Written questions by Charalambous.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact on consumers of misleading “no win, no fee” advertising by high-volume claims firms, including instances where hidden fees or complex funding arrangements expose claimants to unexpected financial risk.

The Government is aware of concerns that misleading "no win, no fee" advertising can expose consumers to unexpected financial risk, including through unclear information about fees, deductions, and related funding or insurance arrangements. Whether entering into a “no win, no fee” arrangement through a legal services provider or claims management company (CMC), consumers should receive clear and timely information about what they are agreeing to.The legal and claims management sectors are regulated independently of government. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors and most law firms in England and Wales, including claims management activities they undertake. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates specified claims management activities carried out by CMCs.The Ministry of Justice has been working closely with relevant regulators and partners across the system, including engagement with the SRA and FCA, to understand and support action to address risks to consumers in the high-volume consumer claims market. I met with both organisations recently and impressed upon the regulators the need for tougher, more consistent regulation of conditional fee agreements.The SRA has, and is, undertaking a range of work in this area, including ongoing investigations, a thematic review and discussion paper, requiring mandatory compliance declarations from firms operating in the high-volume consumer claims sector, consumer research, and guidance and Warning Notices for law firms. This includes action to improve how “no win, no fee” arrangements are explained, including exploring standardised wording and templates to support clearer consumer communications. The SRA will also shortly be reminding firms of their current obligations by publishing a Warning Notice relating to “no win, no fee” claims. Further information on the SRA’s work in relation to high-volume consumer claims is available at: https://www.sra.org.uk/home/hot-topics/high-volume-consumer-claims/.The FCA has set out clear expectations for CMC marketing and customer communications, including that promotions must be fair, clear and not misleading and that “no win, no fee” advertising must include prominent information about relevant fees and termination charges. The FCA has also intervened to require misleading CMC promotions to be amended or withdrawn, and has recently written to CMCs active in motor finance claims to remind them to review their promotions and ensure compliance with FCA rules and the Consumer Duty.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of mass legal claims against publicly funded bodies, such as the Legal Aid Agency, on (a) vulnerable consumers and (b) levels of resource available for frontline services.

Public bodies are expected to identify material risks to vulnerable consumers or levels of resource available for frontline services, including due to any mass legal claims, and are responsible for managing their impact.The Ministry of Justice has a partnership relationship with each of its funded public bodies that enables the body to escalate new risks as appropriate. The Department carries out an annual risk assessment of each of its public bodies, where significant upcoming risks can be identified and an assessment of the impact made.Additionally, public bodies that receive funding from the Ministry of Justice are responsible for working collaboratively with the Department as it determines the level of funding that will be provided to them annually. Any pressures that can be predicted due to mass legal claims would be expected to be raised with the Ministry of Justice and levels of resource would be discussed with those bodies on an individual basis through existing financial allocation processes.Other Government Departments are responsible for the assessment of risks to public bodies sponsored by them.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the junk food advertising ban on trends in the level of obesity.

Our manifesto commitment to restrict junk food TV advertising before 9pm, and online at all times, was a moral imperative. This measure is expected to remove around 7.2 billion calories from children’s diets each year and prevent 20,000 cases of childhood obesity. With this milestone achieved, we’re well on the way to raising the healthiest generation of children ever.

What assessment she has made of the ability of motor finance lenders to adhere to the forthcoming redress scheme.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as independent regulator, has set out its proposals for a motor finance redress scheme. In its consultation, the FCA has set out how it expects consumers to be appropriately redressed. The FCA also sets out proposals on what steps firms should take to ensure redress can be delivered quickly, address any gaps in their records, and what controls should be in place to ensure they operate the scheme in a fair and transparent way. Throughout the consultation period which closed on December 12, the government has encouraged all stakeholders to fully engage with the process so that their views can be considered by the FCA. The FCA has indicated it will finalise the rules of the scheme in February or March 2026.It is vital that consumers have access to motor finance to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms.

