Written questions by Snowden.

Communities and Local Government, what steps are being taken to ensure that private parking operators consider mitigating circumstances, including disability and medical necessity, when issuing parking charge notices.

The government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.Private parking operators are required to consider The Equality Act 2010, including arrangements for drivers with disabilities, and follow the single industry code launched by the main trade associations.Operators risk being banned from issuing charges if they do not reasonably comply with the code of practice.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.A consultation document outlining proposals to raise standard across the private parking industry was published on 11 July 2025.As part of this consultation, views and comments on implications that proposals may have on groups defined by reference to protected characteristics was requested (Question 35a).All responses are now being analysed and the government will publish a response in due course.

What steps she is taking to address inconsistencies between police forces in their interpretation and application of escort requirements for lawful abnormal load movements.

The police are best placed to determine police escort requirements for abnormal loads, based on a thorough assessment of local risk, which can include consideration of the risks to road users and the potential for congestion. A decision should take account of the force’s local geography, traffic conditions and events taking place. Forces should take account of the National Police Chiefs’ Council guidance to ensure decisions are safe, practical and effective.The National Police Chiefs’ Council Guidance on the management of abnormal loads was last updated in May 2025. It sets out consistent principles to guide force’s decision based on local circumstances.There are no plans to introduce a national regulatory framework governing the movement of abnormal loads. The government is satisfied that decisions are best handled by individual police forces to ensure decisions reflect local conditions.

What metrics her Department will use to evaluate the success of the new first-year allowance in stimulating growth and productivity.

The government has introduced a new 40% first-year allowance (FYA) from 1 January 2026. This is a permanent new feature of the capital allowance regime. This new FYA will allow businesses to deduct much of the cost of their investment in the year they make that investment and lower their tax bill. Crucially, this FYA will be available for assets bought for leasing and for unincorporated businesses which do not benefit from full expensing, increasing the amount of relief that can be claimed in the year of investment. For future investment, the present value and cost of capital for businesses that claim the new FYA remains broadly the same when considered alongside the changes to writing down allowances also announced at Budget. The expected impacts of this measure and planned monitoring are set out on gov.uk:Capital allowances: new first-year allowance and reducing main rate writing-down allowances - GOV.UK This policy is UK-wide and so businesses across all regions of the UK can claim this allowance. We are attracting international investors to opportunities across the country, with the £10 billion of investment commitments announced at our recent Regional Investment Summit.

Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department issues dog walkers in periods of extreme cold.

Anyone who walks dogs is required to comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which requires individuals in control of animals to protect them from unnecessary suffering, and to provide for their welfare needs. Welfare groups such as the RSCPA and Dogs Trust publish advice on their websites for dog walkers on how to keep dogs healthy and active during periods of cold weather.

Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to address the situation whereby motorists risk losing the discounted rate if they pursue an appeal against a private parking charge.

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. In accordance with the Private Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, the government is preparing a Code of Practice that will provide guidance on the operation and management of private parking facilities. In preparation for the new Code, the government published a consultation document in 2025 outlining its proposals to raise standards across the private parking industry. This consultation specifically sought views on the current 40% discount rate for early payment of parking charges and the concerns motorists have regarding its application. All responses are now being analysed, and the government will publish a formal response and set out its final plans in due course.

What steps her Department is taking to minimise disruption on the rail network in periods of extreme snow and cold weather.

Department officials hold regular discussions with Network Rail and the industry to ensure severe weather preparedness plans are in place with clear mitigations to reduce the impacts of weather on the rail network. The industry’s winter preparedness regime begins in September each year. Special trains and equipment are fully checked and any repairs carried out, while contingency plans are reviewed and agreed with train operators to keep passengers moving during adverse weather. Network Rail use detailed forecasts from weather experts, MetDesk, to formulate local action plans during adverse weather to minimise disruption to journeys. These forecasts cover not just the weather but how the conditions will impact on specific railway infrastructure such as the tracks, conductor rails, and overhead power lines.A network of hundreds of monitoring stations also provides real-time weather data, enabling Network Rail to respond to conditions as they develop in real time. In extreme weather conditions, Network Rail and train operators prioritise getting passengers home safely over running the normal timetable. It also prioritises vital rail freight to ensure the supply of essential goods across the country and fuel to power stations.

What assessment he has made of variations between GP surgeries in the provision of basic clinical procedures, including suture removal.

Local enhanced services, such as suture removal, are negotiated and agreed locally, and are commissioned by integrated care boards (ICBs) to fit the needs of the local population. General practices can choose whether or not they would like to participate in directly providing these services. These services can vary in scope and funding across the country. ICBs are responsible for commissioning health care services within their regions. This includes ensuring service providers are able to meet the reasonable needs of their patient population.

How many unpaid carers have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to carer’s allowance overpayments in each year since 2015.

