Written questions by Morello.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish a national strategy for rainwater management to promote (a) sustainable and (b) decentralised water use.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Across much of the UK, our drainage and sewerage network is set up as a combined system (rainwater and wastewater), typical of Victorian design. Climate change, urban creep and a growing population have exacerbated the pressures on the system. The National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England published in December 2024 sets out the flood risk to treatment works and water pumping stations. The Environment Agency’s National Framework for Water Resources 2025 emphasises the importance of water catchments operating naturally, to be more resilient to challenges such as flooding, drought, and water scarcity. The Framework explains how we expect an integrated approach to be taken forward.

If she will make it her policy to increase the flexibility of funded childcare arrangements to help increase support for parents (a) who are unable to take up work due to a lack of available nursery places and (b) with restrictive nursery session times.

On 7 July, the department published its Best Start in Life Strategy, which sets out how we will make real change happen for families across the country.We are delivering more support to working families than ever before with the rollout of 30 hours government-funded childcare from September 2025. This is expected to save eligible families using their full entitlement an average of £7,500 a year.Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area.There is no requirement that childcare providers must deliver funded hours at particular times of the day or on particular days of the week. Providers are free to choose when to deliver funded hours, as long as they comply with the terms of their arrangements with the local authority.Local authorities should actively support partnership working between providers to ensure that funded places are high-quality, flexible and accessible to give parents choice about how and where they take-up their child’s free hours. Local authorities should also support providers to establish parental declarations setting out their hours and patterns of hours during which free places are offered.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that rural areas are not disproportionately impacted by the rollout of the expanded childcare offer, in the context of levels of (a) job availability and (b) childcare capacity in rural areas.

The department is working closely with all local authorities on the rollout of the expanded childcare offer. The department has regular contact with each local authority in England about their sufficiency of childcare and any issues they are facing, including impacts to rural areas. Where local authorities report sufficiency challenges, we support the local authority, where needed, through our childcare sufficiency support contract.To support delivery of the expansion, our national recruitment campaign urges the public to ‘Do something BIG’ and consider working in nurseries or pre-schools, as a childminder, or in wraparound care roles. On average, the campaign website receives over 37,000 visits weekly, which directs potential applicants to the Department for Work and Pension’s ‘Find a Job’ vacancy platform to search for early years roles.To address childcare capacity, schools could apply for up to £150,000 of capital funding in autumn 2024 to create or expand a school-based nursery, creating up to 6,000 places with most available from September 2025. This is the first stage in a long-term commitment to expand school-based nurseries across England.The latest data shows there are over 5,800 more providers delivering childcare entitlements than last year, the first increase in five years, and the biggest increase since data became available in 2018. This comes alongside an 18,000 increase in the number of staff delivering the entitlements in private, voluntary and independent nurseries. This is backed by significant government investment totalling over £8 billion for early years entitlements in 2025/26.

If he will have discussions with Ofcom on measures to hold parcel delivery companies to account for (a) delayed and (b) failed deliveries in rural areas.

Ofcom is the independent regulator for the postal sector with the responsibility and powers to regulate postal services.Ofcom engages regularly with parcel operators to understand their approach to implementation of Ofcom’s consumer protection measures. The results of its most recent survey research on consumer satisfaction with parcel delivery services is published in Ofcom’s 2023-24 Post Monitoring Report: www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/postal-services/monitoring-reports/2023-2024/post-monitoring-report-2023-24.pdfOfcom is committed to ongoing monitoring of market performance and will consider enforcement action if appropriate to do so.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential environmental and economic impact of a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty on the UK.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Food and Rural Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to support the inclusion of strong measures in the Global Plastics Treaty to reduce plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

For too long, plastic has littered our ocean and threatened our wildlife. We urgently need an ambitious and effective international agreement to end plastic pollution by 2040. The United Kingdom has been a leading voice in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee and as a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution (HAC), the UK is committed to achieving an ambitious treaty. Negotiations will resume in August with the aim of concluding negotiations on a new treaty. The UK is working with other countries, including allies in the HAC to achieve this.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Rural Payments Agency on upgrading its digital services to reduce errors and delays for users.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

If he will have discussions with Ofcom on the average time taken for parcel deliveries in (a) rural and (b) urban areas.

