Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to deliver the objectives they set in the AI Opportunities Action Plan while removing funding for mathematics education in schools and colleges through the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

This government is committed to ensuring both learners and employers have access to crucial digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills that have the potential to increase productivity and create new high value jobs in the UK economy. To achieve this, the department will build a responsive skills system, coordinated through Skills England, to deliver on the national, regional and local skills needs of the next decade.

The department will remain committed to ensuring all children and young people have a strong foundation in mathematics to thrive in the modern economy, regardless of background and socioeconomic status. The Advanced Maths Support programme remains a government-funded programme that continues to provide high quality teaching to increase participation and attainment in level 3 maths, to support student career progression and economic growth in technological advances.

The department also funds a national network of Maths Hubs, which is supported by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. This network aims to raise the standard of mathematics education from reception to age 18 and enhance the quality of mathematics teaching through a collaborative national network of mathematics educational professionals.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to support pupils who wish to study classical languages in state schools in England.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The study of classical languages can teach valuable lessons in history that are as relevant in the 21st century as they were for the ancient world. All schools can choose to teach classical subjects if they wish at any stage in a child’s education and can support this provision from their core funding.

Mainstream schools and young people with high needs are receiving £2.3 billion more in the 2025/26 financial year compared to 2024/25. This means core schools funding will total almost £63.9 billion next year.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consultations they have made, or representations they have received, before deciding to reduce funding for the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) remains a government funded programme that continues to positively impact mathematics education across England. Due to financial challenges, the department has made the difficult decision to reduce the funding for AMSP for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years. The department has worked with the AMSP supplier, Mathematics Education Innovation, to ensure high quality professional development and support remains available to schools and colleges to continue rising standards in level 3 mathematics.

The department remains committed to ensuring all children and young people have a strong foundation in mathematics to thrive in the modern economy, regardless of background and socioeconomic status. Our Plan for Change will ensure every child gets a rich education that helps them achieve and thrive.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of their decision to reduce funding for the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, what plans they have to ensure young people have the opportunity to learn core mathematics in state schools.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

High and rising school standards, including in mathematics, are at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best life chances. The department is committed to ensuring all students have opportunities to study mathematics after the age of 16, including increasing participation in core mathematics qualifications for students who wish to continue studying mathematics but do not want to study A or AS level mathematics. A level mathematics continues to be the most popular A level, since 2014, with almost 100,000 entries in 2024 (98,066), which is up 11% from 2023. A level further mathematics also saw significant increases of 20% in 2024 (16,816).

In the 2024/25 academic year, we introduced the core mathematics premium of £900 per year per student to support students’ participation in programmes with core mathematics qualifications. The department’s guidance on the core mathematics premium can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-funding-core-maths-premium/16-to-19-funding-core-maths-premium.

The Advanced Maths Support programme remains a government-funded programme and includes support to the expansion of core mathematics by providing online and face-to-face teacher continuous professional development for new and existing core mathematics teachers, to ensure they have the capacity and capability to confidently teach advanced mathematics.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what were the percentages of successful claimants for (1) Personal Independence Payments, and (2) the Work Capability Assessment, in the (a) 2021–22, (b) 2022–23, and (c) 2023–24, financial years, by assessment modality such as face-to-face, telephone, video, and paper-based.

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

The percentage of successful claims for Personal Independence Payment at initial decision by financial year and assessment channel is provided in the table below:

¹ The data provided does not include Scottish claimants.

² The percentage of ‘successful claimants’ is calculated as the volume of clearances awarded out of the volume of clearances which were either awarded or were disallowed post-assessment due to failing the assessment.

The percentage of claimants recommended to be successful during their Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit by financial year and assessment channel is provided below:

¹ Percentages are based on recommendations made by assessment providers for claimants undergoing ESA or Universal Credit work capability assessments. Recommendations are then considered, along with other evidence, by DWP Decision Makers when making a final decision. Outcome data is currently not available in a form that can be analysed within the cost limit.

² We have assumed 'successful claimants' to be those recommended for the 'Support Group' or 'Work Related Activity Group' for ESA or the 'Limited capability for work and work-related activity' or 'Limited capability for work' groups for Universal Credit Health.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of Access to Work Claimants were in work when claiming Access to Work compared to those with a job offer or those who were or are self-employed for the (1) 2021–22, (2) 2022–23, (3) 2023–24, and (4) 2024–25, financial years.

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

Available information on Access to Work claimants by employment status is in the following table:

Table 1. Proportion of individuals who received a payment for an Access to Work element within each financial year, by employment status.

