Written questions by Costigan.

What steps he is taking to improve coordination between health services and homelessness support organisations to tackle the healthcare needs of rough sleepers with (a) substance misuse and (b) mental health challenges.

The Department is funding the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant (RSDATG) in 83 local authorities, of which Ealing is one. This programme funds targeted services to improve drug and alcohol treatment and support to people who sleep rough, or who are at risk of sleeping rough, and who have substance misuse needs. These services work closely with local homelessness organisations to ensure that coordinated support is provided, as well as providing support around people’s co-occurring substance misuse and mental health needs.In addition to the RSDATG, the Department is working to expand mental health outreach services to improve co-ordinated care for homeless individuals with co-occurring mental health needs. Since 2019/20 there has been a £30 million investment to meet the health needs of people sleeping rough, allowing for the establishment of 37 sites with new mental health provision for rough sleepers. Beyond 2023/24, NHS England will provide recurrent annual funding of £9 million to support the specialist services that have been established as part of the NHS Long Term Plan programme.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate her Department has made of how many people have been supported off the streets through the Rough Sleeping Initiative in each of the last three years.

We conducted an evaluation of the RSI in 2018 and a link to report can be found here. We have also commissioned a systems wide evaluation of the homelessness and rough sleeping system and further information can be found here. The aim of this evaluation is to assess the interaction between different interventions, understand what works, and identify the most effective points at which to prevent homelessness. MHCLG is due to publish an interim report in summer 2025, followed by a final report in spring 2027.We will develop a new cross government strategy to put us back on track to ending homelessness and rough sleeping. As announced by the Chancellor on 29th July, spending plans for 2025-26 will be set alongside the Budget on 30th October.

If she will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential impact of the no recourse to public funds condition on levels of homelessness; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the operation of the condition.

The Home Office is committed to understanding how the NRPF policy impacts different migrant groups through engagement with public and private sector organisations on a regular basis, including at the quarterly NRPF Stakeholder Forum. The Government is looking at homelessness levels carefully and will develop a new cross-government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to bring an end to homelessness. The Home Office is in the process of migrating its casework operations to the new ATLAS system. Once fully migrated, it will be possible to explore what further information on NRPF can be produced using the new system.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the adequacy of incentives under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme to encourage the use of reusable packaging.

Re-use has a significant role to play in driving down unnecessary waste, and the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging will encourage use of reusable and refillable packaging.

If she will take steps to (a) clarify guidance and (b) introduce further safeguarding measures to ensure that disabled people who engage in regular physical activity do not risk a (a) review of and (b) reduction to their disability benefits.

Entitlement to disability benefits is based on a functional assessment of the person’s ability to perform a range of activities relevant to the specific benefit. Engaging in regular physical activity will not automatically result in reduction in benefit or trigger review or reassessment. It will, however, be considered when assessing the person’s functional ability. It is regrettable to note - as reported in the ‘Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey (June 2024)’ - that “around two-fifths (38%) of disabled people say that a fear of their benefits or financial assistance being taken away prevents them from trying to be more active”. This government is committed to championing the rights of disabled people and to the principle of working with them, so that their views and voices will be at the heart of all that we do.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 1159 on General Election 2024: Proof of Identity, what steps she has taken to tackle inconsistencies in voter ID rules.

As our manifesto made clear, the government will address the inconsistencies in the voter identification policy. We have already committed to adding the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card to the list of documents that are accepted at the polling station. We are continuing to assess and review the policy and if any further changes are found to be necessary or appropriate, we will bring forward proposals for them in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Rough Sleeping Initiative.

We conducted an evaluation of the RSI in 2018 and a link to report can be found here. We have also commissioned a systems wide evaluation of the homelessness and rough sleeping system and further information can be found here. The aim of this evaluation is to assess the interaction between different interventions, understand what works, and identify the most effective points at which to prevent homelessness. MHCLG is due to publish an interim report in summer 2025, followed by a final report in spring 2027.We will develop a new cross government strategy to put us back on track to ending homelessness and rough sleeping. As announced by the Chancellor on 29th July, spending plans for 2025-26 will be set alongside the Budget on 30th October.

If she will provide additional funding to Transport for London for the resurfacing of pavements on the borough principal road network (a) in London and (b) in the London Borough of Ealing.

The Department is working with the Mayor of London on funding for transport in the capital. However, transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL, and it is for the Mayor and TfL to assess the merits of projects and make decisions on investment.

What discussions she has had with Transport for London on ensuring maintaining pavements on the borough principal road network.

