Written questions by Snowden.

Whether her Department plans to explicitly recognise the role of school milk provision within the revised School Food Standards.

The department is committed to raising the healthiest generation ever and are continuing our work to revise the School Food Standards. We are engaging experts across the sector and are developing our plans to consult on the changes.We know milk is excellent for children’s growth and development. Regulation 9 of the School Food Standards states that lower fat milk or lactose reduced milk must be available to children who want it for drinking at least once a day during school hours. Under Section 512ZB (3) of the Education Act 1996, it is also a legislative requirement that milk is provided free of charge to pupils who meet the free school meal criteria.

Whether interest will be paid on delayed pension payments owed to retired members of public service pension schemes due to delays in implementing the McCloud remedy.

Scheme managers of the individual public service pension schemes are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the McCloud remedy to affected members. This is a complex and wide-ranging exercise and I acknowledge that some schemes have not made as much progress as we’d wish. I have written to scheme managers to remind them of their responsibilities to implement the remedy as quickly as possible and ensure that scheme members and the Pensions Regulator are kept informed of progress and plans. I can confirm that schemes pay interest to members on amounts owed as a result of the remedy.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the written answer of 19 September 25 to question 75415 on XL Bully dogs, what progress has been made on developing a withdrawal scheme for dogs previously exempted as XL Bully type.

The Government is continuing to develop a withdrawal scheme so that owners who no longer believe that their dog is an XL Bully type can apply to have their certificate of exemption withdrawn.The Government does not have a definitive timeline for when this process will be available. Officials are working diligently to develop the withdrawal scheme as soon as possible and further details will be shared once finalised.

What assessment he has made of the time taken to implement pension recalculations required following the judgment in McCloud v Lord Chancellor across public service pension schemes.

Scheme managers of the individual public service pension schemes are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the McCloud remedy to affected members. This is a complex and wide-ranging exercise and I acknowledge that some schemes have not made as much progress as we’d wish. I have written to scheme managers to remind them of their responsibilities to implement the remedy as quickly as possible and ensure that scheme members and the Pensions Regulator are kept informed of progress and plans. I can confirm that schemes pay interest to members on amounts owed as a result of the remedy.

How many members of the NHS Pension Scheme who retired since April 2021 are awaiting revised pension calculations or backdated payments as part of the McCloud remedy.

The Department recognises the importance of providing NHS Pension Scheme members certainty about when they will receive their McCloud Remediable Service Statements.The current number of members who have retired since April 2021 and are awaiting a Remediable Service Statement that will show their choice of pension benefits is 209,989.The current number of members who have received their Remediable Service Statements and have made their choice and are awaiting backdated payments is 116.An independent review of the NHS Business Service Authority’s revised plans for the delivery of the McCloud remedy for NHS Pension Scheme members is ongoing. The independent review team is expected to assess this revised delivery plan shortly. Subject to the review team's assurance, we intend to issue new deadlines for the administration of remedy statements and update the House in May 2026.In the meantime, the authority continues to provide Remediable Service Statements to affected members, prioritising those who may be most affected by the discrimination highlighted by the McCloud judgment. Additionally, members who meet specific criteria can request to receive a prioritised Remediable Service Statement. More information is available at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/public-service-pensions-remedy-mccloud/making-your-decision-about-your-nhs-pension-benefitsThe Government is committed to ensuring that affected members are not subject to financial disadvantage due to these delays. Pension arrears arising from the McCloud remedy are paid with 8% interest, and a compensation scheme is available for members who have experienced other direct financial losses.

How many members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme who retired since 2020 have not yet received the full rectified pension payment owed to them following the McCloud remedy.

Recalculating retired members’ benefits is a complex process. For members retiring, these cases are relatively straightforward as no benefits are already in payment. For retired members, additional complications around tax, interest rules and system functionality required extensive consultation.Capita, the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme administrator, are processing Remediable Service Statement (RSS) choices, aiming to complete payments as quickly as possible.Of the members who have retired since 2020 who have received and returned their RSS, 4,176 are awaiting payment as of 17 March 2026.The issuing and payment of members’ RSS choices is a high priority. The department is continually exploring ways to improve payment times with Capita, which includes recruiting additional staff and automating functions wherever possible. Members’ original pension benefits will continue to be paid until their choice has been implemented.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of police powers to help prevent charity fundraisers using aggressive tactics to raise money in public areas.

