Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, in light of the findings of the British Dyslexia Association's 2026 report: GCSE attainment: A decade without progress, what steps she is taking to reduce the GSCE attainment gap between those with Specific Learning Differences and those without.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

I refer the hon. Member for Yeovil to the answer of 26 August to Question 17555.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help reduce barriers to good care for (a) autistic people and (b) people with a learning disability in long-term segregation.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We are committed to ensuring that people with a learning disability and autistic people receive high-quality, person-centred care and support in the least restrictive setting possible, including reducing the use of long-term segregation in mental health inpatient settings. To support this, the Care Quality Commission is delivering Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews (IC(E)TRs). IC(E)TRs are intended to improve the treatment of people with a learning disability or autistic people in long-term segregation and reduce the use of long-term segregation nationally.

As part of implementing the changes to the Mental Health Act 2025, we are publishing a revised Code of Practice which will provide updated guidance on long-term segregation. In the process of drafting this, we will engage with people with lived experience and their families and carers, staff and professional groups, commissioners, and providers. We will run a public consultation to ensure the code is as useful as possible.

In October 2025, NHS England also published the Identifying Restrictive Practice resource for integrated care boards and National Health Service organisations, which supports the reduction of the use of restrictive practices, including long-term segregation. The Identifying Restrictive Practice resource is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/identifying-restrictive-practice/

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 affordability of rented properties in Yeovil constituency for people who rely on Local Housing Allowance.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum financial support available for renters in the private rented sector. LHA rates are not intended to meet all rents in all areas.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) at the 2025 Autumn Budget and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, such as rent levels across the country were considered against the fiscal context and the level of housing support that Government provides overall.

Renters receiving housing support who face a shortfall in meeting their rent costs can apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from local authorities in England.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve access to holiday clubs for disabled children in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government is committed to improving access to high-quality holiday provision for school-aged children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Through the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme, the department is spending over £600 million across the three financial years from 2026/27 to provide free holiday club places, healthy meals and enriching activities to eligible children from low-income families during school holidays in England.

Local authorities are responsible for understanding local needs and delivering HAF provision that is inclusive and accessible. They have flexibility to tailor provision for children with SEND who are eligible for free school meals and have discretion to use up to 15% of funding to provide free holiday club places to children who are not eligible but could benefit from HAF, such as those with SEND.

The department is providing local authorities with an additional £12.9 million in 2026/27 to support their capacity to sustain a sufficient school-age childcare system, including ensuring sufficient holiday childcare and childcare for children in England with SEND.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of supporting Avon and Somerset Police to install a police custody suite in the new Horsey Lane police station in Yeovil.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Decisions regarding the police estate, including the provision and location of custody suites, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents), who are best placed to determine local requirements based on operational demand, policing priorities and available resources.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the volume of preventable deaths in (a) Yeovil constituency and (b) Somerset due to respiratory diseases.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Data on the number of deaths due to respiratory disease, as well as which were considered preventable, is available at the following link:

https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/respiratory-disease/data

Data is not available at a Parliamentary constituency level.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the restoration of (a) habitats, (b) species, (c) woodlands and (d) peatlands in Yeovil constituency.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government has supported Somerset Council to develop the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which covers Yeovil. The Somerset LNRS will help groups and individuals target action to help nature recover and support locally and nationally important species and habitats, such as woodlands and peatlands.

Within the Yeovil constituency boundary, there are currently 480 live agri-environment agreements. Catchment Sensitive Farming advisers work closely with farmers, providing tailored advice, specialist consultancy and support for capital grants to improve water and air quality, reduce flood risk and enhance farmland habitats.

Woodland restoration is supported through a range of measures, including support for the development of Woodland Management Plans, alongside targeted capital funding for habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements, increased woodland diversity, and measures to address pests, diseases, and other threats to woodland resilience.

