Written questions by Ribeiro-Addy.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission's regulatory oversight of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's adult community mental health services in Lambeth.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent regulator, responsible for assessing and monitoring providers in line with its statutory remit. The Department holds the CQC to account for its overall performance and delivery of its regulatory functions.The CQC is undertaking a programme of improvement, and the Department continues to engage closely with CQC leadership to monitor progress through regular sponsorship and accountability meetings.The CQC has maintained ongoing regulatory engagement with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust following its 2025 inspections, using a combination of continuous monitoring, engagement with the trust and system partners, and targeted follow-up activity to ensure risks are managed and improvements are supported and sustained.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the safety of people returned to France under the one in, one out policy.

One of the Government’s top priorities is to increase border security and dismantle Organised Crime Groups (OCG) who facilitate dangerous and irregular small boat journeys across the Channel. The aim of the UK’s arrangement with France is to stop small boat crossings, protect lives which are lost during these dangerous crossings, undermine the OCG business models and improve the UK’s border security. The arrangements operate under a bilateral treaty, which explicitly commits both countries to respecting the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.Individual assessments are carried out prior to removal. These take into account any submissions raised by the individual as to why France is not safe in their particular circumstances. Individuals also have access to the courts to challenge removal.The UK and France continue to work closely to ensure the pilot operates effectively.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) training, (b) hiring, (c) management and (d) performance of NHS administrative staff.

The Department does not centrally oversee the training, recruitment, management, and performance of National Health Service administrative staff in individual organisations. These matters are primarily the responsibility of local NHS organisations, which are best placed to determine the administrative roles they require and to ensure staff are recruited, trained, and managed appropriately to support the delivery of services.

Whether he has considered the merits of increasing funding for training of NHS administrative staff.

The responsibility for the training of National Health Service administrative staff generally sits with local NHS employers. In most cases, training arrangements for these staff, particularly non-clinical training, are determined locally by NHS employers and may vary between organisations.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of school exclusions on (i) children’s (a) long-term educational outcomes, (b) mental health and (c) contact with the criminal justice system and (ii) Black and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities; and if she will bring forward proposals to end the use of exclusions in state-funded schools.

Awaiting answer.

How she plans to monitor and assess the effectiveness of voluntary Menopause Action Plans before they become mandatory.

We recognise the significant impact that menopause symptoms can have on women and how crucial effective workplace support can be.The Office for Equality and Opportunity (OEO) has launched voluntary action plans, encouraging large employers to publish how they are supporting employees experiencing menopause, as well as the steps they are taking to address their gender pay gap.OEO published detailed guidance to support employers in developing their action plans.As part of this, we provided a list of evidence-informed actions that include tangible steps employers can take to support women managing menopause symptoms at work. These were developed using insight and research at the time of writing on what was effective. They include:Training managers to support employees experiencing menopauseOffering employees experiencing menopause tailored occupational health adviceOffering tailored workplace adjustments for employees experiencing menopause – whether that’s uniform or working in a cooler areaSetting up menopause support groups and networksAdvertising flexible working arrangements and leave policies in job advertsThe guidance also suggests ways to track progress, collect data, and monitor the effectiveness of an organisation’s chosen actions. We will work closely with business to evaluate whether these are the right actions and keep them up to date, as well as support them to monitor the impact of the actions they adopt.Further details regarding the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of action plans as a broader policy intervention will be provided as we progress the secondary legislation required to make action plans mandatory.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 30-month refugee status review policy on people granted asylum in the UK.

The Home Office is committed to changing the way we deliver our protection offer, where refugee status is temporary, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home.Not everyone who has been granted Core Protection will undergo a review of their protection needs. Only those who remain on Core Protection, and do not switch into the Protection Work and Study route will be subject to this review. The approach to reviewing status will also be efficient and targeted and will build on the efficiencies that have already seen record levels of initial decisions being made, including use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).We will encourage people to move to the Protection Work and Study route wherever possible meaning that those who contribute to UK society through employment or study will have greater certainty about their future in the UK. At the same time, in line with our international obligations, we will not remove anyone to their own or any other country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of serious harm.We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy as it is developed and implemented.

What steps she is taking to help tackle racially disproportionate use of force against Black children during stop and searches.

The Government is clear that stop and search must be used fairly, lawfully and without discrimination, and that any use of force must be necessary and proportionate.Black individuals remain 3.8 times more likely to be stopped and searched than White people. The disparity remains unacceptable. We also recognise concerns about the disproportionate impact on Black children, who were stopped and searched at a rate 2.7 times higher than White children in 2024/25. A report from the Children’s Commissioner state that 17% of all stop and searches of children result in a use of force. These figures are cause for concern.We are strengthening transparency and accountability through improved data collection on stop and search and use of force, enabling forces to better identify and tackle disparities, and we actively support the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Police Race Action Plan to drive action at force level.Chief constables are responsible for officer conduct and supervision, with independent scrutiny provided by HMICFRS and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

If she will consider the potential merits of requiring police forces to refer all non-compliant strip searches of children to the IOPC.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

Whether she has plans to end the use of multiple strip searches of children.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

With reference to Imkaan’s research paper, Out of Sight Out Of Mind, published in March 2026, what mechanisms are in place to ensure that Integrated Care Boards tackle health inequalities faced by Black and minoritised survivors of VAWG through commissioning by and for services.

Awaiting answer.

