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 ensure high quality assessments for autism and ADHD.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, irrespective of their service provider. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for autism and ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The independent sector provides important service capacity within autism and ADHD services.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for assessment and support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The interim report was published in March, and the next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

It remains the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism and ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

In October 2025, NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation, including guidance on managing service provisions, reviewing waiting lists, and providing patient support. In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance

This guidance intends to help providers of National Health Services improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service.

We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding autism and ADHD assessment-only services, including around consistency, quality, and regulation, and officials are considering these issues with relevant partners.

The Department has not made an assessment of the number of inconclusive autism or ADHD assessments or of those resulting in misdiagnosis, nor of the potential impact of such outcomes on long-term health expenditure. However, NICE guidance sets out evidence-based requirements for assessment and diagnosis, including consideration of differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions. This is intended to support accurate and robust diagnostic decision-making.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the number of ADHD and autism assessments resulting in a) misdiagnosis and b) no conclusion on long-term costs to the health budget.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, irrespective of their service provider. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for autism and ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The independent sector provides important service capacity within autism and ADHD services.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for assessment and support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The interim report was published in March, and the next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

It remains the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism and ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

In October 2025, NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation, including guidance on managing service provisions, reviewing waiting lists, and providing patient support. In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance

This guidance intends to help providers of National Health Services improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service.

We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding autism and ADHD assessment-only services, including around consistency, quality, and regulation, and officials are considering these issues with relevant partners.

The Department has not made an assessment of the number of inconclusive autism or ADHD assessments or of those resulting in misdiagnosis, nor of the potential impact of such outcomes on long-term health expenditure. However, NICE guidance sets out evidence-based requirements for assessment and diagnosis, including consideration of differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions. This is intended to support accurate and robust diagnostic decision-making.

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 ensure assessments for autism and ADHD are a) conclusive, and b) do not result in misdiagnosis.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, irrespective of their service provider. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for autism and ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The independent sector provides important service capacity within autism and ADHD services.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for assessment and support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The interim report was published in March, and the next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

It remains the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism and ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

In October 2025, NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation, including guidance on managing service provisions, reviewing waiting lists, and providing patient support. In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance

This guidance intends to help providers of National Health Services improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service.

We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding autism and ADHD assessment-only services, including around consistency, quality, and regulation, and officials are considering these issues with relevant partners.

The Department has not made an assessment of the number of inconclusive autism or ADHD assessments or of those resulting in misdiagnosis, nor of the potential impact of such outcomes on long-term health expenditure. However, NICE guidance sets out evidence-based requirements for assessment and diagnosis, including consideration of differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions. This is intended to support accurate and robust diagnostic decision-making.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of ensuring better quality ADHD and autism assessments on the number of assessments that result in a) misdiagnosis, and b) the failure to reach a conclusion.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, irrespective of their service provider. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for autism and ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The independent sector provides important service capacity within autism and ADHD services.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for assessment and support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The interim report was published in March, and the next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

It remains the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism and ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

In October 2025, NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation, including guidance on managing service provisions, reviewing waiting lists, and providing patient support. In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance

This guidance intends to help providers of National Health Services improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service.

We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding autism and ADHD assessment-only services, including around consistency, quality, and regulation, and officials are considering these issues with relevant partners.

The Department has not made an assessment of the number of inconclusive autism or ADHD assessments or of those resulting in misdiagnosis, nor of the potential impact of such outcomes on long-term health expenditure. However, NICE guidance sets out evidence-based requirements for assessment and diagnosis, including consideration of differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions. This is intended to support accurate and robust diagnostic decision-making.

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 ensure that all ADHD and autism assessments are of a high standard, regardless of assessment provider.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, irrespective of their service provider. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for autism and ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The independent sector provides important service capacity within autism and ADHD services.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for assessment and support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The interim report was published in March, and the next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

It remains the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism and ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

In October 2025, NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation, including guidance on managing service provisions, reviewing waiting lists, and providing patient support. In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance

This guidance intends to help providers of National Health Services improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service.

We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding autism and ADHD assessment-only services, including around consistency, quality, and regulation, and officials are considering these issues with relevant partners.

The Department has not made an assessment of the number of inconclusive autism or ADHD assessments or of those resulting in misdiagnosis, nor of the potential impact of such outcomes on long-term health expenditure. However, NICE guidance sets out evidence-based requirements for assessment and diagnosis, including consideration of differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions. This is intended to support accurate and robust diagnostic decision-making.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support farmers with increased electricity standing charges.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Network charges are set by the independent energy regulator, Ofgem, in line with the Connection and Use of System Code. As part of setting electricity transmission price controls under its RIIO‑T3 (ET3) Final Determinations, Ofgem carried out an impact assessment considering the overall effect of its decisions on domestic and non-domestic consumers. Details of Ofgem's impact assessment can be found through the following link: RIIO-3 Final Determinations – Impact Assessment

The Government and Ofgem closely monitor the impact of energy prices on businesses and communities and are committed to ensuring that energy costs are recovered fairly, including considering the ongoing role of standing charges.

