Written questions by Mierlo.

What steps are being taken to mitigate disparities in outcomes associated with partial geographical coverage of the in-service evaluation of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy.

The Government recognises the challenges faced by those living with rare diseases and their families and is committed to improving outcomes. This is why the National Health Service is planning a large-scale in-service evaluation (ISE) of screening for spinal muscular atrophy in newborn screening services, starting in January 2027.Over 400,000 babies would be offered screening as part of this ISE. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked NHS England to investigate whether it would be appropriate and feasible for the evaluation to be rolled out across the whole of England.Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can be a devastating condition, and we recognise that if treatment is given before a baby shows any symptoms, outcomes can be significantly improved. However, any screening programme that would impact approximately 650,000 babies per year in the United Kingdom must be underpinned by high quality robust evidence that demonstrates that screening will do more good than harm. The ISE will will help inform a future UK National Screening Committee recommendation on whether screening for SMA should be added to the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme.

What assessment has been made of the potential impact that delays in access to newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy will have on those not part of the upcoming in-service evaluation of screening for the condition.

The Government recognises the challenges faced by those living with rare diseases and their families and is committed to improving outcomes. This is why the National Health Service is planning a large-scale in-service evaluation (ISE) of screening for spinal muscular atrophy in newborn screening services, starting in January 2027.Over 400,000 babies would be offered screening as part of this ISE. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked NHS England to investigate whether it would be appropriate and feasible for the evaluation to be rolled out across the whole of England.Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can be a devastating condition, and we recognise that if treatment is given before a baby shows any symptoms, outcomes can be significantly improved. However, any screening programme that would impact approximately 650,000 babies per year in the United Kingdom must be underpinned by high quality robust evidence that demonstrates that screening will do more good than harm. The ISE will will help inform a future UK National Screening Committee recommendation on whether screening for SMA should be added to the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme.

Pursuant to the answer of 13th February 2026 to question 105615 on play based pedagogy, if her Department will consider the potential benefits of continuing play‑based pedagogy beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage into Key Stage 1.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review considered the extent to which the curriculum and the assessment system in England is fit for purpose and meeting the needs of children and young people. The government’s response set out key reforms to the national curriculum that we will be taking forward. The purpose of the national curriculum is to outline what must be taught in schools rather than how.We will continue to back educators to apply their professional judgment and creativity to meet the needs of their pupils, meaning children will be able to benefit from play-based learning throughout their primary education.The department is working to make sure that all children and young people have access to a variety of enrichment opportunities, including opportunities for play, at school as an important part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Pursuant to the answer of 13th February 2026 to question 105615 on play based pedagogy, if she will update initial teacher training and CPD frameworks to include evidence‑based training on play‑based pedagogy.

The department recognises that continuous improvement is essential to transform the training and support for all new teachers. That is why we are committing to a full review of the delivery of the Early Career Teacher Entitlement, including the framework content of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework, in 2027 to ensure it continues to provide the best possible support for trainees and early career teachers based on the most up to date evidence.As part of the review, we will be seeking evidence and views from stakeholders from across the education sector.We also want to ensure that National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) continue to offer the best possible support to teachers and leaders. In 2025, we announced a review of the NPQ courses.To aid the review, the department published two calls for evidence to seek recent, relevant and high-quality research. We are considering a wide range of responses to ensure that review succeeds in improving pupil outcomes through updated NPQ courses that better meet the needs of education leaders based on the latest robust evidence.

Pursuant to the answer of 13th February 2026 to question 105615 on play based pedagogy, whether the forthcoming Enrichment Framework will include guidance on embedding play‑based pedagogy within core curriculum delivery.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review considered the extent to which the curriculum and the assessment system in England is fit for purpose and meeting the needs of children and young people. The government’s response set out key reforms to the national curriculum that we will be taking forward. The purpose of the national curriculum is to outline what must be taught in schools rather than how.We will continue to back educators to apply their professional judgment and creativity to meet the needs of their pupils, meaning children will be able to benefit from play-based learning throughout their primary education.The department is working to make sure that all children and young people have access to a variety of enrichment opportunities, including opportunities for play, at school as an important part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Pursuant to the answer of 13th February 2026 to question 105615 on play based pedagogy, whether her Department plans to commission research into the potential impact of play‑based pedagogy on attainment and wellbeing in Key Stage 1.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review considered the extent to which the curriculum and the assessment system in England is fit for purpose and meeting the needs of children and young people. The government’s response set out key reforms to the national curriculum that we will be taking forward. The purpose of the national curriculum is to outline what must be taught in schools rather than how.We will continue to back educators to apply their professional judgment and creativity to meet the needs of their pupils, meaning children will be able to benefit from play-based learning throughout their primary education.The department is working to make sure that all children and young people have access to a variety of enrichment opportunities, including opportunities for play, at school as an important part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of restricting access to trial by jury in England and Wales on public confidence in the judicial system.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026. Alongside the Bill, an impact assessment of our proposed justice reforms was published: Courts and Tribunals Bill - GOV.UK. This includes an assessment of the proposed changes in the threshold for who can access a jury trial.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9th December 2025 to question 97007 on Bathing water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025, when she will publish the detail on Bathing water status reforms included in the Water White Paper.

The Water White Paper sets out wide-ranging reforms to the water system, intended to clean up our rivers, lakes and coastal waters. The Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025 do not feature in the white paper, but form part of this wider reform, as an early step towards these same objectives. In our response to the consultation on amending the bathing water regulations, the Government noted the support for expanding the definition of a bather to include other recreational water users. Work has begun on an evidence review to consider the environmental and public health implications of any change. Link to 97007: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations on improving community cohesion in the Khan Review - Threats To Social Cohesion And Democratic Resilience: A New Strategic Approach, published in March 2024.

