Written questions by Jones.

Communities and Local Government, whether he is taking steps to increase the rate of collection of civil penalties issued by local authorities against landlords for housing offences.

The government engages regularly with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders in relation to how enforcement against rogue landlords in the private rented sector might be strengthened.Local authorities already have a range of tools that they can use to support the collection of unpaid fines imposed on rogue landlords, including charging orders and bankruptcy proceedings.My Department will continue to engage with local authorities and consider how best practice can be shared as part of supporting the effective implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Communities and Local Government, how many affordable housing units have been built which have never been occupied because no housing association has taken them on.

My Department does not hold comprehensive, historic data on social and affordable homes that have been completed but remain unoccupied because a registered provider has not contracted with a housebuilder to acquire them. I otherwise refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement on 28 January 2026 (HCWS1286) and the answer given to Question UIN 112630 on 2 March 2026.

If he will make an his estimate of the potential reduction in the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) court workloads of increasing the adoption of community-based rehabilitation in the treatment of alcohol and substance use and addiction reducing recidivism rates.

We are committed to diverting vulnerable offenders with substance misuse needs away from prison or out of the criminal justice system altogether where appropriate. Many people who have committed low-level offences can be managed more effectively in the community, with the right treatment and support to tackle the health-related causes of their offending behaviour, than on short custodial sentences. Public Health England analysis shows that drug treatment reflects a return on investment of £4 for every £1 invested. Offenders completing treatment for drugs or alcohol were also 19 percentage points less likely to reoffend than those that dropped out of treatment. An evaluation of the impact of being sentenced with a community sentence treatment requirement (CSTR) on proven reoffending was published in 2024 and found that for people who reoffended those sentenced to a drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) and alcohol treatment requirement (ATR) had fewer reoffences compared to those who received a short custodial sentence. Our Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs), which divert offenders with complex needs, including substance misuse, away from short custodial sentences into rehabilitative community sentences, are undergoing full evaluation scheduled for completion in 2028. The evaluation will assess the effectiveness of ISCs on reducing reoffending and their value for money. Published process evaluation findings show early promising signs, whereby some offenders reported reduced substance use and willingness to avoid reoffending.

Pursuant to the answer of 3rd March 2026 to question 115687, if he will ask Baroness Amos to consider the potential merits of appointing a Maternity Commissioner in the course of the Independent National Investigation into maternity and neonatal care.

The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation is independent, with the investigation’s terms of reference allowing Baroness Amos, in her role as Chair, to make recommendations as she sees fit.The independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation is bringing together the findings from past reviews, from local investigations of maternity and neonatal services in selected trusts, and evidence from families and staff, and will develop and publish one clear national set of recommendations.Baroness Amos and her team have met with hundreds of families as part of the local investigations, and a national call for evidence for women, families, and staff has recently concluded. Her final report will be published in June.

With reference to paragraph 5.60 of the policy paper entitled Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules: HC 1691, published on 5 March 2026, whether B2 level English language is required for applicants on the British National (Overseas) route.

The increase in the English language requirement in the statement of changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1691) does not apply to those on the BN(O) route.The Government is continuing to consider whether the B2 standard should be extended more widely and future decisions will take into account responses to the consultation on earned settlement.In the meantime, the current B1 English language requirement for settlement under the BN(O) route continues to apply.

Whether specialist multidisciplinary teams and designated centres of excellence will be given clear guidance and authority to prescribe off-label treatments supported by genomic evidence and aligned with patient preference for patients with rare cancers.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are working to deliver the Government’s ambitions, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan for England and the Life Sciences Sector Plan, to streamline regulation and market access. This closer collaboration will enable parallel decisions on licensing and value, reducing time to patient access by three to six months.NICE’s established health technology appraisal processes allow a range of evidence to be considered, and tumour‑agnostic therapies such as pembrolizumab, reference code TA914, have already been licensed and recommended for National Health Service patients. Further treatments are expected to progress through aligned MHRA and NICE pathways.The Department has commissioned the Royal College of Radiologists to review multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, focusing on practical actions to improve efficiency and speed access to treatment. The review will report in summer 2026, with new guidance to follow in spring 2027.To improve outcomes for people with rare cancers, Cancer Alliances will assess variation in treatment pathways, including access to specialist MDTs, to support more consistent care and greater use of expertise in centres of excellence. Prescribers remain responsible for treatment decisions, working with patients and using relevant evidence and guidance. Clinicians may prescribe medicines off‑label where this is in the patient’s best interests and subject to local NHS funding arrangements.

