Rosie Cooper

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ132929.

The Government welcomed the ISC’s report on Russia. The Government's response to the report was published on the same day as its release.

We are ensuring that disabled people continue to have access to disability benefits and other financial support; the food, medicines and essential goods that they need; as well as accessible communications and updated guidance.

The Department for Work and Pensions are helping disabled people stay in work and enter work through a range of programmes, including Access to Work and Disability Confident, the Work and Health Programme, and the Intensive Personalised Employment Support Programme.

The Government remains committed to tackling those who use umbrella company arrangements as part of abusive tax avoidance schemes. In the Finance Act 2021, the Government introduced a package of measures to strengthen existing anti-avoidance regimes and tighten the rules designed to tackle promoters and enablers of tax avoidance schemes. On 23 March 2021, the Government launched a consultation on a further package of measures to tackle promoters and the UK entities that support them. We will be publishing a summary of responses to this consultation and next steps in due course.

In addition to this, the Government has already taken steps to improve transparency for agency workers, including those employed by umbrella companies, by bringing in the Key Information Document from 6 April 2020. The Government has also committed to expand state enforcement for agency workers to cover umbrella companies, which will enable inspectors to investigate relevant complaints involving umbrella companies and take enforcement action where required. This will require primary legislation which the Government will bring forward in due course.

The Department has no record of being sighted on the letter dated 19 February 2021 from the hon. Member for West Lancashire to the Chief Executive of Centrica plc.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth wrote to you on 20 April about support for the wedding industry.

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lord Callanan, wrote to the Hon. Member on 14 April 2021 about support for households to reduce energy bills.

The Department has no record of being sighted on the letter dated 18 January 2021 from the Hon. Member for West Lancashire to Just Eat PLC.

Government guidance on shielding and protecting those who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 states that this group of people are strongly advised to work from home. If they are unable to do so they should not attend work for this period of restrictions. The full guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19.

The Government’s safer working guidance makes clear what employers should do to support clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable workers. In all instances, employers must carry out a workplace risk assessment and take action, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees. The Government’s safer working guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

If a worker has a concern about the safety of their workplace, they can raise this through their employee representative, trade union or directly to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or their local authority. Where HSE identifies employers who are not taking action to comply with the relevant public health legislation and guidance to control public health risks, they will consider taking a range of actions to improve control of workplace risks.

Individuals can seek impartial advice on their specific situation from ACAS (or the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland). ACAS have also provided detailed guidance for those who are clinically vulnerable or extremely clinically vulnerable from COVID-19, which can be found here: https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/vulnerable-people-and-high-risk.

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) was announced on 9 September to support businesses in England that are required to close during enhanced local restrictions introduced in areas by Her Majesty’s Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On 9 October, my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced changes to the grants within this scheme to provide further support to businesses required to close due to local restrictions.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/job-support-scheme-expanded-to-firms-required-to-close-due-to-covid-restrictions

These grants will be issued for each two-week period that a business is closed following the implementation of statutory localised restrictions and business closures.

The Government continues to monitor local restrictions and will work closely with any Local Authorities that become eligible for this grant scheme.

The Department is unable to intervene in individual cases of correspondence.

Subsidies for generating electricity from biomass are paid under three low carbon electricity schemes: the Renewables Obligation, the Feed-in Tariff, and Contracts for Difference. The Renewables Obligation does not pay a direct subsidy: instead support is provided through tradeable certificates. The costs of the Contracts for Difference scheme are levied on consumer electricity bills.

The table below provides a breakdown of payments made to biomass electricity generators under the Renewables Obligation and Contracts for Difference schemes in the last three financial years where figures are available[1]:

[1] Figures are not available broken down by technology for the Feed-in Tariff scheme.

[2] Renewables Obligation figures are based on Ofgem’s certificate report as at 17 June 2020 from their Renewables and CHP Register.

[3] Renewables Obligation figures for 2019/20 are provisional as not all the certificates have been issued yet, and the full notional value of each certificate is not yet known.

[4] Contracts for Difference figures are from the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) CfD dashboard, which is available on LCCC’s website.

The government is committed to gigabit capable broadband to everyone in the UK by stimulating investment, busting barriers and driving competition. The UK is on track for one of the fastest rollouts in Europe and for half of all households to have access to gigabit speeds by the end of the year. It is a huge leap forward from 2019, when it was just one in ten.

The government is investing £5 billion in Project Gigabit to ensure that gigabit capable broadband reaches all communities across the UK. Further detail on our approach is set out in our Project Gigabit - Phase One Delivery Plan published on 19 March 2021, including using subsidised procurements to extend gigabit broadband coverage and providing up to £210m to fund a new voucher from the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and up to £110m to connect rural GP surgeries, libraries and schools.

West Lancashire is in Phase 2 of the delivery plan. We will begin a national Open Market Review by July 2021 for telecoms providers to give us a picture of where the market plans to invest in gigabit networks over the next three years and to confirm where we need to intervene so places are not left out. Officials from Building Digital UK (BDUK) in DCMS are in regular contact with Lancashire County Council and other partners about the delivery plans for Lancashire.

Alongside the delivery plan, the government also launched a Call For Evidence for the Very Hard To Reach premises in the UK. The Barrier Busting Task Force also published an update of their work in a range of measures to support gigabit rollout.

As the designated body for age classification of film content, the government has great trust in the British Board of Film Classification’s best practice age ratings.

While adoption of the BBFC’s age ratings by online platforms is currently voluntary, we welcome their usage by Video on Demand platforms. This includes Netflix, who on December 1st announced that they have become the first platform to achieve complete coverage of their content under the BBFC’s ratings.

According to recent BBFC research, nearly nine in ten parents find BBFC age ratings on Netflix useful in helping them to choose content well for their family. To build on this success, we will continue to engage with industry to encourage other platforms to adopt the BBFC’s ratings, and will keep the evidence for legislation in this area under review.

The Government announced in October 2019 that it will not commence the age verification provisions of Part 3 of the Digital Economy Act 2017 and instead deliver these protections through our wider online harms regulatory proposals.

Under our online harms proposals, we expect companies to use age assurance or age verification technologies to prevent children from accessing services which pose the highest risk of harm to children, such as online pornography. The online harms regime will capture both the most visited pornography sites and pornography on social media, therefore covering the vast majority of sites where children are most likely to be exposed to pornography. Taken together we expect this to bring into scope more online pornography currently accessible to children than would have been covered by the narrower scope of the Digital Economy Act.

We would encourage companies to take steps ahead of the legislation to protect children from harmful and age inappropriate content online, including online pornography. We are working closely with stakeholders across industry to establish the right conditions for the market to deliver age assurance and age verification technical solutions ahead of the legislative requirements coming into force.

In addition, Regulations transposing the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive came into force on 1 November 2020 which require UK-established video sharing platforms to take appropriate measures to protect minors from harmful content. The Regulations require that the most harmful content is subject to the strongest protections, such as age assurance or more technical measures. Ofcom, as the regulatory authority, may take robust enforcement action against video sharing platforms which do not adopt appropriate measures.

Gambling operators providing facilities to customers in Great Britain must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and must abide by its player protection requirements. In response to the Covid outbreak, the Commission issued additional guidance for online operators to mandate increased customer interactions, a ban on direct marketing of bonus offers or promotions to customers showing signs of vulnerability, and a ban on operators allowing customers to reverse decisions to withdraw winnings. Data published by the Gambling Commission in November found that since the first national lockdown began, the majority (86%) of those surveyed had gambled the same amount or less than they had previously.

Support and treatment services for people experiencing gambling problems have remained available throughout the Covid 19 period. These include the National Gambling Helpline and counselling services delivered by GamCare and other third sector providers, the NHS specialist gambling clinic in London and the NHS Northern Gambling Service. In April the Gambling Commission directed £8.8 million of regulatory settlement funds to commissioning charity GambleAware to support third sector treatment provision during Covid 19. Other avenues for support such as gambling self exclusion tools and opt-in gambling transaction blocks with banks have also remained available throughout the pandemic.

The government launched its Review of the Gambling Act 2005 on 8 December with the publication of a Call for Evidence. The Review will be wide-ranging and evidence led, and aims to make sure that the regulation of gambling is fit for the digital age. The Call for Evidence will be open for 16 weeks until 31 March 2021, and further detail, including how to make a contribution, can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence.

Gambling operators providing facilities to customers in Great Britain must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and must abide by its player protection requirements. In response to the Covid outbreak, the Commission issued additional guidance for online operators to mandate increased customer interactions, a ban on direct marketing of bonus offers or promotions to customers showing signs of vulnerability, and a ban on operators allowing customers to reverse decisions to withdraw winnings. Data published by the Gambling Commission in November found that since the first national lockdown began, the majority (86%) of those surveyed had gambled the same amount or less than they had previously.

Support and treatment services for people experiencing gambling problems have remained available throughout the Covid 19 period. These include the National Gambling Helpline and counselling services delivered by GamCare and other third sector providers, the NHS specialist gambling clinic in London and the NHS Northern Gambling Service. In April the Gambling Commission directed £8.8 million of regulatory settlement funds to commissioning charity GambleAware to support third sector treatment provision during Covid 19. Other avenues for support such as gambling self exclusion tools and opt-in gambling transaction blocks with banks have also remained available throughout the pandemic.

The government launched its Review of the Gambling Act 2005 on 8 December with the publication of a Call for Evidence. The Review will be wide-ranging and evidence led, and aims to make sure that the regulation of gambling is fit for the digital age. The Call for Evidence will be open for 16 weeks until 31 March 2021, and further detail, including how to make a contribution, can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence.

A response was issued to the Hon Member on 6th November.

May I apologise for the delay in responding to the issues the hon. Member has raised.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the issues the Hon. Member has raised. The department with the policy remit will reply on each matter shortly.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the issues the Hon. Member has raised. The department with the policy remit will reply on each matter shortly.

A response was sent to the Hon Member on 5th October.

Sports and physical activity facilities play a crucial role in supporting adults and children to be active and the Government is committed to reopening facilities as soon as it is safe to do so. The government has announced that indoor fitness and dance studios, and indoor gyms and sports venues/facilities would remain closed but from 4 July other indoor other indoor facilities, including indoor games, recreation and entertainment venues would reopen.

As with all aspects of the Government’s response to Covid-19, we will be guided by the science to ensure that as restrictions are eased people can return to activity safely.

Sport England has also announced £210 million of funding to help sport and physical activity organisations deal with the short and long term effects of the pandemic.

The future of the over 75 licence fee concession is the responsibility of the BBC from June 2020. This reform was subject to public discussion and debated extensively during the passage of the Digital Economy Act 2017 through Parliament.

The Government is disappointed with the BBC's decision to restrict the over 75 licence fee concession to only those in receipt of pension credit. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe they should be funded by the BBC.

In 2018 this government published the world's first government loneliness strategy and appointed the world's first minister with responsibility for tackling loneliness. In January 2020 we published our first annual report, highlighting the progress made so far.

The future of the over 75 licence fee concession is the responsibility of the BBC from June 2020. This reform was subject to public discussion and debated extensively during the passage of the Digital Economy Act 2017 through Parliament.

