Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what funding schemes are available to local authorities for solar panel installations.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Local authorities can support solar panel installations through several government schemes.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is delivered through local authorities to low-income households in their areas, while local authorities that are social landlords can access the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund for eligible social homes. An additional £100 million for that Fund will support delivery of up to 57,000 solar installations across Wave 3. A total of £4.4 billion has been made available for grant schemes for low-income households up to 2030.

Great British Energy (GBE) supports public sector decarbonisation, and the GBE Solar programme is investing £255 million to fund around 250 schools, around 260 NHS sites, and around 15 military sites to install solar panels across the country.

Great British Energy has launched the biggest public investment into community energy in UK history, £30m of backing as a first downpayment on up to £1bn, to help local places cut bills, grow wealth and act on climate.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities can also support renewable energy projects through Great British Energy’s £10 million Mayoral Renewables Fund, while eligible authorities receive devolved funding for home retrofit and public sector buildings through Integrated Settlements. Over 150 renewable projects have now switched-on for public buildings in England’s Mayoral Combined Authorities, with more to follow – which together could see up to £50 million in total energy bill savings reinvested in local services

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the whole-life environmental impact of replacing existing petrol and diesel vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has set out its intention to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission cars and vans from 2035. The Government has no plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles already in use or those sold before the phase out dates.

The Government has extensively assessed the impact of transitioning to zero emission vehicles and expects current petrol and diesel vehicle owners to benefit substantially from the lower running costs of switching to an electric vehicle, reduced air pollution, and reduced noise pollution.

The Department for Transport has published analysis of the whole-life environmental impact of electric vehicles available on GOV.UK. The analysis shows that, over their lifetime, electric cars are estimated to save at least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a petrol equivalent, and that this is likely to rise as renewable energy generation increases.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the affordability of transitioning from petrol and diesel vehicles to zero-emission vehicles for households unable to afford a new electric vehicle.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Widening access to zero emission vehicles is a priority for the Government. Many used zero emission vehicle models are now available at similar prices to equivalent petrol and diesel vehicles. Industry data suggests that one in five used electric cars is available at under £15,000 and 43% are priced at £20,000 or less. Drivers also benefit from tax incentives until at least 2030, while Government grants support home and workplace charging.

For those able to charge at home, electric vehicles can save up to £1,400 a year in running and maintenance costs. The Government is investing £25 million in pavement channels to expand access to cheaper domestic charging and reviewing public charging costs to improve affordability.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered providing financial support for the purchase of second-hand low-emission and zero-emission vehicles.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Widening access to zero emission vehicles is a priority for the Government. Many used zero emission vehicle models are now available at similar prices to equivalent petrol and diesel vehicles. Industry data suggests that one in five used electric cars is available at under £15,000 and 43% are priced at £20,000 or less. Drivers also benefit from tax incentives until at least 2030, while Government grants support home and workplace charging.

For those able to charge at home, electric vehicles can save up to £1,400 a year in running and maintenance costs. The Government is investing £25 million in pavement channels to expand access to cheaper domestic charging and reviewing public charging costs to improve affordability.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to introduce restrictions on the use of diesel vehicles beyond existing clean air and emissions schemes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has set out its intention to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission cars and vans from 2035. The Government has no plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles already in use or those sold before the phase out dates.

The Government has extensively assessed the impact of transitioning to zero emission vehicles and expects current petrol and diesel vehicle owners to benefit substantially from the lower running costs of switching to an electric vehicle, reduced air pollution, and reduced noise pollution.

The Department for Transport has published analysis of the whole-life environmental impact of electric vehicles available on GOV.UK. The analysis shows that, over their lifetime, electric cars are estimated to save at least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a petrol equivalent, and that this is likely to rise as renewable energy generation increases.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of policies on net zero vehicles on petrol and diesel vehicles already in use.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has set out its intention to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission cars and vans from 2035. The Government has no plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles already in use or those sold before the phase out dates.

The Government has extensively assessed the impact of transitioning to zero emission vehicles and expects current petrol and diesel vehicle owners to benefit substantially from the lower running costs of switching to an electric vehicle, reduced air pollution, and reduced noise pollution.

The Department for Transport has published analysis of the whole-life environmental impact of electric vehicles available on GOV.UK. The analysis shows that, over their lifetime, electric cars are estimated to save at least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a petrol equivalent, and that this is likely to rise as renewable energy generation increases.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support is available to working households who own their homes and wish to install solar panels but cannot afford the upfront cost.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government’s £15 billion Warm Homes Plan represents the biggest public investment in home upgrades in British history and includes support for solar panels, as well as batteries, insulation, and other low-carbon technologies.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment Tahoe has made of the value for money of public funding used to install solar panels on council-owned housing.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Solar panels have the potential to reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions, supporting the Government’s objectives to tackle fuel poverty, deliver clean power, and improve energy security.