Whether the joint accelerated approvals pathway operated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will enable tumour-agnostic licensing and other NHS access routes to ensure that patients with rare cancers can receive genomically-matched treatments on the NHS.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are working to deliver the Government’s ambitions, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan for England and the Life Sciences Sector Plan, to streamline regulation and market access. This closer collaboration will enable parallel decisions on licensing and value, reducing time to patient access by three to six months.NICE’s established health technology appraisal processes allow a range of evidence to be considered, and tumour‑agnostic therapies such as pembrolizumab, reference code TA914, have already been licensed and recommended for National Health Service patients. Further treatments are expected to progress through aligned MHRA and NICE pathways.The Department has commissioned the Royal College of Radiologists to review multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, focusing on practical actions to improve efficiency and speed access to treatment. The review will report in summer 2026, with new guidance to follow in spring 2027.To improve outcomes for people with rare cancers, Cancer Alliances will assess variation in treatment pathways, including access to specialist MDTs, to support more consistent care and greater use of expertise in centres of excellence. Prescribers remain responsible for treatment decisions, working with patients and using relevant evidence and guidance. Clinicians may prescribe medicines off‑label where this is in the patient’s best interests and subject to local NHS funding arrangements.

What steps he is taking to help support access to genomically-matched targeted therapies for patients with rare cancers, where genomic testing identifies a suitable option but large-scale clinical trial evidence is unlikely to be generated.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are working to deliver the Government’s ambitions, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan for England and the Life Sciences Sector Plan, to streamline regulation and market access. This closer collaboration will enable parallel decisions on licensing and value, reducing time to patient access by three to six months.NICE’s established health technology appraisal processes allow a range of evidence to be considered, and tumour‑agnostic therapies such as pembrolizumab, reference code TA914, have already been licensed and recommended for National Health Service patients. Further treatments are expected to progress through aligned MHRA and NICE pathways.The Department has commissioned the Royal College of Radiologists to review multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, focusing on practical actions to improve efficiency and speed access to treatment. The review will report in summer 2026, with new guidance to follow in spring 2027.To improve outcomes for people with rare cancers, Cancer Alliances will assess variation in treatment pathways, including access to specialist MDTs, to support more consistent care and greater use of expertise in centres of excellence. Prescribers remain responsible for treatment decisions, working with patients and using relevant evidence and guidance. Clinicians may prescribe medicines off‑label where this is in the patient’s best interests and subject to local NHS funding arrangements.

Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to a) abolish, or b) otherwise amend the 10% sales commission on residential park homes.

The government recognise that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home. The previous government published a report in June 2022 on the impact of a change in the maximum park home sale commission. It can be found on gov.uk here. On 5 March 2026, my Department published a 12-week call for evidence regarding the rationale for the payment of a commission. It can be found on gov.uk here.

Whether he has assessment the potential merits of workplace-based vitamin D supplementation programmes as a mechanism to reach populations at higher risk of deficiency.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is currently conducting a rapid review of whether current vitamin D recommendations for vitamin D intake and status are adequate for people with higher melanin concentrations. The vitamin D working group is reviewing relevant evidence and discussions are ongoing. In line with the usual SACN process, minutes of the SACN vitamin D working group meetings, along with minutes of all SACN meetings, are published on the SACN’s website. The SACN aims to publish conclusions of the review later in 2026. Ministers are informed of SACN publications and risk assessments and receive separate advice on potential subsequent policy options.For people at risk of not receiving enough vitamin D during the summer months we recommend they consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. Advice is available on the National Health Service website for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Our focus is on ensuring that vitamin D policy prioritises interventions with the greatest public health impact. We have therefore not assessed the merits of workplace-based vitamin supplementation programmes and are not currently planning any additional action to introduce targeted vitamin D supplementation programmes. Any further risk management approaches will be considered once SACN has completed reviewing the evidence and made recommendations for people with higher melanin concentrations.The National Diet and Nutrition Survey is designed to provide data on the diet and nutrition of the general United Kingdom population. The survey design means that oversampling of ethnic minority groups is challenging. However, a recent increase in the number of blood samples collected annually in the survey means we expect to be able to analyse and report vitamin D status by ethnicity by combining data collected from 2024 to 2029.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 110574 on Vitamin D: Deficiency Diseases, what his planned timeline is for the rapid review by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition of vitamin D requirements for people with higher melanin concentration; and whether he plans to issue interim guidance to at-risk populations.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is currently conducting a rapid review of whether current vitamin D recommendations for vitamin D intake and status are adequate for people with higher melanin concentrations. The vitamin D working group is reviewing relevant evidence and discussions are ongoing. In line with the usual SACN process, minutes of the SACN vitamin D working group meetings, along with minutes of all SACN meetings, are published on the SACN’s website. The SACN aims to publish conclusions of the review later in 2026. Ministers are informed of SACN publications and risk assessments and receive separate advice on potential subsequent policy options.For people at risk of not receiving enough vitamin D during the summer months we recommend they consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. Advice is available on the National Health Service website for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Our focus is on ensuring that vitamin D policy prioritises interventions with the greatest public health impact. We have therefore not assessed the merits of workplace-based vitamin supplementation programmes and are not currently planning any additional action to introduce targeted vitamin D supplementation programmes. Any further risk management approaches will be considered once SACN has completed reviewing the evidence and made recommendations for people with higher melanin concentrations.The National Diet and Nutrition Survey is designed to provide data on the diet and nutrition of the general United Kingdom population. The survey design means that oversampling of ethnic minority groups is challenging. However, a recent increase in the number of blood samples collected annually in the survey means we expect to be able to analyse and report vitamin D status by ethnicity by combining data collected from 2024 to 2029.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 110574 on Vitamin D: Deficiency Diseases, whether the rapid review by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition will assess optimal vitamin D dosing levels for people with higher melanin concentration.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is currently conducting a rapid review of whether current vitamin D recommendations for vitamin D intake and status are adequate for people with higher melanin concentrations. The vitamin D working group is reviewing relevant evidence and discussions are ongoing. In line with the usual SACN process, minutes of the SACN vitamin D working group meetings, along with minutes of all SACN meetings, are published on the SACN’s website. The SACN aims to publish conclusions of the review later in 2026. Ministers are informed of SACN publications and risk assessments and receive separate advice on potential subsequent policy options.For people at risk of not receiving enough vitamin D during the summer months we recommend they consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. Advice is available on the National Health Service website for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Our focus is on ensuring that vitamin D policy prioritises interventions with the greatest public health impact. We have therefore not assessed the merits of workplace-based vitamin supplementation programmes and are not currently planning any additional action to introduce targeted vitamin D supplementation programmes. Any further risk management approaches will be considered once SACN has completed reviewing the evidence and made recommendations for people with higher melanin concentrations.The National Diet and Nutrition Survey is designed to provide data on the diet and nutrition of the general United Kingdom population. The survey design means that oversampling of ethnic minority groups is challenging. However, a recent increase in the number of blood samples collected annually in the survey means we expect to be able to analyse and report vitamin D status by ethnicity by combining data collected from 2024 to 2029.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 110577 on Vitamin D: Dietary Supplements, whether he plans to introduce targeted oversampling of Black and Asian populations to allow accelerated analysis by ethnicity of groups at higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is currently conducting a rapid review of whether current vitamin D recommendations for vitamin D intake and status are adequate for people with higher melanin concentrations. The vitamin D working group is reviewing relevant evidence and discussions are ongoing. In line with the usual SACN process, minutes of the SACN vitamin D working group meetings, along with minutes of all SACN meetings, are published on the SACN’s website. The SACN aims to publish conclusions of the review later in 2026. Ministers are informed of SACN publications and risk assessments and receive separate advice on potential subsequent policy options.For people at risk of not receiving enough vitamin D during the summer months we recommend they consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. Advice is available on the National Health Service website for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Our focus is on ensuring that vitamin D policy prioritises interventions with the greatest public health impact. We have therefore not assessed the merits of workplace-based vitamin supplementation programmes and are not currently planning any additional action to introduce targeted vitamin D supplementation programmes. Any further risk management approaches will be considered once SACN has completed reviewing the evidence and made recommendations for people with higher melanin concentrations.The National Diet and Nutrition Survey is designed to provide data on the diet and nutrition of the general United Kingdom population. The survey design means that oversampling of ethnic minority groups is challenging. However, a recent increase in the number of blood samples collected annually in the survey means we expect to be able to analyse and report vitamin D status by ethnicity by combining data collected from 2024 to 2029.

With reference to Action 21 of the National Cancer Plan, what appointment process will be used to select the independent representative who will co chair the reformed National Cancer Board.

The National Cancer Plan, published on the 4 February 2026, sets out several commitments and ambitions, to be delivered within the next 10 years. The role of the reformed National Cancer Board will be to support and monitor the delivery of the commitments and ambitions and provide regular updates to ministers.The board will be co-chaired by the Director General for Planned Care in the Department and an independent representative.It is important to choose the most suitable appointment process for selecting an independent representative to co-chair the board. Officials from NHS England and the Department are carefully following the required public appointments procedures.The reformed National Cancer Board will be established once a co-chair is appointed.

With reference to Action 21 of the National Cancer Plan, when his Department expects the reformed National Cancer Board to be established.

The National Cancer Plan, published on the 4 February 2026, sets out several commitments and ambitions, to be delivered within the next 10 years. The role of the reformed National Cancer Board will be to support and monitor the delivery of the commitments and ambitions and provide regular updates to ministers.The board will be co-chaired by the Director General for Planned Care in the Department and an independent representative.It is important to choose the most suitable appointment process for selecting an independent representative to co-chair the board. Officials from NHS England and the Department are carefully following the required public appointments procedures.The reformed National Cancer Board will be established once a co-chair is appointed.

Whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on energy independence.

The government is committed to delivering on our Mission to make the UK a Clean Energy Superpower. Where necessary, and subject to parliamentary time, we intend to pursue the primary legislative changes needed to deliver on this Mission. We will set out our plans in due course.

How much of the £70 million allocated in the Autumn Budget 2024 for new linear accelerator (LINAC) machines has been spent to date; how many new LINAC machines have been procured with that funding; what is the location of those new LINAC machines; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of those deployments on the level of patient care.

The £70 million investment is in the process of being spent, machines have been ordered, and they are being rolled out across the country, with some treating patients already. These 28 new, cutting-edge machines will reduce waiting times and provide 15% more treatments allowing 27,500 extra patients to be treated every year. This means more equal access and better outcomes for cancer patients across England.The new radiotherapy machines are located at: Addenbrooke’s Hospital; Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital; Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre at Bristol Royal Infirmary; Charing Cross Hospital; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, in the Withington Site; Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, in the Liverpool Site; Colchester General Hospital; Derriford Hospital; Freeman Hospital; Guy’s Cancer Centre at Guy’s Hospital; Hereford County Hospital; James Cook University Hospital; Kent and Canterbury Hospital; Lincoln County Hospital; North Middlesex University Hospital; Northampton General Hospital; Nottingham City Hospital; Royal Berkshire Hospital; Royal Cornwall Hospital; Royal Derby Hospital; Royal Marsden Hospital, in Sutton, Surrey; Royal Preston Hospital; Royal Surrey Hospital; Southend University Hospital; St Bartholomew’s Hospital; University College Hospital; Weston Park Cancer Centre; and Worcestershire Royal Hospital. In addition, four trusts, namely University Hospitals Birmingham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, Southend, and Hereford and Gloucestershire, have received a contribution towards the cost of bunker refurbishment.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the expansion of diagnostic genomic testing for cancer is accompanied by timely NHS access to targeted therapies identified by that testing, including where such therapies are not routinely commissioned.

