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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to tackle anti-Sikh hate crimes and protect the Sikh community from targeted hate crime.

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

The government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion. We will not tolerate anti-Sikh hatred in any form and will ensure hate crimes are prosecuted with the full force of the law.

We are providing record protective security funding for faith communities to bolster security at places of worship, faith schools and community centres through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme. This comes alongside the Faith Security Training Scheme, ensuring all faith leaders and volunteers, including within Sikh communities, are strengthening their security awareness and preparedness to respond to concerns.

We also provide funding to support True Vision, an online hate crime reporting portal that lets victims report incidents safely without visiting a police station. We welcome its work with the Sikh Guard and Rakka initiatives to encourage reporting in Sikh communities and help address concerns about the lack of a bespoke reporting and support service for Sikhs experiencing hate crime.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support small business owners with their mental health.

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

The Government recognises that running a small business can be challenging and can bring pressures that affect an owner’s mental health and wellbeing.

Information and support for company directors is available through the Government's Director information hub, which includes resources on mental health and wellbeing. In addition, the Small Business Commissioner has published guidance to help small businesses manage the mental health impacts of late payments. The Government's Director information hub and the guidance published by the Small Business Commissioner is available at the following two links:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/director-information-hub-mental-health-and-wellbeing

https://www.smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk/new-guidance-launched-to-help-small-businesses-manage-the-mental-health-impact-of-late-payments/

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to support the recruitment and retention of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) are the lifeblood of our Cadet Forces – without whom the fantastic benefits of being a cadet could not be enjoyed by many thousands of young people.

Work is currently underway to determine how the 30% increase in cadet numbers recommended in the Strategic Defence Review will be delivered. This includes the proposition we are able to make to attract and retain CFAVs. The success of the Cadet Forces is intrinsically linked to the adult volunteers, and we are assessing how best to support them.

The responses from a recent extensive survey of CFAVs are helping to inform our approach to improving recruitment and retention in order to deliver expansion. This involves a range of work strands such as exploring more flexible ways to volunteer, reviewing and modernising recognition and reward, and looking at measures to reduce CFAVs’ day‑to‑day administrative burden.

We are committed to providing a compelling and appropriate offer for CFAVs in recognition of their contribution and as part of our drive to expand the Cadet Forces, we are holding the first National Cadets Week starting on 5 October 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate, publicise, and support the outstanding contributions of our adult volunteers.

We will also be launching a new Cadets Action Plan during National Cadets Week. This will set out our long-term vision for the Cadet Forces and will focus on the need to ensure that our adult volunteers have the right resources and support.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of allowing those using the Armed Forces Help to Buy scheme to let their homes out for a period longer than their deployment.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Armed Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme is designed to support home ownership amongst eligible Service personnel and their families. Current policy recognises the mobile nature of Service life and allows limited letting of an FHTB-funded property in specified circumstances, subject to approval.

The Ministry of Defence keeps the FHTB scheme under regular review and has considered a number of stakeholder suggestions regarding its operation, including the circumstances in which FHTB-funded properties may be let. However, no decision has been taken to extend existing letting provisions beyond current arrangements, as any such change would need to be carefully considered against the scheme's primary purpose of supporting owner-occupation and ensuring the effective use of public funds.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to publish the child impact assessment, economic impact assessment and equality impact assessment relating to the proposed earned settlement model.

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.

We received over 200,000 responses and are now in the process of carefully considering the feedback received. The proposals set out fundamental reform of the settlement system and it is right that we take the time needed to consider the impacts.

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.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps are being taken to ensure that Cider and Perry products have an appropriate amount of fruit juice to protect the quality of these drinks in the UK.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has no plans to change the rules governing juice content in cider and perry. Mid-range juice content ciders remain the most popular with consumers and are the most typical form of cider served on draught and in cans. We recognise the importance of both traditional craft ciders and mid-range juice content ciders in supporting a dynamic and innovative market and maintaining consumer choice.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has conducted an internal review into the alleged misuse of the Home Office Atlas immigration database.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office has a robust identity and access management policy that sets out how all staff should access Home Office systems, assets and data, specifically outlining how only appropriately authorised and ‘identified’ individuals should have the ability to gain entry via mechanisms such as password management, access control and account management.

We keep our security arrangements under constant review, which is why we have undertaken a programme of work to strengthen them further, with a number of additional measures being adopted to tighten controls.

It would be inappropriate to comment on the specific details of our security arrangements as to do so could undermine their effectiveness.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been notified since January 2026 that their pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme was granted in error; and how many of these notifications led to status being revoked.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

A person’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status will only be considered to have been granted in error where they were granted that status in circumstances where the information or evidence shows that they did not meet the relevant requirements for it under Appendix EU to the Immigration Rules. This has not changed since the EUSS opened, and every case must be considered based on individual circumstances and the evidence provided. Guidance to caseworkers is set out on pages 102-4 and 124-5 of the published caseworker guidance: EU Settlement Scheme EU, other EEA, Swiss citizens and family members.

Where pre-settled status is identified as having been granted in error it is not revoked but is instead allowed to expire. This means that a person’s rights to work, rent property and access banking services continue for the duration of their grant of pre-settled status.

A person informed by the Home Office that they have been granted pre-settled status in error can re-apply to the EUSS if they disagree and, if refused, they can appeal that decision. Where that further application is made before their pre-settled status expires, they will retain that status, and the associated rights, pending the outcome of their appeal. Local management information indicates that from 1 January to 30 June 2026 373 individuals have been notified that their pre-settled status was granted in error. These figures are derived from manual records and may be subject to revision.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether people who have had pre-settled status revoked as granted in error retain their right to (a) work, (b) rent property and (c) access banking services while any appeal is ongoing.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

A person’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status will only be considered to have been granted in error where they were granted that status in circumstances where the information or evidence shows that they did not meet the relevant requirements for it under Appendix EU to the Immigration Rules. This has not changed since the EUSS opened, and every case must be considered based on individual circumstances and the evidence provided. Guidance to caseworkers is set out on pages 102-4 and 124-5 of the published caseworker guidance: EU Settlement Scheme EU, other EEA, Swiss citizens and family members.

