Written questions by Anderson.

What steps she is taking to report on the progress of the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made 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 September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

What recent discussions her Department has had with representative groups of the Windrush generation on the compensation process.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made 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 September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of public information campaigns on levels of benefit-related fraud.

DWP will be launching a new campaign at the end of January 2026. This campaign will focus on the three greatest key loss areas for the Department – living together, self-employed, and capital & savings. It will run across a range of channels, including on demand video, out-of-home, digital display, paid search and paid social. The campaign’s communications objectives are to increase awareness of the consequences of not reporting changes of circumstances to DWP and to increase understanding of the types of changes of circumstances that need to be reported amongst Universal Credit customers.

What criteria her Department has used as a basis for its assessment of the effectiveness changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made 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 September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

What recent training has been provided to staff administering the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made 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 September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the role her Department will be in discussions on debt sustainability and restructuring under the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

What steps her Department is taking to monitor delivery of the £6.4 billion of trade and investment commitments announced during her visit to the Gulf.

Whilst in Riyadh, the Chancellor welcomed a total package worth £6.4bn in mutual trade and investment. This included both private commercial deals and a Memorandum of Understanding between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. HMT will be able to monitor UKEF financial exposure in Saudi Arabia via regular reporting and UKEF’s annual accounts. Commercial agreements are a matter for the relevant companies.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential role of UK sovereign investment vehicles in facilitating co-investment opportunities with Gulf partners.

The Chancellor is committed to building strong relationships with Gulf countries and Sovereign Wealth Funds, as reflected in her attendance of the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudi Arabia. She engaged with key partners to explore opportunities that could benefit regions across the UK and progress negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The visit also helped unlock £6.4bn in two-way trade and investment between the UK and Saudi Arabia, including a £5bn MoU between UK Export Finance and the Saudi Public Investment Fund to support jobs and manufacturing across the UK. Attracting investment into every region of the UK is central to this government’s mission to drive national growth. Partnering with the private sector is essential and is why at the Regional Investment Summit last month the Chancellor announced the creation of the Sterling 20. The new grouping of institutional investors will further support mobilising institutional investment by raising awareness among investors of government-led programmes and initiatives. This will allow members to help shape and co-design investment opportunities, so they are attractive, unlocking capital for UK infrastructure throughout the UK.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to measure the potential impact of UK leadership in multilateral development fora on global poverty reduction outcomes.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

What steps her Department is taking to strengthen financial sector co-operation between the UK and Gulf economies.

The UK has signed financial services Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar – priority markets for the UK sector given the scale of growth and investment opportunities. The Chancellor recently visited Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative, where she promoted the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, driving growth in the financial sector and the economy, advanced the UK’s Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the GCC, advocated for deeper UK-Saudi capital market connectivity, and unveiled a two-way investment package worth £6.4bn In negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, the UK aims to secure the Gulf Cooperation Council’s most advanced financial services commitments yet, supporting increased trade between our markets. The Chancellor’s trip followed a visit from the then-Economic Secretary to the Treasury to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in February to discuss our financial service relationships. The first UK-Qatar Financial Services Working Group, as agreed under our MoU signed last year, took place on 3 November and focused on collaboration in capital markets, sustainable finance, fintech and pensions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that UK-funded multilateral programmes align with the Sustainable Development Goals review cycle to 2030.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of UK technical assistance to the World Bank’s capacity-building programmes.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

What information his Department holds on the number of reported incidents of winter fuel payment-related scams in each of the past five years.

The Department does not hold a formal record of the number of reported winter fuel payment-related scams over the past five years.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that vulnerable pensioners are protected from online benefit scams.