The National Cancer Plan, published on 4 February 2026, sets out clear actions to expand diagnostic genomic testing and ensure that this is matched by access to targeted therapies. The plan confirms that every cancer patient who would benefit from genomic testing, including those with rare cancers, will receive it within a clinically relevant timeframe.To support timely access to treatments identified through genomic testing, a new joint National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency process from April 2026 will accelerate licensing and appraisal so that National Health Service funding recommendations can be made more quickly. The expansion of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service will also help identify suitable targeted therapies, connect patients to clinical trials faster, and integrate genomic data into the Single Patient Record by 2028.With reference to page 75 of the National Cancer Plan, it is Government policy that patients with rare cancers should benefit from personalised and targeted therapies where genomic testing identifies a suitable option. The plan also strengthens specialist multidisciplinary teams for rare cancers so that patients can access expertise from specialist centres and the most up‑to‑date evidence‑based treatments.

What provision the National Cancer Plan will make for orphan drug pathways for patients with rare cancers requiring personalised treatment plans; and how those pathways will differ from existing commissioning arrangements.

On 4 February 2026, NHS England and the Department published a National Cancer Plan for England. The National Cancer Plan is part of our work to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future and will make England a world-leader for cancer survival.The orphan drug designation is assessed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and is granted at the same time as the marketing authorisation. It provides a period of market exclusivity during which similar competitor medicines cannot enter the United Kingdom market. The orphan drug regulations are designed to support the development of medicines to treat rare diseases including rare cancers.All new licensed medicines, including orphan medicines, are evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which makes recommendations for the NHS on whether they represent a clinically and cost-effective use of NHS resources. NICE aims wherever possible to issue recommendations on new medicines close to the time of licensing, and the NHS in England is legally required to fund medicines recommended by NICE. NICE has a strong track record in recommending orphan medicines for use on the NHS and many thousands of patients with rare diseases have benefitted from access to new medicines as a result.The Rare Cancers Bill, currently going through the House of Lords, places a duty on the Government to publish a review of the law related to marketing authorisation for rare cancer drugs, for instance orphan drugs for cancer, comparing the UK’s approach to other approaches internationally. Through the National Cancer Plan the Government has committed to full implement of the Rare Cancers Bill to streamline trial pathways and review regulatory barriers that prevent access to promising new treatments.

With reference to page 75 of the policy paper entitled A National Cancer Plan for England: delivering world class cancer care, whether it is his policy that patients with rare cancers should be offered targeted and personalised therapies where genomic testing identifies a suitable potential treatment.

The National Cancer Plan, published on 4 February 2026, sets out clear actions to expand diagnostic genomic testing and ensure that this is matched by access to targeted therapies. The plan confirms that every cancer patient who would benefit from genomic testing, including those with rare cancers, will receive it within a clinically relevant timeframe.To support timely access to treatments identified through genomic testing, a new joint National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency process from April 2026 will accelerate licensing and appraisal so that National Health Service funding recommendations can be made more quickly. The expansion of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service will also help identify suitable targeted therapies, connect patients to clinical trials faster, and integrate genomic data into the Single Patient Record by 2028.With reference to page 75 of the National Cancer Plan, it is Government policy that patients with rare cancers should benefit from personalised and targeted therapies where genomic testing identifies a suitable option. The plan also strengthens specialist multidisciplinary teams for rare cancers so that patients can access expertise from specialist centres and the most up‑to‑date evidence‑based treatments.