MHCLG is co-ordinating cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with local government, communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues. As part of this work officials have considered a wide range of evidence including from reviews such as the Khan Review.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had conversations with broadband providers on the suitability of deadlines for new applications to the gigabit broadband voucher scheme in Oxfordshire.

Officials from Building Digital UK (BDUK) are currently in discussions with broadband suppliers in Oxfordshire on potential voucher project opportunities. Suppliers are aware of the deadline for project applications and are developing project proposals taking this into account.

What eligibility criteria will be applied to the recently announced additional £300 million of funding for upgrading IT infrastructure in schools through the Connect the Classroom programme.

We will invest £325 million by 2029/30 to support digital connectivity. This includes expanding Connect the Classroom to thousands more schools in need, supporting schools and responsible bodies to build on the technology underpinning infrastructure and resilience, with the expectation that all schools and colleges should meet core technology standards by 2030.Connect the Classroom will continue to support schools on the regional improvement for standards and excellence programme, ensuring that poor connectivity is not a barrier to school improvement, with additional selection criteria to be announced in the summer.

What recent progress the Commission for Countering Extremism has made on tackling extremism.

The Commission is a non-statutory expert committee of the Home Office, set up to help the Government to understand the scale of extremism in the UK and the wider harms associated with it, beyond radicalisation into terrorism.The Commission for Countering Extremism has played a key role in the Government’s approach to counter-extremism by providing external challenge and plays a vital role in providing advice to the Government on how to address the challenge posed by extremism and harness innovative thinking around critical issues. It is vital that the Government hears from a range of independent voices that can advise, criticise, and review work on such a crucial issue.Robin Simcox was appointed as Interim Commissioner for the Commission for Countering Extremism in March 2021. He was appointed as the substantive Commissioner for Countering Extremism in July 2022, for a three-year term. As is usual when public appointments come to an end, Ministers are considering next steps and will update in due course.

When his Department plans to publish draft regulations relating to surplus extraction under the Pension Schemes Bill; and whether he plans to publish these before the Bill completes its passage through Parliament.

The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus. The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees. The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action. We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of setting a maximum settlement reduction of £70,000 under the revised loan charge settlement arrangements.

The Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. Because of the decisions the Government has taken, around 30 percent of people within scope of the review could have their liabilities removed entirely. Most other individuals will see their liabilities reduced by at least half. The most serious cases within scope of the Loan Charge review include instances where an individual has avoided more than £5 million of tax through disguised remuneration use. The Government does not believe it is right to offer this group further substantial reductions to their liabilities. The £70,000 cap was introduced to ensure fairness for all taxpayers, including the vast majority who have never used disguised remuneration schemes. Over 80% of individuals that are within scope of the settlement opportunity will not be affected by the cap.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of transits by sanctioned Russian‑linked vessels through the Channel on national security.

The UK Government constantly monitors UK waters to ensure the safety of mariners, protect the marine environment and uphold the UK’s national security, which includes monitoring sanctioned tankers. The Department for Transport is continuing to increase scrutiny of these vessels as they transit through the Channel through our Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism introduced in October 2024.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that overseas visitor charging regulations are applied uniformly across NHS trusts.

The overseas visitor charging regulations apply to all National Health Service trusts in England. The Department is working closely with NHS England to ensure the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015 are applied fairly and consistently across all NHS trusts.

If she will publish timelines for (a) asylum housing pilots and (b) funding to trial local delivery of housing for people seeking asylum.

We have committed to closing every asylum hotel, and work is well underway, with more suitable sites, including military bases, being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Home Office are exploring options for a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities and devolved partners. This would complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate to end the use of hotels.

Innovation and Technology, what the (a) current planned deadlines are for new applications to the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, and (b) whether any changes to those deadlines are under consideration.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) will come to an end on 31 March 2028. The following deadlines will apply to meet this closure date:31 August 2026 – New voucher project submissions.31 March 2027 – Vouchers issued. Vouchers requested but not validated and issued by 31 March 2027 will be cancelled.31 March 2028 – Voucher claims submitted.These dates remain subject to change in advance of the March 2028 GBVS closure, in line with the GBVS Supplier Terms and Conditions.Building Digital UK (BDUK) is willing to consider any further proposals for voucher projects from suppliers that can be delivered within the remaining timetable for the scheme. The voucher scheme is just one part of Project Gigabit, and BDUK will aim to cover as many as possible of the remaining non-gigabit premises through the Project Gigabit contracts.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for her policies of the role of (a) trustees and (b) sponsoring employers in decision‑making on surplus extraction in defined benefit pension schemes.

The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus. The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees. The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action. We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals.

Whether his Department plans to ensure that the (a) psychological, (b) social and (b) financial impacts of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease are accounted for as part of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methods for evaluating novel treatments.

In developing its recommendations, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) takes into account all health-related costs and benefits for patients and caregivers, in line with its established methods and processes.In 2022, NICE undertook a detailed review of whether it should broaden the perspective it uses in its economic evaluations, including consideration of wider societal impacts. NICE found that robust methods for quantifying wider societal effects are not yet sufficiently developed, and that evidence on the wider societal benefits of interventions, and of the services that might be displaced, is limited. NICE has also noted that expanding assessments to capture socioeconomic impacts could introduce ethical challenges, such as advantaging interventions for populations with higher workforce participation over those for children, older adults, or people unable to work.Following this review, and after examining both international comparisons, and the significant methodological and ethical challenges involved, NICE’s Board concluded that it should retain its current approach of using a health-sector perspective routinely but with the flexibility to include wider societal benefits when they are especially relevant.