Written questions by Hayes.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of levels of provision for blind and partially sighted students in further education (a) with and (b) without education, health and care plans (i) during the transition from school to further education and (ii) at other times; and what steps she is taking to improve accountability for ensuring (A) timely and (B) effective reasonable adjustments are (1) identified, (2) funded and (3) implemented.

Support for people with visual impairments in and transitioning into, further education is guided by legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice, with tailored provisions depending on the needs of the individual. This applies to those with or without education, health and care plans (EHCPs).All education and training providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, including those with visual impairments, so they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students. Reasonable adjustments can include adapting teaching methods, using assistive technology, modifying assessments, and offering personalised support services.Ensuring that support is provided in a timely and effective manner is the responsibility of the local authority.The new Ofsted handbook requires further education providers to embed inclusion across all aspects of provision. Providers must identify their learners’ needs and demonstrate measurable impact on progress and wellbeing.The department tracks the progress and attainment of learners with SEND and participation and retention rates for learners with EHCPs or special educational needs support and are determined that our reforms to the system should improve experiences and outcomes for learners and their families.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Israeli counterpart on (a) forced evictions of Palestinian families and (b) home demolitions in Silwan.

The UK is concerned by reports of evictions of Palestinian families and home demolitions in East Jerusalem, including Silwan. In all but the most exceptional cases, demolitions by an occupying power are contrary to international law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much official development assistance funding was allocated for tuberculosis (a) prevention and (b) treatment in Malawi in each financial year since 2015-16.

In November 2022, the UK pledged £1 billion to the 7th replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which will help to provide tuberculosis (TB) treatment and care for 98,000 people, screen 1.8 million people for TB and provide 3,700 people with treatment for multidrug-resistant TB. Previous UK contributions to the Global Fund were £800 million during 2014-16, £1.2 billion during 2017-19, and £1.4 billion during 2020-22.The UK contribution to the Global Fund is not earmarked by country or disease, so the requested breakdown is not available. However, the Global Fund allocation to Malawi was US$450 million in 2017-19 (including $9 million for TB), $513 million during 2020-22 (including $20 million for TB) and a pledged total of $517 million for 2023-25 (including $20 million for TB).

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what amount of UK ODA is projected to be allocated to tuberculosis (a) prevention and (b) treatment in Malawi in each of the next three financial years.

I am pleased to confirm the UK will pledge £850 million to the Global Fund's Eighth Replenishment 2026-2028. This investment is expected to help save up to 1.3 million lives and avert up to 22 million new cases of HIV, TB, and malaria globally, delivering up to £13 billion in economic returns. The Global Fund allocation to Malawi will be determined following the conclusion of the replenishment.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of grant available under the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme to cover the estimated costs of remediation to bring older networks in line with the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (a) nationally and (b) for heat networks in (i) Lambeth and (ii) Southwark.

The draft requirements of, and costs associated with, the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme will be published in a consultation and options assessment shortly. Heat network regulation is designed to be proportionate and to reduce costs in the longer term. Further details on funding allocations for heat network schemes including the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme will be set out in the Warm Homes Plan later this year.

When he expects to publish the results of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme Round 10.

Applications for Round 10 of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme closed on 19 September 2025 and are currently being assessed and scored against the scheme’s standard criteria. Details of the outcome of the funding round are expected to be published in Spring 2026.

What estimate he has made of the number of users of the Your Apprenticeship app in each month since 12 February 2025.

The Your Apprenticeship App has been developed with input from apprentices to ensure it meets their needs. The app allows apprentices to track their progress throughout their apprenticeship journey and to record evidence of their knowledge, skills and experience required to demonstrate occupational competency. As of 14 October, there have been almost 60,000 downloads and over 285,000 page views by users of the app.The first phase of development is the minimum viable service, and this is being rolled out through a gradual onboarding of users as government continues to develop, test and enhance the functionality available.In early testing the government identified a subset of users on the Android platform who could not access some features of the app. A solution was quickly implemented with users confirming it to be resolved.Users are encouraged to contact the apprenticeship support team if they experience difficulties or have queries about the Your Apprenticeship app.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the technical capabilities of the Your Apprenticeship app.

The Your Apprenticeship App has been developed with input from apprentices to ensure it meets their needs. The app allows apprentices to track their progress throughout their apprenticeship journey and to record evidence of their knowledge, skills and experience required to demonstrate occupational competency. As of 14 October, there have been almost 60,000 downloads and over 285,000 page views by users of the app.The first phase of development is the minimum viable service, and this is being rolled out through a gradual onboarding of users as government continues to develop, test and enhance the functionality available.In early testing the government identified a subset of users on the Android platform who could not access some features of the app. A solution was quickly implemented with users confirming it to be resolved.Users are encouraged to contact the apprenticeship support team if they experience difficulties or have queries about the Your Apprenticeship app.

