Written questions by Morgan.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2025 to Question 59153 on High Street Businesses: North Shropshire, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen the Post Office network in North Shropshire.

The Government is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Post Office network. This includes protecting the network by setting minimum access criteria (for example, to ensure that 99% of the UK population lives within three miles of a post office). To ensure Post Office provision in communities, such as North Shropshire, the Government plans to provide up to £83 million of network subsidy in this financial year. This is an increase from the £50 million p.a. provided in the previous Parliament and follows a similar uplift in the 2024/25 financial year.

If he will make an estimate of the cost to the NHS of patient transfers from ambulance to A&E taking longer than 15 minutes in each of the last five financial years.

No estimate is currently planned. The Government recognises the pressures on the National Health Service and the impact this is having on ambulance response times, including in Shropshire.We are determined to turn things around, and our 10-Year Health Plan will be published in the summer, setting out major NHS reforms to move healthcare from the hospital to the community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention.The NHS Urgent and emergency care plan 2025/26, published on 6 June 2025, requires health systems to focus on those areas that are likely to have the biggest impact on urgent and emergency care services this year. The plan includes actions that will reduce category 2 ambulance response times to 30 minutes and reduce ambulance handovers to 45 minutes, helping to get 550,000 more ambulances back on the road.

What data his Department holds on the number of compensation payments awarded to families living in service family accommodation in (a) Shropshire and (b) North Shropshire constituency in each year since 2020.

The table below details the number of compensation payments awarded to families living in Service Family Accommodation within the County of Shropshire and North Shropshire constituency since 2022. It also identifies how much was awarded in compensation payments. Compensation payments are made to Service Personnel in certain circumstances, ranging from missed appointments to the loss of cooking facilities. We are only able to answer the questions since the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) Contract began in April 2022. Data prior to the start of the FDIS Contract is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. YearCounty/ ConstituencyNumber of Compensation Payments AwardedTotal value of Compensation Payments Awarded2022Shropshire County57£2,920.00North Shropshire Constituency12£1,200.002023Shropshire County179£38,890.00North Shropshire Constituency60£14,420.002024Shropshire County249£16,435.00North Shropshire Constituency85£5,670.002025 (up to & including 22 Jun 25)Shropshire County87£4,070.00North Shropshire Constituency39£1,610.00 Please note that the North Shropshire Constituency figures are included within the Shropshire County Total figures.

In how many service family accommodation homes the presence of asbestos has been reported in (a) Shropshire and (b) North Shropshire constituency in each year since 2020.

The first table details the number of reported instances of Asbestos in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the County of Shropshire since the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) Contract began in April 2022. Data prior to the start of the FDIS Contract is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. These instances have been reported by contractors carrying out works in SFA where Asbestos was found to be present. EstablishmentApril 2022-Dec 2022Jan 2023-Dec 2023Jan 2024-Dec 2024Jan-Jun 2025Total1328202 The table below details the reports in the North Shropshire Constituency only: EstablishmentApril 2022-Dec 2022Jan 2023-Dec 2023Jan 2024-Dec 2024Jan-Jun 2025Total102271 Figures for the North Shropshire Constituency are included in the Shropshire County Figures.

How much was awarded in compensation payments to families living in service family accommodation in (a) Shropshire and (b) North Shropshire constituency in each year since 2020.

The table below details the number of compensation payments awarded to families living in Service Family Accommodation within the County of Shropshire and North Shropshire constituency since 2022. It also identifies how much was awarded in compensation payments. Compensation payments are made to Service Personnel in certain circumstances, ranging from missed appointments to the loss of cooking facilities. We are only able to answer the questions since the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) Contract began in April 2022. Data prior to the start of the FDIS Contract is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. YearCounty/ ConstituencyNumber of Compensation Payments AwardedTotal value of Compensation Payments Awarded2022Shropshire County57£2,920.00North Shropshire Constituency12£1,200.002023Shropshire County179£38,890.00North Shropshire Constituency60£14,420.002024Shropshire County249£16,435.00North Shropshire Constituency85£5,670.002025 (up to & including 22 Jun 25)Shropshire County87£4,070.00North Shropshire Constituency39£1,610.00 Please note that the North Shropshire Constituency figures are included within the Shropshire County Total figures.

What steps he is taking to reduce ambulance handover delays at hospitals in Shropshire.