The Government is disappointed with the BBC's decision to restrict the over 75 licence fee concession to only those in receipt of pension credit. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe they should be funded by the BBC.

In 2018 this government published the world's first government loneliness strategy and appointed the world's first minister with responsibility for tackling loneliness. In January 2020 we published our first annual report, highlighting the progress made so far.

The future of the over 75 licence fee concession is the responsibility of the BBC from June 2020. It is for the BBC to set out the ways in which people over 75 can pay for a TV licence or claim the BBC’s concession from this date.

The Government is disappointed with the BBC's decision to restrict the over 75 licence fee concession to only those in receipt of pension credit. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe they should be funded by the BBC.

The Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances.

The Department has provided £900,000 to the Inclusion 2020 programme since 2018, which supports 9,328 schools with continuing professional development to ensure that physical education (PE) and school sport is inclusive of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This programme funded the development of new teacher resources such as the ‘All about Autism, All about Me’ digital toolkit, endorsed by the National Autistic Society, which provides support for making PE and sport inclusive to pupils with autism spectrum conditions.

The Department has committed to continue to fund a programme to support children and young people with SEND to take part in PE and school sport. It launched an open competition process last month to select a new programme.

The Department’s investment in devices, platforms, training and digital services is being built on to develop a sustainable strategy for digital technology in education. As part of this, the Department will review the report and consider the implications.

I can confirm that a response, ref ZA55341, has been sent to the hon. Member for West Lancashire.

The COVID-19 outbreak has been extremely challenging for many families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Supporting them is a priority for this government, and their wellbeing remains central to our response to COVID-19.

We have published ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children's social care services’, making clear that parents or carers of disabled children and young people may continue to access respite care. This guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-childrens-social-care-services/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-local-authorities-on-childrens-social-care. We have communicated best practice to Directors of Children's Services and encouraged local authorities to ensure that as many disabled children and young people as possible can continue to access these respite services during the COVID-19 outbreak. We have encouraged local authorities to prioritise respite support for disabled children, and to consider flexible and pragmatic options to deliver that support, including using direct payments and carrying out activities virtually.

We are providing £40.8 million for the Family Fund in the 2020-21 financial year to support over 80,000 families on low incomes raising children with disabilities or serious illnesses. This includes £13.5 million to specifically respond to needs arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

I can confirm that a response has been sent to the letter dated 13 January from the hon. Member for West Lancashire.

Pupils need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal, and social lives in a positive way. That is why we have made Health Education compulsory in all state-funded schools in England alongside Relationships Education (in primary schools) and Relationships and Sex Education (in secondary schools). Health education gives schools the opportunity to drive up the consistency and quality of pupils’ physical health knowledge by delivering clear content through evidence-based teaching. The aim of teaching pupils about physical health and mental wellbeing is to give them the information they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing, recognise issues in themselves and others and, when issues arise, seek support as early as possible from appropriate sources.

The Department is committed to supporting schools in their preparations and has published non-statutory implementation guidance alongside teacher training materials. Both are designed to provide teachers with further clarity and practical advice on how to implement the Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum, to help all teachers increase their confidence and quality of teaching. The support is available on a one-stop page for teachers on GOV.UK. This covers all the teaching requirements in the statutory guidance including the importance of developing and maintaining good muscular and skeletal health through regular exercise; and the main changes which take place in males and females, and the implications for emotional and physical health.

As with other aspects of the curriculum, schools have flexibility over how they deliver these subjects so they can develop an integrated approach that is sensitive to the needs and background of their pupils. This could include, for example, choosing to teach about the importance of pelvic floor health education to girls between the ages of 11 and 13. The Department has provided advice on choosing resources in the non-statutory implementation guidance “Plan your Relationships, Sex and Health Curriculum”. We are working with Public Health England to make sure good quality teaching resources are available for teachers delivering health education.

Pupils need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal, and social lives in a positive way. That is why we have made Health Education compulsory in all state-funded schools in England alongside Relationships Education (in primary schools) and Relationships and Sex Education (in secondary schools). Health education gives schools the opportunity to drive up the consistency and quality of pupils’ physical health knowledge by delivering clear content through evidence-based teaching. The aim of teaching pupils about physical health and mental wellbeing is to give them the information they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing, recognise issues in themselves and others and, when issues arise, seek support as early as possible from appropriate sources.

The Department is committed to supporting schools in their preparations and has published non-statutory implementation guidance alongside teacher training materials. Both are designed to provide teachers with further clarity and practical advice on how to implement the Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum, to help all teachers increase their confidence and quality of teaching. The support is available on a one-stop page for teachers on GOV.UK. This covers all the teaching requirements in the statutory guidance including the importance of developing and maintaining good muscular and skeletal health through regular exercise; and the main changes which take place in males and females, and the implications for emotional and physical health.

As with other aspects of the curriculum, schools have flexibility over how they deliver these subjects so they can develop an integrated approach that is sensitive to the needs and background of their pupils. This could include, for example, choosing to teach about the importance of pelvic floor health education to girls between the ages of 11 and 13. The Department has provided advice on choosing resources in the non-statutory implementation guidance “Plan your Relationships, Sex and Health Curriculum”. We are working with Public Health England to make sure good quality teaching resources are available for teachers delivering health education.

I can confirm that a response has been sent to the letter dated 11 December 2020, from the hon. Member of West Lancashire.

The Government is investing over £400 million to support access to remote education and online social care services, including securing 1.3 million laptops and tablets for disadvantaged children and young people. As of Monday 25 January 2021, this includes over 870,000 laptops and tablets that were delivered to schools, academy trusts and local authorities.

All schools have been invited to order their full allocation of devices. Schools, academy trusts and local authorities are responsible for distributing the laptops and tablets and are best placed to know which children and young people need access to a device.

Figures on the number of devices delivered are available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/laptops-and-tablets-data/2021-week-4.

The Department announced on 12 January 2021 that it is purchasing 300,000 more laptops and tablets, bringing the total number we have secured from one million to 1.3 million. The Get Help with Technology scheme will email all schools with information on the number of additional devices allocated to them, and when they will be able to order. We are providing this significant injection of devices on top of an estimated 2.9 million laptops and tablets already owned by schools before the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Where pupils experience barriers to digital remote education, we expect schools to offer different forms of remote education such as printed resources or textbooks. This should be supplemented with other forms of communication to keep pupils on track or answer questions about work.

Where schools need additional devices, above their allocations, they should contact the Department for Education’s service team at covid.technology@education.gov.uk. They should include the number of disadvantaged children in years 3 to 11 who require support and an explanation of how they have gathered this evidence.

We think it is important that free school meal support is targeted at those that need it most. Free school meals are an integral part of our provision for families on low incomes and our wider actions to promote social mobility.

We will consider the full recommendations set out in the National Food Strategy. The government has committed to respond formally to the National Food Strategy following publication of Part 2 of the report.

Universal Credit is an in-work benefit which reduces as household earnings increase. It is right that free school meals remain targeted at those who are out of work and on the lowest incomes.

In 2018, Government introduced new eligibility criteria for families on Universal Credit, following a consultation in 2017. It is estimated that this will be more generous in its reach by 2022, in comparison to the legacy benefit system. Further to this we included generous protections, which mean any family transitioning to Universal Credit will continue to have access to a free school meal even if they move above the earnings threshold.

On 17 December 2020, the government announced a return to funding early years settings on the basis of attendance.

We stay in regular contact with the early years sector and have heard from them already on this subject. We will be closely monitoring both parental take-up of places and the capacity and responses of providers and will keep under constant review whether further action is needed.

Furthermore, we have provided additional support to the early years sector during the COVID-19 outbreak, making grants and loans available and ensuring early years providers can access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for their non-government funded income, and childminders the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). We continue to ensure that providers can access the support available.

On 17 December, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced that both the CJRS and SEISS will be extended to April 2021. We also updated the CJRS guidance for Early Years so that all providers who have seen a drop in their overall income are able to furlough any staff (who were on payroll on or before 30 October 2020) and who are not required for delivering the government’s funded entitlements. This guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care.

Where Early Years providers are struggling financially, they may be eligible to access support from the Additional Restrictions Grant, if not eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant schemes. Further information on these grants is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-the-coronavirus-additional-restrictions-grant and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-the-coronavirus-local-restrictions-support-grant-for-open-businesses. We will keep under constant review what further support businesses may require.

Rapid, regular testing for people without symptoms of COVID-19 will be made available across the country from this week, with the eligibility of the community testing programme expanded to cover all 317 local authorities. Local authorities will be encouraged to target testing at critical workers such as early years staff during the national lockdown.

We are rolling out our asymptomatic testing programme to primary schools, who will receive testing kits for staff from week commencing 18 January 2020. This includes schools-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools. The asymptomatic testing programme will offer all primary school, schools-based nursery and maintained nursery school staff home Lateral Flow Device test kits for routine testing.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are the independent experts who advise the Government on which vaccine(s) the UK should use and provide advice on who should be offered them.

JCVI advises that the first priorities for the COVID-19 vaccination programme should be the prevention of mortality and the maintenance of the health and social care systems. As the risk of mortality from COVID-19 increases with age, prioritisation is primarily based on age.

Regarding the next phase of vaccine rollout, JCVI have asked that the Department of Health and Social Care consider occupational vaccination in collaboration with other government departments. The Department for Education will input into this cross-governmental exercise.

The government’s clear and stated expectation is that universities should maintain the quality and quantity of tuition and seek to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the resources to study remotely. This is more important than ever now, with the vast majority of students studying solely online. The Office for Students (OfS), as regulator for higher education (HE) providers in England, has made it clear that HE providers must continue to comply with registration conditions relating to quality and academic standards, which set out requirements to ensure that courses are high-quality, that students are supported and achieve good outcomes and that standards are protected, regardless of whether a provider is delivering its courses through face-to-face teaching, remote online learning, or a combination of both.

The OfS has published information on quality and standards for providers providing practical guidance on how best to ensure students continue to receive a high quality academic experience in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. This sets out that providers should make all reasonable efforts to provide alternative teaching and support for students that is at least broadly equivalent to the provider’s usual arrangements. The OfS will keep this guidance under review to ensure it remains relevant to the developing circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The OfS is taking very seriously the potential impacts of the outbreak on teaching and learning and is regularly engaging with all registered providers. It is actively monitoring providers to ensure that they maintain the quality of their provision, that it is accessible for all, and that they have been clear in their communications with students about how arrangements for teaching and learning may change throughout the year. The OfS is also following up directly with providers where they receive notifications from students, parents or others raising concerns about the quality of teaching on offer and requiring providers to report to them when they are not able to deliver a course or award a qualification. If the OfS has concerns, it will investigate further.

The OfS is also monitoring the position across the sector for instance through polling of students' views. Where appropriate, and in response to issues raised through that monitoring, it will issue further advice to the sector.

Students have rights under consumer law that they may be able to rely on if they are dissatisfied with their provider’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In the first instance, students should speak to their provider to see if they can resolve their issue. We expect student complaints and appeals processes to be operated flexibly, accessibly, and sympathetically by providers to resolve any concerns. If a student at a provider in England or Wales is not satisfied with their provider’s final response, they should go to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, which has published guidance on this issue. ​

During the period of national lockdown, schools should allow only vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers to attend. All other pupils should not attend and should learn remotely until February half term.