This Government is taking decisive action to support farmers and fishers by cutting the duty on red diesel to its lowest rate in over 20 years, reducing the rates on red diesel by a third. Government has acted to prevent unfair practices like price-gouging, help those who rely on heating oil, and ensure businesses get a fair deal on their bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing support to park home residents for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes, in the context of eligibility challenges of park homes for the Warm Homes Local Grant.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Park homes are eligible for support under the Warm Homes: Local Grant - provided they are:

• The permanent residence of the household;
• Assessed as equivalent to an EPC band D–G home; and
• Are expected to remain in place for the duration of the relevant measure guarantee period.

As park homes do not have Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), eligibility is determined through an assessment of their Energy Performance Rating (EPR), which can evidence equivalence to the required EPC bands.

The Government has therefore ensured that park home residents can access support where they meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of existing time limits for making a claim on the estate of someone who has died intestate.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

There is no maximum time limit during which personal representatives must apply for a grant to administer an estate, or to distribute an estate after probate has been granted. The existing legal framework offers flexibility, accepting that the probate process is a complex one undertaken at an emotional time for many relatives.

A personal representative is under a statutory duty to administer the deceased person’s estate according to the law and without undue delay. They can be held liable if they mis-administer the estate.

There are legitimate reasons why it may take time fully to distribute an estate. For example, it may require the sale of a property or the settling of tax issues. If beneficiaries have concerns about the administration of the estate, they can make an application to the court to compel a personal representative to provide an inventory and account of their administration of an estate. In addition, applications can be made to remove and replace a personal executive where there are grounds to do so.

The Ministry of Justice regularly publishes data in our quarterly family court statistics bulletin: Family Court Statistics Quarterly - GOV.UK. This includes data on probate timeliness (including intetancy cases) together with the open caseload.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service has invested in more staff in 2026, together with system and process improvements and a programme of upskilling in order to improve the processing time for applications and maintain the low level of outstanding caseload.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to help ensure the timely administration of estates when someone has died intestate.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

There is no maximum time limit during which personal representatives must apply for a grant to administer an estate, or to distribute an estate after probate has been granted. The existing legal framework offers flexibility, accepting that the probate process is a complex one undertaken at an emotional time for many relatives.

A personal representative is under a statutory duty to administer the deceased person’s estate according to the law and without undue delay. They can be held liable if they mis-administer the estate.

There are legitimate reasons why it may take time fully to distribute an estate. For example, it may require the sale of a property or the settling of tax issues. If beneficiaries have concerns about the administration of the estate, they can make an application to the court to compel a personal representative to provide an inventory and account of their administration of an estate. In addition, applications can be made to remove and replace a personal executive where there are grounds to do so.

The Ministry of Justice regularly publishes data in our quarterly family court statistics bulletin: Family Court Statistics Quarterly - GOV.UK. This includes data on probate timeliness (including intetancy cases) together with the open caseload.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service has invested in more staff in 2026, together with system and process improvements and a programme of upskilling in order to improve the processing time for applications and maintain the low level of outstanding caseload.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a Guest Beer Agreement in England and Wales, similar to the Guest Beer Agreement already in place in Scotland.

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

The Government has been reviewing beer market access to consider whether there are any structural barriers preventing small breweries from accessing pubs. As part of this work, Ministers have met with stakeholders from across the sector to consider the evidence submitted. The issues raised are complex, and the Government is carefully assessing all relevant evidence, alongside advice from competition policy experts, before determining next steps.

The Government recognises the sector's interest in the outcome of this review. While I am unable to provide a publication date at this stage, the Government will announce its conclusions and any next steps in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact on pub trade of introducing a Guest Beer Agreement in England and Wales.

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

The Government has been reviewing beer market access to consider whether there are any structural barriers preventing small breweries from accessing pubs. As part of this work, Ministers have met with stakeholders from across the sector to consider the evidence submitted. The issues raised are complex, and the Government is carefully assessing all relevant evidence, alongside advice from competition policy experts, before determining next steps.

The Government recognises the sector's interest in the outcome of this review. While I am unable to provide a publication date at this stage, the Government will announce its conclusions and any next steps in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many companies in Great Britain currently manufacture centrefire ammunition at a commercial scale.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) procures the majority of its centrefire small arms ammunition, by volume, through our long-term strategic partnership with BAE Systems, and through other suppliers for some specialist types.

The MOD does not monitor all commercial companies outside of a procurement activity; however, pre-procurement activities include market analysis and engagement with suppliers where appropriate to do so, which is used to inform the most effective outcome for Defence.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Government's policing reforms do not undermine local authorities' relationships with police forces, in the context of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

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

In January 2026, the Home Office published the Police Reform White Paper, setting out the most significant reforms to policing in nearly 200 years. These reforms are designed to ensure policing can respond effectively to evolving crime threats and the challenges facing communities today.

A key element of the reforms is the introduction of a stronger local policing tier through the creation of Local Policing Units, bringing policing closer to communities. Led by designated Local Police Commanders, these will focus on local priorities, including responding to emergencies, preventing and investigating crime, and supporting safer neighbourhoods. Aligning Local Policing Units with local authority

Police play a crucial role in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, and we remain committed to strengthening collaboration between policing, local authorities and health partners to ensure people remain safeguarded from harm.

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 had discussions with a) the Ministry of Defence, and b) the Home Office, on plans to restrict the use of ammunition containing lead for commercial purposes at a time after the EU's decision to exclude bullets from its own regulations.

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

Defra officials have engaged with the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence on the restriction of lead in ammunition under UK REACH.

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 of her Department's proposals to restrict the use of ammunition containing lead for commercial purposes on domestic demand for ammunition containing lead.

