Glyn Davies

Energy suppliers must include on bills and other communications to domestic customers information about the savings they can make by moving to their supplier’s cheapest tariff.

Suppliers are not required to provide any additional written communications to recipients of the Warm Home Discount scheme concerning switching to the lower tariff, and Ofgem does not monitor suppliers’ tariff communications with scheme recipients.

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) does not collect or hold data on those who receive Cold Weather Payments. BEIS collects data from energy suppliers regarding the tariff that customers are on as part of the Domestic Fuel Inquiry. The tariff data is collected from the energy suppliers in confidence; As such we cannot provide figures for specific companies. In quarter 2 2016, 69 per cent of domestic standard electricity customers were on a variable tariff. For domestic gas customers, 67 per cent were on a variable tariff. This data is published as part of our Quarterly Energy Prices publication which can be found in tables 2.4.2 and 2.5.2 (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/annual-domestic-energy-price-statistics ).

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy does not hold information on the length of time that a customer has been on the same tariff.

The Government wants to see energy companies treating all of their customers fairly, including those on Standard Variable tariffs, not just those who switch.

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) collects data, including customers’ tariff information, from energy companies as part of the domestic fuels inquiry (DFI). In the second quarter of 2016, 69 per cent of domestic standard electricity customers and 67 per cent of domestic gas customers were on variable tariffs. This data is published within our Quarterly Energy Prices publication and can be found in Tables 2.4.2 and 2.5.2 which is available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/annual-domestic-energy-price-statistics.

BEIS started collecting this data at the end of 2012; therefore annual data is available for 2013 onwards. These figures are based on the DFI which covers around 85 per cent of the market. This includes all of the big 6 energy suppliers, Northern Ireland suppliers and one smaller supplier. The proportion of customers on variable tariffs, including standard variable tariffs, is as follows:

This Government has taken unprecedented action to help our steel industry.

We’re cutting electricity costs by hundreds of millions, tackling unfair trade and are the first EU country to introduce new flexibility in public procurement.

We have also offered an unparalleled package of support to secure the long term future of Tata Steel’s UK operations.

That is what the steel industry has asked for and that is what we are delivering.

The Government recognises the potential that tidal energy could play as part of the UK energy mix.

We are considering how best we can support the development of tidal stream energy, following my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s autumn speech.

On 10 February the Government announced that it will commission an independent review to assess the strategic case for tidal lagoons and whether they could represent good value for consumers. We anticipate that the review will be completed in due course.

In designating technologies in the less established group, we considered which technologies could have a significant long-term role in the UK energy mix, and where there remains significant potential for future cost reduction.

As announced by the Secretary of State in her speech in November, the current intention is to hold the next CFD allocation round for ‘less established’ technologies (pot 2) in late 2016.

We will set out details around future rounds in due course.

The Department has made no assessment of the quality of acute, post and community stroke care in rural and metropolitan areas. However, the Sentinel Stroke National Audit programme reports the results of the quality of both hospital and community care quarterly at trust and clinical commissioning group level. These data are in the public domain and can be found at:

www.strokeaudit.org

NHS England’s Five Year Forward View sets out the healthcare strategy for the whole of England, including rural areas. Rural areas have their own health needs, which should be taken into account in planning and developing healthcare systems. It is for clinical commissioning groups to judge the needs of their local areas and make sure that they are reflecting the specific circumstances of those areas.

The Department does not hold information on the number of people admitted to hospital for falls and fractures associated with urinary incontinence and related costs.

The Department does not hold information on the number of people admitted to hospital for a catheter-associated urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence.

The following table shows a count of finished admission episodes (FAEs) in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

The following table shows a count of FAEs in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of urinary incontinence in England.

The following table shows a count of FAEs in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of urinary tract infection in England

Source: Hospital episode statistics (HES), Health and social care information centre

Notes:

A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period.

The primary diagnosis provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital.

The costs to the National Health Service of treating people with urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence is not available centrally.

Such information as is available is from reference costs, which are the average unit costs of providing defined services to patients. Reference costs for acute care are published by Healthcare Resource Group (HRG), which are standard groupings of similar treatments that use similar resources. For example, costs relating to kidney or urinary tract interventions are assigned to the same HRGs.