Where pre-settled status is identified as having been granted in error it is not revoked but is instead allowed to expire. This means that a person’s rights to work, rent property and access banking services continue for the duration of their grant of pre-settled status.

A person informed by the Home Office that they have been granted pre-settled status in error can re-apply to the EUSS if they disagree and, if refused, they can appeal that decision. Where that further application is made before their pre-settled status expires, they will retain that status, and the associated rights, pending the outcome of their appeal. Local management information indicates that from 1 January to 30 June 2026 373 individuals have been notified that their pre-settled status was granted in error. These figures are derived from manual records and may be subject to revision.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria caseworkers use to determine that pre-settled status was granted in error, and whether this guidance has changed since the EU Settlement Scheme opened.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

A person’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status will only be considered to have been granted in error where they were granted that status in circumstances where the information or evidence shows that they did not meet the relevant requirements for it under Appendix EU to the Immigration Rules. This has not changed since the EUSS opened, and every case must be considered based on individual circumstances and the evidence provided. Guidance to caseworkers is set out on pages 102-4 and 124-5 of the published caseworker guidance: EU Settlement Scheme EU, other EEA, Swiss citizens and family members.

Where pre-settled status is identified as having been granted in error it is not revoked but is instead allowed to expire. This means that a person’s rights to work, rent property and access banking services continue for the duration of their grant of pre-settled status.

A person informed by the Home Office that they have been granted pre-settled status in error can re-apply to the EUSS if they disagree and, if refused, they can appeal that decision. Where that further application is made before their pre-settled status expires, they will retain that status, and the associated rights, pending the outcome of their appeal. Local management information indicates that from 1 January to 30 June 2026 373 individuals have been notified that their pre-settled status was granted in error. These figures are derived from manual records and may be subject to revision.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the operation of the Market Rent Only provisions of the statutory Pubs Code.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code is underpinned by two principles: 1) the fair and lawful dealing by regulated Pub Owning Businesses of their tied tenants and 2) that tied tenants should not be worse off than if they were not subject to any product or service tie. Effective Market Rent Only (MRO) provisions are key to implementing the second principle.

The third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator covering 01.04.22- 31.03.25 is in progress. It includes an assessment of the extent to which the Code is consistent with the two principles. The Government’s report will be published as soon as practicable.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of changing the regulatory framework governing relationships between pub-owning businesses and tied pub tenants.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) enforces the Code. The Government currently has no plans to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary industry codes of practice governing pub-owning businesses with fewer than 500 tied pubs.

The Government is currently undertaking the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator and its report will be published as soon as practicable. The statutory review will also consider the findings of the Post Implementation Review (PIR), which analyses the Code’s impact since it came into force in 2016.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the effectiveness of the threshold of 500 or more tied pubs for inclusion within the statutory Pubs Code.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) enforces the Code. The Government currently has no plans to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary industry codes of practice governing pub-owning businesses with fewer than 500 tied pubs.

The Government is currently undertaking the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator and its report will be published as soon as practicable. The statutory review will also consider the findings of the Post Implementation Review (PIR), which analyses the Code’s impact since it came into force in 2016.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the voluntary industry codes of practice governing pub-owning businesses with fewer than 500 tied pubs.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) enforces the Code. The Government currently has no plans to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary industry codes of practice governing pub-owning businesses with fewer than 500 tied pubs.

The Government is currently undertaking the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator and its report will be published as soon as practicable. The statutory review will also consider the findings of the Post Implementation Review (PIR), which analyses the Code’s impact since it came into force in 2016.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many investigations the Pubs Code Adjudicator has concluded in each of the last five years; and what financial penalties were imposed following those investigations.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is a separate statutory entity independent of Government. The PCA completed its first investigation, into Star Pubs, in 2020, resulting in a penalty of £1.25m. The PCA launched an investigation into Stonegate Pubs in July 2026, which is ongoing. The PCA publishes information about its investigations on its website and in its Annual Report & Accounts.

The Department has regular dialogue with the PCA across the range of the PCA's responsibilities.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Pubs Code Adjudicator on compliance with the statutory Pubs Code.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is a separate statutory entity independent of Government. The PCA completed its first investigation, into Star Pubs, in 2020, resulting in a penalty of £1.25m. The PCA launched an investigation into Stonegate Pubs in July 2026, which is ongoing. The PCA publishes information about its investigations on its website and in its Annual Report & Accounts.

The Department has regular dialogue with the PCA across the range of the PCA's responsibilities.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the statutory Pubs Code in ensuring that tied pub tenants are not worse off than if they were free of tie.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code is underpinned by two principles: 1) the fair and lawful dealing by regulated Pub Owning Businesses of their tied tenants and 2) that tied tenants should not be worse off than if they were not subject to any product or service tie. Effective Market Rent Only (MRO) provisions are key to implementing the second principle.

The third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator covering 01.04.22- 31.03.25 is in progress. It includes an assessment of the extent to which the Code is consistent with the two principles. The Government’s report will be published as soon as practicable.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of tied pub agreements on the long-term viability of tenant-run pubs.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) enforces the Code. The Government currently has no plans to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary industry codes of practice governing pub-owning businesses with fewer than 500 tied pubs.

