Written questions by Stainbank.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of Capita's compliance with their contract to administer 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. 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 applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. Capita has made lump sum payments to 8,747 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on timeWhile the current focus remains on stabilising the service through the intensive recovery plan, the Cabinet Office considers all options for future contracts, including in-house administration. Any future procurement exercise will continue to use all commercial levers and be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates

Whether she plans to extend the exemption to pay income tax to pensioners with private pensions who receive the same income as those who solely receive the maximum state pension.

The Government is committed to making sure older people can live with the dignity and respect they deserve in retirement. The State Pension is the foundation of the support available to them. Over the course of this Parliament, the yearly amount of the full new State Pension is currently projected to go up by around £2,100. This reflects the Government’s commitment to the Triple Lock for the duration of this Parliament. This will increase the basic and new State Pension by 4.8% next April, boosting pensioner incomes by up to £575 a year and strengthening retirement security. When it comes to taxes, social security benefits are treated differently depending on why they are paid. Generally, benefits that replace income, like the State Pension, are taxable. However, I can confirm that those whose sole income is the basic and full new State Pension, without any increments, will not pay any income tax this tax year or next. Furthermore, the Chancellor has said that those whose only income is the basic or new State Pension without any increments will not have to pay income tax over this Parliament. At the Budget, the Government announced that it will achieve this by easing the administrative burden for pensioners so that they do not have to pay small amounts of tax via Simple Assessment from 2027/28. The Government will set out more details in due course.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of lifting the £10,000 limit on interest free loans for pensioners impacted by delays to the Civil Service Pension scheme administration.

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 accessing their pensions are unacceptable. Interest-free loans of £5,000 (up to £10,000 in exceptional cases) are available for the overwhelming majority of members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme whose pensions are overdue. Alongside these arrangements, Capita has prioritised payment of tax-free pension lump sums for members who had received quotations but were not in receipt of their benefits, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February. The focus is on returning services to normal. Huge efforts and stops have been put in place to ensure this happens as soon as possible.

Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the increase in the Barnett formula grant to the Scottish Government following the announcement of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

At the Spending Review 2025, HM Treasury agreed budgets for Departments for a three-year period for Resource DEL, and a four-year period for Capital DEL. The Department then completed a Business Planning process to allocate this funding to programmes. This included £92 million (£23 million per year) for the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.At Spending Reviews, the Devolved Governments generally receive Barnett consequentials as a proportion of overall departmental settlements, not specific funding lines or programmes. Barnett consequentials were confirmed taking into account the overall DCMS allocation, which includes funding for the Places of Worship Renewal fund. Decisions on the allocation of this funding are then for the Devolved Governments to take.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of a compensation scheme for Civil Service Pension Scheme members impacted by administrative delays related to receiving first lump sums.

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 accessing their pensions are unacceptable.No former civil servant should be facing financial hardship as a result of delays to their pension. Arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans of up to £5,000 (and up to £10,000 in exceptional cases) to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members.Additionally, interest will be paid on delayed benefits to avoid financial loss by members.There is already a statutory complaints procedure in place that can be used for formal complaints that will determine whether compensation is appropriate on a case by case basis. This is run in accordance with the standards set by the Pensions Ombudsman.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of raising the state pension recipient maximum threshold on people who receive carer's allowance.

I refer the honourable Member to the answer I gave on 23 June 2025 to Question UIN 59626. Carer’s Allowance is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

How many and what proportion of asylum applicant initial refusals were reversed in the period between July 2024 and July 2025.

The Home Office publishes data on asylum appeals and latest outcomes in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’.Data on asylum appeals is published in table Asy_D06 and Asy_D07 of the ‘Asylum appeals lodged and determined detailed datasets’. The latest data relates to the year ending March 2023.Data on latest asylum outcomes is published in table Asy_D04 of the ‘Asylum claims and decisions detail datasets’. Table Asy_D04 shows, for main applicants only, the number of asylum claims made each year and the initial and latest outcomes for those claims. Initial outcomes of an asylum claim are subject to change following an appeal or a reconsideration. The latest published data relates to claims made up to the end of 2024, with outcomes as at the point of data extraction in October 2025.Information on how to use these datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbooks. Please note that figures for immigration and asylum appeals at First-Tier Tribunal and subsequent stages are published by the Ministry of Justice as part of their Tribunal Statistics release. The latest data relates to July to September 2025.

