Written questions by Mierlo.

Whether she plans to take steps to ensure young people receiving therapy funded by the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund will continue to receive this therapy beyond March 2025.

The department will shortly be finalising business planning decisions on how we will allocate our budget for the next financial year. Decisions regarding the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) are being made as part of these discussions and an announcement will be made as soon as possible. ASGSF applications are generally permitted to extend up to 12 months, allowing children and families to receive continuing therapy across financial years. Where applications are agreed, therapy which starts before March 2025 may therefore continue into the next financial year, under previously agreed transitional funding arrangements.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2025 to Question 29734 on Thames Water, what discussions he has had with Ofwat on the potential impact of (a) the High Court-approved restructure of Thames Water and (b) Ofwat's decision to open an enforcement case on the delayed delivery of environmental improvement schemes on the stability of Thames Water.

The Secretary of State meets with a wide range of stakeholders on a regular basis. The Government and Ofwat continue to carefully monitor the situation with Thames Water, and Ofwat is working closely with the company to strengthen its long-term financial resilience within the context of its licence and broader statutory obligations. We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries - including water - as any responsible Government would.

What steps he is taking to ensure patients have access to (a) oestrogen and (b) testosterone HRT implants in the context of supply difficulties from the US.

Oestrogen and testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) implants are not licenced in the United Kingdom. The Department is working closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure safe access to these products. We have also reached out to specialist importers who can source unlicensed medicines in order to find alternative sources of both HRT implants for UK patients. We will continue to work closely with the MHRA and the National Health Service to ensure suitable alternatives are available for patients.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve the ecological status of Holton Brook.

The ecological status of Holton Brook (The Holton Brook and tributaries) is currently classified as having ‘Bad’ ecological status overall. This status is driven mainly by a deterioration to invertebrate status from ‘Poor’ to ‘Bad’ in the 2022 classification. The reason for this deterioration is suspected to be the impact from invasive species, particularly North American Signal Crayfish. There are also existing Reasons for Not Achieving Good Status (RANGs) listed against diffuse agricultural pollution, continuous sewage discharge and physical modification to the waterbody. Macrophytes and Phosphate are also at ‘Poor’ status on the Holton Brook and have RANGs associated with continuous sewage discharge and diffuse agricultural pollution. All other ecological elements are at ‘Good’ or ‘High’ status. For the next water company asset management period (AMP 8), investment period for 2025 – 2030, an improvement scheme at Horton-cum-Studley sewage treatment works has been identified as part of the Environment Act’s Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan. This will ensure the site operates its storm overflow no more than 10 times per year and causes no adverse ecological impact. Forest Hill STW and Stanton St John STW will have schemes in subsequent AMP periods to meet their Environment Act (2021) targets.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to review the (a) amount of funding for and (b) effectiveness of the current measures used by the Border Force to seize illegal meat.

Successful Border Force-led operations resulted in the interception, seizure and safe disposal of some 114 tonnes of meat illegally imported into the United Kingdom in 2024. We are not complacent about illegal meat smuggling, which may pose threats to animal health, food safety and public health. That is why we are working closely with the Home Office and the Food Standards Agency to tackle this issue with the support of Border Force, Port Health Authorities and local authorities. Border Force is funded by the Home Office.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the overseas scale rates.

The Overseas Scale Rates are an administrative easement and do not limit the amount an employee can claim for. They reduce the need to provide evidence to support an employee’s claim for tax relief.Employees travelling overseas for work have the same entitlement to tax relief whether they use the rates or not. An employee can claim tax relief on a higher value if that is appropriate, with the only distinction being they must provide receipts.There will be occasions where OSR may not reflect the current prices in a particular location. In these cases, the employer can choose to reimburse the full expenses incurred by their staff, if receipts are kept. Should the employer choose not to reimburse all the actual expenses, the employee may claim tax relief on the difference from HMRC.

Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to ensure that (a) people and (b) businesses are not disrupted by loss of mobile phone network coverage in areas where coverage previously existed.

