Written questions by Blundell.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on support for small technological start-ups in Greater Manchester.

We work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to support the digital economy, and ensuring that the UK continues to be one of the best places in the world for our tech businesses to start, scale and stay.All businesses including those in Manchester can access their Local Growth Hubs, Last year the Business Secretary also announced a new ‘Business Growth Service’ (BGS) which overtime will make it easier and quicker for businesses across the UK to get the help, support and advice they need to grow and thrive. Other programmes include the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and Enterprise Investment Scheme, which offer tax relief to individual investors in new companies and help companies raise money as they start to trade.

Whether he has made an assessment of the factors that contribute to people being unable to access NHS dentists in Greater Manchester.

To rebuild dentistry in the long term and increase access to National Health Service dental care, we will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system, so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession.We are continuing to meet with the British Dental Association and other representatives of the dental sector to discuss how we can best deliver our shared ambition to improve access for NHS dental patients. We want to ensure that any reform takes into account the views of dentists across England, including in Greater Manchester.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Pathfinder family court scheme being rolled out in (a) Wales, (b) West Yorkshire and (c) Greater Manchester.

The Pathfinder pilot started in February 2022 in Dorset and North Wales. It was expanded to Southeast Wales and Birmingham in 2024. On 3 February this year we announced it will start in Mid and West Wales on 3 March and in West Yorkshire on 3 June.Data published in February showed that Pathfinder courts in North Wales and Dorset resolve cases 11 weeks earlier on average and the backlog of cases has reduced by over 50% since the pilot started.A two-part evaluation of the pilot in North Wales and Dorset is underway and will be published this year. That will include a process evaluation based on the experience of practitioners, as well as research with children and families who have taken part in the pilot. A feasibility study is currently underway which will develop feasible options to inform our longer-term evaluation strategy.No assessment has been made to date about the potential implications of the Pathfinder pilot being rolled out in Greater Manchester.

What steps she has taken to reduce the amount of time taken for cases related to perpetrators of domestic abuse to reach court in (a) Greater Manchester and (b) Rochdale Borough.

Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for this Government and our manifesto included the mission to halve levels of these crimes in a decade.Most domestic abuse cases are heard in magistrates’ courts, where cases move more swiftly than at the Crown Court. The average number of days from charge to completion was 67 days in Q3 2024. However, we recognise that some cases are taking longer to work through the system. This financial year, we have funded 108,500 sitting days at the Crown Court, the highest level in almost 10 years (since FY15/16). The Lord Chancellor has also commissioned an independent review of the Criminal Courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, which will consider how the criminal courts could operate as efficiently as possible to deliver swifter justice for all victims, including victims of domestic abuse.We are also working to improve protection for victims. Greater Manchester was one of the first areas in England and Wales to offer greater protection for victims of domestic abuse, through our Domestic Abuse Protection Order pilot, launched last November.At the national level, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and National Police Chiefs’ Council are working together to transform how cases are investigated and prosecuted. Their Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan, launched last November, is grounded in the recognition that better communication between police and CPS, throughout the life of a case, improves outcomes for victims.

What steps he is taking with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to improve working conditions for people living with endometriosis.

The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health. Tackling the barriers that women face in the workplace, including those around managing their health and wellbeing, is at the heart of the growth mission. As part of the Employment Rights Bill, we are taking the first steps towards requiring large employers to produce action plans outlining the steps that they are taking on the gender pay gap and menopause support. In formulating plans, we want to recognise that there are actions that can help people in a range of circumstances, including women managing reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis, for example providing and promoting flexible working. They will also open up space to have discussions about health, and in particular women's health, more broadly in the workplace. The Employments Rights Bill will also strengthen the existing day 1 right to request flexible working, and will improve access to Statutory Sick Pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit and removing the waiting period. Also, an Office for National Statistics research project is investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce. This vital project will improve our understanding of the issue and inform future Government policy.

What steps she is taking to reduce backlogs in family courts in (a) Greater Manchester Combined Authority and (b) Rochdale Borough Council.

Delays in the court process can have a significant impact on children and families. We are committed to improving timeliness and reducing the outstanding caseload.The Family Justice Board agreed system-wide national targets for reducing delay in 2024/25. These are focused on closing the longest running cases in private and public law, and increasing the proportion of public law cases concluded within the statutory 26-week timeframe.As part of system-wide efforts, the Department for Education is investing £10 million to develop and implement local area initiatives to address the longest delays in public law cases. This includes a pre-case management hearing pilot which involves an information sharing meeting between the Local Authority Social Worker and the Cafcass Guardian. The pilot aims to reduce family court delay by ensuring that the case management hearing is as effective as possible at reducing the need for additional hearings. Rochdale and other local authorities within Greater Manchester have been actively participating in the pilot which is due to conclude at the end of March 2025. The pilot is being independently evaluated which will help inform future plans to reduce family court delay.The Government has committed further funding for Pathfinder for private law in the next financial year, which is live in four areas. It will start in Mid and West Wales on 3 March and West Yorkshire on 3 June. Further expansion of the scheme will be confirmed in due course.The Lord Chancellor agrees the programme of recruitment every year with the Lady Chief Justice, prioritising building judicial capacity where it will have the greatest impact on securing government objectives. This includes recruiting additional judges to hear Family cases.