On 7 January, the Department published guidance that sets out what all schools will need to do during the national lockdown: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/950510/School_national_restrictions_guidance.pdf. Guidance is also available on the children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision.

Children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school if required. Schools should speak to parents and carers to identify who needs to go to school. If parents and carers who are critical workers can work from home and look after their children at the same time then they should do so.

Every school will have a different number of children of critical workers who need to attend. It is important that on site provision is provided for these pupils, and there is no limit to numbers of these pupils who may attend, and schools should not limit attendance of these groups. This is because we are reducing overall social contact across areas and the country rather than individually by each institution.

The Department will continue to review the restrictions on schools and will ensure that children and young people return to face to face education as soon as possible.

During the period of national lockdown, schools should allow only vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers to attend. All other pupils should not attend and should learn remotely until February half term.

On 7 January, the Department published guidance that sets out what all schools will need to do during the national lockdown: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/950510/School_national_restrictions_guidance.pdf. Guidance is also available on the children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision.

Children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school if required. Schools should speak to parents and carers to identify who needs to go to school. If parents and carers who are critical workers can work from home and look after their children at the same time then they should do so.

Every school will have a different number of children of critical workers who need to attend. It is important that on site provision is provided for these pupils, and there is no limit to numbers of these pupils who may attend, and schools should not limit attendance of these groups. This is because we are reducing overall social contact across areas and the country rather than individually by each institution.

The Department will continue to review the restrictions on schools and will ensure that children and young people return to face to face education as soon as possible.

I can confirm that a response has been sent to the letter dated 2 October, ref ZA53261, from the hon. Member for West Lancashire.

Updated guidance on protecting clinically extremely vulnerable individuals, developed by the Department of Health and Social Care, was published on 26 November 2020. The advice outlined within this guidance states that children and young people whose parents or carers are clinically extremely vulnerable should still attend education and childcare. This remains the default position for all areas irrespective of local restriction tiers. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19.

Education and childcare is vital to the wellbeing of children and young people. Time out of nursery, school and college is detrimental for children’s cognitive and academic development.

Schools, nurseries and colleges have implemented a range of protective measures recommended by the Public Health England-endorsed guidance published by the Department for Education which, when followed, creates an inherently safer environment for pupils, staff and families. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#res.

If parents or carers are anxious about their child attending education, we recommend that they discuss this with their school leaders to understand their concerns and provide reassurance regarding the protective measures that have been put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at school, nursery or college.

It continues to be the Department’s aim that all pupils, in all year groups, remain in school full time. Returning to school full time has been vital for children’s education and for their wellbeing. Time out of school is detrimental for children’s cognitive and academic development, particularly for disadvantaged children. This impact can affect both current levels of learning and children’s future ability to learn.

As set out in the Government’s COVID-19 Winter Plan, nurseries, schools, and colleges should not change their Christmas holidays or close early this term. Parents should continue to send their children to school during term time. Head teachers, teachers and staff in schools and colleges have been doing an extraordinary job to remain open.

Schools have implemented a range of protective measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The risk to children themselves of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 is low, and there are negative health impacts from being out of school. Senior clinicians, including the Chief Medical Officers of all four nations, still advise that school is the very best place for children to be.

If parents have concerns about their child attending school because they consider they or members of their household may have particular risk factors, they should discuss these with their school.

I can confirm that a response has been sent to the letter dated 8 September 2020, from the hon. Member for West Lancashire.

Appeals against A and AS level and GCSE grades are being accepted from schools or colleges where they think the exam board did not apply its procedures properly and fairly or where the data used by the exam board to calculate results contained an error.

Ofqual has published summary guidance, agreed with school and college leaders, which makes clear what the process was for putting together centre assessment grades and the grounds of appeal which are available.

I understand the college has been in touch with the student to see if they wish to enter the autumn exam series. The Department has launched an Exam Support Service which will provide support for schools and colleges to run the autumn exams.

I am due to meet the hon. Member for West Lancashire on 1 September 2020 and look forward to discussing the matter she raised with me in person.

Ormskirk School moved to its new accommodation in 2004. The land had been part of the site of the former Cross Hall High School, a community school, and was transferred by Lancashire County Council (LCC) in February 2006 to five named individuals who were trustees of the Foundation Trust of the school. The Department for Education was not party to that transfer.

The 2006 Charity Commission scheme for the Foundation Trust provides for the Foundation Trust to retain the land for use as a voluntary school.

Copies of the title number LAN28839 are available on request from LCC or the Foundation Trust and the Land Registry. A copy of the title has been shared with the Department as part of the conversion of the school to become an academy.

Ormskirk School moved to its new accommodation in 2004. The land had been part of the site of the former Cross Hall High School, a community school, and was transferred by Lancashire County Council (LCC) in February 2006 to five named individuals who were trustees of the Foundation Trust of the school. The Department for Education was not party to that transfer.

The 2006 Charity Commission scheme for the Foundation Trust provides for the Foundation Trust to retain the land for use as a voluntary school.

Copies of the title number LAN28839 are available on request from LCC or the Foundation Trust and the Land Registry. A copy of the title has been shared with the Department as part of the conversion of the school to become an academy.

The Department for Education is working closely with educational institutions, sector organisations, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England and Public Health England (PHE) to understand the effects of the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of children and identify the children and young people that need help and will continue to do so as more pupils return to school.

There are well established links between physical activity, improved mental wellbeing and educational attainment and we recognise the importance that children continue to remain fit and active, wherever possible, and have the 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the Chief Medical Officers. We are encouraging schools to prioritise physical activity as they welcome more children back to school. Schools are free to organise and deliver a physical education curriculum that suits the needs of all their pupils whilst following COVID-19 government guidelines.

The return to school is a key part of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, as in addition to providing more opportunities for physical activity, attendance at school allows social interaction with peers, carers and teachers, which benefits wellbeing. To support this, we have encouraged schools to focus on mental wellbeing as pupils return. Children in Reception, year 1 and year 6 are now able to return to primary, and year 10 and year 12 pupils are able to receive face-to-face support at secondary. Primaries with capacity can bring back additional groups, in line with existing protective measures, and we have given schools the flexibility to have face-to-face ‘check-ups’ with all pupils during the summer term, which will ensure more children and young people are able to achieve this benefit. Our intention is for all children to return to school from September and guidance will be published soon.

We are working with the DHSC to put in place further specific support for school staff to understand the issues that pupils will face with their mental wellbeing. This includes training for teachers, such as a new module developed with clinical experts on how to teach about mental health in health education and more information is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/teaching-about-mental-wellbeing.

Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, and leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. During Mental Health Awareness Week, the government also announced that a further £4.2 million will be awarded to mental health charities – including the Samaritans, Young Minds, and Bipolar UK.

All NHS mental health trusts have been asked to ensure that there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. These are available for children and young people as well as adults. PHE and Health Education England have also developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing.

In addition, children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations either by texting SHOUT to 85258, or by calling Childline on 0800 1111 or The Mix on 0808 808 4994. Children and young people can also find online information on COVID-19 and mental health on the Young Minds website, which is available here:
https://youngminds.org.uk/about-us/reports/coronavirus-impact-on-young-people-with-mental-health-needs/.

The School Sport and Activity Action Plan set out a range of measures to ensure that all children have access to high quality PE and sport sessions during the school week and opportunities to be physically active throughout the school day, to help them do the 60 minutes a day of physical exercise recommended by the Chief Medical Officer.

The Government will confirm arrangements for the Primary PE and Sport Premium in the 2020-21 academic year as soon as possible. The funding for PE and school sport in the 2021-22 academic year and beyond will be considered at the forthcoming Spending Review.

The Government remains committed to supporting schools to make good use of their sports facilities and to promote physical literacy and competitive sport. We plan to update the School Sport and Activity Action Plan with longer term proposals to support schools to improve children’s activity levels.

The Department recognises there are well established links between physical activity, improved mental wellbeing and educational attainment.

The Government’s School Sport and Activity Action Plan set out a range of measures to ensure that all children have access to high quality PE and sport sessions during the school week and opportunities to be physically active throughout the school day, to help them do the 60 minutes a day of physical exercise recommended by the UK Chief Medical Officers.

While schools have been closed to some pupils the Government has taken steps to support those who have had restricted opportunity to exercise while at home to support their physical and mental wellbeing. As part of its guidance on remote education provision, the Department has published online educational resources approved by subject experts for schools and parents to help children to take part in PE and physical activity. In addition, Sport England have free online content to help children and their families to become active at home through their Join the Movement campaign.

The Department is working to ensure that schools are fully supported as they welcome more children back to school and schools are able to give pupils opportunities to take part in physical education and be physically active during the school day.

The department has worked closely with early years settings, schools and physical activity experts to ensure that there is advice and resources to support everyone to participate in regular exercise. The department has published online educational resources approved by subject experts for schools and parents to help children to learn at home. These resources include those for PE, which are available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources/online-science-pe-wellbeing-and-send-resources-for-home-education.

On 19 May 2020, we announced £37 million for the Family Fund, which will provide grants to families on low incomes with disabled and critically ill children. £10 million of that funding has been committed specifically in response to the unique difficulties presented by the COVID-19 outbreak for over 75,000 families, helping parents educate and look after children who are staying at home more than usual. Details of the announcement have been published here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/37-million-to-support-children-with-complex-needs.

The government has provided £3.2 billion of additional to support local authorities to address any pressures they are facing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including in children’s social care and for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. We have also announced £750 million funding to support front line charities during the outbreak, including those supporting vulnerable children.

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave on 23 June 2020 to Question 54195.

The department is continuing to assess the impact of the potential effect of school closure on children and young people’s mental health and education attainment. We are working closely with educational institutions, sector organisations, the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England and Public Health England to understand the risks to education attainment, mental health and wellbeing and identify the children and young people that need help.

The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health of children and young people. Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. All NHS Mental Health Trusts have been asked to ensure there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and Health Education England have developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing.

Pupil wellbeing is an important consideration within our guidance on actions for educational and childcare settings as they begin to open in June 2020, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020.

From the week commencing 1 June 2020, primary schools have been welcoming back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers). From 15 June 2020, secondary schools will provide some face-to-face support for young people in year 10 and year 12. We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers.

The department continues to work with the education sector on how best to make up for lost time with the phased return to schools for the 2020-21 school year.

The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health of children and young people. Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. All NHS Mental Health Trusts have been asked to ensure there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and Health Education England have developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing.

The department has signposted resources on supporting and promoting mental wellbeing among the list of resources to help children to learn at home. BBC Bitesize has worked with the department to provide content with substantial focus on mental health, wellbeing and pastoral care. The list of resources is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources.

The return to school will in itself be part of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils as attendance enables social interaction with peers, carers and teachers. Pupil wellbeing is an important consideration within our guidance on actions for educational and childcare settings as they begin to open in June 2020, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020.

Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by texting SHOUT to 85258 or by calling Childline on 0800 1111 or the Mix on 0808 808 4994. Children and young people can also find online information on COVID-19 and mental health on the Young Minds website, which is available here:
https://youngminds.org.uk/about-us/reports/coronavirus-impact-on-young-people-with-mental-health-needs/.