UK mobile operators have committed to close all legacy 2G and 3G mobile services by 2033, with some operators having already turned off their 3G networks. The government is working in conjunction with Ofcom and the telecoms industry to minimise disruption and ensure that people and businesses are 4G and 5G ready. This includes close engagement with critical sectors such as the emergency services. As well as maintaining our commitment to our target of 95% of the UK geography being covered by 4G, our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure adequate (a) financial and (b) other support for communities with a building society but not a banking hub.

The Government recognises the value that building societies bring to their members in local communities across the country, and the value of their 30% share of the UK’s branch network. However, I recognise that most building societies do not provide current accounts or serve businesses. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access to all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, which allow businesses and individuals to deposit and take out cash, across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Further, the Financial Conduct Authority has introduced rules which seek to ensure individuals and business have reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. Under these rules, LINK will assess the impact of a closure or material change of a cash service on the local community and recommend new services if necessary. Assessments can also be requested by the local community. As part of its process, LINK considers what services are already available in the area, including any existing branches, and whether they meet the needs of the local community. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of plastic grass on (a) biodiversity and (b) nature.

This Government is committed to moving to a circular economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, waste is reduced, we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs, our economy prospers, and nature thrives. The government is currently considering the actions that can be taken to address the challenges associated with problematic plastic products. Defra recognises the importance of assessing the impacts of plastic grass on biodiversity and nature. As we develop our Circular Economy Strategy for England, we will consider the evidence for action from right across the economy and evaluate what interventions may be needed. The Government is committed to delivering our legally-binding biodiversity targets on species abundance, species extinction, habitat creation and restoration. The Environment Act 2021 introduced a number of policies that will support habitat restoration. For example, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will work in tandem to create or restore habitats that enable wildlife to recover and thrive, while conservation covenants will help secure habitat for the long term.

With reference to the meeting between PANS PANDAS and his Department on 19 November 2024, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for research into that condition.

We are supportive of the progress made by PANS PANDAS UK and the PANS PANDAS Steering Group to undertake a national surveillance study, develop a clinical guideline, and produce guidance for professionals, children, young people, and families.Funding for research into rare diseases such as pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections is available through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and researchers in this area are encouraged to come forward with proposals that can further our understanding.

What comparative assessment he has made of levels of young people dying from sudden cardiac death in (a) England and (b) other European countries; and what steps he plans to take to reduce levels of sudden cardiac death in young people.

The treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease is a priority for the Government. We want people to have the best chance of survival from cardiac arrest, and rapid intervention is central to improving outcomes. NHS England has published a national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions that covers patients who often present as young adults with a previously undiagnosed cardiac disease or from families requiring a follow up due to a death from this cause.  Further information on the national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cardiology-inherited-cardiac-conditions.pdfThe service specification describes the service model and guidance that should be followed to support the diagnosis and treatment of patients or family members. It also includes the requirement for specialised inherited cardiac conditions services to investigate suspected cases. NHS England is currently reviewing this service specification in line with the national service specification methods review process. NHS England is working with a broad range of stakeholders as part of this review, including National Health Service clinical experts, the Association of Inherited Cardiac Conditions, Cardiomyopathy UK, Heart Valve Voice, and the British Heart Foundation.The consensus at present is to focus on the rapid identification and care of people who are likely to be at risk of sudden cardiac death and automated external defibrillator use for people who suffer a cardiac arrest.

Whether he has had discussions with (a) NHS England and (b) ITF Pharma UK on the (i) resources and (ii) guidance available to NHS Trusts that participate in the early access programme for givinostat.

The Department has not had any discussions with ITF Pharma UK about the resources or guidance available to National Health Service trusts participating in the early access programme (EAP) for givinostat.Department officials have had discussions with colleagues in NHS England about the guidance and resources that are available to NHS trusts. NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge medicine schemes, such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/Under the EAP, givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the NHS, but NHS trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. While there are no current plans to hold discussions with Duchenne UK on steps to increase access, ministers in the Department are keen to engage with a broad range of stakeholders. Participation in the programme is decided at an individual NHS trust level.

If he will have discussions with (a) Duchenne UK and (b) other patient advocacy groups on steps to increase access to the givinostat early access programme.