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.

What assessment his Department has made of the risk that unpaid carers may have acquired criminal convictions as a result of DWP system failures rather than deliberate fraud.

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.

Pursuant to the written answer 100620 of 6 Jan 2025 on Slaughterhouses, whether the Food Standards Agency plans to begin routinely recording the method of slaughter used at the time an animal welfare breach is identified.

Approved slaughterhouses may use any legally compliant slaughter method. They are not required to notify the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in advance of the method to be used. Many establishments alternate between stunned and non‑stunned slaughter to meet differing market and trade requirements.Breaches most commonly arise before slaughter commences. They are typically recorded for enforcement before a decision by the slaughterhouse operator on the slaughter method to be used. Examples include the handling of animals during unloading, or failures to provide adequate feed, water, or bedding.As a result, in most cases the FSA is unable to attribute animal welfare breaches to a specific slaughter method because they occur prior to slaughter.Similarly, requirements relating to CCTV, such as ensuring camera lenses are clean and recordings are securely retained, apply regardless of the slaughter method used. These do not necessitate different enforcement approaches based on the slaughter method. Attributing these types of failure to a particular slaughter method would be misleading.

Pursuant to the written answer 100620 of 6 Jan 2025 on Slaughterhouses, how many slaughterhouses were subject to more than one enforcement action for animal welfare breaches in each of the last five years.

Approved slaughterhouses may use any legally compliant slaughter method. They are not required to notify the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in advance of the method to be used. Many establishments alternate between stunned and non‑stunned slaughter to meet differing market and trade requirements.Breaches most commonly arise before slaughter commences. They are typically recorded for enforcement before a decision by the slaughterhouse operator on the slaughter method to be used. Examples include the handling of animals during unloading, or failures to provide adequate feed, water, or bedding.As a result, in most cases the FSA is unable to attribute animal welfare breaches to a specific slaughter method because they occur prior to slaughter.Similarly, requirements relating to CCTV, such as ensuring camera lenses are clean and recordings are securely retained, apply regardless of the slaughter method used. These do not necessitate different enforcement approaches based on the slaughter method. Attributing these types of failure to a particular slaughter method would be misleading.

What assessment he has made of whether disabled parking provision at NHS and primary care premises is adequate to meet patient demand.

No national assessment he has made of whether disabled parking provision at National Health Service and primary care premises is adequate to meet patient demand.Disabled parking provision on the public sector estate is mandated through national planning rules, and all NHS facilities must meet the requirements.NHS organisations decide how they provide parking locally, based on the needs of patients, visitors, and staff, as well as environmental factors. The NHS car parking guidance requires free parking to be provided for four groups: disabled people; frequent outpatient attenders; parents of sick children staying overnight; and staff working night shifts. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-patient-visitor-and-staff-car-parking-principles/nhs-patient-visitor-and-staff-car-parking-principles

What comparative assessment his Department has made of the cost-effectiveness of (a) alcohol monitoring tags and (b) custodial sentences for alcohol-related offences.

The Department does not directly compare the cost-effectiveness of alcohol monitoring tags and alcohol-related custodial sentences.Alcohol monitoring is used a tool to assist with the safe management of individuals in the community, where alcohol has been shown to be a factor in their offence or offending behaviour, and in support of other requirements added to a court order or post-custody licence. There will and should be instances where an individual is required to serve a custodial sentence given the offence they have committed and for public protection. The compliance rate of alcohol monitoring imposed by the court as part of a Community Order or Suspended Sentence Order, which imposes a total ban on drinking alcohol for up to 120 days, showed from the introduction of the technology in October 2020 through to 6 June 2025, the devices did not register a tamper or alcohol alert for 97.3% of the days worn.The number of individuals subject to alcohol monitoring between October 2020 and June 2024 is available in Table 4.1 of the data tables published in the following link: Electronic Monitoring Statistics Publication, June 2024 - GOV.UK. The most recent provisional figures for alcohol monitoring, covering November 2025, can be found in the following link: Ad-Hoc Alcohol Monitoring Statistics Publication, Dec 2025 - GOV.UKPlease note that caseload statistics published after July 2025 are not directly comparable with earlier data due to changes in the definition and methodology used to classify individuals as “tagged”.

What steps HMRC is taking to ensure compliance with the new VAT rules for private hire vehicle operators following the closure of access to the Tour Operators Margin Scheme.

HMRC is undertaking a range of measures to ensure compliance with the new VAT rules for private hire vehicle operators (“PHVOs”) following the changes made to the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (“TOMS”). These measures include publishing a Revenue and Customs Brief (“R&CB”) to explain the legislative changes and to outline the correct processes for operators, working closely with industry stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that operators understand their obligations under the new rules. HMRC’s compliance procedures involve routine audits, risk assessments, and investigations of discrepancies to ensure that all businesses adhere to the VAT requirements. HMRC expects all businesses to comply with their tax obligations, however where they do not HMRC will take steps to correct errors and if necessary use their powers to recover unpaid VAT.

