Written questions by Dean.

What steps his Department is taking to improve miscarriage care.

Awaiting answer.

With reference to the report entitled The Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care, published by Tommy’s on 29 April 2026, whether his Department plans to roll out the Graded Model of Miscarriage Care nationally.

Awaiting answer.

Whether the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will be considering miscarriage care as part of its remit.

Awaiting answer.

What discussions they have had with e-bike hire operators on compliance with minimum age policies and user safety requirements.

The Government is introducing a licensing regime for shared cycle services and this will be implemented through a combination of regulations and detailed guidance, following in-depth consultation. In the meantime, Ministers and officials continue to discuss a range of matters with e-bike rental operators, including potential measures which may be included in the future licensing framework.

Whether her Department plans to require e-bike hire operators to hold public liability insurance as a condition of operating on the public highway.

The licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will create a legal requirement for shared e-cycle schemes to be licensed, which will be implemented through a combination of regulations and detailed guidance, following in-depth consultation. No final policy decisions have yet been taken, but licence conditions could include a requirement for age verification of users or public liability insurance for operators.Safety will be a priority when considering future policy in this area.

Whether her Department plans to introduce minimum standards for age verification for e-bike hire operators.

Licensing for shared cycle services will be implemented following in-depth consultation through a combination of regulations and detailed guidance. No decisions taken yet on final policy design etc. Safety will be a priority when considering future policy in this area.

What data their Department holds on (a) collisions and (b) injuries involving e-bikes operated through hire schemes in each of the last three years.

The Department does not currently collect data on collisions or injuries involving e-bikes operated through hire schemes.

What assessment her Department has made of the rate at which boys move from Children in Need status to becoming looked-after children; and what analysis has been undertaken of the specific support needs of boys who experience this escalation.

Information on the rate at which boys move from children in need status to becoming looked after children is not readily available, nor has the department undertaken any analysis of the specific support needs of boys who experience this escalation.The latest children in need statistics were published in October 2025 and show that there were 220,210 male children in need as at 31 March 2025. This figure includes the 46,040 boys who were looked after on the same date. These statistics are available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-in-need/2025.The latest children looked after statistics were published in November 2025, and can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2025.

Media and Sport, what consideration has been given, as part of the commitment to provide 500,000 more young people with access to a trusted adult outside their home, to the needs of children with Children in Need status who are at risk of becoming looked-after children.

We recognise young people with Children in Need status may face particular challenges, and would benefit from the support of trusted adults outside their homes.We want to support all adults working with young people to have the skills and support they need to be a safe, trusted and positive influence for the young people they work with. This is why, as part of the strategy, we are investing £15 million over 3 years in youth workers, volunteers and other trusted adults including helping organisations to recruit, train, and keep more individuals to support young people.

What assessment his Department has made of whether the corporate governance framework incentivises short-term shareholder returns over long-term value creation for the wider economy.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 enshrines in law the ‘enlightened shareholder value’ principle, in which directors must have regard in their decision-making to the long-term and to the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment. The UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes also include principles that promote a focus on long-term value creation by business and institutional investors. The Government will shortly publish a ‘Modernising Corporate Reporting’ consultation which will give an opportunity to stakeholders to comment on UK corporate governance reporting and the wider governance framework, among other matters.

Whether he has made an assessment of trends in the level of waiting times for blood tests; and if he will publish data on current turnaround times by Integrated Care systems.

Ensuring patients receive their diagnostic test results quickly is a priority for the Government. 70% of histopathology cases are expected to be completed within 10 days. For cases relating to cancer or suspected cancer, the expectation is 80% within 10 days. The Government does not hold the data requested on integrated care systems’ turnaround times for blood tests. However, the Government is committed to improving access to pathology diagnostic services through the National Health Service’s 27 pathology networks. NHS laboratories deliver over 1.4 billion tests annually, including approximately 1.2 billion blood tests that require phlebotomy. While the Government does not currently hold national data on waiting times for access to blood sampling, capacity is being expanded. Phlebotomy services are now available through 119 community diagnostic centres, with 1.8 million tests delivered between April 2025 and the end of February 2026. More broadly, programmes are underway to improve access, resilience, and performance across pathology services, including targeted investment in digital technology and robotics, particularly within histopathology.

What recent assessment he has made trends in the level of waiting times for diagnostic tests across the NHS; and whether delays in receiving routine blood test results reflect a wider trend in diagnostic backlogs.

