Written questions by Snowden.

What steps she is taking to improve road safety in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

There is not a specific DfT road safety strategy for Flyde or Lancashire. It is for local authorities to decide upon the most appropriate road safety interventions, based on its knowledge of an area and taking into account local needs and considerations. However, the Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department is developing its Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.

How many homes had been upgraded under the Warm Homes Plan in Fylde constituency by 30 May 2025; and what targets his Department has for upgrading homes in Fylde constituency in the next two years.

The Government has committed an initial £3.4 billion as part of the 2024 Spending Review over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency, with £1.8 billion of grant funding allocated to the Warm Homes Plan to upgrade up to 170,000 homes by 2028. We will partner with combined authorities, local authorities, and social housing providers to roll out this plan, delivering warmer, more energy efficient homes in communities across England. Successful applicants and grants allocated to the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund are listed on GOV.UK.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46934 on Energy: Prices, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the transition to clean energy on levels of (a) grid reliability and (b) energy supply (i) at all times and (ii) during periods of peak demand.

Great Britain has a secure and diverse energy system. As published in the Statutory Security of Supply Report 2024, Great Britain is expected to have sufficient supplies of electricity and gas to meet demand in the short and long term, including during peak demand. The government’s mission is to secure our energy supply with home-grown, clean power and we have set out the steps to achieve this in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan – which explains how we will boost energy security, grid reliability and protect consumers.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of tax relief to mitigate the impact of tariffs introduced within the same tax year in Fylde constituency.

The Government recently announced the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, which is a major milestone for our special relationship The agreement of 8 May is the first step towards a legally binding Economic Prosperity Deal with the US which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries, and improving supply chains.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 51546 on Broadband: Lancashire, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of broadband access in (a) rural and (b) urban parts of Fylde constituency.

According to Ofcom’s most recent Connected Nations report, in the Fylde constituency, 93% of rural premises and 100% of urban premises can access superfast broadband speeds (>= 30 Mbps). This is above the UK average of 89% of rural premises and 99% of urban premises.In the Hon. Member’s constituency, 79% of rural premises and 94% of urban premises have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection (>1000 Mbps). This is also above the UK average of 57% of rural premises and 89% of urban premises.These figures are as of January 2025.

With reference to the White Paper entitled Get Britain Working, published on 26 November 2024, what steps her Department is taking to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises to improve access to occupational health services.

The Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Health and Social Care are committed to supporting people with their employment journey. Expert-led impartial advice, and interventions such as Occupational Health, can help employers provide appropriate and timely work-based support to manage their employees’ health conditions, and also support business productivity. The Joint Work Health Directorate Occupational Health reform programme has focused on increasing access and uptake of occupational health. This has included increasing private market coverage of employer led Occupational Health to help businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to support disabled employees and those with health conditions to get in and on in work and get back into appropriate work as quickly as possible. Through this programme we have also explored how we enable a sustainable workforce to support good quality provision across all sectors. The Department for Work and Pensions additionally offers support to small and medium-sized enterprises through a number of programmes, such as the Disability Confident Scheme, which provides employers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to employ those with a disability or health condition and a digital information service for (Support with Employee Health and Disability), which provides tailored guidance on supporting employees in common workplace scenarios involving health and disability. Employers, including those from Small and Medium enterprises can also refer to WorkWell pilots which went live from October 2024 in 15 areas across England. Available to people both in and out of work, it provides low intensity holistic support for health-related barriers to employment, and a single joined up gateway to existing local work and health service provision. Upon publication of our Get Britain Working White Paper, the Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions and Business and Trade asked Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent Keep Britain Working Review as a part of the plan to Get Britain Working again. In recognition of the vital role of businesses of all sizes, Sir Charlie Mayfield is considering recommendations to support and enable employers to promote healthy and inclusive workplaces, support more people to stay in or return to work from periods of sickness absence, and recruit and retain more disabled people and people with health conditions.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 50256 on Farms: Lancashire, what measures his Department plans to introduce in the next phase of the Landscape Recovery programme; and how these measures will support farmers in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire.

As a core element of the Environmental Land Management schemes, Landscape Recovery is uniquely placed to provide large-scale, long-term benefits for nature, delivering improvements to biodiversity, carbon emissions, water quality, air quality, flood resilience and food security.We have been gathering feedback and evaluating how the Landscape Recovery scheme is working, including from those projects in development near to and within the Fylde and Lancashire areas – namely the Brock & Calder Landscape Recovery Project and The West Pennines More Nature Partnership.Landscape Recovery projects that were awarded funding in rounds one and two are continuing, and projects in the first round are moving into the delivery phase.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many farmers are (a) enrolled in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme and (b) expected to receive an uplift in payments from January 2025 in (i) Lancashire and (ii) Fylde constituency.

