Written questions by Snowden.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle health inequalities impacting children in poverty in Fylde constituency.

The United Kingdom faces significant health inequalities, with healthy life expectancy varying widely across and between communities. Through our Health Mission, we are focused on addressing the wider determinants of health to improve healthy life expectancy for all and to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between different regions of England.The Department is working closely with the Child Poverty Taskforce to develop and deliver an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty, tackle the root causes, and give every child, including those in Fylde constituency, the best start in life. This will help fulfil our ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. An important part of this will be alleviating the negative experience of living in poverty through supporting families and enhancing public services.The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ North West Regional Team is working to provide system leadership for population health and for reducing health inequalities across the North West, including the Fylde constituency.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) support and (b) resources for (i) small-scale and (ii) backyard bird keepers to help ensure their compliance with avian influenza surveillance and biosecurity measures.

Supporting bird keepers, the public and conservation bodies to manage and prepare for avian influenza continues to be one of Defra’s main priorities. Defra and the Devolved Governments have several lines of communication to bird keepers and the public. Each administration has a live avian influenza page which is updated regularly with the most recent information. Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have also been published by each of the UK administrations to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity, including mandatory measures when an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is in force. We also issue national, local and trade press releases to make sure the latest information is communicated through the media. We regularly post the latest advice, key messages, and situational updates on both Defra and APHA social media channels. Through our work with a wide range of industry groups, this vital information is also distributed out to their members. All bird keepers in Great Britain must now register their poultry and other captive birds (with the exception of certain psittacines and passerines), even if only kept as pets. Registered keepers will receive regular updates and guidance to help protect their birds from avian influenza. The new registration requirements which came into force in Autumn 2024 will enable Government to communicate with bird keepers quickly, to mitigate the risk of further disease spread. In addition, anyone can subscribe to the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) free animal disease alerts service for the latest information on updated risk levels, guidance and new cases in Great Britain regardless of whether they keep birds. Any bird keepers whose premises are directly affected by avian influenza will receive support from the APHA, including compensation for any healthy birds culled by HM Government for disease control purposes. In addition, a range of grants have been made available to poultry keepers through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to improve biosecurity on poultry premises and support the welfare of birds.There are numerous support networks that poultry farmers can contact for help including the rural services helpline. Defra work in partnership with Farming Help organisations to support their work to help the farming community through challenging times.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54984 to Government Departments: Catering, whether he has made an assessment of the merits of (a) an annual report and (b) a public tracking system to provide transparency on how much local produce is being procured from (i) Lancashire and (ii) other regions by public sector bodies.

The Government is open to considering all lawful means of achieving its ambition that half of all food purchased across the public sector should be locally produced or certified to higher environmental standards. This could include approaches designed to improve transparency in the way procurement is carried out.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using of AI to support its processes for means testing for the winter fuel payment.

The Government wants to ensure a wider range of pensioners in England and Wales receive Winter Fuel Payment in future, while recognising public finance constraints and the fact that making payments to the highest income pensioners is hard to justify. From winter 2025-26, the majority of pensioners in England and Wales – around 9 million individuals - will benefit from Winter Fuel Payments and so ensure it is better targeted than the previous near-universal payment. Winter Fuel Payments are £200 for a household with someone of State Pension age and £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out. Individuals with a taxable income above £35,000 a year will have any WFP recouped via HMRC. These changes save £450m a year up to 2030/31, compared to paying Winter Fuel Payments universally in England and Wales. The existing Digital Winter Fuel service utilises clear policy rules that are already automated within the service to determine eligibility. The Department considers where Artificial Intelligence would be of benefit for specific use cases and in this instance is not applicable.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making an additional payment to people who (a) will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025 and (b) did not qualify for that payment in 2024.

From this winter, individuals with an income of £35,000 or below, will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment. Winter Fuel Payments are £200 for a household with someone of State Pension age and £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out. Individuals with a taxable income above £35,000 a year will see any Winter Fuel Payment recouped via HMRC. This means that the majority of pensioners in England and Wales – around 9 million individuals – will now benefit from Winter Fuel Payments.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54984 to Government Departments: Catering, what steps he is taking to provide (a) specific support schemes and (b) funding opportunities to farmers in Fylde and Lancashire to help them meet procurement standards.

Our commitment to farmers and growers remains steadfast, which is why we want our farmers to have the chance to get a fair share of the £5 billion pounds a year spent on public-sector food and catering contracts, including for farmers in Fylde and Lancashire.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help improve communication with (a) bird keepers and (b) the public during avian influenza outbreaks.