What steps he is taking to review the adequacy of the level of take-up of the Your Apprenticeship app.

The Your Apprenticeship App has been developed with input from apprentices to ensure it meets their needs. The app allows apprentices to track their progress throughout their apprenticeship journey and to record evidence of their knowledge, skills and experience required to demonstrate occupational competency. As of 14 October, there have been almost 60,000 downloads and over 285,000 page views by users of the app.The first phase of development is the minimum viable service, and this is being rolled out through a gradual onboarding of users as government continues to develop, test and enhance the functionality available.In early testing the government identified a subset of users on the Android platform who could not access some features of the app. A solution was quickly implemented with users confirming it to be resolved.Users are encouraged to contact the apprenticeship support team if they experience difficulties or have queries about the Your Apprenticeship app.

What steps is he taking to ensure that reported faults in the Your Apprenticeship app are repaired.

The Your Apprenticeship App has been developed with input from apprentices to ensure it meets their needs. The app allows apprentices to track their progress throughout their apprenticeship journey and to record evidence of their knowledge, skills and experience required to demonstrate occupational competency. As of 14 October, there have been almost 60,000 downloads and over 285,000 page views by users of the app.The first phase of development is the minimum viable service, and this is being rolled out through a gradual onboarding of users as government continues to develop, test and enhance the functionality available.In early testing the government identified a subset of users on the Android platform who could not access some features of the app. A solution was quickly implemented with users confirming it to be resolved.Users are encouraged to contact the apprenticeship support team if they experience difficulties or have queries about the Your Apprenticeship app.

What funding will be provided for the training of educational psychologists in 2026-27.

Educational psychologists play a critical role in the support available to children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The department is investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists, starting their training in September 2024 and September 2025. This is in addition to the £10 million currently being invested in the training of over 200 educational psychologists who began their training in September 2023. As these trainees complete their studies, they will join the workforce to support local authority educational psychology services, including contributing to statutory assessments.Funding for future training is subject to confirmation following the spending review process.

When her Department will set out details of future funding for the training of educational psychologists beyond 2026-27.

Educational psychologists play a critical role in the support available to children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The department is investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists, starting their training in September 2024 and September 2025. This is in addition to the £10 million currently being invested in the training of over 200 educational psychologists who began their training in September 2023. As these trainees complete their studies, they will join the workforce to support local authority educational psychology services, including contributing to statutory assessments.Funding for future training is subject to confirmation following the spending review process.

What steps she is taking to review the thresholds for maintenance loans.

The government recognises the impact that the cost-of-living crisis has had on students. However, we need to ensure that the student funding system is financially sustainable.The government has increased maximum loans for living costs for full-time and part-time undergraduate students by 3.1% for the 2025/26 academic year. A 3.1% increase is in line with forecast inflation based on the RPIX inflation index.

What assessment she has made of the average difference between (a) maintenance loan and (b) living costs for university students.

Through the student loan system, the highest levels of maintenance support are paid to students from the lowest income families, while those from more affluent families receive a smaller contribution towards their living costs. In addition to support for living costs from Student Finance England, students may be eligible for additional financial assistance from their university.The Student Income and Expenditure Survey 2021/22 reported on the average living costs for full-time and part-time English undergraduate students and across different demographic groups for the 2021/22 academic year. The survey, including all income and expenditure tables, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-income-and-expenditure-survey-2021-to-2022.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to prevent the proliferation of Adult Gaming Centres on high streets.

This government is considering how to best ensure that local authorities have the right tools and powers to manage the location and density of gambling outlets in their areas. In line with the commitments made in the Gambling White Paper, we will introduce Cumulative Impact Assessments in gambling licensing, when Parliamentary time allows. This will allow local authorities to take data-driven decisions on premises licences, particularly in areas that have been identified as being vulnerable to gambling-related harm. This will give local authorities greater control over the number of gambling outlets in their areas, helping to ensure a healthy mix of premises on their high streets.

What steps she is taking to ensure disadvantaged students have access to the financial support they need to remain in university.

The department wants to support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university, regardless of their background, where they live and their personal circumstances.The government has increased maximum loans for living costs by 3.1% for the 2025/26 academic year, in line with forecast RPIX inflation. The government also provides means-tested non-repayable grants to low-income full-time students with children and adults who are financially dependent on them. Students with disabilities can apply for non-means tested disabled students’ allowance to support additional disability-related study costs. For the 2025/26 academic year, maximum dependants’ grants and disabled students’ allowance are being increased by 3.1%.Student Premium funding rates that are available through the Strategic Priorities Grant are being maintained for 2025/26 to support successful outcomes for students. All English higher education providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) that intend to charge higher level tuition fees must have an Access and Participation Plan approved by the OfS.