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

The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition is based on extensive scientific evidence and analysis by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency. In developing their proposal, the HSE assessed the risks posed by lead ammunition to the environment and human health, as well as the socio-economic impacts of their proposal and the availability of alternatives.

My Decision Report, published on 10 July 2025, sets out the rationale for the final UK REACH Restriction.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to include the agricultural sector.

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

BICS is a targeted scheme designed to support a defined group of sectors within the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors (IS-8), where electricity cost relief is expected to have the greatest impact on growth; and within that, focusing on manufacturing activity that is mobile and exposed to international competition.

The IS-8 sectors were selected after a yearlong process and underpinned by rigorous analysis and including a public consultation in the autumn of 2024, culminating in the launch of the modern Industrial Strategy in the summer of 2025. As Agriculture was assessed during this period, no reassessment is currently planned.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of higher quality assessments for autism and ADHD on levels of welfare.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for autism and ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

The Timms Review, the first review of the Personal Independence Payment benefit, is examining how it can better support disabled people to live independently and access the right support at the right level. The review is due to report in the autumn. Additionally, the Milburn Review on Young People and Work is examining how health conditions can affect participation in education, employment, and training, and the implications for welfare dependency. It published its interim report on 28 May, with the final report due to be published later this year. The Government will consider the findings from these reviews, alongside those of the Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism and ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

NHS England has published guidance to support consistent, high–quality autism assessments and the guidance includes information about the specialist clinical skills required to undertake different aspects of the assessment process. NHS England has also issued advice to local systems on ADHD service delivery.

The measures outlined above are intended to support accurate, timely, and consistent assessments across providers and the current ongoing reviews will help inform future Government decisions.

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 develop specialist expertise in hospitals for treating very severe ME, further to the Prevention of Future Deaths Report published on 8 October 2024.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

The Department, together with NHS England, has developed an e-learning programme to help support healthcare professionals in the treatment and care of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The programme consists of four modules, three of which have universal access, while the fourth is targeted at healthcare professionals. This programme includes two modules on ‘Managing Severe ME/CFS’, which also covers very severe ME/CFS, and the second version of this module for healthcare professionals addresses clinical approaches to severe and very severe ME/CFS. The e-learning is available at the following link:

https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/mecfselearning?nodeId=7288

This e-learning, while not mandatory, is expected to support healthcare professionals, including in hospitals, deliver the right care for patients with severe and very severe ME/CFS. Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS, including in hospitals, which are expected to be taken fully into account.

Additionally, ME/CFS: the final delivery plan, published in July 2025, included an action to consider whether a specialised service should be commissioned by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for very severe ME/CFS.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a specialist NHS service to support those with very severe ME.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

The Department, together with NHS England, has developed an e-learning programme to help support healthcare professionals in the treatment and care of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The programme consists of four modules, three of which have universal access, while the fourth is targeted at healthcare professionals. This programme includes two modules on ‘Managing Severe ME/CFS’, which also covers very severe ME/CFS, and the second version of this module for healthcare professionals addresses clinical approaches to severe and very severe ME/CFS. The e-learning is available at the following link:

https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/mecfselearning?nodeId=7288

This e-learning, while not mandatory, is expected to support healthcare professionals, including in hospitals, deliver the right care for patients with severe and very severe ME/CFS. Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS, including in hospitals, which are expected to be taken fully into account.

Additionally, ME/CFS: the final delivery plan, published in July 2025, included an action to consider whether a specialised service should be commissioned by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for very severe ME/CFS.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps his Department has taken to support those with very severe ME.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

The Department, together with NHS England, has developed an e-learning programme to help support healthcare professionals in the treatment and care of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The programme consists of four modules, three of which have universal access, while the fourth is targeted at healthcare professionals. This programme includes two modules on ‘Managing Severe ME/CFS’, which also covers very severe ME/CFS, and the second version of this module for healthcare professionals addresses clinical approaches to severe and very severe ME/CFS. The e-learning is available at the following link:

https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/mecfselearning?nodeId=7288

This e-learning, while not mandatory, is expected to support healthcare professionals, including in hospitals, deliver the right care for patients with severe and very severe ME/CFS. Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS, including in hospitals, which are expected to be taken fully into account.

Additionally, ME/CFS: the final delivery plan, published in July 2025, included an action to consider whether a specialised service should be commissioned by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for very severe ME/CFS.

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 raise awareness of the risks associated with unhealthy salt consumption.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Information on the impact of high salt intakes on health, and how people can lower their salt consumption, is communicated to consumers through the National Health Service website. Government dietary recommendations, including that adults should consume no more than 6 grams of salt per day, underpin the Eatwell Guide, which reflects the principles of a healthy balanced diet. These wider dietary principles are reflected through the GOV.UK website, NHS website, and the Department’s social marketing campaigns.

The food scanner app, delivered through the Department’s Better Families social marketing campaign, provides information on the salt content of commonly consumed foods by applying traffic light labelling criteria to scanned products. Those using the app can see how much salt is in their food or drink. It also suggests healthier alternatives, where these exist, with products that are lower in salt.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of higher rateable values being applied to pubs that play an active role in their local communities on the sustainability of rural pubs, including those designated as assets of community value.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, to protect against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases in bills.

In addition, the Government has introduced new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new multipliers are worth nearly £1 billion per year and benefit over 750,000 properties.

On top of this, pubs and live music venues also benefit from 15% off their new business rates bills this year. Bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.