Table: Estimated total costs of kidney or urinary tract interventions and urinary incontinence or other urinary problems reported by NHS trusts and foundation trusts, 2010-11 to 2014-15 (£ millions)

Source: Reference costs, Department of Health

The Department does not hold information on the number of people admitted to hospital for a catheter-associated urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence.

The following table shows a count of finished admission episodes (FAEs) in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

The following table shows a count of FAEs in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of urinary incontinence in England.

The following table shows a count of FAEs in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of urinary tract infection in England

Source: Hospital episode statistics (HES), Health and social care information centre

Notes:

A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period.

The primary diagnosis provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital.

The costs to the National Health Service of treating people with urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence is not available centrally.

Such information as is available is from reference costs, which are the average unit costs of providing defined services to patients. Reference costs for acute care are published by Healthcare Resource Group (HRG), which are standard groupings of similar treatments that use similar resources. For example, costs relating to kidney or urinary tract interventions are assigned to the same HRGs.

Table: Estimated total costs of kidney or urinary tract interventions and urinary incontinence or other urinary problems reported by NHS trusts and foundation trusts, 2010-11 to 2014-15 (£ millions)

Source: Reference costs, Department of Health

The Department does not hold information on the number of people admitted to hospital for a catheter-associated urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence.

The following table shows a count of finished admission episodes (FAEs) in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

The following table shows a count of FAEs in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of urinary incontinence in England.

The following table shows a count of FAEs in the last five years with a primary diagnosis of urinary tract infection in England

Source: Hospital episode statistics (HES), Health and social care information centre

Notes:

A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period.

The primary diagnosis provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital.

The costs to the National Health Service of treating people with urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence is not available centrally.

Such information as is available is from reference costs, which are the average unit costs of providing defined services to patients. Reference costs for acute care are published by Healthcare Resource Group (HRG), which are standard groupings of similar treatments that use similar resources. For example, costs relating to kidney or urinary tract interventions are assigned to the same HRGs.

Table: Estimated total costs of kidney or urinary tract interventions and urinary incontinence or other urinary problems reported by NHS trusts and foundation trusts, 2010-11 to 2014-15 (£ millions)

Source: Reference costs, Department of Health

The Department does not hold information on the number of people admitted to hospital for urinary incontinence.

A count of finished admission episodes with a primary diagnosis of urinary incontinence, by clinical commissioning group of residence, 2010-11 to 2014-15 is provided in the attached table.

The costs to the National Health Service of treating people with urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence is not available centrally.

Such information as is available is from reference costs, which are the average unit costs of providing defined services to patients. Reference costs for acute care are published by Healthcare Resource Group (HRG), which are standard groupings of similar treatments that use similar resources. For example, costs relating to kidney or urinary tract interventions are assigned to the same HRGs.

Table: Estimated total costs of kidney or urinary tract interventions and urinary incontinence or other urinary problems reported by NHS trusts and foundation trusts, 2010-11 to 2014-15 (£ millions)

Source: Reference costs, Department of Health

NHS England has advised that according to a survey conducted in 2008, there are over 14 million adults who have bladder control problems and 6.5 million with bowel control problems in the United Kingdom.

The Department does not collect information on the number of people living with urinary and faecal incontinence specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is a matter for devolved administrations.

The Healthcare Quality and Improvement Partnership (2010) established that in order to achieve the best clinical outcomes, continence services have to be integrated across primary and secondary care and care home settings.

They also concluded that ‘there is an urgent need for improved and equitable practice for all people with bladder and bowel problems’ through the development of commissioning frameworks, evidence-based training for health professionals and patient empowerment to increase their expectations of cure.

Improving continence care provision through integrated services brings many benefits including:

- a better quality of life and more independence through finding solutions appropriate to individual needs;

- less reliance on pads and products by using alternative treatments;

- a reduction in admissions to hospitals and care homes;

- fewer complications, such as urinary tract infections, faecal impaction and skin breakdown; and

- a reduction in costs.

NHS England’s Excellence in Continence Care guidance provides a framework that enables commissioners to work in collaboration with providers and others to make a step change to address shortfalls so that safe, dignified, efficient and effective continence care is consistently provided.

