Asked by: Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 9 September (HC Deb col 578), whether Alan Milburn declared his financial interests to the Permanent Secretary; what steps have been taken to mitigate conflicts of interest in the advice from Mr Milburn; whether they will place a copy of any such declaration in the Library of the House; and whether Mr Milburn has signed a confidentiality agreement with the Department.
Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
As the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care stated in Parliament on 9 September 2024, it is absolutely right that people appointed to roles in public life declare their conflicts of interest so that they can be assessed when taking decisions or exercising powers to ensure that they are doing so in a way that manages those conflicts of interest and no conflict arises. Alan Milburn does not have a role in the Department of Health and Social Care.
It is also entirely legitimate for Government Departments to invite people with a wide range of experience and insight to advise on policy debates and discussions. We do not ask them all to declare their interests.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) medical researchers and (b) other professionals on trends in the level of severe allergies in children in the last 10 years; and steps his Department is taking to screen more children for severe allergies.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government is strongly committed to supporting research into all aspects of human health, including research into allergies. The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health. These are judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality, and the NIHR will work with researchers to facilitate the development of good-quality proposals that will move the evidence base forward.
An Expert Advisory Group for Allergy (EAGA) was established in 2023, and brings together key stakeholders, including clinical organisations, with the aim improving the quality-of-life of people with allergies. Chaired jointly by the Department and the National Allergy Strategy Group, the EAGA identifies priority areas for the Department, NHS England, and other Government departments and agencies relating to allergies that require policy change or development, and advises on how to best achieve improved outcomes.
The Department has also held a number of meetings with the National Allergy Research Foundation (NARF) to discuss both the research and policy aspects of allergies. The NARF is a charity with a mission to make allergy history through pioneering scientific and medical research, to change the lives of those living with allergies, starting with food allergies.
Blood and skin allergy tests can detect a patient's sensitivity to common allergens, including food allergens, and advice on the circumstances under which such tests should be offered are contained in the guidance, Food allergy in under 19s: assessment and diagnosis [CG116], published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE maintains surveillance of new evidence that may affect its published guidance, and would consult on proposed changes if significant new evidence were to emerge.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department and NHS England have made of (a) the potential impact on the availability of appropriate medical devices on the NHS of the requirement for suppliers to report the carbon footprint of all their products available across the NHS and (b) the cost of this requirement to NHS suppliers.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In 2021, NHS England published the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, which sets out a series of milestones to support National Health Service suppliers in aligning with NHS Net Zero ambitions. The 2027 requirement for suppliers to publicly report targets and emissions, and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) for global emissions aligned with the NHS Net Zero targets, will build on milestones implemented in 2023 and 2024. Further information on the roadmap is available at the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/get-involved/suppliers/
The 1 April 2023 milestone required that suppliers bidding for any new contracts above £5 million per annum publish a CRP for their United Kingdom scope one and two emissions, and a subset of scope three emissions, as a minimum. This requirement was proportionately extended to all new procurements from April 2024, with a full CRP required for new procurements above £5 million per annum, and new frameworks operated by in-scope organisations. A Net Zero Commitment is required for procurements of lower value, as set out in the guidance, which is available at the following link:
NHS England has proactively engaged with suppliers prior to and since the launch of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, and continues to engage with regulators, suppliers, and industry bodies ahead of implementing future roadmap milestones, including the April 2027 milestone. NHS England’s engagement approach has included regular supplier forums with trade bodies and external webinars, as well as horizon scanning of the global and UK regulatory and reporting landscapes.
A key enabler of decarbonising the NHS supply chain is to ensure our suppliers begin to understand and communicate the potential impacts of the products they supply. In doing so, we will always seek that product data asks be clear, and will not place a disproportionate burden or cost on the supply chain, whilst delivering on the purpose of the policy.
The NHS has committed to working with suppliers and regulators to determine the scope and methodology of new requirements that enable information sharing regarding the carbon impact of products supplied to the NHS. These requirements are due to be introduced from April 2028, with NHS England currently undertaking engagement in the policy development phase, including aligning with the Government’s medical technology strategy. Details around policy requirements are still being scoped, and as part of this process, we will seek to incorporate the feedback of the supply chain, and will take into account any concerns raised regarding the potential impact on the availability of devices. the Government’s Medical technology strategy is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/medical-technology-strategy
NHS trusts are required to provide an annual summary of progress on delivery of their Green Plan, however there is no requirement for trusts to carry out carbon footprinting, as NHS England provides annual estimates of the total NHS carbon footprint in the NHS England Annual Report and Accounts.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps with NHS England to introduce a clear supplier roadmap for carbon reduction reporting for NHS suppliers; and what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of current carbon reduction reporting requirements.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In 2021, NHS England published the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, which sets out a series of milestones to support National Health Service suppliers in aligning with NHS Net Zero ambitions. The 2027 requirement for suppliers to publicly report targets and emissions, and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) for global emissions aligned with the NHS Net Zero targets, will build on milestones implemented in 2023 and 2024. Further information on the roadmap is available at the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/get-involved/suppliers/
The 1 April 2023 milestone required that suppliers bidding for any new contracts above £5 million per annum publish a CRP for their United Kingdom scope one and two emissions, and a subset of scope three emissions, as a minimum. This requirement was proportionately extended to all new procurements from April 2024, with a full CRP required for new procurements above £5 million per annum, and new frameworks operated by in-scope organisations. A Net Zero Commitment is required for procurements of lower value, as set out in the guidance, which is available at the following link:
NHS England has proactively engaged with suppliers prior to and since the launch of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, and continues to engage with regulators, suppliers, and industry bodies ahead of implementing future roadmap milestones, including the April 2027 milestone. NHS England’s engagement approach has included regular supplier forums with trade bodies and external webinars, as well as horizon scanning of the global and UK regulatory and reporting landscapes.