The Department has not had any discussions with ITF Pharma UK about the resources or guidance available to National Health Service trusts participating in the early access programme (EAP) for givinostat.Department officials have had discussions with colleagues in NHS England about the guidance and resources that are available to NHS trusts. NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge medicine schemes, such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/Under the EAP, givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the NHS, but NHS trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. While there are no current plans to hold discussions with Duchenne UK on steps to increase access, ministers in the Department are keen to engage with a broad range of stakeholders. Participation in the programme is decided at an individual NHS trust level.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of commercial protections for airline passengers.

Air passenger rights remain a priority for the Department for Transport, and continues to consider options to ensure passengers have the best possible protections whilst travelling by air. This includes ensuring aviation is accessible for all passengers. That is why the Department launched the Aviation Accessibility Task & Finish Group. It brings together industry and consumer representatives to assess the barriers and develop practical and achievable actions to make aviation more accessible.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a proportional property tax as a replacement for (a) stamp duty and (b) council tax.

Council Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) are reliable and important sources of revenue for both the Exchequer and Local Authorities. They raise over £50 billion each year to help pay for essential public services. Any reforms to the property tax system would have to carefully consider impacts on the Exchequer and Local Government finances, as well as impacts on taxpayers. The Government has no plans to introduce a proportional property tax. The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the usual tax policy making process.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing individual health plans for every child with epilepsy.

Statutory guidance on supporting pupils at school with medical conditions recommends the use of individual healthcare plans as good practice. The guidance can be accessed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf. Healthcare plans can help schools support pupils with medical conditions, providing clarity about what needs to be done, when and by whom. The school, healthcare professionals and parents should agree, based on evidence, when a healthcare plan would be appropriate. The department will keep the statutory guidance under review as we take forward our commitment to delivering an inclusive mainstream system.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on employers’ ability to employ (a) part-time and (b) lower earning employees who were previously not counted in employer National Insurance contributions.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer; the economic impacts of the policy; and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and an overview of the equality impacts. The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances. The Government is protecting the lowest paid by increasing the National Living Wage. This limits the ability of employers to pass on increases in costs to those on lower pay. The Government has also introduced important protections for workers as part of the Plan to Make Work Pay.

If she will take steps to ensure (a) part time and (b) lower earning employees that are exempt from employer National Insurance contributions remain so once the proposed changes to employer National Insurance have been implemented.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer; the economic impacts of the policy; and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and an overview of the equality impacts. The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances. The Government is protecting the lowest paid by increasing the National Living Wage. This limits the ability of employers to pass on increases in costs to those on lower pay. The Government has also introduced important protections for workers as part of the Plan to Make Work Pay.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provision of ambulance services by South Central Ambulance Service in Henley and Thame constituency.

No specific assessment has been made for the Henley and Thame area, however we recognise that ambulance response times have been below the high standards that patients should expect in recent years. The latest National Health Service data for January shows that ambulance response times performance for the South Central Ambulance NHS Trust, which provides services to the Henley and Thame, are not meeting the NHS Constitution standards.The Government is committed to returning the NHS to these standards. The NHS 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance included improving ambulance response times as one of four national priorities to improve patient outcomes. An urgent and emergency care improvement plan to further support improvements in services will be published shortly.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to correspondence from the hon. Member for Henley and Thame of (a) 21 November 2024 and (b) 13 January 2025, what steps his Department is taking to reconsider the inclusion of Ewelme in Project Gigabit for Oxfordshire.

Based on the latest information shared by broadband suppliers regarding their commercial build plans in the area, we currently expect most premises in Ewelme to gain access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection from commercial operators without the need for support through Project Gigabit.We are seeking to bring any remaining premises in Ewelme, that are unlikely to be reached by these plans, into one of the Project Gigabit contracts being delivered by Gigaclear in Oxfordshire. There will also be a wider review of the area this year, which will involve consulting with various suppliers regarding additional interventions to connect premises in Ewelme if required.We have responded with further details to both items of correspondence to which the hon. Member refers.