Lola McEvoy

Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for our independent judiciary. Sentencers must follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, issued by the Sentencing Council, unless not in the interests of justice to do so. The guidelines provide a structured approach for sentencers to follow and are designed to help enhance consistency and transparency in sentencing.

The Sentencing Council keeps the guidelines under review continuously. Cases will vary widely in seriousness and complexity. Constantly evolving case law also helps to shape and influence how these are applied.

The Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme allows Law Officers to ask the Court of Appeal to review exceptional cases where there has been a gross error, or the sentence is unduly lenient.

The Sentencing Council itself is within the policy area of the MOJ and my office, with its public interest role in bringing justice in qualifying cases only, is necessarily independent of it.

Fish and chip shops play an important role in supporting local economies, sustaining jobs, and contributing to the vibrancy of high streets and communities across the UK.

We are delivering permanently lower business rates multipliers for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, backed by a £4.3 billion support package over three years, including transitional relief to protect businesses from large bill increases following revaluation. Later this year we will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, to help reinvigorate our communities. We are continuing to develop policies to bring down electricity costs relative to gas for the non-domestic sector and intend to consult on options to reduce costs and make low carbon heat the economically rational choice for a wider range of businesses.

The Government takes women’s health issues very seriously; we are committed to supporting women to balance work alongside managing their health. Endometriosis and adenomyosis can classify as disabilities and, in these cases, existing protections under the Equality Act 2010 require employers to make reasonable adjustments where appropriate. By strengthening rights through the Employment Rights Bill, including expanding flexible working and statutory sick pay, the Government is also taking steps to support the wellbeing and work-life balance of all workers. Therefore, there are no plans to introduce a specific leave entitlement.

No specific assessment has been made of the impact of adopting EN 17956 Energy Efficiency Class C insulation systems. The government incentivises eligible businesses to become more energy efficient through the Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme. This is a voluntary agreement under which eligible sectors receive reduced Climate Change Levy (CCL) rates in return for meeting agreed energy efficiency targets. Higher-performing insulation is expected to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency, and may be one way businesses seek to meet their energy efficiency targets.

The previous government consulted on amending an exemption within the ecodesign requirements for lighting products, which would enable individuals with photosensitivity to access light sources suitable for their condition. We will set out our position in the Government Response in due course.

The Government is working in partnership with small businesses to make them more energy efficient including through the Net Zero Council. The Council’s work includes supporting sectors to develop transition plans and supporting SMEs to innovate, save energy, grow and decarbonise.

To reduce energy bills the Government consulted on strengthening the non-domestic PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 1 April 2030. We are currently reviewing the policy to ensure it meets the needs of landlords and tenants and remains fair and proportionate.

The Business Energy Advice Service pilot scheme has already supported nearly 3000 SMEs in the West Midlands with expert energy efficiency and decarbonisation advice, with a value of £8.7 million to date. We continue to look at other policy options to help small businesses save on their energy usage.

In GB, fires at battery sites are rare and are mitigated by a regulatory framework overseen by the Health and Safety Executive. The latest available 5-year annual average fire incidence rate for GB batteries is 0.7% (2020/21 to 2024 to 2025)[1], lower than for wider non-domestic building fires in England at 0.8% (2019/20 to 2023/24)[2].

To complement this regulation, DEFRA is consulting on including batteries within the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). EPR requires sites to demonstrate to the Environment Agency that harms are avoided or controlled and provides for ongoing regulatory inspections.

[1] https://modoenergy.com/indices/industry-metrics?r=gb&m=operationalSites

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics-monitor

The Government does not hold data on projects awaiting a grid connection on a constituency basis. The latest national register for transmission connections is available at https://www.neso.energy/data-portal/transmission-entry-capacity-tec-register/tec_register_-_25_february_2025 and for distribution connections in the North-East at https://northernpowergrid.opendatasoft.com/explore/dataset/embedded-capacity-register/information/?disjunctive.local_authority&disjunctive.point_of_connection_poc_voltage_kv

The ICO regularly promotes the requirement for eligible businesses to register and pay the data protection fee. This includes using publicly available company information to send 800,000 letters annually to prompt organisations who may be required to pay. They also regularly look for new and innovative ways or alternative datasets to reach businesses who may be required to pay.