Police forces have a range of statutory and common law powers to deal with matters in public places. These include common law powers to prevent a breach of the peace, which allow officers to intervene where there is a reasonable belief that harm may occur to a person or property, or where public order is threatened.Charitable fundraising is a legitimate means of raising money for relevant causes. All fundraising activity must be conducted lawfully and in a way that does not cause harm, intimidation, or public disorder. Where behaviour crosses the threshold into unlawful activity or risks a breach of the peace, the police are able to take appropriate action using their existing powers.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of licencing practices for charity fundraisers to effectively tackle the use of aggressive tactics to raise money in public areas.

The vast majority of charities carry out collections to support their vital work in a responsible way and in line with the law and the Code of Fundraising practice. However, DCMS supports local authorities in taking action against fraudulent collections and unlawful behaviour, and to make enforcement easier, simpler and more cost effective.In the recently announced action plan on social cohesion, we have announced that we will increase fines and strengthen local authorities’ enforcement powers to tackle unlicensed street fundraising.

Whether his Department plans to establish a national clinical pathway for the diagnosis and management of craniocervical instability in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Decisions on the development of clinical pathways, the commissioning of services, and the configuration of specialist diagnostics remain the responsibility of local integrated care boards, which are best placed to assess local population needs and ensure access to appropriate expertise and investigations.For patients with suspected craniocervical instability (CCI), the National Health Service already supports clinical assessment through neurology, neurosurgery, rheumatology, and specialist pain services, depending on presenting symptoms and co‑existing conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Where clinically appropriate, patients may be referred for imaging through NHS diagnostic pathways, in line with national evidence‑based guidance. Specialist review is arranged based on the judgement of the responsible NHS clinicians.Access to magnetic resonance imaging and other diagnostic imaging continues to expand through the Government’s wider programme of community diagnostic centres, which is increasing capacity across England and supporting earlier identification of complex conditions, such as CCI, as part of the 10‑Year Health Plan.For these reasons, the Department has no current plans to establish a national clinical pathway specifically CCI, including in patients with EDS.

What assessment she has made of the potential risk of social media account hacking to public office holders.

The Defending Democracy Taskforce, chaired by the Security Minister, works closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Westminster Parliamentary authorities, and Devolved Partners to help protect public office holders against the risk of cyber-attacks.We strongly encourage public office holders to follow the NCSC’s guidance for high-risk individuals on protecting accounts and devices, found on their website, and sign up for its cyber defence services to help bolster their protection.Public office holders should also consider turning on 2-step verification for all important online accounts, including social media, to improve their security.

Representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will assess the potential merits of increasing the availability of Democratic Access tours of Parliament during school holiday periods.

The Education Team ran a pilot during May half-term 2025 which offered schools the opportunity to visit Parliament. Some schools took up this opportunity but not at the same level as during term time. The interest mainly came from schools with different school holiday dates such as the Devolved Nations.Offering educational tours during holiday periods on a permanent basis would incur additional budget to ensure that the tours can be staffed. There would be a potential impact on visitor experience commercial tours, which have priority in the recess periods.The Visitor Experience team currently run one day of Inside UK Parliament tours per week in recess (c.500 tickets per week), available to all UK residents free of charge. These slots are usually fully booked. The remaining days are prioritised for commercial days.The Commission will receive an update at its June meeting on the availability of Democratic Access and Education related tours during the parliamentary recess and school holiday periods so that it can consider whether any changes are required.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has issued guidance to public office holders on taking steps to help prevent the hacking of social media accounts.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has not issued specific guidance on this topic and directs all social media users to the guidance on using social media safely available online from the National Cyber Security Centre.

What security checks are undertaken before an address change is accepted on a taxpayer’s Government Gateway account.

When a taxpayer requests an address change on their Government Gateway account, a range of security checks are applied to help protect the account and prevent unauthorised access.These checks include confirming the user’s identity through their Government Gateway credentials, monitoring for unusual or suspicious activity, and applying additional verification measures where appropriate. HMRC also uses automated controls and risk‑based assessments to help detect and prevent potential fraud.The precise nature of these checks is kept under review and is not disclosed in detail, as doing so could undermine their effectiveness.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure licences granted for Houses of Multiple Occupancy do not adversely impact community cohesion.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 110684 on 11 February 2026.

What discussions her Department has had with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding the regulation of equity crowdfunding schemes such as the Equity for Punks programme operated by BrewDog.

