Written questions by Bennett.

If her Department will provide a guarantee that any changes to settlement rules will not have an adverse impact on families that are on the five-year pathway to remain.

The earned settlement model, proposed in A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, is currently subject to a public consultation, running until 12 February 2026.The consultation seeks views on whether there should be transitional arrangements for those already on a pathway to settlement.We will continue to offer a shorter pathway to settlement for non-UK dependants of British citizens, on the family route, to five years, provided they have remained compliant with their requirements, and we will retain existing safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including settlement rights for victims of domestic violence and abuse.I do not want to prejudge the outcome of the consultation, so there is no further detail I can give at this time.The government’s response to the consultation will be subject to an economic and equality impact assessment, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Whether she has considered the potential merits of removing the loan charge for students who withdraw from university in their first year due to health conditions and other mitigating circumstances.

Students may defer or withdraw from their studies for different reasons including due to health conditions and other mitigating circumstances. Interest will continue to accrue even if a student suspends or withdraws from their course, but current students on Plan 5 loans will only accrue Retail Price Index level interest, without the additional rates of Plan 2.Interest rates do not impact monthly repayments made by student loan borrowers, which stay at a constant rate of 9% above an earnings threshold to protect lower earners. If a borrower’s income drops below the repayment threshold, or they are not earning, their repayments will stop.Any outstanding loan will be cancelled if the borrower becomes disabled and permanently unfit for work, and debt is never passed on to family members or descendants.

Whether she has assessed the potential merits of waiving interest on student loans for people who withdraw from university due to health conditions or other mitigating circumstances.

Students may defer or withdraw from their studies for different reasons including due to health conditions and other mitigating circumstances. Interest will continue to accrue even if a student suspends or withdraws from their course, but current students on Plan 5 loans will only accrue Retail Price Index level interest, without the additional rates of Plan 2.Interest rates do not impact monthly repayments made by student loan borrowers, which stay at a constant rate of 9% above an earnings threshold to protect lower earners. If a borrower’s income drops below the repayment threshold, or they are not earning, their repayments will stop.Any outstanding loan will be cancelled if the borrower becomes disabled and permanently unfit for work, and debt is never passed on to family members or descendants.

What steps her Department is taking to increase public awareness of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, particularly among eligible disabled people.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) is administered by local authorities or 'travel concession authorities' (TCAs). The Department for Transport provides guidance on administering the scheme, which makes clear that TCAs should ensure that people who are eligible to claim concessionary travel are able to do so, and that they should inform them of what they are entitled to, how they can obtain an ENCTS pass, how they can check their eligibility, what services they can use their pass on, and how they can obtain further information. The Department will continue to work with local authorities and monitor progress in this area.

What recent discussions he has had with the hospice sector on the financial viability of that sector.

I attended the Hospice UK National Conference on 25 November 2025, where I heard directly from many people working in the hospice sector, including hospice chief executives and palliative care consultants and nurses. I really valued hearing their thoughts, insights, and expertise on the challenges facing the sector and how we can work together to come up with solutions.I have also visited several hospices in recent months, including Sussex Beacon and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, where I have had very informative discussions with hospice staff. Additionally, Department officials meet regularly with Hospice UK which provides updates on the financial state of the hospice sector at both national and local levels.The Government is developing a Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care Modern Service Framework (MSF) for England. We will consider contracting and commissioning arrangements as part of our MSF. We recognise that there is currently a mix of contracting models in the hospice sector. By supporting integrated care boards to commission more strategically, we can move away from grant and block contract models. In the long term, this will aid sustainability and help hospices’ ability to plan ahead.Officials are working closely with Hospice UK and a number of other stakeholders from the hospice sector in the development of the MSF.

Whether the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme will be impacted by changes to Personal Independence Payment policy.

The statutory elements of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), including the eligibility criteria for disabled people, are set out in concessionary travel legislation. Any changes to Personal Independence Payment policy will not change the statutory eligibility criteria as defined in concessionary travel legislation. Responsibility for administering the ENCTS sits with local authorities, or 'travel concessionary authorities' (TCAs). The Department for Transport provides guidance to TCAs on assessing the eligibility of disabled people for concessionary bus travel which includes guidance on the process around the passporting of eligibility for concessionary travel from other state benefits, such as certain Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme to operate on a 24-hour basis; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on disabled people.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. The ENCTS costs around £795 million annually in reimbursement to operators and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the travel time criteria, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. The Government has conducted a review of the ENCTS, which included considering travel times for passholders and is currently considering next steps.Currently, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as extending the travel time criteria for the ENCTS.The Government has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support local leaders and bus operators across England to improve bus services over the spending review period. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year. West Sussex County Council will be allocated £28.4 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in addition to the £9.7 million they are already receiving this financial year. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, which could include extending discretionary concessions locally.

What assessment the government has made of the potential impact of hospice cuts on quality of palliative care across the country.

