Written questions by Pinkerton.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of closer NHS–social care integration on reducing hospital discharge delays in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Department is committed to improving integration between health and social care services nationally and locally. Our vision for neighbourhood health will see local government and the National Health Service working more closely together, with a revitalised role for health and wellbeing boards (HWBs) and reform of the Better Care Fund (BCF).Through the BCF, around £9 billion is being invested in 2025/26 to enable NHS bodies and local authorities to pool budgets and deliver joined-up care. This includes setting shared goals to reduce delayed discharges, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, and support people to live independently at home.Whilst no specific assessment has been made of the impact of closer NHS-social care integration on reducing hospital discharge delays in Surrey Heath constituency, local HWBs are required to agree plans under the BCF framework to provide timely and coordinated support for people with complex needs. These plans prioritise effective discharge from hospital and recovery in the community.Starting in the financial year 2026/27, we will reform the BCF to provide a sharper focus on ensuring consistent joint NHS and local authority funding for those services that are essential for integrated health and social care, such as hospital discharge, intermediate care, rehabilitation and reablement. We will set out further details in due course.

What assessment he has made of the clarity of guidance on the boundary between (a) NHS responsibilities and (b) local authority responsibilities for individuals with care and support needs.

Under Section 22 of the Care Act 2014, local authorities are generally prevented from meeting needs by providing services that the National Health Service must provide under the National Health Service Act 2006.Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the care and support needs of their population are met, by assessing needs, providing or arranging appropriate services, and shaping a sustainable care market. This is set out in section 5 of the Care Act 2014 and includes commissioning a variety of different providers and specialist services that provide genuine choice to meet the needs of local people and that offer quality and value for money.Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning health services for their local population.

What fiscal steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce costs for commuters in Surrey Heath constituency.

On 5 December, the Government confirmed investment of over £3 billion for the rest of the Spending Review period to support local leaders and bus operators across the country to improve bus services for millions of passengers. This includes funding to extend the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027, ensuring that millions of people can access affordable bus fares and better opportunities all over the country. This investment also includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year, ending the short-term approach to bus funding and giving councils the certainty they need to plan. Surrey County Council has been allocated £33.6 million for 2026/27 to 2028/29. Local authorities will have the flexibility to use this funding to meet local needs, which could include introducing local fares schemes to further reduce the cost of bus travel. In respect of rail travel, the Chancellor and Transport Secretary have announced that regulated rail fares will be frozen for a year from March 2026, for the first time in 30 years. Over a billion journeys are going to be affected by this freeze with season tickets, anytime returns on commuter routes, and off-peak returns on longer-distance routes all subject to the freeze. Commuters in the Surrey Heath constituency could save over £200 on season tickets into London.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of a UK-EU Customs Union Deal for economic growth.

We have not made an assessment as we have been clear there will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement. We are focused on strengthening our relationship with the EU to make trade easier, help British businesses and support economic growth. At the first UK-EU Summit, the Prime Minister announced a deal with the EU which will deliver on what the British public voted for and which was welcomed by businesses.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of her fiscal policies on low income households in Surrey Heath constituency.

HM Treasury’s ‘Impact on households’ publication, produced alongside the Budget 2025, shows that the impacts of this Government’s tax, welfare and public spending decisions from Autumn Budget 2024 onwards are progressive and benefit households in the lowest income deciles the most, on average.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending the freeze on Income Tax thresholds on working people in Surrey Heath constituency.

The previous Government made the decision to maintain income tax thresholds at their current levels from April 2021 until April 2028. This government is making fair and necessary choices on tax so it can deliver on the public's priorities, including by maintaining personal tax thresholds until April 2031. Everyone is being asked to contribute to support these goals, but the government is keeping the contribution as low as possible by pursuing a programme of reform to fix longstanding issues in the tax system - modernising it, and addressing unequal and unfair treatment, while ensuring the wealthiest contribute more. The government has published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) setting out the impact of maintaining income Tax and equivalent National Insurance contributions thresholds.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support entrepreneurs in Surrey Heath constituency.

The government took steps at Budget 2025 to support founders and high-growth companies across the UK, as set out in the Entrepreneurship Prospectus, including on tax incentives, the procurement regime, R&D funding and expanding the role of the British Business Bank (BBB). This follows the BBB’s work to date supporting SMEs with its Start Up Loans programme. Between the scheme’s inception in 2012 and June 2025, 105 businesses in Surrey Heath have received loans, totaling £1,249,215 of funding.

What recent estimate he has made of the number of medically fit patients unable to be discharged from hospitals in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stockton West on 26 November 2025 to Question 93528.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment his Department has made of the financial sustainability of the proposed West Surrey unitary authority.

As set out to the House on 28 October, we considered the two proposals for unitary local government received from Surrey councils on 9 May together with the responses to the consultation, representations and all other relevant information. In our judgement the proposal for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council better meets the criteria set out in the invitation of 5 February 2025. In particular, we believe it performs better against the second criterion, as it is more likely to be financially sustainable. West Surrey Council will, subject to Parliament, comprise the current districts of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking. On 28 October, we also announced our commitment to repay in-principle £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given historic capital practices at the Council and the value for money case for acting to protect local and national taxpayers. This is a first tranche of repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point. The Government remains committed to achieving the best value for money for the taxpayer in the rationalisation of Woking’s assets, and this process is likely to continue past vesting day in West Surrey. We are committed to supporting the new council with the rationalisation of Woking’s assets, whether through the provision of interim financial support and/or commercial support and expertise until this process is complete.

