Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken since the Impact Assessment on Converting Support for Mortgage Interest from a benefit into a loan, published in June 2017, identified limited data on disabled claimants using the Support for Mortgage Interest loan scheme; and what measures they have taken to address the impact assessment's conclusion that the scheme was likely to have a disproportionate impact on disabled claimants.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) transitioned from a benefit to a loan in April 2018. Support was provided at the same level as before, ensuring the same degree of protection against repossession.

SMI loans are not repayable until the property is sold and then, only to the extent that there is any available equity.

Since SMI converted to a loan, the Department has regularly reviewed the impact of the policy on its recipients, including on people with disabilities. In March 2021, loan ‘porting’ was introduced to allow SMI recipients to transfer their loan to a new property rather than repay. The primary purpose of this change was to enable disabled recipients to move home due to changes in their disability requirements. Further changes were introduced in April 2023 which extended eligibility to in-work Universal Credit recipients and support was provided after three months instead of nine.

Two separate research projects related to SMI have been conducted and published, in March 2022 and May 2025. Both are publicly available, and a copy will be deposited of both publications in the House of Lords library.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he will make an assessment of the potential merits of linking Unique Property Reference Numbers to Universal Credit claims to help tackle fraud.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department is considering external data sources, including Unique Property Reference Numbers, that could be used to help address fraud and error that occurs in Universal Credit.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish quarterly labour market transition-flow data showing movements between inactivity, employment, and unemployment.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Quarterly labour market transition flow data is published by ONS in table X02: Labour Force Survey flows estimates - Office for National Statistics.

The Get Britain Working: Labour Market Insights October 2025 publication included the release of a series of data tables showing from January 2019 to May 2025 movements between different Universal Credit conditionality regimes each month and UC searching for work into work rates.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions has he had with organisations that deliver supported accommodation on work for young people living in supported housing.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We acknowledge there is a challenge arising from the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for working age customers (including young people) living in supported and temporary accommodation.

We are considering options to improve work incentives for residents of supported housing and temporary accommodation, while taking into account the views of stakeholders. Any future decisions on housing support will be made in the round, prioritising measures that best meet Government objectives within the current fiscal environment.

It remains our priority to ensure that those who can work are supported to enter and sustain employment.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Health Adjustment Passport in supporting disabled people to (a) enter and (b) remain in employment.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Health Adjustment Passports are voluntary and available to everyone with a health condition or disability.

The Health Adjustment Passport enables disabled people to move more easily into employment and between job roles and reduces the need to repeat personal information about their disability. The Passport supports transitions into employment by providing a tool to enable disabled people to have structured conversations with employers about disability. It acts as a transferable record of the adjustments needed, along with sign posts to available support including Access to Work (AtW).

If a user chooses to share the passport with their employer, it can help to raise the visibility of adjustments and highlight support available, including AtW. In the event the user applies for AtW support, the passport can aid an assessment by providing health and disability information beforehand, enabling support to be put in place more quickly.

Further information on the Health Adjustments Passport can be found on: Health Adjustment Passport - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what data his Department holds on the number of people who have newly claimed Universal Credit in each of the last 5 years, broken down by (a) health-related reasons for claiming and (b) the searching-for-work conditionality group.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

However, monthly statistics for the number of People on Universal Credit in Great Britain are published regularly on Stat-Xplore. This data is available by conditionality regime and claim duration.

Users can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest and, if needed, can access guidance on how to extract information and can refer to the Universal Credit Official Statistics: Stat-Xplore user guide.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of Universal Credit starts in each of the last 5 years were (a) new benefit claimants and (b) claimants transitioning from legacy benefits through managed migration.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

This information is not readily available however, as detailed in the DWP Statistical Work Programme and the Universal Credit statistics release strategy, the Department is developing a method to denote UC claimants given a migration notice from the Move to Universal Credit programme, and updates on this will be shared in the DWP Statistical Work Programme.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are waiting for a decision on their Access to Work scheme claim.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

As of October 2025, there are 62,000 applications outstanding. We recognise the importance of reducing waiting times, which is why we have increased the number of staff working in this area by 27% in the last financial year.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to review the level of regulation of small quarrying and stone-processing firms.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has no current plans to review the level of regulation of small quarrying and stone-processing firms.