The Government is currently undertaking the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator and its report will be published as soon as practicable. The statutory review will also consider the findings of the Post Implementation Review (PIR), which analyses the Code’s impact since it came into force in 2016.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of diagnostic thresholds for Vitamin B12 deficiency; and what steps she is taking to reduce regional variation in access to treatment for patients with the condition.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided to the Hon Member for Hazel Grove on 22 and 25 April 2025 to Questions 44659 and 44657.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department will develop a national strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided to the Hon Member for Hazel Grove on 22 and 25 April 2025 to Questions 44659 and 44657.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on consumers of the gap in Alternative Dispute Resolution provision in the water sector following the Consumer Council for Water's withdrawal from adjudication and the end of the WATRS/CEDR scheme in April 2026.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has considered a statutory automatic redress mechanism for consumers who lose access to Alternative Dispute Resolution due to regulatory or administrative failure.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure continuity of Alternative Dispute Resolution provision in the water sector during future changes to regulatory arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has issued to water companies on handling complaints that had reached the adjudication stage before the withdrawal of the WATRS scheme.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many consumer complaints were affected by the discontinuation of the WATRS adjudication scheme before a replacement provider became operational.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the timetable is for restoring full Alternative Dispute Resolution provision in the water sector; and which body will deliver it.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has plans to review the regulation or guidance relating to emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads, particularly those near residential areas.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Noise controls for aerodromes are set through the local planning system where appropriate and enforcement is a matter for the local authority. Local authorities also have a duty to monitor air quality in their areas.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets noise standards for helicopters. While ICAO sets engine emissions standards for commercial aircraft, these do not apply to helicopters. The environmental and public health impacts of emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads are likely to be very small and there is no routine monitoring of these emissions.

The Department has no plans to review the regulation or guidance relating to emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of existing arrangements for monitoring emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Noise controls for aerodromes are set through the local planning system where appropriate and enforcement is a matter for the local authority. Local authorities also have a duty to monitor air quality in their areas.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets noise standards for helicopters. While ICAO sets engine emissions standards for commercial aircraft, these do not apply to helicopters. The environmental and public health impacts of emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads are likely to be very small and there is no routine monitoring of these emissions.

The Department has no plans to review the regulation or guidance relating to emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the environmental and public health impacts of emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Noise controls for aerodromes are set through the local planning system where appropriate and enforcement is a matter for the local authority. Local authorities also have a duty to monitor air quality in their areas.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets noise standards for helicopters. While ICAO sets engine emissions standards for commercial aircraft, these do not apply to helicopters. The environmental and public health impacts of emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads are likely to be very small and there is no routine monitoring of these emissions.

The Department has no plans to review the regulation or guidance relating to emissions from helicopters operating from private helipads.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential environmental and astronomical effects of orbital reflector satellites.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK, to date, has commissioned three studies related to the impacts of satellite brightness and potential mitigations. The findings from these studies, alongside discussions in international forums such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), help inform policy discussions on how to successfully address the balance between accessing vital services in space and minimising the impact on scientific research and the environment.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of a national policy framework for the long-term maintenance of Natural Flood Management schemes delivered by local authorities.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that natural flood management (NFM) measures remain effective over the long term. Projects funded through the Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management investment programme are expected to have appropriate maintenance plans and funding arrangements in place. The Government also expects all risk management authorities and other asset owners to invest in ongoing maintenance and repairs where necessary.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has considered introducing a statutory Code of Practice on Sikh articles of faith to improve understanding among public authorities.

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

British Sikhs are an integral part of this country, and this Government refuses to allow intolerance to impact the lives of any people of faith. We are committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion – including the wearing of the Sikh articles of faith – and we do not tolerate anti-Sikh hatred or discrimination in any form.

Earlier this year, we committed in Protecting What Matters to boost faith and belief literacy. This will include gauging our current levels of faith and belief literacy in government identifying ways to upskill, and developing an approach that improves the quality and inclusivity of policy making. We will also consider how to strengthen faith and belief literacy across society as a whole.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on the long-term maintenance of Natural Flood Management projects.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Guidance for natural flood management (NFM) projects eligible for funding from the government’s flood and coastal erosion risk management investment programme is available on GOV.UK here. Risk management authorities can access further guidance, FAQs and explainer videos through the NFM pages of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coast SharePoint site.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to review the effectiveness of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Government is conducting an ongoing review of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and is actively taking forward reforms to the cyber landscape. Proposals to update the CMA will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows. The changes will allow law enforcement agencies to more effectively tackle threats posed by cyber criminals.

The reforms will create a Cyber Crime Risk Order to place robust controls on the behaviours of cyber criminals, alongside new powers to search individuals believed to be concealing evidence on behalf of suspects. It will also unlock the power of cyber security professionals to better enable them to secure computer systems.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what consideration it has given to extending free bus travel for children and young people to other periods of the year.

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

The Government recognises the importance of affordable and reliable bus services. The Summer Bus Fare Offer was a time-limited scheme designed to help families travel for less this summer.

At present, the majority of bus services operate on a commercial basis by private operators, meaning that they can choose to offer discounted fares for young people. In the financial year ending March 2026, youth concessions were offered by at least one commercial bus operator in 76 out of 85 local authority areas in England outside London.

The Government has confirmed long-term investment of over £3 billion from 2026/27 over the rest of the spending review period to support local leaders and bus operators across the country to improve bus services for millions of passengers. In addition, we are providing £400 million to support the £2 National Bus Fare Cap, which will replace the current £3 cap from January 2027 until the end of the year.

We are also providing local transport authorities with nearly £700 million per year through the Local Authority Bus Grant. This includes funding for local authorities, which they can use to introduce local fares initiatives if they wish to do so.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of existing arrangements for enforcing permitted operating hours at private helipads; and what steps she is taking to ensure that helicopter operations comply with applicable restrictions on operating hours.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not made a formal assessment of the effectiveness of existing arrangements for enforcing permitted operating hours at private helipads.

Operating hours for private helipads are generally a matter for the relevant local planning authority. Where planning conditions specify permitted hours of operation, compliance with those conditions is enforced through the planning system.

Helicopter operators are expected to comply with any operating restrictions that apply to the sites from which they operate.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Office for Students on the adequacy of governance and consultation processes at universities undertaking large-scale restructuring programmes.

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

Higher education (HE) providers are independent from government and are responsible for managing their business models, including decisions relating to staffing. The department encourages providers to work with their staff to develop sustainable models that retain talent and expertise and provide stability for the workforce and the institution. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide long-term value for staff, students and the country.

The Post-16 Education and Skills White paper sets out the government’s ambition for stronger governance in the HE sector.