This guidance is aimed at commissioners, providers, health and social care staff and as information for the public and has been produced in partnership with patient and public advocates, clinicians and partners from the third sector. The roles of everyone involved in the care of people with continence needs are made clear in the guidance and publication via a launch is planned for ‘Self Care Week’ beginning 16 November. The launch will both raise awareness and promote understanding.

In addition the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a range of guidance for clinicians to support them in the diagnosis, treatment care and support and people with continence problems e.g. Urinary incontinence in women (September 2013), Faecal incontinence in adults (June 2007), Urinary incontinence in neurological disease: assessment and management (August 2012) and Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management (May 2010).

NHS England has advised that according to a survey conducted in 2008, there are over 14 million adults who have bladder control problems and 6.5 million with bowel control problems in the United Kingdom.

The Department does not collect information on the number of people living with urinary and faecal incontinence specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is a matter for devolved administrations.

The Healthcare Quality and Improvement Partnership (2010) established that in order to achieve the best clinical outcomes, continence services have to be integrated across primary and secondary care and care home settings.

They also concluded that ‘there is an urgent need for improved and equitable practice for all people with bladder and bowel problems’ through the development of commissioning frameworks, evidence-based training for health professionals and patient empowerment to increase their expectations of cure.

Improving continence care provision through integrated services brings many benefits including:

- a better quality of life and more independence through finding solutions appropriate to individual needs;

- less reliance on pads and products by using alternative treatments;

- a reduction in admissions to hospitals and care homes;

- fewer complications, such as urinary tract infections, faecal impaction and skin breakdown; and

- a reduction in costs.

NHS England’s Excellence in Continence Care guidance provides a framework that enables commissioners to work in collaboration with providers and others to make a step change to address shortfalls so that safe, dignified, efficient and effective continence care is consistently provided.

This guidance is aimed at commissioners, providers, health and social care staff and as information for the public and has been produced in partnership with patient and public advocates, clinicians and partners from the third sector. The roles of everyone involved in the care of people with continence needs are made clear in the guidance and publication via a launch is planned for ‘Self Care Week’ beginning 16 November. The launch will both raise awareness and promote understanding.

In addition the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a range of guidance for clinicians to support them in the diagnosis, treatment care and support and people with continence problems e.g. Urinary incontinence in women (September 2013), Faecal incontinence in adults (June 2007), Urinary incontinence in neurological disease: assessment and management (August 2012) and Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management (May 2010).

NHS England has advised that according to a survey conducted in 2008, there are over 14 million adults who have bladder control problems and 6.5 million with bowel control problems in the United Kingdom.

The Department does not collect information on the number of people living with urinary and faecal incontinence specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is a matter for devolved administrations.

The Healthcare Quality and Improvement Partnership (2010) established that in order to achieve the best clinical outcomes, continence services have to be integrated across primary and secondary care and care home settings.

They also concluded that ‘there is an urgent need for improved and equitable practice for all people with bladder and bowel problems’ through the development of commissioning frameworks, evidence-based training for health professionals and patient empowerment to increase their expectations of cure.

Improving continence care provision through integrated services brings many benefits including:

- a better quality of life and more independence through finding solutions appropriate to individual needs;

- less reliance on pads and products by using alternative treatments;

- a reduction in admissions to hospitals and care homes;

- fewer complications, such as urinary tract infections, faecal impaction and skin breakdown; and

- a reduction in costs.

NHS England’s Excellence in Continence Care guidance provides a framework that enables commissioners to work in collaboration with providers and others to make a step change to address shortfalls so that safe, dignified, efficient and effective continence care is consistently provided.

This guidance is aimed at commissioners, providers, health and social care staff and as information for the public and has been produced in partnership with patient and public advocates, clinicians and partners from the third sector. The roles of everyone involved in the care of people with continence needs are made clear in the guidance and publication via a launch is planned for ‘Self Care Week’ beginning 16 November. The launch will both raise awareness and promote understanding.

In addition the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a range of guidance for clinicians to support them in the diagnosis, treatment care and support and people with continence problems e.g. Urinary incontinence in women (September 2013), Faecal incontinence in adults (June 2007), Urinary incontinence in neurological disease: assessment and management (August 2012) and Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management (May 2010).