The Government is committed to reducing regulatory compliance costs for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) and announced in March 2025 a commitment to reduce the administrative burden of regulation by 25% by the end of this Parliament - savings equivalent to £5.6 billion. HSE is committed to playing its part in reducing these administrative burdens whilst maintaining our proportionate regulatory approach to protect people and enable innovation and growth.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the symptom lists used in disability and capability assessments for people with fibromyalgia; and whether his Department plans to update that guidance.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment and the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) are functional assessments. They do not evaluate claimants based on their medical diagnosis or health condition alone and claimants are not assessed against a set symptom list for a condition when attending an assessment. Instead, the assessment focuses on how a claimant’s condition affects their mobility and ability to carry out everyday activities.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to ensuring that individuals with Fibromyalgia and other health conditions receive high-quality, accurate assessments. All health professionals (HPs) undergo comprehensive training in disability analysis. Their focus is on understanding the functional impact of a claimant’s condition, rather than its clinical diagnosis.

To support this, DWP provides suppliers with core training and guidance materials on Fibromyalgia. These resources include detailed clinical and functional information relevant to the condition to assist HPs in delivering informed and accurate assessments.

Additionally, all training and guidance materials are currently undergoing a comprehensive review and update. A dedicated team is leading this work to ensure that all materials are aligned with national best practice standards. Independent clinical experts are being engaged to provide external quality assurance, helping to ensure the content remains accurate, relevant, and consistent.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when his Department intends to respond to correspondence of 7 October 2025 from the hon. Member for Ely and East Cambridgeshire on supporting neurodivergent people into employment.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

I replied to the Hon. Member on 25 November.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to increase take up of Pension Credit in Edmonton and Winchmore Hill constituency.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to ensuring that all pensioners receive the support to which they are entitled. That is why we have been running the biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign, promoting Pension Credit to eligible pensioners and their family and friends through adverts on television and radio; on social media and on digital screens in GP surgeries and Post Offices, as well as in the press. The latest burst of the campaign began in September, and further promotional activity is planned until the end of the financial year.

We have also engaged with all councils in Great Britain, including Enfield Council, through regular Local Authority Welfare Direct bulletins on GOV.UK and targeted email communications. Councils have actively supported the campaign by promoting it on social media and distributing promotional materials, including posters and leaflets.

We are making better use of data to directly target potentially eligible households. Since February, all new Housing Benefit claimants who may be eligible have been invited to apply for Pension Credit. In September, the Department conducted a trial in partnership with Age UK and Independent Age targeting 2,000 households in England identified using HMRC and DWP data.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he will assess the potential merits of allowing local authorities to roll over unspent Connect to Work funding into the following year.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Expenditure on Connect to Work is annualised in line with standard practice for managing public funds. To retain funding controls, my Department cannot automatically carry forward underspends into future years. As part of the Connect to Work Delivery Plan approval process, local areas must profile their programme activity for the entire funding period, broken down by financial year and by month within those years. This ensures that funding is aligned with planned delivery and performance milestones. My Department will have regular performance conversations with lead authorities for Connect to Work and will seek to support any area that may not be delivering against their profile and will seek to support any area that may not be delivering against their profile. This will include the opportunity to reprofile in year as part of the annual review process

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of silicosis among workers.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uses the Surveillance of Work-related and Occupational Respiratory Disease (SWORD) database to monitor trends in cases of silicosis.

HSE uses SWORD data that is reported voluntarily by around 350 physicians of respiratory disease to monitor cases of silicosis arising from work activity. HSE continues to monitor the number of cases recorded on the SWORD database.

Over the period from January 2024 to October 2025 HSE has seen an increased trend in notifications of silicosis on SWORD. HSE will continue to work with trade associations, material suppliers and manufacturers of products about their legal responsibilities and will continue to carry out a range of activities to raise awareness.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps they are taking to increase skills and training opportunities to become HGV drivers.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The government offers a range of skills training which can be used to support the HGV sector. This includes apprenticeships such as the Urban Driver and Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driver C + E standards, Skills Bootcamps, and sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs).

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of the 10% decrease in the number of Access to Work claims approved between March 2024 and March 2025 on the number of disabled people being supported into work.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

While the number of people who were approved for any Access to Work provision was 61,670 in 2024/25, the number of customers in receipt of payment in 2024/25 increased to 74,190. As Access to Work awards are approved for up to three years, customers receiving payments in 2024/25 may have been approved for support at any point between 2021/22 and 2024/25.

