Written questions by Morello.

How many homes had energy efficiency measures installed in West Dorset constituency between 2010 and 2024.

Information on the number of homes that have had energy efficiency measures installed in West Dorset constituency from 2013 onwards can be found in the tables accompanying the following scheme statistical releases: Energy Company Obligation – Table 4.5Great British Insulation Scheme – Table 6Green Homes Grant Vouchers Scheme – Table 4.4Local Authority Delivery and Home Upgrade Grant – Table 11Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) – Table 7 Prior to 2013, Government support for energy efficiency measures was provided via the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and Community Energy Saving Programme.

How many dental practices are offering NHS services in West Dorset constituency.

As of August 2024, the most recent data available, there are 14 dental practices offering National Health Service dentistry services in the West Dorset constituency. This information, from NHS Digital, is available at the following link:https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/dentists-dental-practices/

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure new energy efficient housing targets do not negatively impact (a) green spaces and (b) the environment.

The Future Homes Standard consultation was published in December 2023 and closed in March 2024. It set out proposals for improving the energy efficiency standards for new homes. The proposed standards should not materially affect the footprint or density of new homes so no negative impact on green spaces would therefore be expected. The proposals will also lead to a reduction in carbon emissions when compared to current standards for new homes, resulting in a positive environmental impact. We are reviewing proposals and feedback from the consultation and will publish the Government response in due course.

What steps he is taking to increase the number of homes powered by green energy in West Dorset constituency.

As part of our clean power mission, we will work with the private sector to radically increase the deployment of onshore wind, solar and offshore wind by 2030. We will invest in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and marine energy, and ensure we have the long-term energy storage required. This will significantly increase the number of homes powered by clean energy across the country, including in West Dorset. Steps we have taken include the immediate removal of the de facto ban on onshore wind in England, establishing an Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce, the re-establishment of the Solar Taskforce, and securing 131 new projects through the AR6 auction.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of rewilding to increase biodiversity in (a) coastal and (b) rural constituencies.

The Government is supporting a number of initiatives to create wilder landscapes across England, as part of a broad approach to nature recovery. The Government will publish a Land Use Framework for England later this year, taking a collaborative approach. The Framework will explore different approaches to delivery to ensure that we strike the right balance between a range of objectives on food security, economic growth, housing and infrastructure delivery.