It is important to note that not all businesses are required to register and pay the fee with the ICO, and registration is not a reflection of wider data protection compliance. Irrespective of registration requirements, all businesses that process personal data are required to comply with data protection legislation in full and are within scope of the ICO's regulatory remit.

The Online Safety Act (OSA) gives online user-to-user platforms duties to take steps to tackle online grooming and other child sexual abuse and exploitation on their services. These duties extend to user-to-user platforms that use virtual reality technology.

Ofcom is the regulator for the regime. It sets out the steps in codes of practice that different providers can take to fulfil their duties. Ofcom is already enforcing the Act and has investigations into over 60 services for suspected non-compliance with the illegal and child safety duties, including for preventing the sharing of CSAM.

In their Connected Nations Spring update, published 8 May 2025, Ofcom reports that 5G (combined standalone and non-standalone 5G) is available outside almost 100% of premises in the Darlington constituency from at least one mobile operator, but this falls to 11% from all four operators.

Our ambition is for all populated areas, including Darlington, to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Where mobile network operators rollout 5G is a commercial decision but I am working closely with the mobile operators to drive up improvements in mobile infrastructure and we are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment into mobile networks and competition in the market.

The government recognises the important contribution the hair and beauty sector makes to the economy, for local communities and as employers of young people.

There are a number of apprenticeships and technical qualifications available to support entry into the hair and beauty sector, including Level 2 Hairdressing Professional and Level 2 Barbering Professional.

To encourage employers to recruit and retain young people as apprentices across all sectors, we now fully fund apprenticeships for eligible young people under 25 and are introducing a £2000 hiring payment for non-levy paying employers (typically small and medium-sized enterprises) that recruit apprentices under 25 from October. Eligible learners can also access publicly funded hair and beauty qualifications through the 16 to 19 provision, while the Adult Skills Fund supports eligible adults aged 19 and over to access qualifications and training up to and including level 3, including in the hair and beauty sector, helping learners gain the skills needed for employment, career progression or further study.

The department does not hold information on the number of children who are home educated due to a lack of appropriate special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

The department collects data from local authorities on children in elective home education (EHE). The latest data shows that ‘School dissatisfaction SEND’ was the primary reason for EHE in 3% of cases. Breakdowns by reason for EHE are published here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/ae7909de-8a16-4ea2-252c-08dd564388e8.

The department recognises that barriers to attendance are wide and complex, and this is particularly true for pupils with SEND. Addressing these barriers requires a 'support-first' approach and strong relationships between families, schools, local authorities and other relevant local services.

This is why the department has published the ’Working together to improve school attendance’ guidance, which became statutory in August 2024. The guidance promotes a 'support-first' approach and provides detail on additional support for pupils with SEND. Where a pupil is not attending due to unmet or additional needs, this guidance sets out clear expectations on how schools, local authorities and wider services work together to access and provide the right support to improve attendance.

The department is working closely with schools and local authorities to ensure that education settings are able to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, including announcing £1 billion investment in high needs at the Autumn Budget 2024, to help ensure all children can access the high-quality education that should be their right.

The Government recognises that affordability is important to passengers and froze regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years in March 2026, helping to keep rail travel affordable across over a billion journeys.

For regular travellers, a range of products are available, including season tickets, Flexible Season Tickets and Advance fares although the best-value option will depend on the journey and travel pattern. Through Great British Railways, passengers will benefit from a more consistent offer across the network, with reforms to simplify fares, expand Pay As You Go ticketing and make rail travel better suited to modern travel patterns, while balancing affordability for passengers with value for taxpayers.

The government wants everyone to have access to reliable and affordable public transport, and we appreciate how important this is for people who are unable to drive.