In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we consulted on the future of the Access to Work scheme. We also considered the role of employers in creating accessible and inclusive workplaces as well as how we can shape the market for aids, appliances and assistive technology, to reduce their cost and spread their adoption. We are considering responses to the consultation and will set out our plans in due course.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Universal Credit should be increased for those aged under 25 who are living independently, in line with payments to those aged over 25.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

There are no plans to change the under 25 standard allowance rate.

This government is committed to rebuild opportunities for young people, so that every young person can fulfil their potential, and we are taking significant steps to support people to do so including through our Get Britain Working reforms. The under 25 standard allowance rate maintains the incentive for young people to find, and progress in work and the Department for Work and Pensions provides a range of support to help people into employment.

For those who live independently or have additional living costs, Universal Credit includes separate elements to support all eligible customers with these, including elements for housing, children, childcare costs, disabled people, and carers.

We continue to work in close partnership with other government departments to ensure that care leavers can access the right skills, opportunities and wider support, to move towards sustained employment and career progression. The Department provides a range of targeted additional support for care leavers including access to the higher one-bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate up to the age of 25, as well as tailored support through Jobcentre Plus. We review this regularly.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the report into young people and work will examine the reasons behind the number of young people claiming health and disability benefits.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We recognise that some young people are struggling to find their place in work, education or training.

The report into young people and work will seek to:

• Understand the drivers of the increase in the number of young people who are Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET) and claiming health and disability benefits, including childhood experience
• Investigate the root causes of this rise in economic inactivity among disabled young people and those with health conditions
• Make recommendations for policy responses aimed at increasing opportunities for young people

The Right Honourable Alan Milburn will author the report and will be supported by a range of voices with expertise from the labour market and health spheres.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to improve the migration process for claimants transitioning from income-related Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit; and what measures are in place to ensure that vulnerable individuals are adequately supported during this transition.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reviews and amends its approach for migration to Universal Credit based on lessons learned from earlier migrations (Tax Credits, Income Support) and continues to refine support strategies for customers.

We recognise that many claimants making this transition have complex health conditions and additional needs, which can make the process particularly challenging. DWP is committed to ensuring that these individuals receive the support they need.

We have dedicated support mechanisms in place for customers with vulnerabilities. This includes clear communication, accessible guidance and personalised assistance where needed.

The Migration Notice itself signposts to our helpline, gov.uk website and ‘Help to Claim’, a service provided by Citizens Advice Bureau. Contact via these routes allows further support to be provided, based on individual need from the outset.

All Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) customers who have not made their claim to Universal Credit within two weeks of the deadline of their migration notice will automatically enter the Enhanced Support journey. This journey provides tailored and flexible assistance, including phone calls and home visits, to support the migration process.

We recognise that the digital nature of Universal Credit can pose significant challenges for claimants with learning disabilities, dyslexia, or limited digital literacy. To address this, we offer alternative access routes, including telephone support and face-to-face appointments, which can be arranged upon request. Additionally, Universal Credit statements and letters are written and formatted in plain English and undergo rigorous content design testing to ensure clarity and accessibility. DWP is regularly reviewing its correspondence templates to ensure that responses are concise, clear and free from unnecessary technical language while maintaining transparency and accuracy.

Furthermore, Jobcentre staff are trained to discuss complex needs and vulnerabilities. There is a facility in the Universal Credit account to record these, along with any agreed reasonable adjustments. Customers can request email communications, home visits, or support from an authorised representative (family member, friend, or adviser).

In addition to this, we also offer:

• Enhanced Support Journey for vulnerable claimants, including proactive calls, text reminders, and home visits.
• Financial safeguards such as Transitional Protection and two-week run-on payments for ESA claimants.
• Digital and manual process enhancements to ensure accurate transitional protection calculations and prevent payment delays.

DWP continues to review and iterate our services to optimise our services and any further feedback is welcomed.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Access to Work scheme in supporting disabled people into (a) sustained employment and (b) meaningful work experience.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

No changes have been made to Access to Work policy. We will be reviewing all aspects of the Scheme now that the Pathways to Work Green Paper consultation has closed. We are considering responses to the consultation and will set out our plans in due course.

We are continuing to work closely with stakeholders, and in particular disabled people and their representatives.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the level of spending on health and disability benefits in 2030.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Forecast spending on disability and incapacity benefits in 2029-30 can be found in Table 4 of DWP’s Spring Statement 2025 Benefit Expenditure and Caseload publication.

Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2025 - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent progress his Department has made on working with expert stakeholders to review the impact of four-weekly employer pay cycles on Universal Credit payments.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We are committed to reviewing Universal Credit, to make sure it is doing the job we want it to, to make work pay and tackle poverty. As part of the review we have considered the impact that fluctuating incomes including those paid on a four-weekly cycle has on households including engaging with expert stakeholders and those with direct experience. The Department is considering this insight and will provide updates on the review in due course.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that sufficient entry-level employment opportunities are available for graduates; and to support employers in providing roles which enable graduates to gain the experience necessary to progress in their careers.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Whilst UK graduates continue to have strong and above-average employment rates, we recognise some face challenges in getting jobs. Starting out in the world of work is a pivotal moment for young people, where the right support at the right time can help jobseekers to access better opportunities and significantly improve labour market participation.

This is why Jobcentre Plus provides personalised support, from CV advice to interview coaching, and connects graduates to roles through partners like Milkround, Gradplus, and Prospects. Jobcentres also have strong links with universities and signpost graduates to specialist support. To support employers, Jobcentre District Employer & Partnership teams work with them to promote local opportunities and provide suitable employment and skills support, where appropriate.

We are working collaboratively with employers to shape the new Jobs and Careers Service to meet their diverse needs, including helping graduates find meaningful work and develop the skills to progress in their careers.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to address the lack of growth in the 16-64 employment rate in the past year.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Our Get Britain Working White Paper set out ambitious plans to transform employment support, tackle rising levels of health-related economic inactivity and move towards an 80% employment rate .

Since publication we have made rapid progress delivering on our three key interconnected pillars which are driving change including;

• 9 place-based economic inactivity trailblazers, with 3 areas receiving additional funding for our Health Accelerators seeking to prevent economic inactivity linked to ill-health.
• 8 Youth Guarantee trailblazers, testing approaches before we roll out nationally and as part of our commitment to create a new Jobs and Careers Service we have launched our first Pathfinder in Wakefield to develop and test new services and different ways of supporting people.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants had active contracts with the Motability Scheme in (a) the East Midlands, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the East of England in March of each of the last five years up to 2025.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information requested is provided in the table below as a snapshot of the PIP caseload with active Motability contracts in July of each of the last 5 years.

Notes

- Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.

- Figures include both Normal Rules and Special Rules for End of Life claimants.

- Yearly figures are a snapshot of the PIP caseload with an active Motability contract in July of each of the last 5 years.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants had active contracts with the Motability Scheme in (a) the North East, (b) the North West and (c) Yorkshire and the Humber in March of each of the last five years up to 2025.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information requested is provided in the table below as a snapshot of the PIP caseload with active Motability contracts in July of each of the last 5 years.

Notes

- Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.

- Figures include both Normal Rules and Special Rules for End of Life claimants.

- Yearly figures are a snapshot of the PIP caseload with an active Motability contract in July of each of the last 5 years.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants had active contracts with the Motability Scheme in (a) London, (b) the South East, (c) the South West and (d) Wales in March of each of the last five years up to 2025.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information requested is provided in the table below as a snapshot of the PIP caseload with active Motability contracts in July of each of the last 5 years.

Notes

- Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.

- Figures include both Normal Rules and Special Rules for End of Life claimants.

- Yearly figures are a snapshot of the PIP caseload with an active Motability contract in July of each of the last 5 years.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of levels of employment in the (a) software and (b) computer industries.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

No assessment has been made of the levels of employment in (a) software and (b) computer industries.

However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does publish employment by industry which includes the Information & Communication industrial sector here: EMP13: Employment by industry - Office for National Statistics and EMP14: Employees and self-employed by industry - Office for National Statistics.

The ONS also publishes employment estimates from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information by industry here: Earnings and employment from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information, seasonally adjusted - Office for National Statistics.

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Found: Nona Buckley-Irvine: We have DfE, DfT, Ministry of Defence and DWP.