Notes

• These figures exclude Pre-Employment (Scotland), Engage to Change (Wales), Supported Internships (England), and Traineeships (England) and customers with missing employment status records.
• The ‘Unemployed’ category may include interns, temporary workers, people waiting to start a job and people who started their job in the last 6 weeks.
• Although we do collect data on employment status at the point of application, this data can be updated throughout the customer journey. Therefore, these figures show the employment status of customers at the end of each financial year, as we do not robustly have data which would show the employment status at the point of application.
• Figures for 2024/25 are not yet available as the financial year is incomplete.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether there is any upper limit on the proportion of assessments carried out for each assessment modality (face-to-face, telephony, video, paper-based) by providers of the Health Assessment Advisory Service.

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

The feasibility of a paper-based assessment will always be considered in the first instance. Only where a paper-based review is not possible, will the claimant then be invited to an assessment.

The contracts between Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its assessment suppliers’ state that 80% of assessments should be carried out remotely (via telephone or video) and 20% carried out face-to-face, including home visits.

DWP remains committed to enabling a multi-channel assessment approach. Any future decisions will be evidence-based and to ensure this we will draw on existing evidence, as well as continuing to build our understanding via research and analysis.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the current projected spending for the 2024–25 financial year for Access to Work compared to the forecast expenditure for 2024–25 as determined at the Spending Review in 2021.

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

The forecast expenditure for Access to Work grants for 2024-25 is £290m.

The SR 2021 settlement included baseline funding for Access to Work of c£140m.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of successful claims for (1) Personal Independence Payments, and (2) Employment and Support Allowance/Support Group Top Up in Universal Credit, were reached without medical evidence supplied by a healthcare professional who was not involved in the eligibility assessment, in the financial years (a) 2021–22, (b) 2022–23, (c) 2023–24, and (d) 2024–25.

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

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

The Department does not hold data centrally on whether a health care professional had supplied any medical evidence prior to a claimant’s assessment. Obtaining such data would require a manual search of individual records.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many pupils or students in state-funded schools and colleges in England took (1) core mathematics, (2) mathematics, (3) further mathematics, and (4) statistics, qualifications post-16 in each academic year since 2015.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The information requested can be found in the attached spreadsheet and at the links below. Due to the amount of data requested, it is provided as an attachment rather than within the main body of the answer.

The numbers of entries by students aged 16 to 18 in England for A level pure mathematics, mathematics, further mathematics and statistics from the 2015/16 to 2023/24 academic years are published by the department in the ‘A level and other 16 to 18 results’ statistical release is attached and can be found at the following links:

• 2019/20 to 2023/24: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/b657f845-0723-4060-7981-08dd3ba46a29.
• 2018/19: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e26d67ded915d1f26a741fa/2019_revised_National_tables.xlsx. (Table 2a)
• 2017/18: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c4887c2ed915d38b21c50d3/2018_revised_national_tables.xlsx. (Table 2a)
• 2016/17: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a82bb13e5274a2e8ab590e5/SFR03_2018_National_Tables.xlsx. (Table 2a)
• 2015/16: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f27d540f0b6230268dc62/SFR05_2017_National_tables_1_to_8.xlsm. (Table 2a)

Data relating to Core Mathematics have been published on the Compare School and College Performance website since 2021/22 is attached and can be accessed at the following links:

• 2022/23: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/download-data?currentstep=datatypes&regiontype=all&la=0&downloadYear=2022-2023&datatypes=ks5underlying. (see “Qualification” column in “National data” tab)
• 2021/22: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/download-data?currentstep=datatypes&regiontype=all&la=0&downloadYear=2021-2022&datatypes=ks5underlying. (see “Qualification” column in “National data” tab)

Core Mathematics qualifications were introduced in 2014 to provide students who achieved a grade 9-4 in mathematics at GCSE, but are not taking AS or A level mathematics, with the opportunity to continue the subject within 16-19 study. The qualifications focus on the use and application of mathematics and statistics in real life scenarios and aims to prepare students for the mathematical demands of university study.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what was (1) Spending Review 2021 allocation, (2) the forecast spending, (3) the full year outturn, (4) the caseload, and (5) the average award, for Access to Work in the (a) 2021–22, (b) 2022–23, (c) 2023–24, and (d) 2024–25, financial years.

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

1) The Departmental spending review settlement for SR 21 did not provide a specific funding allocation for Access to Work, only a baseline funding of £140m was quantified. The Access to Work funding was included in the overall Departmental funding settlement.

2) The forecast expenditure for Access to Work grants for 2024-25 is £290m. The forecast for Access to Work grant expenditure in prior years would have been updated throughout the year for internal Departmental use. The full year outturn figures for prior years are provided below.

3) Expenditure on Access to Work elements in nominal terms, by financial year.

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK.

Figures are rounded to nearest £1000 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available. Figures relate to element expenditure only, therefore expenditure on Holistic Assessments is not included. These figures also include expenditure on the Mental Health Support service but do not include expenditure on the Transitional Employer Support Grant (TESG), therefore are not directly comparable with figures presented in part 2 of this response.

