Written questions by Snowden.

If she will make an estimate of the impact of the pay per mile tax on electric vehicle usage in the Fylde constituency.

As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty. When eVED takes effect in April 2028, eVED rates will be set at 3p per mile for electric vehicles, which is half the equivalent fuel duty rate paid by the average petrol/diesel driver, ensuring that driving an electric vehicle continues to be an attractive choice for consumers. The rate will be set at 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrids, recognising that they will continue to pay fuel duty on miles driven in petrol mode. An average EV driver driving 8,000 miles per year will pay around £240 per year or £20 per month. As set out by the OBR, the estimated net impact of eVED and other Budget measures, including the ECG and ECS, is 120,000 fewer new EV sales across the forecast period. This is against a baseline which assumes EV sales more than triple from 2025-26 levels by 2030-31, which means the net impact of eVED represents only 2% of total new EV sales in the period.The Government has set out expected impacts from eVED and other Budget measures in the Budget 2025 Policy Costings document at GOV.UK: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/692872fd2a37784b16ecf676/Budget_2025-Policy_Costings.pdf

How many new enquiries were opened into child benefit claims which were suspended from claimants as a result of data-sharing between HMRC and the Home Office in the period 1st to 30th November 2025.

There were no new Child Benefit compliance enquiries opened using Home Office international travel data in the period 1st to 30th November 2025. This is because our focus during that time was on reviewing the c. 23,500 already opened.

If she will make an estimate of how many businesses in the Fylde constituency will be impacted by the pay per mile tax on electric and hybrid cars.

As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty. When eVED takes effect in April 2028, eVED rates will be set at 3p per mile for electric vehicles, which is half the equivalent fuel duty rate paid by the average petrol/diesel driver, ensuring that driving an electric vehicle continues to be an attractive choice for consumers. The rate will be set at 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrids, recognising that they will continue to pay fuel duty on miles driven in petrol mode. An average EV driver driving 8,000 miles per year will pay around £240 per year or £20 per month. As set out by the OBR, the estimated net impact of eVED and other Budget measures, including the ECG and ECS, is 120,000 fewer new EV sales across the forecast period. This is against a baseline which assumes EV sales more than triple from 2025-26 levels by 2030-31, which means the net impact of eVED represents only 2% of total new EV sales in the period.The Government has set out expected impacts from eVED and other Budget measures in the Budget 2025 Policy Costings document at GOV.UK: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/692872fd2a37784b16ecf676/Budget_2025-Policy_Costings.pdf

Whether NHS England audits the use of DNR notices in cases involving vulnerable adults.

NHS England does not audit the use of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions in cases involving vulnerable adults. However, the Learning from Lives and Deaths Review (LeDeR) includes questions on the quality and content of DNACPR records. The review supports local service improvement and has been running for several years.

What assessment she has made of the consistency of pupil experience between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2; and what steps she is taking to address declines in pupil motivation or engagement during the transition between these stages.

The department recognises that moving between key stages can be challenging for some children, including the transition from key stage 1 to key stage 2.One of the ways the department is looking to understand the experiences of children is through our Educational Outcome Pathways Studies (EOPS). EOPS Primary follows children in primary school from years 1 through 6 and collects data on their experiences, progress at school and wellbeing. It also examines factors at home, at school and in the wider environment that may influence children’s attitudes, behaviours and outcomes. Children in the study are currently in year 3, which is the key stage 2 transition year.Alongside this, the government has committed to publish a new pupil engagement framework, helping schools to identify and address aspects of the pupil experience in their setting which may be preventing children from attending, achieving and thriving. As it is developed, we will consider the evidence around effective practice that supports pupil transitions alongside other approaches that can support pupil engagement.

What engagement she undertook with the pub and hospitality sector ahead of the 2025 Budget, particularly in the context of Business Rates.

Treasury Ministers and officials engaged with a wide range of stakeholders across the pub and hospitality sector ahead of the Budget to discuss business rates.We continue to engage with the hospitality sector to understand the pressures they face.

What recent discussions she has had with school governing bodies on improving transparency for parents.

The department’s governance guidance for schools and trusts makes clear that as publicly funded organisations, schools and trusts should foster a culture of transparency and welcome public scrutiny.When shaping the school or trust’s vision, the governing body or trust board should remain connected and responsive to pupils, staff, parents, carers, and the wider community through meaningful engagement.To promote transparency in decision-making, the governing body or trust board should actively seek and consider the views of parents and carers. Governing bodies and trust boards are required to have at least two parent governors/trustees.To ensure transparency, details of governors/trustees are recorded on Get Information About Schools, and governance structures, governor/trustee register of pecuniary of interests and governance meeting attendance are published on the school’s or trust’s website.