We welcome the Committee of University Chairs' new Code of Governance, published in June, which sets clear and robust expectations for accountability, transparency and effective oversight across the sector. We will also support the Office for Students’ strengthening of its management and governance conditions of registration.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, in what way the £200 million investment in SEND training will be allocated to improve mainstream school staff expertise in supporting deaf and hearing-impaired pupils; and what proportion is ring-fenced for sensory impairment training specifically.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The proposed special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms aim to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, whilst also ensuring specialist settings are able to cater for those with more complex needs.

Our £200 million investment in SEND training represents an ambitious and comprehensive SEND and inclusion training offer for mainstream staff across early years settings, schools and colleges. The department has not ring-fenced a specific proportion of the £200 million investment for sensory impairment training.

Instead, the programme is being designed to support staff to identify needs early and put in place support to address a broad range of barriers to learning, including across the five proposed areas of development.

Additionally, the department is investing around £1.8 billion over three years to develop a new Experts at Hand offer, giving mainstream settings access to specialist support from key health and education professionals. This may include specialist teachers with expertise in sensory needs, who can provide advice, coaching and practical support to help mainstream staff identify and meet pupils’ needs earlier.

We are also developing specialist provision packages to set out the support children with the most complex needs require. This includes children with complex sensory impairments. The packages will outline the support these children should receive, including approaches to supporting children with hearing impairments. An independent expert panel has been appointed to oversee the development of these packages.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential challenges faced by small AI developers seeking to build consumer tools that rely on data from third-party commercial websites.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Government recognises that small AI developers can face particular challenges in accessing data lawfully and affordably, including from third-party websites. The Report on Copyright and AI, published in March 2026, considered evidence from across the AI and creative sectors on these issues, and heard directly from SME representatives about the disproportionate impact of legal uncertainty and licensing costs on smaller developers. We are supporting market-led approaches to data licensing and technical standards, and will keep their effectiveness under review, including their impact on SMEs. The Government’s Plan for Small Businesses, published in July 2025, sets out the measures that the Government is taking to support small businesses across the UK. This includes tackling late payments, boosting access to finance, and removing red tape.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of changing the rules on cross-pavement electric vehicle charging so that residents whose property boundary is more than two metres from the pavement, including those living in flats, are able to access this support.

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

In May 2025, the Government amended permitted development rights, removing the 2-metre set back requirement for qualifying off-street electric vehicle charge point installations.

Furthermore, the Government is introducing permitted development rights for cross-pavement solutions and associated electric vehicle charge points to make installations quicker, cheaper and more straightforward for residents without off-street parking. This will help more households access domestic charging, with local authorities continuing to approve cross-pavement solutions to ensure safety and accessibility are protected.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that local authorities take account of the needs of children and young people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when assessing, reviewing and implementing Education, Health and Care Plans.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department has consulted on reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system so that every child and young person receives the support they require. Our proposals include strengthening the education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment process so that it is clearer, simpler and reflects the voice of parents/carers and the child or young person. We will consider feedback from the consultation exercise carefully before making any final decisions on this policy.

A child or young person with SEND may be eligible for an EHC plan. Where a plan is issued to someone with myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome, it will contain provision to meet their special educational needs and any relevant health needs.

When a local authority conducts a needs assessment or reviews an existing plan, it must seek information and advice from relevant health professionals. This helps to ensure that all EHC plans will contain support tailored to the individual’s particular health needs.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of recognising women and girls as a discrete beneficiary group under the Dormant Assets Scheme.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Dormant Assets Scheme has released over £1 billion for good causes across the UK. In 2022, we publicly consulted on which causes the English portion of funding should support, receiving 3,300 responses from the general public, civil society organisations and the financial services industry. Following this, the government confirmed that the English portion of funding would be directed to four named causes: youth, financial inclusion and education, social investment wholesalers, and community wealth funds.

Although women and girls are not named as a discrete cause within the Scheme, they are supported across all the named purposes in England. For example, through the youth cause, the Scheme has funded programmes for young women (aged 14–24) who face significant barriers to employment, backing community-led initiatives that provide mentoring. Through social investment, the Scheme has provided essential funding to charities and social enterprises that deliver practical, targeted support for women and girls nationwide. This includes investment in organisations creating safe housing pathways for vulnerable women, and funding that helps groups purchase equipment and build sustainable income streams to strengthen employment and education opportunities for minoritised women.

This Government remains committed to strengthening the women’s voluntary and community sector and we will continue to ensure alternative funding programmes reach organisations supporting women and girls.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with international partners on the regulation of space-based light reflection technologies; and whether the UK plans to raise concerns about such technologies at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK Government engages internationally through a range of fora, including the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, to help develop guidelines and governance structures that meet the needs of the modern space age. This work includes international engagement on matters such as sustainability and the protection of dark and quiet skies for astronomy and scientific observation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many licences to cultivate cannabis have been issued under regulation 12 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 in each year since 2018; and what fees are payable for such a licence.

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

Licences to cultivate 'High THC' (tetra hydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant) are issued by the Home Office under Regulations 5 and 12 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. These licences are issued for a period of one year to a specific entity operating at a site.

The numbers of High THC Cultivation Licences issued each year between 2018 and 2026 (to 31 August) were as follows:

NB These figures do not include low THC 'industrial hemp' licences which are considered under a separate light touch licensing regime, also managed by the Home Office.

The fees payable for such licences are between £326 and £1,371 for repeat cultivators, depending on whether a site-based compliance visit is needed, and £4,700 for a first-time licensee.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing donors to the Consolidated Fund to direct their gift towards a specific public purpose.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Donations to the Crown that are made payable to HM Treasury are surrendered to the Consolidated Fund. Receipts surrendered to the Consolidated Fund are not ring-fenced for specific areas of government spending and are used towards general government expenditure.

Allowing donors to the Crown to direct a gift towards a specific public purpose would be inconsistent with the longstanding operation of the Consolidated Fund, and the framework through which public expenditure is authorised by Parliament and public finances are managed, under which receipts are not earmarked for specific purposes.