Peatland restoration works across England are carried out by local peatland partnerships, such as The Somerset Peatland Partnership, who are involved in managing any peatlands in the Yeovil constituency.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will publish the results of the internal consultation carried out by the Student Loans Company for her department regarding the proposed changes to the Disabled Student Allowance.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department is not aware of any internal consultation carried out by the Student Loans Company on its behalf regarding proposed changes to Disabled Students’ Allowance.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the development of commercially viable alternatives to the use of high-concentration Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas to stun pigs before slaughter.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We accept that there is a pressing need to address the welfare concerns associated with high concentration carbon dioxide stunning of pigs. Legislation sets out existing alternative permitted methods for the slaughter of pigs. In addition, the Animal Welfare Committee provided an up to date and comprehensive animal welfare assessment of the current evidence on high concentration CO2 stunning of pigs and the potential alternative stunning methods. This report was published in October 2025 and can be found here: Opinion on carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs and alternative methods - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that the proposals in the Post-16 White Paper lead to more students with Specific Learning Disabilities accessing Level 3 courses.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper introduced reforms intended to widen participation in Level 3 study, including the development of new V Level qualifications, clearer progression routes from Level 2 to Level 3, an automatic college-place guarantee, enhanced support for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and more flexible learning opportunities through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Together, these measures aim to ensure that high-quality Level 3 pathways are accessible, including to those with SEND, and all learners can progress successfully into further study or employment.

Earlier this year we published the SEND reform consultation, ‘Putting Children and Young People First’, setting out our commitment to strengthening support across the 0 to 25 system, including a stronger emphasis on employment outcomes, better use of vocational pathways, supported internships and apprenticeships, and improved identification of SEND at any age.

Information on the participation, outcomes and achievements of learners through these reforms will be monitored to identify their impact and to inform policy development.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to introduce a pathway for the identification of dyslexia in post 16 education settings for students not identified at earlier stages of education.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice requires a person-centred approach to identifying SEND (including dyslexia) in children and young people, placing emphasis on the individual’s own views and choices after compulsory school age. Identification should consider social, emotional, and developmental factors alongside academic progress, as some high-achieving learners may mask underlying needs. Post-16 providers also have a statutory duty to use screening and transition information to identify and support needs early.

The SEND reform consultation ‘Putting Children and Young People First’ aims to improve consistency in identification and support, helping to identify and support unmet or late-emerging needs more effectively.

The consultation also proposed a £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund given to schools, colleges and early years settings to deliver an improved inclusion offer, national SEND training for all staff, backed by over £200 million over three years, and new National Inclusion Standards and early identification tools to support the provision of earlier and more consistent help.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure careers advisors can offer young dyslexic people (a) education and (b) training with assessment formats that enable a young person with dyslexia to demonstrate their ability.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Through competitive tender process, the department has commissioned ‘Transform Your Training’ to develop a series of continuing professional development (CPD) modules for careers advisers, including a module on supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Careers adviser qualifications and CPD cover SEND, helping advisers to understand dyslexia, identify barriers to learning and progression, work with special educational needs coordinators and other professionals, and provide personalised careers guidance.

Careers advisers help young people understand education, training and employment options, including the assessment approaches and progression requirements for different pathways. Education and training providers are responsible for preparing learners for assessments and providing appropriate support.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure careers advisors understand challenges associated with dyslexia.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Through competitive tender process, the department has commissioned ‘Transform Your Training’ to develop a series of continuing professional development (CPD) modules for careers advisers, including a module on supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Careers adviser qualifications and CPD cover SEND, helping advisers to understand dyslexia, identify barriers to learning and progression, work with special educational needs coordinators and other professionals, and provide personalised careers guidance.

Careers advisers help young people understand education, training and employment options, including the assessment approaches and progression requirements for different pathways. Education and training providers are responsible for preparing learners for assessments and providing appropriate support.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reserving a proportion of driving test appointments for candidates requiring a resit of a test to reduce (a) test waiting lists and (b) costs for learner drivers.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) does not operate a cancellation service or reserve a proportion of driving test appointments for candidates requiring a resit of their practical driving test. DVSA advises learners to regularly check for new appointments. Test appointments are released on a rolling 24-week basis, and additional appointments are added as soon as they become available.

All learner drivers have their own valid reason for wanting to take their test as soon as they can. Prioritising learners who have not been successful passing their previous practical test over another learner driver would not be fair.

DVSA has published guidance targeted at family and friends of learner drivers, which can be found on GOV.UK at supervise a learner driver. If a learner can access private practice, this might help reduce their learning to drive costs. They can then pick up lessons with their driving instructor prior to their booked test.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she is taking steps to improve the guidance on identifying signs of radicalisation as part of the Prevent Strategy.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

Yes. The Government keeps Prevent guidance and training under review to ensure that frontline professionals are equipped to recognise and respond appropriately to concerns about radicalisation.