Whether guidance has been issued to NHS Trusts to ensure that DNR decisions are never made solely on the basis of disability, learning disability and special needs.

The Department remains clear that it is unacceptable for Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions to be applied in a blanket fashion to any group of people and should be fully discussed with the individual and their family where possible and appropriate. NHS England clinical leaders have issued a number of statements and letters to health and care providers which emphasise personalised approaches to care and treatment and which reiterate that there has never been an instruction or directive issued by the National Health Service to put in place a DNACPR solely on the basis of disability, learning disability, or special needs.Agreement to a DNACPR is an individual decision and should involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates. Guidance from clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing reflects this. These decisions should take into account the patient’s wishes, or those of people close to the patient, informed by a sensitive explanation of the risks and burdens associated with giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The treating doctor should try to reach agreement with the patient or those close to the patient. If, after discussion, the doctor remains of the view that cardiopulmonary resuscitation would not be clinically appropriate, there is not an obligation to attempt it. However, the rationale for not doing so should be clearly articulated. NHS England has published public-facing guidance on DNACPR decisions on the NHS.UK website. This includes advice on asking for a second opinion or review if patients, or their families, disagree with a DNACPR decision.The Department has not received any complaints regarding DNACPR decisions being applied without consent in the last five years.

How many complaints his Department has received in each of the last five years regarding DNR notices being applied without consent.

The Department remains clear that it is unacceptable for Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions to be applied in a blanket fashion to any group of people and should be fully discussed with the individual and their family where possible and appropriate. NHS England clinical leaders have issued a number of statements and letters to health and care providers which emphasise personalised approaches to care and treatment and which reiterate that there has never been an instruction or directive issued by the National Health Service to put in place a DNACPR solely on the basis of disability, learning disability, or special needs.Agreement to a DNACPR is an individual decision and should involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates. Guidance from clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing reflects this. These decisions should take into account the patient’s wishes, or those of people close to the patient, informed by a sensitive explanation of the risks and burdens associated with giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The treating doctor should try to reach agreement with the patient or those close to the patient. If, after discussion, the doctor remains of the view that cardiopulmonary resuscitation would not be clinically appropriate, there is not an obligation to attempt it. However, the rationale for not doing so should be clearly articulated. NHS England has published public-facing guidance on DNACPR decisions on the NHS.UK website. This includes advice on asking for a second opinion or review if patients, or their families, disagree with a DNACPR decision.The Department has not received any complaints regarding DNACPR decisions being applied without consent in the last five years.

Whether (a) families and (b) attorneys holding Power of Attorney are notified immediately when a DNR notice is added to a vulnerable adult’s medical record.

The Department remains clear that it is unacceptable for Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions to be applied in a blanket fashion to any group of people and should be fully discussed with the individual and their family where possible and appropriate. NHS England clinical leaders have issued a number of statements and letters to health and care providers which emphasise personalised approaches to care and treatment and which reiterate that there has never been an instruction or directive issued by the National Health Service to put in place a DNACPR solely on the basis of disability, learning disability, or special needs.Agreement to a DNACPR is an individual decision and should involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates. Guidance from clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing reflects this. These decisions should take into account the patient’s wishes, or those of people close to the patient, informed by a sensitive explanation of the risks and burdens associated with giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The treating doctor should try to reach agreement with the patient or those close to the patient. If, after discussion, the doctor remains of the view that cardiopulmonary resuscitation would not be clinically appropriate, there is not an obligation to attempt it. However, the rationale for not doing so should be clearly articulated. NHS England has published public-facing guidance on DNACPR decisions on the NHS.UK website. This includes advice on asking for a second opinion or review if patients, or their families, disagree with a DNACPR decision.The Department has not received any complaints regarding DNACPR decisions being applied without consent in the last five years.

What steps she is taking to ensure there are sufficient rail services on alternative routes when planned maintenance works cause the closure of lines.

Network Rail plans its timetables 12 months in advance, meaning it can schedule in the time needed for planned works to improve the network. Network Rail plan works that cause the least disruption to passengers and include Bank Holidays, Sundays, and overnight when the network is less busy. However, when planned engineering works necessitate the closure of lines, train operating companies provide alternative transport and travel arrangements to help passengers complete their journeys. Alternative transport provision may include rail replacement services, ticket acceptance on other routes/operators, or diverted trains.

What assessment she has made of the inclusion of the book 'Pigeon English' in the English GCSE curriculum in England and Wales.