Three-quarters of pubs will see bills flat or falling in April. The new relief is worth £1,650 for the average pub this year. As a sector pubs will pay 8% less in business rates in 2029 than they did in 2025/2026.

Pubs in rural areas may also benefit from either Rural Rate Relief or Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). Rural Rate Relief aims to ensure that key amenities are available and community assets are protected in rural areas. It provides 100% rate relief for properties that are based in eligible rural areas with populations below 3,000. Around a third of properties in England pay no business rates because of SBRR.

The Government has also committed to review the methodologies by which pubs are valued for business rates.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in light of the success of previous UK voluntary salt reduction programmes in reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular deaths, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reintroducing similar programmes in the near future.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Since the setting of the Public Health England voluntary salt reduction targets, regulations to limit the promotion and marketing of ‘less healthy’ or high salt, saturated fat, and salt (HFSS) food and drink products have been introduced.

This includes the location promotions restrictions which came into effect in October 2022, and which prohibit the placement of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in key selling locations in supermarkets, for instance around checkouts. Emerging evidence suggests a positive reduction in HFSS purchasing from retail with two million fewer in-scope ‘less healthy’ products being sold each day.

Restrictions on the use by retailers of volume price promotions offers, for instance buy two for three, came into force on 1 October 2025. The restrictions aim to reduce the disproportionate promotion of ‘less healthy’ products to consumers which are widespread and effective at influencing food preferences and purchases, particularly for families.

Regulations to restrict the advertising of ‘less healthy” food and drink products targeted at children on television and online came into effect in January 2026, although many advertisers and broadcasters started to voluntarily comply with the restrictions from 1 October 2025. There has been a noticeable change in the type of adverts show on television and online since then.

The Healthier Food Targets and Reporting policy is intended to improve the healthiness of food sales. We will consult soon on the design of the measures, a key aspect of which is what metrics to use and what elements of food and drink those metrics should cover such as, but not limited to, levels of salt.

There are currently no United Kingdom taxes that cover the salt content of food and drink. The Government keeps all taxes under regular review. Decisions about the future development of taxes are made by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the Government’s tax policy-making framework.

Monitoring of the overall purchasing of food and drink shows that in 2023, compared to 2022, purchases of salt increased by 1.4%. Further monitoring of purchasing, for 2024 and 2025, is currently underway and will be published later this year.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey will shortly begin fieldwork for a urinary sodium survey, providing objective, updated population salt intakes to inform future targeted policy action.

The Government has set an ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years. To accelerate progress on this ambition and tackle unwarranted variation across the country, the Cardiovascular Modern Service Framework was published on 7 July 2026. A delivery plan will follow later in the year to support systems to implement the framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the introduction of a) mandatory limits, and b) targeted fiscal measures, to reduce pre-existing levels of salt in foods.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Since the setting of the Public Health England voluntary salt reduction targets, regulations to limit the promotion and marketing of ‘less healthy’ or high salt, saturated fat, and salt (HFSS) food and drink products have been introduced.

This includes the location promotions restrictions which came into effect in October 2022, and which prohibit the placement of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in key selling locations in supermarkets, for instance around checkouts. Emerging evidence suggests a positive reduction in HFSS purchasing from retail with two million fewer in-scope ‘less healthy’ products being sold each day.

Restrictions on the use by retailers of volume price promotions offers, for instance buy two for three, came into force on 1 October 2025. The restrictions aim to reduce the disproportionate promotion of ‘less healthy’ products to consumers which are widespread and effective at influencing food preferences and purchases, particularly for families.

Regulations to restrict the advertising of ‘less healthy” food and drink products targeted at children on television and online came into effect in January 2026, although many advertisers and broadcasters started to voluntarily comply with the restrictions from 1 October 2025. There has been a noticeable change in the type of adverts show on television and online since then.

The Healthier Food Targets and Reporting policy is intended to improve the healthiness of food sales. We will consult soon on the design of the measures, a key aspect of which is what metrics to use and what elements of food and drink those metrics should cover such as, but not limited to, levels of salt.

There are currently no United Kingdom taxes that cover the salt content of food and drink. The Government keeps all taxes under regular review. Decisions about the future development of taxes are made by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the Government’s tax policy-making framework.

Monitoring of the overall purchasing of food and drink shows that in 2023, compared to 2022, purchases of salt increased by 1.4%. Further monitoring of purchasing, for 2024 and 2025, is currently underway and will be published later this year.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey will shortly begin fieldwork for a urinary sodium survey, providing objective, updated population salt intakes to inform future targeted policy action.

The Government has set an ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years. To accelerate progress on this ambition and tackle unwarranted variation across the country, the Cardiovascular Modern Service Framework was published on 7 July 2026. A delivery plan will follow later in the year to support systems to implement the framework.

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 encourage food producers to reduce the levels of salt in food.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Since the setting of the Public Health England voluntary salt reduction targets, regulations to limit the promotion and marketing of ‘less healthy’ or high salt, saturated fat, and salt (HFSS) food and drink products have been introduced.

This includes the location promotions restrictions which came into effect in October 2022, and which prohibit the placement of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in key selling locations in supermarkets, for instance around checkouts. Emerging evidence suggests a positive reduction in HFSS purchasing from retail with two million fewer in-scope ‘less healthy’ products being sold each day.

Restrictions on the use by retailers of volume price promotions offers, for instance buy two for three, came into force on 1 October 2025. The restrictions aim to reduce the disproportionate promotion of ‘less healthy’ products to consumers which are widespread and effective at influencing food preferences and purchases, particularly for families.