In November 2024, the Home Office introduced a detailed, face-to-face Prevent training package to strengthen frontline professionals’ understanding of ideologies and grievances, and their ability to identify signs of radicalisation. In September 2025, we issued updated guidance to clarify referral thresholds for frontline practitioners. In August 2026, we also updated guidance for frontline professionals on how to notice and respond to concerns that someone is becoming radicalised.

The Home Office is also developing a Prevent Practitioner Portal, where guidance and training material relevant to Prevent can be found in one place.

Our guidance makes it clear that there is no single pathway to radicalisation, and it is not necessary for a practitioner to identify a specific ideology before making a referral.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 100106 on Counter-terrorism, when the independent evaluation of Channel will be published.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The evaluation is expected to report findings by December 2026. We aim to publish the evaluation report in Spring 2027.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of commissioning a review into the effects of the Prevent Strategy on people with autism.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

Prevent conducted an internal strategic review of mental-health and neurodiversity (MHND) in 2025 to strengthen how individuals with mental ill-health, or who are neurodiverse, are supported and managed.

The review was designed to ensure that mental health and neurodiversity, including autism, are considered carefully and responsibly, without stigmatising individuals or implying any direct causal relationship between MHND and radicalisation risk.

Research has generally found no evidence there is a direct causal relationship between mental ill-health or neurodivergence and radicalisation risk in the general population.

In response to the review, operational guidance has been updated, and a new service is being piloted for psychologists to provide tailored advice to practitioners supporting people with mental ill-health or neurodivergence, including autism.

Since 2020, to further support the effective management of autistic individuals on Prevent programmes, the National Autistic Society has provided training to a range of front-line practitioners including all Channel Panel members and Intervention Providers. The course covers a basic introduction to autism, with a further course designed to understand autism in the context of radicalisation/extremism. This training is regularly reviewed and updated as required.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she is taking steps to improve the awareness of autistic characteristics in Prevent safeguarding training.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

Prevent conducted an internal strategic review of mental-health and neurodiversity (MHND) in 2025 to strengthen how individuals with mental ill-health, or who are neurodiverse, are supported and managed.

The review was designed to ensure that mental health and neurodiversity, including autism, are considered carefully and responsibly, without stigmatising individuals or implying any direct causal relationship between MHND and radicalisation risk.

Research has generally found no evidence there is a direct causal relationship between mental ill-health or neurodivergence and radicalisation risk in the general population.

In response to the review, operational guidance has been updated, and a new service is being piloted for psychologists to provide tailored advice to practitioners supporting people with mental ill-health or neurodivergence, including autism.

Since 2020, to further support the effective management of autistic individuals on Prevent programmes, the National Autistic Society has provided training to a range of front-line practitioners including all Channel Panel members and Intervention Providers. The course covers a basic introduction to autism, with a further course designed to understand autism in the context of radicalisation/extremism. This training is regularly reviewed and updated as required.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to integrate employer guidance and information on dyslexia friendly recruitment processes into his Department's disability confident programme.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

The Disability Confident Scheme encourages employers to create inclusive workplaces for those with long-term health conditions, including neurodivergent people such as those with dyslexia, to get into work and succeed in work. The scheme helps employers develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to attract, recruit, retain and develop disabled employees, while providing access to guidance and practical resources to support inclusive employment practices.

Employers can already access a range of support through GOV.UK, including guidance on employing disabled people and people with health conditions [Employing disabled people and people with health conditions - GOV.UK]. This includes information on supporting people with dyslexia and other hidden disabilities throughout recruitment and employment. The Disability Confident Line Manager Guide also provides practical advice on supporting employees with specific disabilities, long-term health conditions and learning difficulties, including dyslexia [Recruiting, managing and developing disabled people: a practical guide for managers - GOV.UK].

We recognise that employers may benefit from additional practical support to build disability-inclusive workplaces. As part of our programme of reform for the Disability Confident Scheme, we are improving the guidance and resources available to employers. This will provide clearer, more practical information on inclusive recruitment, workplace adjustments, and supporting disabled and neurodivergent people, including those with dyslexia. These reforms will strengthen the support available to employers while maintaining Disability Confident as a voluntary scheme that helps organisations become more inclusive and accessible.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve maternity care for women with epilepsy.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

On 6 January 2026, NHS England published the Maternal Care Bundle, setting out best practice standards to tackle the leading causes of maternal death including epilepsy, thrombosis, mental health, and haemorrhage.

