Written questions by Shelbrooke.

Whether he has made an assessment of the support available to victims of child sexual exploitation when court proceedings are paused due to the victim's mental health needs.

Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) roles, including children's ISVAs (CHISVAs), are intended provide information about the criminal justice process to the victim, including what to expect at each stage.Statutory guidance published in May 2025, under section 16 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and related regulations, aims to improve the consistency of support delivered by these roles. The guidance outlines that both ISVAs and CHISVAs can provide emotional and practical support to children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse. This support can continue while court proceedings are paused.When the victim is able to re-engage in the court proceedings, the offered support can include sitting with or near the victim in the courtroom (if the courtroom layout allows) or any other place where the victim takes part, unless there is good reason for the judge/magistrate to refuse.Pre-recorded cross-examination is also available so that children can avoid the stress of giving evidence in a live trial setting, which many find traumatic.In addition, the Ministry of Justice provides grant funding to over 60 specialist support organisations in England and Wales through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF). Organisations in receipt of RASASF funding deliver activities that help victims of sexual abuse, including recent and non-recent victims of child sexual abuse, to cope, build resilience, and move forward with their lives. This is complimented by specific support for child victims of sexual exploitation offered by the Home Office through their Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse fund.

Who has been selected to represent (a) midwifery, (b) obstetrics and (c) neonatal care for his Independent Maternity and Neonatal Investigation.

The list of Expert Advisers supporting Baroness Amos is published in the terms of reference. They include:a) Professor Julia Sanders and Lesley Sharkey, both midwives.b) Professor Alex Heazell and Dr Christine Ekechi, both obstetricians.c) Dr Edile Murdoch and Dr Alison Bedford-Russell, both neonatologists.

If his Department will publish (a) the long list of NHS trusts considered by the Chair for inclusion in the Independent Maternity and Neonatal Investigation and (b) the selection criteria used by the Investigation team to assess those trusts.

The 14 NHS trusts to be looked at as part of the independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation were announced on 15 September 2025. There are no plans to publish the long list of NHS trusts considered by the chair for inclusion in the investigation.The 14 NHS trusts were selected by the independent investigation based on a variety of factors, including results from the Care Quality Commission’s Maternity Patient Survey and Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK’s perinatal mortality rates, in addition to variation in case mix, trust type, geographic coverage, provision of care to individuals from diverse backgrounds, and family feedback.Three of the trusts have been included due to their inclusion in previous investigations or reviews, these three trusts being the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, and the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

What estimate she has made of the cost of (a) quarterly tax returns and (b) mandatory use of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax software to small and medium enterprises.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax quarterly updates are not the same as tax returns. They are simple, unadjusted summaries of income and expenditure, populated automatically through software and easily submitted. The latest published assessment of MTD for Income Tax impacts is available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/extension-of-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-self-assessment-to-sole-traders-and-landlordsThe government has worked with the software industry to ensure a wide range of software choices to suit varying needs and budgets including free and low-cost software options. HMRC's software choices page can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/find-software-thats-compatible-with-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax#software-available-now Quarterly updates will support taxpayers in getting get their tax right and allow customers to call-up estimates of their emerging liability on-demand throughout the tax year. This helps ensure everyone pays the right amount of tax at the right time

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to replace the Community Ownership Fund.

On 23 December 2024, we announced that the Community Ownership Fund (COF) is closed and that there will be no further application windows. Whilst we have closed the COF programme, this Government remains committed to the communities sector and to community empowerment. As part of the Spending Review, we announced communities funding for up to 350 places, which will serve as the cornerstone of this Government’s support for communities, incorporating the existing 75 Plan for Neighbourhoods areas announced in March. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we will also introduce a new Community Right to Buy to give local people stronger powers to acquire valued community spaces. This new measure will give community groups the first option to purchase registered assets when they are put up for sale and a longer timeframe to raise funding to purchase the asset. The Bill will also expand the definition of an Asset of Community Value (ACV) to help protect a wider range of assets, including those that support the economy of a community and those that were historically of importance to the community. This will empower local people to bring community spaces back into community ownership and help to end the blight of empty properties on our high streets.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to reinstate funding for local Neighbourhood Development Plans.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 59114 on 19 June 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 52615 on Agriculture: Finance, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of not including goats in the eligibility criteria for the Animal Health and Welfare grant in the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025 on goat farmers.