What steps she is taking to help tackle police officers citing the size, gender or build of children as justification for the use of strip search powers.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

If she will consider the potential merits of requiring police officers to treat all young people who claim to be under 18 as such unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

What plans she has to evaluate the effect of mandatory Menopause Action Plans following their introduction.

We recognise the significant impact that menopause symptoms can have on women and how crucial effective workplace support can be.The Office for Equality and Opportunity (OEO) has launched voluntary action plans, encouraging large employers to publish how they are supporting employees experiencing menopause, as well as the steps they are taking to address their gender pay gap.OEO published detailed guidance to support employers in developing their action plans.As part of this, we provided a list of evidence-informed actions that include tangible steps employers can take to support women managing menopause symptoms at work. These were developed using insight and research at the time of writing on what was effective. They include:Training managers to support employees experiencing menopauseOffering employees experiencing menopause tailored occupational health adviceOffering tailored workplace adjustments for employees experiencing menopause – whether that’s uniform or working in a cooler areaSetting up menopause support groups and networksAdvertising flexible working arrangements and leave policies in job advertsThe guidance also suggests ways to track progress, collect data, and monitor the effectiveness of an organisation’s chosen actions. We will work closely with business to evaluate whether these are the right actions and keep them up to date, as well as support them to monitor the impact of the actions they adopt.Further details regarding the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of action plans as a broader policy intervention will be provided as we progress the secondary legislation required to make action plans mandatory.

Whether she has considered the merits of introducing a stamp duty relief on second home purchases by leaseholders impacted by cladding issues and remediation delays who are unable to sell their property.

A refund of the higher rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) paid when purchasing additional property can be claimed if an old main residence is sold within three years of the purchase of the new main residence. For most people, three years is enough time to sell a previous main residence. However, the Government recognises that there will sometimes be exceptional circumstances, for example, where issues with cladding have delayed a sale, which are not within the control of the seller and mean that a previous main residence cannot be sold within three years, and where a refund outside of the three year period may be given. Further guidance from HMRC is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/stamp-duty-land-tax-buying-an-additional-residential-property The Remediation Bill announced at the King’s Speech will speed up remediation for people living in homes with unsafe cladding.

What steps she is taking to ensure that Menopause Action Plans reflect the needs of women managing menopause symptoms at work.

We recognise the significant impact that menopause symptoms can have on women and how crucial effective workplace support can be.The Office for Equality and Opportunity (OEO) has launched voluntary action plans, encouraging large employers to publish how they are supporting employees experiencing menopause, as well as the steps they are taking to address their gender pay gap.OEO published detailed guidance to support employers in developing their action plans.As part of this, we provided a list of evidence-informed actions that include tangible steps employers can take to support women managing menopause symptoms at work. These were developed using insight and research at the time of writing on what was effective. They include:Training managers to support employees experiencing menopauseOffering employees experiencing menopause tailored occupational health adviceOffering tailored workplace adjustments for employees experiencing menopause – whether that’s uniform or working in a cooler areaSetting up menopause support groups and networksAdvertising flexible working arrangements and leave policies in job advertsThe guidance also suggests ways to track progress, collect data, and monitor the effectiveness of an organisation’s chosen actions. We will work closely with business to evaluate whether these are the right actions and keep them up to date, as well as support them to monitor the impact of the actions they adopt.Further details regarding the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of action plans as a broader policy intervention will be provided as we progress the secondary legislation required to make action plans mandatory.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition on access to domestic abuse refuges for survivors with insecure immigration status; and if she will bring forward proposals to end the application of NRPF restrictions in cases involving domestic abuse.

We understand the challenges migrant victims of domestic abuse face. This is particularly true for those who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession provides eligible migrant victims with three-months’ leave outside the Immigration Rules, with access to public funds. This enables victims to leave an abusive relationship safely and access accommodation and support, including refuge spaces, while they take steps to regularise their immigration status.

Whether her Department has considered encouraging employers to introduce menopause-related leave as part of Menopause Action Plans.

We have published a list of recommended, evidence-informed actions to support employers in developing their action plans, including steps that employers can take to support employees managing menopause symptoms at work. These actions were developed using insight and research into what works at the time of writing, including a literature review on menopause in the workplace published by the Department for Work and Pensions. The actions themselves are broad by necessity, and organisations may respond to them in a manner of ways. For example, as part of our recommended action to review policies to ensure they meet the needs of employees experiencing menopause, employers may choose to introduce menopause-related leave. We will work closely with businesses to monitor and evaluate whether these are the right actions and ensure that they continue to reflect emerging evidence on actions that are effective.

What steps she is taking to track the use of funding allocated to French policing operations relating to the treatment of people seeking asylum.

The United Kingdom provides funding to support the French Government and authorities with the clear purpose of preventing dangerous small boat crossings and tackling organised immigration crime. This work is explicitly focused on saving lives by stopping people from attempting perilous Channel crossings and by bearing down on the criminal gangs who profit from a business model that exploits vulnerable people.Oversight of the funding includes regular engagement at ministerial and official level, agreed delivery plans, performance reporting and ongoing assessment of the impact of funded activity. The Home Office works closely and routinely with the French authorities to monitor delivery and to ensure that funding is used for its intended purposes, working in partnership with France to protect lives, dismantle people smuggling networks and strengthen border security.

What assessment her Department has made of the impact of menopause symptoms on women’s labour market participation.

The Department has conducted a literature review to collate evidence on women’s employment and menopause, which was published in July 2025: Menopause in the Workplace Literature Review - GOV.UK The economic costs of the menopause on the labour market has been estimated by the following study: Womens health economics investing in the 51 per cent