The Department is working with the Mayor of London on funding for transport in the capital. However, transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL, and it is for the Mayor and TfL to assess the merits of projects and make decisions on investment.

Whether she plans to legalise all e-scooters.

As you will appreciate, the new Government is still in its early stages, and I am carefully considering next steps and potential policy solutions for e-scooters. Until any changes are brought forward and come into effect, private e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements, and rental e-scooters can only be used in national rental e-scooter trial areas.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help protect British nationals and their dependents in Lebanon.

The safety of British nationals is our number one priority. Our consular teams are working around the clock to support British nationals. Border Force and military stand ready to aid consular operations. We chartered a limited number of flights from Lebanon to support British nationals to leave the country in response to the deteriorating security situation. The latest charter flight left on 6 October. British nationals who remain in the country should register their presence, book the first available flight and leave now while commercial routes remain available. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of British nationals and their dependents in the wider Middle East region in the context of escalating tensions.

We continuously monitor the situation across the region. We advise all British Nationals and dependents to regularly check the FCDO's Travel Advice for the country which they are in, which is kept updated. Unless otherwise noted in Travel Advice, we maintain our usual consular services. We recommend affected people to subscribe to receive notifications when relevant Travel Advice changes. If there is a reason for our 'Register Your Presence' service to be launched in that country, this will also be noted on the Travel Advice. Meanwhile we continue to monitor the situation on the ground and maintain regular discussions with host governments and partners.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing funding to London boroughs to support the management of micromobility services.

Government remains committed to supporting London and the transport network on which it depends. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and TfL. We are working with the Mayor on funding for transport in the capital, and it is for the Mayor to assess the merits of capital projects and make decisions on investment.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the proposed level of producer involvement in the (a) establishment and (b) administration of the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme Administrator.

Yes. The Scheme Administrator is already guided by the Scheme Administrator Steering Group, whose membership includes representatives across the packaging and waste value chain including several producers and their trade associations. The Secretary of State is committed to continuing to include producers and the wider packaging value chain in co-designing the future iterations of the scheme’s administration. This includes but is not restricted to supporting the development of future producer-led models including a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).

What steps he is taking to improve access to podiatry services for rough sleepers that are not eligible for full public funding due to their immigration status.

Integrated care boards are responsible for ensuring that the services they commission meet the needs of their local population with the resources they are allocated, including in respect of podiatry services. This starts with general practice (GP) registration, and everyone is entitled to register with a GP regardless of residential or immigration status.The Department recognises the importance of reducing barriers to services for those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. This is why we supported the development and implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance, which provides recommendations on ways to improve access to, and engagement with, health and social care services for people experiencing homelessness. This guidance is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng214

What steps he is taking to ensure adequate support for people with physical disabilities that live independently.

The Government is determined to stabilise the adult social care system and enable health and social care services to work together better to provide joined-up care for people with complex health and care needs, such as people with a physical or learning disability.To best support those drawing on care, the Government recognises the importance of holistic, joined-up services. The Department of Health and Social Care is working with partners across the Government, including the Department of Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Education, to build the right support across a range of public services including the social care, housing, and benefits systems.Under the Care Act, local authorities are responsible for shaping their care market to meet the diverse needs of all local people. This includes commissioning a diverse range of care and support services that enable people with either physical or learning disabilities, or both, to access quality care and, if they choose, live independently.Section 2 in the Care Act places a duty on local authorities to provide or arrange services, facilities, or other resources to prevent or delay the development of care and support needs for adults, with the aim of keeping people independent. This occurs in the context of local populations and the services available.Currently, adults who are receiving local authority support with their social care costs can choose to receive their personal budget, the amount of money they are assessed to require to meet their eligible needs under the Care Act 2014, as a direct payment. This allows the person, or their nominated representative, to commission their own care, providing them with greater independence, choice, and control in meeting their eligible personal care and support needs.In England, we continue to fund the locally administered Disabled Facilities Grant which helps eligible disabled people on low incomes to adapt their homes, through practical changes like installing stair lifts or level access showers, to make them safe and suitable for their needs.We also incentivise the supply of supported housing for adults with a physical or learning disability, autistic people, or adults with mental ill-health. These interventions seek to enable disabled adults to live more independent and healthy lives in their own home, for as long as possible.The extra costs disability benefits are not means–tested and are non-contributory and thus paid regardless of any income or savings. They are also tax-free and worth up to £184.30 a week, or over £9,580 a year. These benefits were not subject to the benefits freeze, having most recently been uprated by 6.7% from 8 April 2024, and were qualifying benefits for the Disability Cost of Living Payments paid in 2022 and 2023.The extra costs disability benefits can be paid in addition to other financial and practical support that those with a health condition or disability may be eligible for, such as other social security benefits or access to the Blue Badge scheme.Adult social care is not just a service for older adults, as it supports approximately 300,000 disabled people aged 18 to 64 years old to live independent and dignified lives. The Government wants to better support working age disabled people to participate in society and access employment.