Special schools are playing a vital role in supporting vulnerable children during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department for Education has published a substantial body of guidance to help special schools and other settings support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes in particular:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): SEND risk assessment guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance.

Education, health and care needs assessments and plans: guidance on temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus (COVID-19):

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-law-on-education-health-and-care-needs-assessments-and-plans-due-to-coronavirus.

Further guidance for all schools, including special schools, can be found in our coronavirus (COVID-19) collection:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-schools-and-other-educational-settings.

We are committed to maintaining and updating all guidance as the COVID-19 outbreak develops.

We are investing an extra £400 million in 16 to 19 education next year to ensure that we are building the skills that our country needs. We will increase the base rate of funding by 4.7%, from £4,000 to £4,188 for the academic year 2020/21. Over and above the base rate rise, this extra spending also includes new resources for high value and high cost courses and funding to support those on level 3 programmes to continue to study English and maths where needed.

This is the biggest injection of new money into 16 to 19 education in a single year since 2010 - with funding increasing faster for 16 to 19 than in 5 to 16 schooling – and will mean a significant increase in the average level of funding per student. We will of course continue to look at the needs of 16 to 19 education in future Spending Reviews.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families on 28 January 2020 to 5550.

Since 2014 financial education has been statutory within the secondary national curriculum as part of citizenship and mathematics. Financial education ensures that pupils are taught the functions and uses of money, the importance of personal budgeting, money management and managing financial risk.

The Ofsted inspection framework sets out how inspections take a view on the quality of the broad and balanced education that a school provides. This includes how schools provide pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life, which can include financial education, as well as how curriculum subjects such as citizenship contribute to pupils’ personal development.

There are a number of organisations that support financial education for young people. Young Money recently launched a free financial education textbook for secondary schools, to support high quality teaching of the subject. We are currently working with the Money and Pension Service and HM Treasury to consider how we can support further the teaching of financial education in schools.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member, as this is an area which crosses over with another department. A reply was sent on 30 March 2022.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member. A reply is being prepared and will be issued in due course.

Defra is working closely with the Home Office to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the food and farming workforce beyond 2021. The Government has announced that the seasonal worker visa route will be extended to 2024 to allow overseas workers to come to the UK for up to six months to harvest both edible and ornamental crops. 30,000 visas will be available. This will be kept under review with the potential to increase by 10,000 visas if necessary.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 25 November 2021.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 5 November 2021.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 1 November 2021.

I replied to the hon. Member on 28 July. I apologise for the delay in responding.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 14 June 2021.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member. A reply is being prepared and will be issued very shortly.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member. A reply was sent on 22 April 2021.

The Environment Agency has secured funding to commence an investigation into sources of pollution in the River Tawd. We are tackling river pollution from poor farming practice with regulation, financial incentives and educational schemes for farmers. In addition to Government investment in many local improvement schemes, water company investment is increasing to £4.6 billion between 2020-2025. A task force comprising the Government and water companies is addressing the problem of sewage discharge from storm overflows.

Desilting is one of a range of activities carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) in West Lancashire to protect people and property from flooding, alongside the control of aquatic vegetation, removal of blockages and the operation of key flood defence assets, including tidal outfalls and pumping stations. The works carried out by the EA are targeted where they will provide the greatest benefit to people and property.

A recurring programme of silt surveys is in place to help the EA focus on areas where the need is greatest. The EA has secured over £70,000 for desilting in West Lancashire in 2021/22, including a desilt of the Three Pools watercourse which has multiple benefits across local residential and agricultural areas.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54309 and GD/ZA54475, I replied to the hon. Member on 17 December 2020.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54170, GD/ZA54244, GD/ZA54254,

GD/ZA54258, GD/ZA54301 and GD/ZA54412, I replied to the hon. Member on 18 December 2020.

Correspondence reference GD/ZA54476 was answered in the same reply as GD/ZA54475.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54309 and GD/ZA54475, I replied to the hon. Member on 17 December 2020.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54170, GD/ZA54244, GD/ZA54254,

GD/ZA54258, GD/ZA54301 and GD/ZA54412, I replied to the hon. Member on 18 December 2020.

Correspondence reference GD/ZA54476 was answered in the same reply as GD/ZA54475.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54309 and GD/ZA54475, I replied to the hon. Member on 17 December 2020.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54170, GD/ZA54244, GD/ZA54254,

GD/ZA54258, GD/ZA54301 and GD/ZA54412, I replied to the hon. Member on 18 December 2020.

Correspondence reference GD/ZA54476 was answered in the same reply as GD/ZA54475.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54309 and GD/ZA54475, I replied to the hon. Member on 17 December 2020.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54170, GD/ZA54244, GD/ZA54254,

GD/ZA54258, GD/ZA54301 and GD/ZA54412, I replied to the hon. Member on 18 December 2020.

Correspondence reference GD/ZA54476 was answered in the same reply as GD/ZA54475.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54309 and GD/ZA54475, I replied to the hon. Member on 17 December 2020.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54170, GD/ZA54244, GD/ZA54254,

GD/ZA54258, GD/ZA54301 and GD/ZA54412, I replied to the hon. Member on 18 December 2020.

Correspondence reference GD/ZA54476 was answered in the same reply as GD/ZA54475.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54309 and GD/ZA54475, I replied to the hon. Member on 17 December 2020.

With regard to correspondence references GD/ZA54170, GD/ZA54244, GD/ZA54254,

GD/ZA54258, GD/ZA54301 and GD/ZA54412, I replied to the hon. Member on 18 December 2020.

Correspondence reference GD/ZA54476 was answered in the same reply as GD/ZA54475.

I apologise for the delay in responding. Replies to the hon. Member's letters have been prepared and will be issued very shortly.

I apologise for the delay in responding. Replies to the hon. Member's letters have been prepared and will be issued very shortly.

I apologise for the delay in responding. Replies to the hon. Member's letters have been prepared and will be issued very shortly.

De-silting (also referred to as dredging) and clearing channels, are important parts of the Environment Agency’s (EA) river maintenance regime. The EA will undertake these activities where there is evidence that they will reduce flood risk to local properties cost effectively without increasing flooding downstream.

Typically over each of the past three years the Environment Agency has spent between £45 million and £55 million a year on channel maintenance, of which between £5 million and £11 million is for dredging.

Channel maintenance in West Lancashire, where the majority of watercourses are man-made for drainage, includes a range of activities to maintain conveyance such as desilting, weed cutting and removing blockages. Locally over the last three years in West Lancashire the EA has carried out £175,000 worth of desilting, as part of its recurring maintenance programme.

Between 2015 and 2020 we committed around £1 billion on the maintenance of flood defence assets. This is a real terms increase in spending compared to the £812 million spent in the previous five years.

De-silting (also referred to as dredging) and clearing channels, are important parts of the Environment Agency’s (EA) river maintenance regime. The EA will undertake these activities where there is evidence that they will reduce flood risk to local properties cost effectively without increasing flooding downstream.

Typically, over each of the past 3 years the EA have spent between £5 million and £11 million on dredging across England. This equates to approximately 100-200km of river channel each year. The EA regularly reviews its river channel maintenance programme to identify where an increase in river channel maintenance, including dredging, will provide a net positive economic benefit by reducing flood risk.

I apologise for the delay in responding. I replied to the hon. Member on 3 November 2020.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member. Defra is currently dealing with high volumes of correspondence due to COVID-19. It has also been necessary to consult the Environment Agency to provide as accurate and helpful a response as possible, which has taken time. I understand the hon. Member has also separately written to the Environment Agency on some of the points raised in these letters and the Environment Agency has responded.

The replies will be with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member. Defra is currently dealing with high volumes of correspondence due to COVID-19. It has also been necessary to consult the Environment Agency to provide as accurate and helpful a response as possible, which has taken time. I understand the hon. Member has also separately written to the Environment Agency on some of the points raised in these letters and the Environment Agency has responded.

A reply to the hon. Member has been prepared and will be issued very shortly.

The number of dogs seized and detained in quarantine at Eurotunnel, Dover Port and Harwich in August 2020 are as follows:

Eurotunnel – 35

Dover Port – 10

Harwich – 0

The number of animals detained in quarantine for Eurotunnel also includes dogs that were seized at Coquelles and moved into the United Kingdom for quarantine purposes.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Defra’s animal welfare team has been in regular contact with the sector to understand the impacts and what is needed from government. I am grateful for the work done by animal welfare charities to promote advice for pet owners and look after animals during this difficult time.

The Association of Dogs & Cats Homes undertook surveys in April and May 2020 of their members and wider rescue and rehoming organisations to establish the extent of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. Many rescue organisations have reported a reduction in the number of dogs being abandoned during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and there has been an increase in demand for dogs and other pets. We are continuing to monitor the effect on pet ownership of lifestyle changes stemming from the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Government recognises that the animal rescue and rehoming sector has been impacted by a significant reduction in income through charity shop closures, cancelled fundraisers and much reduced donations. It has been encouraging to see the sector working collaboratively to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care (including dogs) in the face of real financial hardship and uncertainty.

We have worked closely with the Canine and Feline Sector Group to agree and update guidance to animal rescue and rehoming organisations and pet businesses to enable them to undertake core operations as far as possible, while maintaining compliance with the social distancing rules and need for hygiene precautions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. We also provided pet owners, including those with dogs, with information about how to look after their animals during Covid-19: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals.

The Government remains committed to continued engagement with welfare charities and the wider companion animal sector to understand the longer-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, monitor the animal welfare implications of this and offer appropriate advice.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 22 July 2020.

Defra is in regular contact with the companion animal welfare sector to discuss matters including dog breeding and sales activity. There has been a high level of demand for pets as more people have been staying at home during the Covid-19 outbreak. We recognise that there are risks of people buying puppies which have unknowingly been bred in poor welfare conditions whether at home or abroad. To help combat this situation, Defra launched a national Government communications campaign in March 2020, 'Petfished', to coincide with the introduction of the ban on the commercial third-party sale of puppies and kittens in England which came into force on 6 April 2020.

The campaign raises awareness of the consequences of buying from a low-welfare seller and challenges the assumption that it is easy to spot bad practice. 'Petfished' also educates the public on best practice for finding a new pet and signposts individuals to resources available to help them make the right decision. We will be shortly launching the second phase of 'Petfished' this month, with the continued support of major animal welfare charities, veterinary associations and celebrities.

In addition, we are fully committed to cracking down on the vile and illegal trade in pets and operate one of the most rigorous pet border checking regimes in the world. Leaving the EU provides us with the opportunity to further crack down on puppy smuggling in line with our manifesto commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Blackpool South on 25 June 2020, PQ UIN 61621.

[www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-06-18/61621]

The Government in early April, along with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, commissioned the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) to assess the risks to animal welfare as a result of Covid-19 controls. The AWC has submitted the first part of its report which was published on 4 June 2020 and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awc-opinion-on-the-animal-welfare-issues-related-to-covid-19.

The AWC is currently considering the potential medium to long-term impact on animal welfare as a consequence of Covid-19 restrictions. We expect to receive that report, and for it to be published, in early autumn.

Defra is in regular contact with the companion animal rescue and rehoming sector. The Minister for Animal Welfare, Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park, has met the CEOs of the main companion animal welfare charities to discuss the effects of Covid-19 on the sector.

Defra has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure that there has been helpful and effective guidance available to enable animal rescue and rehoming and charitable activities to continue operating as far as possible, during the various phases of Coronavirus restrictions. As we ease the restrictions, we are conscious that this may have an impact on animal rescue and rehoming. We will continue to work closely with the sector to understand their needs.

Trees have an important role to play for climate mitigation as we work towards net zero emissions. The Government has made major commitments to enable more tree planting in recent years, including through creation of a £640 million Nature for Climate Fund.

Over 4,000 hectares of woodland have been planted with Government support in England over the last three years at a cost of approximately £17 million.

While complying with the United Kingdom Forestry Standard, land managers and owners decide which species of tree to plant on their land. Woodland planted will be a mix of native and exotic species, all of which contribute towards climate mitigation.

As we deploy new funding we will look to ensure the trees we plant not only capture carbon, but deliver a wide range of ecosystems services.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Totnes on 30 June 2020, PQ UIN 62631.

[www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-06-22/62631]

Defra is working closely with supermarkets to ensure that people who have registered with the Government as extremely clinically vulnerable and have indicated that they need help to access food are supported, by offering them emergency food parcels provided by the Government or by sharing data to facilitate priority access to online supermarket delivery slots. People can register with supermarkets where they were not previously customers in order to ensure that they can access the food and essential goods that they need.

People who register as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) either online or via the helpline, and indicate that they need help to access food, will have their details shared with supermarkets. The participating supermarkets are: Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsburys, Tesco and Waitrose.

Supermarkets will check these details against their own customer databases and flag anyone who matches. They will then contact the CEV individual and offer them priority access to online delivery slots. The individual should be matched with any supermarket that they are already registered with, and they may choose which they wish to use. Work is in hand to address the needs of people who do not have a pre-existing relationship with any supermarket.

I can confirm that Defra received the letter from West Lancashire Borough Council on 15 March 2019. A response was not issued due to administrative error.

A reply is now being drafted and will be sent to the council in due course.

The Government is committed to increasing recycling rates. The Queen’s Speech committed the Government to bring forward our ambitious Environment Bill which introduces legislation so that a core set of materials (metal, plastic, paper and card, glass, food and garden waste) will be collected from all households, businesses and other organisations such as schools, in England, from 2023.

Waste collection and recycling arrangements for schools are controlled and financed by schools themselves. One of Defra’s delivery partners, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), provides curriculum linked resources for schools and teachers to help teach pupils about recycling.

https://partners.wrap.org.uk/campaigns/recycle-now/schools/

My Department has undertaken extensive research considering the level of investment required for the UK’s domestic maritime sector to achieve net zero by 2050. This research comprises a range of scenarios assessing different policy options, including both costs and benefits, and has been published in support of the Clean Maritime Plan on GOV.UK.

To date the Department for Transport has funded a £1.5m competition for innovation in clean maritime and provided £193,897 in grant support through the Department’s Transport Technology Research Innovation Grant Programme to early stage research projects related to clean maritime.

My Department has undertaken extensive research, in consultation with the shipping sector and other Government Departments, on the economic opportunities for the UK from the design, development and commercialisation of those technologies that are expected to be critical to achieving zero emission shipping by 2050. This research had been published in support of the Clean Maritime Plan on GOV.UK.

A response to your correspondence of 21 May was sent via email on 3rd July. Unfortunately, due to an administrative error, an incorrect date was quoted on that letter for which I apologise. A revised copy of that letter with the correct date can be found in the attached document.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Minister for Employment, on behalf of the Secretary of State, on 22 April 2022.

I refer the hon. Member to my response UIN 82281, tabled on 26 November. The Health and Safety Executive’s review referred to in that response remains ongoing at this time.

COVID-19 remains a public health issue. There is no longer a requirement for every business to consider COVID-19 in their risk assessment or have COVID-19 control measures in place. The United Kingdom Health Security Agency has published guidance on reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace.

For people in England who are immunosuppressed (including employees), the Department of Health and Social Care has published guidance entitled: ‘COVID-19: guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk’.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Area Director for Universal Credit, on behalf of the Secretary of State, on 29 March 2022.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 7 April 2022.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19^th January to question number 104377.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (‘Workplace Regulations’) do not explicitly require the provision of a disposal method for sanitary products in toilets, it is the guidance which supports the law Workplace health, safety and welfare - L24 (hse.gov.uk) Approved Code of Practice and guidance which makes reference to this requirement.

Regulation 2(3) of the Workplace Regulations aims to ensure that workplaces meet the health, safety and welfare needs of each member of the workforce. The Health and Safety Executive has informed me that they intend to consider whether the guidance regarding disposal of sanitary dressings in toilets fulfils that aim.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 4 November 2021.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Minister for Welfare Delivery, on behalf of the Secretary of State, on 29 September 2021.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Director for Customer Experience, on behalf of the Secretary of State, on 26 July 2021.

In reference to the Answer of 8^th March 2021 to Question 162619, the following figures were included: In January 2021 there were 3,890 Funeral Expenses Payment applications received, and 2,050 awards paid.

Reasons for this discrepancy are below:

• The figures relate to applications received by DWP, not applications processed. Some applications may have been withdrawn before a decision was made.
• Applications received aren’t always processed in the same month in which they are received. The clearance standards for average actuals clearance times for Funeral Expenses Payments are 13 days. An application made in January 2021 might not have been awarded until February 2021.
• The number of applications made is not equal to the number of people who made applications, as individuals may make multiple applications in a given time period.
• Differences between any comparisons made of applications received, initial decisions, awards and initial refusals are due to applications being withdrawn; applicants rejecting or not responding to loan offers; and decisions outstanding at the time of the count.

We publish application success rate in Annex 1 of the Social Fund Annual Report. The latest available is the 2018/19 report:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-fund-annual-report-2018-to-2019/social-fund-annual-report-2018-to-2019

A substantive reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Child Maintenance Service on 1 December; I apologise for the long delay.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was involved in cross-government work, Safer Workplaces, coordinated by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which produced guidance on the safety measures businesses will need to adopt. This includes advice for Vulnerable workers.

HSE guidance on practical steps to support workers in higher-risk groups, including those who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and pregnant workers, can be found at https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/protect-people.htm.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable will previously have received a letter from the NHS or their GP informing them of this and may have been advised to shield in the past. Individuals who receive a new notification that they need to shield should work from home where possible and if not possible follow their respective Government’s advice on not going to work.

Employees who are clinically extremely vulnerable can be furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Where they are not furloughed, and they are unable to work, for example where they cannot work from home, they may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their employer.

Employees who are not eligible for SSP and the self-employed, may be eligible for New Style Employment and Support Allowance, subject to the wider eligibility criteria.

Where an individual’s income is reduced while off work sick and they require further financial support, they may be able to receive Universal Credit, depending on their personal circumstances.

Childcare costs should not be a barrier to getting into work – this Government is committed to helping parents into work. Universal Credit pays up to 85% of childcare costs, compared to 70% in legacy benefits and can be claimed up to a month before starting a job. For families with two children this could be worth up to £13,000 a year.

Help with upfront childcare costs for starting work is available through a non-repayable Flexible Support Fund (FSF) award for eligible Universal Credit claimants up to the limits set. This does not apply for claimants already in work. We have issued guidance to Work Coaches in Jobcentres to ensure that eligible claimants, who require help with upfront childcare costs in order to start work, are directed to the Government’s FSF. The FSF received an additional £150m this financial year to help support Universal Credit claimants to move closer to, or into work. Budgeting Advances are also available to eligible claimants who require help with upfront costs.

Support with eligible childcare costs is based on reporting actual childcare costs that a household incurs as soon as those costs have been paid. Childcare costs can be reported in the same assessment period they were paid or in the following assessment period. Claimants are then reimbursed for their eligible costs within their Universal Credit award. Monthly reporting helps to support accuracy of payment, whilst also avoiding the levels of error in the Tax Credit system and the possibility of overpayments.

The Universal Credit childcare policy aligns with the wider Government childcare offer, which includes free childcare hours for children between 2 and 4 years and tax free childcare. Eligibility for children aged 2 requires household income to be less than £15,400 a year after tax, not including benefit payments. Universal Credit claimants can utilise both the free childcare entitlement and Universal Credit childcare costs in conjunction with each other for the relevant hours.

A substantive reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Child Maintenance Service on 21 September; I apologise for the long delay.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues, including the Home Secretary, on a range of issues.

The EU Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012 (BPR) has applied since 2013. In line with the EU Exit Withdrawal Agreement, the BPR is being retained with changes to reflect the position at the end of the Transition Period. This process does not allow the UK to make policy changes. Thus, there are no current plans to review the procedures within the UK biocides legislation. HSE has no evidence that the current regulatory approach is ineffective.

BPR requires that all the active substances used in hand sanitiser products are reviewed for their safety, both to people and the wider environment. Only products containing active substances that are undergoing that review process are allowed to be marketed.

Once the review of an active substance has been completed and the active is approved as being suitable to continue being used, each product containing that substance is then assessed, both for safety and for efficacy. While the review of an active substance is ongoing, products containing that substance can continue to be marketed subject to the requirements of general legislation relating to product safety and the supply of chemicals.

The BPR does not regulate the price of hand sanitiser products.

There are no current plans to review the regulation of sales of hand sanitiser products.

I can only apologise to the hon. Member for the continued delay in this matter. I can assure her a substantive reply will be posted to her tomorrow.

As a result of the triple lock, from April 2020 (subject to Parliamentary approval) the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension will be around £700 higher than if it had been just up-rated by earnings, since April 2010. From April 2020, the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by average earnings. This is the equivalent of over £2,100 per year higher in cash terms for single people, and over £3,200 per year higher in cash terms for couples than it was in 2010.

The Government is committed to action that helps to alleviate levels of pensioner poverty. There are 100,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty (before housing costs) than in 2009/10. Rates of material deprivation for pensioners are also at a record low. Since 2009/10 material deprivation for pensioners has fallen from 10% to 7% in 2017/18, and in 2019/20 the Government will spend around £100 billion on the State Pension.

1.6 million people are already claiming around £5.4 billion in Pension Credit. The Government wants to make sure that all pensioners eligible can claim the Pension Credit to which they are entitled. That is why on the 10 February 2020 we launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit and encourage those over State Pension age to check whether they are eligible.

To assist customers to prepare for retirement, the Government has introduced a number of initiatives including the launch of the online mid-life MOT page https://www.yourpension.gov.uk/mid-life-mot/ which provides guidance on how to obtain the right information to plan for retirement.

The employer led strategy on fuller working lives https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/587654/fuller-working-lives-a-partnership-approach.pdf aims to maximise the labour market opportunities for people to earn and save for longer reducing the risk of poverty once they have retired permanently from the labour market.

We are also committed to enabling more people to save while they are working, so that they can enjoy greater security and independence when they retire. Automatic enrolment into workplace pensions has succeeded in transforming workplace pension saving for millions of today’s workers. Participation in workplace pension saving rose from 55 per cent in 2012 to 87 per cent of eligible employees in 2018, showing the positive impact of the workplace pension reforms.