Supporting bird keepers, the public and conservation bodies to manage and prepare for avian influenza continues to be one of Defra’s main priorities. Defra and the Devolved Governments have several lines of communication to bird keepers and the public. Each administration has a live avian influenza page which is updated regularly with the most recent information. Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have also been published by each of the UK administrations to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity, including mandatory measures when an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is in force. We also issue national, local and trade press releases to make sure the latest information is communicated through the media. We regularly post the latest advice, key messages, and situational updates on both Defra and APHA social media channels. Through our work with a wide range of industry groups, this vital information is also distributed out to their members. All bird keepers in Great Britain must now register their poultry and other captive birds (with the exception of certain psittacines and passerines), even if only kept as pets. Registered keepers will receive regular updates and guidance to help protect their birds from avian influenza. The new registration requirements which came into force in Autumn 2024 will enable Government to communicate with bird keepers quickly, to mitigate the risk of further disease spread. In addition, anyone can subscribe to the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) free animal disease alerts service for the latest information on updated risk levels, guidance and new cases in Great Britain regardless of whether they keep birds. Any bird keepers whose premises are directly affected by avian influenza will receive support from the APHA, including compensation for any healthy birds culled by HM Government for disease control purposes. In addition, a range of grants have been made available to poultry keepers through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to improve biosecurity on poultry premises and support the welfare of birds.There are numerous support networks that poultry farmers can contact for help including the rural services helpline. Defra work in partnership with Farming Help organisations to support their work to help the farming community through challenging times.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of allowing tenanted pubs in England and Wales to purchase beer directly from small producers.

The government is currently completing an exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. This exercise covers all pub models. Interested parties can contact beermarketreview@businessandtrade.gov.uk.The government is separately conducting a statutory review into the operation of Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025. The Pubs Code applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs.

Innovation and Technology, what information his Department holds on the proportion of 6G mast hardware that is expected to be produced in the UK; and what steps his Department is taking to support UK-based 6G mast hardware manufacturers.

The development of 6G technology is still in its early stages and as a result DSIT does not yet hold any information on the proportion of 6G mast hardware that is expected to be produced in the UK.The Government is actively working with industry through R&D programmes on advanced connectivity to support companies developing technologies in the UK that could form part of 6G. DSIT is also working closely with the Department of Business and Trade to understand the supply chain of critical technologies, like 5G and in time 6G.

Food and Rural Affairs, what metrics his Department uses to assess the effectiveness of routine avian influenza surveillance systems in detecting early outbreaks of H5N1.

Our avian influenza surveillance programmes are line with international standards of best practice and requirements for disease surveillance set out by the World Organisation for Animal Health’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code. In addition to our statutory obligations set out in The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006 (as amended). Our avian influenza surveillance is comprised of mandatory reporting of suspicion of avian influenza in kept birds and mammals, targeted avian influenza and testing of found dead wild birds and wild mammals. In addition, targeted serological surveillance for avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry is carried out annually in Great Britain by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) as required by The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006 and in line with the sampling guidance in assimilated legislation 2010/367. The serological surveillance is a risk-based, targeted programme which aims to detect low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in gallinaceous birds (chickens, turkeys, game birds) which could mutate into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and HPAI and LPAI in domestic waterfowl which generally don’t show clinical signs of avian influenza. Sampling is required to be undertaken where the prevalence of infected poultry holdings is at least 5% with a 95% confidence interval.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to protect long-standing (a) cultural and (b) night-time economy venues from (i) closure and (ii) restrictions due to new residential development.

The National Planning Policy Framework provides strong protections to ensure that new residential development can be integrated effectively with existing businesses and community facilities. It sets out that existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established. Where the operation of an existing business or community facility could have a significant adverse effect on new development (including changes of use) in its vicinity, the applicant (or ‘agent of change’) should be required to provide suitable mitigation before the development has been completed. We will consider how we can ensure the most effective implementation of the ‘agent of change’ principle as part of our work to create a new set of national policies for decision making which we will consult on this year.

What guidance the Health Security Agency has issued on the potential impact of 6G masts on health.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides advice on any potential health risks and protection from exposure to the radio waves from telecommunications systems, including those planned to provide 6G services. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-and-magnetic-fields-health-effects-of-exposureThe frequencies anticipated to be used by 6G systems will be well within the scope of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines.The UKHSA continues to review the developments applicable to radio technologies, including 6G, and will update its advice as necessary.