Ensuring patients receive their diagnostic test results quickly is a priority for the Government. 70% of histopathology cases are expected to be completed within 10 days. For cases relating to cancer or suspected cancer, the expectation is 80% within 10 days. The Government does not hold the data requested on integrated care systems’ turnaround times for blood tests. However, the Government is committed to improving access to pathology diagnostic services through the National Health Service’s 27 pathology networks. NHS laboratories deliver over 1.4 billion tests annually, including approximately 1.2 billion blood tests that require phlebotomy. While the Government does not currently hold national data on waiting times for access to blood sampling, capacity is being expanded. Phlebotomy services are now available through 119 community diagnostic centres, with 1.8 million tests delivered between April 2025 and the end of February 2026. More broadly, programmes are underway to improve access, resilience, and performance across pathology services, including targeted investment in digital technology and robotics, particularly within histopathology.

What estimate he has made of the (a) average and (b) longest wait times for patients to receive blood test results; and what steps he is taking to reduce delays.

Ensuring patients receive their diagnostic test results quickly is a priority for the Government. 70% of histopathology cases are expected to be completed within 10 days. For cases relating to cancer or suspected cancer, the expectation is 80% within 10 days. The Government does not hold the data requested on integrated care systems’ turnaround times for blood tests. However, the Government is committed to improving access to pathology diagnostic services through the National Health Service’s 27 pathology networks. NHS laboratories deliver over 1.4 billion tests annually, including approximately 1.2 billion blood tests that require phlebotomy. While the Government does not currently hold national data on waiting times for access to blood sampling, capacity is being expanded. Phlebotomy services are now available through 119 community diagnostic centres, with 1.8 million tests delivered between April 2025 and the end of February 2026. More broadly, programmes are underway to improve access, resilience, and performance across pathology services, including targeted investment in digital technology and robotics, particularly within histopathology.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact on of the Loan Charge on individuals subject to it; and whether governance mechanisms are in place for people in serious financial and personal distress.

At Budget 2024, the Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. The review was led by Ray McCann, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. The Government accepted the review’s conclusion that the loan charge was an extraordinary piece of Government policy which necessitated an exceptional response, and is now legislating a new settlement opportunity that will assist those who have not yet settled to do so. As a result, most individuals could see reductions of at least 50% in their outstanding loan charge liabilities, and an estimated 30% of individuals could have these liabilities written off entirely. To encourage more people to settle, the Government will write off the first £5,000 of liabilities in addition to the proposals put forward by Ray McCann. HMRC are committed to supporting people through this process and are working hard to give them certainty on their tax positions as quickly as possible. This includes a dedicated service to guide people through the settlement process and provide extra support for those who need it. HMRC can also provide reasonable adjustments to meet an individual’s needs.

Whether she has made an estimate of the (a) cost to HMRC of administering the Loan Charge since 2019 and (b) total amount recovered in that period; and what assessment she has made of the value for money of that policy.

At Budget 2024, the Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. The review was led by Ray McCann, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. The Government accepted the review’s conclusion that the loan charge was an extraordinary piece of Government policy which necessitated an exceptional response, and is now legislating a new settlement opportunity that will assist those who have not yet settled to do so. As a result, most individuals could see reductions of at least 50% in their outstanding loan charge liabilities, and an estimated 30% of individuals could have these liabilities written off entirely. To encourage more people to settle, the Government will write off the first £5,000 of liabilities in addition to the proposals put forward by Ray McCann. HMRC are committed to supporting people through this process and are working hard to give them certainty on their tax positions as quickly as possible. This includes a dedicated service to guide people through the settlement process and provide extra support for those who need it. HMRC can also provide reasonable adjustments to meet an individual’s needs.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the Loan Charge in meeting its intended objectives; and whether she plans to review that policy.

At Budget 2024, the Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. The review was led by Ray McCann, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. The Government accepted the review’s conclusion that the loan charge was an extraordinary piece of Government policy which necessitated an exceptional response, and is now legislating a new settlement opportunity that will assist those who have not yet settled to do so. As a result, most individuals could see reductions of at least 50% in their outstanding loan charge liabilities, and an estimated 30% of individuals could have these liabilities written off entirely. To encourage more people to settle, the Government will write off the first £5,000 of liabilities in addition to the proposals put forward by Ray McCann. HMRC are committed to supporting people through this process and are working hard to give them certainty on their tax positions as quickly as possible. This includes a dedicated service to guide people through the settlement process and provide extra support for those who need it. HMRC can also provide reasonable adjustments to meet an individual’s needs.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of public order training and capability across police forces in England and Wales.