Individuals who wish to contribute specifically towards reducing the national debt may make a payment to the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on aviation safety posed by orbital reflector satellites.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

There is currently no evidence to suggest that orbital reflector satellites pose a material risk to UK aviation safety. The Government continues to assess emerging technologies that may affect the safety of UK aviation operations.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent discussions her Department has had with the Competition and Markets Authority on access to retail data for small businesses and app developers seeking to build consumer-facing tools.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department has not had any recent discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on access to retail data for small businesses and app developers seeking to build consumer-facing tools.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the potential merits of consumer AI tools are not restricted to services offered directly by large incumbent firms.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

As the UK's principal competition authority, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has powers to address competition problems, including in digital markets. The CMA is operationally independent of the Government and decides which issues to investigate.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of retailers' terms and conditions restricting automated and AI-assisted access to their websites on competition among third-party service providers.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

As the UK’s principal competition authority, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has powers to address competition problems, including in digital markets. The CMA is operationally independent of the Government and decides which issues to investigate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what work the Government is undertaking to help tackle the backlog of Royal Marine applications.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines are implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment performance and reduce waiting times for applicants. These include increasing recruitment capacity, introducing more efficient digital recruitment systems, streamlining application processes, improving candidate engagement, and addressing bottlenecks in medical, security vetting and selection stages. The Royal Navy continuously monitors recruitment performance to ensure suitably qualified candidates can progress through the recruitment pipeline as quickly as possible.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment the Competition and Markets Authority has made of the availability of stable application programming interfaces from major supermarkets for third-party developers.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) has not assessed the availability of stable application programming interfaces (“APIs”) from major supermarkets for third-party developers.

In 2023 and 2024, the CMA reviewed competition in the groceries sector and found no widespread evidence of weak competition. As part of this work, the CMA did identify issues with grocery retailers’ unit pricing practices that could affect shoppers’ ability to compare products and recommended changes to the Price Marking Order 2004. The UK government subsequently implemented reforms to unit pricing in April 2026.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Trading Standards enforcement of consumer rights relating to online retailers; and what steps the Government is taking to ensure that local Trading Standards teams have sufficient resources and powers to tackle businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with consumer protection legislation.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government is committed to ensuring that consumers can shop online with confidence. Consumers making purchases online benefit from a 14-day cancellation period. We have strengthened enforcement through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which provides the Competition and Markets Authority with stronger powers to tackle breaches of consumer law.

Trading Standards services are provided by local authorities and supported nationally by National Trading Standards. The Government confirmed last week longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape. This will examine how organisations like Citizens Advice and Trading Standards can work more effectively with regulators, enforcement bodies and redress schemes so that harmful practices are addressed more quickly, and consumers can access support more easily.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with online review platforms about sharing information about businesses that receive repeated complaints with relevant consumer protection and enforcement authorities.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government is committed to ensuring that consumers can shop online with confidence. Consumers making purchases online benefit from a 14-day cancellation period. We have strengthened enforcement through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which provides the Competition and Markets Authority with stronger powers to tackle breaches of consumer law.

Trading Standards services are provided by local authorities and supported nationally by National Trading Standards. The Government confirmed last week longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape. This will examine how organisations like Citizens Advice and Trading Standards can work more effectively with regulators, enforcement bodies and redress schemes so that harmful practices are addressed more quickly, and consumers can access support more easily.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that online retailers comply with consumers’ statutory rights, including the 14-day cancellation period for online purchases.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government is committed to ensuring that consumers can shop online with confidence. Consumers making purchases online benefit from a 14-day cancellation period. We have strengthened enforcement through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which provides the Competition and Markets Authority with stronger powers to tackle breaches of consumer law.

Trading Standards services are provided by local authorities and supported nationally by National Trading Standards. The Government confirmed last week longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape. This will examine how organisations like Citizens Advice and Trading Standards can work more effectively with regulators, enforcement bodies and redress schemes so that harmful practices are addressed more quickly, and consumers can access support more easily.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support the recruitment and retention of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers are central to the success and growth of the Cadet Forces.

The Government will implement a Volunteer First approach to improve recruitment and retention by simplifying onboarding, introducing more flexible volunteering opportunities, reducing administrative burdens, enhancing training, recognition and wellbeing support, and ensuring volunteers are properly supported and reimbursed for reasonable expenses. These measures will help build a stronger, more sustainable adult volunteer cohort for the future.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made a comparative assessment of the potential impact of VAT on independent providers of swimming lessons with publicly operated leisure centres on the financial sustainability of those venues; and whether it has considered changes to the VAT on swimming lessons from independent providers to improve access to swimming tuition.

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

Swimming lessons and water safety are vital life skills and are part of the national curriculum. The Department for Education is working closely with third sector organisations, including Swim England, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, and National Water Safety Education, to support schools in delivering these high-quality lessons through teacher training and resources.

Certain sporting and physical education services supplied by ‘eligible bodies’ are already exempt from VAT, including some swimming lessons. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sport-supplies-that-are-vat-exempt-notice-70145#an-overview-of-the-exemption-for-sporting-and-physical-education-services

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure continuity of specialist British Sign Language-accessible domestic abuse support for deaf victims and survivors when the current funding period ends.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As part of ‘Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, the Home Office committed to deliver specialist VAWG Helplines across England and Wales alongside 1-1 advocacy support for victims of VAWG who are least likely to be able to access support locally. The competitions to deliver this £24 million investment closed on 31 July 2026. As the competitions are still ongoing, we are unable to comment on the details beyond what has already been published.

However, we can provide assurance that the Home Office is working to ensure there is no gap in provision between existing services including for disabled people and the services awarded through the competition.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of combining deaf people, blind people and people with sight loss, people with cognitive and learning disabilities, and people with physical disabilities into a single tender for specialist domestic abuse support, on the ability of providers to deliver tailored, by-and-for support to each community.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As part of ‘Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, the Home Office committed to deliver specialist VAWG Helplines across England and Wales alongside 1-1 advocacy support for victims of VAWG who are least likely to be able to access support locally. The competitions to deliver this £24 million investment closed on 31 July 2026. As the competitions are still ongoing, we are unable to comment on the details beyond what has already been published.

