Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce incentives to encourage the adoption of recommendations in the Modern Service Framework for Cardiovascular Disease.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

To accelerate progress towards the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) in 2026. The CVD MSF will support consistent, high quality, and equitable care whilst fostering innovation across the cardiovascular disease pathway.

The Department and NHS England are engaging widely throughout the development of the CVD MSF to ensure that we prioritise ambitious, evidence-led, and clinically informed approaches to prevention, treatment, and care, and as part of this we are considering the role of levers and incentives.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the 10 Year Health Plan for England, published on 3 July 2025, what the terms of reference will be for prevention accelerators; and which high-impact interventions those accelerators will focus on.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The sickness to prevention shift is one of three major shifts described in the 10-Year Health Plan to transform the health service. As part of this shift, prevention accelerators will demonstrate that investment in high-impact interventions on cardiovascular disease and diabetes can improve population health and reduce demand for National Health Services, such as elective appointments and general practice appointments.

Work to agree the formal arrangements with prevention accelerators is ongoing, alongside finalising the specific high-impact interventions that they will prioritise. We will share further information on the action underway in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Ofcom about developing regulatory guidance for telecoms providers on governance, risk management, and internal controls.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government and Ofcom keep the financial health of the telecoms market under close review. Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers where appropriate.

Alongside this, the Government and Ofcom keep regulation of the telecoms market under review to ensure that it promotes resilience and market stability while encouraging investment and innovation. My department regularly engages with Ofcom on these issues.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of resilience of an internet-only distribution model for television for public service broadcasting and emergency broadcasting; and what contingency arrangements are in place to guarantee universal access to emergency broadcast information in the event of major cyber incidents, prolonged power outages and mobile or broadband network failure.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government understands how important it is that everyone can access information in times of national emergency. Television and radio both play an important role in providing such access in a range of different emergency scenarios. DCMS works closely with broadcast CNI operators and technical authorities to maintain security and resilience against a wide range of scenarios where communications may be disrupted, including power outages.

The BBC has specific requirements under its Framework Agreement in relation to broadcast security and resilience, and works closely with DCMS in ensuring its networks are able to support emergency communications.

The Government’s project looking into the future of TV distribution is considering a range of relevant factors, including the future resilience requirements for broadcast networks.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on viewers in Northern Ireland of switching off digital terrestrial television, in particular the impact on (1) access to UK and Irish public service broadcasting, and (2) cross-border licensing arrangements; and what discussions they have had with the government of Ireland and Irish regulators about that issue.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is leading a project to assess the future of TV distribution beyond 2034 and is committed to maintaining cross border access for all audiences. The project will continue to engage with devolved governments to understand the distinct characteristics of broadcasting in Northern Ireland and the future of the Northern Ireland multiplex. The Stakeholder Forum benefited from the perspectives of organisations representing Northern Irish audiences including the Rural Services Network and Digital Poverty Alliance. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, especially those that are older, disabled, and on lower incomes.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what modelling they have done of the impact of changes to digital terrestrial television on older people, disabled people and low income households in Northern Ireland, and what steps they will take to mitigate additional costs to those households.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is leading a project to assess the future of TV distribution beyond 2034 and is committed to maintaining cross border access for all audiences. The project will continue to engage with devolved governments to understand the distinct characteristics of broadcasting in Northern Ireland and the future of the Northern Ireland multiplex. The Stakeholder Forum benefited from the perspectives of organisations representing Northern Irish audiences including the Rural Services Network and Digital Poverty Alliance. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, especially those that are older, disabled, and on lower incomes.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the remit of the Future of TV Distribution Stakeholder Forum includes an assessment of (1) affordability and social exclusion risks, and (2) regional impacts, including impacts on the Northern Ireland multiplex.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is leading a project to assess the future of TV distribution beyond 2034 and is committed to maintaining cross border access for all audiences. The project will continue to engage with devolved governments to understand the distinct characteristics of broadcasting in Northern Ireland and the future of the Northern Ireland multiplex. The Stakeholder Forum benefited from the perspectives of organisations representing Northern Irish audiences including the Rural Services Network and Digital Poverty Alliance. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, especially those that are older, disabled, and on lower incomes.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 15 September (HL10372), what estimate they have made of the (1) initial, and (2) ongoing, costs of complying with the phase three food labelling requirements under the Windsor Framework.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government considered the practical and cost impacts of Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme Phase Three labelling requirements through detailed conversations with industry. However, based on previous experience showing the difficulty of accurately estimating labelling costs due to variability in business practices, we did not seek to quantify Phase Three cost estimates prior to it commencing. The data in the Impact Assessment on the costs of GB-Wide ‘Not for EU’ labelling published alongside the Marking of Retail Goods Regulations provides some context, however.

