Ian Sollom

Under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, there are two ways for a directly infected individual to show eligibility, depending on the date of infection. For those infected during the specified date ranges, they only need to show that they received infected blood treatment during the date ranges and were subsequently diagnosed with a relevant infection. Those whose infection fell outside of the specified date ranges (which includes those who were infected with Hepatitis C after 1991) must also satisfy the Infected Blood Compensation Authority that the infected blood treatment caused the person to become infected with that infection. This is the higher evidence requirement referred to in the summary document published in August 2024, as set out in Regulation 7 of The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2024. It is intended that the Authority’s approach to applications will be to be as proactive and sympathetic as possible, and consistent with appropriate and proportionate safeguarding of the integrity of the scheme.

The compensation amounts available to people who are infected and affected differ depending on their circumstances. As recommended by the Inquiry, the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme has been designed as a tariff-based framework. The proposed tariffs have been developed on the advice of the Infected Blood Inquiry Response Expert Group, which included clinical and legal advisors assisted by social care specialists. The tariff for infected people will be based on the severity of their infection or infections. The proposed tariffs for affected people will similarly be based on the severity banding in relation to their loved one who was infected. The tariff-based approach means that the Scheme will award compensation that reflects personal circumstances while making payments quickly.

The compensation amounts available to people who are infected and affected differ depending on their circumstances. As recommended by the Inquiry, the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme has been designed as a tariff-based framework. The proposed tariffs have been developed on the advice of the Infected Blood Inquiry Response Expert Group, which included clinical and legal advisors assisted by social care specialists. The tariff for infected people will be based on the severity of their infection or infections. The proposed tariffs for affected people will similarly be based on the severity banding in relation to their loved one who was infected. The tariff-based approach means that the Scheme will award compensation that reflects personal circumstances while making payments quickly.

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

The department does not intervene directly in negotiations between universities and banks. As independent institutions, universities are responsible for managing their own finances. We do of course regularly meet both with providers and banks to discuss the finances of higher education institutions. However, it is important these discussions are kept confidential.

The processes and protocols of the Office for Students (OfS) are a matter for them. In the first instance, providers should speak to the OfS where they have identified financial risk.

The department does not intervene directly in negotiations between universities and banks. As independent institutions, universities are responsible for managing their own finances. We do of course regularly meet both with providers and banks to discuss the finances of higher education institutions. However, it is important these discussions are kept confidential.

The processes and protocols of the Office for Students (OfS) are a matter for them. In the first instance, providers should speak to the OfS where they have identified financial risk.

The department does not intervene directly in negotiations between universities and banks. As independent institutions, universities are responsible for managing their own finances. We do of course regularly meet both with providers and banks to discuss the finances of higher education institutions. However, it is important these discussions are kept confidential.

The processes and protocols of the Office for Students (OfS) are a matter for them. In the first instance, providers should speak to the OfS where they have identified financial risk.

The data requested is below.

Notes about the data:

1. Includes state-funded students who ended 16-18 study in the reported year (for example, 2023/24).

2. Includes students who entered for at least four A levels, one being A level mathematics, one being A level further mathematics and at least one other A level being eligible for the high value courses premium.

3. Discounting rules apply (in other words, where students have multiple entries in the same subject, the best result is included).

The data requested is below. Data relating to 2024/25 will be available in February 2026.

The number and proportion of state-funded student entries for international baccalaureate by sex

*Source: A level and other 16 to 18 results

*Coverage: All institutions, England

To note regarding the data:

• Includes entries from students at state-funded schools and colleges who ended 16-18 study in the reported year (for example, 2023/24).
• Discounting rules apply (in other words, where students have multiples entries in the same subject, the best result is included).
• The sex of one of the 21/22 entrants was unknown and has not been captured by the data.

I refer the hon. Member for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire to the answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 83028.

I refer the hon. Member for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire to the answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 83028.

I refer the hon. Member for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire to the answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 83028.

​The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The Review wants to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. It is also looking closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve.

​The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published shortly with the government’s response.