The rates of pensioner benefits, including Housing Benefit (HB), tend to be higher than some working-age income-related benefits, as pensioners as a group are likely to be reliant on benefits for a longer period and less able to change their circumstances or improve their income through work.

Local Authorities are responsible for administering HB and the take up of HB by pensioners is shown to be higher than the take up of Pension Credit.

The Department publishes an annual report detailing latest available statistics regarding the estimated take-up of HB and other income-related benefits.

The latest version can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/income-related-benefits-estimates-of-take-up-financial-year-2016-to-2017

The next report containing 2017/18 data will be published in due course.

1.6 Million people are already claiming some £5.4 billion in Pension Credit. The Government wants to make sure that all pensioners eligible can claim the Pension Credit to which they are rightly entitled. That is why from the 10 February we are launching a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit and encourage those over State Pension age to check whether they’re eligible. The campaign includes a short, animated video that will be shown in GP waiting rooms and in Post Offices. It will also be shown to Facebook users over State Pension Age and be supported by messaging on social media.

We regularly work with our stakeholders to help spread the key messages from the campaign because we know that often the best ways to reach eligible pensioners is through trusted stakeholders working in the community. The Pension Credit toolkit is being updated with the campaign materials to supplement the resources it already contains for those working with pensioners, such as guides to Pension Credit and guidance designed to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit. The toolkit is designed to help organisations support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as provide ideas for encouraging take-up. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit

The Department for Work and Pensions continues to use a wide range of channels including information on www.gov.uk, in leaflets and by telephone to communicate information about benefits including Pension Credit to potential claimants. We target activity on engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or Attendance Allowance or report a change in their circumstances which may mean that they could be eligible for Pension Credit. In addition, the Pension Credit calculator https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator enables potential claimants to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling the free phone number 0800 99 1234.

Automatic enrolment has achieved a quiet revolution through getting employees into the habit of pension saving. It has reversed the decline in workplace pension participation seen in the decade prior to its introduction. Since automatic enrolment started in 2012 participation rates have been transformed with 87% of eligible employees saving into a workplace pension in 2018, up from 55% in 2012.

The Department does not hold data for individual constituencies in relation to opt outs or the number of individuals who have saved above the automatic enrolment minimum contribution level. However, we do know that overall around 9% of automatically enrolled workers have chosen to opt out which is significantly below original estimates; and our latest evaluation report shows that, in April 2017, approximately 5.9 million eligible employees were already meeting the April 2019 minimum contribution rates.

I am providing the following information about the impact of automatic enrolment in your constituency, as of December 2019:

In the West Lancashire constituency, since 2012, approximately 16,000 eligible jobholders have been automatically enrolled and 1,710 employers have met their duties.

Automatic Enrolment Evaluation Report 2018, available via the following weblink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/764964/Automatic_Enrolment_Evaluation_Report_2018.pdf.

The Pensions Regulator’s data on Automatic enrolment declaration of compliance by constituency, available via the following weblink:

https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/research-and-analysis/data-requests

We replied to the hon. Member on 21 June 2022.

The Government encourages organisations across England to consider purchasing a defibrillator with first-aid equipment, particularly in locations where there are high concentrations of people. Many community defibrillators have since been provided in public locations through national lottery funding, community fundraising schemes, workplace funding or by charities

NHS England and NHS Improvement and St John Ambulance co-ordinate skills development to increase the use of Automated External Defibrillators by individuals in the community. This will include a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people to save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

The Government encourages organisations across England to consider purchasing a defibrillator with first-aid equipment, particularly in locations where there are high concentrations of people. Many community defibrillators have since been provided in public locations through national lottery funding, community fundraising schemes, workplace funding or by charities

NHS England and NHS Improvement and St John Ambulance co-ordinate skills development to increase the use of Automated External Defibrillators by individuals in the community. This will include a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people to save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

We replied to the hon. Member on 24 May

No formal assessment of the safety of chewing tobacco has been made and there are no current plans to assess its impact on health inequalities among Bengali women. However, traditional smokeless tobacco products are harmful to health by causing oral, oesophageal and pancreatic cancers. It remains our policy to help people to quit all forms of tobacco use through behavioural support from stop smoking services, nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes.

No formal assessment of the safety of chewing tobacco has been made and there are no current plans to assess its impact on health inequalities among Bengali women. However, traditional smokeless tobacco products are harmful to health by causing oral, oesophageal and pancreatic cancers. It remains our policy to help people to quit all forms of tobacco use through behavioural support from stop smoking services, nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes.

We replied to the hon. Member on 22 April 2022.

We replied to the hon. Member on 22 April 2022.

We replied to the hon. Member on 22 April 2022.

We replied to the hon. Member on 22 April 2022.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

We replied to the hon. Member on 26 April 2022.

There have been no specific discussions. The national shielding programme closed on the 15 September 2021. On 4 April 2022, updated guidance was issued for those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

There have been no specific discussions. The national shielding programme closed on the 15 September 2021. On 4 April 2022, updated guidance was issued for those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

On 23 February 2022, the Government published ‘COVID-19 Response: Living with COVID-19’, which offers advice on safer behaviours to reduce the risk of infection. This includes advice on the wearing of face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas, letting fresh air in if meeting indoors and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people on testing positive for COVID-19. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-living-with-covid-19/covid-19-response-living-with-covid-19#protecting-people-most-vulnerable-to-covid-19

No specific assessment has been made. However, on 25 February 2022, updated public health advice was issued for those who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

On 4 April, updated guidance was published for those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

‘COVID-19 Response: Living with COVID-19’, published in February, offers advice on safer behaviours to reduce the risk of infection, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-living-with-covid-19/covid-19-response-living-with-covid-19#protecting-people-most-vulnerable-to-covid-19

The UK Health Security Agency published ‘Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace’ on 1 April 2022. This provides information for employers and workplace managers, replacing guidance on working safely with COVID-19 and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reducing-the-spread-of-respiratory-infections-including-covid-19-in-the-workplace

On 4 April 2022, updated guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19 was published at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

Immunocompromised individuals who are eligible to receive COVID-19 treatments will receive a letter from NHS England offering advice should they become symptomatic, which is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/letter-to-patients-important-information-about-new-treatments-for-coronavirus/

The letter also includes information on accessing free lateral flow device tests and should they test positive, how to contact a Covid Medicines Delivery Unit in and out of general practitioner surgery hours.

The Government has procured 4.98 million courses of oral antivirals, including 2.75 million courses of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, co-packaged as Paxlovid, 2.23 million courses of molnupiravir and 100,008 courses of the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab. The National Health Service also has access to remdesivir, tocilizumab, sarilumab and dexamethasone. Procured volumes are based on clinical advice, assessment of patient cohort sizes and modelled demand in the event a future wave or emerging variant of concern. Stock levels are regularly monitored to ensure sufficient volumes are available to meet current and projected demand, including sufficient surge capacity.

We have regular meeting with charities representing and supporting patients in immunocompromised and immunosuppressed groups. The Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Jenny Harries, is the clinical lead for programmes supporting these patients and has met with charities at stakeholder engagement sessions.

On 4 April 2022, updated guidance was issued for those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

The Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Dame Jenny Harries, is the Senior Responsible Owner for the COVID-19 enhanced protection programme (EPP). The EPP is a tripartite scheme run by the Department, NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency.

Ministers and officials regularly engage with charities and organisations representing those who are immunocompromised and immunosuppressed. There is no formal process for designating patient organisations as stakeholders for the programme.

Those whose immune systems mean they continue to be at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may be eligible for therapies in the community, including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies, which can reduce the risk of becoming hospitalised. In England, more than 1.3 million people are eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment and antivirals.

The national shielding support programme closed at the end of September 2021. Data held by NHS Digital showed that 3,694,273 individuals were registered for care in England and previously considered as clinically extremely vulnerable or at ‘high risk’ of complications from COVID-19.

The information requested elsewhere in the United Kingdom is not held, as it is a devolved matter.

Although no official assessment of the safety of chewing tobacco has been made, traditional smokeless tobacco products are harmful to health by causing oral, oesophageal and pancreatic cancers. It remains the Government’s policy to help people to quit all forms of tobacco use through behavioural support from stop smoking services, nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes.

There are no plans to set a product standard on chewing tobacco. Product standards for tobacco are contained in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

We replied to the hon. Member on 5 April 2022.

We replied to the hon. Member on 28 March 2022.

We replied to the hon. Member on 10 March 2022.

The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) is independent of Government. The ACBS will present its findings in a consultation report to the Department. At this stage, the report will be shared with the British Specialist Nutrition Association for further comment within a month. The Department will then consider the finalised report in relation to each of the proposed policy options.

The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances is independent of Government. The Committee does not publish a separate annual report. The Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees sets out the information which should be published. These are the Committee’s purpose and activities, its membership and members’ interests and a financial statement. With the exception of a financial statement, these are published in the minutes of its meetings, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/advisory-committee-on-borderline-substances

No financial statement is published because there is negligible financial activity to report. Members are not paid any fees or honoraria for their services and are entitled to claim repayment of expenses.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have apologised for the delay in responding to the hon. Member’s letter dated 10 November 2021. Officials have been advised that a response has been sent to the hon. Member on 30 March 2022.

The national human resources framework for establishing integrated care boards (ICBs) sets out the process to be followed in each integrated care system (ICS) for making appointments to their executive roles. Appointments can be made via an organisational change process or by a recruitment process. If posts are filled by an organisational change they will not be advertised.

The Department is advised that for the Medical Director post of Cheshire/Merseyside ICS, the panel agreed to appoint two candidates, one as Executive Medical Director and the other as Associate Medical Director. These appointments are on a designate basis, subject to the successful passage of the Health and Care Bill. The individuals were also appointed on the basis that both candidates will continue to undertake some clinical work and fulfil their roles on a less than full time basis. The human resources support to the ICS is provided by the Midland and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit with a small internal Health and Care Partnership resource.

The Department is working on overall implementation plans with NHS England. The Health and Care Bill proposes that the chair of an ICB be appointed by NHS England, with the approval of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. However, the Department does not have a role in relation to other appointments that will be made to ICBs.

We replied to the hon. Member on 10 March 2022.

This additional funding is non-recurrent. National Health Service dentistry has been operating at restricted capacity during the pandemic, therefore this funding targets those who have been unable to access an appointment. The funding will secure up to 350,000 additional dental appointments for those most in need of urgent dental treatment. Children are being prioritised, in addition to people with learning disabilities, autism and severe mental health problems.

We replied to the hon. Member on 28 January 2022.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 January 2022 to Question 96819.

The latest analysis on sex ratios at birth was published in October 2021 and found no evidence for sex selective abortions occurring in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2019. In this period there were 105.5 male to 100 female births, which is below the accepted upper limit of 107.

Whilst this data shows that sex selection abortions are having no impact on birth ratios, it is possible that small numbers are occurring and we continue to remain vigilant, work with abortion providers and actively monitor the situation.

We replied to the hon. Member on 5 January 2022.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have advised that they will respond to the hon. Member’s letter as soon as possible.

Whilst smoking rates have decreased amongst those aged 16 to 24 years old in Norway, overall levels of tobacco use have remained stable. Evidence shows that the consumption of any tobacco product is harmful. We will continue to promote the use of nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking.

