Leigh Ingham

Following the last Ofsted inspection, departmental officials have been working with Staffordshire County Council to closely monitor progress against the areas for improvement identified by inspectors. These areas were that coproduction was weak and that the quality of education, health and care plans was poor.

The department has appointed a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Advisor to support and work alongside Staffordshire County Council and the local area partnership.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to taking a community wide approach in collaboration with local area partnerships, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children and young people with the most complex needs.

All flood and coastal risk management investment schemes are carefully assessed to make sure they benefit the most people and property.

As I announced on 13 November, additional financial support will be provided to rural communities, recognising the significant impact of flooding on farmers. £50 million will be distributed to internal drainage boards (IDBs), and £60m will be paid to farmers impacted by last year’s severe weather: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.

This Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local highway network. Staffordshire County Council is the local highway authority for the Stafford constituency, and they are therefore responsible for the condition of their local network.

This Government has a commitment to enable local highway authorities in England to fix up to a million more potholes a year. At Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced an extra £500 million for local highway maintenance for the 2025/26 financial year, an increase of nearly 50% compared to the current financial year. The Government will confirm funding allocations to English local highway authorities, including Staffordshire County Council, in due course.

The Government publishes data annually on the condition of the local road network in England, including Staffordshire, and these are available on gov.uk.

Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. Whilst the majority of palliative and end of life care is provided by National Health Service staff and services, we recognise the vital part that voluntary sector organisations, including hospices, also play in providing support to people at end of life, and their loved ones.

The amount of funding each charitable hospice receives varies both within and between ICB areas. This will vary depending on demand in that ICB area but will also be dependent on the totality and type of palliative and end of life care provision from both NHS and non-NHS services, including charitable hospices, within each ICB area.

At the Autumn Budget 2024, we have taken necessary decisions to fix the foundations in the public finances, enabling the Spending Review settlement of a £22.6 billion increase in resource spending for the Department from 2023/24 outturn to 2025/26. The employer National Insurance contributions (ENICs) rise will be implemented in April 2025, and the Department will set out further details on the allocation of funding for next year in due course.

The Government recognises the need to protect the smallest businesses and charities, like hospices, which is why we have more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning more than half of businesses with ENIC liabilities either gain or see no change next year. Businesses and charities will still be able to claim ENIC reliefs, including those for under 21-year-old and under 25-year-old apprentices, where eligible.

This Government is committed to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

We understand the importance of specialist support services and their critical role in providing tailored support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse to help them recover and move forward with their lives.

Following the Spending Review announcements in October, the Home Office is now deciding how the total funding settlement is allocated across the department to deliver the Government’s priorities. We will provide more information in due course.