Which country of origin had the lowest asylum applicant initial decision success rate since July 2024.

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on initial decisions on asylum claims by nationality is published in table Asy_D02 of the ‘Asylum claims and initial decisions datasets’. The latest data relates to the year ending September 2025.Information on how to use the datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbooks. The latest data relates to the year ending September 2025. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

Which country of origin had the highest percentage of asylum applicant initial decision success rate since July 2024.

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on initial decisions on asylum claims by nationality is published in table Asy_D02 of the ‘Asylum claims and initial decisions datasets’. The latest data relates to the year ending September 2025.Information on how to use the datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbooks. The latest data relates to the year ending September 2025. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

What discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the rise in measles cases in the UK.

Whilst vaccine delivery is devolved to Scotland, we collaborate closely with our Scottish counterparts to maximise vaccine coverage across the United Kingdom.Work is continuing to consistently and comprehensively implement the UK Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy, which is specifically designed for achieving and maintaining measles elimination status, in line with the World Health Organization’s guidance and recommendations.The Department, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and NHS England work closely with the devolved administrations and other partners to consistently implement the strategy. As part of this, the UKHSA facilitates the Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy implementation Board (MAREB) on behalf of these organisations.MAREB facilitates information sharing with the devolved administrations, including Scotland. MAREB members collectively monitor progress towards achieving key measles surveillance indicators and MMR/MMRV programme indicators for the UK.From 1 January 2026, we brought forward the second dose of MMRV vaccine from three years and four months to a new routine appointment for all children at 18 months of age, based on evidence that this earlier appointment could improve uptake and provide earlier protection against measles. The facilitation of this change included close communication with the devolved administrations to enable information sharing and planning alignment where possible.The Department continues to support joint efforts to improve measles vaccination uptake and reduce the risk of outbreaks across the UK.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of cross-border public health coordination on measles vaccination uptake.

Whilst vaccine delivery is devolved to Scotland, we collaborate closely with our Scottish counterparts to maximise vaccine coverage across the United Kingdom.Work is continuing to consistently and comprehensively implement the UK Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy, which is specifically designed for achieving and maintaining measles elimination status, in line with the World Health Organization’s guidance and recommendations.The Department, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and NHS England work closely with the devolved administrations and other partners to consistently implement the strategy. As part of this, the UKHSA facilitates the Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy implementation Board (MAREB) on behalf of these organisations.MAREB facilitates information sharing with the devolved administrations, including Scotland. MAREB members collectively monitor progress towards achieving key measles surveillance indicators and MMR/MMRV programme indicators for the UK.From 1 January 2026, we brought forward the second dose of MMRV vaccine from three years and four months to a new routine appointment for all children at 18 months of age, based on evidence that this earlier appointment could improve uptake and provide earlier protection against measles. The facilitation of this change included close communication with the devolved administrations to enable information sharing and planning alignment where possible.The Department continues to support joint efforts to improve measles vaccination uptake and reduce the risk of outbreaks across the UK.

What length of time since the date of issue may Military Service Exemption cards be used by VISA applicants before they no longer qualify as proof of VISA applicants' circumstances by Home Office Entry Clearance Officers.

Evidence of exemption from military service is not a requirement of the UK Immigration Rules. Where an applicant presents a document to demonstrate their exemption from military service in their home country, the entry clearance officer would consider this evidence in the round and against the relevant immigration rules for the route applied for.

Whether his Department plans to provide additional UK-wide support to improve MMR vaccination coverage in areas where rates have fallen below the 95% herd immunity threshold.

Whilst vaccine delivery is devolved to Scotland, we collaborate closely with our Scottish counterparts to maximise vaccine coverage across the United Kingdom.Work is continuing to consistently and comprehensively implement the UK Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy, which is specifically designed for achieving and maintaining measles elimination status, in line with the World Health Organization’s guidance and recommendations.The Department, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and NHS England work closely with the devolved administrations and other partners to consistently implement the strategy. As part of this, the UKHSA facilitates the Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy implementation Board (MAREB) on behalf of these organisations.MAREB facilitates information sharing with the devolved administrations, including Scotland. MAREB members collectively monitor progress towards achieving key measles surveillance indicators and MMR/MMRV programme indicators for the UK.From 1 January 2026, we brought forward the second dose of MMRV vaccine from three years and four months to a new routine appointment for all children at 18 months of age, based on evidence that this earlier appointment could improve uptake and provide earlier protection against measles. The facilitation of this change included close communication with the devolved administrations to enable information sharing and planning alignment where possible.The Department continues to support joint efforts to improve measles vaccination uptake and reduce the risk of outbreaks across the UK.

