Written questions by Morgan.

With reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 14 May 2025, Official Report, column 336, whether he plans to provide additional funding to local authorities for social care to enable care providers to increase wages.

To enable local authorities to deliver key services such as adult social care, the Government has made available up to £3.7 billion of additional funding for social care authorities in 2025/26, which includes an £880 million increase in the Social Care Grant.The Government is also 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. As we work towards a Fair Pay Agreement, the Government will engage all those who draw upon care, as well as those that work to provide care and support. We will also consult local authorities, unions, and others from across the sector.Decisions on local authority funding for future years will be made as part of the 2025 multi-year Spending Review and local government finance settlement processes.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has produced a risk assessment in relation to the potential spread of foot and mouth by hostile actors.

Maintaining biosecurity is a key priority for the Government and biosecurity risks are assessed on a regular basis, including through the National Risk Register, to ensure preparedness plans align with the threat landscape. The Biological Security Strategy provides an effective framework to ensure UK resilience against a range of malicious and naturally occurring biosecurity risks. Defra possesses effective measures to detect new and emerging threats, including the incursion of FMD and actively works with other government departments and the sector through the Veterinary Risk Group (VRG) and the Human and Animal Infections Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) Group. Defra continues to adapt its policies as required and remains committed to protecting the UK’s biosecurity and livestock sector. Robust measures to maintain and improve Defra’s ability to understand, detect, prevent, respond and recover from foot and mouth disease outbreaks are 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.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support dairy farmers in North Shropshire constituency.

This Government recognises that food security is national security, and that it requires a resilient and healthy food system that works with nature and supports farmers. That is why we are introducing new deals for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security. Ensuring fairness in supply chains is key for UK dairy farmers in supporting the sustainability of the sector. The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 apply to new dairy contracts from 9 July 2024 and all dairy contracts from 9 July 2025. These regulations improve fairness and transparency, requiring clear terms on pricing, termination, and prohibiting unilateral changes.

Whether his Department undertook a risk assessment before making full medical records available to social care providers through the Devon and Cornwall Care Record.

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.

Which Community Diagnostic Centres patients could attend after being referred for a scan as of 30 April 2025; and what the addresses are of these locations.

The local community diagnostic centre (CDC) for patients in Shropshire is the Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrekin CDC. The CDC is located at Hollinswood House in Telford, TF3 3BD. Patients requiring tests will also be referred to other settings as appropriate, including local hospital sites. A list of all operational CDCs is published and available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/cdc-management-information/The Department and NHS England do not directly inform local providers or general practices (GPs) when CDCs open for referrals in the nearby area, but it is the expectation that each CDC and their host National Health Service trust does local engagement, including with local providers and GPs.

Whether his Department informs all (a) GPs and (b) care providers when a new Community Diagnostic Centre opens for referrals in the nearby area.

The local community diagnostic centre (CDC) for patients in Shropshire is the Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrekin CDC. The CDC is located at Hollinswood House in Telford, TF3 3BD. Patients requiring tests will also be referred to other settings as appropriate, including local hospital sites. A list of all operational CDCs is published and available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/cdc-management-information/The Department and NHS England do not directly inform local providers or general practices (GPs) when CDCs open for referrals in the nearby area, but it is the expectation that each CDC and their host National Health Service trust does local engagement, including with local providers and GPs.

When the revised Long-Term Workforce Plan will be published.

The Government has committed to publishing a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. No set date has been agreed for publication, as the wider work of the 10-Year Health Plan and the forthcoming Spending Review will influence the timing of the revised workforce plan later this year.Sir Jim Mackey will lead the transition team bringing the work of NHS England and the Department together over the next two years. This work will not impact the forthcoming publication of the 10-Year Health Plan and the subsequent reconsideration of the long-term workforce needs of the National Health Service, which will follow.The curricula for postgraduate training are set by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges for foundation training, and by individual royal colleges and faculties for specialty training. The General Medical Council approves curricula and assessment systems for each training programme.NHS England launched an extensive engagement and listening exercise to help shape the future of postgraduate medical training in February. The review will: hear about best practice; listen to concerns, including issues around training pathways and the capacity, quality, and inclusivity of training; and explore ideas and thoughts about how postgraduate medical training could evolve for the future. An engagement exercise will run through to June this year, with findings reported in the summer.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the abolition of NHS England on this years’ planned revision of the Long-Term Workforce Plan.