The government is committed to improving bus services, so they are more inclusive and enable everyone to travel safely and confidently. The government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill will put passenger needs, reliable services and local accountability at the heart of the industry by putting the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England.

In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.  The government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in bus services long-term in this Spending Review by confirming additional funding per year from 26/27 to maintain and improve bus services.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) also provides free bus travel in England, to those of state pension age and those with eligible disabilities between 9:30 to 23:00 on weekdays, and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. Those who would, if they applied for a driving licence, have their application refused on the grounds of medical fitness, are eligible for an ENCTS bus pass.

The government also has ambitious plans to reform the rail sector, unifying track and train under one organisation. Great British Railways will be the single ‘directing mind’ for the railway, putting passengers and customers first, rebuilding trust in the railway and simplifying the industry. We are also continuing to improve access to stations through our Access for All programme. Train operating companies also provide staff assistance and alternative transport for anyone unable to use a station.

If someone has a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, they may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard, which offers one third off rail travel for the person and an adult companion. Details of eligibility can be found at www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk.

Apprenticeship standards supporting the hair and beauty sector include the Level 2 Hairdressing Professional and Level 2 Barbering Professional standards.

The Government is investing £2.5 billion by 2029 through the Youth Guarantee and the additional funding for the Growth and Skills Levy, creating opportunities for young people to access work, training and apprenticeships.

We are providing financial support to employers to recruit young apprentices, including hiring payments, Youth Jobs Grants and incentive payments for eligible apprentices.

Apprenticeship training is now fully funded for all eligible under-25s, while the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network supports employers to recruit and retain apprentices. Skills England continues to engage with the sector to understand and address barriers to apprenticeship take-up.

As announced at Autumn Budget, the Department will be introducing new earned income disregards for those in receipt of Housing Benefit and live in Supported Housing and Temporary Accommodation. These disregards will help smooth the transition between the Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for individuals in Supported Housing and Temporary Accommodation as they move into work or increase their earnings, ensuring work always pays.

The new disregards will be in place from Autumn 2026. This will require legislative changes and be accompanied by IT changes made to local authority IT systems. In preparation for this, we have already begun engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the implementation meets the needs of those affected. This is accompanied by clear communications to support local authorities, housing providers and third sector organisations to ensure that eligible customers are aware of and able to utilise this change.

The Children Leaving Care Act places a responsibility on local authorities to support children and young people in their care financially until the age of 18. The Act also precludes entitlement to the Department for Work and Pensions benefits for this group unless specific circumstances apply. This support is managed through local authorities rather than central government.

There are exceptional circumstances where 16 and 17-year-olds can claim Universal Credit in their own right. A 16 or 17-year-old may be able to claim Universal Credit if they are pregnant and within 11 weeks of their expected date of confinement.

Eligibility for the Sure Start Maternity Grant is dependent on the claimant receiving a qualifying income-related benefit such as Universal Credit. Eligibility is not age dependent and the grant can be claimed up to 6 months after the baby is born.

A pregnant 16 or 17-year-old may also qualify for either Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance if they meet the standard employment and earnings eligibility criteria.

As I set out in the House of Commons on 1 July 2025, this Government has listened to the concerns raised by Members from across the House regarding the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Clause 5 of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would have amended the legal framework underpinning PIP assessments, specifically by implementing a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP.

In light of the concerns raised, I confirmed during the debate that we are going to remove clause 5 from the Bill in Committee. (Hansard, 1 July, col 219)

Any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, led by me and co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future.

The Government is committed to providing security and dignity for those who will never be able to work, and removing unnecessary stress, anxiety and uncertainty from the Social Security System. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Welfare Bill legislates to formally protect those with the most severe, lifelong health conditions, who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria, from being called for reassessment for Universal Credit. The Severe Conditions Criteria applies to eligible customers in receipt of Universal Credit rather than those in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

If a customer’s condition changes, they will continue to have the ability to request a reassessment via the existing change of circumstances process.