I can confirm that there are 164 live Higher Level Stewardship-related agreements that fall within the Lancashire County that should receive an uplift. This figure is spread across 16 constituencies in Lancashire and includes constituencies (Morecambe and Lunesdale & Southport) that are spread across county lines. None fall within the Fylde constituency.

What assessment she has made of the merits of making (a) PINS training materials and (b) modules available to schools currently not participating in the programme.

The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme is a national programme, backed by £9.5 million of investment in 2025/26. It is a cross-government collaboration between the department, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, supported by the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF).An equal budget has been allocated to each Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enable them to deliver PINS to an additional 30 schools and provide ongoing support to the 40 schools supported in the first year of the programme. The specific amount available to each ICB is determined by the NHS fair share formula, which adjusts budgets to take account of local cost variations. Each ICB nationally will receive a minimum of £209,000.Across Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB footprint, 40 schools took part in PINS in 2024/25 and will continue to receive support to embed their learning over 2025/26. The ICB is in the process of recruiting an additional 30 new schools for 2025/26. The programme is being evaluated by a consortium led by CFE Research, and the learning will inform future policy development around how schools support neurodivergent children.

What assessment he has made of the merits of the PINS programme from the 1,600 schools participating in that programme.

The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme is a national programme, backed by £9.5 million of investment in 2025/26. It is a cross-government collaboration between the department, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, supported by the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF).An equal budget has been allocated to each Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enable them to deliver PINS to an additional 30 schools and provide ongoing support to the 40 schools supported in the first year of the programme. The specific amount available to each ICB is determined by the NHS fair share formula, which adjusts budgets to take account of local cost variations. Each ICB nationally will receive a minimum of £209,000.Across Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB footprint, 40 schools took part in PINS in 2024/25 and will continue to receive support to embed their learning over 2025/26. The ICB is in the process of recruiting an additional 30 new schools for 2025/26. The programme is being evaluated by a consortium led by CFE Research, and the learning will inform future policy development around how schools support neurodivergent children.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether farmers currently on expiring Higher Level Stewardship agreements will be eligible for the new payment rates if they (a) renew and (b) transition to Environmental Land Management schemes.

Farmers whose Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement expired in 2024 and that expire in 2025 have been offered an extension to their agreement. If they accept this extension, then they will benefit from the increases in the HLS rates. An individual's payments increase will depend on the options in their agreement. Most HLS agreements will naturally expire in 2028. We are reviewing our approach to transitioning farmers from existing agreements into new schemes. Where a farmer makes a new application, they will be entitled to the rates applicable to the scheme they choose as payment rates are set according to the scheme.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what proportion of announced banking hubs are operational as of June 2025; and what steps she is taking to expedite the rollout.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the FCA monitors the potential impact of branch closures on vulnerable customers; and what enforcement action is available when firms fail to comply with guidance.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the FCA’s regulatory rules for access to cash introduced in September 2024 at maintaining equitable cash access in (a) urban and (b) rural areas.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to monitor Higher Level Stewardship payments to ensure they deliver (a) measurable environmental benefits and (b) value for money in (i) rural communities and (ii) Fylde constituency.

Extensions to Higher Level Stewardships (HLS) agreements have been offered to all based on meeting specific eligibility requirements and an assessment that the current agreement continues to meet its expected environmental outcomes. This provides value for money and delivers environmental benefits in rural communities. No HLS agreements fall within the Flyde constituency.

Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to increase community involvement in the planning process in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 46945 on 30 April 2025.

What steps her Department is taking to protect people living in Fylde constituency from cryptocurrency scams.

The Government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is developing a new and expanded fraud strategy to further protect the public and businesses from this appalling crime. Relevant cryptoasset firms are already subject to UK financial promotions requirements, and required to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for money laundering supervision. Building on this, the Government is introducing a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets this year. The new regime will provide further protections for UK consumers, by requiring firms offering them services to be authorised and regulated by the FCA.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that emergency response teams are adequately (a) trained and (b) equipped to respond to road traffic incidents in (i) Fylde constituency and (ii) Lancashire.

The development and maintenance of police driving-related curricula and supporting resources is the responsibility of the College of Policing, with support from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Police Driving Lead.Decisions on the allocation of equipment used to respond to road traffic incidents is an operational matter for Lancashire Constabulary.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 50256 on Farms: Lancashire, whether his Department plans to consult (a) farmers and (b) industry stakeholders on the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive before announcing further details.

Defra is working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced following the spending review in summer 2025.

Innovation and Technology, how much funding had been (a) allocated in total, (b) spent on and (c) forecast for the Project Gigabit contract in Lancashire on 30 May 2025.

Openreach is delivering a £149.7 million contract to bring gigabit-capable broadband to 54,300 premises in Lancashire, North Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, West and Mid Surrey, Staffordshire, West Berkshire and Hertfordshire. This funding is allocated to all areas listed in this contract and is not explicitly allocated at a regional or constituency level.Openreach has only recently started its build in Lancashire under this contract, so no funding has yet been paid to the supplier for its work there.