A key enabler of decarbonising the NHS supply chain is to ensure our suppliers begin to understand and communicate the potential impacts of the products they supply. In doing so, we will always seek that product data asks be clear, and will not place a disproportionate burden or cost on the supply chain, whilst delivering on the purpose of the policy.
The NHS has committed to working with suppliers and regulators to determine the scope and methodology of new requirements that enable information sharing regarding the carbon impact of products supplied to the NHS. These requirements are due to be introduced from April 2028, with NHS England currently undertaking engagement in the policy development phase, including aligning with the Government’s medical technology strategy. Details around policy requirements are still being scoped, and as part of this process, we will seek to incorporate the feedback of the supply chain, and will take into account any concerns raised regarding the potential impact on the availability of devices. the Government’s Medical technology strategy is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/medical-technology-strategy
NHS trusts are required to provide an annual summary of progress on delivery of their Green Plan, however there is no requirement for trusts to carry out carbon footprinting, as NHS England provides annual estimates of the total NHS carbon footprint in the NHS England Annual Report and Accounts.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programme on (a) access to neurodevelopmental assessments and (b) outcomes for neurodivergent children.
Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
On 22 November 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Education, and NHS England launched a joint project, Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools. This project had £13 million of funding to test an innovative delivery model to improve access to specialist support in mainstream primary schools, upskilling those settings to meet a range of neurodiverse needs. The programme is ongoing, with delivery due to be completed by 31 March 2025. The programme is being evaluated, and learning will inform future policy development around how schools support neurodiverse children.
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an estimate of the maximum number of pupils that could move from independent to state schools for there to be a net increase in revenues to the Exchequer arising from her policy on levying VAT on independent school fees.
Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools.
Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) offer a unique mix of education, health, and social care services. The Treasury is working with the Department for Education and the SPI sector to establish the future VAT treatment of these institutions. This will be communicated when the Government confirms the introduction of this policy at Budget.
Following scrutiny of the Government’s costing by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, details of the Government’s assessment of the expected impacts of these policy changes will be published at the Budget in the usual way.
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential economic impact of the introduction of VAT on independent schools in South Suffolk constituency.
Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools.
Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) offer a unique mix of education, health, and social care services. The Treasury is working with the Department for Education and the SPI sector to establish the future VAT treatment of these institutions. This will be communicated when the Government confirms the introduction of this policy at Budget.
Following scrutiny of the Government’s costing by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, details of the Government’s assessment of the expected impacts of these policy changes will be published at the Budget in the usual way.
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether specialist post-16 institutions will be exempt from VAT.
Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools.
Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) offer a unique mix of education, health, and social care services. The Treasury is working with the Department for Education and the SPI sector to establish the future VAT treatment of these institutions. This will be communicated when the Government confirms the introduction of this policy at Budget.
Following scrutiny of the Government’s costing by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, details of the Government’s assessment of the expected impacts of these policy changes will be published at the Budget in the usual way.
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the introduction of VAT on independent schools on employment in such schools in South Suffolk constituency.
Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools.
Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) offer a unique mix of education, health, and social care services. The Treasury is working with the Department for Education and the SPI sector to establish the future VAT treatment of these institutions. This will be communicated when the Government confirms the introduction of this policy at Budget.
Following scrutiny of the Government’s costing by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, details of the Government’s assessment of the expected impacts of these policy changes will be published at the Budget in the usual way.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to conduct a review of prescribing rights during this Parliament.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In late 2020, NHS England launched a series of public consultations seeking views on proposals to amend the responsibilities for the prescribing, supply, and administration of medicines for the following professionals:
- dental hygienists and dental therapists;
- biomedical scientists, clinical scientists, and operating department practitioners;
- podiatrists and physiotherapists; and
- paramedics.
This work was undertaken as part of the Chief Professions Officers’ Medicines Mechanisms (CPOMM) programme. The Department is working with NHS England to consider the CPOMM consultations and progress the extension of responsibilities to supply, administer, and prescribe medicines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMRs 2012) to regulated healthcare professionals, where a clear need and benefits have been identified.
For example, the Department recently completed work to amend the HMRs 2012 to allow dental hygienists and dental therapists to supply and administer specified medicines via exemptions, and pharmacy technicians to use Patient Group Directions. This legislation came into force in late June 2024.