Written questions by Morgan.

Whether he plans to personally meet with cross-party representatives to discuss social care reform.

Building a cross-party consensus is fundamental to the national conversation that the Prime Minister has tasked Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock to facilitate.The commission is independent and Baroness Casey has the full support of my Rt. Hon. friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in taking this work forward and deciding how best to engage other political parties and in building cross-party consensus.

What estimate his Department has made of the potential savings to the public purse from reduced usage of on-framework staffing agencies.

We have answered this question referencing the Planning Guidance for 2024/25, where NHSE England stated that trusts should end the use of off-framework agencies.The 2025/26 NHS priorities and operational planning guidance aims to improve procurement, contract management, and work to accept operating models that meet commercial standards.Use of off-framework agencies, which tends to be more expensive, is at record lows, contributing to a forecast cost reduction of £1.4 billion from 2024/25 (approximately 38% reduction) - NHS England » Financial performance update.Off-framework use is actively monitored through NHS England governance mechanisms, with additional oversight applied to Trusts with recurring non-compliance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the planned 30 per cent reduction in agency spend outlined in the NHS Planning Guidance 2025-26 on nurse fill rates.

As outlined in the NHS Planning Guidance 2025/26, all trusts are required to reduce agency spend by at least 30%, with an additional focus on achieving a 10% reduction in spend on bank staff. This aims to transition away from a reliance on costly temporary staff and to promote investment in permanent roles.While this specific assessment has not been made, fill rates on temporary staff, including nurses, are monitored monthly. It is essential that patient safety considerations continue to be the most important priority.Spend on agency increased significantly in 2021/22 to £2.96 billion and to £3.46 billion in 2022/2023. However, spend appears to have peaked as 2023/24 spend was £3 billion and it has decreased further in 2024/25.My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, wrote to trusts and integrated care boards in early June 2025 to reinforce the message in the Planning Guidance and set the ambition to eliminate agency spend in this parliament as part of optimising costs and productivity. The expectation is that staff will move to bank and substantive roles.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has updated its contingency plans following foot and mouth disease outbreaks in mainland Europe in 2025.

Defra’s approach to foot and mouth disease (FMD) control is set out in the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain supported by the Contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases of animals in England.Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) keep preparedness under continual review but have refocused efforts following the recent outbreaks of FMD in mainland Europe. To this end, the FMD Control Strategy is being reviewed and will be published on GOV.UK in due course. The Contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases of animals in England is reviewed annually, and the next update is due to be laid before parliament in late autumn this year.APHA, which leads Government action on animal disease control in Great Britain, is in the planning stages of a national tier 2 exercise to test and validate our response to an outbreak of FMD, scheduled for late 2025.

What steps her Department is taking to help support pensioners in North Shropshire constituency whose pre-1997 contributions are not subject to indexation.

Most schemes do pay some pre-1997 indexation, because of scheme rules or as a discretionary benefit. Analysis published last year by the Pensions Regulator shows that as of March 2023, only 17 per cent of members of private sector defined benefit pension schemes do not receive any pre-1997 indexation on benefits. This information can be found at: https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/research-and-analysis/data-requests#f3a5fe60511a445f91112bd7dd8a64aeBut for those affected by a lack of indexation I recognise the significance this can have.Members of these pension schemes are now understandably concerned at seeing inflation erode the value of their retirement income.It would be unreasonable to retrospectively increase the cost to schemes for benefits already earned, as these costs could not have been taken into account in the funding assumptions used to set contribution rates at the time.The Government’s upcoming pension reforms on the use of surpluses in defined benefit schemes will make it easier for individual schemes to make decisions that improve outcomes for both sponsoring employers and members, which could include discretionary benefit increases.

If he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Transport on the adequacy of access to postal services in rural areas where (a) post office branches have recently closed and (b) postal outreach services have recently ceased.

The Government protects the sustainability of the Post Office branch network, including in North Shropshire and across the rural network, providing funding stipulating that Post Office meets its minimum access criteria ensuring 99% of the population live within three miles of their nearest Post Office, across the country. Government confirmed the network subsidy will be up to £83 million for Financial Year 25/26. Post Office are committed to consulting on any proposed branch changes, as set out in the Principles of Community Engagement document agreed with Citizens Advice. These consultations focus on customers’ access to Post Office products following any proposed change. Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, requires Royal Mail to ensure that across the UK, the premises of no fewer than 95% of users of postal services are within 5 kilometres of an access point.

What progress his Department has made in resolving Horizon Shortfall Scheme claims for sub-postmasters in North Shropshire constituency.