The National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce is developing an action plan, to be published by the end of this year, to improve maternity and neonatal care across the country. All women and babies have a right to safe, personalised, and equitable care, which takes account of their individual needs, conditions, and preferences.

The taskforce and its supporting expert reference groups have been set up to ensure a representative breadth of voices inform its approach. The taskforce is comprised of experts and key stakeholders including families, clinicians, academics, royal colleges, charities, and grass-root organisations, including representation from Epilepsy Action, as well as those who can speak to health equity and international expertise.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of broaden the (a) national curriculum and (b) qualification pathway at Key Stage 4 to place greater emphasis on (i) vocational and (ii) technical skills.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department is considering the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review in line with the government’s ambition to transform technical education from age 14 to 16. We will widen opportunity for all young people and create clear pathways into further study, training and high-quality careers where they live, while ensuring the curriculum delivers high standards, maintaining the importance of both knowledge and skills. There will be a public consultation on proposals for the national curriculum in due course.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to support (a) semi-rural and (b) rural small businesses in Yeovil constituency with increases in annual energy standing charges.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government recognises that high energy prices are a concern for SMEs across the country, including rural businesses in Yeovil.

We are cutting energy bills by up to 25% for manufacturers from April 2027 through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. We have increased the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to help SMEs transition to more stable, lower-cost heating. Through the UK Business Climate Hub, we are helping SMEs cut bills, improve resilience, and invest in long-term sustainability.

Government is also working with Ofgem to reform the non‑domestic energy market, improving transparency and complaint handling.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential wellbeing benefits of ensuring access to a trusted adult for every young person in (a) Yeovil constituency (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Vicky Foxcroft - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

We recognise the benefits of having a trusted adult. The National Youth Strategy Youth Matters committed to increase the opportunities available for young people to connect with a trusted adult in their community.

Wider research shows that having a trusted adult is associated with stronger social and emotional capabilities: resilience, self-esteem, communication, sense of agency. Some studies also show that trusted adult support is associated with improved mental health/wellbeing.

The Department has not undertaken analysis to estimate wellbeing benefits of ensuring access to a trusted adult for every young person in (a) Yeovil constituency (b) Somerset and (c) England had access to a trusted adult.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to introduce pathways to fast track to intervention for students who have dyslexia identified (a) later in school and (b) in post 16 educational settings.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Effective early identification and intervention is critical to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with dyslexia.

The department recognises that special educational needs, including dyslexia, do not always become apparent in the early years of education. Needs can emerge, change or become more visible later in school or in post-16 settings as academic and social demands increase.

The department’s reforms are designed to support identification whenever needs arise and to provide a clear route from identification to support. This includes access to targeted interventions, specialist advice through Experts at Hand and an Individual Support Plan, where appropriate. This will help ensure that children and young people can access the support they need, regardless of when their needs are identified.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to introduce (a) early screening for dyslexia and (b) a national pathway for diagnosis of dyslexia.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Effective early identification and intervention is critical to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with dyslexia.

The SEND Code of Practice makes it clear that meeting the needs of a child with SEND does not require a diagnostic label. Instead, practitioners should identify and address pupils' needs at the earliest opportunity through a graduated approach, in which progress is regularly assessed, and support is provided based on an individual's identified needs.

The department's SEND reforms will support earlier and more consistent identification of need through the National Inclusion Standards. The reforms will set out the ordinarily available provision that should be in every setting across the 0 to 25 system, as well as the evidence-based tools and approaches for educators to identify and support children and young people with SEND.

The department does not currently plan to introduce universal screening for dyslexia or a national dyslexia-specific diagnostic pathway. We expect practitioners to monitor the progress of all pupils, identify emerging difficulties and put appropriate support in place promptly, regardless of whether a child has received a formal diagnosis.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of introducing alternative assessment methods for (a) GSCEs and (b) A-Levels on educational outcomes for dyslexic children.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Ofqual, as the independent qualifications regulator, is responsible for regulating GCSEs and A levels and for ensuring that qualifications are designed and delivered in a way that promotes accessibility and minimises unnecessary barriers for students, including those with dyslexia.