Regulations to restrict the advertising of ‘less healthy” food and drink products targeted at children on television and online came into effect in January 2026, although many advertisers and broadcasters started to voluntarily comply with the restrictions from 1 October 2025. There has been a noticeable change in the type of adverts show on television and online since then.

The Healthier Food Targets and Reporting policy is intended to improve the healthiness of food sales. We will consult soon on the design of the measures, a key aspect of which is what metrics to use and what elements of food and drink those metrics should cover such as, but not limited to, levels of salt.

There are currently no United Kingdom taxes that cover the salt content of food and drink. The Government keeps all taxes under regular review. Decisions about the future development of taxes are made by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the Government’s tax policy-making framework.

Monitoring of the overall purchasing of food and drink shows that in 2023, compared to 2022, purchases of salt increased by 1.4%. Further monitoring of purchasing, for 2024 and 2025, is currently underway and will be published later this year.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey will shortly begin fieldwork for a urinary sodium survey, providing objective, updated population salt intakes to inform future targeted policy action.

The Government has set an ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years. To accelerate progress on this ambition and tackle unwarranted variation across the country, the Cardiovascular Modern Service Framework was published on 7 July 2026. A delivery plan will follow later in the year to support systems to implement the framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if salt reduction targets will be integrated into the Government's Healthy Food Standard.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Since the setting of the Public Health England voluntary salt reduction targets, regulations to limit the promotion and marketing of ‘less healthy’ or high salt, saturated fat, and salt (HFSS) food and drink products have been introduced.

This includes the location promotions restrictions which came into effect in October 2022, and which prohibit the placement of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in key selling locations in supermarkets, for instance around checkouts. Emerging evidence suggests a positive reduction in HFSS purchasing from retail with two million fewer in-scope ‘less healthy’ products being sold each day.

Restrictions on the use by retailers of volume price promotions offers, for instance buy two for three, came into force on 1 October 2025. The restrictions aim to reduce the disproportionate promotion of ‘less healthy’ products to consumers which are widespread and effective at influencing food preferences and purchases, particularly for families.

Regulations to restrict the advertising of ‘less healthy” food and drink products targeted at children on television and online came into effect in January 2026, although many advertisers and broadcasters started to voluntarily comply with the restrictions from 1 October 2025. There has been a noticeable change in the type of adverts show on television and online since then.

The Healthier Food Targets and Reporting policy is intended to improve the healthiness of food sales. We will consult soon on the design of the measures, a key aspect of which is what metrics to use and what elements of food and drink those metrics should cover such as, but not limited to, levels of salt.

There are currently no United Kingdom taxes that cover the salt content of food and drink. The Government keeps all taxes under regular review. Decisions about the future development of taxes are made by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the Government’s tax policy-making framework.

Monitoring of the overall purchasing of food and drink shows that in 2023, compared to 2022, purchases of salt increased by 1.4%. Further monitoring of purchasing, for 2024 and 2025, is currently underway and will be published later this year.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey will shortly begin fieldwork for a urinary sodium survey, providing objective, updated population salt intakes to inform future targeted policy action.

The Government has set an ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years. To accelerate progress on this ambition and tackle unwarranted variation across the country, the Cardiovascular Modern Service Framework was published on 7 July 2026. A delivery plan will follow later in the year to support systems to implement the framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if the Public Health England Salt Reduction Targets for 2024 will be a) reviewed, or b) revised.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Since the setting of the Public Health England voluntary salt reduction targets, regulations to limit the promotion and marketing of ‘less healthy’ or high salt, saturated fat, and salt (HFSS) food and drink products have been introduced.

This includes the location promotions restrictions which came into effect in October 2022, and which prohibit the placement of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in key selling locations in supermarkets, for instance around checkouts. Emerging evidence suggests a positive reduction in HFSS purchasing from retail with two million fewer in-scope ‘less healthy’ products being sold each day.

Restrictions on the use by retailers of volume price promotions offers, for instance buy two for three, came into force on 1 October 2025. The restrictions aim to reduce the disproportionate promotion of ‘less healthy’ products to consumers which are widespread and effective at influencing food preferences and purchases, particularly for families.

Regulations to restrict the advertising of ‘less healthy” food and drink products targeted at children on television and online came into effect in January 2026, although many advertisers and broadcasters started to voluntarily comply with the restrictions from 1 October 2025. There has been a noticeable change in the type of adverts show on television and online since then.

The Healthier Food Targets and Reporting policy is intended to improve the healthiness of food sales. We will consult soon on the design of the measures, a key aspect of which is what metrics to use and what elements of food and drink those metrics should cover such as, but not limited to, levels of salt.

There are currently no United Kingdom taxes that cover the salt content of food and drink. The Government keeps all taxes under regular review. Decisions about the future development of taxes are made by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the Government’s tax policy-making framework.

Monitoring of the overall purchasing of food and drink shows that in 2023, compared to 2022, purchases of salt increased by 1.4%. Further monitoring of purchasing, for 2024 and 2025, is currently underway and will be published later this year.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey will shortly begin fieldwork for a urinary sodium survey, providing objective, updated population salt intakes to inform future targeted policy action.

