Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether selective mutism will be included in (a) the National Inclusion Standards, (b) Specialist Provision Packages and (c) the revised SEND Code of Practice; which organisations and professional groups with expertise in selective mutism her Department has consulted in developing those reforms; and what her planned timetable is for publishing the relevant draft standards, packages and Code.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The National Inclusion Standards will set out what ordinarily available provision should be in every setting across the 0 to 25 system, as well as evidence-based tools and approaches for educators to draw on to identify and support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including selective mutism.

Specialist Provision Packages are descriptions of support for children and young people with the most complex needs. Some children and young people receiving support via a package may also have selective mutism.

An independent expert panel has been appointed to oversee the development of the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages. The panel will engage with stakeholders to make sure its work is informed by a wide range of views and lived experience.

In the reformed system, the SEND Code of Practice will set out the duties and guidance that enable settings meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, such as those with selective mutism. The department will undertake a full public consultation to ensure the updated Code reflects best practice and the views of children and young people, parents and carers, and professionals.

The publication of the draft packages and standards will align with forthcoming legislation, and details of further plans and timings for updating the Code will be shared following publication of the government’s response to the SEND Consultation.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what data her Department holds on children and young people with selective mutism, broken down by (a) age, (b) local authority, (c) education, health and care plan status, (d) primary and secondary type of special educational need, (e) school attendance and (f) suspension or permanent exclusion; and whether she will introduce selective mutism as a distinct reporting category within the school census and education, health and care plan data collections.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department does not hold information on the number of children and young people with selective mutism and is therefore unable to provide the breakdowns requested.

Effective early identification and intervention is critical to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), including those with selective mutism condition.

The special educational needs and disabilities Code of Practice makes it clear that meeting the needs of a child with SEN 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, regardless of whether a child has received a formal diagnosis.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what data her Department plans to collect through annual management information returns associated with Local Supported Housing Strategies on (a) the number of supported housing units with 24-hour on-site support, (b) unmet need for such provision and (c) the geographical distribution of those units.

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

Earlier this year we issued new burdens funding for local housing authorities to develop their local supported housing strategies. The department is planning to request annual management information from local authorities on their strategies, including on housing stock and demand. The statutory guidance, Local Supported Housing Strategies - GOV.UK, sets out illustrative information on this data collection. More detailed reporting instructions will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Housing Benefit (Earned Income Disregards) Regulations 2026, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people living in (a) supported housing and (b) temporary accommodation impacted by those regulations by local authority area; and how his Department plans to evaluate their impact on (i) entry into employment, (ii) hours worked and (iii) tenancy sustainment.

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

The department's statistical publishing tool Stat-Xplore provides information on the number of working-age Housing Benefit claimants living in supported housing or temporary accommodation who are potentially in scope from the new earned income disregard as it is intended to improve incentives to enter work or increase earnings. Stat-Xplore also provides this with a local authority breakdown.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what clinical needs assessment and options appraisal were provided to NHS Property Services before the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road was marketed for sale, including assessments of (a) current and future demand for community inpatient beds, (b) intermediate and step-down care, (c) diagnostic and outpatient services, (d) population growth and demographic change in Eastern Arun, (e) health inequalities and (f) alternative healthcare uses for the site; and if she will publish any relevant documents.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will ask NHS England to establish and publish (a) whether the future use and disposal of the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road was considered by (i) the board and (ii) a committee of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, (b) the dates and outcomes of any such consideration and (c) the names and job titles of Trust representatives involved in discussions about that disposal.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what records NHS Property Services holds of (a) meetings, (b) correspondence and (c) representations involving Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust concerning the future (i) use and (ii) disposal of the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road since 1 January 2020; and if she will publish those records subject to necessary redactions.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which body declared the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road surplus to NHS requirements; on what date that decision was made; whether a Property Vacation Notice was completed; on what date NHS Property Services was instructed to market the land; whether the land was placed on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land; and whether any public sector body expressed an interest in acquiring it.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the guidance entitled Requesting transfers of NHS property, published on 29 January 2026, whether the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road was categorised as (a) core, (b) flex and (c) tail estate; whether it was included in the list of NHS Property Services-owned properties shared with the relevant integrated care board by 31 March 2026; whether NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust proposed its (i) transfer and (ii) recategorisation; and what the outcome of any such proposal was.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will ask NHS Property Services not to exchange contracts for the sale of the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road until (a) the clinical needs assessment and options appraisal supporting the disposal have been published, (b) the processes for considering transfer to a local NHS trust and acquisition by another public sector body have been completed and their outcomes published and (c) NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board has published a local reinvestment plan for the sale proceeds.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board has identified the estate priority to which the locally retained share of the proceeds from the sale of the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road will be allocated; whether funding for the repair, redevelopment and reopening of Zachary Merton Hospital has been assessed for that purpose; and if she will publish the assessment and timetable for allocating those proceeds.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information her Department and NHS England hold on money (a) raised, (b) donated, (c) transferred and (d) earmarked for replacement healthcare provision following the closure of Littlehampton Hospital, including the amount concerned, the bodies by which it was held, the purposes for which it was used, and any remaining balance; and if she will ask NHS England to publish a complete audit trail, including relevant successor records held by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what records NHS Property Services holds of consultation and engagement concerning the disposal of the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road with (a) the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, (b) Littlehampton Town Council, (c) Arun District Council, (d) West Sussex County Council, (e) Healthwatch West Sussex and (f) local residents; and on what date each was first informed that the land would be marketed for sale.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate NHS Property Services has made of (a) the gross receipt, (b) transaction and other disposal costs, (c) the net receipt, (d) the amount to be returned to the local health economy and (e) the amount to be pooled nationally from the sale of the land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road; and if it will publish the final financial breakdown following completion of the sale.

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

The land adjoining Littlehampton Health Centre at Fitzalan Road has been vacant since the former Littlehampton Hospital closed in 2003 and it was transferred to NHS Property Services in 2013.

In August 2024, NHS Property Services wrote to the integrated care board (ICB) setting out plans for the sale of the land and inviting discussion on reinvestment. The ICB engaged local National Health Service providers, including primary care, through its routine estates working groups, and found no provider with both a clinical requirement for the site and the capital needed to develop it. On 11 November 2024, the ICB confirmed to NHS Property Services that the land was surplus to NHS operational requirements, in its role as the local clinical commissioner, and this position was reconfirmed by the ICB in December 2025. The land was entered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land on 6 November 2024, and no public sector body expressed an interest during the 40-working-day circulation period, which ended on 6 January 2025. A Property Vacation Notice was not completed, as this is not a requirement for land. NHS Property Services has confirmed that the land is classified as tail estate and is therefore not eligible for transfer under the Department’s Asset Transfer Policy.

Property agents were appointed in January 2026, and the site was marketed for sale from May 2026. NHS Property Services is now in early-stage discussions with an interested party and is working to agree heads of terms, although no offer has yet been accepted, and the final sale value will not be known until a sale completes.

If the sale completes, NHS Property Services has committed to reinvest 100 per cent of the net proceeds in the local area, including funding investment in Littlehampton Health Centre, in line with the ICB's priorities. Zachary Merton Hospital has been managed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust since August 2023, and any capital investment in that building would be a matter for the trust and the ICB through NHS capital planning routes. NHS Property Services and the ICB are not aware of, and do not hold, any money previously raised or donated for replacement healthcare provision in Littlehampton.

Decisions on whether NHS land is surplus to requirements are a matter for the local NHS system, in particular the ICB in its role as clinical commissioner, rather than for the Department. Detailed responses on the matters raised by the Hon Member have already been provided to her directly by NHS Property Services, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and the ICB, who have committed to keep her and the local community updated as the sale process and reinvestment plans progress. Where possible any additional documents the MP has requested will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of delayed identification of and intervention for selective mutism on children’s and young people’s (a) school attendance, (b) educational attainment, (c) participation in further education or training and (d) likelihood of becoming not in education, employment or training; what evidence informed that assessment; and whether she will commission longitudinal research where the evidence is insufficient.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Effective early identification and intervention are critical to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).

Through our programme of special educational needs and disabilities reform, we are working to strengthen earlier identification of need and improve access to support for children and young people with SEN. This includes the development of National Inclusion Standards to support mainstream settings to identify and meet children and young people's needs as early as possible.

As part of these reforms, the department is working in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to deliver new government-backed research on SEN identification and support. This research will help strengthen the evidence base on early identification, strengths and needs assessment, and effective support for children and young people with SEN, with the aim of developing and rolling out approaches that can be integrated into education settings by 2028.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether NHS England holds data on the number of integrated care boards that commission a defined pathway for the assessment and support of children and young people with selective mutism; and what steps she is taking to address variation in provision, including within NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board.

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

Selective mutism can present differently across settings and may require support from a range of health and education services, depending on the child or young person’s individual needs. Local commissioners are best placed to determine how this multidisciplinary support should be organised to reflect local needs and service arrangements.

The Government is strengthening early identification and support in education through the National Inclusion Standards, backed by investment of up to £15 million by 2028, and research commissioned through UK Research and Innovation. The SEND Code of Practice is clear that support should be based on a child’s identified needs and does not require a diagnostic label.

The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board is working with local partners and parent carers to improve front-line staff knowledge and explore alternative routes for assessment and support. This includes an ongoing working group and further engagement with parents and carers to identify gaps and strengthen local assessment and support arrangements.

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 with the Secretary of State for Education to establish a national evidence-based pathway for selective mutism that specifies (a) lead commissioning responsibility, (b) referral routes, (c) the respective responsibilities of speech and language therapy, children and young people’s mental health services, educational psychology services and education settings, (d) access criteria and (e) expected timescales for assessment and intervention; and if she will make it her policy for NHS England to publish a national service specification and commissioning framework for that pathway.

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

Selective mutism can present differently across settings and may require support from a range of health and education services, depending on the child or young person’s individual needs. Local commissioners are best placed to determine how this multidisciplinary support should be organised to reflect local needs and service arrangements.

The Government is strengthening early identification and support in education through the National Inclusion Standards, backed by investment of up to £15 million by 2028, and research commissioned through UK Research and Innovation. The SEND Code of Practice is clear that support should be based on a child’s identified needs and does not require a diagnostic label.

The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board is working with local partners and parent carers to improve front-line staff knowledge and explore alternative routes for assessment and support. This includes an ongoing working group and further engagement with parents and carers to identify gaps and strengthen local assessment and support arrangements.

Found: Members present: Liam Byrne (Chair); Antonia Bance; Chris Bloore; John Cooper; Sarah Edwards; Alison Griffiths

Found: Members present: Liam Byrne (Chair); Antonia Bance; Chris Bloore; John Cooper; Sarah Edwards; Alison Griffiths

Found: Members present: Liam Byrne (Chair); Antonia Bance; Chris Bloore; John Cooper; Sarah Edwards; Alison Griffiths

Found: Members present: Liam Byrne (Chair); Antonia Bance; Chris Bloore; John Cooper; Sarah Edwards; Alison Griffiths

Submit Evidence (by 21 Oct 2026)

In its latest advice to the government, the CCC said that climate change is already disrupting life in the UK and said that the UK’s national approach to climate adaption is “not fit for purpose”. It has also argued that the government’s third National Adaptation Plan (NAP3) is not adequately preparing the UK for climate change.