathy, respect and understanding across society; and increasing awareness of the different ways that ADHD can present.

As part of their local Neurodiversity Transformation Plan, the NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) is introducing neurodiversity advisors in schools to help provide support and to develop appropriate reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of neurodivergent children. The ICB is also continuing delivery of the Partnerships for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme, which brings together ICBs, local authorities, and schools, working in partnership with parents and carers to support schools to better meet the needs of neurodivergent children and their families.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

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Amanda Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help improve (a) patient access to, (b) staff retention in and (c) recruitment to NHS dentistry in Portsmouth North constituency. \p Stephen Kinnock: We are determined to rebuild National Health Service dentistry, but it will take time and there are no quick fixes. Strengthening the workforce is key to our ambitions.

The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Portsmouth North constituency, this is the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB.

ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post, with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.

To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_24

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of GP appointments in the last five years. \p Stephen Kinnock: Appointment numbers continue to increase year-on-year, and in the 12 months to March 2025 an estimated 383.4 million appointments were delivered. This is an increase of 3.7% compared to the 12 months up to March 2024, with 369.7 million appointments delivered, and an increase of 23.6% compared to the 12 months up to March 2020, with 310.3 million appointments delivered.

In response to this growing demand, the Government has invested £82 million in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, which has enabled the recruitment of more than 1,500 recently qualified general practitioners (GPs) in England since October. This will increase the number of available appointments, secure the future supply of GPs, and alleviate the pressure on those currently working in the system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_25

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 43484 on Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the estimated timetable on the timing of reforms to social care in this Parliament. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Independent Commission is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transcend party politics and build consensus on how we can deliver meaningful, long lasting, and sustainable change. It will be undertaken in two phases, with the first phase reporting next year.

In the first phase of the commission, Baroness Casey will make recommendations that can be delivered within the financial envelope set for this Parliament. The second phase of the commission will consider longer-term reforms and will report back by 2028.

While the commission continues its work, we are already laying the groundwork for more substantial, long-term changes that will create a more resilient and sustainable system. Through our Plan for Change, we've hit the ground running to improve the social care system we inherited in crisis, with up to £3.7 billion in extra funding, £172 million for approximately 15,000 home adaptations for disabled people, a £2,000 uplift to the Carer’s Allowance, and via the introduction of legislation for the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for care workers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_26

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his planned timetable is for recruiting new mental health workers in (a) child and (b) adult mental health services. \p Stephen Kinnock: Too many people are not receiving the mental health care they need and waits for mental health services are too long.

As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future and that is there when people need it, the Government will recruit 8,500 mental health workers to help ease pressure on busy mental health services.

We are working with NHS England to consider options to deliver this commitment alongside the refresh of the Long Term Workforce Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_27

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact on waiting for an NHS dental appointment for (a) people in wheelchairs and (b) able- bodied people. \p Stephen Kinnock: No specific assessment has been made on the impact of waiting for a National Health Service dental appointment for people in wheelchairs or able-bodied people. The Government is committed to NHS dental services being available for all who need them. We recognise that certain groups of patients may be vulnerable to oral health problems, and may find it more difficult to access dental care.

We are tackling the challenges for all patients trying to access NHS dental appointments with a rescue plan providing 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and by recruiting new dentists to the areas that need them most.

Many high street dental practices are wheelchair-accessible and patients can contact local practices directly to inquire about their facilities. If patients in wheelchairs have difficultly locating a high street dentist that caters to their specific accessibility requirements, community dental services provide specialised dental services to people with additional needs. Integrated care boards are responsible for assessing the needs of their population and ensuring that the relevant dental services are available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_28

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the post-diagnosis support available to people with dementia. \p Stephen Kinnock: The provision of dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). We would expect ICBs to commission services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

The Government is committed to improving dementia care and is empowering local leaders with the autonomy they need to provide the best services to their local community, including for those with dementia. That is why we have recently published the Dementia 100 Pathway Assessment Tool, which brings together multiple resources into a single, consolidated tool. This will help simplify best practice for busy system leaders and help create communities and services where the best possible care and support is available to those with dementia. The Dementia 100 Pathway Assessment Tool has now been launched, and is available at the following link:

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/nccmh/service-design-and-development/dementia-100-pathway-assessment-tool

To improve care for patients with dementia, we have refreshed the RightCare Dementia Scenario. The scenario works through the dementia well pathway journey from diagnosing well through to dying well, detailing optimal and sub optimal approaches, with associated costings for each. They have developed a dementia model pathway based on data for each component of the dementia well pathway, to provide a high-level view of what dementia care activity looks like for local areas and to aid targeted support where appropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_29

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of changes to hospice funding on the sustainability of end-of-life care services. \p Stephen Kinnock: Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) 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.

Whilst the majority of palliative and end of life care is provided by National Health Service staff and services, we recognise the vital part that voluntary sector organisations, including hospices, also play in providing support to people at end of life and their loved ones.

In recognition of this, we are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices in England for 2024/25 and 2025/26, to ensure they have the best physical environment for care.

Additionally, children and young people’s hospices will receive £26 million in revenue funding for 2025/26. This is a continuation of the funding which until recently was known as the children and young people’s hospice grant.

In February, I met with key palliative care and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, in a roundtable format, with a focus on long-term sector sustainability within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_30

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the number of (a) GP appointments and (b) GPs recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme since August 2024. \p Stephen Kinnock: Appointment numbers continue to increase year-on-year, and in the 12 months to March 2025 an estimated 383.4 million appointments were delivered. This is an increase of 3.7% compared to the 12 months up to March 2024, with 369.7 million appointments delivered, and an increase of 23.6% compared to the 12 months up to March 2020, with 310.3 million appointments delivered.

In response to this growing demand, the Government has invested £82 million in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, which has enabled the recruitment of more than 1,500 recently qualified general practitioners (GPs) in England since October. This will increase the number of available appointments, secure the future supply of GPs, and alleviate the pressure on those currently working in the system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_31

Cat Eccles:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of fluoridisation of water for dental health. \p Stephen Kinnock: Water fluoridation is an evidence based, effective public health intervention for improving the oral health of children and adults. The 2022 Health Monitoring Report showed that five-year-olds were less likely to experience dental caries, and less likely to experience caries of high severity, in areas with a fluoridation scheme. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-fluoridation-health-monitoring-report-for-england-2022

The UK Chief Medical Officer also concluded that water fluoridation is effective and should complement, not substitute, other effective methods of fluoride use. The UK Chief Medical Officer’s statement on water fluoridation is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-fluoridation-statement-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers/statement-on-water-fluoridation-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-15 conversation_32

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to support vulnerable people with (a) anxiety, (b) depression and (c) other mental health issues as a result of (i) extreme weather events and (ii) climate change. \p Stephen Kinnock: National Health Service mental health services are available to support the mental health of vulnerable people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as a result of extreme weather events and climate change. They can access evidence-based mental health treatment via their general practitioner or by self-referring to their local NHS Talking Therapies service, with details on how to do so available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/