Written questions by Amos.

Whether he has reviewed the Competition and Markets Authority’s decision of 30 October 2025 to accept legally binding commitments from major housebuilders to tackle anticompetitive behaviour and ensure industry-wide compliance; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of that decision on competition enforcement, housing affordability and adherence to competition law.

Awaiting answer.

What steps she is taking to ensure that the online driving license renewal process and other GOV.UK websites provide accessible digital services for members of the public to complete administrative processes effectively and within an appropriate timeframe.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online services currently adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and work is underway to bring all services to WCAG 2.2 level AA status to attain full compliance with the most recent accessibility requirements. These are an internationally recognised set of recommendations to ensure services are accessible to everyone, including users with impairments to their vision, hearing, mobility and/or thinking/understanding. As part of service development, the DVLA tests services with users who have a wide range of accessibility needs and uses a digital inclusion scale to ensure testing covers varying skill and confidence levels. A service assessment is also conducted by independent panel members ahead of any new service being launched. The DVLA has a range of digital contact channels available, including a webchat facility that includes an upfront automated chatbot to provide out of hours support for customers. A webform service is also available to customers 24/7, where a system generated auto-response email will be provided for simple enquiries, or an advisor will reply via email as soon as possible for more complex queries. The DVLA also recently launched a WhatsApp service which provides customers with a further choice of preferred contact channel. The DVLA offers a variety of reasonable adjustments to customers which can range from simple adjustments like providing correspondence on coloured paper or in large print, to providing a video relay service for British Sign Language users who want to contact the DVLA via telephone. While digital services are increasingly available, the DVLA recognises that not all customers can or want to access services online. Customers can contact the DVLA by telephone or in writing in these circumstances and paper application facilities are also available.

What assessment he has made of levels in the availability of (a) anti-aircraft artillery, (b) electronic warfare, (c) low-cost interceptors and (d) other off-the-shelf mobile air defence systems.

The availability of air and missile defence capabilities is kept under continual review as part of Defence’s assessment of threats and the readiness of the Armed Forces. Readiness is directed through the Armed Forces Plan, in which the Chief of the Defence Staff directs Military Command Chiefs to hold a range of force elements at varying levels of readiness, aligned with the NATO Force Model, sovereign defence requirements, and our ability to respond to crisis. This readiness is assessed against the sum of Availability, Capability, and Sustainment. The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment during this Parliament in Integrated Air and Missile Defence, with an early focus on improving command and control and sensor capabilities to ensure more effective integration and use of available effectors. The Defence Investment Plan will further shape the sequencing and prioritisation of future investment, informed by the evolving threat picture. As is longstanding policy, the Department does not comment in detail on the availability or readiness levels of specific capabilities where doing so could prejudice operational security.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s processes for drivers with medical conditions; and what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing an online system for submitting medical information or tracking applications.

In the interests of road safety, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) must be satisfied that the required medical standards for driving are met before a licence is issued. The DVLA’s processes are designed to ensure that licensing decisions are informed by appropriate medical evidence, while enabling individuals to continue driving where it is safe to do so. The DVLA aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. However, some medical cases take longer because the DVLA often needs information from third parties, including doctors or other healthcare professionals, before a licensing decision can be made. The DVLA has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of medical licence applications, increasing waiting times for some customers. To improve its services, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and launched a new medical services portal, so the majority of customers can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account. In time, this will also allow customers to track their applications in a way they have not been able to previously. Details on how to sign up for an account can be found at www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account. These enhancements alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with these applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements in services and turnaround times for customers.

What targeted guidance is available to medically vulnerable people who cannot safely reduce their heating use.

The Government’s fuel poverty strategy seeks to ensure households are supported to achieve warm homes at an affordable cost. The UK Health Security Agency has produced guidance for the public on how to keep warm and well at home, which is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-warm-keep-well-leaflet-gives-advice-on-staying-healthy-in-cold-weatherThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced guidance to reduce the health risks associated with cold homes, which is available at the following link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng6The audiences for this include people who may have health problems related to living in a cold home, as well as their families and carers.Financial support schemes are also available to help some vulnerable groups with their energy bills, including the Warm Home Discount and the Cold Weather Payment. People may also be able to access support to pay energy bills from their local council through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.Vulnerable individuals can also join their energy supplier’s Priority Services Register, through which they can receive extra advice and support.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that GOV.UK websites provide accessible digital services.

GOV.UK is run by the Government Digital Service (GDS) which is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The Department for Transport follows the GDS GOV.UK design system accessibility guidelines when drafting and building its GOV.UK content and digital services.

