Written questions by Snowden.

What steps his Department is taking to increase participation by (a) young people and (b) young people from (i) disadvantaged and (ii) underrepresented communities in Cadet Units in Fylde constituencies.

We are committed to sustaining and growing the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Cadet Forces across the UK, including in the Fylde constituency. Uplift in Cadet numbers will benefit all regions of the UK, but it will be targeted at those communities most in need. Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the Cadet experience we want more young people to be able to join and we aim to significantly grow both community and school Cadet numbers, expanding by 30% by 2030, with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term. To encourage young people to join, the Cadet Force headquarters run national and regional marketing campaigns showcasing the benefits of personal development, adventure, and community involvement. The Cadet Forces are also very active on social media with regular posts publicising activities and further information about joining is also posted on the Cadet Forces’ websites. The Cadet Forces are inclusive organisations, committed to equality of opportunity for young people with activities heavily subsidised to ensure inclusivity. We are proud of the fact that we invest a significant amount in our Cadet Forces, and it is worth noting that if the cadet experience helps just 1% of cadets every year change their life outcomes so that they are in employment, education or training, the annual cost of the Cadet Forces is covered. Independent research shows that participation in the Cadet Forces has significant positive impacts on young people. It increases their performance at school and improves their employment and career prospects and the impact is particularly strong for those cadets that suffer economic and other disadvantages.

Whether he has considered negotiating a tariff-free or lower-tariff trade corridor with the US for UK SMEs that rely on international supply chains.

On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses. What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership between the US and the UK, protecting businesses and jobs across the country. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains. We will continue our engagement with businesses from across the UK throughout these remaining negotiations.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 51546 on Broadband: Lancashire, if he will list which specific areas within the Fylde constituency still lack access to gigabit-capable broadband; and what is the expected timeline for extending coverage to those areas.

Building Digital UK (BDUK) collects data at premises-level, rather than by area. On 13 March, BDUK published data about the status of all premises in England and Wales, which can be accessed on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/premises-in-bduk-plans-england-and-wales. This data is designed to help technical users, including broadband suppliers and local councils, understand which premises are included in BDUK’s plans.This includes information about which premises are currently included in the Project Gigabit contract for Lancashire. Openreach is due to deliver the improved coverage under the contract by the end of 2030.

Pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 39631 on Armed Forces: Fylde, what assessment he has made of the potential (a) financial, (b) geographic and (c) cultural barriers to participation in the Cadet forces.

We are committed to sustaining and growing the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Cadet Forces across the UK, including in the Fylde constituency. Uplift in Cadet numbers will benefit all regions of the UK, but it will be targeted at those communities most in need. Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the Cadet experience we want more young people to be able to join and we aim to significantly grow both community and school Cadet numbers, expanding by 30% by 2030, with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term. To encourage young people to join, the Cadet Force headquarters run national and regional marketing campaigns showcasing the benefits of personal development, adventure, and community involvement. The Cadet Forces are also very active on social media with regular posts publicising activities and further information about joining is also posted on the Cadet Forces’ websites. The Cadet Forces are inclusive organisations, committed to equality of opportunity for young people with activities heavily subsidised to ensure inclusivity. We are proud of the fact that we invest a significant amount in our Cadet Forces, and it is worth noting that if the cadet experience helps just 1% of cadets every year change their life outcomes so that they are in employment, education or training, the annual cost of the Cadet Forces is covered. Independent research shows that participation in the Cadet Forces has significant positive impacts on young people. It increases their performance at school and improves their employment and career prospects and the impact is particularly strong for those cadets that suffer economic and other disadvantages.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of support available to help small businesses reduce the impact of US tariffs in Fylde.

We will continue our work with businesses in the North-West and across the country to understand their assessment of the impact of US tariffs on their operations. The Government has announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures.We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find further guidance and support on great.gov.uk.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 51549 on Exercise: Older People, what the cost to public purse was of producing the NHS 10 walking app.

The NHS Active 10 app was initially launched in February 2017 by Public Health England, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield. Initial development costs totalled £700,807.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 51549 on Exercise: Older People, what steps he is taking to advertise the NHS 10 walking app.

Paid for media plans are agreed annually with My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Office. Plans for the rest of the year are not yet agreed. Through the Department’s Campaign Resource Centre, promotional NHS Active 10 materials are made available year-round to support health professionals, local authorities, educators, and community organisations in promoting physical activity initiatives. The app, as well as a portfolio of digital behaviour change tools managed by the Department, are promoted through the NHS Better Health website and the associated digital prevention pathways.

Whether her Department has a long-term strategy for improving road safety in Fylde constituency.

There is not a specific DfT road safety strategy for Flyde or Lancashire. It is for local authorities to decide upon the most appropriate road safety interventions, based on its knowledge of an area and taking into account local needs and considerations. However, the Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department is developing its Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.

What initiatives are in place for local communities to help identify road safety issues in Fylde constituency.