Under the Equality Act 2010, awarding organisations are required to make reasonable adjustments where a disabled student would otherwise be placed at a substantial disadvantage when taking an assessment. Ofqual requires awarding organisations to have arrangements in place to meet these obligations and to ensure that disabled students are not disadvantaged when taking qualifications.

Access arrangements, including reasonable adjustments, are intended to ensure that students can be validly assessed and are not unfairly disadvantaged. A range of access arrangements and reasonable adjustments is available for eligible students, including extra time, the use of a computer, a reader, a scribe, and other appropriate support.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support the improvement of the (a) diagnosis and (b) treatment of glaucoma in Yeovil constituency.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning primary and secondary eye care services to meet the needs of their local populations, including services for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of glaucoma.

National Health Service sight tests play an important role in detecting glaucoma, and free NHS sight tests are available to those at increased risk of glaucoma. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance supports timely diagnosis and management of glaucoma. NHS England's recently published Getting It Right First Time glaucoma best practice guidance also highlights a range of approaches to improve glaucoma care.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an estimate of the temperature on South Western train carriages on the West of England line travelling through Yeovil constituency.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not made an estimate of temperatures on specific South Western Railway services operating through Yeovil constituency. However, the Department expects operators to provide a safe and comfortable environment for passengers. SWR is currently carrying out a heavy maintenance and refurbishment programme on its trains servicing the Yeovil area which includes air-conditioning and heating fan overhauls.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to ensure trains on the West of England line are air-conditioned.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Steps are already being taken to improve trains on the West of England line. SWR's Class 158 and Class 159 trains are currently undergoing a heavy maintenance and refurbishment programme which commenced in December 2025. The programme includes air-conditioning and heating fan overhauls, door and toilet overhauls, refreshed interiors, updated seat finishes, improved passenger information systems and the introduction of at-seat power.

SWR is responsible for maintaining its fleet and ensuring that trains are fit for service. The Department expects train operators to provide a safe and comfortable environment for passengers.

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 potential merits of mandating the installation of thermometers in classrooms in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 already require that, during working hours, the temperature in indoor workplaces, including schools, is reasonable. The Regulations also require that a sufficient number of thermometers are provided to enable people to determine the temperature. As thermometers are already required under existing workplace health and safety legislation, the government has no current plans to introduce additional requirements relating to their installation in classrooms.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including data on (a) dyslexic and (b) other neurodiverse (i) jobseekers and (ii) employees in the Workplace Health Intelligence Unit.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Sir Charlie Mayfield’s independent Keep Britain Working Review, published on 5 November 2025, highlighted the scale of the problem of people falling out of work for reasons of ill-health and disability, and the vital role employers can play in addressing this. The Review identified structural challenges for disabled people and people with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, creating barriers to starting and staying in work, and proposed reforms to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

The Review was not condition specific but takes a needs-based approach, focussed on the wider structural and health related barriers that prevent disabled people and those with physical and mental health conditions from entering or staying in work. This includes development of good practice and outcomes for creating thriving, healthy workplaces, to be developed into a robust, recognised standard; creating effective, employer-facing Workplace Health Provision; and driving adoption through evidence and incentives.

The Workplace Health Intelligence Unit is in its design phase. We are working with Vanguard employers to better define the data we think will underpin the new system, and how it can be collected. This will then be built into the design of the WHIU, so that it can provide an effective baseline for employers looking to improve their return-to-work process and results, reduce their sickness absence and achieve greater inclusion of disabled people and people with learning disabilities.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to integrate the needs of dyslexic employees into the Healthy Working Lifestyle Framework in his Department's Vanguards initiative.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Sir Charlie Mayfield’s independent Keep Britain Working Review, published on 5 November 2025, highlighted the scale of the problem of people falling out of work for reasons of ill-health and disability, and the vital role employers can play in addressing this. The Review identified structural challenges for disabled people and people with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, creating barriers to starting and staying in work, and proposed reforms to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

The Review was not condition specific but takes a needs-based approach, focussed on the wider structural and health related barriers that prevent disabled people and those with physical and mental health conditions from entering or staying in work. This includes development of good practice and outcomes for creating thriving, healthy workplaces, to be developed into a robust, recognised standard; creating effective, employer-facing Workplace Health Provision; and driving adoption through evidence and incentives.