What steps he has taken to support people suffering with Endometriosis in Greater Manchester across regional healthcare settings.

The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health and improving the care that those suffering from gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis, receive. We have taken urgent action to tackle gynaecology waiting lists through the Elective Reform Plan. In gynaecology, the plan supports innovative models offering patients care closer to home, and piloting gynaecology pathways in community diagnostic centres.Work is ongoing across Greater Manchester to improve women’s healthcare. NHS Greater Manchester’s Gynaecology Transformation programme aims to reduce health inequalities by bringing care closer to home, improving access, and reducing fragmentation in women’s health care. This is focused on developing a general practice-led community service for some elements of gynaecology services to improve access and reduce long waits. Medical and surgical treatment of non-severe endometriosis is undertaken by gynaecologists with a special interest in locally commissioned services. Specialised gynaecological surgery for severe endometriosis is based at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and the Northern Care Alliance.In addition to this, NHS Greater Manchester is contributing to the North East and West of England endometriosis transformation programme. This programme is addressing long waits for patients with severe endometriosis and improving patient pathways, from presentation in general practice through to management in secondary care.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Protection Order pilot scheme on the resources of Greater Manchester Police.

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are the first order to cover all forms of domestic abuse including economic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and are the first cross-jurisdictional order available in the family, civil and criminal courts to protect victims. They can impose notification requirements, electronic monitoring and attendance to a behaviour change programme. Breach of a DAPO is a criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment. Greater Manchester Police was the first force to secure a custodial sentence for a breach of a DAPO.We have commissioned an evaluation of DAPOs to gather evidence to understand how DAPOs are working in practice. The evaluation will include an assessment of how police are resourcing DAPOs.

Whether she has had recent discussions with transport industry representatives on (a) increasing the levels of participation and (b) the career advancement of women in the transport sector.

We are working closely with industry experts to ensure that women are represented within all levels of the transport system. This includes supporting the Generation Logistics campaign. Led by the industry, this initiative aims to raise awareness and enhance perceptions of careers in logistics, including promoting roles to women where they are currently under-represented. Officials engage regularly with industry stakeholders, including employers and trade associations, to understand and address issues relating to the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in transport. We also work closely with modal partners such as Women In Rail, Women in Bus and Coach and the Women In Maritime on programmes to support women in their careers.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) funding for and (b) resourcing of the British Transport Police.

The British Transport Police’s (BTP) budget is set by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA). It is the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the Force and is their employer. BTPA sets the BTP’s budget annually following proposals from the Force and views from industry. Set against a backdrop of wider public sector efficiencies and affordability by the rail industry it has agreed a budget increase for the financial year 2025/26 of 5.9%. The cost of policing the rail network in Great Britain is primarily covered through the funding agreements that the British Transport Police Authority holds with Network Rail, the rail operators and Transport for London. BTP are dedicated to building a modern, inclusive, and resilient force that reflects the communities it serves, and that keeps the railway safe and secure for passengers and rail staff. Their latest headcount figures show the Force is successful at maintaining staff and officer numbers at a consistent level.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual property rights in the creative industries.

Both artificial intelligence (AI) and the creative industries are central to this government’s driving mission on economic growth. AI may foster innovation and efficiency but may also risk creators losing a portion of their existing income due to AI's substitutional impact on human-created works. In relation to intellectual property rights, rights holders are finding it difficult to control the use of their works in training AI models and to be remunerated for its use.Our 10-week consultation, published on Tuesday 17 December and closing 25 February, engages AI and creative industries stakeholders widely on the impact of AI on the copyright regime. The aims of the consultation are to seek views on how the copyright framework should apply in the context of AI. Key topics under review include text and data mining, transparency and labelling, computer generated works and digital replicas.The consultation was published alongside an accompanying options assessment. The consultation seeks to gather further evidence on the potential impact on the creative industries of any change to the copyright regime in the context of AI training. Following the consultation, if legislative changes are needed, a full economic impact assessment will be undertaken.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) funding for and (b) resourcing of Border Security Command.

The Border Security Command (BSC) is enabling a step-change in how our full range of capabilities are coordinated, maximised and targeted on organised immigration crime and reducing irregular migration including through the investment of £150 million to provide new technology, capabilities and specialist officers tackling organised crime.The funding and resourcing for the BSC are under constant review. This review process is crucial to ensure that value for money is achieved for taxpayers and the BSC is fulfilling its functions.

What steps are being taken to expedite responses to claimants with (a) terminal cancer and (b) other life-limiting conditions.

The primary way the Department supports people nearing the end of life is through special benefit rules which are known as the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). These enable people who are nearing the end of their lives to get faster, easier access to certain benefits, without needing to attend a medical assessment or serve waiting periods and in most cases, receive the highest rate of benefit. For many years, the Special Rules applied to people who have 6 months or less to live, they have now been changed so they apply to people who have 12 months or less to live. Changes to the Special Rules mean that thousands of people nearing the end of life are now able to claim fast-tracked financial support from the benefits system six months earlier than they were able to previously. The Department is committed to processing all benefit claims as quickly as possible. For PIP, Special Rules claims in England and Wales currently take 3 working days to clear for new claims and 2 working days for a reassessment on average – this compares to the current average end-to-end claim process for new normal rules PIP claims of 14 weeks.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) local residents and (b) the Environment Agency on the proposed additional landfill site near the Pilsworth South landfill site.