The Government recognises the pressures on the National Health Service and the impact this is having on ambulance response times, including in Shropshire.We are determined to turn things around, and our 10-Year Health Plan will be published in the summer, setting out major NHS reforms to move healthcare from the hospital to the community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention.The Urgent and emergency care plan 2025/26, published on 6 June 2025, requires health systems to focus on those areas that are likely to have the biggest impact on urgent and emergency care services this year. The plan includes actions that will reduce ambulance handovers to 45 minutes, helping to get 550,000 more ambulances back on the road. The plan is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/urgent-and-emergency-care-plan-2025-26/

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of ambulance handover times on the number of paramedics employed by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

No specific assessment has been made for West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust. It is for local ambulance trusts and their commissioners to take decisions on staff resourcing to meet local patient demand.However, we recognise the impact that handover delays have on ambulance resourcing, which is why the Urgent and emergency care plan 2025/26, published on 6 June 2025, sets out specific actions to tackle ambulance handover delays by meeting the maximum 45-minute ambulance handover time standard. This will help to get 550,000 more ambulances back on the road for patients. The plan is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/urgent-and-emergency-care-plan-2025-26/

How many hours each ambulance service has spent on hospital handovers in each of the last five financial years.

The following table shows the aggregate number of handover hours recorded by each ambulance service by year:TrustTotal handover time in hoursOctober to March 2023/24April to March 2024/25April to 25 May 2025/26East Midlands Ambulance Service153,860305,71743,598East of England Ambulance Service143,789272,83637,300Isle of Wight Ambulance Service2,6726,692819London Ambulance Service129,007274,02147,281North East Ambulance Service39,28083,99513,293North West Ambulance Service144,460336,57949,600South Central Ambulance Service82,926143,50918,152South East Coast Ambulance Service67,139132,97421,046South Western Ambulance Service267,813436,01963,329West Midlands Ambulance Service225,806506,41487,221Yorkshire Ambulance Service123,836245,67531,920Source: the Ambulance Quality Indicators dataset, with further information available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/Note: Data is unavailable prior to October 2023.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 June 2025 to Question 59418 on Business: Imports, whether his Department has made (a) financial and (b) logistical support schemes available to high street businesses facing increased shipping costs due to extended import routes from Asia.

Globalised supply chains and the associated logistics costs remain a critical factor for the success of UK businesses and those on High Street.The Supply Chain Centre will work in tandem with businesses to identify risks to critical supply chains and recommend actions to reduce their impact on business operations.Businesses are also able to access a wide range of support offers by the Department, including the Business Growth Service which brings together a range of existing core services as well as new and improved elements of the business support offer. Further details will be released in the SME Strategy later this summer.

If she will take steps with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to make an assessment of the potential impact of rural transport connections on economic development in North Shropshire constituency.

The government recognises the importance of accessible, frequent and affordable public transport and is working to deliver better services, grow passenger numbers, and increase opportunities for under-served regions. This is a vital part of the government’s missions to kickstart economic growth and remove barriers to opportunity.I am committed to working closely with other government departments, including the Department for Business and Trade to ensure the government can realise its ambitious plans for local transport reform, including in North Shropshire and rural areas right across England.

How many Radio Teleswitch Service meters are left to be switched off in (a) Shropshire and (b) North Shropshire constituency.

The Department does not hold constituency or county level data on RTS meters. Ofgem data shows that as of 30 May, 314,935 RTS meters remain in premises in Great Britain. Energy suppliers have contacted all premises with RTS meters and Ofgem is encouraging customers to book an appointment to ensure they are provided with a replacement meter as soon as possible.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 37330 on Gobowen-Oswestry Railway Line, if her Department will confirm whether the Oswestry-Gobowen scheme is included in the Spending Review 2025 and (b) by what date a decision on (i) funding and (ii) operator consultation will be made.

While some key schemes have already been referenced by the Chancellor following the Spending Review, we are now finalising the wider portfolio of rail enhancements, which will be published shortly as part of the Government’s commitment to set out its overall infrastructure pipeline.

What recent progress she has made on (a) design finalisation, (b) contract award and (c) surveys for the Whitchurch step-free access project.

This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of our Access for All programme. This included Whitchurch railway station. We are in the early stages of understanding the full implications of the Spending Review for Access for All and other rail projects and will engage with stakeholders in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38692 on Whitchurch (Shropshire) Station: Access, when a decision on whether Whitchurch Station will proceed under the Access for All programme will be made.

This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of our Access for All programme. This included Whitchurch railway station. We are in the early stages of understanding the full implications of the Spending Review for Access for All and other rail projects and will engage with stakeholders in due course.

What steps her Department is taking to support schools experiencing structural damage caused by badgers.