How many offenders were subject to alcohol monitoring tags over the Christmas and New Year period in each of the last five years.

The Department does not directly compare the cost-effectiveness of alcohol monitoring tags and alcohol-related custodial sentences.Alcohol monitoring is used a tool to assist with the safe management of individuals in the community, where alcohol has been shown to be a factor in their offence or offending behaviour, and in support of other requirements added to a court order or post-custody licence. There will and should be instances where an individual is required to serve a custodial sentence given the offence they have committed and for public protection. The compliance rate of alcohol monitoring imposed by the court as part of a Community Order or Suspended Sentence Order, which imposes a total ban on drinking alcohol for up to 120 days, showed from the introduction of the technology in October 2020 through to 6 June 2025, the devices did not register a tamper or alcohol alert for 97.3% of the days worn.The number of individuals subject to alcohol monitoring between October 2020 and June 2024 is available in Table 4.1 of the data tables published in the following link: Electronic Monitoring Statistics Publication, June 2024 - GOV.UK. The most recent provisional figures for alcohol monitoring, covering November 2025, can be found in the following link: Ad-Hoc Alcohol Monitoring Statistics Publication, Dec 2025 - GOV.UKPlease note that caseload statistics published after July 2025 are not directly comparable with earlier data due to changes in the definition and methodology used to classify individuals as “tagged”.

Whether she plans to bring forward further reforms to VAT treatment within the taxi and private hire vehicle sector.

Private hire vehicle (PHV) services provided by VAT-registered businesses are, and always have been, subject to the standard rate of VAT (20%). The Government’s announcement at Autumn Budget 2025 puts an end to the exploitation of a VAT administration scheme, designed for the tour operator sector, by a small number of large private hire vehicle operators seeking to pay a lower rate of VAT than others. This won’t affect smaller operators outside London whose drivers contract directly with passengers, or black cabs, neither of which have attempted to exploit this scheme.

What metrics are being used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Young Futures Panel pilots.

The Young Futures Programme is a key part of the Safer Streets Mission, and the Government’s target to halve knife crime over the next decade and reduce anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls. Under this programme, the Government is intervening earlier to ensure children and young People who are facing poorer outcomes and are vulnerable to being drawn into crime are identified and offered support in a more systematic way.As part of this, we are piloting new multi-agency Young Futures Panels. These pilots are proactively identifying and referring children and young people who may currently be falling through the gaps to a range of different support services much earlier. 53 Young Futures Panels went operational in October and November 2025, across the areas of the country that collectively account for more than 80% knife crime and have already helped to support hundreds of at-risk young people into positive, diversionary activity.To support future delivery, the Home Office has appointed RAND Europe to deliver a process evaluation and feasibility impact study of Young Futures Panel pilots in 2025/26.The process evaluation will look at how the pilot Panels are implemented across the 20 Violence Reduction Units and 3 Serious Violence Duty partnerships involved in the pilot, identifying good practice and learning. In addition, the Home Office have commissioned RAND to conduct a feasibility study to consider whether a future impact evaluation of the programme is viable.

What criteria were used to select the 38 additional local authorities included in the expansion of the Rent Repayment Order data-sharing scheme.

The Department for Work and Pensions has worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to develop and implement the Rent Repayment Order pilot. The opportunity to participate was offered to all local authorities through Operation Jigsaw, an organisation currently funded by MHCLG, which brings together 309 local housing authorities in England to support the sharing of expertise, best practices, and vital intelligence both regionally and nationally to raise housing standards in the private rented sector.

Whether there will be further expansion of the Rent Repayment Order scheme.

The Department is currently running a Rent Repayment Order pilot with 41 local authorities. The purpose of the pilot is to assess the effectiveness of the scheme and its impact on enforcement activity. We will evaluate the pilot and subject to positive findings, we plan to implement nationally.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 December 2025 to Question 85962 on Special Educational Needs: Hearing Impairment, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making support for families available from birth.

The department is committed to ensuring that all children, including deaf and hard of hearing children, have the best possible start in life. The NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme aims to identify permanent moderate, severe, and profound deafness and hearing impairment in newborn babies. Screening is offered to all babies in England.Funding is available to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including deaf and hard of hearing children, to access early education and childcare. This includes special educational needs inclusion funding and disability access funding.Further, in December 2025, the department announced access to early SEND support across the country through Best Start Family Hubs. In every local authority next year, councils are being tasked with recruiting a dedicated SEND practitioner for every hub to provide direct, family-facing support. The new offer will help parents identify emerging needs sooner, and support vital join-up between early years settings, health visitors and SEND teams, including for young children with hearing impairments.