Written questions by Mierlo.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the change in the quality of service for customers moved from analogue to digital landline services, including the clarity and audibility of phone services and the unexpected disconnection of calls.

The analogue Public Switched Telephone Network’s (PSTN) replacement technology is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Ofcom have confirmed that VoIP technology enables communication providers to offer consumers and businesses clearer and better-quality phone calls and additional features. VoIP can also be used to block scam calls (BT Digital Voice blocks over 17,000 scam calls every day).Ofcom, the independent regulator, is responsible for assessing VoIP services, and has done so since the early 2000’s. Whilst Ofcom are responsible for regulating communication providers, the Government has acted to ensure consumers are protected during the upgrade. In March 2026, major communication providers and network operators signed the Fixed Telecoms Modernisation Charter to enhance protections for customers during any telecoms modernisation, including the PSTN migration to VoIP.

If he will make an assessment of the affordability of the costs of call credit for incarcerated parents.

We know that enabling prisoners to maintain and strengthen family ties is a vital contributing factor to their rehabilitation and avoidance of re-offending.Following negotiations with service providers, we have reduced the cost of telephone calls across the public sector prison estate by 20%. These reduced rates, which took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 May 2027, were introduced to make communication more affordable and to support rehabilitation.We recognise the important role that community-based organisations, including those offering peer-to- peer support, can play in assisting offenders in custody and on release, including with regard to family relationships and resettlement. A common set of standards for peer support and mentoring schemes is being developed across the estate, to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate safeguards. While the existing evidence base points to promising benefits, it is not yet strong or consistent enough to justify large scale investment. An incremental, evidence led approach is therefore being taken: testing models, improving data collection, and working with academic partners to strengthen evaluation. H M Prison & Probation Service is focusing on the value of pro-social peer relationships as part of a wider rehabilitative culture model. This aligns with the principles of psychologically informed practice, desistance, and supporting people in custody to build problem-solving skills, positive identities, and constructive relationships.

What assessment has she made of the affordability for incarcerated parents of current communication policies in prisons to speak with their families.

We know that enabling prisoners to maintain and strengthen family ties is a vital contributing factor to their rehabilitation and avoidance of re-offending.Following negotiations with service providers, we have reduced the cost of telephone calls across the public sector prison estate by 20%. These reduced rates, which took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 May 2027, were introduced to make communication more affordable and to support rehabilitation.We recognise the important role that community-based organisations, including those offering peer-to- peer support, can play in assisting offenders in custody and on release, including with regard to family relationships and resettlement. A common set of standards for peer support and mentoring schemes is being developed across the estate, to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate safeguards. While the existing evidence base points to promising benefits, it is not yet strong or consistent enough to justify large scale investment. An incremental, evidence led approach is therefore being taken: testing models, improving data collection, and working with academic partners to strengthen evaluation. H M Prison & Probation Service is focusing on the value of pro-social peer relationships as part of a wider rehabilitative culture model. This aligns with the principles of psychologically informed practice, desistance, and supporting people in custody to build problem-solving skills, positive identities, and constructive relationships.

What assessment she made of the adequacy of the level of the Service Pupil Premium to support the needs of military children, including for children who have attended several different schools over a short period and have a parent deployed overseas on military service.

The service pupil premium (SPP) provides additional funding for state-funded schools in England attended by children from service families. In the 2026/27 financial year it is worth £360 per service child.The SPP is not a personal budget and schools have flexibility over its expenditure. The funding is primarily to enable schools to offer pastoral support and help mitigate the negative impact of family mobility or parental deployment. We have published advice and wider guidance for schools and local authorities on supporting service pupils, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-pupils-in-schools-non-statutory-guidance/service-pupils-in-schools-non-statutory-guidance.In addition to the SPP, schools also attract funding for pupil mobility through the ’mobility factor’ in the schools national funding formula. In the 2026/27 financial year, schools will attract £985 for eligible primary pupils and £1,415 for eligible secondary pupils, above a threshold of 6% of the schools’ pupil numbers, where more than 6% of the school’s pupil numbers are classified as mobile.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for the meningococcal B vaccination to children and young people who were not eligible for the routine infant immunisation programme introduced in 2015.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school years 9 and 10. However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as Meningitis B (MenB), can circulate among young adults.Decisions on vaccination programmes follow independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI does not currently recommend a routine MenB booster vaccination for adolescents and young adults, however the JCVI routinely reviews new evidence as it emerges and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked them to reexamine eligibility for meningitis vaccines.The importance of raising awareness in parents, teenagers, and other adults about the signs and symptoms of meningitis remains key. There are a range of resources developed by the UK Health Security Agency, co-branded with the National Health Service, that set out these key messages and their importance, such as the teenage guide to immunisation.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing funding for community based organisations which offer peer-to-peer support for fathers inside prisons and post-release and the effects on levels of reoffending.