There is not a specific DfT road safety strategy for Flyde or Lancashire. It is for local authorities to decide upon the most appropriate road safety interventions, based on its knowledge of an area and taking into account local needs and considerations. However, the Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department is developing its Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 38171 on Farmers: Lancashire, what steps his Department has taken to ensure support from the Farming Recovery Fund reaches the most vulnerable farmers (a) quickly and (b) effectively.

Environment Agency and Met Office data was used to identify which farm businesses will receive the Farming Recovery Fund recovery payment. This data on river flooding and exceptional rainfall allows us to determine affected land and make payments directly to eligible farms. By focusing on those with the most significant impacts, this approach ensures the payment contributes to uninsured costs resulting from the extreme wet weather.There was no need for farmers to submit an application or claim form. This straightforward process meant payments could be made quickly—usually within 28 days of receiving a letter or email from the RPA — without further evidence or confirmation of eligibility.

What assessment she has made of the merits of making (a) PINS training materials and (b) modules available to schools currently not participating in the programme.

The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme is a national programme, backed by £9.5 million of investment in 2025/26. It is a cross-government collaboration between the department, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, supported by the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF).An equal budget has been allocated to each Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enable them to deliver PINS to an additional 30 schools and provide ongoing support to the 40 schools supported in the first year of the programme. The specific amount available to each ICB is determined by the NHS fair share formula, which adjusts budgets to take account of local cost variations. Each ICB nationally will receive a minimum of £209,000.Across Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB footprint, 40 schools took part in PINS in 2024/25 and will continue to receive support to embed their learning over 2025/26. The ICB is in the process of recruiting an additional 30 new schools for 2025/26. The programme is being evaluated by a consortium led by CFE Research, and the learning will inform future policy development around how schools support neurodivergent children.

What assessment he has made of the merits of the PINS programme from the 1,600 schools participating in that programme.

The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme is a national programme, backed by £9.5 million of investment in 2025/26. It is a cross-government collaboration between the department, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, supported by the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF).An equal budget has been allocated to each Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enable them to deliver PINS to an additional 30 schools and provide ongoing support to the 40 schools supported in the first year of the programme. The specific amount available to each ICB is determined by the NHS fair share formula, which adjusts budgets to take account of local cost variations. Each ICB nationally will receive a minimum of £209,000.Across Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB footprint, 40 schools took part in PINS in 2024/25 and will continue to receive support to embed their learning over 2025/26. The ICB is in the process of recruiting an additional 30 new schools for 2025/26. The programme is being evaluated by a consortium led by CFE Research, and the learning will inform future policy development around how schools support neurodivergent children.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether farmers currently on expiring Higher Level Stewardship agreements will be eligible for the new payment rates if they (a) renew and (b) transition to Environmental Land Management schemes.

Farmers whose Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement expired in 2024 and that expire in 2025 have been offered an extension to their agreement. If they accept this extension, then they will benefit from the increases in the HLS rates. An individual's payments increase will depend on the options in their agreement. Most HLS agreements will naturally expire in 2028. We are reviewing our approach to transitioning farmers from existing agreements into new schemes. Where a farmer makes a new application, they will be entitled to the rates applicable to the scheme they choose as payment rates are set according to the scheme.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what proportion of announced banking hubs are operational as of June 2025; and what steps she is taking to expedite the rollout.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the FCA monitors the potential impact of branch closures on vulnerable customers; and what enforcement action is available when firms fail to comply with guidance.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the FCA’s regulatory rules for access to cash introduced in September 2024 at maintaining equitable cash access in (a) urban and (b) rural areas.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to monitor Higher Level Stewardship payments to ensure they deliver (a) measurable environmental benefits and (b) value for money in (i) rural communities and (ii) Fylde constituency.

Extensions to Higher Level Stewardships (HLS) agreements have been offered to all based on meeting specific eligibility requirements and an assessment that the current agreement continues to meet its expected environmental outcomes. This provides value for money and delivers environmental benefits in rural communities. No HLS agreements fall within the Flyde constituency.

Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to increase community involvement in the planning process in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 46945 on 30 April 2025.

What steps her Department is taking to protect people living in Fylde constituency from cryptocurrency scams.

The Government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is developing a new and expanded fraud strategy to further protect the public and businesses from this appalling crime. Relevant cryptoasset firms are already subject to UK financial promotions requirements, and required to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for money laundering supervision. Building on this, the Government is introducing a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets this year. The new regime will provide further protections for UK consumers, by requiring firms offering them services to be authorised and regulated by the FCA.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that emergency response teams are adequately (a) trained and (b) equipped to respond to road traffic incidents in (i) Fylde constituency and (ii) Lancashire.

The development and maintenance of police driving-related curricula and supporting resources is the responsibility of the College of Policing, with support from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Police Driving Lead.Decisions on the allocation of equipment used to respond to road traffic incidents is an operational matter for Lancashire Constabulary.