The department has not withdrawn funding for assistive technology under the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Students who require assistive software and training due to their disability will continue to receive support through DSA. Universities remain responsible for making reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. No new criteria are planned for publication ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.

The department reviewed the provision of non-specialist spelling and grammar software and found that the required functionality to meet students’ disability-related support needs is available through free-to-access software. As a result, the department does not expect that this change will lead to additional costs for universities in supporting disabled students. Therefore, no formal assessment of the impact on university support costs was undertaken.

The department has not withdrawn funding for assistive technology under the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Students who require assistive software and training due to their disability will continue to receive support through DSA. Universities remain responsible for making reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. No new criteria are planned for publication ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.

The department reviewed the provision of non-specialist spelling and grammar software and found that the required functionality to meet students’ disability-related support needs is available through free-to-access software. As a result, the department does not expect that this change will lead to additional costs for universities in supporting disabled students. Therefore, no formal assessment of the impact on university support costs was undertaken.

Market competitiveness is a longstanding feature of our independent and autonomous higher education (HE) sector.

The regional and local provision of HE, and access to HE for students from underrepresented backgrounds, are both important components of our strategy for HE.

HE providers have duties to co-operate in the development and review of Local Skills Improvement Plans and have regard to the plan when making decisions in relation to their technical education or training provision.

The department will support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university, and will act to address the persistent gaps for different student groups and to break down the barriers to opportunity.

The department will soon publish its plans for HE reform as part of the post-16 Skills White Paper.

The Office for Students (OfS) has not facilitated debt restructuring packages of any university since 2018.

Universities are independent from government and as such are responsible for managing their finances. This includes negotiations with commercial lenders.

While the OfS has statutory duties in relation to the financial sustainability of the higher education (HE) sector, the government has a clear interest in understanding the sector’s level of risk. As such, the department continues to work closely with the OfS in order to better understand the sector’s changing financial landscape.

This government is committed to supporting the sector in moving towards a more stable financial footing. That is why we have made the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits by 3.1%, in line with inflation, from the 2025/26 academic year.

Moreover, we have appointed Professor Edward Peck as OfS Chair, where he will play a key role in strengthening the OfS’s commitment to financial sustainability while also expanding opportunities in HE.

We aim to publish our plans for HE reform soon as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and work with the sector and the OfS to deliver the change that the country needs.

The Office for Students (OfS) has not facilitated debt restructuring packages of any university since 2018.

Universities are independent from government and as such are responsible for managing their finances. This includes negotiations with commercial lenders.

While the OfS has statutory duties in relation to the financial sustainability of the higher education (HE) sector, the government has a clear interest in understanding the sector’s level of risk. As such, the department continues to work closely with the OfS in order to better understand the sector’s changing financial landscape.

This government is committed to supporting the sector in moving towards a more stable financial footing. That is why we have made the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits by 3.1%, in line with inflation, from the 2025/26 academic year.

Moreover, we have appointed Professor Edward Peck as OfS Chair, where he will play a key role in strengthening the OfS’s commitment to financial sustainability while also expanding opportunities in HE.

We aim to publish our plans for HE reform soon as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and work with the sector and the OfS to deliver the change that the country needs.

​​The department recognises the valuable work of the Education Committee through its report on support for childcare and early years. We have considered the report’s findings and recommendations carefully and have since expanded access to childcare. We are further expanding childcare entitlements so that from September 2025, eligible working parents can access 30 hours of early education and childcare a week from the term after their child turns nine months.

The government’s Plan for Change set out the department’s commitment to give children the best start in life, breaking the link between background and opportunity. This month, we published our landmark strategy, ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, putting children’s first years at the heart of work to improve life chances. This is a fundamental step change in how government drives up quality in early education, ensuring places are available in every community, and restores crumbling family services for the next generation, as the government places £1.5 billion of cash behind the reforms.

​Insights from the report, committee members and wider experts, alongside engagement with parents and the early years and families sectors, have been invaluable in informing the contents of our Best Start in Life strategy.​

The government has not provided emergency funding to any university since 4 July 2024.

