Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Football Association's decision to scrap FA cup replays on the financial sustainability of (a) EFL teams and (b) non-league football teams.

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

The Government recognises the emotive and financial significance of the FA Cup, especially for smaller clubs.

The matter of FA Cup scheduling, including replays, is ultimately a matter for the football authorities. We expect the FA and Premier League to consult with the EFL and other leagues further down the pyramid on moves such as this and reach agreements collectively.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the potential impact of proposed statutory uniform limits on the rate of participation in school sports what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the potential impact of proposed statutory uniform limits on the rate of participation in school sports.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

School uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities; however, too many schools require high numbers of branded uniform items, including branded PE kit.

The government has, in line with its manifesto commitment, introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require, to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities.

We expect schools to ensure that all pupils can participate in all aspects of school life, including PE and sport. No pupil should be discouraged from participating in any aspect of school life, such as interschool competitions, because of the cost of additional uniform requirements. This limit allows school leaders to prioritise branding the uniform and PE kit items which best reflect the needs of their school.

Research also suggests that the more choice that girls in particular have over what to wear for PE, the more they are comfortable and the greater the likelihood of their long term participation in sport. This research is available here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43602/documents/216689/default/.

Guidance already encourages schools to select PE kit items that are comfortable, practical and appropriate for all students. Together with new limits on unnecessary branded items, this approach will help to ensure that all students, including girls, feel confident and able to participate fully in physical activities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the VAT exemption for disability-adapted motor vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) are subject to a zero rate of VAT when purchased by a disabled person for their personal use, or by a charity that will make the vehicle available to disabled people.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with (a) the Football Association, (b) the Women's Super League and (c) football clubs on the adequacy of the provision of mental health services for female professional football players.

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

The Government is committed to supporting every aspect of women’s sport, including player welfare.

In 2023, Karen Carney OBE published a major Independent Review of Women’s Football. The Review placed a significant emphasis on the importance of player welfare and recommended uplifting the medical support requirements within licensing criteria, as well as extending players’ access to medical provision for a period of six months following retirement. The Review also highlighted the importance of performance psychologists within high-performance sports. It recommended that this role become mandatory, to provide players with a clearly identifiable route, should they wish to raise any concerns regarding their wellbeing.

This Government fully endorses those recommendations and looks forward to ensuring tangible progress is made. The Minister for Sport met with women’s football stakeholders - including the FA and the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) - in November 2024 to advise them of her intent to track progress against the Review recommendations. At this meeting, the Minister emphasised the importance of the welfare and duty of care to players, and advised stakeholders that she is keen to drive progress in this area. The Minister will shortly reconvene the group to understand progress against the recommendations of the Review, including around mental health provision for players.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact of the proposed two-tier test system on (a) grass-roots and (b) county level cricket in England and Wales.

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

Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game, and provides vital funds that filter down to the grassroots game. County level and international cricket competition formatting, and consideration of its impact, is the responsibility of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will publish all correspondence she has received from the Union of European Football Association since 5 July 2024.

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

As was the case under the previous government, the Department does not share private correspondence provided to us, including by international organisations.