Written questions by Shelbrooke.

On how many occasions in the last 12 months has a local authority in England provided Section 20 accommodation for a child under the age of 16 without the consent of an individual with parental responsibility.

The information requested is not held centrally. While the department collects data on the number of children accommodated by local authorities under Section 20, we do not collect data on parental consent given as part of that arrangement.The latest figures show that there were 5,460 children aged under 16 who were looked after in care at 31 March 2023 under a Section 20 voluntary agreement.Figures on the overall number of children looked after placed in care under a voluntary agreement were published in the statistical release ‘Children looked after in England including adoptions: 2023’. This can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/fast-track/7e318fb5-8949-47d1-9f84-08dba4b954ad. Figures showing numbers at 31 March 2024 will be published on 14 November 2024.

Food and Rural Affairs, what level extended producer responsibility fees will be set at.

In August 2024, we released the first set of illustrative packaging extended producer responsibility base fees covering the following eight packaging materials: aluminium, fibre-based composite materials, glass, paper or board, plastic, steel, wood and other materials. In September 2024, we released a second set of illustrative base fees using an updated methodology, based principally on 'Report Packaging Data’ (RPD) producer reported tonnages from 2023 alongside Defra-modelled Local Authority costs. This is the same underlying approach and datasets that the Scheme Administrator intends to use for final fees from 2025, with all tonnages based on RPD data. Final fees can only be calculated after 1 April 2025, the deadline for large organisations to report their packaging data for the period July to December 2024. These fees have been published and can be found here: Extended producer responsibility for packaging: illustrative base fees - GOV.UK.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the consistency of phytosanitary certificate checks at the UK Border.

Checks are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service. Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure sanitary and phytosanitary goods are handled safely and with care.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the cost of the introduction of extended producer responsibility fees to businesses.

The Department’s impact assessment published online here has considered the impacts on businesses from the introduction of extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR).

Food and Rural Affairs, what body will administer the non-household packaging elements of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme; and when he plans to publish details of that body.

Obligations on non-household packaging elements of the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will continue to be enforced by the Environment Agency in England and the equivalent regulators in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as these obligations are in the current producer responsibility scheme.

What discussions she has had with the Mayor of Manchester on the relocation of Trafford Park Rail Freight Terminal.

The Government recognises the economic and environmental potential of rail freight is significant and is fully committed to supporting its growth. No discussions have taken place with the Mayor of Manchester about the relocation of Trafford Park Rail Freight Terminal.

What progress she has made on the new headquarters for Great British Railways in Derby.

Work to develop options for a HQ location is under way. Derby City Council and other industry partners are involved in a continuing dialogue to set out the vision for the HQ and the sector within Derby, bringing high-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with rail industry talent. The Secretary of State recently visited Derby to deliver a speech updating on our plans for rail reform.

Whether she has had discussions with Northern rail on fare prosecutions.

The Secretary of State has made clear she expects all operators to ensure their policy on ticketing is clear and fair for passengers at all times. Ticketing has become far too complicated, which is why we plan to simplify it as part of the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation.

What steps her Department is taking to tackle rail vandalism.

The British Transport Police (BTP) are responsible for policing the rail network in Great Britain and tackling rail vandalism is a priority for them given it is a key factor in causing disruption on the railways. The BTP use the 10 principles of crime prevention to tackle rail vandalism and they work in close partnership with the rail industry, including Network Rail and Train Operating Companies, to ensure there is a joined-up approach. BTP carry out Post Incident Site Visits at locations that have been targeted to provide advice around security and environmental features to reduce the likelihood that a location will be targeted again. Where an area is identified as a Hot Spot, BTP will undertake surveys and assess the area to identify ways to tackle the vandalism taking place there. BTP respond to incidents across the rail network and pursue offenders daily.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 8237 on Buses: Greater London, what information her Department holds on the number and proportion of buses operating in the UK which were made in the UK.

The Department does not hold information on the number or proportion of buses operating in the UK that were made in the UK.

What steps her Department is taking to help tackle bus vandalism.

The government is committed to improving bus services so they are more inclusive and enable all passengers to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a new Buses Bill later in this parliamentary session that will give local leaders the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities and ensure networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them. More detail on measures within the Bill will be set out in due course. The Department for Transport (DfT) also supports the Bus and Coach sector via our published ‘Security Recommended Best Practice Guidance’ which was developed to advise the bus and coach industry on security measures to protect against acts of violence, especially terrorism.

Whether she plans to (a) reduce the scope and (b) delay the delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade project.

The design and delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme is proceeding rapidly, with no current plans for changing its scope.