Found: • KFC and DWP joined forces to tackle youth unemployment over Summer 2025, with KFC running 2 pilot

Found: [Cabinet Office (strategic oversight); HM Treasury (resource allocation); DHSC, DfE, DfT, Defra, DWP

Found: of the charge cap regulations between the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Department for Work and Pensions

Found: ecosystem, and to be reinforced by the public authorities - including the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP

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Found: recommend:  A dedicated Government liaison function for crowd management, bridging DCMS, Home Office, DWP

Found: addition, there are concerns regarding the join up between the expectations set out by the Department for Work and Pensions

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Found: Family Hubs, Early Help, SEND, and as part of the new Family Help model, as well as the Department for Work and Pensions

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Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the development of the National Youth Strategy, including on aligning youth employment policy.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Increasing support for young people to improve opportunities is a shared mission across Government. The National Youth Strategy led by DCMS and co-designed by young people and the youth sector, will set a cross-government direction for the next decade to provide young people with the skills, opportunities, and connections to enable them to thrive. It is the first cross-government strategy for young people in England in 20 years.

We have regularly engaged with Cabinet colleagues to develop this Strategy, including with the Department for Education and with the Department for Work and Pensions on the Youth Guarantee.

Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential impact of not uprating Local Housing Allowance on homelessness in Wales.

Answered by Jo Stevens - Secretary of State for Wales

I have discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on a regular basis and on a range of issues. My officials work closely with DWP, MHCLG and other departments, including regarding Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

The Government is taking action to support low-income households, including removing the two-child limit to reduce child poverty, benefitting 69,000 children in Wales. In addition, we are increasing the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage building on April 2025 increases that already helped up to 160,000 workers in Wales, cutting household energy bills by £150 per year and uprating the Universal Credit Standard Allowance by over 6%. This is the first ever sustained real terms increase in the Standard Allowance, directly benefitting 320,000 households in Wales.

Discretionary Housing Payments are available from local authorities for those who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs and need further support.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he will encourage local authorities to utilise furnished tenancies in their social housing stock to provide a safe and stable environment for those who are leaving homelessness, often without any possessions or financial savings.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is committed to moving away from a system focussed on crisis response, taking a holistic approach to preventing homelessness in the first place. That's why we've invested a record amount in prevention services this year as part of our £1 billion funding for homelessness services.

The Household Support Fund enables local authorities in England to provide discretionary support to vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials, such as energy, water and food.

Local authorities have the flexibility to design their scheme within the parameters set by Department for Work and Pensions, and this can include supporting vulnerable households with the cost of wider essentials, which could include furniture, furnishings and appliances.

We consulted earlier this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here. It proposed that the Government develop best practice guidance for all landlords including providing information about where tenants in need can access help on furniture provision. The consultation has now closed, and responses are being analysed. More information about future guidance will be released as part of the Government response.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his department has considered the impact of furniture poverty on homelessness; and what steps they are taking to prevent homelessness by ensuring low-income households can access essential items.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is committed to moving away from a system focussed on crisis response, taking a holistic approach to preventing homelessness in the first place. That's why we've invested a record amount in prevention services this year as part of our £1 billion funding for homelessness services.

The Household Support Fund enables local authorities in England to provide discretionary support to vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials, such as energy, water and food.

Local authorities have the flexibility to design their scheme within the parameters set by Department for Work and Pensions, and this can include supporting vulnerable households with the cost of wider essentials, which could include furniture, furnishings and appliances.

We consulted earlier this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here. It proposed that the Government develop best practice guidance for all landlords including providing information about where tenants in need can access help on furniture provision. The consultation has now closed, and responses are being analysed. More information about future guidance will be released as part of the Government response.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what resources his department is directing to support those wards within the governments Pride in Place program in a) Telford, b) West Midlands and c) England.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 25 September, the Government launched its overarching Pride in Place Strategy, committing up to £5 billion in funding and support to 339 communities.

The flagship Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £20 million in flexible funding and support to 244 places over the next decade. This will serve as the cornerstone of this Government’s support for communities, incorporating the existing 25 trailblazer areas announced at Spending Review and the 75 Phase 1 Plan for Neighbourhoods programme areas that were announced in March.

The neighbourhoods selected to receive funding and support from the Pride in Place Programme include Woodside in Telford and 28 places in the West Midlands. In addition, 7 local authorities across the West Midlands have been awarded funding through the Pride in Place Impact Fund, with each receiving up to £1.5m over two years. In total, the Government is investing up to £570.5 million across the West Midlands through the Pride in Place Programme and the Pride in Place Impact Fund.

