Written questions by Maguire.

When the Windrush Compensation Scheme will (a) deal with outstanding claims and (b) be closed.

Our priority is to ensure people receive the compensation they are due as quickly as possible. We have reduced the time to allocate a claim for a substantive casework consideration, from four months a year ago to less than six weeks now. The six-week period includes all essential eligibility checks, together with a Preliminary Assessment to make an initial payment of £10,000 wherever possible.The department does not impose time limit targets for concluding claims, as each person’s claim is deeply personal and deserves to be processed with the utmost care and sensitivity. This holistic approach necessarily takes time but is ultimately beneficial to individuals.There is no cap on the amount of compensation that can be paid by the WCS overall, and the Scheme has no end date – ensuring that no one is prevented from applying for compensation.

Whether he has had discussions with the Authority administering the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme on (a) the number of claims made, (b) the number rejected and (c) the proportion of claimants who have been successfully completed.

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) regularly publishes statistics on compensation progress on its website. As of 1 July 2025, 2,043 people have been asked to start their claim, 616 people have received an offer, and a total of 460 people have had their compensation paid.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has not discussed claim statistics with the IBCA, as it is an arms-length body which is sponsored by the Cabinet Office.

How many claims have been (a) made to and (b) rejected by the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme; and what proportion of those claims have successfully concluded.

As of 30 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,099 formal applications, of which none had been rejected. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. To date, 81 payments have been made, comprising: 73 Dismissed or Discharged (DD) payments of £50,000 each, totalling £3.6 million.8 Impact Payments ranging from £1,000 to £20,000, totalling £72,000. This means that 7.37% of claims have been successfully concluded. The Scheme, introduced on 13 December 2024, with a budget of up to £75 million, aims to recognise the harm caused by the historic ban on LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces (1967–2000). Efforts are underway to accelerate processing times, including increasing resourcing, automating the payments system and increasing the frequency of Independent Panel sittings to two per week to ensure applications are reviewed and processed more swiftly. Defence’s LGBT Restorative Action Team is working closely with external and internal Defence communications teams to deliver campaigns to drive awareness of, and encourage, eligible LGBT Veterans to claim under the FRS. Defence is also working with local councils, the NHS, LGBT and military charities, to better inform affected Veterans of the FRS and how to apply. The LGBT Restorative Action Team also continues to engage with relevant Veterans networks, and customer facing teams, to ensure that eligible applicants of FRS receive the appropriate information, support, and guidance. To further support this effort, Defence has allocated £90,000 worth of grants to charities, including Fighting With Pride, to support Veterans with their FRS applications. The Government encourages those affected by the Ban to visit Gov.UK for further information, guidance, and support on how to make an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme

How many claims have been made to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme; and what steps he is taking to ensure all potential recipients are aware of the scheme before it closes in December 2026.

As of 30 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,099 formal applications, of which none had been rejected. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. To date, 81 payments have been made, comprising: 73 Dismissed or Discharged (DD) payments of £50,000 each, totalling £3.6 million.8 Impact Payments ranging from £1,000 to £20,000, totalling £72,000. This means that 7.37% of claims have been successfully concluded. The Scheme, introduced on 13 December 2024, with a budget of up to £75 million, aims to recognise the harm caused by the historic ban on LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces (1967–2000). Efforts are underway to accelerate processing times, including increasing resourcing, automating the payments system and increasing the frequency of Independent Panel sittings to two per week to ensure applications are reviewed and processed more swiftly. Defence’s LGBT Restorative Action Team is working closely with external and internal Defence communications teams to deliver campaigns to drive awareness of, and encourage, eligible LGBT Veterans to claim under the FRS. Defence is also working with local councils, the NHS, LGBT and military charities, to better inform affected Veterans of the FRS and how to apply. The LGBT Restorative Action Team also continues to engage with relevant Veterans networks, and customer facing teams, to ensure that eligible applicants of FRS receive the appropriate information, support, and guidance. To further support this effort, Defence has allocated £90,000 worth of grants to charities, including Fighting With Pride, to support Veterans with their FRS applications. The Government encourages those affected by the Ban to visit Gov.UK for further information, guidance, and support on how to make an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme

How many claims for compensation her Department has received for the Windrush Compensation Scheme since that scheme began; and how many and what proportion of those claims were (a) rejected and (b) successful.

Information on the number of claims received by the Windrush Compensation Scheme is published as part of the monthly Transparency Data release. The latest published data, covering the period up to the end of May 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: May 2025 - GOV.UK.

How many claims have been (a) made to and (b) rejected by the compensation schemes for sub-postmasters impacted by Horizon IT; and what proportion of those claims have successfully concluded.