Ofcom is the independent regulator for the postal sector with the responsibility and powers to regulate postal services.Ofcom engages regularly with parcel operators to understand their approach to implementation of Ofcom’s consumer protection measures. The results of its most recent survey research on consumer satisfaction with parcel delivery services is published in Ofcom’s 2023-24 Post Monitoring Report: www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/postal-services/monitoring-reports/2023-2024/post-monitoring-report-2023-24.pdfOfcom is committed to ongoing monitoring of market performance and will consider enforcement action if appropriate to do so.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will have discussions with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that the Global Plastics Treaty supports the protection of (a) coastal ecosystems and (b) the tourism economy in (ii) West Dorset constituency and (ii) other areas.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

If he will have discussions with Ofcom on the adequacy of parcel delivery firms in ensuring consistent delivery standards in rural communities.

Ofcom is the independent regulator for the postal sector with the responsibility and powers to regulate postal services.Ofcom engages regularly with parcel operators to understand their approach to implementation of Ofcom’s consumer protection measures. The results of its most recent survey research on consumer satisfaction with parcel delivery services is published in Ofcom’s 2023-24 Post Monitoring Report: www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/postal-services/monitoring-reports/2023-2024/post-monitoring-report-2023-24.pdfOfcom is committed to ongoing monitoring of market performance and will consider enforcement action if appropriate to do so.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to update the IT systems of the Rural Payments Agency.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Rural Payments Agency’s IT system.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

If he will have discussions with Ofcom on (a) monitoring and (b) reporting on the quality of parcel delivery services in rural areas.

Ofcom is the independent regulator for the postal sector with the responsibility and powers to regulate postal services.Ofcom engages regularly with parcel operators to understand their approach to implementation of Ofcom’s consumer protection measures. The results of its most recent survey research on consumer satisfaction with parcel delivery services is published in Ofcom’s 2023-24 Post Monitoring Report: www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/postal-services/monitoring-reports/2023-2024/post-monitoring-report-2023-24.pdfOfcom is committed to ongoing monitoring of market performance and will consider enforcement action if appropriate to do so.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support a global plastics treaty that helps to protect (a) West Dorset constituency and (b) other coastal areas.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Rural Payments Agency is taking to improve the (a) usability and (b) reliability of its online systems.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

Whether she plans to review (a) anti-money laundering laws and (b) guidance applicable to property lawyers.

Under the Money Laundering Regulations, estate agents and legal professionals must apply customer due diligence measures to mitigate the risk that property purchases are used to launder the proceeds of crime. These measures include checking and verifying the identity of buyers and sellers and assessing the purpose and intended nature of the transaction. The Regulations enable a proportionate, risk-based approach to customer due diligence, meaning conveyancers and others should actively assess and respond to the specific risks in each transaction. The Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) guidance provides detailed advice to legal professionals on how to comply proportionately with these requirements in property transactions. HM Treasury has regular discussions with representatives of regulated sectors, including conveyancers, to ensure the Regulations remain proportionate and effective.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support a global plastics treaty to protect coastal areas.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the Global Plastics Treaty supports efforts to protect (a) coastal ecosystems and (b) the tourism economy in West Dorset constituency.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of a Global Plastics Treaty on (a) coastal communities and (b) West Dorset constituency.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 June 2025 to Question 57646 on Children in Care: Discrimination, if she will make caring a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

There are currently no plans to make caring a legally protected characteristic. Carers are likely to be already protected from less favourable treatment under the Equality Act 2010, under the “discrimination by association” provisions, which require employers to treat employees with caring responsibilities fairly and not to discriminate directly against them because they are looking after a young, old or disabled relative.