Written questions by Egan.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to help ensure that deposit schemes represent good value for tenants and landlords; and what steps he is taking to ensure the system is transparent.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure investment in the national grid, including batteries and other upgrades to capacity.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place for monitoring Capita’s administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve.To ensure transparency and accountability, the Cabinet Office monitors the contract through the application of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). As defined in Section 52(1) of the Procurement Act 2023, a KPI is a measure against which a supplier’s performance can be assessed throughout the life-cycle of a contract. By setting specific targets for the desired level of performance within the contract itself, the contracting authority can accurately measure and demonstrate the supplier’s progress.Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

What steps are being taken to prevent abuse of social care staff, including threatening unemployment, wage theft, and abuse of overtime.

The Department works closely with regulators, local authorities, other departments, and enforcement bodies to share concerns and intelligence about illegal or unethical practices in adult social care.The Government is creating the Fair Work Agency (FWA) to simplify the labour market enforcement system and build an economy based on fair competition and fair reward for hard work. It will bring enforcement functions of three existing bodies together, into one place, so employment rights are enforced more effectively and efficiently.The FWA will be responsible for enforcing domestic agency rules, the national minimum wage, licensing standards for gangmasters, and acting against serious labour exploitation.The FWA will be implemented in phases following Royal Assent of the Employment Rights Bill, with the FWA being established in April 2026.

What steps his Department is taking to improve transparency in Child Maintenance Service decision‑making.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to making its decisions clear, accessible, and transparent.Whenever a decision is made that affects a child maintenance calculation or payment arrangements, CMS issues notifications to customers explaining the outcome. Where the maintenance calculation changes, customers are provided with information setting out how the new calculation has been reached.CMS is taking steps to improve communications with parents by simplifying content and retiring outdated letters. In addition, the online My Child Maintenance Case service enables parents to view their case details, track changes, check their current position and view digital copies of notifications at any time. CMS are continuing to develop this service to provide even more information to customers.

What steps her Department is taking to improve police responsiveness and investigative outcomes for victims of romance fraud.

The Government published the Fraud Strategy 2026-2029 on 9 March. This includes targeted measures to improve police responsiveness and investigative outcomes for all forms of fraud.The strategy launched the Online Crime Centre (OCC), backed by over £30million of Government investment. The OCC will unite UK policing, the UK Intelligence Community alongside private sector partners from the financial, telecoms, technology and cyber industries to disrupt fraud at scale including romance fraud.Report Fraud, the new, streamlined reporting service, which launched publicly in January, improves the service for victims of fraud and provides better intelligence for police. The strategy also highlighted the measurement of police performance through the PEEL inspection programme.We will transfer overall responsibility for fraud into the new National Police Service, as part of the wider Police Reforms to ensure a stronger and more streamlined police response.

Communities and Local Government, what consideration his Department has given to strengthening regulatory interfaces, including the UK’s machinery and building‑safety frameworks, to ensure that lifts, doors, and other powered egress‑related systems allow for rapid evacuation of vulnerable residents during fire emergencies.

The government is reviewing the recommendation from the Grenfell Inquiry to mandate fire safety strategies for higher risk buildings. Such strategies would require a building’s responsible person to set out clear plans for what vulnerable people should do to evacuate in an emergency. Additionally, government has committed to review and update guidance to the Building Regulations set out in Approved Document B (Fire Safety). The Building Safety Regulator has launched a public consultation setting out proposals including new provisions for evacuation lifts in residential buildings over 18 metres to support safe evacuation of residents who may not be able to use stairs. The consultation closes on 17 June 2026.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Probation Service's current workload on processing casework; and what steps his Department is taking to support recruitment and retention, and staff morale.

The Probation Service continues to face capacity and workload pressures. The Probation Service uses management information to support local and national oversight of workloads.The Government recognises the pressures created by increased demand and is determined to bring probation capacity into balance with caseloads. We are doing so through sustained recruitment of probation officers, improving staff retention, and reducing workloads through the Our Future Probation Service (OFPS) Programme, with a target to have released 25% additional capacity by April 2027.The Government is committed to investing significant funds to improve the Probation Service and has announced a new commitment to onboard at least 1,300 additional new trainee probation officers in 2026/27. This is on top of the 1,000 brought in in 2024/25 and the 1,300 committed to for 2025/26.There is a comprehensive approach by HMPPS to tackle retention challenges across both the Probation and Prison Services. Central to this effort is the Retention Framework, which sets out how data, research and insight should be used to understand local and national drivers of attrition, guide targeted interventions, and embed retention as a core, ongoing workforce priority aligned to the People Strategy.We recognise the ongoing workload pressures across our services, and that supporting staff wellbeing is critical. To address this, a comprehensive wellbeing support offer has been established across HMPPS, with Staff Support and Wellbeing Leads in place to drive wellbeing priorities consistently across both prison and probation areas.

What estimate her Department has made of driving test waiting times at test centres serving Kingswood.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is working hard to reduce waiting times for car practical tests whilst upholding road safety standards. DVSA wants all customers to be able to access a driving test when they are ready to pass, to enable people to get to places of study or work and break down barriers to opportunity. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for February 2026, and number of tests booked and available at the nearest four driving test centres (DTC) to Kingswood of 23 March 2026.Driving test centre (DTC)Average car practical driving test waiting time (February 2026)Booked tests (as of 23 March 2026)Tests available in 24 week booking window (as of 23 March 2026)Bristol (Kingswood)24 weeks4,442127Bristol (Avonmouth)24 weeks4,404124Chippenham24 weeks3,053182Trowbridge*24 weeks4601*Trowbridge is a taking the test to the customer site so may not be open every day.Between June 2025 – February 2026, at the four DTCs above, DVSA conducted 2,372 additional car practical driving tests in overtime, when compared to the equivalent overtime scheme between June 2024 – February 2025. This increase can largely be attributed to the additional test allowance scheme the agency introduced in June 2025.

Whether (a) NHS England and (b) his Department has considered introducing a national (i) prescribing indicator and (ii) thematic audit on (A) long-term and (B) high-potency topical corticosteroid use.

Neither NHS England nor the Department have considered introducing a national prescribing indicator and thematic audit on long-term and high-potency topical corticosteroid use.Auditing of general practice (GP) prescribing data is usually undertaken by practice pharmacists or medicines optimisation teams locally. GPs, pharmacists, or a suitably qualified healthcare professional are expected to carry out a regular Structured Medication Review (SMR) of a patient’s medication. SMRs are an evidence-based and comprehensive review of a patient’s medication, taking into consideration all aspects of their health.

Which national body has responsibility for routinely auditing prescribing data to identify GP repeat-prescribing of topical corticosteroids that is (a) long-term and (b) high-potency.

The NHS Business Services Authority collects and publishes prescribing data for primary care in England. NHS England and the Department do not routinely audit data to identify general practice repeat-prescribing of topical corticosteroids that is long-term and high-potency. Responsibility for reviewing repeat prescribing practices sits with individual practices and their commissioners, who are expected to ensure prescribing is safe, appropriate, and in line with relevant clinical guidance.

What assessment he has made of the issues faced by carers working in the gig economy in maintaining eligibility for Carer’s Allowance; and whether his Department has assessed the potential merits of reforms to address volatility in earnings for such workers.