Schools have the autonomy to choose the specific books and resources they use within the framework of the national curriculum. The department defines the genres of literature that must be covered, but does not prescribe individual authors or texts, other than Shakespeare which must be taught. At GCSE level, exam boards set out a range of set texts in their specifications, and schools are free to select those they wish to teach.

Whether the Government has considered recognising listed church buildings as national heritage assets in the tax system.

Church buildings are not usually owned by individuals and so are not usually chargeable to inheritance tax. Where an individual inherits and wishes to retain heritage property they can claim Conditional Exemption, so that there is no inheritance tax for as long as the property is maintained and open to the public to enjoy. Comprehensive guidance is available on gov.uk at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital-taxation-and-tax-exempt-heritage-assets Otherwise, gifts of property to charities or to a recognised National Body (listed at https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/inheritance-tax-manual/ihtm11224 ) would be exempt from inheritance tax.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the VAT-recovery cap on the number of listed places of worship that are proceeding with planned repair or reordering works.

DCMS Ministers received advice on changes to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, including consideration of the potential impact on introducing an annual cap of £25,000 per place of worship for the 2025/26 financial year. The changes to the scheme were necessary given the level of fiscal challenges we inherited and the pressures on other parts of the heritage and cultural sectors. Based on the Department’s analysis of previous data, 94% of applications will be unaffected by the change, as most claims are under £5,000.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 2025 Budget’s changes to personal taxation on average earners in the Fylde constituency.

The government has published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) setting out the impact of maintaining income Tax and equivalent National Insurance contributions thresholds.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the 2025 Budget on local authority funding settlements in the North West of England for 2025–26.

Final local authority funding allocations for financial year 2025-26 were confirmed at the Final local government finance settlement: England, 2025 to 2026. There are no plans to review the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement in view of the 2025 Autumn Budget. We will publish the provisional multi-year Settlement in December. Proposals and allocations will be subject to consultation and the usual Parliamentary process.

What the expected distributional impact is of the 2025 Budget measures on households in the North West of England.

The government is committed to growing living standards in all parts of the country in a fair and progressive manner, and has acted at Budget 2025 to cut the cost of living for households across the nation. HM Treasury’s ‘Impact on households’ publication, produced alongside the 2025 Budget, shows that the impacts of government tax, welfare and public service spending decisions from Autumn Budget 2024 onwards. This analysis can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69269c6222424e25e6bc31bb/Impact_on_households.pdf HM Treasury does not produce a distributional assessment of policy decisions at a subnational level.

What assessment he has made of potential changes in the level of demand for insulation and heating upgrades following the reduction of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

The government recognises that demand for energy efficiency upgrades will remain strong. To bring energy bills down for all, the decision has been made not to continue the Energy Company Obligation when the current scheme ends. The government has instead committed an additional £1.5bn of grant funding, which will be directed to upgrading low-income households, benefiting those in fuel poverty. The details of this will be set out in the Warm Homes Plan. The government continues to improve home energy efficiency through schemes, such as the Warm Home: Social Decarbonisation, Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Boiler Upgrade scheme.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on local employment and SME supply chains of reducing the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

To bring domestic energy bills down for all, ECO will not continue when the current schemes end. Government recognises that this is likely to have an impact on some companies in the supply chain. Government has instead committed additional grant funding of £1.5 billion, which will be directed to upgrading low-income households, benefiting those in fuel poverty. Government will set out the details of this in the Warm Homes Plan. Government continues to improve home energy efficiency through other existing schemes, such as the Warm Home: Social Housing Fund, Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

What assessment she had made of the potential impact of changes to pension salary sacrifice relief on the number of people saving for retirement in the Fylde constituency.

Automatic enrolment into pension saving has driven up the number of employees saving for retirement. The existing income tax relief regime for pensions is unaffected by this change, whilst employer contributions can continue to be made free of National Insurance Contributions (NICs). At £2,000 cap means the majority of people usoing salary sacrifice for pension saving will be entirely unaffected by this change. Individuals earning below £30,000 are overwhelmingly protected, with few (c. 5%) making salary sacrifice contributions above this threshold. employee pension contributions up to £2,000. In line with the OBR assessment of this change, the costing assumes some employer costs will be passed through into lower employer pension contributions. The government continues to support and incentivise pension saving, with tax relief worth over £70bn per year, even after this change. Employers must continue to meet their automatic enrolment obligations. The policy balances encouragement of pension saving with ensuring the system remains fiscally sustainable and fair. A Tax Information and Impact Note will be published in due course alongside the legislation when it is introduced to Parliament.