Written questions by Betts.

Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with (a) FIFA and (b) the FA on the price of tickets for England fans at the World Cup 2026.

The Government understands the strong interest in ticket pricing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the impact it has on fans.FIFA is an independent international body with its own governance structures. Ticket pricing is a commercial decision determined solely by the World Cup organisers, which are FIFA and the Host Nations (Canada, Mexico, and the United States).Representations regarding the interests of fans fall to the respective football associations. The Football Association (FA), Scottish Football Association (SFA), Football Association of Wales (FAW), and Irish Football Association (IFA) are the recognised home nation representatives within the international football structure, and are the appropriate bodies to raise such matters with FIFA.

Media and Sport, what criteria her Department used to select the locations of the Young Future Hubs; and for what reason no local authorities in south Yorkshire were chosen.

The eight Young Futures Hubs early adopter locations, published last week, were selected using knife crime and anti-social behaviour metrics, maximising impact of the Young Future Hub by placing them where it will benefit the most at-risk young people. The decision was also taken to have one early adopter per region in England to ensure we could test the best way to reach young people in a diverse range of locations. In Yorkshire and the Humber, Leeds has been chosen to act as an early adopter.The locations for the remaining 42 Hubs will be determined in due course. The design and implementation of the programme in future years will be informed by our work with early adopters.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of moving (a) further powers and (b) responsibilities for (i) taxi licensing and (ii) youth services from constituent unitary councils to Mayoral Combined Authorities.

The Government remains committed to consulting on whether to make all Local Transport Authorities (including Mayoral Combined Authorities) responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. Administering the regime across this larger footprint would increase the consistency of standards; create greater economies of scale; and enable more effective use of enforcement powers across a whole functional economic area. The new National Youth Strategy highlights the leadership of local authorities in the youth sector and the importance of taking a place-based approach to funding to empower local communities in delivering their local youth offers. This function will remain with local authorities as they deliver local services aligned with local needs. However, we recognise the role of Strategic Authorities in setting strategic direction and supporting youth provision and encourage their work to collaborate and take collective decisions on youth priorities.

If she will extend the ‘Respond by’ deadline on the technical consultation on the International Student Levy until after her Department has published the research it commissioned on student price elasticities in Spring 2026.

The international student levy forms part of our wider plan for higher education student finance and funding reform, as set out in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which puts the sector on a secure financial footing whilst also ensuring it contributes to wider governmental objectives.The department is continuing to engage with providers on the implementation of the levy, to ensure its effective introduction and operation. Our technical consultation gives stakeholders the opportunity to contribute their views and shape how the levy will be delivered. It is open until 18 February 2026 in line with usual practice for consultations.

When her Department will host the planned roundtable between Post Office and the major banks to discuss the opportunity of expanding in-person banking services at post offices.

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

With regards new Aurora trains being introduced on the Midland Mainline, what changes to the internal layout of standard class carriages is being proposed compared to Meridian class trains in order to achieve the advertised increased numbers of seats.

The new Class 810 ‘Aurora’ trains fit more seats by using the space in standard class more efficiently than the older Class 222 ‘Meridian’ trains. The main changes are:Smarter storage: luggage stacks and overhead racks have been redesigned so they take up less floor space and keep more room for seats.New seat design and updated seating layout: the saloons are laid out to make better use of the same footprint, while providing over 19 per cent more legroom (floor space) for passengers. The trains still include accessible toilets, priority seating, two wheelchair spaces and two bike spaces, and now have power at every seat and improved Wi‑Fi.

How will the proposed mileage charge for EV's be calculated and collected.

The Government intends to create a fair motoring tax system while supporting the automotive industry and ensuring EVs remain an attractive choice for consumers.As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty. The government has published a consultation on GOV.UK, which provides further detail on how eVED is intended to work and seeks views on its implementation: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69282ac1a245b0985f034197/eVED_Consultation.pdf

Communities and Local Government, as a result of the changes in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, how many extra powers will be given to Sheffield City Council; and how many powers currently by Sheffield City Council be transferred to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will establish ‘Strategic Authorities’ to lead in our regions. Strategic authorities will not replace councils. Strategic authorities will be responsible for unlocking investment, infrastructure and economic growth across larger geographies, while local authorities will continue to be responsible for the critical daily services residents rely on and improving local neighbourhoods. Only one power will be transferred to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority from its constituent councils via the Bill and only in specific circumstances. The Authority will take on responsibility for preparing reports assessing local road traffic levels and forecasting their growth, but only in relation to roads that are part of the Authority’s Key Route Network. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will also be given other powers, including over housing, land acquisition, and economic development which it will exercise concurrently with its constituent councils. As a constituent member of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council will have a key role in the decision-making about how most of these powers are used. Full detail of which powers will be held by Strategic Authorities were published alongside the Bill in Devolution Framework Explainers.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of support available to police who attend traumatic callouts to attempted suicides.