4) Number of people in receipt of payment for any Access to Work element, by financial year.

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available.

5) Average annual amount received per person for Access to Work elements, by financial year (nominal terms).

Figures have been derived by using nominal expenditure for Access to Work elements and the number of individuals in receipt of a payment for an Access to Work element from the Access to Work Official Statistics Publication. Figures relate to element expenditure and recipients only; therefore Holistic Assessments are not included. These figures also include expenditure on the Mental Health Support service but do not include expenditure on the Transitional Employer Support Grant (TESG).

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK. Figures are rounded to nearest £10 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what the current departmental expenditure limit shortfall is for Access to Work; and what the departmental expenditure limit shortfall was in the (1) 2022–23, and (2) 2023–24, financial years.

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

The SR 2021 settlement included baseline funding c£140m per annum. The forecast expenditure for 2024/25 is £290m.

The table below shows Access to Work outturn expenditure for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK. Figures are rounded to the nearest £1000 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available. These figures also include expenditure on the Mental Health Support service but do not include expenditure on the Transitional Employer Support Grant (TESG)¹, therefore are not directly comparable with SR settlement figures to be able to determine a shortfall.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to teach artificial intelligence skills in state schools.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

Programming, algorithms and the use of information technology are taught to pupils through the statutory national curriculum subject of computing from key stage 1 to key stage 4, providing the foundation for further study in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).

To support the teaching of AI in schools, the department funds the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), which delivers a range of courses for teachers on machine learning and AI, ethics, and teaching about AI in primary and secondary computing. For example, this includes ‘AI in key stage 3 computing’, which supports teachers to understand what AI is and how it can be used for asset creation, equipping them with the knowledge required to promote the effective and safe use of AI tools. The government’s continued investment in the NCCE for the 2025/26 financial year will ensure that teachers can access the support they need to be able to teach about AI, and other computing topics, effectively and confidently.

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The review seeks to deliver a curriculum that readies young people for life and work, building the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to thrive. This includes considering how young people will acquire the key digital skills needed for future life. The review group will publish an interim report in early spring setting out its interim findings and confirming the key areas for further work, and will publish its final report with recommendations this autumn. The department will take decisions on what changes to make to the curriculum in light of these recommendations.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered rationalising their efficiency efforts in a new department modelled on the Department of Government Efficiency in the USA; and whether they have any plans to learn from that body.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Departments have agreed a 2% productivity, efficiency and savings target in the first phase of the Spending Review and have been set a stretching 5% target in the second phase. This target is to be delivered via efficiencies and savings from innovative technology-driven approaches, such as Artificial Intelligence; more effectively joining up services; and a more strategic approach to government processes, including procurement.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has also asked each department to carry out a line-by-line review of existing day-to-day budgets to identify where spending is no longer aligned with this government’s priorities or is poor value for money.

To support these efforts, the Office for Value for Money will work with departments to assess where and how to root out waste and inefficiency, including agreeing plans to deliver technical efficiencies through the Spending Review period. It will also develop recommendations for system reform, informed by lessons learned from the past, international best practice, and the views of external organisations. This will underpin a ruthless focus within government on realising benefits from every pound of public spending.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have undertaken an impact assessment or preparatory policy work ahead of their plans to introduce an EU–UK youth mobility scheme, and if so, whether they will publish them.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government set out clear priorities for the reset with the EU in the manifesto. There are no plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will detail the bilateral and multilateral trade deals and arrangements they have signed or acceded to since coming into office.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Since the General Election in July 2024, the UK has acceded to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and has signed a landmark Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Iraq – a treaty on trade and strategic cooperation. We have also signed non-legally binding arrangements with partners, such as an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with Thailand, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with U.S. state of Colorado, and endorsed a joint workplan to further bilateral cooperation with Malaysia at the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to upskill public sector workers in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve productivity; and what training in AI is given to civil servants.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government Digital Service leads on developing our digital experts, and is taking steps to upskill public sector workers in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity. This includes the AI Accelerator Programme which, as one of the five Kick Starters in the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, will upskill >50 data scientists to become machine learning engineers. Furthermore, following a successful AI pilot with second-year Digital Fast Streamers, the Government Digital Service is introducing AI to the broader digital Fast Stream curriculum. Finally, the Civil Service Learning platform offers over 250 hours of AI learning, and is available to all civil servants.

The incubator for AI, within GDS, is also building a suite of productivity tools for public servants, nicknamed 'Humphrey' including meeting transcription and consultation analysis.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government from which law firms and individuals they have commissioned external legal advice in relation to negotiations over the Chagos Islands since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government has sought external legal advice at various times throughout the negotiations with Mauritius. The specific counsel instructed has depended on the nature of the legal issues involved. Counsel has a professional obligation not to accept instructions where there is a conflict of interest.