Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the criteria used by LINK when determining whether a community should receive a banking hub; and what steps he is taking to help ensure that communities which have lost access to high street banking services are able to access face-to-face banking.
Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
Under the statutory access to cash regime, LINK is the coordination body for cash access arrangements and undertakes cash access assessments. Where an assessment identifies a gap, LINK determines the additional cash access service required, which may include a banking hub.
When asked to carry out a cash access assessment, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops. Specifically, LINK takes into consideration population demographics, public transport links and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, including the actual travel distance. LINK uses a catchment area of 3 miles in rural locations and 1 mile in urban areas and considers if there is a significant impact on nearby towns
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’s access to cash assessment process can be found on its website. If LINK determines that no further cash solutions are required, any member of the public can ask LINK to review their decision within 28 days of the original assessment, stressing their concerns. If the member of the public remains dissatisfied after this step, the matter may be referred to the Independent Assessor.
There are currently no existing legislative or regulatory protections for the provision of access to in-person banking services. That is why on 14 May, the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess the impact of changes in the provision of in-person banking services. The Review will examine 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. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.
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.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what alternative routes are available to communities following a decision by LINK not to recommend a banking hub for their area.
Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
Under the statutory access to cash regime, LINK is the coordination body for cash access arrangements and undertakes cash access assessments. Where an assessment identifies a gap, LINK determines the additional cash access service required, which may include a banking hub.
When asked to carry out a cash access assessment, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops. Specifically, LINK takes into consideration population demographics, public transport links and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, including the actual travel distance. LINK uses a catchment area of 3 miles in rural locations and 1 mile in urban areas and considers if there is a significant impact on nearby towns
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’s access to cash assessment process can be found on its website. If LINK determines that no further cash solutions are required, any member of the public can ask LINK to review their decision within 28 days of the original assessment, stressing their concerns. If the member of the public remains dissatisfied after this step, the matter may be referred to the Independent Assessor.
There are currently no existing legislative or regulatory protections for the provision of access to in-person banking services. That is why on 14 May, the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess the impact of changes in the provision of in-person banking services. The Review will examine 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. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.
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.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of post-16 education and training provision for young people with SEND; and and what steps her Department is taking to increase access to specialist pathways including supported apprenticeships.
Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The government recognises that outcomes for too many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) remain below those of their peers, including in progressing into sustained education, employment and training after age 16.
The SEND reform consultation, ‘Putting Children and Young People First’, noted that the likelihood of young people with SEND sustaining participation in education, employment or training has not meaningfully improved, despite significant increases in SEND funding, and identified variation in the quality and consistency of support available across the system.
The government has therefore committed 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. The consultation proposes a new ‘Experts at Hand’ offer, giving mainstream early years, school and further education settings access to specialist support without requiring an education, health and care plan.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain on NHS workforce planning and the retention of internationally educated nurses.
Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.
The consultation sought views on whether there should be transitional arrangements for those already on a pathway to settlement. We received over 200,000 responses and are now analysing the results of this to inform the development of the final model. As no final decisions have been made, I can give no further detail at this time.
Once the Home Secretary has decided the final model, it will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments. These will be published in due course.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that a meaningful proportion of new-build homes delivered through major housing developments are affordable homes, including in areas experiencing significant growth pressures.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 58440 on 17 June 2025, UIN 21951 on 13 January 2025, UIN 99392 on 5 January 2026 and UIN 94400 on 4 December 2025.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to engage with external organisations, including charities representing people with specific health conditions such as Parkinson’s, to support the training and upskilling of staff involved in Personal Independence Payment assessments.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)
The department is taking a number of steps to support the training and upskilling of staff involved in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments, while ensuring that all clinical training materials are of the highest quality, evidence-based, and free from bias.
Since September 2024, following the commencement of the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) contracts, the DWP Clinical Team has taken ownership of all clinical core training and guidance materials (CTGM). These materials are now developed and assured independently of charities and other stakeholder organisations to ensure consistency, impartiality and alignment with best clinical practice. The CTGM is aligned with national guidance, including that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which draws on the best available evidence and incorporates input from clinical experts, people with lived experience, carers and the public.
Senior clinicians from charities and stakeholder groups are invited to contribute to a monthly education programme delivered to DWP-employed clinicians. All contributions are subject to prior review to ensure they are evidence-based, clinically focused and free from bias.
In addition, the department facilitates ongoing engagement through quarterly stakeholder information sessions. These provide an opportunity for charities and other organisations to raise questions, offer feedback, and highlight concerns regarding clinical training materials. Feedback can also be submitted in advance of these sessions for discussion.