However, we can provide assurance that the Home Office is working to ensure there is no gap in provision between existing services including for disabled people and the services awarded through the competition.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of levels of funding for specialist deaf and disabled domestic abuse support on (a) waiting times and (b) capacity to meet demand.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As part of ‘Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, the Home Office committed to deliver specialist VAWG Helplines across England and Wales alongside 1-1 advocacy support for victims of VAWG who are least likely to be able to access support locally. The competitions to deliver this £24 million investment closed on 31 July 2026. As the competitions are still ongoing, we are unable to comment on the details beyond what has already been published.

However, we can provide assurance that the Home Office is working to ensure there is no gap in provision between existing services including for disabled people and the services awarded through the competition.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Jodrell Bank Observatory on (a) researchers who use e-MERLIN and (b) science and engineering outreach to young people in the North West.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Jodrell Bank Observatory is not closing and remains an important UK science asset. The Prime Minister has been clear that Jodrell Bank has a secure future. It will continue to host world-leading scientific research led by the University of Manchester, alongside serving as the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. The Government is working with partners to ensure Jodrell Bank continues to thrive for generations to come, including for heritage and educational purposes, ensuring tens of thousands of adults and children alike can be inspired by visits to the site.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the of the closure of Jodrell Bank Observatory on the UK’s reputation in the science industry.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Jodrell Bank Observatory is not closing and remains an important UK science asset. The Prime Minister has been clear that Jodrell Bank has a secure future. It will continue to host world-leading scientific research led by the University of Manchester, alongside serving as the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. The Government is working with partners to ensure Jodrell Bank continues to thrive for generations to come, including for heritage and educational purposes, ensuring tens of thousands of adults and children alike can be inspired by visits to the site.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions he has had with UKRI on alternative funding arrangements for e-MERLIN and Jodrell Bank Observatory ahead of March 2028.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Prime Minister has been clear that Jodrell Bank has a secure future. It will continue to host world-leading scientific research led by the University of Manchester, alongside serving as the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. Operational decisions relating to e-MERLIN sit with the University of Manchester, which has indicated that it is exploring a range of potential alternative funding streams beyond 2028. The Government is also working with partners to ensure Jodrell Bank continues to thrive for generations to come, including for heritage and educational purposes, ensuring tens of thousands of adults and children alike can be inspired by visits to the site.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of applying a reduced rate of VAT, or a VAT exemption, to private swimming lessons provided by independent swimming schools.

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

Swimming lessons and water safety are vital life skills and are part of the national curriculum. The Department for Education is working closely with third sector organisations, including Swim England, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, and National Water Safety Education, to support schools in delivering these high-quality lessons through teacher training and resources.

Certain sporting and physical education services supplied by ‘eligible bodies’ are already exempt from VAT, including some swimming lessons. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sport-supplies-that-are-vat-exempt-notice-70145#an-overview-of-the-exemption-for-sporting-and-physical-education-services

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to ensure the proposed Specialist Provision Packages set out requirements for supporting children with hearing impairment; and by what date she expects these packages to be published.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Specialist provision packages are descriptions of support for children and young people with the most complex needs, who require long-term specialist provision. This includes children and young people with hearing impairments where appropriate, with packages covering the full range of support required to meet their needs.

An independent expert panel has been appointed to oversee the development of the specialist provision packages. The panel will engage with stakeholders to make sure its work is informed by a wide range of views and lived experience.

The packages will be published prior to the special educational needs and disabilities reform implementation and will be subject to regular review.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department is taking steps to (a) collect and (b) commission evidence on the (i) wages, (ii) employment rates and (iii) career progression of transgender people to improve its understanding of their experiences in the labour market.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The ONS collect evidence on employment outcomes by gender identity via the Census for England and Wales. We want all citizens, regardless of who they are, to be able to thrive and succeed in the labour market. By introducing the Employment Rights Act 2025, we will deliver more inclusive growth, ensuring economic growth is felt by working people in every part of the UK and supporting a fairer, more resilient labour market.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing statutory oversight of chronic pain management training for healthcare professionals.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to the Hon Member for Stockton West on 15 July 2026 in response to Question 16094.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered increasing the maximum property value eligible under the Lifetime ISA from £450,000.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Data from the latest UK House Price Index shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values.

The Government keeps all aspects of savings tax policy under review.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of additional qualified teachers of the deaf required to deliver the new GCSE in British Sign Language; and what steps she is taking to address the shortfall of 200 teachers identified by the National Deaf Children's Society.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE is a key feature of our commitment to enhancing the status of BSL in education and society.

Following the publication of Ofqual's final qualification rules, awarding organisations are now able to develop detailed specifications that will form the basis of the content taught in schools and colleges. These specifications will need to be accredited by Ofqual before the GCSE can be made available for delivery.

We are working closely with stakeholders from the deaf community and across the school sector to discuss and develop workforce options so that school leaders can access a high-quality teaching workforce when this new GCSE is taught in schools.

Teachers who teach a class of pupils who are deaf are required to hold the relevant mandatory qualification in sensory impairment. Teachers that work peripatetically to support deaf children should also hold the qualification. Alongside the academic route, there is a sensory impairment apprenticeship, offering a paid, work-based route into teaching children and young people who have a hearing impairment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what options are available to Armed Forces personnel unable to rent out properties while deployed overseas after using the forces help to buy scheme to purchase their property.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

Defence recognises that the requirement for Service Personnel to relocate during their careers can create challenges for those who own a home. The Forces Help to Buy scheme provides financial assistance towards the choice to purchase a home but does not remove the normal financial responsibilities or risks associated with homeownership. Decisions relating to the retention, rental or sale of a property remain matters for the Service Person, taking account of their personal circumstances and the requirements of Service life.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of ending deep-space signal processing and long-baseline observation expertise at Jodrell Bank Observatory on the UK's space situational awareness and satellite tracking capabilities.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK’s Space Domain Awareness capability is provided by the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). It uses data from UK sensors, commercial providers, and international partners to protect UK interests from space related threats, risks and hazards. NSpOC does not currently, nor are there any plans to, use data from Jodrell Bank Observatory.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is investing £85m during this Spending Review period to enhance the UK’s space domain awareness capabilities.

To maintain the UK's long-term capability in radio astronomy, the Government is investing in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, with £327 million committed between 2021 and 2030.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of using inflation linked increase model to the Luxury Car Tax.

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

The Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) is a supplement to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payable by vehicle keepers for five years, from years two to six following a car's first registration.

The rate is currently £440 per year, and is charged in addition to the standard rate of VED, which is currently £200 per year. The ECS applies to new petrol/diesel and hybrid cars with a list price of £40,000 or more, and as announced at Budget 2025, as of 1 April 2026 the ECS applies to new zero-emission cars with a list price of £50,000 or more which are first registered on or after 1 April 2025. The additional charge was introduced so that those who can afford to access the most expensive cars make a fair contribution.

The Government continues to view the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) as a suitable way of distinguishing the more luxury end of the new car market. Although average list prices of cars have increased since the ECS was introduced, nearly two-thirds of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles still fall below the £40,000 threshold.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs, including Vehicle Excise Duty and the ECS, to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered linking the Vehicle Excise Duty Expensive Car Supplement threshold to inflation.

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

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to his question in PQ UIN 19506.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many fires attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England were attributed to disposable barbecues in each of the last three years.

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

MHCLG collects data on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in England including information on the source of ignition. This data is published in the fire statistics table which can be found, here, specifically table FIRE0602, which covers primary fires by source of ignition. Secondary fires are excluded as MHCLG does not collect details on cause of secondary fires.

The data does not identify whether a barbecue was disposable or non-disposable. Therefore, MHCLG cannot provide figures specifically for fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

The number of primary fires in England where the source of ignition was recorded as “barbecue” was 267 in 2023/24, 238 in 2024/25 and 346 in 2025/26 the latest year for which data is published. These figures should therefore be interpreted as fires where “barbecue” was recorded as the source of ignition, rather than fires specifically attributed to disposable barbecues.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing jobseekers who are not in receipt of benefits to access employment advice and support from Jobcentres; and whether he plans to change the rules in this area.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

This government recognises that a fundamental change in how employment support is designed and delivered is required to help more people to find, stay and progress in work, including those not receiving benefits.

The core Jobcentre Plus offer is primarily designed to support individuals who are expected to be searching or preparing for work as part of their benefit-related conditions, providing Work Coach support and helping claimants prepare for, find and move into work or better work. Beyond the core offer, Jobcentre services can vary locally, with service leaders having flexibility to extend additional support where resources allow and where this reflects local labour market needs.

In addition, the expansion of Youth Hubs to more than 360 locations across Great Britain will ensure that every young person aged 16 – 24 years old- including those not receiving benefits - can access opportunities and comprehensive support in their local area. A core service blueprint will guarantee high-quality, holistic support, including mental health, housing, essential and vocational skills, and employer engagement at every Youth Hub.

As part of our Jobs and Careers Service, we have launched digital tools, known as the Work Hub, designed to help everyone access online support, including an online AI work assistant, CV builder and a new job search tool. We are also expanding community-based employment and careers support through Jobcentre vans and delivering employment support in libraries, GP surgeries and local authority buildings, which are accessible to everyone.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the time taken by HMRC to resolve cases, and what steps he is taking to reduce delays.

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

HMRC is increasing capacity in key teams, improving workforce flexibility, strengthening case progression and delivering wider transformation activity to improve the efficiency of its services.

Since April 2025, HMRC has reduced the number of aged investigation cases (those over three years old) by 38% and introduced measures to strengthen oversight and ensure cases continue to progress in a timely manner. HMRC is also establishing a dedicated team so that it can resolve older repayment claims more quickly.

HMRC monitors performance across its services, including correspondence handling and case progression. HMRC's service standard is to respond to 80% of priority correspondence within 15 working days, and it regularly publishes performance information at: HMRC performance updates. Customers can use HMRC's online 'Where's my reply?' tool to check current response times and when they can expect a response.

HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap sets out how it will modernise by 2030 to improve customer service, close the tax gap and reform HMRC. To enhance its compliance work, HMRC is investing in new systems such as: the Secure Digital Exchange Communications (SDEC) programme, enabling secure digital communication and file exchange; and a Digital Disclosure Service to allow customers and intermediaries to correct mistakes and pay liabilities and penalties for all taxes and duties with the aim to go live in 2027-28. Further information on the transformation roadmap is available at: HMRC Transformation Roadmap: update 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will issue guidance or instructions relating to the reduction or removal of sugar from prescription medicines; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of such changes on patients who are unable to tolerate artificial sweeteners.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 8 June in response to Questions 4511 and 4512. If there are any new developments to report in this area, I will ensure that he is updated.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to ensure the continued availability of prescription medicines which do not contain artificial sweeteners for patients with adverse reactions to those substances.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 8 June in response to Questions 4511 and 4512. If there are any new developments to report in this area, I will ensure that he is updated.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the reported withdrawal of the original formulation of Questran from the UK market on patients with bile acid malabsorption.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 8 June in response to Questions 4511 and 4512. If there are any new developments to report in this area, I will ensure that he is updated.

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 a third runway at Heathrow Airport on the economy; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the runway on environmental, social and climate-related costs.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As part of the recent consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National policy statement (now closed) the Department conducted analysis to look at the potential impact of Heathrow Airport expansion on the economy, including the environmental and climate related costs. This analysis can be found in the Heathrow Expansion Appraisal Report (HEAR) located here: Draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement appraisal report - GOV.UK. The HEAR is supported by further economic impact modelling document located here: Heathrow expansion economic impact modelling - GOV.UK. A further assessment of the impact of the scheme can be found in the Appraisal of Sustainability located here: Draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement Appraisal of Sustainability - GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will consider the merits of a ban on disposable barbecues.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government will consider the case for further restrictions, including a permanent ban, on the sale of disposable barbecues in the light of experience gained from the temporary ban introduced in August. Any such restrictions are most likely to be implemented under waste legislation, which is why Defra is taking the lead on this issue, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who are leading the Government’s overall approach to wildfires.

In the meantime, local authorities have powers to establish Public Space Protection Orders, which can prohibit the use of disposable barbecues in designated areas where appropriate. It is for individual councils to decide how and to what extent to use these powers.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to launch a public consultation on prohibiting the sale of disposable barbecues.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government will consider the case for further restrictions, including a permanent ban, on the sale of disposable barbecues in the light of experience gained from the temporary ban introduced in August. Any such restrictions are most likely to be implemented under waste legislation, which is why Defra is taking the lead on this issue, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who are leading the Government’s overall approach to wildfires.

In the meantime, local authorities have powers to establish Public Space Protection Orders, which can prohibit the use of disposable barbecues in designated areas where appropriate. It is for individual councils to decide how and to what extent to use these powers.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she will consider the potential merits of an inquiry into the impacts of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 on the LGBTQ+ community.

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

The government recognises the devastating impact of Section 28 on LGBT+ people, including the lasting effects felt after its repeal, but does not believe a public inquiry is the right approach.

Public inquiries typically exist to establish facts and learn lessons; given that Section 28 was passed by Parliament, its origins and motivations are readily accessible on the public record. Its impact is also widely acknowledged. In 2009, the then leader of the Conservative Party and later Prime Minister, Rt.Hon Lord David Cameron apologised on behalf of his party for introducing Section 28. More recently, MPs from all parties came together in 2023 for a Westminster Hall Debate held on the 20th anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 to reflect on its historic impact and the chilling effect it had. The Act and its impacts continue to be a relevant topic during discussions on LGBT+ equality policy, so the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

Today, the government is prioritising delivery of its 2024 manifesto commitments to advance LGBT+ equality, including inclusive relationships and sex education guidance, the equalisation of hate crime strands through the Crime and Policing Act 2026, work to reduce LGBT+ health inequalities, and we have introduced a draft Bill for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of holding local referendums to allow residents to confirm proposed local government reorganisation arrangements before they are implemented.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of Sates Oral Statement on 7 September.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that its legal obligations under Article 8 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are met.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK supports the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including Article 8, which protects against forced assimilation, loss of cultural identity, and dispossession of lands, territories and resources. While the UN Declaration is not legally binding, the UK remains committed to promoting these principles through our wider human rights work, international engagement and in multilateral fora. The UK recognises that Indigenous individuals are entitled to the full protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms under international law, on an equal basis with all others.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the terms of the commission issued to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on 2 June 2025 relating to cannabis-based products for medicinal use exclude consideration of the cultivation of cannabis under section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

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

The commission issued to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on 2 June 2025 does not mention the cultivation of cannabis under section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and it would therefore not be excluded providing it is relevant to the scope of the review.

The review is considering the impact of the 2018 legislative changes relating to cannabis-based products for medicinal use, including whether those changes had their intended impact, any unintended consequences, and recommendations to mitigate those consequences. The Advisory Council is independent of Government in the conduct of its work and the formulation of its advice.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has considered permitting individuals holding a valid prescription for a cannabis-based product for medicinal use to apply for a licence to cultivate cannabis for their own prescribed use.

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

Cannabis-based products for medicinal use may be lawfully possessed where they have been prescribed by an appropriately qualified clinician. However, a prescription does not authorise the cultivation of cannabis.

Cannabis may only be cultivated under a Home Office licence. The Government has no plans to change the existing licensing arrangements to permit individuals to cultivate cannabis for their own prescribed use. Licences for the cultivation of high-THC cannabis may be issued for lawful purposes, including the production of pharmaceutical products, subject to compliance with the relevant medicines regulatory requirements.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the average annual cost incurred by patients privately prescribed cannabis-based products for medicinal use; and how that cost compares with the maximum annual charge payable by an NHS patient holding a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care services in England, including private clinics that prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs). Private providers must be registered with the CQC and are inspected against standards relating to safety, quality, and safeguarding. To ensure the legislative framework remains safe and fit for purpose, my Rt. Hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has commissioned the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to undertake a comprehensive review of the 2018 changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations that enabled access to CBPMs.

Data on National Health Service prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use are withheld because the number of patients receiving these products is fewer than five nationally, creating a risk of patient identification under United Kingdom data protection legislation.

The Government recognises that some patients face significant costs when accessing unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use privately. However, the cost of treatments obtained through private prescribing arrangements is a matter between patients and providers.

The Department has not made an assessment of the average annual cost incurred by patients who obtain CBPMs through private prescriptions, nor has it made a comparison between those costs and the cost of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use have been funded by the NHS in England in each year since November 2018.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care services in England, including private clinics that prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs). Private providers must be registered with the CQC and are inspected against standards relating to safety, quality, and safeguarding. To ensure the legislative framework remains safe and fit for purpose, my Rt. Hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has commissioned the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to undertake a comprehensive review of the 2018 changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations that enabled access to CBPMs.

Data on National Health Service prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use are withheld because the number of patients receiving these products is fewer than five nationally, creating a risk of patient identification under United Kingdom data protection legislation.

The Government recognises that some patients face significant costs when accessing unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use privately. However, the cost of treatments obtained through private prescribing arrangements is a matter between patients and providers.

The Department has not made an assessment of the average annual cost incurred by patients who obtain CBPMs through private prescriptions, nor has it made a comparison between those costs and the cost of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 on consumers' use of AI tools to interact with commercial websites on their behalf.

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

The Government is conducting an ongoing review of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 (CMA). As part of that review, the Home Office is considering the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to ensure that the Act remains up to date and fit for purpose.

Any changes brought forward must be proportionate, adaptable to evolving techniques and must not undermine law enforcement’s ability to take action against cyber criminals. The Home Office will provide an update on any proposals taken forward in due course.

Found: James Naish made representations.