Whether an entry clearance manager can consider a non-English untranslated document in support of a visa.

The Immigration Rules set out that where specified documents submitted in support of a visa application are not in English or Welsh, the applicant must provide both the version of the document in the original language and a full translation that can be independently verified by the decision maker. See Immigration Rule 39B(f)Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules part 1: leave to enter or stay in the UK - Guidance - GOV.UKFor all types of documents, including non-specified documents that are not translated, an ECM may write to the applicant to request a translation of the document if it is relevant to whether the requirements of the Immigration rules are met. This approach is in line with the published Evidential Flexibility policy. Evidential flexibility

What steps his Department is taking to improve the quality, maintenance and availability of service family accommodation in Scotland.

The Defence Housing Strategy sets out our vision for military housing across the UK, including the Devolved Nations. The Defence Housing Service will deliver the recommendations of our new Defence Housing Strategy which is backed by £9 billion of investment to build, renew and repair 9 in 10 defence family homes, harnessing the opportunities created by our landmark deal which brought 36,000 properties into public ownership.We have transformed 1,000 of the worst homes ahead of schedule in time for Christmas, with hundreds more military properties to be upgraded by Spring 2026. Over 50 of these homes were in Scotland. A new demand and supply forecasting model will ensure that the future needs of the Armed Forces are more accurately planned for, enabling us to deliver housing in the right places to support military operations and reducing the number of homes that lie empty. The Defence Secretary, John Healey MP visited Helensburgh in January 2026 to mark the impact the new Armed Forces Bill will have on Scottish personnel and their families, including those in Kinloss and Victoria Barracks. Whilst in Scotland, he saw first-hand the rapid improvement works that were completed for over 50 military families in Helensburgh in time for Christmas last year and work underway for a further 170 homes which will be completed this year. We continue to drive for both improved performance and increased value for money from the Accommodation Industry Partners who are responsible for the maintenance of Service Family Accommodation. Performance is monitored on a monthly basis including oversight at Chief Executive level and through a series of regular reviews, including external audits.

What assessment his Department has made of the reported increase in drone incursions near UK military bases, including those in Scotland, and what steps are being taken to strengthen counter-drone capabilities to protect national security.

We take the safety and security of our personnel, assets and operations extremely seriously. We maintain multi-layered security measures, including counter-drone capabilities which can identify and facilitate the capture of drones.Clause 4 of the Armed Forces Bill 26 Defence will provide a regime allowing a Defence authorisation to use authorised equipment to detect and prevent offences being committed by drones against Defence Areas or Defence Property.We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and will continue to assess, adapt and respond to all threats, including those from drones, to safeguard our national defence capabilities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations her Department has made to the Chinese authorities regarding the prosecution and imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai under the National Security Law; and what steps he is taking to secure his release.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers I provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the statutory walking distance for entitlement to home to school transport under section 42(4) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.

The provision of school transport is the responsibility of local authorities in Scotland.It is for Scottish Ministers and local authorities to consider the adequacy of the statutory walking distance and to determine the policy and operational aspects of home-to-school transport provision.I note that the Scottish Government undertook a review of this policy and subsequent update of this matter in 2025.

How many (a) large sites and (b) hotel sites for Asylum Seekers are there in the Falkirk Council area.

For the safety and security of those we accommodate and staff, it is our longstanding policy not to disclose information about sites which may or may not be utilised by the Home Office.The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of supported asylum seekers accommodated in each local authority area, including figures for hotels and other contingency sites. These statistics can be found at Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of reports that Russia is using Interpol systems to target political opponents abroad on UK national security.

The Government views any allegation of misuse of INTERPOL’s systems very seriously and works closely with INTERPOL to ensure the legitimacy of the Red Notice system.Any State that is found to be wilfully abusing and misusing the INTERPOL system should be held to account to the fullest extent. This is even more important for any states that are already under corrective measures.The Home Office works with INTERPOL and the National Crime Agency (NCA), which acts as the UK’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL, to monitor the effectiveness of existing safeguards.We encourage INTERPOL to uphold international human rights obligations and we won’t hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.