Claimant eligibility for each redress scheme is confirmed before claims are progressed. No eligible claims have been rejected. We have made significant progress in delivering redress to victims of the Horizon scandal. The table below demonstrates the progress made as of 30 June 2025, however there is still more to do: SchemeFull & Final Claims receivedFull & Final Offers madeFull & Final Offers acceptedFull & Final claims paidProportion Concluded (claims paid/claims received)Horizon Shortfall Scheme: eligible claims before deadline2,4172,4172,1222,11988%Horizon Shortfall Scheme: eligible late claims7,7505,1604,7744,73261%Group Litigation Order Scheme46045233633473%Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme41641040139795% A further 71 full and final payments have been made to 71 (of the 111) postmasters whose convictions were quashed via the courts.In total, approximately £1,098 million (over 1 billion) has been paid in redress across all schemes.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of people who fall ill from sewage pollution-related causes in Cornwall.

We are putting water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act has introduced new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against law breakers and made it mandatory for water companies to publish plans to reduce pollution incidents. The upcoming Progress Report on the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan (SODRP), scheduled for publication later this year, will include assessment of South West Water’s progress toward the Plan’s Human Health (bathing water) target. The Plan also priorities action at 81 sites impacting bathing water in Cornwall, with improvements phased by 2030. As part of Price Review 24 (2025-2030), South West Water will be investing £764 million to reduce the use of storm overflows, which will see an expected 62% reduction in storm overflow spills compared to its performance in 2023-24. The Independent Water Commission will recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system and clean up our waterways for good.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) support and (b) protect nature-friendly farming practices in North Cornwall constituency.

The Government is backing British farming. We are prioritising investment that supports the government’s Plan for Change and building on the Secretary of State’s work to reform Defra to drive growth while maintaining a steadfast commitment to farming, food security, and nature’s recovery. We are providing farmers and land managers with the support needed to help restore nature, which is vital to safeguard our long-term food security and build resilience to climate change. There are currently record numbers of farmers taking part in farming schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive. As of April 2025, these schemes supported 885,000 hectares of arable land being farmed without insecticides; 330,000 hectares of low input grassland being managed sustainably; and 85,000 kilometres of hedgerows being protected and restored. In the recent spending review, we committed to carrying on the transition towards paying to deliver public goods for the environment, with over £7 billion directed into nature’s recovery between 2026 and 2029. This includes environmental farming schemes (£5.9 billion), tree planting (£816 million) and peatland restoration (£85 million). We do not hold that information at a constituency level.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce ambulance waiting times for elderly patients in North Cornwall constituency.

The Government recognises that ambulance response times, including in North Cornwall, are not meeting the high standards patients should expect.We are determined to turn things around and our Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025-26, backed by almost £450 million of capital investment, commits to reducing ambulance response times for Category 2 incidents to 30 minutes on average this year.Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out how we will reform the National Health Service, including urgent and emergency care services, with a key focus on shifting urgent care into the community through new Neighbourhood Health Services.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to issue updated (a) guidance and (b) statutory requirements to (i) discourage planning applicants from providing supporting information in stages and (ii) support local planning authorities in managing delays caused by incomplete submissions.

The National Planning Policy Framework encourages early engagement between applicants and local planning authorities.Pre-application discussions can help avoid disputes and reduce delays by allowing an applicant and local planning authority to agree what information is required before an application is submitted.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to encourage developers to begin building promptly after planning permission is granted.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 55898 on 9 June 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of bonfires involving non-garden waste materials on (a) the environment and (b) public health.

Existing laws prevent burning household waste if it will cause pollution or harm people’s health. Local authorities may also issue an abatement notice if smoke from bonfires causes a nuisance. We have published further guidance on this issue Reducing air pollution from outdoor burning.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) recruit and (b) retain General Practitioner doctors in (i) North Cornwall constituency and (ii) other rural areas.

In the North Cornwall constituency, as of 30 April 2025, there were 61.5 full time equivalent (FTE) doctors in general practices (GPs), an increase of 2.4 FTE compared to April 2024.We acknowledge the urgent challenge of ensuring that rural areas have the resources to continue serving their patients and that patients can access primary healthcare in rural areas. To address this, we are increasing capacity in practices by recruiting more GPs, ensuring the necessary workforce is in place to provide integrated, patient-centred services.We have invested £82 million into the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, which has enabled the recruitment of over 1,700 recently qualified GPs across England since October 2024. This will increase the number of available appointments, secure the future pipeline of GPs, and alleviate the pressure on those currently working in the system. We’ve also delivered the biggest boost to GP funding in years, an £889 million uplift, with GPs now receiving a growing share of National Health Service resources. The new 2025/26 GP Contract includes key reforms to improve access to GPs, including making sure patients can request appointments online throughout core hours.Our commitment to growing the GP workforce includes addressing the reasons why doctors leave the profession and encouraging them to return to practice.  We know that high workloads can be a key driver for GPs reducing their contracted hours or leaving the profession altogether. That’s why we are tackling morale through drivers such as growing the workforce and reducing bureaucracy through our Red Tape Challenge to improve job satisfaction and reduce the risk of burnout.

Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of Surfers Against Sewage's publication entitled Water Quality Report 2025, published in April 2025.

This Government is taking significant steps to improve water quality and reform the sector. The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, closed its public call for evidence in April with over 50,000 responses. An interim report is due in May and will focus on strategic direction, regulation, ownership, and infrastructure. The final report will follow in June. In parallel, the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which gained Royal Assent in February, introduces stronger regulatory powers and improved financial transparency for water companies. Implementation is underway and has been widely welcomed. Additionally, the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan outlines clear targets to reduce pollution. By 2035, all overflows near bathing waters must be improved, and by 2050, storm overflows should operate only during unusually heavy rainfall, without harming ecosystems. Together, these measures aim to restore public confidence through investment, tighter regulation, and better environmental outcomes.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of housing stock in areas of high deprivation in Cornwall.

My Department does not routinely assess the adequacy of housing stock in specific areas of high deprivation.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of banning the sale of flying ring frisbees.

No, the Department has not made an assessment of the potential merits of banning the sale of flying ring frisbees. This Government is committed to moving to a circular economy for plastics – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, waste is reduced, we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs, our economy prospers, and nature thrives. We will publish the first ever Circular Economy Strategy for England this autumn. It will include a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis. One of the five sectors we will start with is the chemicals and plastics sector. As a part of the transition to a circular economy, managing and reducing plastic waste will be crucial. We will continue to review the latest evidence on problematic products and/or materials to take a systematic approach, in line with circular economy principles, to reduce the use of unnecessary single-use plastic products and encourage reuse solutions. Defra’s Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code for England provides guidance on how to act responsibly around marine wildlife when visiting the coast, including the need for the public to take all litter home with them. We would encourage anyone who sees a sick, injured or entangled seal to contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.

How many mixed-age couples are impacted by the rule which prevents them from claiming pension-age benefits until the youngest partner reaches State Pension age.

The requested information is not held The requirement that both members of a couple need to have reached State Pension age to be eligible for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit took effect from 15 May 2019. Income-related benefit support for couples where only one partner has reached State Pension age is provided through Universal Credit instead.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of he rule which prevents mixed-age couples from claiming pension-age benefits until the youngest partner reaches State Pension age on the number of people in poverty.

The requirement that both members of a couple need to have reached State Pension age to be eligible for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit was introduced by the previous conservative government from 15 May 2019. Benefit support for couples where only one partner has reached State Pension age is provided through Universal Credit instead. This change was made to ensure that the working age partner gets the right support and incentives to remain in contact with the labour market – and where appropriate moves into work – subject to their individual circumstances. No work-related conditionality applies to the pensioner partner. This does not affect when the pension-age partner in a mixed-age couple can access their State Pension or eligibility for other benefits such as Attendance Allowance. This Government’s priority for pensioners has been to increase the State Pension, including by 4.1% last April. Pensioners on a low income may still qualify for help with their rent and Council Tax, and from this winter, pensioners whose annual taxable income is at or below £35,000 will receive the Winter Fuel Payment. They may also benefit from free prescriptions and eye tests and free off-peak local bus travel. Further information on the help available can be found on: GOV.UK

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to combine the proposed (a) Nature Restoration Fund and (b) Marine Recovery Fund.

The Marine Recovery Fund is being established as a voluntary mechanism to deliver strategic compensation for offshore wind developers.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the regulatory mandate under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 to require (a) the Financial Conduct Authority and (b) LINK to assess the adequacy of (i) account opening, (ii) loan applications, (iii) personal financial advice and (iv) other face‑to‑face banking services.

The Government recognises that the ability to access cash and in-person banking support remains essential for many, which is why we have secured the industry’s commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, ensuring that access to face-to-face banking is protected. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open. Banking hubs already offer everyday counter services, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, 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 Government has been working closely with industry and significant progress has been made in enhancing baseline service standards, ensuring customers can access services without the need to bring their own devices and addressing service gaps. Some banks already offer account opening at hubs. Banking hubs are also currently piloting the use of printers, and some are experimenting with Saturday opening hours to better meet the demand for face-to-face banking services. More widely, ensuring individuals have access to the appropriate financial products and services they need is a key priority for the Government. That is why I have committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year which will examine the barriers consumers face in accessing the products they need. This includes a focus on measures to increase access to affordable credit and support financial capability. The Government is committed to ensuring that people can access high-quality, affordable, and suitable financial advice, as well as free-to-access financial guidance, when they need it. HM Treasury works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the financial advice market, to ensure that the market works well, competitively, and fairly for both firms and consumers, and that the advice being provided is of high-quality. The Government keeps the regulatory framework under review and works with the FCA to ensure it remains fit for purpose. The Government and the FCA are taking forward proposals for a transformational new regime, Targeted Support, to improve access to consumer support with financial decision-making. Targeted Support would enable financial services firms to suggest appropriate products or courses of action using limited information about a customer and their circumstances. Banking hubs are a voluntary initiative by banks as part of meeting their access to cash obligations, as legislated for in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. The Government are not minded to review the legislation passed by the previous Government.