The Workplace Health Intelligence Unit is in its design phase. We are working with Vanguard employers to better define the data we think will underpin the new system, and how it can be collected. This will then be built into the design of the WHIU, so that it can provide an effective baseline for employers looking to improve their return-to-work process and results, reduce their sickness absence and achieve greater inclusion of disabled people and people with learning disabilities.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve the resilience of the rail network on the West of England Line to heatwaves.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex are working to improve the resilience of the West of England Line to the impacts of climate change, including periods of extreme heat.

Following the soil moisture deficit experienced in recent years (most recently 2025), we have carried out extensive work to improve the condition of the route, including correcting track levels, installing 5,000 tonnes of new ballast and removing more than 200 dead and diseased trees that can further destabilise embankments. South Western Railway / Network Rail Wessex are also working with the University of Southampton’s National Infrastructure Laboratory to develop longer-term measures that will improve the line’s resilience to the effects of climate change and extreme weather.

In addition, we are undertaking a major overhaul of its Class 158 and 159 fleet, including work to air conditioning systems and painting train roofs in lighter colours to reduce the effects of high temperatures from direct sunlight.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a National Wellbeing Measurement.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises the importance of monitoring and understanding the wellbeing of children and young people and the factors that influence it. The department gathers, analyses and publishes data on pupil wellbeing, experiences and outcomes through existing surveys and administrative datasets. This includes our first annual publication on pupil experiences in schools, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-experiences-in-school-academic-year-2024-to-2025.

The department will continue to monitor the evidence on children and young people's wellbeing and consider how best to improve understanding of the factors that support positive outcomes. We will also publish a Pupil Engagement Framework, which will support schools to understand and measure factors such as belonging, inclusion, relationships, safety and agency, which are closely linked to attendance, attainment and wellbeing.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of introducing a system whereby a proportion of practical driving test appointments are reserved for candidates requiring a retest following a previous unsuccessful practical driving test.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is unable to prioritise learners who have already taken a practical driving test and been unsuccessful over learners seeking to take their test for the first time. All learner drivers have valid reasons for wanting to access a test appointment as soon as possible, and providing preferential access to one group over another would not be fair.

DVSA is focused on increasing overall test availability and is exploring a range of measures to provide additional test capacity at different stages throughout the booking window. This approach is intended to offer greater choice and opportunity for all learner drivers, rather than prioritising specific groups of learners.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve protection for frontline NHS staff from (a) racism and (b) discrimination on the basis of any other protected characteristic.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 September in response to Question 28051 and on 19 June in response to Question 3468.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve protections for frontline NHS staff against (a) violence and (b) aggression from (i) patients and (ii) members of the public.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 September in response to Question 28051 and on 19 June in response to Question 3468.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending the School Workforce Census to record neurodivergence.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department recognises the importance of understanding the diversity of the school workforce, including the experiences of neurodivergent staff. The School Workforce Census (SWC) already collects information on disability, which may include some neurodivergent conditions where individuals choose to declare them. However, the disability data collected does not enable the department to identify or extract information specifically on neurodivergent staff.

The department keeps the content of the SWC under regular review to ensure it meets user needs while minimising administrative burdens on schools. The department has not made a specific assessment of the merits of introducing a separate data field for neurodivergence. Any proposal to do so would require careful consideration of data quality, staff disclosure rates and the impact on schools and employers.

The department will continue to consider opportunities to improve its understanding of workforce diversity.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of appointing a Minister for neurodiversity.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

As the Minister of State for Social Care, I also have responsibility for neurodiversity.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to support children with neurodevelopmental conditions to access mental health services.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions should be able to access timely and quality mental health support. We expect services to make reasonable adjustments and provide care tailored to neurodivergent children, including through accessible communication and environments. We are also working to improve coordination between mental health, neurodevelopmental, education, and wider children’s services, so that children receive timely support and are not passed between services.

We are also developing a new cross-Government Mental Health Strategy for England, which will reflect the mental health needs of autistic people and people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including where mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions overlap, with a focus on more integrated, equitable, and tailored support. The strategy will be informed by the findings and recommendations of the independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism. The review is considering how support can be provided earlier and more effectively, including whether diagnosis has too often become the main gateway to help and how people can receive practical support based on need before and alongside diagnosis.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help improve the (a) speed and (b) consistency of diagnostic assessments of (i) Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and (ii) Corticobasal Degeneration in Yeovil constituency.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) can be difficult to diagnose in their early stages because their symptoms may resemble those of other neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis is based on specialist clinical assessment and investigations to rule out other conditions.