The Government has been clear that the health and wellbeing of our police is a priority and that those who have faced suicide-related incidents in the line of duty receive the support they need to recover and continue serving.We continue to fund the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) who have introduced a Trauma Tracker tool to help forces better understand exposure to traumatic incidents and ensure timely support for officers and staff. NPWS have also created a national suicide action plan which aims to educate and support the workforce, reduce stress and improve data recording. In addition, the Service has a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support Line to provide urgent support for our police when they need it the most.It is a matter for the chief constables of each force to decide which additional training their officers should undertake and to set and enforce standards, giving them the flexibility to address their own local challenges, needs and priorities. They are inspected biannually by His Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) whose role is to independently report on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces, including inspecting how forces protect vulnerable people.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of collecting data on the number of attempted suicides attended by ambulance staff.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham on 1 December 2025, to Question 84585.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of suicide prevention training provided to ambulance staff.

The mental health of all National Health Service staff is a high priority, including ambulance staff as responders to emergency incidents.Significant work is underway to strengthen the quality and consistency of suicide training across the health system. NHS England published Staying Safe from Suicide: Best Practice Guidance for Safety Assessment, Formulation and Management to support the Government’s work to reduce suicide and improve mental health services.  This guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/staying-safe-from-suicide/At a national level ambulance staff have access to the SHOUT helpline for crisis support alongside the Practitioner Health service for more complex mental health wellbeing support, including trauma and addiction. Additionally, ambulance trusts and the Association of Ambulance Trust Chief Executives have worked closely with NHS England to develop an ambulance sector specific suicide prevention pathway to provide immediate support 24/7 for staff experiencing suicidal ideation.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the support available to ambulance staff who attend traumatic callouts.

The mental health of all National Health Service staff is a high priority, including ambulance staff as responders to emergency incidents.Significant work is underway to strengthen the quality and consistency of suicide training across the health system. NHS England published Staying Safe from Suicide: Best Practice Guidance for Safety Assessment, Formulation and Management to support the Government’s work to reduce suicide and improve mental health services.  This guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/staying-safe-from-suicide/At a national level ambulance staff have access to the SHOUT helpline for crisis support alongside the Practitioner Health service for more complex mental health wellbeing support, including trauma and addiction. Additionally, ambulance trusts and the Association of Ambulance Trust Chief Executives have worked closely with NHS England to develop an ambulance sector specific suicide prevention pathway to provide immediate support 24/7 for staff experiencing suicidal ideation.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of support available to fire and rescue services who attend traumatic callouts to attempted suicides.

The health and wellbeing of firefighters is of the utmost importance. The government recognises the risks that firefighters face and is grateful to them for their bravery. Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) are ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of firefighters, and the government-issued National Framework directs that all Fire and Rescue Authorities should have a people strategy which sets out the mental and physical health and wellbeing support available to firefighters. The health and wellbeing support provided by Fire and Rescue services is considered by the fire inspectorate (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services) in the course of their work. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 66477 and Question UIN 66431 on 16 July 2025.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of suicide prevention training provided to police staff.

The Government has been clear that the health and wellbeing of our police is a priority and that those who have faced suicide-related incidents in the line of duty receive the support they need to recover and continue serving.We continue to fund the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) who have introduced a Trauma Tracker tool to help forces better understand exposure to traumatic incidents and ensure timely support for officers and staff. NPWS have also created a national suicide action plan which aims to educate and support the workforce, reduce stress and improve data recording. In addition, the Service has a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support Line to provide urgent support for our police when they need it the most.It is a matter for the chief constables of each force to decide which additional training their officers should undertake and to set and enforce standards, giving them the flexibility to address their own local challenges, needs and priorities. They are inspected biannually by His Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) whose role is to independently report on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces, including inspecting how forces protect vulnerable people.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of suicide prevention training provided to fire and rescue staff.

The health and wellbeing of firefighters is of the utmost importance. The government recognises the risks that firefighters face and is grateful to them for their bravery. Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) are ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of firefighters, and the government-issued National Framework directs that all Fire and Rescue Authorities should have a people strategy which sets out the mental and physical health and wellbeing support available to firefighters. The health and wellbeing support provided by Fire and Rescue services is considered by the fire inspectorate (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services) in the course of their work. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 66477 and Question UIN 66431 on 16 July 2025.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of collecting data on the number of callouts police attend to attempted suicides or suicides in progress.