NHS England has advised that according to a survey conducted in 2008, there are over 14 million adults who have bladder control problems and 6.5 million with bowel control problems in the United Kingdom.

The Department does not collect information on the number of people living with urinary and faecal incontinence specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is a matter for devolved administrations.

The Healthcare Quality and Improvement Partnership (2010) established that in order to achieve the best clinical outcomes, continence services have to be integrated across primary and secondary care and care home settings.

They also concluded that ‘there is an urgent need for improved and equitable practice for all people with bladder and bowel problems’ through the development of commissioning frameworks, evidence-based training for health professionals and patient empowerment to increase their expectations of cure.

Improving continence care provision through integrated services brings many benefits including:

- a better quality of life and more independence through finding solutions appropriate to individual needs;

- less reliance on pads and products by using alternative treatments;

- a reduction in admissions to hospitals and care homes;

- fewer complications, such as urinary tract infections, faecal impaction and skin breakdown; and

- a reduction in costs.

NHS England’s Excellence in Continence Care guidance provides a framework that enables commissioners to work in collaboration with providers and others to make a step change to address shortfalls so that safe, dignified, efficient and effective continence care is consistently provided.

This guidance is aimed at commissioners, providers, health and social care staff and as information for the public and has been produced in partnership with patient and public advocates, clinicians and partners from the third sector. The roles of everyone involved in the care of people with continence needs are made clear in the guidance and publication via a launch is planned for ‘Self Care Week’ beginning 16 November. The launch will both raise awareness and promote understanding.

In addition the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a range of guidance for clinicians to support them in the diagnosis, treatment care and support and people with continence problems e.g. Urinary incontinence in women (September 2013), Faecal incontinence in adults (June 2007), Urinary incontinence in neurological disease: assessment and management (August 2012) and Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management (May 2010).

Two Anti-PD monoclonal antibody products are being evaluated in clinical trials for various cancers, including bladder cancer.

MPDL3280A, an anti-PD-L1 antibody made by Roche/Genentech, is undergoing a phase I trial (NCT01375842) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumours. The estimated study completion date is November 2016. The product is also being tested in a phase II trial in in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial bladder cancer (NCT02108652). The estimated completion date for this Phase II trial is January 2016.

The second anti-PD antibody is Nivolumab produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Nivolumab on its own, or in combination with another monoclonal antibody ipilimumab (Yervoy®), is in a phase I/II trial in several cancers, including bladder cancer (NCT01928394). This trial is expected to be completed by March 2017.

No assessment of the data from any of these trials has been made to date.

Public Health England’s Be Clear on Cancer “Blood in Pee” campaign to raise awareness of the main symptom of bladder and kidney cancer targets people over the age of 50, as both of these cancers are more prevalent in people over that age. The campaign uses a wide range of media, including national television and radio advertising, to promote the key message “If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s just the once, tell your doctor” and while this is targeted to an audience aged 50+ it is very likely that it will also be seen by the wider population.

The “Blood in Pee” campaign has run twice at a national level, following successful local and regional pilots. The national campaign ran in October – November 2013 and October – November 2014.

Since 1 April 2013 NHS England has been responsible for commissioning Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) aids for patients with complex disability whose needs require specialised assessment, including for patients with motor neurone disease. Commissioning of non-specialised AAC aids is the responsibility of local clinical commissioning groups.

NHS England has identified an additional £22.5 million funding for AAC and Environmental Controls in 2014-15. A process to identify appropriate providers, and ensure they were able to meet the AAC service specification and standards began in April this year as soon as the budget was confirmed. The specification can be found at:

www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d01-com-dis-equ-alt-aug-comm-aids.pdf

The identification of providers was completed in August, and just under £15 million specifically for AAC was transferred to Local Area Team commissioners to agree contracts. During this process, NHS England worked closely with the Motor Neurone Disease Association to ensure that funding was equitably distributed in a fair and consistent manner. The 13 AAC providers selected are in the process of recruiting the required additional specialist therapy staff. Services are already accepting referrals and patients are being prioritised according to their clinical need, with priority being given to patients with life limiting conditions.