Whilst the majority of palliative care and end-of-life care is provided by National Health Service staff and services, we recognise the vital part that voluntary sector organisations, including hospices, also play in providing support to people at the end of life and their loved ones.Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning palliative care and end-of-life care services that meet the needs of their local populations. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications. The statutory guidance states that ICBs must work to ensure that there is sufficient provision of care services to meet the needs of their local populations, which can include hospice services available within the ICB catchment.NHS England has reinforced the requirement that, from April 2026, ICBs and relevant providers must have a full understanding of current and projected service utilisation and costs, including for those needing end-of-life care, to support sustainable planning. This will help systems to better assess local need and maintain quality of care.The Government is also providing £125 million of capital funding for eligible adult, and children and young people’s hospices and we recently also confirmed approximately £80 million of revenue funding for the next three years for children and young people’s hospices in England.Additionally, the Government is developing a Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care Modern Service Framework (MSF) for England. It will drive improvements in access, quality, and sustainability, and support ICB to commission high-quality, personalised care. Through our MSF, we will closely monitor the shift towards the strategic commissioning of palliative care and end-of-life care services, and we will also consider contracting and commissioning arrangements.

How many patients are being treated in temporary hospital environments, including corridors, for which the latest data is available.

We recognise that the provision of clinical care in corridors or other non-designated clinical areas is unacceptable and are committed to eradicating it from our National Health Service.Our Urgent and Emergency Care Plan, published in June 2025, set out steps we are taking to ensure that patients will receive better, faster, and more appropriate emergency care this winter, backed by a total of nearly £450 million of funding. This includes a commitment to publish data on the prevalence of corridor care.NHS England has been working with trusts to put in place new reporting arrangements regarding the use of corridor care to drive improvement and data transparency. The data quality is currently being reviewed, and we expect to publish the information shortly.We are also introducing new clinical operational standards for the first 72 hours of care, setting clear expectations for timely reviews and specialist input, further supporting our efforts to eliminate corridor care and improve patient experience.In December, NHS England published updated guidance on providing care in corridors to support trusts with making decisions on corridor care transparently, with clear governance and oversight to reduce impacts on patients and staff and to ensure the safety and dignity of patients.

Whether he has considered adopting approaches to lipoedema treatment used by other European countries, like Germany and Spain.

Women with lipoedema can face a number of barriers to seeking diagnosis and referral, including long waits, misdiagnosis, often as obesity or lymphoedema, and low awareness of the condition among both the public and some healthcare professionals. These factors can lead to delayed recognition, worsening symptoms, and reduced confidence in seeking care.We recognise the need to improve awareness and understanding of lipoedema. To support earlier, more accurate diagnosis, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has worked in partnership with Lipoedema UK to develop a dedicated e‑learning module for general practitioners, covering the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of lipoedema in primary care. This resource is freely available to RCGP members.Access to specialist assessment and treatment for lipoedema is commissioned locally by integrated care boards, which are best placed to understand local population need. Treatment options may include compression therapy, simple lymphatic drainage, self‑management support and, in severe cases, consideration of liposuction in line with interventional procedures guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinicians may offer treatment where appropriate, using their professional judgment and taking advice published by NICE into account.We are aware that some European countries, including Germany, have expanded access to liposuction for lipoedema following emerging evidence from the German LiPLEG study into liposuction. In England, NICE’s current guidance advises that evidence on the safety and efficacy of liposuction for chronic lipoedema remains limited, and it should only be offered with appropriate clinical governance and safeguards. NICE will review this guidance once the full LiPLEG data is available.

What assessment he has made of the potential factors that may prevent women from seeking diagnosis and referral for lipoedema; and what steps he is taking to ensure timely access to specialist assessment and treatment.

Women with lipoedema can face a number of barriers to seeking diagnosis and referral, including long waits, misdiagnosis, often as obesity or lymphoedema, and low awareness of the condition among both the public and some healthcare professionals. These factors can lead to delayed recognition, worsening symptoms, and reduced confidence in seeking care.We recognise the need to improve awareness and understanding of lipoedema. To support earlier, more accurate diagnosis, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has worked in partnership with Lipoedema UK to develop a dedicated e‑learning module for general practitioners, covering the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of lipoedema in primary care. This resource is freely available to RCGP members.Access to specialist assessment and treatment for lipoedema is commissioned locally by integrated care boards, which are best placed to understand local population need. Treatment options may include compression therapy, simple lymphatic drainage, self‑management support and, in severe cases, consideration of liposuction in line with interventional procedures guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinicians may offer treatment where appropriate, using their professional judgment and taking advice published by NICE into account.We are aware that some European countries, including Germany, have expanded access to liposuction for lipoedema following emerging evidence from the German LiPLEG study into liposuction. In England, NICE’s current guidance advises that evidence on the safety and efficacy of liposuction for chronic lipoedema remains limited, and it should only be offered with appropriate clinical governance and safeguards. NICE will review this guidance once the full LiPLEG data is available.

