Written questions by Morgan.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closing of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on the voluntary and community sector in (a) Shropshire, (b) England and (c) the UK.

With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund concluding in 2026, the government is moving away from short-term, uncertain funding cycles and towards a clearer, more stable long-term funding approach through the Local Government Finance Settlement, complemented by targeted interventions to support growth and strengthen communities across the UK. While government support for local growth is broader than any single funding stream, we recognise the challenges around local capacity and impact on organisations delivering UKSPF-funded services, including within the voluntary and community sectors. Government is continuing to work closely with local government and delivery partners to help manage this transition, including by extending the UKSPF expenditure deadline to 30 September 2026, to provide local authorities and partners with greater flexibility to maximise spend. We understand that Shropshire is not currently a part of a devolution arrangement, but encourage expressions of interest for Foundational Strategic Authorities in line with the invitation issued on 12th February (Areas for producing spatial development strategies - GOV.UK).

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing statutory protections that would allow surviving policyholders, where the death of a partner has led to terminations of reissuing of joint insurance policies, to continue existing insurance policies until the end of their contract.

The government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly, including where they have suffered a bereavement, and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). FCA rules also require insurers to ensure their communications are clear, fair and not misleading. The FCA have published guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers, including those who may recently have experienced bereavement. The FCA monitors firms to make sure they comply with these rules, and, where necessary, it has robust powers to take action. More broadly, insurers make commercial decisions about the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The government does not generally intervene in these decisions by insurance companies.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential benefits of introducing a mandatory bereavement grace period for insurers.

The government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly, including where they have suffered a bereavement, and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). FCA rules also require insurers to ensure their communications are clear, fair and not misleading. The FCA have published guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers, including those who may recently have experienced bereavement. The FCA monitors firms to make sure they comply with these rules, and, where necessary, it has robust powers to take action. More broadly, insurers make commercial decisions about the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The government does not generally intervene in these decisions by insurance companies.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure customers purchasing joint insurance policies are made aware of changes to cover and pricing when one policyholder dies by insurance companies.

The government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly, including where they have suffered a bereavement, and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). FCA rules also require insurers to ensure their communications are clear, fair and not misleading. The FCA have published guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers, including those who may recently have experienced bereavement. The FCA monitors firms to make sure they comply with these rules, and, where necessary, it has robust powers to take action. More broadly, insurers make commercial decisions about the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The government does not generally intervene in these decisions by insurance companies.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure transparency in the insurance industry's use of algorithmic and AI pricing models.

The government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). The FCA has been clear that it will be monitoring firms to make sure they provide products that are fair value, and, where necessary, it has robust powers to take action. The government believes that the safe and effective adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services is a major strategic opportunity, with the potential to power growth across the UK. As set out in the government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, it is our ambition to make the UK the world's most technologically advanced global financial sector, leveraging our dual strengths in financial services and AI. To support the effective and safe use of AI by industry, while protecting consumers and financial stability, the government has appointed Financial Services AI champions, Harriet Rees and Rohit Dhawan. They will focus on helping firms seize the opportunities for AI in a way that supports innovation, maintains trust in UK financial services, and ensures that consumers are appropriately protected.

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on ensuring step free access at railway stations.

On 15 January, the Government was pleased to announce that 8 projects to deliver step free routes at train stations are progressing directly to delivery, as part of our Access for All programme. 23 projects will undergo further design work, to inform potential future delivery. These improvements will deliver step-free access between platforms, and enhanced facilities designed to better support passengers with reduced mobility, parents with buggies, and those carrying luggage.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support British nationals in Indonesia that are unable to travel home due to the conflict in the Middle East.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 March in response to Question 118590.

What steps he is taking to support people living in homes off the gas grid in North Shropshire with the cost of heating.

As a result of decisions taken in the Budget, energy bills are set to fall by 7% or £117 from April. The expansion of the Warm Home Discount means nearly 6 million households are now eligible for the discount. We will continue to provide this until 2030/31.We also made a £15 billion investment in the Warm Homes Plan. £5 billion of this is going to low-income and fuel poor households, initially delivered through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant. This is made up of £4.4 billion in direct capital grants and an initial £600 million from the Warm Homes Fund, our new strategic investment facility.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of conflict in the Middle East on the cost of domestic heating oil in England.

The Government is closely monitoring heating oil supply and price in light of instability in the Middle East. We recognise that wholesale oil price volatility is placing pressure on domestic heating oil costs, and we are engaging with industry to ensure supply and pricing remains resilient. The supply of heating oil is subject to competition and consumer protection laws overseen by the Competition and Markets Authority, who monitor for any irregularities. The Warm Homes Discount Scheme continues to be available for low income off-grid households reliant on heating oil, while we work to support a transition away from fossil fuels to strengthen long-term resilience.

If he will take steps to support consumers paying increased costs for (a) heating oil (b) petrol and (c) diesel, in the context of conflict in the Middle East.

The Government is closely monitoring heating oil, petrol and diesel prices in light of instability in the Middle East. International kerosene prices are >75% higher than they were before the conflict and this is putting pressure on heating oil prices. The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Ministers have also spoken with the Competition and Markets Authority, who have announced they are reviewing evidence of potential unfair practices and anti-competitive behaviour. We are keeping under review whether any further support or action is needed to protect consumers.

Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential for Shropshire’s 2026–2029 Destination Management Plan and the inter-county partnership between Shropshire and Essex to lead to a national renewal of the ‘Grand Tour of England’.

While DCMS has not made a specific assessment of the potential for these initiatives to lead to a national renewal of the historic Grand Tour of England, we continue to encourage creative proposals that celebrate England’s cultural heritage and landscapes and contribute to economic development across communities. DCMS encourages innovative partnerships and thematic product development, such as proposals to revive the Grand Tour linking Shropshire and Essex, to create a powerful thematic draw for both domestic and international visitors. To support this, VisitEngland is working with the VisitBritain international network and events programme to ensure regional offerings are integrated into the global travel trade and bookable by international travel trade. DCMS welcomes Shropshire’s consultation on their Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2026–2029, which references the potential of working with Essex on the Grand Tour concept as a strong example of the partnership working. The DMP provides a strategic framework for enhancing the visitor economy in Shropshire, home to world-class attractions including the UNESCO-listed Ironbridge Gorge, the medieval Ludlow Castle and the scenic Shropshire Hills AONB.

Media and Sport, what support her Department provides for faith interface and reconciliation work carried out following cultural discoveries.

While there is no specific support available for faith interface and reconciliation work, Historic England, the government’s statutory advisor on the historic environment, provides grants for projects that repair, conserve and care for historic places including buildings, structures, monuments, landscapes and areas. Such grants can also be provided for unexpected discoveries, including objects. Historic England can then support further stages of work through separate research grants, where applicable, such as for removal and transportation of objects, and conservation and archiving. Details of such ‘emergency funding’ can be found on Historic England’s website.

Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the national heritage significance of the Byrga Geniht studies identifying Soulton Hall as the likely place of reburial for Erkenwald and the location of the High Altar stone of Old St Paul’s.

At this stage, the Government has not made an assessment of the interesting studies identifying Soulton Hall as the likely place of reburial for Erkenwald and the location of the High Altar stone of Old St Pauls. Currently, the architectural and historical significance of Soulton Hall is recognised through its Grade II* listing designation. Historic England, the government's statutory advisor on the historic environment, has received an application to amend the current List entry for Soulton Hall, and is considering the information provided. Historic England will then submit any subsequent recommendation to amend the List to DCMS for consideration.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support private stewards who manage significant national patrimony in private hands.

Historic England, the government’s statutory advisor on the historic environment, provides a wide range of resources and support to private owners of historic buildings, on matters from energy efficiency to maintenance to helping owners secure the most appropriate insurance for their properties. In addition, the planning reforms on which the government is consulting will make it easier for owners to make appropriate changes to buildings.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms to laying hen welfare policy on the competitiveness and viability of UK egg producers.

The Government has carried out an assessment and, as part of the consultation on laying hen cage reform, is seeking views on that assessment. The consultation also seeks additional evidence on how the proposals will affect egg production costs and current levels of imports and exports. As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the government’s disposal to protect UK’s most sensitive sectors.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to laying hen welfare policy on the level of imports and exports of egg products.

The Government has carried out an assessment and, as part of the consultation on laying hen cage reform, is seeking views on that assessment. The consultation also seeks additional evidence on how the proposals will affect egg production costs and current levels of imports and exports. As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the government’s disposal to protect UK’s most sensitive sectors.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that UK egg producers are not undercut by egg imports of lower welfare standards.

The Government has carried out an assessment and, as part of the consultation on laying hen cage reform, is seeking views on that assessment. The consultation also seeks additional evidence on how the proposals will affect egg production costs and current levels of imports and exports. As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the government’s disposal to protect UK’s most sensitive sectors.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that imported egg products adhere to the same welfare standards as UK egg producers.

The Government has carried out an assessment and, as part of the consultation on laying hen cage reform, is seeking views on that assessment. The consultation also seeks additional evidence on how the proposals will affect egg production costs and current levels of imports and exports. As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the government’s disposal to protect UK’s most sensitive sectors.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the production costs for UK egg producers that would be associated with a ban on colony eggs.

The Government has carried out an assessment and, as part of the consultation on laying hen cage reform, is seeking views on that assessment. The consultation also seeks additional evidence on how the proposals will affect egg production costs and current levels of imports and exports. As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the government’s disposal to protect UK’s most sensitive sectors.

What steps he is taking to increase the use of call-before-you-convey by ambulance services and hospital trusts.

In the Urgent and Emergency Care Plan 2025/2026, ambulance services have been focusing on delivering a range of practical actions to improve performance in 2025/26, including; improving ambulance ‘hear and treat’ service rates with increasing the proportion of Category 2 ambulance incidents where an ambulance clinician provides advice and treatment over the phone; andreducing avoidable ambulance dispatches and conveyances by ensuring all Category 3 and 4 calls are clinically navigated, validated, and where appropriate, triaged in ambulance control centres, or in single points of access. All ambulance services have implemented call before you convey arrangements, to ensure crews can access senior clinical advice on scene and convey patients to an emergency department only where it is clinically appropriate. We are also expanding access to urgent community care services to support the reduction of unnecessary emergency department attendances and hospital admissions.