Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 27 April 2026, to Question 127540, on Network Rail: Public Relations, if he will list the individual firms or contractors who were hired as part of the Stakeholder Engagement Services contract.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Lexington Communications Limited were awarded the contract for Stakeholder Engagement Services in 2021.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment her Department has made of trends in levels of shoplifting.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The level of shop theft remains unacceptable. But our action to restore neighbourhood policing is making a difference – including delivering more than 3,100 additional police officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood roles since March 2025.
There are signs the tide is turning, with a small fall in shop theft offences by 1% in the year ending December 2025 compared with the previous year. This is compared with increases of nearly 30% in the period before the election.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of rail journeys used fully digital tickets in (a) April 2026 and (b) May 2026.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The approximate proportion of tickets fulfilled as Digital Tickets for April and May 2026 are:
| April-26 | May-26 |
Digital | 86% | 86% |
Non Digital | 14% | 14% |
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress LNER has made on replacing passenger information screens at York and Newcastle stations since 17 December 2025; and what steps she is taking to enhance passenger information across LNER-managed stations.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
London Northeastern Railway (LNER) has completed the roll out of the very latest colour customer information screens, that also feature British Sign Language, on the main departure boards at York and Newcastle stations. LNER will replace customer information screens on platforms throughout these stations over the next two years. In addition, new ticket vending machines will transform how information is delivered, featuring dual-screen technology for an improved customer experience. This remains on track to be delivered by Spring 2027.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what percentage increase there has been in station staffing levels on TransPennine Express services since 17 December 2025.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Since December 2025 headcount has remained static at TransPennine Express-managed stations, at 183 members of staff, minus any turnover during periods while any vacancies were recruited for.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress SWR has made towards building a new timetable with public consultation in autumn 2026.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
SWR plan to consult on their future timetable proposals with stakeholders and passengers during Autumn 2026.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance has been given to local authorities on the awarding of Blue Badges to individuals with self-diagnosed ADHD.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Blue Badge scheme is a vital lifeline for many disabled people, supporting their independence and access to everyday activities. The scheme is open to eligible people irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger.
The Blue Badge scheme local authority guidance (England) is published on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-badge-scheme-local-authority-guidance-england/blue-badge. The guidance document is non-statutory and provides good practice advice for local authorities in England on administering and enforcing the Blue Badge scheme in their area.
A self-diagnosis of ADHD, i.e. a diagnosis that hasn’t been backed up by a medical assessment, is not acceptable evidence for a Blue Badge. Each application is assessed on its own merits, with local councils making decisions based on both supplied and expert assessor evidence. It is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure that badges are only issued to residents who satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria set out in the legislation that governs the scheme. Under no circumstances should anyone who does not satisfy at least one of the criteria receive a badge.
Misuse of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence and undermines support for the people this scheme is there to help. That’s why local authorities have robust powers to investigate suspected abuse and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many local authorities have signed up to the National Parking Platform.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
23 local authorities have signed up to the National Parking Platform, including most recently Birmingham City Council.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the lower drink driving threshold on the number of individuals who may be over the new lower limit when they drive a car the next day after consuming alcohol the night before.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Government recently consulted on the general principle of lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales.
The consultation has now closed and the Government is considering responses, which will inform next steps.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 27 April 2026 to Question 127540 on Network Rail: Public Relations, whether the (a) Office of Rail and Road, (b) Great British Railways and (c) DFT Operator hires external (i) public relations and (ii) public affairs support.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is an independent regulator and decisions about the use of external support is a matter for its Board.
ORR uses external support where necessary to supplement internal capability and ensure effective delivery of its statutory functions. This has included the use of external expertise in public affairs where additional specialist support or capacity has been required. ORR has not used external public relations support. The Board keeps the use of external support under review to ensure it provides appropriate value for money, follows civil service procurement rules, and aligns with ORR’s priorities.
DFT Operator does not hire PR or Public Affairs firms.
Great British Railways does not yet exist.