Written questions by Snowden.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55229 on Electric Bicycles: Sales, whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of enforcement action taken by Local Authority Trading Standards against the sale of illegally modified electric bikes in the last 12 months.

Under product safety regulations, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) have powers to remove unsafe products or prevent them entering the UK. In 2023-2024, 2.4m goods, including e-bikes, were denied entry. LATS report serious risk products to OPSS, which has published 22 recalls and 29 other safety alerts on unsafe e-bikes and associated products since 2022. Last year OPSS led a LATS programme to inspect businesses that repair, maintain or modify e-bikes and raise awareness of legal responsibilities for safety.Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes on public roads is a police matter.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer 5 June 2025 to Question 56531 on Avian Influenza: Lancashire, whether his Department has provided discretionary financial assistance to poultry producers indirectly affected by avian influenza control measures in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire.

This Government is committed to working closely with industry to anticipate the potential social and economic risk from avian influenza, so that response strategies are as effective as possible. Whilst the economic impact of an outbreak of avian influenza on Flyde and Lancashire has not been specifically assessed at the regional level, the impacts of a reasonable worst-case scenario outbreak of avian influenza were assessed for the National Risk Register published on gov.uk in 2025. These national risks are reviewed on a regular basis, taking into account new developments. In addition, the joint Government and industry avian influenza taskforce has committed to publishing a full report on vaccination strategies in the UK this summer; this will include economic assessments from previous outbreaks, including the 2022 outbreak. Compensation paid for birds culled by the Government for disease control purposes is designed to promote prompt reporting of suspicion of disease and is only payable for healthy birds as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. There is no compensation available for sick birds or birds that have died. Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control or measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat. However, to support improvements and resilience in the poultry sector laying hen housing for health and welfare grants have been made available to poultry keepers in England through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. Any commercial egg producer or pullet rearer, who is a registered keeper of 1000 or more birds are eligible to apply for these grants.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54450 on Transport: Disability, what steps her Department plans to take to ensure that transport operators in Fylde comply with the disability (a) awareness and (b) assistance training requirements proposed in the Bus Services (No.2) Bill.

The Bus Services (No.2) Bill will require relevant bus staff to complete both disability awareness and disability assistance training to give them the knowledge, skills and confidence to support every passenger appropriately. The Bill provisions include a power for the Secretary of State to make regulations prescribing how carriers and terminal managing bodies should collate and publish data on the completion of relevant training by their staff. The Traffic Commissioners will be able to use existing powers to issue a financial penalty in the case of non-compliance.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer 5 June 2025 to Question 56531 on Avian Influenza: Lancashire, whether his Department has modelled the potential impact of a confirmed outbreak of avian influenza in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire on the economy.

This Government is committed to working closely with industry to anticipate the potential social and economic risk from avian influenza, so that response strategies are as effective as possible. Whilst the economic impact of an outbreak of avian influenza on Flyde and Lancashire has not been specifically assessed at the regional level, the impacts of a reasonable worst-case scenario outbreak of avian influenza were assessed for the National Risk Register published on gov.uk in 2025. These national risks are reviewed on a regular basis, taking into account new developments. In addition, the joint Government and industry avian influenza taskforce has committed to publishing a full report on vaccination strategies in the UK this summer; this will include economic assessments from previous outbreaks, including the 2022 outbreak. Compensation paid for birds culled by the Government for disease control purposes is designed to promote prompt reporting of suspicion of disease and is only payable for healthy birds as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. There is no compensation available for sick birds or birds that have died. Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control or measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat. However, to support improvements and resilience in the poultry sector laying hen housing for health and welfare grants have been made available to poultry keepers in England through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. Any commercial egg producer or pullet rearer, who is a registered keeper of 1000 or more birds are eligible to apply for these grants.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased use of e-cigarettes on young people in Fylde constituency.

The health advice is clear, that while vapes are less harmful than smoking and can be an effective quit aid for smokers, children and non-smokers should never vape. The main established health risk associated with vaping is from nicotine, which can cause addiction. Children and young people are particularly susceptible to the addictive nature of nicotine as their lungs and brains are still developing.This is why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children to stop the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine. The bill, currently going through Parliament, includes a range of measures to tackle youth vaping, which will benefit the young people of Fylde. In addition, the disposable vapes ban came into effect on 1 June, making the sale and supply of single use vapes illegal. This ban protects the environment and removes products from the market that particularly appeal to children.We are also committed to funding research in this area to inform policy across the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, we announced a £62 million research project into adolescent health, funded by UK Research and Innovation, that will investigate the long-term health effects of vaping on young people’s health and wellbeing. We have also commissioned, via the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the most comprehensive analysis of youth vaping studies ever conducted in this area, which is due to be published later this year.

Communities and Local Government, what guidance her Department has issued to local planning authorities on the installation of 6G masts.