What steps he is taking to ensure adequate provision of early support for people with learning disabilities that live independently.

The Government is determined to stabilise the adult social care system and enable health and social care services to work together better to provide joined-up care for people with complex health and care needs, such as people with a physical or learning disability.To best support those drawing on care, the Government recognises the importance of holistic, joined-up services. The Department of Health and Social Care is working with partners across the Government, including the Department of Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Education, to build the right support across a range of public services including the social care, housing, and benefits systems.Under the Care Act, local authorities are responsible for shaping their care market to meet the diverse needs of all local people. This includes commissioning a diverse range of care and support services that enable people with either physical or learning disabilities, or both, to access quality care and, if they choose, live independently.Section 2 in the Care Act places a duty on local authorities to provide or arrange services, facilities, or other resources to prevent or delay the development of care and support needs for adults, with the aim of keeping people independent. This occurs in the context of local populations and the services available.Currently, adults who are receiving local authority support with their social care costs can choose to receive their personal budget, the amount of money they are assessed to require to meet their eligible needs under the Care Act 2014, as a direct payment. This allows the person, or their nominated representative, to commission their own care, providing them with greater independence, choice, and control in meeting their eligible personal care and support needs.In England, we continue to fund the locally administered Disabled Facilities Grant which helps eligible disabled people on low incomes to adapt their homes, through practical changes like installing stair lifts or level access showers, to make them safe and suitable for their needs.We also incentivise the supply of supported housing for adults with a physical or learning disability, autistic people, or adults with mental ill-health. These interventions seek to enable disabled adults to live more independent and healthy lives in their own home, for as long as possible.The extra costs disability benefits are not means–tested and are non-contributory and thus paid regardless of any income or savings. They are also tax-free and worth up to £184.30 a week, or over £9,580 a year. These benefits were not subject to the benefits freeze, having most recently been uprated by 6.7% from 8 April 2024, and were qualifying benefits for the Disability Cost of Living Payments paid in 2022 and 2023.The extra costs disability benefits can be paid in addition to other financial and practical support that those with a health condition or disability may be eligible for, such as other social security benefits or access to the Blue Badge scheme.Adult social care is not just a service for older adults, as it supports approximately 300,000 disabled people aged 18 to 64 years old to live independent and dignified lives. The Government wants to better support working age disabled people to participate in society and access employment.

What steps he is taking to ensure that unpaid carers (a) are adequacy supported and (b) have access to (i) short breaks and (ii) legal advice.

Lord Darzi’s independent review of the NHS is clear that a fresh approach to supporting and involving unpaid carers is required to improve outcomes for carers, people needing care and the NHS.We will carefully consider these findings as part of our 10-year plan for reforming and modernising the NHS and as we develop plans to reform adult social care, including through the National Care Service.This Government also recognises the scale of the reforms needed in social care. That is why we will engage widely with a range of stakeholders, including unpaid carers, to ensure their voices are heard as we develop plans to create a National Care Service.The Government are also committed to reviewing the implementation of Carer’s Leave and examining the benefits of introducing paid Carer’s Leave. We will also keep Carer’s Allowance under review to ensure it meets its objectives.The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of sustainable, high-quality care and support services, including support for carers, such as access to short breaks or information and advice. The Better Care Fund (BCF) includes funding that can be used for unpaid carer support, including short breaks and respite services for carers.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterparts in the devolved Administrations on the proposed introduction of litter payments under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme.

Defra is working with the Devolved Administrations on future amends to the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, including the management of binned waste and litter within this scheme.

What steps she is taking to reduce the backlog of tribunal cases.

We are working to reduce the outstanding caseload in the First-tier Tribunal, the Upper Tribunal, the Employment Tribunal and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Reducing outstanding caseloads is the key measure to bringing down the waiting times for tribunal hearings. HMCTS continues to invest in improving tribunal productivity through the recruitment of additional Judges, deployment of Legal Officers to actively manage cases, the development of modern case management systems and the use of remote hearing technology. Data on Tribunals performance is published by the Ministry of Justice on a quarterly basis. Receipts, disposals and the outstanding caseload for individual Chambers in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, the Employment Tribunal and the Employment Appeal Tribunal can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics.