Written questions by Morgan.

If she will work with the Financial Conduct Authority to issue guidance to insurers on the resolution of Covid-19 Business Interruption claims not resolved when the limitation deadline is reached.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator for financial services, sets the conduct standards required of insurance firms. This includes rules requiring insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly. With respect to business interruption claims linked to Covid-19, the Supreme Court published its final judgment in the FCA test case in January 2021. At the time of the judgment, the FCA set out its expectation that insurers should communicate to all impacted policyholders what the judgment meant for their claim and that insurers should move quickly to resolve claims as determined by the judgment, making interim payments wherever possible. It is important to note that the FCA court case did not cover all potential issues with business interruption policies but aimed to provide certainty to as many policyholders as possible. The FCA, as the independent regulator, has robust powers to take action where firms do not appear to be meeting their expectations and treating their customers fairly.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the March 2026 limitation deadline on unresolved Covid-19 Business Interruption claims.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator for financial services, sets the conduct standards required of insurance firms. This includes rules requiring insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly. With respect to business interruption claims linked to Covid-19, the Supreme Court published its final judgment in the FCA test case in January 2021. At the time of the judgment, the FCA set out its expectation that insurers should communicate to all impacted policyholders what the judgment meant for their claim and that insurers should move quickly to resolve claims as determined by the judgment, making interim payments wherever possible. It is important to note that the FCA court case did not cover all potential issues with business interruption policies but aimed to provide certainty to as many policyholders as possible. The FCA, as the independent regulator, has robust powers to take action where firms do not appear to be meeting their expectations and treating their customers fairly.

What steps she is taking to ensure insurers do not use litigation to prevent small business policyholders from making claims.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator for financial services, sets the conduct standards required of insurance firms. This includes rules requiring insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly. With respect to business interruption claims linked to Covid-19, the Supreme Court published its final judgment in the FCA test case in January 2021. At the time of the judgment, the FCA set out its expectation that insurers should communicate to all impacted policyholders what the judgment meant for their claim and that insurers should move quickly to resolve claims as determined by the judgment, making interim payments wherever possible. It is important to note that the FCA court case did not cover all potential issues with business interruption policies but aimed to provide certainty to as many policyholders as possible. The FCA, as the independent regulator, has robust powers to take action where firms do not appear to be meeting their expectations and treating their customers fairly.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of NHS spending on pharmaceutical products on levels of NHS staffing, equipment and activity in the context of the UK-US trade deal.

Every patient deserves access to the best possible treatment. By increasing the standard National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) cost-effectiveness threshold, we are increasing the value that we place on innovations that deliver improvements to patient health. Alongside the changes that we announced in the Life Sciences Sector Plan this will increase both the speed and breadth of patient access to innovative medicines and encourage growth in United Kingdom based clinical trials. This is supported by confirmation that, thanks to strong UK support for innovation, the UK has secured mitigations under the United States of America’s ‘Most Favoured Nation’ drug pricing initiative.This deal will also benefit our life sciences sector, driving jobs, investment, and growth. We have secured a preferential tariff rate of 0% for all pharmaceuticals exports to the US for at least three years, and preferential terms for the UK’s medical technology exports, meaning no additional new tariffs on medical technology.The move has secured the confidence of the pharmaceutical industry that the UK is a top destination for investment and growth, with major firms like Moderna, Prologis, and BioNTech investing billions here, and renewed confidence in the UK.Costs will start smaller but will increase over time as NICE approves more life improving and lifesaving medicines. Total costs over the spending review period are expected to be approximately £1 billion. But the final costs will depend on which medicines NICE decides to approve and the actual uptake of these.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 measures on VAT on private hire vehicles on (a) people with disabilities and (b) older people.

Private hire vehicle (PHV) services provided by VAT-registered businesses are, and always have been, subject to the standard rate of VAT (20%). The Government’s announcement at Autumn Budget 2025 puts an end to the exploitation of a VAT administration scheme, designed for the tour operator sector, by a small number of large private hire vehicle operators seeking to pay a lower rate of VAT than others. This won’t affect smaller operators outside London whose drivers contract directly with passengers, or black cabs, neither of which have attempted to exploit this scheme. By making sure all operators pay their fair share, the Government expects to raise around £700m of tax revenue each year that it believes should already be being paid. Protecting this revenue is part of the Government’s tax reforms which have enabled us to protect payslips, cut energy bills and reduce borrowing.

What the timetable is for the publication of the new nutrient profiling model announced in the 10-year health plan for England.

As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever.  The plan also stated that the Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) 2004/05, which underpins the advertising restrictions on ‘less healthy’ food and drink products on television and online and promotion restrictions on ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in stores and their equivalent places online, is out of date. Updating the standards to reflect the latest dietary advice will strengthen the restrictions and more effectively target the products of most concern to childhood obesity.The Government intends to publish the new NPM in due course, ahead of consulting on its application to the advertising and promotions restrictions this year.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of NHS spending on pharmaceutical products on the economy in the context of the UK-US trade deal.

Every patient deserves access to the best possible treatment. By increasing the standard National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) cost-effectiveness threshold, we are increasing the value that we place on innovations that deliver improvements to patient health. Alongside the changes that we announced in the Life Sciences Sector Plan this will increase both the speed and breadth of patient access to innovative medicines and encourage growth in United Kingdom based clinical trials. This is supported by confirmation that, thanks to strong UK support for innovation, the UK has secured mitigations under the United States of America’s ‘Most Favoured Nation’ drug pricing initiative.This deal will also benefit our life sciences sector, driving jobs, investment, and growth. We have secured a preferential tariff rate of 0% for all pharmaceuticals exports to the US for at least three years, and preferential terms for the UK’s medical technology exports, meaning no additional new tariffs on medical technology.The move has secured the confidence of the pharmaceutical industry that the UK is a top destination for investment and growth, with major firms like Moderna, Prologis, and BioNTech investing billions here, and renewed confidence in the UK.Costs will start smaller but will increase over time as NICE approves more life improving and lifesaving medicines. Total costs over the spending review period are expected to be approximately £1 billion. But the final costs will depend on which medicines NICE decides to approve and the actual uptake of these.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of NHS spending on pharmaceutical products on patients in the context of the UK-US trade deal.

Every patient deserves access to the best possible treatment. By increasing the standard National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) cost-effectiveness threshold, we are increasing the value that we place on innovations that deliver improvements to patient health. Alongside the changes that we announced in the Life Sciences Sector Plan this will increase both the speed and breadth of patient access to innovative medicines and encourage growth in United Kingdom based clinical trials. This is supported by confirmation that, thanks to strong UK support for innovation, the UK has secured mitigations under the United States of America’s ‘Most Favoured Nation’ drug pricing initiative.This deal will also benefit our life sciences sector, driving jobs, investment, and growth. We have secured a preferential tariff rate of 0% for all pharmaceuticals exports to the US for at least three years, and preferential terms for the UK’s medical technology exports, meaning no additional new tariffs on medical technology.The move has secured the confidence of the pharmaceutical industry that the UK is a top destination for investment and growth, with major firms like Moderna, Prologis, and BioNTech investing billions here, and renewed confidence in the UK.Costs will start smaller but will increase over time as NICE approves more life improving and lifesaving medicines. Total costs over the spending review period are expected to be approximately £1 billion. But the final costs will depend on which medicines NICE decides to approve and the actual uptake of these.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her department's food strategy will include measures to address obesity and dietary-related diseases separate to those announced in the 10-year health plan for England.

The outcomes set out in the food strategy include an improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales, and access to affordable, healthy food for all, particularly those on low incomes. They also include valued regional and local food cultures, with people more connected to local food systems, with the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily. Defra is working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care on delivery of food-related elements of the 10 Year Health Plan. These include restricting junk food advertising, introducing mandatory reporting and targets for healthier food sales, strengthening the impact of advertising and promotions restrictions by applying the updated Nutrient Profiling Model, and uplifting the weekly value of Healthy Start by 10%. The Government is exploring options to create and promote a vibrant food culture at a national, regional and local level, to connect people to their local food systems and better support local and place-based initiatives.

What steps his Department plans to take to implement the healthy food standard policy announced as part of the 10-year health plan for England within the current Parliament; and if he will publish a timeline for these legislative or regulatory changes.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever. The plan committed to introducing mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector before the end of this Parliament and targets to increase the healthiness of sales in all communities.To fulfil this commitment, the Government is working towards a Spring 2026 public consultation on Healthier Food Targets and Reporting. Implementation dates will be determined following consultation. We are engaging with stakeholders on how this policy could reduce health inequalities and will also consider this through consultation.We are considering the most suitable way to enforce the policy, and any decisions are subject to consultation.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the healthy food standard policy will reduce health inequalities and improve access to healthy food for deprived communities.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever. The plan committed to introducing mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector before the end of this Parliament and targets to increase the healthiness of sales in all communities.To fulfil this commitment, the Government is working towards a Spring 2026 public consultation on Healthier Food Targets and Reporting. Implementation dates will be determined following consultation. We are engaging with stakeholders on how this policy could reduce health inequalities and will also consider this through consultation.We are considering the most suitable way to enforce the policy, and any decisions are subject to consultation.

How he plans to enforce the targets set for businesses under the new healthy food standard policy announced as part of the 10-year health plan for England.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever. The plan committed to introducing mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector before the end of this Parliament and targets to increase the healthiness of sales in all communities.To fulfil this commitment, the Government is working towards a Spring 2026 public consultation on Healthier Food Targets and Reporting. Implementation dates will be determined following consultation. We are engaging with stakeholders on how this policy could reduce health inequalities and will also consider this through consultation.We are considering the most suitable way to enforce the policy, and any decisions are subject to consultation.

What steps he is taking to improve (a) awareness and (b) treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome in North Shropshire constituency.

In North Shropshire, the planning and commissioning of services for postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is led by the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board (ICB). It is this local ICB’s responsibility to work with clinicians, service users, and patient groups to develop services and care pathways that meet the needs of patients with PoTS.Many patients with PoTS can be diagnosed and managed effectively within primary care. In complex cases, or where patients do not respond to initial treatment, patients may be referred to specialised cardiology or neurology services. Management of PoTS typically involves lifestyle changes and medications to help control symptoms, and can involve support from a multidisciplinary team.To improve awareness among healthcare professionals, the Royal College of General Practitioners includes training on PoTS as part of its Syncope Toolkit, an online resource for general practitioners. This provides education, practical guidance, and case studies to help primary care doctors recognise PoTS and manage initial investigations.Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence provides a Clinical Knowledge Summary on blackouts and syncope, last updated November 2023, which advises clinicians on best practice in assessing and diagnosing PoTS.The 10-Year Health Plan aims to transform services and outcomes for people living with complex conditions like PoTS by prioritising integrated, personalised care. The plan focuses on earlier diagnosis and promotes multidisciplinary teams and community-based services to deliver coordinated support closer to home, reducing reliance on hospital care. Digital innovations, including remote monitoring and an enhanced NHS App, will help manage long-term conditions like PoTS more effectively. The plan also commits to 95% of people with complex needs having a personalised care plan by 2027. Personalised care plans will improve support for people with complex needs by ensuring that care is tailored to the individual and coordinated across services.These measures will help to ensure that patients in North Shropshire, as in the rest of England, will receive timely diagnosis, coordinated specialist care delivered though locally based multidisciplinary teams, and personalised support that addresses their needs.

What steps he is taking to help improve postal delivery times in North Shropshire constituency.

I have discussed Royal Mail’s performance with the chief executive of Royal Mail and its parent company, and they recognise the need to do more to meet service delivery targets.In October, Ofcom, the independent regulator of postal services, fined Royal Mail £21 million for failing to meet its quality of service targets and has told Royal Mail it must urgently publish and deliver a credible plan that delivers major and continuous improvement.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of toilet provision at primary schools in North Shropshire constituency.

Under the School Premises Regulations 2012 or The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, for maintained schools and academies respectively, each school’s responsible body must ensure that schools are maintained so that pupils’ health, safety and welfare is ensured.The same regulations require that Responsible Bodies provide suitable toilets for pupils, which means they must consider factors such as the number, age and special requirements of pupils using the toilets.The full set of the first Condition Data Collection (CDC1) data is presented at school or regional level in the House of Commons library here: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2285521/details. A summary of the CDC1 data can be accessed in the CDC1 key findings report here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-data-collection-2-cdc2-programme.CDC1 ran from 2017 and 2019 and includes all government funded schools in England. The successor programme, CDC2, reviews and refreshes CDC1 data. It does not yet cover all schools in scope and is due to complete in 2026.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of independent assurance arrangements in place by broadband providers, including internal audit, to support the identification, management and mitigation of major risks.

The Government keeps the financial health of the market under close review and Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, and its associated Regulations and Code of Practice introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce, and prepare for security and resilience risks.We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

What data her Department holds on the number of primary schools without indoor toilets.

Under the School Premises Regulations 2012 or The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, for maintained schools and academies respectively, each school’s responsible body must ensure that schools are maintained so that pupils’ health, safety and welfare is ensured.The same regulations require that Responsible Bodies provide suitable toilets for pupils, which means they must consider factors such as the number, age and special requirements of pupils using the toilets.The full set of the first Condition Data Collection (CDC1) data is presented at school or regional level in the House of Commons library here: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2285521/details. A summary of the CDC1 data can be accessed in the CDC1 key findings report here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-data-collection-2-cdc2-programme.CDC1 ran from 2017 and 2019 and includes all government funded schools in England. The successor programme, CDC2, reviews and refreshes CDC1 data. It does not yet cover all schools in scope and is due to complete in 2026.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure broadband providers have robust governance and independent assurance arrangements in place, including internal audit, to support cyber resilience and protect digital infrastructure.

The Government keeps the financial health of the market under close review and Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, and its associated Regulations and Code of Practice introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce, and prepare for security and resilience risks.We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of not extending Start for Life funding to new Best Start for Life Family Hub areas on the delivery of integrated early-years services by local authorities.

Delivering integrated, joined-up health, education, and family support is at the heart of our ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.Healthy Babies, formerly Start for Life, funding is helping families during the critical 1,001 days, and parents have said that they are more confident in feeding their babies and have better perinatal mental health because of this support. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/start-for-life-services-thematic-review/start-for-life-services-thematic-reviewWe continue to assess how we can best support early years service integration across the country and remain committed to working with delivery partners locally to achieve this.Healthy Babies is one element of our broader commitment to supporting babies, children, and families. From April 2026, Best Start Family Hubs will expand to every single local authority, backed by over £500 million, to reach up to half a million more children and families. This funding will help all local authorities to integrate a range of statutory and non-statutory child health and family services.Best Start Family Hubs will form part of the architecture of the Neighbourhood Health Service. Through the shifts from hospital to community and from treatment to prevention, we will further strengthen the integration of services, helping to ensure that babies and their families can get the support they need, when and where they need it.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 97048, how many Single Living Accommodation units in the United Kingdom have recorded Legionella, in each year since 2018.

It will take my Department a considerable time to compile the requested information across the UK broken down in year and region. I will write to the hon. Member with a full response and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.