Written questions by Williamson.

What independent oversight arrangements exist to scrutinise complaints of misconduct against Police and Crime Commissioners; and how many such complaints have been investigated in each of the last three years.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are democratically elected and are ultimately held to account by the public at the ballot box. To ensure transparency of their actions and decisions, PCCs have statutory responsibilities under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 to publish certain information, such as decisions they’ve taken, expenditure and force performance. This includes information about conflicts of interest.PCCs are scrutinised by Police and Crime Panels (PCPs) who are also responsible for investigating non-criminal complaints made about a PCC. Criminal allegations must be referred by the Panel to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office does not collect data on the number of complaints about PCCs. The Home Office issues guidance and training to support Panels in their scrutiny of PCCs, as well as guidance to aid the recruitment and retention of independent panel members.The Government’s view is that the PCC model has failed to live up to expectations and has committed to abolishing it at the end of the current term of office in 2028. Successor arrangements for the oversight of policing by Mayors and Policing and Crime Boards will be set out in the forthcoming Police Reform Bill.

With reference to correspondence from the Chair of the Maternity and Neonatal Investigation confirming that the Investigation is not limited to 37 weeks’ gestation and considers stillbirth from 24 weeks onwards, what the Government's policy is on coronial investigation of stillbirths; and whether the Ministers agreed to a change in the Terms of Reference.

Awaiting answer.

Whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of accountability frameworks for Police and Crime Commissioners; and whether she plans to reform those frameworks to help prevent institutional self-protection.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are democratically elected and are ultimately held to account by the public at the ballot box. To ensure transparency of their actions and decisions, PCCs have statutory responsibilities under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 to publish certain information, such as decisions they’ve taken, expenditure and force performance. This includes information about conflicts of interest.PCCs are scrutinised by Police and Crime Panels (PCPs) who are also responsible for investigating non-criminal complaints made about a PCC. Criminal allegations must be referred by the Panel to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office does not collect data on the number of complaints about PCCs. The Home Office issues guidance and training to support Panels in their scrutiny of PCCs, as well as guidance to aid the recruitment and retention of independent panel members.The Government’s view is that the PCC model has failed to live up to expectations and has committed to abolishing it at the end of the current term of office in 2028. Successor arrangements for the oversight of policing by Mayors and Policing and Crime Boards will be set out in the forthcoming Police Reform Bill.

What steps she is taking to improve transparency requirements for Police and Crime Commissioners, particularly regarding the handling of complaints and potential conflicts of interest.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are democratically elected and are ultimately held to account by the public at the ballot box. To ensure transparency of their actions and decisions, PCCs have statutory responsibilities under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 to publish certain information, such as decisions they’ve taken, expenditure and force performance. This includes information about conflicts of interest.PCCs are scrutinised by Police and Crime Panels (PCPs) who are also responsible for investigating non-criminal complaints made about a PCC. Criminal allegations must be referred by the Panel to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office does not collect data on the number of complaints about PCCs. The Home Office issues guidance and training to support Panels in their scrutiny of PCCs, as well as guidance to aid the recruitment and retention of independent panel members.The Government’s view is that the PCC model has failed to live up to expectations and has committed to abolishing it at the end of the current term of office in 2028. Successor arrangements for the oversight of policing by Mayors and Policing and Crime Boards will be set out in the forthcoming Police Reform Bill.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the length of short term Farm Business Tenancies beyond two years.

The Government recognises the benefits that longer term tenancies can provide in delivering food security and environmental goals. In the recently published Land Use Framework the Government committed to working with landowners, including members of the National Estate for Nature, to test, implement and encourage wide uptake of longer-term tenancy agreements. Industry guidance on long term tenancies was published on 16 March to support landlords, tenants and their advisers think through the main considerations involved in agreeing a long-term farm business tenancy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to accelerate the process of TB vaccinations for cows.

The CattleBCG vaccine, when coupled with the new Detect Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) skin test, represents a significant advancement in bovine TB control for cattle herds. Field trials began in June 2021, with the final planned phase now underway and due to complete by 2027. Data gathered during lab and field trials will support the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Marketing Authorisation applications to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and achieving international recognition. The Government is looking at all options to accelerate progress. The Government is continuing to work at pace but will only deploy the vaccine and companion DIVA skin test when we have all the right steps in place. The aim is to deliver an effective cattle TB vaccination strategy within the next few years, helping drive down the disease burden for future generations and advance progress towards achieving Officially TB Free status for England by 2038.

What estimate his Department has made of the cost to the NHS of providing healthcare to asylum seekers.

DHSC and NHSE do not hold the information requested. The overall management of people seeking asylum is a matter for the Home Office.The NHS is a residency-based system; this means that people who do not live here on a lawful, settled basis must contribute to the cost of their care.

What assessment the Department has made of the potential impact of the delay in reporting on coronial investigations of stillbirths following the 2019 consultation on bereaved families.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.

What information his Department holds on whether the Maternity and Neonatal Investigation commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care will report to Parliament on coronial investigations of stillbirths following the 2019 consultation.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.

Whether his Department plans to limit consideration of coronial investigations to stillbirths occurring at 37 weeks' gestation or later; and on what statutory basis gestational thresholds may be applied.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.

Whether responsibility for reporting to Parliament on coronial investigations of stillbirths following the 2019 consultation rests with his Department.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.

Whether he plans to reduce the number of job centres.