Unpaid carers are vital – to the people they support, to their community, and to our country. We acknowledge and value the important contribution made by unpaid carers every day in providing vital care and continuity of support to family and friends with disabilities. Universal Credit provides financial support for carers on low incomes and is designed to accommodate fluctuations in earnings. Around 68% of unpaid carers receiving support from the benefit system receive it via Universal Credit. For carers in England and Wales who are unable to access Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance can provide financial support. This is available to those who are providing unpaid care for 35 hours a week or more, and whose weekly earnings are at or below 16 hours at the National Living Wage after allowable expenses. These include costs associated with securing alternative care arrangements for the person with care needs. Around 15% of people receiving Carer’s Allowance have earnings. Where earnings are not paid weekly, they can be averaged over a period that best reflects the carer’s working patterns. Where possible, the Department looks for a regular "cycle" or pattern in earnings to achieve this. For cases where fluctuations in earnings are irregular, the Department has recently clarified the processes relating to averaging and publicised them on GOV.UK and in letters sent to Carer’s Allowance recipients. Income other than earnings does not affect entitlement to Carer’s Allowance.

What steps his Department has taken to support carers whose earnings fluctuate from week to week; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of variable income patterns on levels of continued eligibility for Carer’s Allowance.

Unpaid carers are vital – to the people they support, to their community, and to our country. We acknowledge and value the important contribution made by unpaid carers every day in providing vital care and continuity of support to family and friends with disabilities. Universal Credit provides financial support for carers on low incomes and is designed to accommodate fluctuations in earnings. Around 68% of unpaid carers receiving support from the benefit system receive it via Universal Credit. For carers in England and Wales who are unable to access Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance can provide financial support. This is available to those who are providing unpaid care for 35 hours a week or more, and whose weekly earnings are at or below 16 hours at the National Living Wage after allowable expenses. These include costs associated with securing alternative care arrangements for the person with care needs. Around 15% of people receiving Carer’s Allowance have earnings. Where earnings are not paid weekly, they can be averaged over a period that best reflects the carer’s working patterns. Where possible, the Department looks for a regular "cycle" or pattern in earnings to achieve this. For cases where fluctuations in earnings are irregular, the Department has recently clarified the processes relating to averaging and publicised them on GOV.UK and in letters sent to Carer’s Allowance recipients. Income other than earnings does not affect entitlement to Carer’s Allowance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the five week wait for Universal Credit payments on prison leavers with limited or no support networks; and what steps his Department is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that people leaving custody do not face immediate financial insecurity or debt.

The Department has over 200 Work Coaches based in prisons across Great Britain providing benefit advice and support to individuals, including booking an appointment at their local jobcentre on or soon after their day of release. When a claim is made for Universal Credit, the customer will receive their first award around five weeks after the claim is made, this period is known as the initial assessment period. This process ensures that customers are paid their correct entitlement, based on verified information, and reduces the risk of significant overpayments occurring. If a customer needs support before their first payment is made, a New Claims Advance of up to 100% of their estimated Universal Credit entitlement is available at any time during the initial assessment period. With such an advance, customers receive an additional Universal Credit payment, resulting in 25 payments over a 24-month period. Crucially for prison leavers, this means that financial support can be accessed from day one of the claim subject to verification. I am currently undertaking a review of Universal Credit. The five week wait for Universal Credit is one of the topics being considered in the review.

What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the NHS prescription exemption-checking system.

While the Department has not undertaken a formal evaluation of the National Health Service prescription exemption‑checking system, it has put in place arrangements to balance timely access to medicines with proportionate protection of public funds.The Prescription Exemption Checking Service, delivered by the NHS Business Services Authority on behalf of the Department and NHS England, operates retrospectively by checking a random sample of prescriptions where an exemption has been claimed, using data held by the NHS Business Services Authority and the Department for Work and Pensions. These checks typically take approximately three months to complete. Where entitlement cannot be confirmed, a staged enquiry process allows individuals to clarify or evidence their eligibility before any penalty is applied.Alongside this, Real Time Exemption Checking enables exemption status to be verified at the point of dispensing and is now used by approximately 95% of community pharmacies in England. Where an exemption is confirmed in real time, the prescription is automatically flagged as exempt and no retrospective penalty charge can be issued, reducing incorrect charges and follow‑up correspondence. Taken together, these arrangements are intended to ensure exemption checking is fair, proportionate, and effective in protecting NHS resources.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of requiring nurseries to use monitoring or recording equipment, including cameras; and whether her Department has issued guidance to early years providers on the use of such technology to support safeguarding.