We know that enabling prisoners to maintain and strengthen family ties is a vital contributing factor to their rehabilitation and avoidance of re-offending.Following negotiations with service providers, we have reduced the cost of telephone calls across the public sector prison estate by 20%. These reduced rates, which took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 May 2027, were introduced to make communication more affordable and to support rehabilitation.We recognise the important role that community-based organisations, including those offering peer-to- peer support, can play in assisting offenders in custody and on release, including with regard to family relationships and resettlement. A common set of standards for peer support and mentoring schemes is being developed across the estate, to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate safeguards. While the existing evidence base points to promising benefits, it is not yet strong or consistent enough to justify large scale investment. An incremental, evidence led approach is therefore being taken: testing models, improving data collection, and working with academic partners to strengthen evaluation. H M Prison & Probation Service is focusing on the value of pro-social peer relationships as part of a wider rehabilitative culture model. This aligns with the principles of psychologically informed practice, desistance, and supporting people in custody to build problem-solving skills, positive identities, and constructive relationships.

What assessment she has made of the effect of prolonged RSS delays on retired and ill‑health pensioners, and what additional support is being provided to vulnerable members awaiting statements.

The department recognises the importance of issuing Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) to affected members as part of the McCloud remedy and continues to closely monitor progress made by Teachers’ Pensions in delivering these statements.The backlog has arisen due to the scale and complexity of the remedy, which requires the recalculation of historic pension service and depends on complete and accurate data from employers that can date back several decades. To address the backlog, Teachers’ Pensions has increased dedicated resources and implemented a phased delivery plan to ensure remaining cases are completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Senior oversight and regular performance reporting are in place to track progress.The department recognises that delays may be particularly concerning for retired members and those in receipt of ill health retirement benefits. Retired members often already have benefits in payment, and any underpayments identified will be paid in full, with interest applied in line with legislation. Additional support is available for vulnerable members, including escalation routes for urgent and complex cases.Teachers’ Pensions has improved the frequency and clarity of secure messages, increased engagement through social media, and strengthened training for helpline staff to ensure better understanding of individual circumstances. Member feedback continues to inform further service improvements, and the department is working closely with the scheme administrator to oversee delivery.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her department has had with Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and Natural England regarding the application of the duty of candour to water companies in relation to the duties and offences in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.

The Government set out its new vision for water through a White Paper published on 20 January 2026. To truly turn around the water sector we need the right people in to do the job. We want the sector to be attractive to high quality senior leaders, acting in the public interest, who can lead change from the top. To achieve this, the Government committed in the White Paper to consider taking forward a new regime for senior accountability. This would be carefully designed to ensure senior leaders are directly accountable for the service customers receive, whilst still allowing water companies to appoint capable leadership.

Whether his department has assessed the extent to which water companies, as statutory undertakers with statutory monopolies, will fall within the scope of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.

The legal framework for the provision of water and sewage services varies significantly across the UK. In England and Wales, services are delivered by private companies (including not-for-profit organisations), whilst in Scotland and Northern Ireland services are delivered by publicly owned companies. The Bill is drafted so that the duty of candour and offence of misleading the public apply to all water companies when they exercise public functions. The Code of Conduct provisions would apply to the publicly owned water companies in Scotland and Northern Ireland and their workers, but not private companies in England and Wales.In relation to the Misconduct in Public Office offences at Part 3 of the Bill, Schedule 4 sets out a definitive list of roles which make someone a “public office holder” for the purposes of these offences. Most roles are listed specifically in the Schedule, paragraph 22 is more general. It captures “Other public bodies and offices” who fulfil three criteria: (a) the body or office is established by statute, a Minister, government department, or under the Royal Prerogative; (b) appointments to the office are made by the Crown, a Minister, or government department, or (in the case of a body) appointments to the body are wholly or mainly made in that way; and (c) in that office or body they are exercising functions of a public nature.

From what date the National Institute of Clinical Excellence will be authorised to apply an increased cost-effectiveness threshold of £25,000 - £35,000 per quality-adjusted life year.

The Government intends to direct the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to apply the new cost-effectiveness threshold increase from April.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the completeness and consistency of data recorded on people diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in NHS trusts.

Through the National Disease Registration Service’s Get Data Out programme, we will expand the data available to the public and researchers by publishing increased information on incidence, routes to diagnosis, treatments, and survival. We will use the Get Data Out programme to make data on rare cancers more granular, extending the publication of regular data to more individual rare and less common cancers by 2027. We will define and count recurrent cancers, starting with metastatic breast cancer. We will increase specificity of data to help us understand where interventions are needed, and how to make those interventions as effective as possible.Through these National Cancer Plan actions, we will ensure that every person with secondary breast cancer has faster diagnosis and treatment, access to the latest treatments and technology, and high-quality support throughout their journey, while we work to drive up this country’s cancer survival rates.

With reference to the Cancer Plan, what progress his Department has made on defining and counting recurrent breast cancers.

Through the National Disease Registration Service’s Get Data Out programme, we will expand the data available to the public and researchers by publishing increased information on incidence, routes to diagnosis, treatments, and survival. We will use the Get Data Out programme to make data on rare cancers more granular, extending the publication of regular data to more individual rare and less common cancers by 2027. We will define and count recurrent cancers, starting with metastatic breast cancer. We will increase specificity of data to help us understand where interventions are needed, and how to make those interventions as effective as possible.Through these National Cancer Plan actions, we will ensure that every person with secondary breast cancer has faster diagnosis and treatment, access to the latest treatments and technology, and high-quality support throughout their journey, while we work to drive up this country’s cancer survival rates.