The Department continually reviews its estate to ensure it meets the needs of customers and represents value for money, making changes where appropriate. The Department’s Workplace Transformation Programme is working closely with the Jobs and Careers Service to ensure that our physical spaces evolve to support more personalised, modern employment and skills services for customers. This includes exploring new approaches to workspace location, design and partnership working that enhance accessibility, collaboration, and customer outcomes. Any future decisions regarding the Jobcentre estate would be communicated to Parliament in the usual way.

What assessments she has made of the effectiveness of job centre staff in helping NEETs into work or training.

This government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The government has announced a further £1 billion investment in young people, resulting in a total £2.5 billion over the next three years into the Youth Guarantee and additional investment to the Growth and Skills Levy. This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. This includes the delivery of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England, expansion of Youth Hubs to more than 360 areas across Great Britain and introduction of a new Youth Guarantee Gateway in Jobcentres, providing more intensive support to 16–24-year-olds.This investment will also create around 300,000 more opportunities to gain workplace experience and training. It will also help unlock up to 200,000 more employment opportunities, through £3,000 Youth Jobs Grants, a new £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for SMEs and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, providing long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds with a fully funded six-month job.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of different types of support in helping the unemployed into work.

We know that individuals face different barriers to employment and as a result require different types of employment support to get into work. We have adopted a test and learn approach to many of the reforms across the employment support system, allowing us to build an evidence base to inform future policies and shape the design of future reform. Overall, we measure progress against the Get Britain Working outcome metrics, published last April and updated annually here: Get Britain Working outcomes - GOV.UK. For young people: we expect to publish interim findings on the effectiveness of the eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers during the next two years, and the current network of Youth Hubs has shown positive outcomes, with young people reporting increased confidence and clearer career goals; we published an evaluation of the Youth Offer in 2024; a full process evaluation of the Jobs Guarantee is planned. For those with health conditions and disabilities: we expect to publish interim findings on the effectiveness the nine Economic Inactivity Trailblazers during the next two years and will develop the value for money assessment once longer-term impacts have developed; we are building on our assessment of the successful WorkWell pilot, which has already supported over 25,000 people to stay in or re‑enter work; to develop our Connect to Work programme which is the largest Supported Employment initiative in Europe, we are drawing on robust international evidence which demonstrates that a holistic, personalised approach for individuals with more complex barriers is more effective in helping people move into and sustain work and we have commissioned the National Centre for Social Research to lead a comprehensive evaluation of its impact, reporting in 2031. For those who are long term unemployed – evidence from analysis of the Work Programme shows that participation in the Restart programme results in significant increase in employment for participants (30% more than the comparison group); we have committed to publish a report this spring with more detail on how we are delivering the new Jobs and Careers Service. To further build and inform our employment support services, DWP are due to launch a What Works Centre for Local Employment Support in 2027, which will help identify, develop, test and evaluate evidence-based locally delivered employment and labour market support to help people access, remain in, and progress in work.

What criteria will be taken into consideration in decisions on job centre closures.

When considering moving colleagues and services to an alternative location the Department considers a wide range of factors and evidence. These include the impact on customers, business needs, local labour market conditions, and the ability to maintain a geographical presence and service continuity to customers. Decisions also take into account building quality, lease events, and value for money.

When he plans to publish a report under section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 on whether, and if so how, the law ought to be changed to enable or require coroners to investigate stillbirths; what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the absence of a published position on (a) accountability, (b) learning and (c) the prevention of future deaths; and if he will make an assessment of the reasons for the timing of the publication of the report.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.As I have previously set out in correspondence with the Right Honourable Member, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later).The Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, including on vital issues such as learning and accountability. We intend to communicate our position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report in June 2026.

What assessment has been made by the Valuation Office Agency of the footprint for snooker clubs and venues to accommodate snooker tables in calculating the 2026 business rates revaluation.

Snooker halls are valued in the same way as any other class of non-domestic property, through applying the statutory and common law principles that apply across non-domestic rating.The practice note used for the 2023 revaluation is published online here. The same approach has been applied in 2026.

What the total business rate support package available to snooker and clubs is in (a) 2026, (b) 2027 and (c) 2028.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To respond to those who are seeing large increases, Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.

Media and Sport, what support her Department provides to snooker (a) tournaments and (b) clubs and venues.

The Government is committed to supporting grassroots sport clubs that provide important hubs for communities up and down the country.The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through our arm’s length body, Sport England. Since 2023, Sport England has provided £220,774 to multi-sport projects that featured support for snooker clubs.No funding has been explicitly provided for tournaments as snooker’s governing body is principally self-funded through its own commercial activities. However, we recognise the Crucible Theatre’s unique status as the sport’s spiritual home. We are therefore actively engaging with partners to explore all viable options to keep the World Championship in Sheffield, ensuring this historic venue continues to inspire future generations to pick up a cue.

What assessment she has made of the impact of the increase in rateable values on snooker clubs and venues.

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base. At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government announced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years, including protection for ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. This means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. Without our support, the pub sector as a whole would have faced a 45% increase in the total bills they pay next year. Because of the support we’ve put in place, this has fallen to just 4%. More broadly, the Government is delivering a long overdue reform to rebalance the business rates system and support the high street, as promised in our manifesto. We are doing this by introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £900 million per year, and will benefit over 750,000 properties, including those on the high street. The new RHL tax rates replace the temporary RHL relief that has been winding down since Covid. Unlike RHL relief, the new rates are permanent, giving businesses certainty and stability, and there will be no cap, meaning all qualifying properties on high streets across England will benefit. The National Insurance Contributions (NICs) Employment Allowance has been more than doubled to £10,500, ensuring that over half of businesses with National Insurance liabilities, including those in the hospitality sector, will either gain or see no change this year. A Tax Information and Impact Note was published alongside changes to employer NICs.