The Animal Health and Welfare grant scheme is part of the broader Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (the Pathway), which remains focused on the most commonly farmed species: pigs, dairy cows, beef cattle, laying hens, broiler chickens and sheep. This approach was co-designed with industry, non-government organisations and welfare scientists, and has shaped the development of the support offered, including the scope and items list for the grant. There are currently no plans to make an assessment of the impact of not including goats in the eligibility criteria as they are not one of the most commonly farmed species. The Department remains committed to working collaboratively with industry to ensure that grants are targeted towards those who need them most and where they can deliver the most benefit for food security, animal health and welfare, and nature.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support community groups to (a) tackle littering and (b) promote environmental cleanliness.

The Government is proud to support and endorse national clean-up initiatives such as the Great British Spring Clean, and the Great British Beach Clean, and we will continue to use our influence to encourage as many people and businesses as possible to participate in these types of events again.Local councils are often able to support community groups such as by providing equipment for litter picking. They may also be able to arrange for the collection and disposal of any rubbish collected by these groups.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to tackle littering in tourist hotspots; and how these steps are tailored to the influx of visitors during peak seasons.

Local councils are responsible for keeping public land clear of litter and refuse. The standards that they are expected to meet are set out in the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse, which is available at: Litter and refuse: code of practice - GOV.UK. Councils will be best placed to understand littering patterns in their area. The code provides guidance on managing hotspots and seasonal variations in tourist areas. It explains that councils may need to increase cleansing activities and enforcement patrols to cope with an influx of people during peak periods.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help improve the enforcement of littering.

Local councils are responsible for taking enforcement action against littering. They can prosecute those suspected of littering which could result in a criminal record and a fine of up to £2500. Instead of prosecuting, councils may decide to issue a fixed penalty (on-the-spot) fine of up to £500. Advisory guidance on littering enforcement is available at: Litter and refuse: code of practice - GOV.UK. We are considering the benefits of placing this guidance on a statutory footing. Any announcement will be made in the usual way.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will include goat farmers in the eligibility criteria for the Animal Health and Welfare grant in the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025.

Guidance for grants under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025 was published on 7 May ahead of opening to applications on 29 May. These grants are available to keepers of pigs, dairy cows, beef cattle, laying chickens, broilers and sheep.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will provide targeted funding for poultry farmers in North Yorkshire to improve on-farm biosecurity infrastructure in the context of avian influenza.

In September 2024 laying hen and pullet keepers could apply for funding to undertake large infrastructure projects to deliver excellent levels of health and welfare through the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant, this included funding for features such as fixed bio-secure housing and mechanical ventilation. The grant also funds constructing verandas, which can provide access to fresh air and natural light when an A.I. housing order is in force. On 29 May keepers of layer hens and broilers will be able to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, toward the cost of a list of items that address a range of health and welfare issues including biosecurity risks.

Food and Rural Affairs, if the reformed Sustainable Farming Initiative offer will limit the proportion of land holding eligible for submission.

The future Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer will build on what has made SFI effective so far. Defra is working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced following the spending review in summer 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with North Yorkshire Council on (a) coordination of local containment zones and (b) compensation access for affected poultry businesses.

Local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of avian influenza controls including Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) works in conjunction with the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO) which includes representatives from North Yorkshire Council and the Local Authority Animal Health and Welfare National Panel to disseminate information and guidance as required. Communication material is also shared with local authorities that provides up to date information and is available for use in the local community to raise awareness. North Yorkshire has seen 10 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in poultry during this outbreak season (2 in the Wetherby and Easingwold constituency and 8 in the Thirsk and Malton constituency) and we recognise bird keepers and local authorities are on the front line of this terrible disease. We extend our thanks to North Yorkshire Council and other local authorities for the work they do to support bird keepers and improve compliance with mandatory requirements. Defra’s avian influenza disease control measures aim to minimise the economic burden of the outbreak on the food and farming sectors, bird keepers and the wider economy. Defra works closely with both the poultry industry and wider bird keeping stakeholders and the impacts of the avian influenza outbreak are being monitored closely. When avian influenza is confirmed at a premises, in order to limit the risk of the disease spreading, all birds on the premises are humanely culled. Keepers will be paid compensation for clinically healthy birds culled by HM Government for disease control purposes as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat.

Food and Rural Affairs, what is the minimum notice period his Department must give to end agreements under the current terms of the Sustainable Farming Initiative.