The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund provides grant funding to local authorities and social housing landlords to upgrade social homes across England up to EPC Band C. This will support the installation of energy efficiency measures in social homes, including solar panels and batteries.

Throughout the delivery process, successful Grant Recipients must demonstrate that their proposed measures are appropriate for the homes being treated and represent good value for money.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed Electric Vehicle Excise Duty on the resale values of older plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty on the level of demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including for those motorists for whom the upfront cost of switching to an electric vehicle remains a significant barrier.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Treasury has made an assessment of the potential merits of a voluntary telematics-based system to determine the proportion of mileage undertaken using electric power by plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the purposes of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Department has made of the potential impact of applying the same 1.5p-per-mile Electric Vehicle Excise Duty rate to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on drivers of those vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact of the closure of regional media companies and titles on (a) local democratic accountability, (b) employment in journalism and the wider creative industries, and (c) the resilience of the UK’s media ecosystem; and what steps her Department is taking to prevent further closures.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Digitalisation has posed challenges to the financial sustainability of local media. At least 293 local newspapers have closed since 2005, equivalent to around a third of the sector. The number of journalists employed by the three largest local news publishers fell from circa 9000 to circa 3000 between 2007 to 2022. Evidence suggests that this is having repercussions for the spread of misinformation, increased community tensions, reduced civic engagement, lower economic growth, and a lack of accountability and scrutiny of local government.

In response to these challenges, the Government has launched the Local Media Action Plan, which sets out our planned approach to tackling these challenges in collaboration with industry and others. The Action Plan aims to empower communities with local journalism that reflects the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, cohesion, and local growth. It includes: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; ensuring better transparency of local decision-making by reviewing the rules on publishing statutory notices; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services.

In April, we launched a new journalism careers campaign in the North West, Inspiring the Future, to inspire young people to pursue careers in journalism and local media. It also seeks to build news literacy and help young people navigate the online information ecosystem. Inspiring the Future forms part of the wider DCMS-funded Discover Creative Careers programme, which will provide young people across the country with clear, coherent and inclusive pathways into the creative industries. More broadly, the Creative Industries Sector Plan sets out how we are partnering with industry to support skills development and build a resilient, skilled workforce fit for the future. We will soon publish a Jobs Plan which builds on this to outline how Government and business are working together to support the creative workforce over the next three years.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has assessed the potential impact of her Department's place-targeting approach on (a) investment in London-based media companies, (b) journalism jobs in London and (c) the UK’s wider media and creative industries.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that support from her Department for northern regions does not inadvertently disincentivise investment and employment in London.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of her Department’s place-targeting approach to investment on the media and journalism sector in London.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate her Department has made of the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care at the point of their 18th birthday in the most recent year for which figures are available.

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

The government is determined to address the national tragedy of early deaths of care experienced young people, improving support for care leavers.

The department is funding local authorities so care leavers can stay with their foster families up to age 21 through Staying Put. We are rolling out an enhanced Staying Close programme nationally by 2029, improving care leavers’ housing outcomes and supporting enduring relationships, including for those with additional needs. Local authorities must make an assessment when a young person is likely to need care and support into adulthood, drawing on a young person or carer’s aspirations and setting out support to achieve them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also launched a project to improve transitions into adult social care. The DHSC will deliver national best practice guidance and training, to ensure staff have the knowledge and tools they need to provide high-quality support to young people transitioning into adulthood.

The department does not hold data on the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care by their 18th birthday.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many young people have remained in a children's home beyond the age of 18 under Ofsted's special circumstances provision in each of the last five years.

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

The Care Standards Act 2000 sets out that children’s homes must be wholly or mainly for children. This means that most of the people who live or stay at a children’s home must be children and young adults aged 18 and above who live or stay at the home must be in the minority. This allows some flexibility for those aged 18 and above to stay in children’s homes while an appropriate adult placement is found to support effective transitions to adulthood.

Information on the number of young people who have remained in a children’s home beyond the age of 18 is not held by either the department or by Ofsted.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Animals in Science Regulation Unit last carried out an unannounced audit or inspection at MBR Acres.

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

The most recent unannounced audit at MBR Acres was carried out on 25 April 2024. Since then, the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) has carried out two announced audits at the establishment, on 4 November 2025 and 10 July 2026.

ASRU determines the nature and frequency of its regulatory oversight of licensed establishments using a risk-based approach.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Department plans to schedule an unannounced audit or inspection at MBR Acres during the next period of extreme heat.

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

The Home Office does not comment on planned audits or inspections at individual licensed establishments, as doing so could undermine the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.