Valencia Waste Management has applied to the Environment Agency (EA) for a new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at the Pilsworth South Landfill Site. This activity requires a variation to the existing landfill permit. The variation has been subject to public consultation and is still being determined. The EA engaged directly with the local community, partners, Greater Manchester Mayor, Members of Parliament, Councillors, and stakeholders. The consultation closed on 23 August 2024 with approximately 280 responses received from the public and stakeholders. Bury Council is responsible for the planning permission for the MRF. The EA is not aware of any proposals for new landfill sites in this immediate area.

What steps she is taking to reduce the time it takes for Personal Independence (a) claims and (b) re-applications to be processed by her Department.

Managing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department and we are working constantly to improve our service. Our aim is to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all the available evidence including that from the claimant. However, we have been seeing continuing high levels of new claims which has impacted our capacity to carry out award reviews as quickly as we would like. In order to deal with this demand, we have been prioritising new claims, to ensure new claimants are paid as soon as possible whilst safeguarding claimants awaiting award reviews, who have returned their information as required, to ensure their payments continue until their review can be completed.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with Greater Manchester Combined Authority on encouraging housing developments near Castleton Rail Station.

MHCLG Ministers have had a range of discussions with the Mayor for Greater Manchester and the Combined Authority about their priorities and plans. This includes the Places for Everyone plan for jobs, new homes, and sustainable growth. These conversations have not covered the detail of impacts on places within Greater Manchester, including planned developments close to Castleton Rail Station. These details and impacts are the responsibility of Rochdale Borough Council, the Mayor and Combined Authority working with local partners and elected members.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking with (a) local authorities and (b) Cabinet colleagues to provide homeless and pregnant women with (i) housing, (ii) healthcare and wellbeing and (iii) financial support.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. We have already taken the first steps to get back on track to ending homelessness. As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25) and brings total spend to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26.The Deputy Prime Minister is leading cross-government work to deliver the long-term solutions we need to get us back on track to ending all forms of homelessness. This includes chairing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, bringing together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy, and working with mayors and councils across the country.Pregnant women experiencing homelessness continue to have priority need for accommodation under the Homelessness Reduction Act (2018), which places a duty on local housing authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness.

What steps she has taken to ensure more women take up leadership positions across the transport sector.

We are working across the transport sector to ensure that women are represented within all levels of the transport system. Specifically on leadership positions, we are supporters of the 'women in aviation and aerospace charter’, a commitment for organisations to support the progression of women into senior roles in the aviation and aerospace sectors by focusing on roles in the executive pipeline and the mid-tier level. We also work closely with modal partners such as Women In Rail, Women in Bus and Coach and the Women In Maritime on programmes to support women in their careers.

What steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for recipients of Personal Independence Payment to speak to an advisor over the telephone.

Prior to January 2025, wait times on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enquiry lines were stable and consistent. During November the average wait time for customers making an enquiry about their new claim was less than 7 minutes, and for customers making a general enquiry, wait times were consistently below 22 minutes.During December the average wait time for customers making an enquiry about their new claim was less than 4 minutes, and for customers making a general enquiry, again consistently below 22 minutes. We have seen some disruption impacting the PIP telephony service during January 2025, due to technical issues, and whilst customers calling the new claims enquiry line will have seen calls continue to be answered in an average time of 5 minutes, call wait times on the general PIP enquiry line increased to just over 36 minutes. To address the issue, which has also resulted in a high volume of repeat calls, additional resource has been deployed to the PIP general enquiry line, and we are now starting to see some recovery. Wait times last week had reduced to an average of 28 minutes, and we expect this to improve further over the next couple of weeks.

What steps his Department has taken to (a) communicate how his Department's policies will help to lower energy bills in 2025 and (b) maintain the level of energy bills during fluctuations in the energy market.

Energy bills remain high for too many households. The government’s clean energy mission is the only route to protecting billpayers from the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets in the long-term, which is why we are sprinting to clean, homegrown energy through the Clean Power Action Plan. We have also taken urgent action to improve energy efficiency in British homes and protect households’ energy bills. On 21 November 2024, we announced how our Warm Homes Plan will support households to take up measures that can help save money on their bills and deliver cleaner heating, with up to 300,000 homes to benefit from upgrades in the next financial year. We also announced proposals on 7 February 2025 for private landlords to meet higher energy performance standards in their properties by 2030, which could save private renters £240 per year off their energy bills. These policies have been communicated across media and digital channels, including ministerial media interviews, GOV.UK publications, graphics and videos on social media. They have been further amplified through work with our partners to reach wider audiences who follow their channels. This is alongside our support for the ‘Speak, Seek, Save’ campaign run by Citizens Advice, providing advice to consumers on how to save energy and reduce their bills, which includes publishing and amplifying content on social media.