DWP is taking a number of steps to protect our vulnerable customers from online benefit scams. This includes raising public awareness of benefit scam messages on the Gov.uk website. Our most recent press release relating to Winter Fuel Payment warned our customers to be alert to text message scams in advance of next month’s payments and urging them to forward any suspicious texts to 7726. This is free of charge and helps phone providers block the numbers involved. Customers are also encouraged to forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. We are also working together with Action Fraud raising awareness on social media sites including Facebook and X formerly known as Twitter. This is alongside DWP’s continued work with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to ensure accurate and timely information is available. DWP has also developed a recorded message for our telephone lines to raise awareness of Winter Fuel Payment scams.

What steps he is taking with law enforcement agencies to help (a) identify and (b) prevent winter fuel payment scams.

In partnership with Action Fraud, we are raising awareness of Winter Fuel Payment scams across Facebook and Twitter. This is alongside DWP’s continued work with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to ensure accurate and timely information is available. DWP has also developed a recorded message for our telephone lines and issued a press release via GOV.UK to raise awareness of Winter Fuel Payment scams. To protect customers from fraudulent SMS messages, DWP has registered all official Sender IDs with the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF). UK mobile networks use this register to block messages claiming to be from DWP that are not sent through approved routes. Scams that are reported to or discovered by the Department that use other channels, such as social media, are managed through existing security processes and referred to Action Fraud where appropriate. Significant trends are also shared with the National Cyber Security Centre.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has identified priority sectors for future UK-backed multilateral development funding following the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund 2025, Development Committee plenary, October 2025.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with international partners since the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund 2025 Annual Meetings on the alignment of development financing with climate adaptation priorities.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

What discussions she has had with the Bank of England on managing potential financial stability risks from increased Gulf investment in UK markets.

Increased investments from the Gulf states represent significant opportunities for the UK, supporting growth and innovation across the economy. The Chancellor’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia promoted the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, advanced Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, advocated for deeper UK-Saudi capital market connectivity, and unveiled a two-way investment package worth £6.4 billion. Regarding potential financial stability risks, the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England regularly discuss the financial stability outlook, including as required under the Bank of England Act 1998. Readouts of their discussions are published on GOV.UK.The Bank’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC), which is responsible for identifying and addressing systemic risks to the financial system as a whole, published its most recent Financial Stability Report in July 2025.

Whether her Department has identified priority regions for investment arising from recent Gulf trade agreements.

The Chancellor is committed to building strong relationships with Gulf countries and Sovereign Wealth Funds, as reflected in her attendance of the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudi Arabia. She engaged with key partners to explore opportunities that could benefit regions across the UK and progress negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The visit also helped unlock £6.4bn in two-way trade and investment between the UK and Saudi Arabia, including a £5bn MoU between UK Export Finance and the Saudi Public Investment Fund to support jobs and manufacturing across the UK. Attracting investment into every region of the UK is central to this government’s mission to drive national growth. Partnering with the private sector is essential and is why at the Regional Investment Summit last month the Chancellor announced the creation of the Sterling 20. The new grouping of institutional investors will further support mobilising institutional investment by raising awareness among investors of government-led programmes and initiatives. This will allow members to help shape and co-design investment opportunities, so they are attractive, unlocking capital for UK infrastructure throughout the UK.

With reference to his letter to the joint chief executives of Skills England entitled Skills England priorities for 2025 to 2026, dated 27 October 2025, what estimate he has made of the number of learners who will enter (a) level 4 and (b) level 5 education or training by age 25 in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency in the next three years.

On 20 October, we published the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which outlines our reforms to develop a world-class skills system that supports young people into education and training, meets learner and employer needs, and drives innovation and economic growth. This includes our bold new target of two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning - whether academic, technical or an apprenticeship - by age 25. This includes a sub-target of 10% of young people participating in higher technical education or training - at levels 4 or 5 - by age 25, by 2040. We do not hold forecasts of the numbers of learners who will enter level 4 or level 5 study by age 25. The number of entrants that entered level 4 and level 5 study in previous academic years, broken down by local authority level, can be found in the Higher Level Learners publication here: Higher Level Learners.