Termination of agreements is covered by condition 15 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 terms and conditions. In some specific circumstances, agreements can be terminated by the department with immediate effect, for example if a change of circumstances means an agreement holder is no longer eligible, or if there has been a breach of the agreement. Beyond these specific circumstances, we may terminate an agreement at any time on giving at least six months’ written notice to the agreement holder.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the economic impact of avian influenza on poultry producers in North Yorkshire since 2022.

This Government is committed to working closely with industry to anticipate the potential social and economic risk from avian influenza, so that response strategies are as effective as possible. The joint Government and industry avian influenza taskforce has committed to publishing a full report on vaccination strategies in the UK this summer; this will include economic assessments from previous outbreaks, including the 2022 outbreak. The cross-government and industry avian influenza vaccination taskforce published an interim statement on 7 March 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) restocking and (b) business continuity for poultry farmers in North Yorkshire impacted by bird flu restrictions.

Local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of avian influenza controls including Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) works in conjunction with the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO) which includes representatives from North Yorkshire Council and the Local Authority Animal Health and Welfare National Panel to disseminate information and guidance as required. Communication material is also shared with local authorities that provides up to date information and is available for use in the local community to raise awareness. North Yorkshire has seen 10 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in poultry during this outbreak season (2 in the Wetherby and Easingwold constituency and 8 in the Thirsk and Malton constituency) and we recognise bird keepers and local authorities are on the front line of this terrible disease. We extend our thanks to North Yorkshire Council and other local authorities for the work they do to support bird keepers and improve compliance with mandatory requirements. Defra’s avian influenza disease control measures aim to minimise the economic burden of the outbreak on the food and farming sectors, bird keepers and the wider economy. Defra works closely with both the poultry industry and wider bird keeping stakeholders and the impacts of the avian influenza outbreak are being monitored closely. When avian influenza is confirmed at a premises, in order to limit the risk of the disease spreading, all birds on the premises are humanely culled. Keepers will be paid compensation for clinically healthy birds culled by HM Government for disease control purposes as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with international investors on the potential impact of extended producer responsibility on the attractiveness of the UK as an investment destination.

As part of the Government’s broader Collection and Packaging Reforms Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging will provide regulatory certainty necessary to support investment in recycling and reprocessing infrastructure across the UK and support the transition to a circular economy. Defra and senior officials from the Dutch Government have met with representatives of the UK and Dutch finance sectors to set out a path toward closer cooperation in financing a circular economy. Both sets of officials, with support from the Dutch Banking Association, invited attendees to form a Circular Economy Finance Coalition. The Coalition will identify ways to boost investment in the transition to a circular economy, including developing the necessary infrastructure and innovative business models.Investment is at the heart of the government’s growth mission, increasing the number of good, well-skilled jobs and improving productivity across the country. The UK has a strong track record attracting private investment – a testament to our strong economic foundations, including world-leading innovation, the rule of law, our ambitious transition to clean energy, and a supportive regulatory framework.The UK remains a globally competitive destination with the lowest top-line corporation tax rate in the G7 at 25%; the joint most generous capital allowances regime for plant and machinery in the OECD; and R&D tax incentives up to 27% for SMEs and the joint highest uncapped rate in the G7 for large companies.

What the average time taken was for employees of companies providing services to the armed forces to go through the security vetting process required for work on military sites in the last 12 months.

UK Security Vetting (UKSV) sits within Cabinet Office and is the provider for all security vetting for Ministry of Defence. There is no way to identify from their data which security vetting cases relate to employees of companies specifically providing services to the Armed Forces, nor whether the clearance requirement is specifically for work on military sites. UKSV performance data shows performance across all Defence industry is exceeding the set KPIs at all Clearance levels: They are currently completing cases at a rate of 99 % for CTC and 98% for SC within 25 days, whilst 97% of DVI and 98% of DVR are being completed within 95 days.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to improve mobile network coverage in (a) Kilburn and (b) other villages in Wetherby and Easingwold constituency.

According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report (published on 5 December 2024) 97% of the Wetherby and Easingwold constituency has 4G geographic coverage from all four mobile operators, while 5G is available from at least one operator outside 85% of all premises. I have raised my concerns about the accuracy of their coverage reporting with Ofcom and I urge them to continue to improve this.The government wants all areas of the UK to benefit from good quality mobile coverage. Our ambition is for all populated areas, including communities in your constituency, to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.We work closely with the mobile industry and are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework to support investment and competition in the market.