What progress his Department has made on the review of early access to medicines.

The Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), is an existing pathway across the regulatory and access system designed to support innovative treatments being available to patients who need them earlier in the development cycle, outside of a clinical trial. The Government is collaborating across the regulatory system to continuously review the effectiveness of these pathways.Pharmaceutical companies may also put in place arrangements to provide early access to medicines outside EAMS. Working with colleagues at NHS England, the Department is continuing to engage with companies and patient groups regarding early access schemes that are enabled by manufacturers providing free of charge medicines, in advance of any recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. We are presently working to get a fuller picture of the costs of, and barriers to, and opportunities for early access schemes being offered by National Health Service trusts.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the 25p per week pension uplift for over eighties, introduced in the National insurance Bill of 1971.

The 25 pence a week Age Addition is part of the old State Pension, for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, and is paid with their State Pension, when they reach the age of 80.The Age Addition is not part of the new State Pension, but for those people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, the 25 pence Age Addition under the existing rules will continue.

How many family visa applications have been outstanding for more than 12 months; and what steps her Department is taking to expedite overdue cases.

The number of family visa applications outstanding for more than 12 months is not currently available from published statistics. The relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.All family visa applications are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the Immigration Rules and in line with the published family visa processing times available here: Visa processing times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK. Where applicants require their application to be expedited owing to their individual compelling and compassionate circumstances, we will consider each case on its own merit.The Home Office keeps all aspects of the immigration system under regular review, including service standards for processing visa applications, where applicable. The department is also in the process of implementing technology changes to improve efficiency and support faster processing of family visa applications.Applicants on certain family routes may choose to use optional priority or super priority services, where available, for an additional fee to receive a faster decision on their application. Applicants using the priority service will usually receive a decision within five working days.Further information on the priority service is available here: Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application: Applying for a faster decision - GOV.UKWhen an individual is considered for assessment of Change of Conditions, various No Recourse to Public Funds conditions are checked, with ‘destitution’ being one of these conditions.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of decision‑making times on people subject to No Recourse to Public Funds restrictions who are awaiting the outcome of a family visa application.

The number of family visa applications outstanding for more than 12 months is not currently available from published statistics. The relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.All family visa applications are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the Immigration Rules and in line with the published family visa processing times available here: Visa processing times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK. Where applicants require their application to be expedited owing to their individual compelling and compassionate circumstances, we will consider each case on its own merit.The Home Office keeps all aspects of the immigration system under regular review, including service standards for processing visa applications, where applicable. The department is also in the process of implementing technology changes to improve efficiency and support faster processing of family visa applications.Applicants on certain family routes may choose to use optional priority or super priority services, where available, for an additional fee to receive a faster decision on their application. Applicants using the priority service will usually receive a decision within five working days.Further information on the priority service is available here: Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application: Applying for a faster decision - GOV.UKWhen an individual is considered for assessment of Change of Conditions, various No Recourse to Public Funds conditions are checked, with ‘destitution’ being one of these conditions.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce a formalised interdepartmental framework to help prevent gaps in planning between her Department and the Home Office on issues with potential animal‑welfare impacts.

A formalised interdepartmental framework is not required. Defra works closely with the Home Office across a range of policy areas where there are potential animal welfare impacts. Moreover, Government policy proposals are subject to the standard processes of collective agreement which provides a further opportunity for departments to coordinate effectively and ensure that any cross-cutting issues are fully considered.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Information Commissioner's Office is adequately resourced to carry out digital age enforcement cases against tech companies.

The government increased the data protection fee in 2025 to provide the ICO with the necessary resources to carry out its functions effectively. As an independent regulator it is at the discretion of the Commissioner how he chooses to use this funding to effectively enforce the digital age of consent under UK GDPR. To fulfil these responsibilities and respond to rising public and business demand, the ICO has hired additional specialist capacity.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that Ofcom is adequately resourced to (a) monitor and (b) regulate the algorithms of online platforms.

Ofcom’s online safety budget and expert team ensure its duties are performed effectively. Ofcom has spent approximately £281.3 million on online safety since 2020, including a projected spend of £92 million for 2025/26.As part of its information gathering powers, Ofcom can remotely view information about a service’s processes, including conducting tests of algorithmic systems. Ofcom also has the power to seek information from categorised services about the design and operation of their algorithms in annual transparency reports.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions has she had with Ofcom and the Information Commissioner's Office on the adequacy of protections relating to (a) generative AI and (b) chatbots in the Online Safety Act 2023.

Following public consultation, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued and updated guidance on how data protection law applies to generative AI. The Government supports the ICO’s role in providing guidance to organisations to help their compliance.While some AI chatbots are covered by the Online Safety Act, this Government is determined to close loopholes and has tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to protect users from illegal content on chatbots.The Department will continue to meet regularly with Ofcom, the ICO and industry, to address emerging risks and uphold strong online safety protections.