In Yeovil, National Health Services are taking steps to improve both the speed and consistency of PSP and CBD diagnosis. These include the recruitment of additional neurology consultants, the appointment of inpatient nurse specialists for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, the introduction of a neurology advice and guidance service for general practitioners (GPs), and plans to expand clinics at community hospitals. Since late 2025 they have also introduced an advice and guidance portal for GPs where they can offer a written treatment plan or arrange an investigation without the need for an outpatient appointment.

These measures are intended to improve access to specialist expertise and ensure outpatient appointments are used effectively for patients requiring diagnosis and treatment planning.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her Department's planned timetable is for including social sector buildings in the total number of buildings 11 metres and over in height identified with unsafe cladding in its remediation progress reports.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The number of buildings 11 metres over in height identified with unsafe cladding in the Building Safety Remediation data release already includes social sector buildings. Overall remediation progress information on social sector buildings is available in the Overall remediation progress section of the data release, as well as in the ACM remediation, Building Safety Fund, Cladding Safety Scheme and Social housing self-funded remediation sections of the release.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made on the potential impact of reductions in levels of banking services on (a) Yeovil constituency and (b) Somerset.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free services for personal accounts.

Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. LINK, the independent industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments, will then assess a community’s access to cash needs, and will recommend appropriate solutions, including banking hubs, where it considers a community requires additional cash services.

The most recent FCA data shows 98.1 per cent of people in rural areas live within 3 miles of a free-to-use cash access point offering withdrawals.

In addition to access to cash, the Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. The Government is aware of the public’s concerns around access to banking services, which are currently not protected in legislation. Whilst there is evidence on a local level of individuals being affected by the closure of bank branches, the Government needs robust evidence from across the UK.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities, including those in rural and coastal areas and market towns, and continues to work closely with industry to support the roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 280 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 240 are already open across the UK.

Banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches, including fraud support. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to help ensure community banking hubs have staff trained to (a) identify and (b) support victims of fraud.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free services for personal accounts.

Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. LINK, the independent industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments, will then assess a community’s access to cash needs, and will recommend appropriate solutions, including banking hubs, where it considers a community requires additional cash services.

The most recent FCA data shows 98.1 per cent of people in rural areas live within 3 miles of a free-to-use cash access point offering withdrawals.

In addition to access to cash, the Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. The Government is aware of the public’s concerns around access to banking services, which are currently not protected in legislation. Whilst there is evidence on a local level of individuals being affected by the closure of bank branches, the Government needs robust evidence from across the UK.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities, including those in rural and coastal areas and market towns, and continues to work closely with industry to support the roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 280 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 240 are already open across the UK.

Banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches, including fraud support. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to improve access to cash for rural communities in Yeovil constituency.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free services for personal accounts.

Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. LINK, the independent industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments, will then assess a community’s access to cash needs, and will recommend appropriate solutions, including banking hubs, where it considers a community requires additional cash services.

The most recent FCA data shows 98.1 per cent of people in rural areas live within 3 miles of a free-to-use cash access point offering withdrawals.

In addition to access to cash, the Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. The Government is aware of the public’s concerns around access to banking services, which are currently not protected in legislation. Whilst there is evidence on a local level of individuals being affected by the closure of bank branches, the Government needs robust evidence from across the UK.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities, including those in rural and coastal areas and market towns, and continues to work closely with industry to support the roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 280 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 240 are already open across the UK.

Banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches, including fraud support. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of expanding Link’s remit to include banking services as a whole.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free services for personal accounts.

Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. LINK, the independent industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments, will then assess a community’s access to cash needs, and will recommend appropriate solutions, including banking hubs, where it considers a community requires additional cash services.

The most recent FCA data shows 98.1 per cent of people in rural areas live within 3 miles of a free-to-use cash access point offering withdrawals.

In addition to access to cash, the Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. The Government is aware of the public’s concerns around access to banking services, which are currently not protected in legislation. Whilst there is evidence on a local level of individuals being affected by the closure of bank branches, the Government needs robust evidence from across the UK.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities, including those in rural and coastal areas and market towns, and continues to work closely with industry to support the roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 280 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 240 are already open across the UK.

Banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches, including fraud support. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to support the creation of employment opportunities in (a) Yeovil constituency and (b) Somerset.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is supporting employment opportunities in Yeovil and across Somerset through its Industrial Strategy and investment in the region’s growth-driving sectors.

In Yeovil, Leonardo UK has been selected for a £1 billion contract to provide 23 new battlefield helicopters. The agreement supports 3,300 jobs at Leonardo’s Yeovil facility and sets up Yeovil as the company’s future centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters. Yeovil College has also been selected as a Defence Technical Excellence College.

Across Somerset, the Government is providing Agratas with a grant of up to £380 million, securing approximately £5 billion of private investment in its battery gigafactory near Bridgwater. The facility is expected to support around 4,200 jobs once fully operational. It is also supporting University College Somerset’s work with Agratas, to deliver training so people across Somerset have the practical, hands-on skills they need to seize the opportunities created by this investment. Somerset hosts two Technical Excellence Colleges: University Centre Somerset College Group, appointed as a Clean Energy Technical Excellence College, and Weston College (in North Somerset) appointed as an Advanced Manufacturing College. Together with Yeovil College, they are among 29 new Technical Excellence Colleges delivering high-quality training in key sectors, backed by £295 million of government investment over the course of this Parliament. This is in addition to wider skills and employment support, including the government’s £2.5bn youth employment package, which will help over 1 million young people by 2029.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle Authorised Push Payment fraud occurring (a) online or (b) on telecoms networks.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Through the Fraud Strategy 2026-29, the Government is working with industry, regulators and law enforcement to prevent criminals exploiting online platforms and telecommunications networks to commit fraud.

The Government designated fraud an illegal harm under the Online Safety Act, and since March 2025 in-scope platforms have been required to maintain robust systems to prevent and remove fraudulent content. In July, Ofcom have also set out their proposed measures for the largest social media and search services to adopt to tackle fraudulent paid adverts.

We have established the new Online Crime Centre, backed by over £30 million of investment, bringing together law enforcement, Government, GCHQ and industry partners to identify and disrupt the technological enablers of fraud.

We are also working with industry to improve transparency, accountability and performance in tackling fraud.

In November 2025, we launched the second Telecoms Fraud Charter, containing over 50 actions to identify, prevent and disrupt telecoms-enabled fraud. This includes preventing criminals reaching users through effective data sharing between telecom providers and the banking sector.

The Government also legislated through the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to ban SIM farms, which are commonly used to send scam texts at scale, and continues to work with Ofcom and industry to tackle number spoofing and scam calls.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that affordable (a) childcare and (b) holiday provision are available in (i) school holidays and (ii) inset days for working parents in Yeovil constituency.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government is committed to improving access to holiday provision for school-aged children. Families can receive support with costs through Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit childcare and the Flexible Support Fund.

Through the holiday activities and food programme, we are investing over £600 million across 2026/27 to 2028/29 to provide free holiday club places, healthy meals and enriching activities for eligible children during school holidays in England.

We are also providing local authorities with £12.9 million in 2026/27, to support their statutory duty to secure sufficient childcare. As part of this duty, local authorities ensure they understand supply and demand for school-age childcare, including paid holiday provision. It is clear in published guidance that holiday childcare includes inset days.

GSCE attainment gap and dyslexia

Somerset Armed Forces Hub

Celebrating and Supporting Grovelands Care Home (Yeovil)

Contribution of Rotary Clubs

Play days and Yeovil Town Council

Health and Remedy named Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year

Coach Casey Young

100 years of Yeovil Bowls and Squash Club

Political donations and campaign finance regulation

National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers

Second Reading of the Mental Capacity (Duty to Assess) Bill

Support for hospices

Funding of Jodrell Bank Observatory

Cosmetic specifications for fresh produce and national food security

Devon maternity services

George Henry Longley's CHRONOS at Fresh Wharf

Miscarriage care

Smarter Water Catchment Initiative

National strategy for fertility

Maurice the toll booth cat

Furniture poverty and access to essential household goods

Fire ponds

Redress for people impacted by surgical mesh, sodium valproate and Primodos

Job cuts planned at the BBC

Celebration of English traditions

Memorial plaque for Ann Widdecombe