When his Department last reviewed the income thresholds for the Healthy Start scheme, and whether it will conduct an updated review given concerns that thresholds have not been revised for nearly a decade and may no longer reflect current economic conditions faced by low income working families.

The Government has taken action to strengthen support through Healthy Start. From April 2026, an increase to the weekly payments has been implemented, which means pregnant women and children aged under four years old and over one years old each receive £4.65 every week, and children under one years old each receive £9.30.The income-related eligibility criteria for the Healthy Start scheme are not set as standalone cash thresholds. Eligibility is linked to receipt of certain income-related benefits, including Universal Credit, which act as passporting mechanisms to ensure support is targeted at families on the lowest incomes. Eligibility criteria for the scheme are kept under continuous review.

Whether the Department has assessed the potential merits of extending Healthy Start eligibility to include working parents in receipt of Statutory Paternity Pay.

The Healthy Start Scheme was introduced in 2006 to encourage a healthy diet for pregnant women, babies, and young children under four years old from very low-income households. The Department has not undertaken a specific assessment of extending Healthy Start eligibility to include working parents in receipt of Statutory Paternity Pay. This is because Statutory Paternity Pay is not a means tested benefit and is available to individuals in work, including those on higher incomes.

Whether she has had recent discussions with the Religious Education Council’s Task and Finish Group on the development of the proposed Programmes of Study for a potential National Curriculum for Religious Education; and what the (a) criteria and (b) process was for selecting members of the (i) Task and Finish Group and (ii) any expert advisory groups.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has met Vanessa Ogden, chair of the independent sector led group, along with some members of the group. She welcomes the independent work being undertaken to develop a draft religious education curriculum.The department was not responsible for selecting its members or for determining the criteria or processes used to select members of the group or any associated expert advisory groups. As such, decisions on membership were a matter for the sector-led group and were intended to ensure a breadth of expertise and representation from across the religious education sector.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to energy infrastructure planning application fees on (a) network operator costs and (b) consumer bills.

The Government has proposed a fully cost-reflective charging regime for its energy infrastructure planning application fees, in order to place this function on a sustainable footing for the future as application volumes increase. The Government is currently assessing the responses to the public consultation that ran from 16 December 2025 to 1 February 2026, which included specific questions on cost impacts. This assessment will pay particular regard to the evidence provided by respondents on network operator costs and impacts on bills.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that network operators do not bear the cost of the necessary wayleave process when landowners serve notices to remove electricity infrastructure.

Government recognises that Network Operators play an important public service role in developing and maintaining an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity distribution and transmission – this includes securing the necessary permissions to install and maintain electric lines. These costs, including any costs associated with applying for a Necessary Wayleave, are not borne directly by Network Operators, but rather passed onto consumer energy bills through Ofgem regulated network charges.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Minister for Housing’s statement during the final Commons debate on the Renters’ Rights Bill that the Government intends to establish an alternative body or mechanism to make initial rent determinations as soon as possible, what specific milestones, deadlines and resourcing plans his Department has set for (a) completing the viability assessment and (b) establishing that body or mechanism.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 116835 on 9 March 2026.

Whether his Department has assessed the financial and social impact of PSVAR compliance on local authorities.

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) set minimum accessibility requirements for buses and coaches and so support millions of disabled people, including young people and children, to make the journeys important in their lives.In response to widespread non-compliance in the home-to-school and the rail replacement sector, the government issued exemptions to enable these essential services to continue operating whilst operators procured compliant coaches. The current Medium-Term Exemptions expire on 31st July.In 2023 the Department undertook a Call for Evidence to understand the efficacy of PSVAR, and we continue to engage regularly with stakeholders, including local authorities, on the impact of the Regulations and how they can support accessible journeys sustainably.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the proportion of roadside litter due to littering from vehicles; and what consideration her Department has given to (a) the level of fines for littering offences committed from vehicles, (b) the adequacy of funding available to councils and National Highways for addressing roadside litter, and (c) the adequacy of public awareness initiatives relating to the environmental and social impacts of littering.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 18 March 2026 to PQ UIN 119681.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment the Department has made of the contribution of littering from vehicles to roadside litter; and what consideration her Department has given to the adequacy of (a) the level of fines for littering offences committed from vehicles, (b) funding available to councils and National Highways for addressing roadside litter, and (c) public awareness initiatives relating to the environmental and social impacts of littering.