The Government has set an ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years. To accelerate progress on this ambition and tackle unwarranted variation across the country, the Cardiovascular Modern Service Framework was published on 7 July 2026. A delivery plan will follow later in the year to support systems to implement the framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the food industry meeting salt reduction targets; and the potential impact of this on a) the number of people with coronary heart disease, b) the number of people having strokes, and c) the NHS budget.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

If salt reduction policies were implemented, we would consider the health benefits of these as part of the policy development cycle. It is recognised that if the food industry lowered the salt content of commonly consumed foods, it would help to support reducing the population’s salt intake.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of encouraging lower salt intake amongst the general population on health inequalities.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

If salt reduction policies were implemented, we would consider the health benefits of these as part of the policy development cycle. It is recognised that if the food industry lowered the salt content of commonly consumed foods, it would help to support reducing the population’s salt intake.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making nutritional information on pre-packaged food a) clearer, and b) more visible, especially with regard to salt.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

Food labelling legislation means that pre-packaged food must include back of pack nutritional information. This includes total salt content.

In addition, food businesses can voluntarily provide nutritional information on the front-of-pack. Front-of-pack nutrition labelling helps to support healthier choices by showing complex nutritional information, including salt, to consumers in a way that is easy and quick to understand. The United Kingdom was one of the first to introduce a national front-of-pack labelling system, and the voluntary Multiple Traffic Light scheme has been in place across the UK since 2013. Manufacturers and retailers are encouraged to provide a label on as many of their products as possible where the information is meaningful for consumers.

We will continue to review the evidence on front-of-pack nutrition labelling and consider, with devolved administrations, whether further action is needed in the future. If changes to front-of-pack nutrition labelling are required, we will consult on proposed policy changes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of HMRC guidance on business rates valuations for pubs in 'attractive locations', including rural and community pubs, on the financial viability of those establishments in North Yorkshire.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The guidance referred to sets out how pubs were to be valued for the previous valuation exercise which took place under the previous government, with valuation date of April 2024. This government is reviewing the methodology used to calculate rateable values for pubs.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to review the current methodology used to calculate rateable values for pubs; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of improvements such as outdoor facilities, food offerings and community amenities on tax liabilities for rural pubs.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The Government committed in January 2026 to review the methodologies used to value pubs and hotels for business rates, following concerns raised by ratepayers and representative bodies around the 2026 revaluation.

Since then, officials have been progressing work to establish the review and engaging with stakeholders across the pubs and hotels sectors.

The review is considering whether current approaches to valuation accurately reflect the market, are applied consistently, and are sufficiently transparent to ratepayers. This includes consideration of the evidence underpinning the valuation methodology for Pubs and Hotels.

The Government intends for the review to conclude to allow any findings to inform the next revaluation cycle.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support international counterparts to end childhood lead poisoning; and whether it intends to join the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 July in response to Question 17897.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a dual-tier NHS Right to Choose Tariff for ADHD and autism assessments that distinguishes between straightforward and complex cases.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme was published on 26 March 2026 and came into effect from 1 April 2026. The scheme governs transactions between providers and commissioners of secondary healthcare. The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism payment guidance has also been updated and sets out national expectations for ADHD and autism services. This guidance is primarily intended for finance, costing, and data teams working in ADHD and autism assessment services, and integrated care boards (ICBs) with commissioning responsibilities for these services. The purpose is to support commissioners and providers to build consistent, transparent, and equitable ADHD and autism diagnostic pathways, with clear data requirements and a shared understanding of what good looks like.

Guide prices for ADHD and autism assessments were published as part of the 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme. NHS England is engaging on the use of these prices and how they could be developed further, including whether to differentiate between straightforward and complex cases. The current prices already include a separate price for patients receiving a combined assessment for ADHD and autism which is often provided to more complex patients.

NHS England is continuing work on pricing arrangements for autism and ADHD assessment services through the NHS Payment Scheme. This aims to support a more equitable and consistent approach to commissioning and service delivery.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The next stage of the review will look at service design and how services might respond more effectively to rising need, including the role of earlier intervention, community-based provision, and more integrated pathways across health, education, and other public services. The review will also look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether urban forces created as a result of the merging of police forces under proposed policing reforms will provide the same level of expertise on rural crime as current rural police forces.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out the Government’s commitment to introduce a new model for policing that is fit for the modern world, with the right policing in the right places.

Responsive local policing will be guaranteed through the creation of Local Policing Areas (LPAs), led by Local Policing Commanders, with a clear focus on the needs and priorities of the local communities they serve. We are also introducing a Local Policing Guarantee so the public knows they can expect the same level of service no matter where they live. The Independent Review of Police Force Structures, launched on 17 March 2026, will make recommendations on the number and configuration of police forces in England and Wales, including how the delivery of local policing can be optimised through LPAs. The Review will report its recommendations to the Home Secretary in the summer.

Community Safety Partnerships have played an important role in the local crime prevention landscape. As we review the future of local prevention work, we will seek to build on their strengths while creating a system that works more effectively as a whole. Partnership working at the local level remains central to our reforms and we are working across government to ensure policing and police governance bodies remain embedded within local systems.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure democratic oversight of policing under the Government's proposed reforms to merge police forces.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out the Government’s commitment to introduce a new model for policing that is fit for the modern world, with the right policing in the right places.

Responsive local policing will be guaranteed through the creation of Local Policing Areas (LPAs), led by Local Policing Commanders, with a clear focus on the needs and priorities of the local communities they serve. We are also introducing a Local Policing Guarantee so the public knows they can expect the same level of service no matter where they live. The Independent Review of Police Force Structures, launched on 17 March 2026, will make recommendations on the number and configuration of police forces in England and Wales, including how the delivery of local policing can be optimised through LPAs. The Review will report its recommendations to the Home Secretary in the summer.