We replied to the hon. Member on 7 December 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 8 December 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 26 November 2021.

The data for the number of prisoners residing in jail awaiting admission to mental health units in England is not currently available.

This information is not collected centrally.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have worked with integrated care systems to develop regional recovery plans for Tier 3 and Tier 4 specialist weight management services. Funding has been provided to systems to support the implementation of these plans.

Of the £70 million announced in March 2021, £4 million has been allocated to Tier 3 and 4 adult specialist weight management services in 2021/22. NHS England is working with regional teams and integrated care systems to develop a recovery plan for specialist weight management services and bariatric surgeries as required by the Mandate.

NHS England and NHS Improvement will be investing £3 million in 2021/22, and a further £6 million in 2022/23 to mobilise 15 new Tier 3 clinics for children and young people. These services will provide holistic support to manage complications from severe obesity. This is in addition to £4 million allocated in 2021/22 to support the expansion of adult specialist weight management services and bariatric surgeries, including working with integrated care systems to map the existing provision of services.

It is not possible to estimate the cost of moving patients treated in Tier 3 services to management under Tier 4 from existing data. There are currently no national tariffs for Tier 3 specialist weight management services and national tariffs for bariatric surgery vary dependent on the type of procedure.

The National Obesity Audit, due to be launched in 2022, will collect patient level information and analyse robust comparative data from the different types of services which support people to manage their weight including general practice and tier 2, 3 and 4 weight management services.

NHS Supply Chain provides a wide range of products to meet the needs of clinicians and patients. NHS Supply Chain does not offer all products in a range, balancing the need for choice and diversity with the benefits of consistency and economies of scale.

As a wide variety of research into effectiveness of wound care products is conducted independently, the Department does not carry out such research. Experts involved in developing specifications include National Health Service clinicians, representatives of the tissue viability nurse community and the National Wound Care Strategy Programme. The specifications include a range of technical and usability factors which vary by product.

Clinicians can source products through alternative routes if required to meet specialist patient needs.

NHS Supply Chain provides a wide range of products to meet the needs of clinicians and patients. NHS Supply Chain does not offer all products in a range, balancing the need for choice and diversity with the benefits of consistency and economies of scale.

As a wide variety of research into effectiveness of wound care products is conducted independently, the Department does not carry out such research. Experts involved in developing specifications include National Health Service clinicians, representatives of the tissue viability nurse community and the National Wound Care Strategy Programme. The specifications include a range of technical and usability factors which vary by product.

Clinicians can source products through alternative routes if required to meet specialist patient needs.

We replied to the hon. Member on 11 November 2021. NHS England and NHS Improvement have advised that they will respond to the hon. Member’s letter as soon as possible.

In parallel with the MedTech Funding Mandate, the Department is considering and engaging with industry on a range of approaches to tackle the underlying causes of the lack of adoption. This will be addressed as part of a MedTech strategy which we expect to publish in the first half of 2022. This strategy will consider the role that initiatives such as the MedTech Funding Mandate can play, as well as complimentary solutions.

Data on smoking prevalence in Norway is available for 16 to 24 year olds. Daily smoking prevalence has fallen from 29% in 2000 to 1% in 2020. However, prevalence of occasional smoking among this age group has remained similar since 2000 and was 14% in 2020.

Comparable data on smoking prevalence for the United Kingdom is not available. In England, current smoking prevalence among 16 to 24 year olds, which includes occasional smokers, fell from 32.9% in 2000 to 19.4% in 2019. In Great Britain, prevalence fell from 32.3% in 2000 to 18.3% in 2019. Data for smoking prevalence in England and Great Britain in 2020 is expected in December 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 22 November.

We replied to the hon. Member on 8 December.

We replied to the hon. Member on 15 November 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 13 January 2022.

We replied to the hon. Member on 9 November 2021.

The Department is considering a range of policy and regulatory changes to achieve our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030. These will be set out in our new Tobacco Control Plan, which we will publish in due course.

The Department is considering a range of policy and regulatory changes to achieve our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030. These will be set out in our new Tobacco Control Plan, which we will publish in due course.

We replied to the hon. Member on 30 November 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 26 October 2021.

We responded to the hon. Member’s letter on 28 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 26 October 2021.

NHS England’s data to 6 October 2021 shows there was an average of 74,863 sickness absences in National Health Service trusts per day, of which 15,546 staff were absent for COVID-19 related reasons, including the need to self-isolate. Data is not held centrally on the number of those staff who were simultaneously working for a bank. NHS trusts address any such fraud at a local level through their disciplinary processes.

NHS England’s data to 6 October 2021 shows there was an average of 74,863 sickness absences in National Health Service trusts per day, of which 15,546 staff were absent for COVID-19 related reasons, including the need to self-isolate. Data is not held centrally on the number of those staff who were simultaneously working for a bank. NHS trusts address any such fraud at a local level through their disciplinary processes.

NHS England’s data to 6 October 2021 shows there was an average of 74,863 sickness absences in National Health Service trusts per day, of which 15,546 staff were absent for COVID-19 related reasons, including the need to self-isolate. Data is not held centrally on the number of those staff who were simultaneously working for a bank. NHS trusts address any such fraud at a local level through their disciplinary processes.

We replied to the hon. Member on 17 August 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 19 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 19 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 7 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member’s letter on 29 September 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 20 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 25 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 26 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 18 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 12 October 2021.

We are engaging closely with the sector and a range of stakeholders to consider the merits of different models, including proposals for a cross-Government taskforce.

The Government’s plan for health and social care, announced on 7 September, recognised the important role of housing in providing care and support to people in the community. There is clear evidence that the right housing arrangements can deliver improved outcomes and meet people’s preferences to remain in their own home. We will invest in supported housing, including housing-with-care, as well as exploring other innovative housing solutions to support more people to live independently at home for longer, with personalised care and support. We will continue to work closely with the sector, including as part of the white paper on adult social care reform which will be published later this year.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has advised that eutrophication of lakes is driven by excess nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen, the main sources of which are agriculture and sewage effluent. Fluoridation of drinking water supplies is not considered to have an effect and the low levels of fluoride that occur naturally in most waters in the United Kingdom are not felt to be an influence on the risks and impacts of eutrophication.

We replied to the hon. Member on 24 September 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 12 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 12 October 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 29 September 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 17 September 2021.

The National Health Service has well established procurement mechanisms for ensuring the supply of high quality wound care products to patients.

We expect NHS Supply Chain to optimise the range of products available on the market, balancing the needs of maintaining choice and securing supply with the commercial and consistency benefits that standardisation can deliver.

Expert clinicians in the National Wound Care Strategy Programme have contributed to the development of appropriate high quality specifications for products. The Programme is currently developing a classification system to support clinical decisions on the selection of wound care products and practical decisions around supply and distribution. This will provide greater clarity to clinicians of which products are comparable. The requirements of product selection processes remain driven by clinicians’ assessment of patient needs.

The National Health Service has well established procurement mechanisms for ensuring the supply of high quality wound care products to patients.

We expect NHS Supply Chain to optimise the range of products available on the market, balancing the needs of maintaining choice and securing supply with the commercial and consistency benefits that standardisation can deliver.

Expert clinicians in the National Wound Care Strategy Programme have contributed to the development of appropriate high quality specifications for products. The Programme is currently developing a classification system to support clinical decisions on the selection of wound care products and practical decisions around supply and distribution. This will provide greater clarity to clinicians of which products are comparable. The requirements of product selection processes remain driven by clinicians’ assessment of patient needs.

The National Health Service has well established procurement mechanisms for ensuring the supply of high quality wound care products to patients.

We expect NHS Supply Chain to optimise the range of products available on the market, balancing the needs of maintaining choice and securing supply with the commercial and consistency benefits that standardisation can deliver.

Expert clinicians in the National Wound Care Strategy Programme have contributed to the development of appropriate high quality specifications for products. The Programme is currently developing a classification system to support clinical decisions on the selection of wound care products and practical decisions around supply and distribution. This will provide greater clarity to clinicians of which products are comparable. The requirements of product selection processes remain driven by clinicians’ assessment of patient needs.

In November 2015, the United Kingdom National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommended the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary screen test for cervical screening, replacing cytology-based screening, as it was more accurate in detecting cervical cancers.

Laboratories can choose to use either deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based (HPV) testing platforms as both are approved for use in the national cervical screening programme.

Public Health England assessed the performance of both mRNA and DNA-based HPV testing platforms prior to their implementation in the national cervical screening programme. Both platforms were effective and performed to the level required. The type of HPV platform used does not have an impact on patient experience or effectiveness.

In November 2015, the United Kingdom National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommended the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary screen test for cervical screening, replacing cytology-based screening, as it was more accurate in detecting cervical cancers.

Laboratories can choose to use either deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based (HPV) testing platforms as both are approved for use in the national cervical screening programme.

Public Health England assessed the performance of both mRNA and DNA-based HPV testing platforms prior to their implementation in the national cervical screening programme. Both platforms were effective and performed to the level required. The type of HPV platform used does not have an impact on patient experience or effectiveness.

In November 2015, the United Kingdom National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommended the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary screen test for cervical screening, replacing cytology-based screening, as it was more accurate in detecting cervical cancers.

Laboratories can choose to use either deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based (HPV) testing platforms as both are approved for use in the national cervical screening programme.

Public Health England assessed the performance of both mRNA and DNA-based HPV testing platforms prior to their implementation in the national cervical screening programme. Both platforms were effective and performed to the level required. The type of HPV platform used does not have an impact on patient experience or effectiveness.

We will re-launch the Joint Government/Industry Working Group on antimicrobial resistance later this year. The group’s work will include collaboration on the discovery and development of new antimicrobials, in particular with respect to the United Kingdom’s pilot scheme to test an alternative, subscription reimbursement model for use of new antibiotics on the National Health Service.

We will re-launch the Joint Government/Industry Working Group on antimicrobial resistance later this year. The group’s work will include collaboration on the discovery and development of new antimicrobials, in particular with respect to the United Kingdom’s pilot scheme to test an alternative, subscription reimbursement model for use of new antibiotics on the National Health Service.

The merits of digital cytology cannot be assessed at this time as the technology is in initial development and not yet ready for commercial use. Once fully developed, NHS England and NHS Improvement will validate whether the technology is suitable for cervical screening samples.

Immunocompromised individuals are a priority cohort for research into therapeutic and prophylaxis treatments, such as monoclonal antibody therapies, novel antivirals and repurposed compounds. The National Health Service is also developing plans to deploy monoclonal antibody therapies if these become available in coming months.

In addition, subject to final advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those most vulnerable to COVID-19 may be offered a booster vaccination. Until these treatments are available, patients with immunosuppression are advised to continue following advice to reduce their chance of exposure.

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has supported 15 studies on monoclonal antibodies and other therapies for immunocompromised and immunosuppressed groups, including cell therapy and the use of probiotics. Twelve of these studies are now complete and three are ongoing. All NIHR-funded research is expected to be published in peer-reviewed, open access journals once completed to promote translation into patient care where appropriate.

The COV-BOOST study was commissioned through the National Institute for Health Research and will provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients’ immune responses. Initial findings are expected in September. To fully understand how COVID-19 vaccines respond as a booster dose they must first be studied in people with a fully functioning immune system.