Following the disorder in the summer of 2024, the then Home Secretary commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to undertake an inspection into the police response. The outcome of their inspection was published in May 2025 and said that the National Police Coordination Centre and the National Police Chiefs’ Council should have a clear, live, resourcing and mobilisation picture so that the policing response to public disorder is timely, coordinated, and proportionate.The summer of 2025 also featured significant nationwide protest activity focused on a variety of issues, including the Israel Palestine conflict but also anti-migrant and counter anti-migrant protests. During this disorder, policing stood up a national coordination model, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Police Coordination Centre fulfilling a national command and mobilisation function, despite the absence of a formal statutory role. This is the role that the Home Office intends to build on by establishing a Senior National Coordinator role for public order policing and by enhancing the National Police Coordination Centre.The Government’s White Paper From Local to National: a new model for policing sets out our plans to ensure policing is more effective in responding to instances of widespread disorder and better coordinated across forces.The use of police resources and the provision of training within police forces is a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, who are operationally independent of government.The College of Policing is responsible for providing guidance and operational advice for frontline policing. The College of Policing produces the Public Order Public Safety authorised Professional Practice. Alongside this, the Protest Operational Advice Document is published jointly by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of reducing the workforce of integrated care boards by 50 per cent on the level of patient care and NHS system performance.

NHS England has asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners of health and care services and reduce duplication of responsibilities within their structure with the expectation of achieving a reduction in their running cost allowance.As such, NHS England has asked ICBs to reduce their running cost allowance to a cap of £19 per head of weighted population and enable savings to be reinvested in frontline services. ICBs have been supported in developing local plans for their future structures and remain accountable for delivering their statutory functions.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, ICBs’ role as strategic commissioners will be to improve their population’s health, reduce health inequalities, and improve access to consistently high-quality services.

Whether additional guidance or support is being provided to police forces to strengthen national public order preparedness.

Following the disorder in the summer of 2024, the then Home Secretary commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to undertake an inspection into the police response. The outcome of their inspection was published in May 2025 and said that the National Police Coordination Centre and the National Police Chiefs’ Council should have a clear, live, resourcing and mobilisation picture so that the policing response to public disorder is timely, coordinated, and proportionate.The summer of 2025 also featured significant nationwide protest activity focused on a variety of issues, including the Israel Palestine conflict but also anti-migrant and counter anti-migrant protests. During this disorder, policing stood up a national coordination model, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Police Coordination Centre fulfilling a national command and mobilisation function, despite the absence of a formal statutory role. This is the role that the Home Office intends to build on by establishing a Senior National Coordinator role for public order policing and by enhancing the National Police Coordination Centre.The Government’s White Paper From Local to National: a new model for policing sets out our plans to ensure policing is more effective in responding to instances of widespread disorder and better coordinated across forces.The use of police resources and the provision of training within police forces is a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, who are operationally independent of government.The College of Policing is responsible for providing guidance and operational advice for frontline policing. The College of Policing produces the Public Order Public Safety authorised Professional Practice. Alongside this, the Protest Operational Advice Document is published jointly by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that police forces are adequately prepared to respond to major public order incidents.

Following the disorder in the summer of 2024, the then Home Secretary commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to undertake an inspection into the police response. The outcome of their inspection was published in May 2025 and said that the National Police Coordination Centre and the National Police Chiefs’ Council should have a clear, live, resourcing and mobilisation picture so that the policing response to public disorder is timely, coordinated, and proportionate.The summer of 2025 also featured significant nationwide protest activity focused on a variety of issues, including the Israel Palestine conflict but also anti-migrant and counter anti-migrant protests. During this disorder, policing stood up a national coordination model, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Police Coordination Centre fulfilling a national command and mobilisation function, despite the absence of a formal statutory role. This is the role that the Home Office intends to build on by establishing a Senior National Coordinator role for public order policing and by enhancing the National Police Coordination Centre.The Government’s White Paper From Local to National: a new model for policing sets out our plans to ensure policing is more effective in responding to instances of widespread disorder and better coordinated across forces.The use of police resources and the provision of training within police forces is a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, who are operationally independent of government.The College of Policing is responsible for providing guidance and operational advice for frontline policing. The College of Policing produces the Public Order Public Safety authorised Professional Practice. Alongside this, the Protest Operational Advice Document is published jointly by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.