The government has increased investment to improve the condition of school buildings across England to £2.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. We have also given a long term commitment to increase annual capital maintenance investment per year through to 2034/35.In addition to capital funding and programmes, the department provides a range of guidance to help local authorities, academy trusts, governing bodies and other responsible bodies deliver their responsibilities to keep buildings safe, in good working order and compliant with relevant regulations. This includes school estate management standards and good estate management for schools. We also make available comprehensive risk protection for public sector schools as an alternative to commercial insurance through our risk protection assurance scheme.Any school that suspects structural damage to its buildings, whether caused by badgers or anything else, should seek professional advice and, if the issue results in closure of part or all of the school, should notify the department.The department expects all responsible bodies to have robust plans in place to manage any asbestos in their school and college buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties, drawing on appropriate professional advice. Asbestos management in schools and other buildings is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive, and the department has published guidance to help school duty holders comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.The department provides additional advice and support on a case-by-case basis in situations where serious and urgent safety issues with a building cannot be managed independently by a responsible body.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2025 to Question 59415 on Business: Market Towns, whether he has made an assessment with the Secretary of State for Transport on the potential impact of rural public transport on high street (a) footfall and (b) business viability in North Shropshire constituency.

The government believes that local leaders, working with bus operators, are best placed to make decisions around the provision of local bus services. The government has confirmed £955m for the 2025/26 financial year to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities, including in rural areas. This includes £243m for bus operators and £712m to local authorities across the country, of which Shropshire Council has been allocated £4.4m.The government has reaffirmed its commitment to bus services in this Spending Review by confirming around £900m each year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve vital bus services. Improved bus routes and connectivity will increase access to local high streets improving footfall and business viability in North Shropshire.North Shropshire high street businesses are supported by the Marches Growth Hub which provides businesses of all sizes and sectors across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin with advice and support throughout the business journey.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the structural issues in The Corbet School in Shropshire.

The government has increased capital funding to £2.1 billion for school maintenance in the 2025/26 financial year, almost £300 million more than in 2024/25. As part of this, the department announced on 30 May that the £470 million Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) will support 789 essential projects at 656 eligible schools and sixth form colleges.The appeals round for unsuccessful applicants to CIF 2025/26 opened on 2 June and closed at 12 noon on 23 June. We aim to announce the results of appeals in August, and do not comment on individual cases beforehand in order to be fair to all applicants.Schools and sixth-form colleges eligible for CIF, including The Corbet School, may apply for Urgent Capital Support (UCS) at any time, where they have evidence of serious and urgent issues that threaten the operation of the school and which cannot be managed independently or wait for a future funding round. Further details on UCS can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-improvement-fund#urgent-capital-support.

What steps her Department is taking to support schools that have discovered asbestos insulation in their building structures.

The government has increased investment to improve the condition of school buildings across England to £2.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. We have also given a long term commitment to increase annual capital maintenance investment per year through to 2034/35.In addition to capital funding and programmes, the department provides a range of guidance to help local authorities, academy trusts, governing bodies and other responsible bodies deliver their responsibilities to keep buildings safe, in good working order and compliant with relevant regulations. This includes school estate management standards and good estate management for schools. We also make available comprehensive risk protection for public sector schools as an alternative to commercial insurance through our risk protection assurance scheme.Any school that suspects structural damage to its buildings, whether caused by badgers or anything else, should seek professional advice and, if the issue results in closure of part or all of the school, should notify the department.The department expects all responsible bodies to have robust plans in place to manage any asbestos in their school and college buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties, drawing on appropriate professional advice. Asbestos management in schools and other buildings is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive, and the department has published guidance to help school duty holders comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.The department provides additional advice and support on a case-by-case basis in situations where serious and urgent safety issues with a building cannot be managed independently by a responsible body.

If she will take steps with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to make an assessment of the potential impact of establishing the Oswestry-Gobowen railway line on the economy of the local area.

The previous government’s Restoring Your Railway programme funded the development of a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for the Oswestry-Gobowen rail link. Feedback on the SOBC was provided to the promoters (Cambrian Heritage Railway Ltd) during 2023. In July 2024, the Chancellor announced that the Restoring Your Railway programme would be closed. Any further assessment of the potential impact of this proposal should now be progressed as part of Shropshire Council’s Local Transport Plan.

If she will publish a list of areas in North Shropshire which are underserved by bus services.

The government recognises the importance of accessible, frequent and affordable bus services in keeping communities connected, although has not assessed the adequacy of bus services in specific communities in North Shropshire and does not have plans to publish a list of areas which are underserved by bus services in North Shropshire.The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them, including in North Shropshire.In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million to local authorities across the country, of which Shropshire County Council has been allocated £4.4 million. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to bus services in this Spending Review by confirming continued funding each year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve vital bus services, including taking forward bus franchising pilots in areas including York and North Yorkshire, and extending the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027.