Regarding PIP, we are launching a wider review of the PIP assessment to ensure that it is fair, fit for the future and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence. There is no equivalent SCC in PIP, however we are considering how to protect those people who meet the SCC when the WCA is abolished and PIP becomes the passport to the new UC Health element.

The Department works with partners, including NHS England, external organisations and people with lived experience, to seek feedback on NHS Continuing Healthcare policy and implementation. This includes seeking feedback on how people with degenerative diseases can access NHS Continuing Healthcare funding as quickly as possible where they are assessed as eligible.

The Department has published national guidance which states that when undertaking a full Standard NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment, the multidisciplinary team should ideally include someone with specialist knowledge of the individual’s condition. The guidance also sets out that individuals with a rapidly deteriorating condition, who may be entering a terminal phase, may be eligible for Fast Track Continuing Healthcare. NHS England has also commissioned an Information and Advice Service for NHS Continuing Healthcare which provides independent, free advice for individuals and families navigating the process.

The NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment process is required to determine whether an individual’s needs mean they are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Where eligible, the integrated care board is responsible for commissioning a package which meets all the individual’s assessed health and associated care and support needs.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirms that in June 2026, the Neurology, Pain and Psychiatry Expert Advisory Group (NPPEAG) considered an assessment of clozapine drug level monitoring. The NPPEAG provided advice about the requirements for this type of monitoring. At present, clozapine drug-level monitoring is required only in specific clinical situations, partly because of the high level of variability between patients. The MHRA is taking forward the NPPEAG’s recommendations and will communicate to healthcare professionals once the regulatory position is finalised.

The review of clozapine drug-level monitoring focused on clinical and scientific data to establish the value of this type of monitoring in clinical practice. It took into account a range of information, including overall reporting patterns and themes in reports received through the Yellow Card scheme, but did not include clinical review of individual Yellow Card reports. MHRA safety assessments may also consider the views of patients and other stakeholders.

The MHRA will be launching a survey in the summer to gather information on awareness of key risks associated with clozapine, and to assess whether additional measures would be helpful for patients, their families, and carers, as well as healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients receiving clozapine.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirms that in June 2026, the Neurology, Pain and Psychiatry Expert Advisory Group (NPPEAG) considered an assessment of clozapine drug level monitoring. The NPPEAG provided advice about the requirements for this type of monitoring. At present, clozapine drug-level monitoring is required only in specific clinical situations, partly because of the high level of variability between patients. The MHRA is taking forward the NPPEAG’s recommendations and will communicate to healthcare professionals once the regulatory position is finalised.

The review of clozapine drug-level monitoring focused on clinical and scientific data to establish the value of this type of monitoring in clinical practice. It took into account a range of information, including overall reporting patterns and themes in reports received through the Yellow Card scheme, but did not include clinical review of individual Yellow Card reports. MHRA safety assessments may also consider the views of patients and other stakeholders.

The MHRA will be launching a survey in the summer to gather information on awareness of key risks associated with clozapine, and to assess whether additional measures would be helpful for patients, their families, and carers, as well as healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients receiving clozapine.

The National Cancer Plan sets out how we will tackle unwarranted variation head on and end the postcode lottery for cancer care.

It will shift healthcare from hospitals to the community and ensure that all cancer patients, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality, specialist cancer services.

We will redesign cancer services around people’s lives, not just around hospitals, recognising that more people are living for longer with and beyond cancer and need ongoing, coordinated support. The plan provides the blueprint for England to become a world leader in cancer survival once again and improve the quality of life for those living with cancer in England.

We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.

NHS England commissions the specialised elements of motor neurone disease (MND) care that patients may receive from 27 specialised neurology centres across England. Within specialised centres, neurological multidisciplinary teams ensure patients can access a range of health professionals and specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.

At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with MND, including the Getting It Right First Time Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit. NHS England has also established a Neurology Transformation Programme, a multi-year, clinically led programme, which has developed a new model of integrated care to support integrated care boards to deliver the right service, at the right time for all neurology patients, including those with MND.