Through this approach, the department ensures that training remains robust, evidence-based and informed by wider expertise, while maintaining appropriate independence and clinical integrity in the development of guidance for PIP assessments.
On 9 September 2024, DWP assumed responsibility for the Core Training and Guidance Materials (CTGM) used within the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS), provided by DWP to the HAAS assessment suppliers. Following the transfer of responsibilities to DWP, all training and guidance materials are currently being comprehensively reviewed and updated. A newly established team is leading this work, ensuring that all materials are aligned with national best practice standards. To support this, independent clinical experts are being engaged to provide external quality assurance, helping to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and consistency of the content. Once the review and update is complete, external organisations, including charities representing people with specific health conditions such as Parkinson’s, will be invited to comment.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of improvements to service family accommodation on the wellbeing, retention, and satisfaction of armed forces personnel and their families.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to improving the lived experience of Service personnel and their families, including through the Defence Housing Strategy announced in November 2025, the Single Living Accommodation and Overseas Estate Review launched in January 2026, and the provisions in the Armed Forces Bill to establish a new Defence Housing Service.
The most recent Continuous Attitude Survey showed satisfaction with housing is up as is morale.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the level of availability of specialist support services for victims; and what steps he is taking to help ensure victims are not left to navigate the justice system without support.
Answered by Catherine Atkinson
The Ministry of Justice is investing £550 million in victim support services over the next three years – the biggest investment in victim support services to date. One of the aims of our funding is to support victims on their journey with the criminal justice system. Examples of our funding include the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF) which funds 60 local specialist support services for sexual violence victims and survivors, a national 24/7 sexual violence helpline, and the national Homicide Service. We keep the availability of specialist support under continual review and work closely with Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and service providers to understand gaps.
To ensure that victims are supported to navigate the justice system, we specifically invest in services that provide advocacy, advice and information about the criminal justice process. This includes FLOWS (Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors) a specialist service proved by the RCJ Advice, who deliver free and confidential legal advice for women survivors of domestic abuse on obtaining protective orders from the courts. FLOWS can assist all women, whether or not they qualify for legal aid.
Recognising that many witnesses are also victims of crime, and may need help to navigate the court process, we also commission the National Witness Service, which provides emotional and practical support to both prosecution and defence witnesses in all the criminal courts in England and Wales to enable them to give their best evidence.
In addition to the £550 million for support services, the Government is also investing £6 million over the next two years to deliver free, Independent Legal Advisers (ILAs) for victims of adult rape and assault by penetration to help them to understand their legal rights. ILAs will be able to provide victims with the support they need to navigate the justice system. The competition to identify a grant provider for the service is now live, and the service will be rolled out later this year.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that young people have access to education, skills, and career opportunities arising from investment in research and innovation in Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
The Government is investing a record £58.5 billion in research and development between 2026/27 and 2029/30 to support growth and opportunity across the UK.
The Government has launched TechFirst, a £187 million programme that will reach one million students across every secondary school in the UK, providing education, skills and career opportunities in technology and AI. As part of this broader programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is delivering TechLocal and TechGrad programmes which will further strengthen regional tech capabilities and create jobs.
Innovate UK, part of UKRI, is also working with the Catapult Network to help ensure that the skills system understands the changing workforce requirements which emerge from the adoption of frontier tech. Specifically in the West of England, this includes working with the Catapults for High Value Manufacturing, Compound Semiconductors, Digital and Satellite Applications. The region also benefits from UKRI-supported Centres for Doctoral Training, helping to develop the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Asked by: Claire Hazelgrove (Labour - Filton and Bradley Stoke)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that new housing and major development schemes contribute to meeting net zero targets, including through energy efficiency, sustainable construction methods, low-carbon infrastructure and integrated transport planning.
Answered by Samantha Dixon
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has responsibility for the Building Regulations, construction product reform, and planning.
The Government published an update to the energy efficiency standards in the Building Regulations, the Future Homes Standard (FHS), on 24 March 2026. New homes built to these new standards will be zero carbon ready, meaning they will become zero carbon once the national grid is fully decarbonised and will require no further retrofitting to meet net zero.
The Government has also committed to reducing waste by moving to a circular economy and making significant reductions in carbon emissions. For construction products, this includes increasing reuse and recycling of products, choosing more sustainable products, and improving information about environmental performance.
We recently consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework, including proposals relating to renewable and low carbon energy. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in the summer.