The Government has regular conversations with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on a range of topics, including the regulation of equity crowdfunding.In 2024, the government delivered the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations which enabled the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to reform the UK Prospectus Regime.This new regime took effect on 19 January 2026, and gives investors access to better quality information to support their investment decisions.The regulations also created a new regulated activity of operating a Public Offer Platform (POP). Companies seeking to make public offers of securities outside a public market to a broad investor base, where the value exceeds £5 million, will now need to do so via a POP, ensuring investors receive better information about their investments.

Whether the Government has considered establishing periodic review procedures for High Court injunctions granting lifelong anonymity to offenders convicted of serious crimes committed as juveniles.

The High Court has been clear that the making of an injunction to grant lifelong anonymity to protect the identity of a now adult person convicted of a serious offence as a child, should be exceptional. In practice, such injunctions are made very rarely.The court will consider whether there is a real and immediate risk of serious physical harm or death or if the offender’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights justify making the injunction as a necessary and proportionate step. In doing so the court will balance these factors against the right of the media and others to freedom of expression.An application can be made to the High Court to end an injunction. To be successful, it must be demonstrated that the conditions justifying the making of the injunction are no longer in place.This Government has no current plans to establish periodic review procedures for these injunctions.

What support is available for small businesses and self-employed individuals to assist them in meeting the requirements of Making Tax Digital; and what measures are in place to monitor the effectiveness of this support.

Making Tax Digital will help businesses and landlords keep on top of their tax affairs. It places small businesses on a more digital footing, with digital tools helping to reduce errors and make annual tax returns easier. The government is undertaking a range of activities to ensure those needing to use MTD for Income Tax from April 2026 are ready and able to do so successfully. This includes targeted media campaigns, awareness letters, developing guidance, and working with the software industry to ensure a broad range of MTD-compatible products is available, to suit different needs and budgets. Free options will support those with the simplest affairs. Supporting its introduction is a dedicated team of fully-trained MTD advisors. From April 2026, new options will be available on HMRC’s Self-Assessment and Agent helplines tailored to the needs of MTD users. Further support will continue to be offered through webinars, industry engagement and marketing activities targeted to reach those affected by the changes. HMRC’s latest published assessment of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

What estimate she has made of the average financial cost to businesses of complying with Making Tax Digital; and what support is available to offset those costs.

Making Tax Digital will help businesses and landlords keep on top of their tax affairs. It places small businesses on a more digital footing, with digital tools helping to reduce errors and make annual tax returns easier. The government is undertaking a range of activities to ensure those needing to use MTD for Income Tax from April 2026 are ready and able to do so successfully. This includes targeted media campaigns, awareness letters, developing guidance, and working with the software industry to ensure a broad range of MTD-compatible products is available, to suit different needs and budgets. Free options will support those with the simplest affairs. Supporting its introduction is a dedicated team of fully-trained MTD advisors. From April 2026, new options will be available on HMRC’s Self-Assessment and Agent helplines tailored to the needs of MTD users. Further support will continue to be offered through webinars, industry engagement and marketing activities targeted to reach those affected by the changes. HMRC’s latest published assessment of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

Whether her Department has issued guidance to HM Revenue and Customs on implementing the recommendations of the independent review of the loan charge.

The Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. The Government accepted the review’s conclusion that the loan charge was an extraordinary piece of Government policy which necessitated an exceptional response, and is now legislating a new settlement opportunity that will assist those who have not yet settled to do so. As a result, most individuals could see reductions of at least 50% in their outstanding loan charge liabilities, and an estimated 30% of individuals could have these liabilities written off entirely. To encourage more people to settle, the Government will write off the first £5,000 of liabilities in addition to the proposals put forward by Ray McCann. The Government’s response to the review represents a fair and proportionate attempt to provide a route to resolution for those who have not yet been able to settle with HMRC. In turn, this requires those individuals to now come forward and engage with HMRC in good faith.

What estimate her Department has made of the increase in the number of children classified as children missing education (CME) in Lancashire over the last decade; and what assessment she has made of the potential implications of this for her policies.

Children Missing Education data was first collected on a voluntary basis in Autumn 2022. Lancashire reported 4,690 Children Missing Education at any point in the 2024/25 academic year. This is a decrease from 4,820 in 2023/24, and an increase from 2,280 when collection began in 2021/22.The government is committed to breaking down the barriers to opportunity for our young people, and education is key in providing the strong foundations to better life chances.Local authorities already have a duty to locate and support children back into education where necessary, and we have published statutory guidance on ‘Children Missing Education’, and ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ that reinforces the roles and responsibilities of schools and local authorities to work together in this area. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will go further, requiring councils to maintain registers of children not in school, ensuring fewer young people slip under the radar.