Universities are independent from government and as such must continue to make the necessary financial decisions to ensure their long-term sustainability. If a university was at risk of failure, the department would work with the Office for Students (OfS) to ensure that students are protected, recognising the significant impact university closure would have on their future.

The OfS dedicates significant resources to ensuring the sector's financial sustainability but does not provide emergency financial support to universities. It assesses financial sustainability on a case-by-case basis and does not disclose the identity of institutions deemed to be at material risk, as this is considered highly commercially sensitive. The OfS’ most recent report on the sector’s financial condition can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/financial-sustainability-of-higher-education-providers-in-england-2025/.

While the sector is autonomous, we are committed to creating a secure future for our world-leading universities.

The department has appointed Professor Edward Peck as OfS Chair, where he will play a key role in strengthening the commitment of the OfS to monitoring the financial health of the sector. Additionally, we made the difficult decision to uplift tuition fee limits by 3.1% (in line with inflation) from the 2025/26 academic year. The department will publish its plans for higher education reform as part of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper this summer.

The government has not provided emergency funding to any university since 4 July 2024.

Universities are independent from government and as such must continue to make the necessary financial decisions to ensure their long-term sustainability. If a university was at risk of failure, the department would work with the Office for Students (OfS) to ensure that students are protected, recognising the significant impact university closure would have on their future.

The OfS dedicates significant resources to ensuring the sector's financial sustainability but does not provide emergency financial support to universities. It assesses financial sustainability on a case-by-case basis and does not disclose the identity of institutions deemed to be at material risk, as this is considered highly commercially sensitive. The OfS’ most recent report on the sector’s financial condition can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/financial-sustainability-of-higher-education-providers-in-england-2025/.

While the sector is autonomous, we are committed to creating a secure future for our world-leading universities.

The department has appointed Professor Edward Peck as OfS Chair, where he will play a key role in strengthening the commitment of the OfS to monitoring the financial health of the sector. Additionally, we made the difficult decision to uplift tuition fee limits by 3.1% (in line with inflation) from the 2025/26 academic year. The department will publish its plans for higher education reform as part of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper this summer.

The government has not provided emergency funding to any university since 4 July 2024.

Universities are independent from government and as such must continue to make the necessary financial decisions to ensure their long-term sustainability. If a university was at risk of failure, the department would work with the Office for Students (OfS) to ensure that students are protected, recognising the significant impact university closure would have on their future.

The OfS dedicates significant resources to ensuring the sector's financial sustainability but does not provide emergency financial support to universities. It assesses financial sustainability on a case-by-case basis and does not disclose the identity of institutions deemed to be at material risk, as this is considered highly commercially sensitive. The OfS’ most recent report on the sector’s financial condition can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/financial-sustainability-of-higher-education-providers-in-england-2025/.

While the sector is autonomous, we are committed to creating a secure future for our world-leading universities.

The department has appointed Professor Edward Peck as OfS Chair, where he will play a key role in strengthening the commitment of the OfS to monitoring the financial health of the sector. Additionally, we made the difficult decision to uplift tuition fee limits by 3.1% (in line with inflation) from the 2025/26 academic year. The department will publish its plans for higher education reform as part of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper this summer.

This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have asked its Chief Regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham, to write to the hon. Member for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire directly and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Part of Skills England’s role is to ensure that skills sit at the heart of joined-up decision making across government. This includes working closely with Strategic Authorities, to ensure that regional skills needs are met and there is alignment with national priorities.

Skills England also oversees Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), which provide an ongoing mechanism through which local employers, Strategic Authorities, further education and higher education providers and other stakeholders can come together locally to identify and resolve skills needs and issues.

The English Devolution White Paper, published December 2024, sets out the intention to strengthen the role Strategic Authorities will play in the LSIPs, through joint ownership of the LSIP model alongside employer representative bodies (ERBs). These changes will come into force in Autumn 2025, to align with the next round of LSIP development.

In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the Mayoral Combined Authority will be expected to set out its sector skills priorities to the designated ERB, the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce. These will inform the development of the LSIP for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and provide the framework within which it exists, alongside the Local Growth Plan, the Industrial Strategy, the views of local employers and providers and Skills England’s assessment of skills needs.