Businesses have already successfully carried out Phase Three, and we continue to monitor the market and work closely with industry across the United Kingdom to implement the Windsor Framework.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 15 September (HL10371), what estimate they have made of the (1) initial, and (2) ongoing, costs of complying with the phase three food labelling requirements under the Windsor Framework.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government considered the practical and cost impacts of Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme Phase Three labelling requirements through detailed conversations with industry. However, based on previous experience showing the difficulty of accurately estimating labelling costs due to variability in business practices, we did not seek to quantify Phase Three cost estimates prior to it commencing. The data in the Impact Assessment on the costs of GB-Wide ‘Not for EU’ labelling published alongside the Marking of Retail Goods Regulations provides some context, however.

Businesses have already successfully carried out Phase Three, and we continue to monitor the market and work closely with industry across the United Kingdom to implement the Windsor Framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Baroness Merron on 16 December 2025 (HL Deb col 661), what estimate they have made of RSV-related hospitalisations among infants under the age of one this season, and how this compares with the 2024/25 season.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The United Kingdom maternal immunisation programme to protect infants started in September 2024 and is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The information requested is not available, however respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospital admission rates in those under five years of age are reported in Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Watch surveillance weekly reports.

Further surveillance data and a programme impact assessment will be included in the annual surveillance report on RSV, due to be published in summer 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of pharmacy-first protocols and pharmacy-led clinics in the early intervention and ongoing management of chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is not one of the conditions currently included in the Pharmacy First Clinical pathway protocols. NHS England will continue to keep the clinical scope of the Pharmacy First service under review, including any future service expansion to include new conditions.

If patients do not qualify for the Pharmacy First service, they should still be able to access healthcare advice from their pharmacy. Support for self-care is an essential service that all pharmacies must provide. This can include the provision of healthcare advice, the sale of over-the-counter medicines and, where appropriate, pharmacies must signpost to other providers if the supply of a prescription-only medicine is required.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to update the Quality and Outcomes Framework to reflect the direction for the NHS set out in the 10 Year Health Plan for England.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicators and associated guidance are updated and published each year as part of the General Medical Services (GMS) contract negotiations. The current consultation on the 2026/27 GMS contract is ongoing and includes proposals to update the QOF which align with the 10-Year Health Plan’s focus on moving from sickness to prevention. We expect to publicly announce the outcome following the conclusion of the consultation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters on the L-Category sector; and what steps they are taking to ensure a fair, safe, and properly regulated micro-mobility market.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Department continues to engage with the Motorcycle Industry Association to better understand how the micromobility and L-category sectors interact and can best support people in making the journeys that matter to them in a safe, efficient and cost-effective way.

The Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles when parliamentary time allows. This will create safe, legal routes for people to use new transport technology, and help the police to crack down on those who use them in an irresponsible or anti-social way.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on 1 January, what steps they are taking to mitigate the £200 million annual cost to Northern Ireland and risk to 1,100 jobs estimated in Energy UK’s report Borderline confusion - Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms in Northern Ireland, published in January 2025.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Energy UK report referred to assumes that the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) would apply in Northern Ireland. The EU CBAM does not apply in Northern Ireland. From 1 January 2027, the UK CBAM will apply across the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland.

To reduce barriers to trade, the UK and EU are also negotiating a deal to link respective emissions trading schemes, which will create the conditions for mutual CBAM exemptions. Those talks have begun and the Government is working to negotiate a good deal in line with UK interests as quickly as is feasible.

The Government also welcomes the European Commission’s proposed amendments, published December 2025, which would mean electricity exports from the UK will not face an EU CBAM charge.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to publish national guidance on the proportion of families accessing specialist dementia support within a defined period following diagnosis.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government wants a society where every person with dementia receives high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis through to the end of life.

We will deliver the first ever Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, which is expected this year.

The Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia and will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support.