The Animals in Science Regulation Unit keeps licensed establishments, including MBR Acres, under ongoing review and uses a risk-based approach to determine the nature, timing and frequency of regulatory activity. This assessment takes account of relevant intelligence, compliance history and emerging risks to animal welfare, including those arising from extreme weather conditions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that evidence on existing industry-led welfare standards is considered as part of her phased approach to considering policy on decapods used in scientific procedures; and whether she plans to consult (a) scientific, (b) industry (c) animal welfare representatives, and (d) other stakeholders.

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

The Government has committed to a phased, proportionate and evidence-based approach to developing welfare arrangements for decapod crustaceans used in science.

Existing industry led welfare standards and evidence of current practice will inform this work. The initial phase includes considering and supporting appropriate baseline welfare standards, alongside voluntary reporting and further work to address evidence and technical gaps. This will support welfare improvements while building the evidence needed to inform any future consideration of including decapods as protected animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The Government will engage with scientific and industry representatives, animal welfare organisations and other relevant stakeholders as the work progresses. This engagement will help ensure that the approach reflects scientific evidence, existing good practice and the practical implications for those using decapods in research.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what consular assistance His Majesty’s Government has provided in relation to the case of Joshua Wong.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We do not routinely make public the specifics of individual cases for data protection reasons.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of Question 25301, what the maximum temperatures recorded were in each week of June and July 2026 in the temperature monitoring data held by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit for animal accommodation at MBR Acres.

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

During the period of hot weather, ASRU assessed temperature data provided by MBR Acres in June and July 2026, and found no evidence of adverse animal welfare impacts.

Establishments are required to undertake daily checks by competent persons to monitor animal welfare and environmental conditions, take prompt action where necessary, and report any actual or potential breach of licence conditions to the Home Office.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether a person aged 17 with an assessed need for personal care may be accommodated by a provider registered with the Care Quality Commission where the placing local authority agrees; and what guidance is available to local authorities and providers on that matter.

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

Young people aged under 18 years old may, in certain circumstances, be accommodated in services registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration with the CQC is appropriate depends on the facts of the individual case, the nature of the service being provided, and the relevant statutory and regulatory framework. Guidance is available to providers and local authorities on the respective regulatory responsibilities of Ofsted and the CQC, including the joint Ofsted and CQC guidance, Children's homes and health care: registration with Ofsted or the CQC, which sets out the circumstances in which services should be registered with Ofsted, the CQC, or both regulators.

The CQC regulates services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations, within the wider framework for adult care and support established by the Care Act 2014. Registration requirements are determined by the nature of the service and whether regulated activities are being provided.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the CQC to explore how regulation can support and improve transitions into adult services, including a project with the Social Care Institute for Excellence that will develop national best practice guidance and training.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Care Quality Commission has any provision equivalent to Ofsted's special circumstances provision to enable continuity of placement for a young person transitioning to adulthood.

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

Young people aged under 18 years old may, in certain circumstances, be accommodated in services registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration with the CQC is appropriate depends on the facts of the individual case, the nature of the service being provided, and the relevant statutory and regulatory framework. Guidance is available to providers and local authorities on the respective regulatory responsibilities of Ofsted and the CQC, including the joint Ofsted and CQC guidance, Children's homes and health care: registration with Ofsted or the CQC, which sets out the circumstances in which services should be registered with Ofsted, the CQC, or both regulators.

The CQC regulates services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations, within the wider framework for adult care and support established by the Care Act 2014. Registration requirements are determined by the nature of the service and whether regulated activities are being provided.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the CQC to explore how regulation can support and improve transitions into adult services, including a project with the Social Care Institute for Excellence that will develop national best practice guidance and training.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking with the Department for Education on the regulatory arrangements for young people with assessed personal care needs who transition to adult services at the age of 18.

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

Young people aged under 18 years old may, in certain circumstances, be accommodated in services registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration with the CQC is appropriate depends on the facts of the individual case, the nature of the service being provided, and the relevant statutory and regulatory framework. Guidance is available to providers and local authorities on the respective regulatory responsibilities of Ofsted and the CQC, including the joint Ofsted and CQC guidance, Children's homes and health care: registration with Ofsted or the CQC, which sets out the circumstances in which services should be registered with Ofsted, the CQC, or both regulators.

The CQC regulates services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations, within the wider framework for adult care and support established by the Care Act 2014. Registration requirements are determined by the nature of the service and whether regulated activities are being provided.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the CQC to explore how regulation can support and improve transitions into adult services, including a project with the Social Care Institute for Excellence that will develop national best practice guidance and training.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Review of Early Deaths of Care Leavers, published on 25 August 2026, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of enabling greater continuity of care placements for young people with assessed care needs transitioning to adulthood.

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 has had constructive discussions with the Trustees of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and hopes to be able to make an announcement shortly.

Found: Erdington) Alex McIntyre (Labour; Gloucester) Joe Robertson (Conservative; Isle of Wight East) Gregory Stafford