No assessment has been made of the contribution of littering from vehicles to roadside litter. Local councils have legal powers to take enforcement action against offenders who litter from vehicles.  Anyone caught littering from a vehicle may be prosecuted in a magistrates’ court, which can lead to a criminal record and a fine of up to £2,500 on conviction. Instead of prosecuting, councils may decide to issue a fixed penalty (on-the-spot fine) of up to £500. District councils outside of London have powers to issue a civil penalty to the registered keeper of a vehicle from which litter is thrown. To support local councils to make good use of their fixed penalty powers for littering and related offences I have laid new Statutory Guidance, “Litter enforcement powers: when and how to use them” in Parliament. Local authorities will need to have regard to this guidance when using their powers. The guidance is available here: Litter enforcement powers: when and how to use them - GOV.UK. Funding for roadside litter removal is provided through retained penalty receipts and enforcement. National Highways funds maintenance from existing budgets, more information can be found on: Highways maintenance block: formula allocations 2026 to 2030 - GOV.UK Designated Funds - National Highways We have been proud to support and endorse national clean-up initiatives such as the Great British Spring Clean, and the Great British Beach Clean, and we will continue to use our influence to encourage as many people and businesses as possible to participate in these types of events again.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed increase in the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to a longer period on British industry.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact of the proposed changes, including the impact on British industry.We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received.  This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the she is taking to help support the rescue and rehoming of mutilated animals.

The Government recognises the essential service that rescue and rehoming centres provide, often on a voluntary basis, to animals, including those that have suffered from mutilation. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is illegal to carry out a non-exempted mutilation such as the cropping of a dog’s ears in England and Wales unless specifically exempted for medical reasons. While these practices are illegal in the UK, we recognise that the current legislative framework can be abused by traders who import these dogs from abroad. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 Act will give the Government powers to prohibit dogs and cats being brought into Great Britain with non-exempted mutilations, such as docked tails and cropped ears. Any appropriate exemptions to these prohibitions will be delivered via secondary legislation at a later date. In the meantime, the Government will continue to work with stakeholders including rescue organisations and consider their feedback.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reduction in Skills Bootcamp funding on (a) regional labour markets with nationally significant infrastructure projects under active construction, with particular reference to Somerset and Hinkley Point C, and (b) the ability of local employers to meet workforce requirements for projects of strategic importance to the UK's energy security and industrial strategy.

I refer the hon. Member for Taunton and Wellington to the answer of 26 February 2026 to Question 113869.

With reference to the findings of the Independent Review of Carer’s Allowance Overpayments published in November 2025, what assessment he has made of the proportionality and fairness of enforcement actions in cases where (a) inadvertent breaches of the earnings limit averaged only marginal amounts and (b) the total overpayment was substantially lower than the subsequent debt and penalty issued.

The Government inherited a system where some busy carers, already struggling under a huge weight of caring responsibilities, found themselves with unexpected debts due to overpayments of CA. The Independent Review, undertaken by Liz Sayce, showed that some mistakes were made, and we are determined to put them right. We welcomed the report and accepted or partially accepted 38 of the 40 recommendations. The Department will now continue putting things right by reassessing cases affected because guidance on averaging irregularly fluctuating earnings between 2015 and 2025 did not accurately reflect the statutory position. We will set out more details on the reassessment exercise in the next few weeks.

How many patients have been affected by the recall of certain Boston Scientific CRT-P pacemakers (a) nationally and (b) within Somerset; what assessment has been made of the potential impact of this on NHS resources; and who is responsible for covering the costs of device replacement and associated care.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is closely monitoring the Boston Scientific Accolade Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA) to ensure it progresses safely.The FSCA affects 13,969 pacemaker patients at 153 sites in the United Kingdom, who have an increased risk of their pacemaker switching to “Safety Mode”. This represents approximately 14% of UK Accolade Pacemakers.The Department is aware of two deaths associated with this malfunction, both of which occurred outside the UK, and resulted from injuries sustained from fainting following a malfunction.Risk mitigation advice includes evaluation of patient devices and revision surgery for those with four years or less longevity remaining. While some devices may need earlier replacement than would have been expected, the risk to patients is low and affected patients are being reviewed locally by expert clinical teams, often as part of routine follow-up processes.Musgrove Park Hospital’s pacing service, which includes the fitting of pacemakers, has been minimally affected, less than five patients, by the recall of the Boston Scientific CRT‑P pacemakers.In most cases, the trust uses alternative pacemaker products, including Biotronik and Abbott devices. As a result, the recall has had minimal impact on services and patient care, but MHRA will continue to keep this under review.The commissioning of pacemaker devices does not fall under the direct commissioning remit of NHS England. Given the benefits of trying to achieve a nationally coordinated response, NHS England worked with professional bodies and NHS Supply Chain to encourage an equitable approach from Boston Scientific relating to both additional device costs and the impact of additional activity.