Whether she has had discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority on the number of consumers who may miss out on compensation for motor finance as a result of (a) lender record gaps, (b) procedural barriers and (c) complaint-handling delays.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as independent regulator, has set out its proposals for a motor finance redress scheme. In its consultation, the FCA has set out how it expects consumers to be appropriately redressed. The FCA also sets out proposals on what steps firms should take to ensure redress can be delivered quickly, address any gaps in their records, and what controls should be in place to ensure they operate the scheme in a fair and transparent way. Throughout the consultation period which closed on December 12, the government has encouraged all stakeholders to fully engage with the process so that their views can be considered by the FCA. The FCA has indicated it will finalise the rules of the scheme in February or March 2026.It is vital that consumers have access to motor finance to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Financial Conduct Authority and (b) Financial Ombudsman Service’s recent changes to compensatory interest.

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is responsible for setting the interest rate it applies to awards. Following consultation, the FOS has confirmed that it will change the interest rate that it applies to some compensation awards, moving from the current 8% to a time-weighted average of the Bank of England’s base rate plus one percentage point. The FOS will continue to apply an 8% interest rate for the period after a determination has been made, if the business does not pay redress on time, to encourage timely compliance with FOS determinations. The Chancellor welcomed the new rate in her Mansion House 2025 speech on 15 July, with the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy noting that the new rate better reflects market conditions.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to promote research into treatments for glioblastoma.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology invests approximately £200 million annually in cancer research via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spent £141.6 million in 2024/25 via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The Government does not ringfence funding for specific cancers, but is committed to advancing brain tumour research, including glioblastoma. In recent years, NIHR directly invested £11.8 million and UKRI invested £46.8 million into brain tumour research. This included two new glioblastoma research projects funded by the Medical Research Council in 2023.

What steps she is taking to ensure that (a) people with mental health difficulties, (b) caring responsibilities, (c) financial hardship and (d) other vulnerable consumers are not disproportionately affected during the motor finance redress process.

It is vital that consumers have access to motor finance to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as independent regulator, has set out its proposals for a motor finance redress scheme. In its consultation, the FCA has set out how it expects consumers to be appropriately redressed. The FCA also sets out proposals on how firms should support vulnerable consumers, and address any gaps in their records, and what controls should be in place to ensure they operate the scheme in a fair and transparent way. Throughout the consultation period which closed on December 12, the government has encouraged all stakeholders to fully engage with the process so that their views can be considered by the FCA. The FCA has indicated it will finalise the rules of the scheme in February or March 2026.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) incomplete and (b) missing lender records dating back to 2007 on the ability of consumers to be (i) identified and (ii) compensated under the car finance redress scheme.

It is vital that consumers have access to motor finance to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as independent regulator, has set out its proposals for a motor finance redress scheme. In its consultation, the FCA has set out how it expects consumers to be appropriately redressed. The FCA also sets out proposals on how firms should support vulnerable consumers, and address any gaps in their records, and what controls should be in place to ensure they operate the scheme in a fair and transparent way. Throughout the consultation period which closed on December 12, the government has encouraged all stakeholders to fully engage with the process so that their views can be considered by the FCA. The FCA has indicated it will finalise the rules of the scheme in February or March 2026.

Media and Sport, whether the forthcoming National Visitor Economy Strategy will include consideration of the role and growth potential of the UK outbound travel industry.

The forthcoming Visitor Economy Growth Plan (VEGP), which will set out a long term plan to increase visitor flows across the UK, boost value, and deliver sustainable growth. This will include consideration of the role of the UK’s outbound travel industry in generating growth.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help (a) recognise and (b) support the outbound travel industry.

DCMS recognises the contribution of the outbound travel sector to the UK economy, which in 2024, saw pre-trip outbound spending reach £40 billion. The Government is dedicated to ensuring smooth and efficient border crossings for UK citizens traveling to and from the EU. Following confirmation from the European Union that there are no legal barriers to the use of e-gates for UK nationals travelling in and out of EU Member States, the Government has proactively engaged with a wide range of counterparts across Europe.Several countries, including Bulgaria and Portugal, already expanded e-gate access to new locations for UK travellers, and many more countries including Switzerland, Estonia, and Austria have committed to further expansion in due course. To provide a more stable environment for businesses that arrange overseas travel, the Department for Business and Trade have recently announced reforms to The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018. These changes simplify the regulations and provide stronger redress rights for travel providers, supporting UK tourism businesses selling holidays at home and abroad. DCMS is also committed to working with airlines, rail and the cruise sector to support route development and encourage regional growth throughout the UK. This in turn benefits the essential infrastructure used by UK residents travelling overseas.