As of 30 April 2025, £507 million has been paid in redress via the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS). This includes approximately £240 million in fixed sum awards and approximately £107 million in top-ups to previously settled claimants. DBT does not hold a constituency-level breakdown of HSS cases.

What steps he is taking to improve access to postal services in North Shropshire constituency.

The Government protects the sustainability of the Post Office branch network, including in North Shropshire and across the rural network, providing funding stipulating that Post Office meets its minimum access criteria ensuring 99% of the population live within three miles of their nearest Post Office, across the country. Government confirmed the network subsidy will be up to £83 million for Financial Year 25/26. Post Office are committed to consulting on any proposed branch changes, as set out in the Principles of Community Engagement document agreed with Citizens Advice. These consultations focus on customers’ access to Post Office products following any proposed change. Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, requires Royal Mail to ensure that across the UK, the premises of no fewer than 95% of users of postal services are within 5 kilometres of an access point.

If she will ask Network Rail to install Overlay Miniature Stop Lights at Viaduct level crossing in Chirk Bank.

My department looks to Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to make operational decisions independent of government in accordance with its statutory safety duties and expertise. These include decisions on the appropriate safety arrangements at specific level crossings, which are informed by thorough risk assessments. These risk assessments consider a range of factors, including potential hazards, visibility, train speed and level crossing usage. It is important that these decisions are made by Network Rail, without any interference or direction from my department, to maintain its independence.I have, however, passed on this request to Network Rail, who will be able to advise on the appropriateness of the safety arrangements at Viaduct Level Crossing in Chirk Bank.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the full budget available to community pharmacies in 2025-26 is spent on the sector.

For 2025/26, funding for the core community pharmacy contractual framework has been increased to £3.073 billion. This represents the largest uplift in funding of any part of the National Health Service, at over 19% across 2024/25 and 2025/26. This increased funding envelope is fully guaranteed for the sector.The funding allocated to Pharmacy First in 2025/26 reflects the growth of the service to date, with up to £215 million available to be earned by contractors in 2025/26. It is expected that changes to the remuneration arrangements, continued work on improving referral systems, and promotions to increase public awareness and knowledge around accessing community pharmacy services will ensure levels of activity that will see this funding fully utilised.

When he plans to set out a timeline for negotiations with community pharmacies for the 2026-27 Contractual Framework.

There is currently no set timeline for commencing consultations on the future community pharmacy contractual framework beyond 2025/26. Departmental budgets beyond 2025/26 will be set through Phase 2 of the Spending Review, which will conclude in June.A mandate for the consultation will then be sought when internal departmental budgets have been set.

What steps his Department is taking to help prevent the mishandling of patient information by social care providers.

Responsibility for delivering shared care records sits with local integrated care boards (ICBs).The health and care organisations which participate in the Devon and Cornwall Care Record are joint controllers for the shared care record system and are responsible for determining who is authorised to access medical records in the system, the process for authorising users, how those users access records and the purposes for which the records can be accessed.Every ICB which shares records is required to look after an individual’s information in accordance with the Information Governance Framework for shared care records published by NHS England, to ensure that only authorised users access relevant information, and that access is governed by appropriate access controls. The framework is available at the following link:https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/guidance/summary-of-information-governance-framework-shared-care-records/information-governance-framework-for-integrated-health-and-care-shared-care-records/There are safeguards in place to keep information confidential. All care organisations accessing information via the Devon and Cornwall Care Record must be compliant with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit and sign a data sharing agreement. To access, a user needs an account which must be requested by an authorised sponsor in their organisation. Each time a shared record is accessed in the Devon and Cornwall Care Record, it is recorded in an audit trail.The registered managers of any care home are responsible legally for the safe management of information and ensuring all staff receive training and must agree to the terms and conditions of use, of which they are reminded on the login page.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Hungary, Slovakia and Germany in 2025.

Defra has closely monitored the 2025 foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany. Following Germany’s confirmed FMD case in January, its FMD-free status was temporarily suspended but reinstated by the World Organisation for Animal Health in April after swift containment. Hungary and Slovakia reported FMD outbreaks in March 2025, prompting immediate action. Defra assessed the risk of FMD entering Great Britain from these countries as medium, citing potential spread via wild animals and human activity. As a result, the UK imposed temporary import bans on live animals and certain products from affected regions. Defra also reinforced biosecurity messaging to livestock keepers and increased disease surveillance. To strengthen long-term resilience, the UK is investing £200 million into its animal health infrastructure, including Weybridge’s national reference laboratory. Defra continues to adapt its policies in response to developments and remains committed to protecting the UK’s biosecurity and livestock sector.

Whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of the closure of Crown post offices on rural communities.

Government sets Post Office access criteria, ensuring that nationally, 99% of people live within three miles of their nearest branch, with further specific criteria for rural areas. These ensure that Post Office delivers essential services, including banking, within local reach of all citizens. Due to the Banking Framework, customers will be able to do their everyday banking at post offices across the UK until 2030. Government is working closely with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs, providing access to critical cash and banking services.There are two Directly-Managed Branches (DMBs) located in rural areas. Post Office announced the transition to a fully franchised network. Post Office will ensure all communities currently served by a DMB will have at least one Mains branch within a 1-mile radius of the existing branch.

Whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of (a) high street bank and (b) Crown post office closures on the availability of monetary services in rural communities.

Government sets Post Office access criteria, ensuring that nationally, 99% of people live within three miles of their nearest branch, with further specific criteria for rural areas. These ensure that Post Office delivers essential services, including banking, within local reach of all citizens. Due to the Banking Framework, customers will be able to do their everyday banking at post offices across the UK until 2030. Government is working closely with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs, providing access to critical cash and banking services.There are two Directly-Managed Branches (DMBs) located in rural areas. Post Office announced the transition to a fully franchised network. Post Office will ensure all communities currently served by a DMB will have at least one Mains branch within a 1-mile radius of the existing branch.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the access criteria for Post Office services for rural areas.

Government sets Post Office access criteria, ensuring that nationally, 99% of people live within three miles of their nearest branch, with further specific criteria for rural areas. These ensure that Post Office delivers essential services, including banking, within local reach of all citizens. Due to the Banking Framework, customers will be able to do their everyday banking at post offices across the UK until 2030. Government is working closely with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs, providing access to critical cash and banking services.There are two Directly-Managed Branches (DMBs) located in rural areas. Post Office announced the transition to a fully franchised network. Post Office will ensure all communities currently served by a DMB will have at least one Mains branch within a 1-mile radius of the existing branch.

Whether he has had discussions with Baroness Casey on engaging with political parties (a) individually or (b) collectively in relation to the Independent commission into adult social care.

The commission has now formally begun. Given the commission is independent, it is only right for Baroness Casey to independently build public and cross-party consensus. This includes choosing how and when the voices of political parties are best brought into the conversation.Baroness Casey has the autonomy to convene cross-party talks over the course of her work as she sees fit, with political parties invited as participants.

With reference to his oral contribution of 19 May 2025, on what date his Department plans to hold the first meeting of cross-party talks on social care.

The Government has clearly set out the importance of reaching cross-party consensus on adult social care. Building cross-party consensus is fundamental to the national conversation, and the Prime Minister has tasked Baroness Casey, as Chair of the Independent Commission into adult social care, to facilitate this.Given the commission is independent, it is only right for Baroness Casey to independently build public and cross-party consensus on how best to meet the current and future needs of the population.Baroness Casey has the autonomy to convene cross-party talks over the course of her work as she sees fit, with political parties invited as participants.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) address high turnover and (b) improve management practices in the care sector.

The Government recognises that the adult social care sector faces significant workforce challenges and recognises the scale of the reforms needed to make the adult social care sector attractive, to support sustainable workforce growth, and to improve the retention of the domestic workforce. That is why we are introducing the first ever Fair Pay Agreement to the adult social care sector, so that care professionals are recognised and rewarded for the important work that they do.We are supporting the professionalisation of the adult social care workforce, through expanding the Care Workforce Pathway, including registered manager and deputy manager roles. The pathway will set out how people can develop across a long-term career in adult social care with support and training, attracting people to join and remain in the sector We are also continuing to fund the Learning Development Support Scheme to help people build their skills and careers in care. The scheme is backed by up to £12 million this financial year, and includes qualifications to enhance the quality of care more broadly, as well as opportunities to develop leadership and management skills.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of a foot and mouth disease outbreak on the dairy sector.

The impacts of a reasonable worst-case scenario outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) were assessed in 2023 for the National Risk Register which is available on GOV.UK. These national risks are reviewed on a regular basis, taking into account new developments. Defra has robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of FMD as set out in the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain supported by the Contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases of animals in England. Defra continues to adapt its policies in response to developments and remains committed to protecting the UK’s biosecurity and livestock sector. In response to the outbreaks of FMD in Europe, this includes working with Dairy UK to update the milk code of practice for FMD, which is a set of guidelines for milk hauliers, processors, and buyers to prevent the spread of FMD through milk and dairy products.