The government is committed to supporting investment in high-quality, reliable digital connectivity so that communities can benefit from faster economic growth and greater social inclusion. We expect 6G technologies to be available from the early 2030s.The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 includes the latest national planning policy on how telecommunications and mobile network infrastructure should be considered. Chapter 10 outlines the government’s current policy on supporting high quality communications infrastructure.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54084 on Roads: Fylde, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the road maintenance backlog in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

The Government takes the condition of the country’s roads very seriously and is committed to supporting local highway authorities across the country in maintaining and renewing the local highway network. The highway maintenance backlog in Lancashire and elsewhere is the result of a decade of underinvestment by the previous government, and is one of the reasons why this Government has announced nearly £1.6 billion in capital funding for local highways maintenance in England for the financial year 2025/26. This includes £500 million of additional funding when compared to the previous financial year. Funding allocations for individual local authorities can be found on gov.uk. Local highway authorities are required to provide data regularly on the condition of their local roads. In addition, in March 2025, the department wrote to all local highway authorities to request further data on the condition of their network and their maintenance plans and practices, with first returns being due by the end of June. This information will help the government and local people understand the activities of local highways authorities better, as well as understanding the state of local roads and the scale of the challenges each authority faces. Authorities that fail to publish these reports may have a portion of their funding uplift withheld. A copy of the letter can be accessed on gov.uk.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer 5 June 2025 to Question 56531 on Avian Influenza: Lancashire, what steps his Department is taking to help support poultry producers in areas at risk of avian influenza outbreaks that have no confirmed cases.

This Government is committed to working closely with industry to anticipate the potential social and economic risk from avian influenza, so that response strategies are as effective as possible. Whilst the economic impact of an outbreak of avian influenza on Flyde and Lancashire has not been specifically assessed at the regional level, the impacts of a reasonable worst-case scenario outbreak of avian influenza were assessed for the National Risk Register published on gov.uk in 2025. These national risks are reviewed on a regular basis, taking into account new developments. In addition, the joint Government and industry avian influenza taskforce has committed to publishing a full report on vaccination strategies in the UK this summer; this will include economic assessments from previous outbreaks, including the 2022 outbreak. Compensation paid for birds culled by the Government for disease control purposes is designed to promote prompt reporting of suspicion of disease and is only payable for healthy birds as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. There is no compensation available for sick birds or birds that have died. Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control or measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat. However, to support improvements and resilience in the poultry sector laying hen housing for health and welfare grants have been made available to poultry keepers in England through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. Any commercial egg producer or pullet rearer, who is a registered keeper of 1000 or more birds are eligible to apply for these grants.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54450 on Transport: Disability, whether her Department plans to provide funding to improve accessible transport infrastructure under the measures in the Bus Services (No.2) Bill in Fylde constituency.

The Bus Services (No.2) Bill will require local authorities commissioning the provision of new bus stations and stops or the upgrading of existing ones, to pay regard to new stopping place safety and accessibility guidance, with the aim of helping them to make best use of funds by designing infrastructure inclusively from the outset. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes capital funding for local authorities which can be used to improve infrastructure such as bus stations and stops. Lancashire County Council has been allocated over £27 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services, including £12.4 million in capital funding. Future funding for buses will be announced following the conclusion of the multi-year spending review.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to protect community gardens.

Community gardens make a great contribution to the health, wellbeing and spirit of communities.The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that open space should not be built on unless there is clear evidence it is no longer required, or equivalent or better provision is secured in a suitable location, or development of the site is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.The NPPF also provides for the designation of land as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans, allowing communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55229 on Electric Bicycles: Sales, what estimate he has made of the number of illegally modified electric bikes removed from sale by (a) Trading Standards and (b) the Office for Product Safety and Standards in the last year.

Under UK product safety regulations, businesses are responsible for ensuring the products they supply comply with all relevant legal requirements. The Office for Product Safety and Standards published a regulatory activity update for e-bikes in January which summarises its actions in this area. It does not routinely collect estimates of numbers of products removed from sale. Individual Trading Standards departments prioritise action against non-compliant consumer products based on the trading patterns and safety issues specific to their locality, which differ between regions.Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes used on public roads is a matter for the police.

What training is provided to police officers to help (a) identify and (b) handle illegally modified e-bikes.

The training provided to police officers to help identity and handle illegally modified e-bikes is an operational matter for Chief Officers of police forces.The Government announced proposals in the Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen existing powers to clamp down on vehicles, including illegally modified electric bikes, involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing vehicles.On 28 May, the Government launched a 6-week consultation on proposals to allow the police to dispose of seized vehicles which have been used anti-socially, or which have been ridden without insurance or a driving licence, from 14 days to 48 hours and 7 days respectively. Combined, these proposals will help tackle the scourge of vehicles ridden anti-socially and illegally by sending a clear message to would be offenders and local communities that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to increase the impact of (a) Britain in Bloom and (b) regional in bloom contests on communities.