What assessment he has made of the potential role of GLP-1 medications in reducing inflammation and pain associated with lipoedema.

The Department has not made any assessment of the potential role of GLP-1 medications in reducing inflammation and pain associated with lipoedema. Newly licensed medicines are appraised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which is the independent body responsible for developing evidence-based guidance for the National Health Service on which new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of resources. NICE only makes recommendations on medicines within their licensed indications, and there is no GLP1 inhibitor with a United Kingdom marketing authorisation for use in the treatment of lipoedema. If a manufacturer applies for a UK marketing authorisation it may then be considered for evaluation by NICE.In the absence of NICE guidance, clinicians are able to prescribe a medicine if they consider it appropriate for their patients, subject to funding being available. NHS commissioners are expected to make funding decisions based on an assessment of the available evidence.

What steps he is taking to ensure that efforts to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for lipoedema adequality align with the Government’s commitments under the Women’s Health Strategy.

The refreshed Women’s Health Strategy will play a central role in improving outcomes for women living with long‑term conditions like lipoedema by addressing the systemic barriers that have historically contributed to delayed diagnosis, variability in care, and poorer health experiences.The refreshed strategy places a strong emphasis on creating a healthcare system that listens to women, reduces diagnostic waiting times, and tackles entrenched inequalities, ensuring services are better aligned with women’s needs. By strengthening clinical awareness, supporting earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and embedding high‑quality, evidence‑based care across the system, the updated strategy, fully aligned with the 10‑Year Health Plan, will enhance support for women managing a wide range of long‑term conditions, including lipoedema.

What targeted support is available to people with medical conditions exacerbated by cold temperatures, including Raynaud’s; and whether he plans to work with energy suppliers to improve support for those groups.

The department has published the Warm Homes Plan which will tackle fuel poverty, lower bills, and deliver warmer, more comfortable homes. A new Fuel Poverty Strategy has been published alongside the Warm Homes Plan, which specifically considers the needs of low-income households most at risk from the impact of living in a cold home.Additionally, the Warm Home Discount will be expanded to support a further 2.7 million households. From this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support off their energy bill.

Whether her Department has assessed the potential impact of a 15-year baseline qualifying period for settlement on the functioning and long-term sustainability of social care services.

The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, announced changes to the mandatory requirements and qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. It is currently subject to a public consultation, running until 12 February 2026.The consultation seeks views on the impact proposed changes might have on different groups. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation.The final model will also be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Whether migrant workers employed in the social care sector will be subject to the same settlement routes and qualifying periods as counterparts working in the NHS under the Health and Care visa.

The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, announced changes to the mandatory requirements and qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. It is currently subject to a public consultation, running until 12 February 2026.The consultation seeks views on the impact proposed changes might have on different groups. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation.The final model will also be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

What steps she is taking to improve public awareness and understanding of changes to the Highway Code as part of the new Road Safety Strategy.

I would like to make clear that improving road safety is one of my Department’s highest priorities.Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users.That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes. Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations. However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course. As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK, the government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure local carer services are able to provide income maximisation services and crisis support to unpaid carers who need it.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 December 2025 to question UIN 99555.

Whether the Crisis and Resilience Fund which is launching in April 2026 will recognise unpaid carers as a financially vulnerable group and a group who are likely to need support from that Fund.

My Department has engaged with stakeholders on the design of the Fund through a structured process, including eligibility requirements. We are considering feedback received through this process, and we plan to publish guidance this month.

How many carers have been convicted of fraud since 2015 related to Carer’s Allowance overpayments.

The Government inherited a system where some busy carers, already struggling under a huge weight of caring responsibilities, have found themselves with unexpected debts due to earnings-related overpayments of Carer’s Allowance which they were asked to pay back. This only affected some of the relatively small number of Carer’s Allowance claimants who also do paid work, but the impact on some of these unpaid carers has been significant.Liz Sayce OBE led an Independent Review into the matter. The Review’s report, which we published on 25 November 2025, alongside the Government’s response, has been invaluable in assessing how these overpayments have arisen; what can be done to support unpaid carers who have incurred debts in the past; and how further overpayments can be minimised in future.The Review has shown that some mistakes were made, and we are determined to put them right. The Government has welcomed the report and is accepting or partially accepting 38 out of the 40 recommendations. In some cases, the changes the report is asking for have already been made. Others will take more time to put in place.The department agrees the guidance on averaging earnings between 2015 and summer 2025 did not accurately reflect the statutory position with respect to those with fluctuating earnings. That is why we are putting steps in place to run a reassessment exercise. This exercise will begin later this year, and we will communicate details on how this will work in due course.The department does not routinely publish data at a benefit level linked to benefit fraud prosecutions. However, data on the volume of prosecutions since 2015, where published, can be found in their respective Annual Report available here: DWP annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK. For example, for the 2024/25 figures see page 114 in the Annual Report and Accounts.