The Government has committed to publishing a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. No set date has been agreed for publication, as the wider work of the 10-Year Health Plan and the forthcoming Spending Review will influence the timing of the revised workforce plan later this year.Sir Jim Mackey will lead the transition team bringing the work of NHS England and the Department together over the next two years. This work will not impact the forthcoming publication of the 10-Year Health Plan and the subsequent reconsideration of the long-term workforce needs of the National Health Service, which will follow.The curricula for postgraduate training are set by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges for foundation training, and by individual royal colleges and faculties for specialty training. The General Medical Council approves curricula and assessment systems for each training programme.NHS England launched an extensive engagement and listening exercise to help shape the future of postgraduate medical training in February. The review will: hear about best practice; listen to concerns, including issues around training pathways and the capacity, quality, and inclusivity of training; and explore ideas and thoughts about how postgraduate medical training could evolve for the future. An engagement exercise will run through to June this year, with findings reported in the summer.

Whether the revised Long-Term Workforce Plan will contain guidance on how the NHS will (a) train and (b) supervise new doctors.

The Government has committed to publishing a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. No set date has been agreed for publication, as the wider work of the 10-Year Health Plan and the forthcoming Spending Review will influence the timing of the revised workforce plan later this year.Sir Jim Mackey will lead the transition team bringing the work of NHS England and the Department together over the next two years. This work will not impact the forthcoming publication of the 10-Year Health Plan and the subsequent reconsideration of the long-term workforce needs of the National Health Service, which will follow.The curricula for postgraduate training are set by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges for foundation training, and by individual royal colleges and faculties for specialty training. The General Medical Council approves curricula and assessment systems for each training programme.NHS England launched an extensive engagement and listening exercise to help shape the future of postgraduate medical training in February. The review will: hear about best practice; listen to concerns, including issues around training pathways and the capacity, quality, and inclusivity of training; and explore ideas and thoughts about how postgraduate medical training could evolve for the future. An engagement exercise will run through to June this year, with findings reported in the summer.

What guidance he has issued to integrated care boards on reasonable running costs per had of population.

As part of the necessary changes to support the National Health Service to recover, NHS England has indicated that integrated care boards (ICBs) should reduce their running cost allowance by 50%. The Government is supportive of NHS England’s decision and the necessary choices that are needed to get the NHS back on its feet. We expect ICBs to continue to deliver their responsibilities, including the planning and delivery of health and care services in community diagnostic centres.ICBs are asked to develop plans by the end of May setting out how they will manage their resources to deliver across their priorities. NHS England will be working closely with the ICBs to support the development of these plans, ensuring that their implementation reduces duplication whilst supporting patient care. Further information is available in the letter at the following link:NHS England » Working together in 2025/26 to lay the foundations for reform

Whether he plans to reduce the number of integrated care boards in England.

As part of the necessary changes to support the National Health Service to recover, NHS England has indicated that integrated care boards (ICBs) should reduce their running cost allowance by 50%. The Government is supportive of NHS England’s decision and will work with NHS England to make the necessary choices that are needed to get the NHS back on its feet. We expect ICBs to continue delivering their responsibilities, including the planning and delivery of health and care services.ICBs are asked to develop plans by the end of May setting out how they will manage their resources to deliver across their priorities. NHS England will be working closely with the ICBs to support the development of these plans, ensuring that the implementation of these reduces duplication whilst supporting patient care. Further information is available at the following link:NHS England » Working together in 2025/26 to lay the foundations for reform

When he expects the functional output of the Model ICB work to be published.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a critical role to play as strategic commissioners, improving population health, reducing inequalities, and ensuring access to high quality care. NHS England has circulated a draft of The Model ICB - blueprint document to all ICBs, to assist them in shaping their future plans, including which functions they should focus on, as indicated in Sir James Mackey’s letter to National Health Service trusts, foundation trusts, and ICBs, which is available at the following link:NHS England » Working together in 2025/26 to lay the foundations for reform

What steps he is taking to reduce the prevalence of infant brain injuries at childbirth.

The Department has invested £7.8 million to develop the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth programme, which will reduce the number of avoidable brain injuries that occur during childbirth. This will be implemented by NHS England and will provide staff with the tools and training to identify, intervene, and manage obstetric emergencies, as well as better identify signs that a baby is showing distress during labour.Additionally, the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations (MNSI) Programme investigates certain cases of potential severe brain injury that occur in the first seven days of life. The MNSI investigations seek to improve maternity safety and reduce the prevalence of adverse outcomes through providing learning to the health system via reports at a local, regional, and national level.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by Policy Connect entitled Bricks and Water: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy for a New Government, published on 22 January 2025.