The College of Policing set the professional standards for police in England and Wales. The College’s core guidance includes the initial training for officers under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework which incorporates autism, learning disabilities, mental health and vulnerabilities. Through this, officers are taught to assess vulnerability and amend their approaches as required.The College further promotes the need for frameworks to assess vulnerability, to aid in consistent identification, support decision making, and to trigger appropriate safeguarding action. Such principles and practices are set out in a number of college products, including the Detention and Custody Authorised Professional Practice.Policing is operationally independent, and it is a matter for the chief constables of each force to decide which additional training their officers should undertake and to set and enforce standards, giving them the flexibility to address their own local challenges, needs and priorities. They are inspected biannually by His Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) whose role is to independently report on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces, including inspecting how forces protect vulnerable people.

Whether her Department offers (a) bonuses and (b) financial incentives to asylum caseworkers for meeting targets and clearing backlogs.

Asylum decisions are subject to stringent quality checks to ensure that claims are properly considered, decisions are sound, and protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.Performance targets are agreed with managers and reviewed regularly, supported by robust performance management processes. Rewards are linked to the consistent delivery of outputs, high quality work and professional behaviour that reflect the values of the Civil Service. This framework ensures that any recognition of staff goes hand in hand with maintaining the high standards expected in asylum decision-making.To address delays and reduce costs to the taxpayer, we introduced a short-term scheme to recognise colleagues who produced additional output while continuing to meet their existing targets, and in line with our quality assurance framework. It was tightly controlled, subject to regular review, and monitored closely to ensure correct and consistent implementation.

Whether he has made an assessment of (a) the quality of commissioning of social care services by local authorities and (b) the development of high-quality markets of service providers in local areas; and what steps he is taking to ensure factors other than volume and price are used by local authorities when commissioning social care services.

Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are tasked with the duty to shape their care markets to meet the diverse needs of all local people. This includes commissioning a diverse range of care and support services that enable people to access quality care.In delivering their duties, local authorities should work closely with local providers to promote best practice and achieve a sustainable balance of quality, effectiveness, and value for money.To ensure high standards of care, local authorities are assessed by the Care Quality Commission in how well they are delivering these commissioning and market shaping duties. Local authority assessment reports are published by the Care Quality Commission at the following link:https://www.cqc.org.uk/care-services/local-authority-assessment-reports

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Adult Social Care Digital Transformation Fund; and what plans he has for the future of the fund.

The Digitising Social Care programme, which ended in April 2025, aimed to improve the digitisation of the adult social care sector. As part of this programme, the Digital Transformation fund enabled integrated care boards to support care providers to adopt digital social care records (DSCRs) and other care technologies. 80% of Care Quality Commission registered adult social care providers now use a DSCR, up from 41% in December 2021, benefitting 89% of people who draw on care. DSCRs have been shown to deliver significant productivity benefits, releasing at least 20 minutes of admin time per care worker, per shift. The widespread rollout of DSCRs also provides the foundation for more joined up and better-informed care. An independent report evaluating the impact of the Digitising Social Care programme is planned for publication in Spring 2026. Building on the work of the Digitising Social Care programme, we are investing in the development of national data infrastructure for social care to lay the foundations for improved integration with National Health Service systems. We are also working to set new national standards for care technologies so that people can confidently buy and use technology which supports them or the people they care for.

Whether integrated care boards have issued best practice guidance on the provision of health and social care services for those with a learning disability.

There are clear expectations of integrated care boards (ICBs) in relation to the commissioning of health services for people with a learning disability. The Model ICB Blueprint sets out the direction of travel for their role and functions in relation to commissioning services for the needs of their local population. Further information on the Model ICB Blueprint is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/strategic-commissioning-framework/Each ICB is expected to have an Executive Lead for learning disability and autism to support the Board in addressing health inequalities, supporting equal access to health services, and planning to meet the needs of its local population of people with a learning disability and autistic people. NHS England has published guidance on expectations for Executive Lead roles which sets out further information, which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/executive-lead-roles-on-integrated-care-boards/There is a range of best practice guidance available to support ICBs to commission services for people with a learning disability, including guidance on Dynamic Support Registers and Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews, a service model for adults, and guidance for developing support and services for children and young people. Further information on all three guidance documents is available, respectively, at the following three links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/dynamic-support-register-and-care-education-and-treatment-review-policy-and-guide/#heading-1https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/service-model-for-commissioners-supporting-people-with-a-learning-disability-andor-autism-who-display-behaviour-that-challenges-including-those-with-a-mental-health-condition/https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/developing-support-and-services-for-children-and-young-people-with-a-learning-disability-autism-or-both/ICBs can also utilise NHS Futures, a digital collaboration platform which supports people working in health and social care to connect, share, and learn across organisations. NHS Futures has dedicated workspaces to support good practice, including resources on learning disability and autism.The recently published NHS Medium Term Planning Framework emphasises the importance of improving outcomes for people with a learning disability, and our 10-Year Health Plan makes clear that people with disabilities are a priority group for more holistic, ongoing support from neighbourhood health services.