What assessment she has made of the potential challenges of a motor finance redress scheme which does not fully reflect consumers’ actual financial losses.

It is vital that consumers have access to motor finance to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as independent regulator, has set out its proposals for a motor finance redress scheme. In its consultation, the FCA has set out how it expects consumers to be appropriately redressed. The FCA also sets out proposals on how firms should support vulnerable consumers, and address any gaps in their records, and what controls should be in place to ensure they operate the scheme in a fair and transparent way. Throughout the consultation period which closed on December 12, the government has encouraged all stakeholders to fully engage with the process so that their views can be considered by the FCA. The FCA has indicated it will finalise the rules of the scheme in February or March 2026.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help support economic growth for (a) travel agents and (b) tour operators.

The Government has recently announced the Small Business Plan. It outlines how we will make thriving small and medium sized businesses, which includes travel agents and tour operators, a reality across the UK through the most significant package of legislative reforms in 25 years to tackle late payments; unlocking billions of pounds in finance to support businesses to invest; removing unnecessary red tape; revitalising the High Street as a place to do business; and delivering growth boosting support for Digital and AI Adoption with a new online Business Growth Service. The British Tourist Authority (BTA) supports specialist travel businesses through marketing and trade opportunities, linking UK businesses with the travel trade globally through events. In addition to this, the BTA offers training programmes, research insights, and targeted funding schemes that help travel businesses reach international markets and build capability. It connects operators with overseas buyers through both international trade events and UK based hosted buyer programmes, promotes bookable products via its platforms, and provides data, tools, and grants to strengthen the UK’s visitor economy. The Government has also launched The Business Growth Service as part of the Small Business Plan. This makes it easier and quicker for businesses to get the help, support and advice they need to start, grow and succeed.

What sanctions are currently available to the Financial Conduct Authority if lenders fail to meet their obligations under the motor finance redress scheme; and whether the Treasury plans to review the adequacy of those sanctions.

It is vital that consumers have access to motor finance to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as independent regulator, has set out its proposals for a motor finance redress scheme. In its consultation, the FCA has set out how it expects consumers to be appropriately redressed. The FCA also sets out proposals on how firms should support vulnerable consumers, and address any gaps in their records, and what controls should be in place to ensure they operate the scheme in a fair and transparent way. Throughout the consultation period which closed on December 12, the government has encouraged all stakeholders to fully engage with the process so that their views can be considered by the FCA. The FCA has indicated it will finalise the rules of the scheme in February or March 2026.

What data his Department holds on a) diagnosis and b) survival rates for glioblastoma.

Published Cancer Registration Statistics for England, including glioblastoma, are available at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-registration-statistics/england-2023 Cancer mortality statistics for England for 2023 are also available at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-registration-statistics/england-2023/cancer-mortality Alternately, these are combined in the National Disease Registration Service Cancer Incidence and Mortality interactive dashboard, which is available at the following link: https://nhsd-ndrs.shinyapps.io/incidence_and_mortality/

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of maintaining investment in the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait in advance of their 2026 replenishments.

The UK played a leading role in establishing both Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and we remain advocates for both. We committed £80 million towards ECW's current strategic plan (2023 to 2026), alongside an additional £14 million for the Sudan regional response announced in November 2024. In October, the UK fulfilled our £430 million pledge to GPE for its current 2021-2026 strategic plan. The UK's future commitments to both funds are being determined as part of our multi-year budget allocation process, the outcome of which will be set out in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support the Child Nutrition Fund to ensure safe and nutritious diets are accessible to more women and children.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 November to Question 89032.

What plans she has to facilitate discussions between Post Office and the major banks on expanding in-person banking services at post offices.

The Government recognises the importance of access to cash and banking services for businesses and individuals, including those who may be in vulnerable groups or require assistance and is supportive of industry initiatives that improve access to these vital services. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The specific services provided under the Framework are subject to commercial negotiations between individual banks and the Post Office, and the Government has no role in deciding what these arrangements are. The Government would welcome continued collaboration between Post Office and the banking sector, on a commercial basis and will look to host joint discussions with Post Office and the banking sector in the coming months.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the results-based target for improving nutrition for women and children is measurable and time-bound.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 November to Question 89032.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much she has (a) committed and (b) disbursed to the Child Nutrition Fund.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 November to Question 89032.