The ‘Early years foundation stage’ statutory framework sets the standards and requirements early years providers must meet to ensure that children have the best start in life and are kept healthy and safe. Providers are required to have safeguarding policies addressing the use of mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities. Decisions about using monitoring and recording equipment are for individual providers, subject to safeguarding and data protection requirements.As part of the department’s ongoing review of safeguarding requirements, an expert advisory panel has been appointed and is working at pace to inform guidance for the sector on the safe and effective use of CCTV and digital devices. This guidance will consider whether CCTV should be mandated and will set out best practice, technical advice and clear expectations. It will be published in summer 2026.

What guidance has been issued to clinicians on recording suspected Topical Steroid Withdrawal in patient medical records, including GP records, where a formal diagnosis has not been made.

No specific guidance has been issued on recording suspected topical steroid withdrawal in patient medical records, including to general practitioners. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued guidance documents on topical steroid withdrawal, which are available at the following two links:https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-corticosteroids-information-on-the-risk-of-topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactionshttps://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-steroids-introduction-of-new-labelling-and-a-reminder-of-the-possibility-of-severe-side-effects-including-topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactionsThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has also published guidance, which is available at the following link:https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/corticosteroids-topical-skin-nose-eyes/management/topical-skin-treatment/

What safeguards are in place to ensure that nurseries undertake adequate pre-employment checks to prevent people with a history of abusive behaviour from working with children; and what steps her Department is taking to help ensure ongoing monitoring and safeguarding compliance once staff are in post.

Safer recruitment is a core part of safeguarding in early years settings. The ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ (EYFS) statutory framework requires providers to have clear and robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that only suitable people work with children.Since September 2025, the safeguarding and welfare requirements in the EYFS have been strengthened to clarify expectations, formalise best practice and improve consistency across the sector, including clearer requirements on safer recruitment, references, safeguarding training, paediatric first aid and whistleblowing.Providers must obtain references for all staff, students and volunteers before recruitment. The EYFS sets out expectations when obtaining references including not relying on applicants to obtain their reference, references to be provided by a senior person with appropriate authority relating to recent and relevant employment, and to ensure any concerns must be resolved before appointment.All staff must be subject to appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Where checks are ongoing, individuals may only work under appropriate supervision and must never be left alone with children.Safeguarding policies must set out safer recruitment procedures and be supported by effective induction, supervision, safeguarding training and whistleblowing arrangements to maintain a strong safeguarding culture.

What steps her Department is taking to support nurseries in recruiting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified staff; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the current availability of childcare staffing on the provision of early years education.

The early years workforce is at the heart of our mission to give every child the best start in life and deliver the Plan for Change. That is why we are supporting the sector to attract talented staff and childminders by creating conditions for improved recruitment, alongside programmes to better utilise the skills of the existing workforce and make early years careers as accessible as possible.We are attracting new people into the early years sector through initiatives like our national recruitment campaign and financial incentives programmes. We are also ensuring there is a career path for everyone who wants to become an early years teacher, through increasing places on our existing teacher training programmes and introducing a new early years teacher degree apprenticeship route.The department has regular contact with each local authority in England about their sufficiency of childcare and any issues they are facing. No local authority is reporting sufficiency issues.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of the utilisation of motorway space for power generation.

No formal assessment has been made. There is no barrier to the use of motorway land for generation. Motorways sometimes have spare ground, which could theoretically be used to generate power, such as by solar panels or wind turbines. There is frequently local demand for electricity, such as for lights and signs. However, there are likely to be some practical challenges in each case. For example, developers would need to ensure that: equipment does not interfere with the flow of traffic; there is sufficient room for associated infrastructure; and it is safe for those performing maintenance on the systems.