Community Safety Partnerships have played an important role in the local crime prevention landscape. As we review the future of local prevention work, we will seek to build on their strengths while creating a system that works more effectively as a whole. Partnership working at the local level remains central to our reforms and we are working across government to ensure policing and police governance bodies remain embedded within local systems.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to ensure that policing resources are not diverted from rural to metropolitan areas as a result of the merging of police forces as part of the Government's proposed policing reforms.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out the Government’s commitment to introduce a new model for policing that is fit for the modern world, with the right policing in the right places.

Responsive local policing will be guaranteed through the creation of Local Policing Areas (LPAs), led by Local Policing Commanders, with a clear focus on the needs and priorities of the local communities they serve. We are also introducing a Local Policing Guarantee so the public knows they can expect the same level of service no matter where they live. The Independent Review of Police Force Structures, launched on 17 March 2026, will make recommendations on the number and configuration of police forces in England and Wales, including how the delivery of local policing can be optimised through LPAs. The Review will report its recommendations to the Home Secretary in the summer.

Community Safety Partnerships have played an important role in the local crime prevention landscape. As we review the future of local prevention work, we will seek to build on their strengths while creating a system that works more effectively as a whole. Partnership working at the local level remains central to our reforms and we are working across government to ensure policing and police governance bodies remain embedded within local systems.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that local community partnerships are not lost as a result of the merging of police forces as part of the Government's proposed policing reforms.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out the Government’s commitment to introduce a new model for policing that is fit for the modern world, with the right policing in the right places.

Responsive local policing will be guaranteed through the creation of Local Policing Areas (LPAs), led by Local Policing Commanders, with a clear focus on the needs and priorities of the local communities they serve. We are also introducing a Local Policing Guarantee so the public knows they can expect the same level of service no matter where they live. The Independent Review of Police Force Structures, launched on 17 March 2026, will make recommendations on the number and configuration of police forces in England and Wales, including how the delivery of local policing can be optimised through LPAs. The Review will report its recommendations to the Home Secretary in the summer.

Community Safety Partnerships have played an important role in the local crime prevention landscape. As we review the future of local prevention work, we will seek to build on their strengths while creating a system that works more effectively as a whole. Partnership working at the local level remains central to our reforms and we are working across government to ensure policing and police governance bodies remain embedded within local systems.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the merging of police forces as part of the Government's proposed policing reforms on maintaining local community partnerships.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out the Government’s commitment to introduce a new model for policing that is fit for the modern world, with the right policing in the right places.

Responsive local policing will be guaranteed through the creation of Local Policing Areas (LPAs), led by Local Policing Commanders, with a clear focus on the needs and priorities of the local communities they serve. We are also introducing a Local Policing Guarantee so the public knows they can expect the same level of service no matter where they live. The Independent Review of Police Force Structures, launched on 17 March 2026, will make recommendations on the number and configuration of police forces in England and Wales, including how the delivery of local policing can be optimised through LPAs. The Review will report its recommendations to the Home Secretary in the summer.

Community Safety Partnerships have played an important role in the local crime prevention landscape. As we review the future of local prevention work, we will seek to build on their strengths while creating a system that works more effectively as a whole. Partnership working at the local level remains central to our reforms and we are working across government to ensure policing and police governance bodies remain embedded within local systems.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, to what extent rural expertise will be retained as a result of the merging of police forces under proposed policing reforms.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out the Government’s commitment to introduce a new model for policing that is fit for the modern world, with the right policing in the right places.

Responsive local policing will be guaranteed through the creation of Local Policing Areas (LPAs), led by Local Policing Commanders, with a clear focus on the needs and priorities of the local communities they serve. We are also introducing a Local Policing Guarantee so the public knows they can expect the same level of service no matter where they live. The Independent Review of Police Force Structures, launched on 17 March 2026, will make recommendations on the number and configuration of police forces in England and Wales, including how the delivery of local policing can be optimised through LPAs. The Review will report its recommendations to the Home Secretary in the summer.

Community Safety Partnerships have played an important role in the local crime prevention landscape. As we review the future of local prevention work, we will seek to build on their strengths while creating a system that works more effectively as a whole. Partnership working at the local level remains central to our reforms and we are working across government to ensure policing and police governance bodies remain embedded within local systems.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to develop top-level police leadership.

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

It is essential that every member of the police workforce has the consistent support and skills they need to become leaders who can thrive and continue to deliver for the public.

As part of our police reform programme, we will strengthen police leadership by mandating national leadership standards and reforming the process for appointing Chief Constables.

The College of Policing is the professional body for policing, responsible for setting standards, promoting good practice and supporting everyone working in policing to cut crime and keep the public safe. The Home Office provides funding to the College to support its functions including developing the National Centre for Police Leadership, and there are plans to deliver greater consistency and development in police leadership across forces while respecting operational independence.

The Police Leadership Commission’s report published on 6 July will inform our wider reform programme, helping us to understand how leadership is developed and supported across policing, where barriers to progress remain and what more can be done to strengthen leadership for the future.

We intend to publish a full Government response in the autumn.

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 conduct a review of the Heather and Grass Management Code 2025 and assess the impact of a) grazing, b) mowing, and c) controlled winter burns on i) the prevalence and ii) the severity of wildfires on moorland.