We thank Policy Connect for their report and will consider its findings as we continue to review our flood and coastal erosion policies. This work includes a review of the current floods funding formula, and we will be launching a consultation this spring. This will ensure that the challenges facing businesses and rural and coastal communities are adequately taken into account when delivering flood protection, including consideration of alternative resilience approaches such as natural flood management and property flood resilience. The consultation will be open to everyone, and I welcome your, and your constituents’, participation. In January 2025 the Environment Agency commissioned an independent review of Property Flood Resilience. The review will identify current gaps and opportunities to grow the property flood resilience market, resulting in a new action plan for all relevant parties to take forward. Report due in Autumn 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's planned timeline is for bringing forward a consultation on the funding formula for allocation of money for new flood defences.

We have set out plans to consult on a new approach for floods investment. A consultation will be launched shortly which will include a review of the existing formula to ensure that the challenges facing businesses and rural and coastal communities are adequately taken into account when delivering flood protection.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment the potential merits of implementing recommendation 11 of the report by Policy Connect entitled Bricks and Water: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy for a New Government, published on 22 January 2025.

The government is committed to building the homes the country needs while ensuring they are safe from flooding. The Building Regulations set minimum standards for all new dwellings. Statutory guidance to the Building Regulations in Approved Document C promotes the use of flood resilient and resistant construction in flood prone areas, without placing undue costs onto any properties that do not require further flood resilience measures.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment the potential merits of implementing recommendation 10a of the report by Policy Connect entitled Bricks and Mortar: flood and coastal erosion risk management policy for a new Government, published on 22 January 2025.

We thank Policy Connect for their report and will consider its findings as we continue to review our flood and coastal erosion policies. This work includes a review of the current floods funding formula, and we will be launching a consultation this spring. This will ensure that the challenges facing businesses and rural and coastal communities are adequately taken into account when delivering flood protection, including consideration of alternative resilience approaches such as natural flood management and property flood resilience. The consultation will be open to everyone, and I welcome your, and your constituents’, participation. In January 2025 the Environment Agency commissioned an independent review of Property Flood Resilience. The review will identify current gaps and opportunities to grow the property flood resilience market, resulting in a new action plan for all relevant parties to take forward. Report due in Autumn 2025.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of reopening Baschurch railway station on the economy.

In light of the current spending review, it is vital that government spending is focused on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, and that every pound of taxpayers’ money represents value for money. Therefore, new projects must be carefully considered. I would encourage my honourable member to work with your Local Transport Authority, Shropshire Council, to develop a case for this proposal should it represent a local transport priority.

What steps he is taking to help increase rates of diabetic foot screening in (a) North Shropshire constituency and (b) England.

The NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Primary Care team continues to work with practices and primary care networks (PCNs) to improve the access to low-risk diabetic foot screening, as well as with its providers to ensure timely access to medium- and high-risk foot screening. The integrated care system is in the process of transforming its diabetes care pathway to ensure high quality, consistent care, closer to home for those with, or at risk of, diabetes across Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin, which includes access to diabetic foot screening.Whilst levels of diabetic foot screening across six of our nine PCNs are above the average levels for England, at 51.2% to 64.5% against an average for England of 46.9%, the integrated care board recognises that this is not universally the case, particularly in North Shropshire, where two of the three PCNs achieving below the average for England are situated, at 18.2% to 37.6%. These statistics are available in the National Diabetes Audit 2024/25 Quarterly Report April 2024 to December 2024.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Quality and Outcomes Framework guidance in ensuring appropriate management of patients with diabetes.

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) 2024/25 includes indicators for the effective control and management of diabetes. Performance improvements associated with the indicators in the QOF are seen in improvements in the care and management of diabetes.Annual diabetes reviews are associated with reduced emergency admissions, amputations, retinopathy, and mortality. Following a significant decrease in routine care delivery associated with the pandemic, the proportion of people with type 1 diabetes receiving all eight care processes had recovered back to 43.3% in 2023/24, and 62.3% for type 2 diabetes. This is comparted to 27% and 37% for 2020/21, respectively.The National Diabetes Audit core data for 2023/24 shows a steady trend of improvement in foot surveillance. The audit shows that the percentage of people with type 1 diabetes who received general practice foot checks in England reached 68.9%, versus 67.2% in 2022/23. The proportion of people with type 2 diabetes who received foot check examinations in 2023/24 was 81.3%, up from 78.8% in 2022/23. The foot check is financially incentivised via the QOF, and this is an important lever for maintaining high quality foot care.