In developing the Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework, we are engaging with a wide group of partners to understand what should be included, to ensure the best outcomes for people living with dementia and their families and carers. As part of this exercise, we are considering all options to help reduce variation, including reviewing metrics and targets.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Dementia and Frailty Modern Service Framework will establish a single national dementia care pathway, including end of life care and clear minimum service standards.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We will deliver the first ever Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework to deliver rapid and significant improvements in the quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, which is expected this year.

The Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia and will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support.

In developing the Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia, we will be considering existing guidance, including the D100 Pathway Assessment tool, which continues the work of the Dementia Care Pathway and covers all elements of the Well Pathway from prevention through to dying well.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to ensure that dementia is explicitly designed into the neighbourhood health model at a national level and to prevent local discretion and variable commissioning decisions in relation to such services.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

This Government is empowering local leaders with the autonomy they need to provide the best services to their local community, including those with dementia. This is why we have published the D100: Assessment Tool Pathway programme, which brings together multiple resources into a single, consolidated tool. This will help simplify best practice for system leaders and help create communities and services where the best possible care and support is available to those with dementia.

We will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity, informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, which is expected this year. The framework will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia.

Neighbourhood Health provides the unifying framework that brings together what is already underway across primary care, community services, urgent care, prevention, digital, estates and population health into a single, coherent model focused on improved access, experience and outcomes.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to ensure that every neighbourhood health service in England includes dementia specialism within multidisciplinary teams, with dementia specialist nursing as a core component.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Neighbourhood Health Services will bring together integrated neighbourhood teams of professionals and partners closer to people’s home, including nurses, doctors, social care workers, pharmacists, health visitors, employment support, children’s services, and more, to work together to support people and places to improve their health and wellbeing.

Neighbourhood Health provides the unifying framework that brings together what is already underway across primary care, community services, urgent care, prevention, digital, estates and population health into a single, coherent model focused on improved access, experience and outcomes.

The provision of dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs) and may include specialist nurses. We expect ICBs to commission services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish national dementia outcomes for neighbourhood health services requiring integrated care boards to demonstrate timely access to specialist, community-based dementia support.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

In developing the Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia, we are engaging with a wide group of partners to understand what should be included to ensure the best outcomes for people living with dementia. As part of this exercise, we are considering all options to help reduce variation, including reviewing metrics and targets.

The Neighbourhood Health Service will be the driving force behind our new Genomics Population Health Service; and data will increasingly allow Neighbourhood Health Services to deliver genuinely predictive and pre-emptive care, transforming our care model entirely.

NHS England already collect and publish data about people with dementia at each general practice in England, to enable National Health Service general practitioners and commissioners to make informed choices about how to plan their dementia services around patients’ needs.

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Dementia Intelligence Network has also developed a tool for local systems, which includes an assessment of population characteristics such as rurality and socio-economic deprivation. This enables systems to investigate local variation in diagnosis and take informed action to enhance their diagnosis rates. The tool is available via the NHS Futures Collaboration platform.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 5 January (HL12579), whether they will review the evaluation framework used to inform advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to ensure that it systematically captures the wider economic and societal benefits of vaccination, including impacts on productivity, education, and health inequalities.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

When advising the Government on matters relating to vaccination and immunisation, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) considers information on cost-effectiveness alongside evidence of the burden of disease, of vaccine safety and efficacy, and of the impact of immunisation strategies. Broader socio-economic impacts of vaccination may be highlighted by the JCVI or by officials who provide advice to ministers. However, these wider impacts are not formally included with the cost-effectiveness methodology.

A key reason for this is that these wider benefits cannot be quantified consistently across all vaccination programmes, due to the lack of high-quality data on socio-economic benefits currently available. Robust data may be available for very few programmes, but basing decisions on these wider benefits, rather than health benefits, would create disparities whereby vaccination programmes with high-quality data on wider benefits are considered more valuable.

Additionally, by maintaining a formal approach focused on health benefits, we are able to assess vaccines consistently with other health interventions in receipt of health spending, which are similarly focused on health benefits under the guidance of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

By ensuring vaccine policymaking is informed by comparable and measurable health benefits and rigorous cost-effectiveness analysis, we ensure that public funds are spent responsibly and directed to programmes that deliver health benefits and savings to the health and social care system.

Found: Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick asked if Ministers could give attention to establishing an independent