What steps his Department is taking to increase social care capacity to support the timely discharge of medically fit patients in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government is committed to tackling delayed discharges to ensure that people do not spend longer than necessary in hospital and to free up hospital beds. This year approximately £9 billion has been committed to the Better Care Fund (BCF) which requires integrated care boards and local authorities to make joint plans and pool budgets to deliver better joined-up care. This funding can be used flexibly to expand social care capacity, including home care and short-term reablement services.From 2026/27, we will reform the BCF to ensure consistent joint funding for services essential to integrated health and social care such as hospital discharge, intermediate care, rehabilitation, and reablement.

What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of Frimley Integrated Care Board on levels of demand for neurodevelopmental pathways for children in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including access to neurodevelopmental assessments.Through the Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.The Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board and Mindworks, a children and young people’s emotional wellbeing, mental health, and learning disability service, have established a locally commissioned service covering Surrey Heath and Farnham. The Frimley Integrated Care Board contributes funding to ensure their local population benefits from this model. As part of the specialist Mindworks neurodevelopmental pathway, a strengthened assessment of needs process is now in place, and a new ADHD clinical triaging tool has been developed and implemented. Mindworks is also partnering with Psicon, a neurodevelopmental assessment and diagnosis service, to increase diagnostic capacity.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in the frequency of severe weather events on flood management infrastructure in Surrey Heath constituency.

Across all catchments in the Thames area, including those in Surrey and Surrey Heath, the Environment Agency (EA) continues to monitor potential flood risk, and its field staff have undertaken flood runs clearing debris. The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (LRF) brings together all agencies, including local authorities, with a significant role to play in responding to and recovering from the effects of emergencies, such as flooding. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic emergencies. The EA works closely with Surrey Prepared, a subgroup of Surrey LRF that looks at flood resilience across the wider county. The EA has recently produced new flood risk modelling of the Addlestone Bourne catchment. This was published as part of wider improvements earlier this year, providing greater understanding of the flood risk posed to our communities.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of (a) loneliness and (b) social isolation in (i) Surrey and (ii) Surrey Heath constituency.

The most recent Community Life Survey, which also looks at data on a local authority level, shows that 7% of adults in England (over three million people) say they are lonely. This Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation, including in Surrey and Surrey Heath. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men’s Health Strategy. This government funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online community which enables over 1000 members to connect across sectors in England, share insights, and collaborate. My department is currently exploring how to make the Hub even more accessible to a broader range of people whose work can reduce loneliness and improve social connection.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to reduce loneliness among (a) younger and (b) older demographics in Surrey Heath constituency.

The most recent Community Life Survey, which also looks at data on a local authority level, shows that 7% of adults in England (over three million people) say they are lonely. This Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation, including in Surrey and Surrey Heath. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men’s Health Strategy. This government funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online community which enables over 1000 members to connect across sectors in England, share insights, and collaborate. My department is currently exploring how to make the Hub even more accessible to a broader range of people whose work can reduce loneliness and improve social connection.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments for children with (a) ADHD or (b) Autism in (i) Surrey and (ii) the Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including provision of autism and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.The NICE guidance for the diagnosis of autism recommends that the length between referral and first appointment should be no more than 13 weeks. We know that this is not happening routinely across the country. In respect of ADHD, the NICE guideline does not recommend a maximum waiting time for people to receive an assessment for ADHD or a diagnosis, however it sets out best practice on providing a diagnosis.Through the NHS Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of potential flood risk arising from heavy rainfall in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

Across all catchments in the Thames area, including those in Surrey and Surrey Heath, the Environment Agency (EA) continues to monitor potential flood risk, and its field staff have undertaken flood runs clearing debris. The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (LRF) brings together all agencies, including local authorities, with a significant role to play in responding to and recovering from the effects of emergencies, such as flooding. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic emergencies. The EA works closely with Surrey Prepared, a subgroup of Surrey LRF that looks at flood resilience across the wider county. The EA has recently produced new flood risk modelling of the Addlestone Bourne catchment. This was published as part of wider improvements earlier this year, providing greater understanding of the flood risk posed to our communities.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of prolonged waiting times for ADHD assessment on children’s (a) wellbeing and (b) educational outcomes in (i) Surrey and (ii) the Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including provision of autism and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.The NICE guidance for the diagnosis of autism recommends that the length between referral and first appointment should be no more than 13 weeks. We know that this is not happening routinely across the country. In respect of ADHD, the NICE guideline does not recommend a maximum waiting time for people to receive an assessment for ADHD or a diagnosis, however it sets out best practice on providing a diagnosis.Through the NHS Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the public health impacts of loneliness in Surrey Heath constituency.

The most recent Community Life Survey, which also looks at data on a local authority level, shows that 7% of adults in England (over three million people) say they are lonely. This Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation, including in Surrey and Surrey Heath. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men’s Health Strategy. This government funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online community which enables over 1000 members to connect across sectors in England, share insights, and collaborate. My department is currently exploring how to make the Hub even more accessible to a broader range of people whose work can reduce loneliness and improve social connection.

What steps he is taking to help ensure the resilience of electricity during severe weather events in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy network. The Government works closely with the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience of energy infrastructure against risks including severe weather events, such as storms. This includes working with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the Distribution Network Operator for Surrey and Surrey Heath Constituency. Ahead of this winter period, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have assessed industry resilience and preparedness for winter risks, including severe weather, and have provided assurance to my department that the electricity network operators are prepared for these risks.

Whether he will make an assessment of the adequacy of local capacity to meet increases in demand for (a) ADHD and (b) Autism assessments in (i) Surrey and (ii) Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including provision of autism and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.The NICE guidance for the diagnosis of autism recommends that the length between referral and first appointment should be no more than 13 weeks. We know that this is not happening routinely across the country. In respect of ADHD, the NICE guideline does not recommend a maximum waiting time for people to receive an assessment for ADHD or a diagnosis, however it sets out best practice on providing a diagnosis.Through the NHS Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.