What steps her Department is taking to provide financial support to help reduce levels of child poverty in (a) (i) rural and (ii) coastal constituencies and (b) Fylde constituency.

Tackling child poverty is at the heart of this Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. The Child Poverty Taskforce is progressing urgent work to publish the Child Poverty Strategy later this year. The Strategy will look at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across Government and work underway in Devolved Governments. The Taskforce recognises the distinct challenges of poverty faced by children living in rural and coastal areas, and we are considering all children across the UK in the development of the strategy. To shape and inform these plans, the Taskforce is listening to experts and campaigners and engaging with families, charities, and leading organisations across the UK, including rural and coastal communities. The vital work of the Taskforce comes alongside our commitments to roll out free breakfast clubs in all primary schools, extend Free School Meals to every pupil whose household is in receipt of Universal Credit, create 3,000 additional nurseries, and deliver our plan to make work pay and get Britain working. We have also introduced a Fair Repayment Rate for deductions from Universal Credit and increased the National Living Wage to £12.21 an hour to boost the pay of three million workers.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of child poverty on educational attainment in Fylde constituency.

All children and young people should have every opportunity to succeed, no matter who they are or where they are from. The Opportunity Mission will break the unfair link between background and success.High and rising standards are at the heart of this mission and the key to strengthening outcomes for all children no matter their background. The department will deliver this through excellent teaching and leaders, a high-quality curriculum, strong accountability with faster school improvement and an inclusive system which removes the barriers to learning.​​This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. We have now announced that we are extending free school meals to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit from September 2026. It will lift 100,000 children across England out of poverty and put £500 back in families’ pockets, supporting parents in decisive action to improve lives ahead of the Child Poverty Strategy coming later this year.Providing over half a million children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds with a free, nutritious lunchtime meal every school day will also lead to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes, meaning children get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of adopting the Guest Beer Agreement scheme introduced in Scotland.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and independent breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.The government wishes to see small brewers retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and supporting local economies. The Government is currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers' from accessing pubs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55226 on Electric Bicycles: Road Traffic Offences, whether her Department is taking steps with (a) the Home Office and (b) other agencies on implementing a consistent approach to (i) enforcement and (ii) public safety.

While enforcement of road traffic offences concerning e-cycles is a matter for the police, the Department is working with the Home Office on new offences intended to tackle those rare instances where a cyclist’s behaviour is dangerous or careless, and results in the death or serious injury of another road user.This is in addition to the new powers for the police to seize any vehicle, including e-cycles, being used in an anti-social manner and without first being required to give a warning.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55226 on Electric Bicycles: Road Traffic Offences, what data her Department has collected on the prevalence of illegally modified e-bikes on public highways.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a market surveillance unit which inspects vehicles and equipment to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. In 2024 the DVSA identified 39 suppliers of e-cycles and 21 of these were found to be selling e-cycles that were compliant with regulations. Subsequent “mystery shopper” exercises, carried out by the DVSA and involving 18 suppliers, found 2 suppliers to be selling non-compliant e-cycles for use on the roads. One of these suppliers has since brought their selling practices into compliance, while the other is being investigated further. In addition, over 400 listings of non-compliant e-cycles have been removed from online marketplaces following intervention by the DVSA. The police also have the powers to seize non-complaint e-cycles being used on the public roads. Some police forces have published statistics in relation to this, but this information is not collated centrally by the Government.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55226 on Electric Bicycles: Road Traffic Offences, whether her Department plans to amend the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 to reflect (a) modern technologies and (b) usage patterns.

The Department consulted on potential changes to regulations on e-cycles in 2024. The Government’s response to that consultation was published in January 2025 and can be viewed here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/smarter-regulation-proposed-changes-to-legislation-for-electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles/smarter-regulation-proposed-changes-to-legislation-for-electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles In summary, the Government concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to take forward any changes to regulations at this stage, but we may consider this again in the future and, for example, as part of any broader review on micromobility.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55226 on Electric Bicycles: Road Traffic Offences, whether her Department has considered the use of (a) technology and (b) certification systems to help identify (i) compliant and (ii) illegally modified e-bikes.

While the Department has not considered the detail of the technology required, any such system for certifying or registering e-cycles would likely be both costly and complex to administer and enforce. There is also the possibility that some people may be put off cycling, thereby reducing the health and environmental benefits which we know cycling can bring. The Government therefore has no plans to introduce such a system at present.

How many people are eligible for free travel under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme due to disability in Fylde constituency.

The Department for Transport does not hold data on the number of people eligible for free travel under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme due to disability at any geographic level.