Each area selected through the Pride in Place Programme will receive dedicated delivery support from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure the successful delivery of the programme. This support will be provided by the Communities Delivery Unit, which will work in partnership with Pride in Place Boards and local authorities, and will include access to place-specific data, guidance and capability support tailored to local needs.

The Communities Delivery Unit in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government will also work with the Department for Work and Pensions and other government departments to identify relevant programmes, data and support that Pride in Place neighbourhoods can draw on as they develop their local plans.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what resources his department is providing to those wards within the government Pride in Place program in a) Telford, b) West Midlands and c) England.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 25 September, the Government launched its overarching Pride in Place Strategy, committing up to £5 billion in funding and support to 339 communities.

The flagship Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £20 million in flexible funding and support to 244 places over the next decade. This will serve as the cornerstone of this Government’s support for communities, incorporating the existing 25 trailblazer areas announced at Spending Review and the 75 Phase 1 Plan for Neighbourhoods programme areas that were announced in March.

The neighbourhoods selected to receive funding and support from the Pride in Place Programme include Woodside in Telford and 28 places in the West Midlands. In addition, 7 local authorities across the West Midlands have been awarded funding through the Pride in Place Impact Fund, with each receiving up to £1.5m over two years. In total, the Government is investing up to £570.5 million across the West Midlands through the Pride in Place Programme and the Pride in Place Impact Fund.

Each area selected through the Pride in Place Programme will receive dedicated delivery support from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure the successful delivery of the programme. This support will be provided by the Communities Delivery Unit, which will work in partnership with Pride in Place Boards and local authorities, and will include access to place-specific data, guidance and capability support tailored to local needs.

The Communities Delivery Unit in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government will also work with the Department for Work and Pensions and other government departments to identify relevant programmes, data and support that Pride in Place neighbourhoods can draw on as they develop their local plans.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what extra resource his department is providing those wards within the governments pride in place program.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 25 September, the Government launched its overarching Pride in Place Strategy, committing up to £5 billion in funding and support to 339 communities.

The flagship Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £20 million in flexible funding and support to 244 places over the next decade. This will serve as the cornerstone of this Government’s support for communities, incorporating the existing 25 trailblazer areas announced at Spending Review and the 75 Phase 1 Plan for Neighbourhoods programme areas that were announced in March.

The neighbourhoods selected to receive funding and support from the Pride in Place Programme include Woodside in Telford and 28 places in the West Midlands. In addition, 7 local authorities across the West Midlands have been awarded funding through the Pride in Place Impact Fund, with each receiving up to £1.5m over two years. In total, the Government is investing up to £570.5 million across the West Midlands through the Pride in Place Programme and the Pride in Place Impact Fund.

Each area selected through the Pride in Place Programme will receive dedicated delivery support from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure the successful delivery of the programme. This support will be provided by the Communities Delivery Unit, which will work in partnership with Pride in Place Boards and local authorities, and will include access to place-specific data, guidance and capability support tailored to local needs.

The Communities Delivery Unit in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government will also work with the Department for Work and Pensions and other government departments to identify relevant programmes, data and support that Pride in Place neighbourhoods can draw on as they develop their local plans.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Government Departments use a ministerial car.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Government Car Service (GCS) provides Departmental Pool Cars (DPC) to the following Government departments:

• Attorney General’s Office

• Cabinet Office

• Department for Business and Trade

• Department for Culture, Media and Sport

• Department for Education

• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

• Department for Health and Social Care

• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

• Department for Transport

• Department for Work and Pensions

• HM Treasury

• Home Office

• Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government

• Ministry of Justice

• Scotland Office

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to end child hunger in Devon.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child hunger. That is why the department is introducing a new eligibility threshold for free school meals (FSM). This ensures that all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be eligible from September 2026. This will provide over half a million children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds with a free, nutritious lunchtime meal every school day. Department for Work and Pensions data shows that 36,230 children in Devon will be eligible for FSM from September 2026.

The government remains committed to deliver on its pledge to provide a free breakfast club in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. This will ensure every child, regardless of circumstance, has a supportive start to the school day. Over 750 early adopter schools are already being funded to deliver free breakfast club places for their primary pupils, including 27 in Devon. An additional 2,000 schools will join the scheme between April 2026 and March 2027, benefitting around half a million more children.

Additionally, the holiday activities and food programme provides heathy meals, enriching activities and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their heath, wellbeing and learning.

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