Britain in Bloom has a huge impact upon our local environments and communities, inspiring thousands to get involved in their community. It is one of many excellent initiatives to create better access to green spaces for all sections of society. Whilst we are not taking direct steps to increase the scope of Britain in Bloom specifically, the government’s own Green Flag Award sets the standard for green spaces across the UK. In 2024 a record 2,227 Green Flag Awards were awarded. To increase the impact of the green flag award, we have modernised the Award, adjusting its aims and deliverables to focus on community engagement, increased access and usage of parks and to address local health and environmental priorities.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55229 on Electric Bicycles: Sales, what plans his Department has to improve consumer awareness of the legal requirements for electric bikes and the risks of using illegally modified versions.

As part of DBT's programme of activity tackling unsafe e-bikes and associated products, last October I launched a consumer awareness campaign Buy Safe, Be Safe to encourage consumers to buy safe e-bikes from reputable sellers; to only use manufacturer recommended replacements; and to only engage professionals if modifying products. DBT partners with fire services, consumer bodies and relevant businesses to ensure these messages reach gig economy workers and those most likely to use e-bikes. DBT also collaborates with other departments, including MHCLG on fire safety, and DfT on safe road use, to raise public awareness on using e-bikes safely.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025 on the provision of NHS services in (a) England and (b) Fylde.

The Supreme Court’s ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers. We expect all public service bodies to act on the clarity that the ruling provides We are considering the impact of the ruling. While the implementation of the ruling may generate operational challenges or have financial implications, it is not beyond the ability of the National Health Service to find a path that resolves these issues in a way that ensures the safety and dignity of all patients. We will support the NHS in England in doing so.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54084 on Roads: Fylde, what the criteria is for successful completion of the incentive measures.

Details about local highway maintenance funding allocations and what authorities must do to receive incentive funding are all available on gov.uk. The first thing authorities must do is to publish a report on their websites by the end of June providing information on various matters including how they are planning to spend the funding, and what the overall condition of their road network is. Lancashire have been allocated an uplift in local highway maintenance funding of up to £12,308,000 for local highway maintenance in 2025/26, subject to them meeting the incentive criteria set out on gov.uk. This represents 2.46% of the total uplift of £500,000,000 across England.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54084 on Roads: Fylde, what proportion of the £500 million funding uplift for local highway maintenance was allocated to Lancashire.

Details about local highway maintenance funding allocations and what authorities must do to receive incentive funding are all available on gov.uk. The first thing authorities must do is to publish a report on their websites by the end of June providing information on various matters including how they are planning to spend the funding, and what the overall condition of their road network is. Lancashire have been allocated an uplift in local highway maintenance funding of up to £12,308,000 for local highway maintenance in 2025/26, subject to them meeting the incentive criteria set out on gov.uk. This represents 2.46% of the total uplift of £500,000,000 across England.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54086 on Active Travel: Lancashire, if she will provide additional (a) funding and (b) resources to improve walking infrastructure in Fylde.

Following the conclusion of the Spending Review, the Department will publish a third cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS3). This will set out the long-term funding for active travel including infrastructure and programmes such as Bikeability. Since 2020 Lancashire County Council has been awarded over £10.5 million of funding to improve the safety and accessibility of infrastructure through the Active Travel Fund. While it is for local authorities to decide where investment is prioritised in their local transport networks, Active Travel England (ATE) works with them through the Design Assurance Process which uses tools, checks and other processes to ensure quality and safety are designed into new and existing infrastructure. ATE is regularly engaged with the Council through our regional engagement managers. Earlier this year ATE published best practice guidance for authorities on how to engage communities on the prioritisation and delivery of schemes. Guidance on monitoring and evaluation has been provided to support authorities in transparently tracking the impact of their funding.

If HMRC will make an assessment of the potential merits of reinstating the practice of paying interest on savings net of tax.

HMRC receives information from banks and building societies about the savings and investment income they have paid to their customers. Where possible, HMRC will match this information to a taxpayer’s record, and calculate any Income Tax due. If necessary, they will adjust the taxpayer’s tax code and send them an adjusted tax code notice. Guidance on Gov.uk sets out HMRC’s process to collect tax where an individual exceeds their allowance, settled either through Self-Assessment or adjustments to their tax code for Pay As You Earn customers. A combination of several allowances means that around 85% of people with savings income pay no tax on their savings income. Requiring banks and building societies to return to the system of deducting basic rate tax from interest would result in millions of savers being overcharged tax and needing to reclaim it from HMRC to benefit from their savings allowances. The Government keeps all aspects of savings and tax policy under review

If HMRC will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling secure written communication through the Government Gateway system.

HMRC are currently working on delivering a secure digital communications route for customers and their intermediaries to exchange documents and written communications with HMRC.