Answered by Mary Creagh

This Government is committed to protecting moorlands. In September 2025, we amended the Heather and Grass Burning (England) Regulations 2021 to improve the resilience of our moorlands. The regulations are supported by the Heather and Grass Management Code 2025, which reflects the latest available evidence to guide sustainable land management. The Government's focus is on supporting the effective implementation of the Code.

Defra invest in and review emerging research and evidence to inform Government policy and practice relating to wildfire. As part of its delivery of the Third National Adaptation Programme, Defra has commissioned a wildfire and peatland study, which includes looking at the effectiveness of a range of peatland land management systems and practices in creating wildfire resilience including practices such as grazing, mowing and controlled burning as well as peat restoration. Defra will continue to monitor developments in the evidence base and engage with key stakeholders.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to tackle rural crime.

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

This Government is committed to tackling rural crime and safeguarding rural communities. That is why Defra has worked closely with the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to deliver the 2025-28 Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy which was published in November 2025.

The strategy sets out operational and organisational policing priorities in respect of tackling crimes that predominantly affect rural communities. The strategy, lasting until 2028, will ensure efforts to reduce crime benefit every community no matter where they live, including rural communities.

To tackle waste crimes specifically, including those taking place in rural areas, Defra published the Waste Crime Action Plan in March. It sets out the decisive measures that we are taking in England to prevent harm, disrupt and prosecute offenders and clean up the damage that they leave behind.

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 of derogations from proposals to restrict the use of ammunition containing lead for commercial purposes on levels of domestic demand.

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

In developing its UK REACH restriction proposal for lead in ammunition, the HSE assessed the risks posed by lead ammunition to the environment and human health, as well as the socio-economic impacts of their proposal and the availability of alternatives. This included an assessment of the effectiveness, enforceability and monitorability of any decision. Where appropriate, the HSE recommended derogations to the restriction, but only where it was possible to ensure that these key criteria can continue to be met.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to reduce wildfires.

Answered by Mary Creagh

Defra with its executive agencies, ALBs and through the Protected Landscapes, encourage landscape scale land management to help increase wildfire resilience, including through the adoption of good quality wildfire management plans.

We are also working closely with MHCLG, other government departments and stakeholders, including Met Office and Fire and Rescue Services, to coordinate pro-active public communications during periods of high wildfire risk.

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 make an assessment of the potential impact of the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on the availability of fertiliser.

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

The Government remains committed to implementing CBAM from 1 January 2027. This will support UK decarbonisation efforts to lead to a true reduction in global emissions and give industry confidence to invest in the UK knowing their decarbonisation efforts will not be undermined.

The Government expects that initial liabilities arising from the CBAM on fertiliser goods will be modest.

CBAM, like all taxes, will be kept under review by the Chancellor.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to encourage greater transparency for farmers on the price of fertiliser and red diesel.

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

Food security is a priority for the Government, and Defra are taking the impacts from the Middle East conflict seriously.

The Government has increased the frequency of official fertiliser price reporting, now published by the AHDB on a weekly basis. This will give farmers more timely and transparent information to support decision-making.

The Government asked the Competition and Markets Authority to consider industry concerns about red diesel, including transparency, and has taken further decisive action to support farmers by cutting red diesel duty to its lowest rate in over 20 years, reducing the rates by a third.

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 make an assessment of the potential impact of the transition away from direct payment schemes for farmers on a) food production and b) business viability.

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

Delinked payments are not linked to any action taken by farmers and do not support the environment or food production.

This government is backing farmers with the largest nature-friendly budget in history to support farmers and land managers to help restore nature and boost farm productivity. This entails continuing the transition away from area-based payments, and towards increasing funding in Environmental Land Management schemes, from £1.8 billion in 2025/26 to more than £2 billion a year by 2028/29.

This will invest in the foundations of long-term food security – including healthy soils, clean water and thriving ecosystems.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure an integrated approach to agricultural payment scheme timelines and application windows.

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

In the recently published Farming Roadmap, this Government committed to transforming how farming services are designed and delivered, bringing them together into a single, coherent service that reflects how farmers manage their land and businesses, and providing clearer information, payments and support.

Defra’s ambition over time is to move towards this more integrated, user‑centred approach to service delivery.

This will include working towards creating a new service with the ambition to bring together Defra farming services in one place, including livestock records, grants, environmental schemes, compliance information and advice, making it easier for farmers and land managers to manage responsibilities, access support and plan.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure the availability of nitrogen fertilisers.

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

The UK supply is sufficient for this season. The UK sources fertiliser both domestically and through diverse imports, helping to keep supply chains flexible and maintain a diverse nutrient supply. Fertiliser prices have stabilised and slightly reduced in the last weeks. Defra is working closely with industry and the sector to understand risks and issues, and options for action where needed.

Memorial plaque for Ann Widdecombe

Found: been invited to a Business Reception by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Julian Smith

Found: Please accept this as a request for information under the FOI Act for ALL INFORMATION relating to Julian Smith

Found: all correspondence and communications between Boris Johnson’s adviser, Dominic Cummings, and Julian Smith

Found: Specialist Lead Pharmacist for Specialist Pharmacy Services (NHS England) Vice Chair Dr Julian Smith

Found: Assurance Specialist Lead Pharmacist for Specialist Pharmacy Services (NHS England) Vice Chair Dr Julian Smith