Communities and Local Government, what additional powers the English Devolution White Paper will provide to local authorities to prevent the proliferation of Adult Gaming Centres on high streets.

This government is considering how to best ensure that local authorities have the right tools and powers to manage the location and density of gambling outlets in their areas. In line with the commitments made in the Gambling White Paper, we will introduce Cumulative Impact Assessments in gambling licensing, when Parliamentary time allows. This will allow local authorities to take data-driven decisions on premises licences, particularly in areas that have been identified as being vulnerable to gambling-related harm. This will give local authorities greater control over the number of gambling outlets in their areas, helping to ensure a healthy mix of premises on their high streets.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of retention payments issued by Thames Water in each of the last three years.

Under the Water (Special Measures) Act, the Government has given Ofwat new powers to block unjustified payments. The Government will not tolerate any company attempting to circumvent the ban on executive bonuses for poorly performing companies by introducing mechanisms such as salary increases or payments through parent companies. Ofwat’s definition of performance-related pay is clear; any payment, consideration or other benefit provided as a result of meeting targets and performance standards. Government is clear that it is important for water companies to be guided by the letter and spirit of this definition. Ofwat has been asked to assess the legality of these arrangements: should Ofwat find any rule breaches, companies will face enforcement action which can include financial penalties. Whilst Ofwat is closely monitoring the effectiveness of its rules on executive remuneration, the onus remains on companies to fully comply with both the rules and the intent behind them; namely, that executive pay should reflect company performance. The Secretary of State has written to all water companies reiterating the firm expectation companies are fully transparent over the entire remuneration package for executives. The Secretary of State has been clear that customer money must be ringfenced and used solely to improve services and protect the environment. Ofwat has confirmed that infrastructure investment funds cannot be diverted to bonuses, dividends, or salary uplifts. These safeguards are part of a wider reform agenda to restore public confidence in the sector.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) recover retention payments issued by Thames Water and (b) ensure this money is reinvested in customer services.

Under the Water (Special Measures) Act, the Government has given Ofwat new powers to block unjustified payments. The Government will not tolerate any company attempting to circumvent the ban on executive bonuses for poorly performing companies by introducing mechanisms such as salary increases or payments through parent companies. Ofwat’s definition of performance-related pay is clear; any payment, consideration or other benefit provided as a result of meeting targets and performance standards. Government is clear that it is important for water companies to be guided by the letter and spirit of this definition. Ofwat has been asked to assess the legality of these arrangements: should Ofwat find any rule breaches, companies will face enforcement action which can include financial penalties. Whilst Ofwat is closely monitoring the effectiveness of its rules on executive remuneration, the onus remains on companies to fully comply with both the rules and the intent behind them; namely, that executive pay should reflect company performance. The Secretary of State has written to all water companies reiterating the firm expectation companies are fully transparent over the entire remuneration package for executives. The Secretary of State has been clear that customer money must be ringfenced and used solely to improve services and protect the environment. Ofwat has confirmed that infrastructure investment funds cannot be diverted to bonuses, dividends, or salary uplifts. These safeguards are part of a wider reform agenda to restore public confidence in the sector.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to review (a) retention payments and (b) similar schemes used by water companies subject to a ban on bonuses.

Under the Water (Special Measures) Act, the Government has given Ofwat new powers to block unjustified payments. The Government will not tolerate any company attempting to circumvent the ban on executive bonuses for poorly performing companies by introducing mechanisms such as salary increases or payments through parent companies. Ofwat’s definition of performance-related pay is clear; any payment, consideration or other benefit provided as a result of meeting targets and performance standards. Government is clear that it is important for water companies to be guided by the letter and spirit of this definition. Ofwat has been asked to assess the legality of these arrangements: should Ofwat find any rule breaches, companies will face enforcement action which can include financial penalties. Whilst Ofwat is closely monitoring the effectiveness of its rules on executive remuneration, the onus remains on companies to fully comply with both the rules and the intent behind them; namely, that executive pay should reflect company performance. The Secretary of State has written to all water companies reiterating the firm expectation companies are fully transparent over the entire remuneration package for executives. The Secretary of State has been clear that customer money must be ringfenced and used solely to improve services and protect the environment. Ofwat has confirmed that infrastructure investment funds cannot be diverted to bonuses, dividends, or salary uplifts. These safeguards are part of a wider reform agenda to restore public confidence in the sector.