UK Research and Innovation is providing £4 million towards the OCTAVE study examining COVID-19 vaccine responses in clinically at-risk groups, including immunocompromised patients.

We replied to the hon. Member on 25 June 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 23 September 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 23 September 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 14 June 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 21 June 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 7 June 2021.

No specific assessment has been made. However, as part of COVID-19 recovery planning we are working with the Department for Education and NHS England and NHS Improvement to improve the provision of health services to disabled children. NHS England and NHS Improvement published guidance making clear that essential community services must be prioritised for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities aged up to 25 years old and who have an Education Health and Care Plan in place or who are going through an assessment for one. On 25 March 2021 NHS England and NHS Improvement issued 2021/22 operational planning guidance​, including an elective recovery framework and expectations in relation to re-establishing services. This framework includes elective in-patient activity for children and young people aged 0 to 16 years old.

We replied to the hon. Member on 25 May 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 25 May 2021.

NHS England has confirmed they have received this letter and are working to provide an answer as soon as possible.

We replied to the hon. Member on 28 May 2021.

Current available information indicates that the number of former patients of Winterbourne View who are currently in in-patient units is very small. We are unable to provide further information as individuals could be identified.

The latest NHS Digital Assuring Transformation data, as at the end of April 2021, shows there were 2,040 people with a learning disability and autistic people in specialist-in patient settings in England. This is a net reduction of 30% on the inpatient number in March 2015.

The Building the Right Support Delivery Board has been established to drive further progress in reducing the number of people with a learning disability and autistic people in specialist in patient settings. The Board is monitoring progress to ensure the target is met.

The NHS Long Term Plan sets out our commitment to developing seven-day specialist multidisciplinary services, forensic services and crisis care to provide early intervention and reduce preventable admissions to inpatient care. Our work includes the delivery of community Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews; development of keyworkers for children and young people with the most complex needs; and a focus on the use of dynamic support systems to mitigate individuals’ risk of crisis.

We are consulting through the Reforming Mental Health Act white paper on the introduction of new duties on commissioners to ensure the adequate supply of community services for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

People should only be admitted to a mental health inpatient unit when there is a clinical need which cannot be treated in the community. The Building the Right Support Delivery Board has been established to drive further progress in reducing the number of people with a learning disability and autistic people in specialist inpatient settings through the development of community-based support. A priority for the Board is examining issues with funding flows, including assessing any financial disincentives preventing progress.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Wakefield (Imran Ahmad Khan MP) on 18 May to Question 539.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Wakefield (Imran Ahmad Khan MP) on 21 May 2021 to Question 540.

No such comparative assessment has been made.

Data on access to mental health services on people with mental health conditions is collated in the Mental Health Services Dataset and the Improving access to Psychological Therapies dataset. While both these datasets are able to record the consultation medium and show increased use of remote consultations for people in contact with services, it is too early to determine the overall effect of this change on service users and outcomes.

The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018, will increase the oversight and management of the use of force or restraint in mental health units so that force is only ever used as a last resort. We are committed to publishing the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 draft statutory guidance for public consultation by late spring 2021 and we will set out a full timetable for commencing the Act at the earliest opportunity.

As part of our joint arm’s length bodies’ programme on Reducing Use of Restraint and Restrictive Practices, a set of standards and an accreditation scheme for training providers has been developed to provide assurances that staff in mental health services and social care services are adequately trained in safe and appropriate use of restraint. Since April 2021, all services across health and social care have been expected to use training in restrictive practices that is certified as complying with the Restraint Reduction Network Standards. These standards apply across child and adult services, including for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is also leading a new programme of work to transform the way they regulate services for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The CQC set out their expectations for providers in their policy Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture, as well as in their updated guidance, which gives inspectors further support to identify warning signs of a closed culture in services.

We replied to the hon. Member on 17 May 2021.

We monitor all providers’ performance, including their delivery and testing services. We are taking rapid action with companies where appropriate. Those providers providing inadequate services receive a five-day warning to demonstrate they have rectified their service, or they are removed from GOV.UK.

All private providers listed on GOV.UK have demonstrated compliance with the relevant minimum standards for their commercial provision of testing. This includes undergoing the three-staged UKAS accreditation process if they are providing sample collection and/or test analysis services.

We monitor all providers’ performance, including their delivery and testing services. We are taking rapid action with companies where appropriate. Those providers providing inadequate services receive a five-day warning to demonstrate they have rectified their service, or they are removed from GOV.UK.

All private providers listed on GOV.UK have demonstrated compliance with the relevant minimum standards for their commercial provision of testing. This includes undergoing the three-staged UKAS accreditation process if they are providing sample collection and/or test analysis services.

Data on 12 hour waiting times in accident and emergency departments in 2019-20, the latest data available, is published at the following link:

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/hospital-accident--emergency-activity/2019-20

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regularly discusses a broad range of health issues with Cabinet colleagues. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are the lead Government department for contaminated industrial waste and consult with experts on matters related to ingestion.

We replied to the hon. Member on 27 April 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 28 April 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member on 22 April 2021.

The Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and local government are committed to further improving the diversity of housing options available to older people, including housing-with-care and are engaging closely with both the sector and a range of other stakeholders on this issue.

The Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and local government are committed to further improving the diversity of housing options available to older people, including housing-with-care and are engaging closely with both the sector and a range of other stakeholders on this issue.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have advised that they responded to the hon. Member on 15 April.

We recommend that individuals who have specific needs, such as requiring the use of British Sign Language (BSL), book their covid-19 vaccine through their general practitioner, so they can access the appropriate support to meet their needs.

Guidance published on GOV.UK states the specifications of the personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, that should be worn. The guidance requires that where the wearing of PPE restricts communication with individuals, other ways of communicating to meet their needs should be considered. Transparent masks are not currently used at test sites. However, the Department and the National Health Service are actively working with partners to ensure that at least one designated staff member will be provided with a transparent mask to be worn during the site’s opening hours, to assist test subjects that need to be able to lip read or see facial expressions. BSL is also currently available via the Test and Trace 119 call centre.

No specific assessment has been made. However, the Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) published a framework in May 2020 to support the restarting of research, including dementia research, paused due to COVID-19 which is available at the following link:

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/restart-framework/24886

The Department has not made a recent assessment of the potential merits of extending the funding for the British Sign Language (BSL) Health Access service. NHS England and NHS Improvement have commissioned a rapid review into access to BSL interpretation in the National Health Service which is near completion. The review will set out clear steps to support NHS providers to meet their responsibilities to deliver access to BSL interpretation.

All NHS providers must comply with the public sector equality duty set out in the Equality Act 2010 and the Accessible Information Standard to ensure that deaf people who wish to communicate using BSL can do so. NHS England and NHS Improvement have extended access to BSL interpretation of their 111 service via Interpreter Now.

The Department has not made a recent assessment of the potential merits of extending the funding for the British Sign Language (BSL) Health Access service. NHS England and NHS Improvement have commissioned a rapid review into access to BSL interpretation in the National Health Service which is near completion. The review will set out clear steps to support NHS providers to meet their responsibilities to deliver access to BSL interpretation.

All NHS providers must comply with the public sector equality duty set out in the Equality Act 2010 and the Accessible Information Standard to ensure that deaf people who wish to communicate using BSL can do so. NHS England and NHS Improvement have extended access to BSL interpretation of their 111 service via Interpreter Now.

On 23 November 2020 we published a Wellbeing and Mental Health Support Plan for COVID-19, setting out the steps we have taken to strengthen the mental health support available including for disabled children and their families.

On 5 March 2021, we announced that £79 million of the additional £500 million for mental health announced at the November 2020 Spending Review will be used to significantly expand mental health services for children, including disabled children. As part of the £500 million, £31 million will also be used to address particular challenges faced by individuals with a learning disability and autistic people, including for community respite services for children and young people and their families.

We replied to the hon. Member on 21 April 2021.

We replied to the hon. Member’s letter on 15 April.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

No specific assessment has been made.

NHS England and NHS Improvement work with clinical leaders within the field to evaluate and ensure that the clinical content in their toolkits is correct and up to date, as well as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to ensure that they align with their guidance. In addition, informal feedback has been received on how the scenarios and toolkits have been used to develop services across the National Health Service.

Progress on the inflammatory bowel disease RightCare scenario has been delayed due to COVID-19 pressures. A working draft has been reviewed and commented on by NHS England and NHS Improvement’s working group and by Crohn’s and Colitis UK. NHS England and NHS Improvement are in the process of updating the original working draft based on these comments. It is anticipated that a revised version will be ready to be share with IBD UK and their partner organisations for consultation in May.

NHS England and NHS Improvement promote RightCare scenarios to the health system through their website, events, bulletins, trade media articles and social media and are planning to resume these communications as they begin to resume normal services, following from the response phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RightCare scenarios should be used as an improvement tool that highlights the difference between a suboptimal pathway of care and an optimal one. The scenarios support local systems to identify where patient outcomes, quality of life and service costs can be improved as the result of shifting the care pathway from a suboptimal journey to an optimal one that consistently delivers timely, evidence-based excellence of care.

We replied to the hon. Member on 14 April.

We replied to the hon. Member on 14 April.

We replied to the hon. Member’s letter on 12 April.

We replied to the hon. Member’s letter on 12 April.

We replied to the hon. Member on 14 April.

We replied to the hon. Member on 12 April.

We replied to the hon. Member on 12 April.

The latest national learning disability improvement standards annual survey shows that approximately two thirds of National Health Service trusts in England directly employ learning disability liaison nurses. Trusts that do not directly employ learning disability liaison nurses often have a shared support arrangement in place with their local specialist mental health trust to access a learning disability nurse.

No specific assessment has been made. However, identifying and addressing the needs of disabled people, including disabled children, is a key part of the Government’s recovery planning. We will publish a National Strategy for Disabled People later this spring, taking into account the impacts of the pandemic on disabled people, including disabled children.

National Health Service recovery guidance makes clear that community services must be prioritised for children and young people aged up to 25 years old with special educational needs and disabilities and who have an Education Health and Care Plan in place or who are going through an assessment for one.

We are working to provide all Members and external correspondents with accurate answers to their correspondence, as well as supporting the Government’s response to the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hon. Member’s letter will be answered as soon as possible.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have advised that they expect to provide a response by 26 March 2021.

NHS England understands the need for improved services and care to be consistently available for those suffering from bladder and bowel problems. The approach remains to make full use of available capacity, both in the National Health Service and in contracted independent hospitals, to maintain elective activity as far as possible.

Working with and agreed by the Royal Colleges, a national clinical stratification programme has been established to make sure that every patient waiting for surgery, including patients with major continence and prolapse issues, can partake in decision-making discussions regarding their treatment. This will also include the assignment of a priority code to ensure that patients with the greatest clinical need are prioritised for treatment.

NHS England and NHS Improvement responded to the hon. Member on 12 March.

We replied to the hon. Member’s letter on 16 February 2021.

All healthcare professionals in contact with women in the perinatal period have a role to play in supporting pelvic health. NHS England and NHS Improvement will develop a service model for Perinatal Pelvic Health Services in partnership with 14 Early Implementer Systems