Every parliamentary written question tabled by Helen Morgan this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 901–920 of 990 · this parliament
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing a Physician Associate to Junior Doctor conversion course.
There is no training pathway specifically designed for a physician associate to become a doctor in the United Kingdom. To become a doctor in the UK, an individual is required to complete either an undergraduate degree or a graduate-entry programme in medicine from a UK medical school which meets the standards set by the General Medical Council.
What steps his Department is taking to incentivise growth in rural businesses.
Rural businesses offer significant potential for growth and are central to our economy. DBT works with other departments who provide funding for the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) supporting new and existing rural businesses and improved community infrastructure that will provide essential community services. The Government has just announced the Business Growth Service (BGS), with local delivery at its heart to bring a range of existing core services under the BGS banner. All businesses can access their Local Growth Hubs, which provide advice and support throughout the business journey, shaping their offer around the unique needs, whether town or country.
Whether het has made a recent assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the difficulties that rural businesses face.
Rural businesses offer significant potential for growth and are central to our economy. DBT works with other departments such as Defra, helping people living and working in rural areas to realise the full potential of rural businesses and communities placing them at the heart of our policymaking. The Government will publish a Small Business Strategy Paper later this year, setting out the Government’s vision for all small businesses, and has committed to funding for two key growth-driving programmes in 2025-26: Growth Hubs in England and Help to Grow: Management across the UK, which help businesses and entrepreneurs unlock their potential through bespoke support and resources The Rural England Prosperity Fund is intended to support new and existing rural businesses, including farm businesses, to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy and to support new and improved community infrastructure that will provide essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy
Food and Rural Affairs, whether changes have been made to the criteria of the Farming Recovery Fund since Storms Ashley and Bert.
October 2023 to March 2024 has been recorded as the wettest six-month period ever recorded. The Farming Recovery Fund used data from Environment Agency and remote imagery on high river levels during Storm Babet (October 2023) and Storm Henk (January 2024). These were the two largest storms in this period. Met Office data was used to identify local authority areas in England which experienced exceptional rainfall. These data were used to identify eligibility for the Farming Recovery Fund which has now made one off recovery payments of £57.5 million to over 12,700 farm businesses to help farmers most affected by the exceptional flooding and wet weather. Eligibility for the Farming Recovery Fund does not include Storms Ashley nor Bert.
What the longest waiting time was for a PIP application in each month of the last five years.
We are committed to ensuring that people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner and reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence. The longest waiting time for a PIP application is potentially disclosive, and the longest waiting times recorded may not be accurate. Therefore, the 99th percentile is provided. Table 1 – 99th Percentile of End to end wait time, for the last five years up to October 2024.Year of Clearance99th Percentile End to end wait time (Weeks)2020452021472022532023442024 (to October)44 Table 1 – 99th Percentile of End to end wait time, by month for the last five years up to October 2024.Month of Clearance99th Percentile End to end wait time (Weeks)Jan-2040Feb-2037Mar-2037Apr-2043May-2041Jun-2046Jul-2047Aug-2051Sep-2049Oct-2052Nov-2051Dec-2047Jan-2146Feb-2146Mar-2142Apr-2142May-2142Jun-2144Jul-2145Aug-2147Sep-2149Oct-2150Nov-2149Dec-2149Jan-2251Feb-2253Mar-2254Apr-2255May-2256Jun-2256Jul-2254Aug-2254Sep-2253Oct-2250Nov-2252Dec-2252Jan-2348Feb-2349Mar-2349Apr-2346May-2345Jun-2343Jul-2342Aug-2342Sep-2343Oct-2341Nov-2340Dec-2341Jan-2442Feb-2443Mar-2442Apr-2442May-2443Jun-2442Jul-2443Aug-2443Sep-2447Oct-2446 Median PIP application clearance times are also available on a monthly basis as part of the PIP Official Statistics quarterly release. The latest release, with data to October 2024, is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675bf09bb915d092055a01d8/tables-pip-statistics-to-october-2024-eng-wales.odsTable 1A in this release shows the median average clearance times for normal rules new claims. Notes:Normal rules new claims only.England and Wales only.Figures rounded to the nearest whole week.It would be disproportionate costs to investigate whether the highest recorded rates were genuine or the result of incorrect recording that was later corrected.99th percentile means ‘longer wait time than 99 other claims from a random sample group of 100 claims’.End to end wait time calculated as the time from PIP registration to DWP decision.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the eligibility criteria for the Frequently Flooded Allowance on flood risks in low population rural areas.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer to their previous question 20325 on 2 January.
What the longest waiting time was for a PIP application in each of the last five years.
We are committed to ensuring that people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner and reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence. The longest waiting time for a PIP application is potentially disclosive, and the longest waiting times recorded may not be accurate. Therefore, the 99th percentile is provided. Table 1 – 99th Percentile of End to end wait time, for the last five years up to October 2024.Year of Clearance99th Percentile End to end wait time (Weeks)2020452021472022532023442024 (to October)44 Table 1 – 99th Percentile of End to end wait time, by month for the last five years up to October 2024.Month of Clearance99th Percentile End to end wait time (Weeks)Jan-2040Feb-2037Mar-2037Apr-2043May-2041Jun-2046Jul-2047Aug-2051Sep-2049Oct-2052Nov-2051Dec-2047Jan-2146Feb-2146Mar-2142Apr-2142May-2142Jun-2144Jul-2145Aug-2147Sep-2149Oct-2150Nov-2149Dec-2149Jan-2251Feb-2253Mar-2254Apr-2255May-2256Jun-2256Jul-2254Aug-2254Sep-2253Oct-2250Nov-2252Dec-2252Jan-2348Feb-2349Mar-2349Apr-2346May-2345Jun-2343Jul-2342Aug-2342Sep-2343Oct-2341Nov-2340Dec-2341Jan-2442Feb-2443Mar-2442Apr-2442May-2443Jun-2442Jul-2443Aug-2443Sep-2447Oct-2446 Median PIP application clearance times are also available on a monthly basis as part of the PIP Official Statistics quarterly release. The latest release, with data to October 2024, is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675bf09bb915d092055a01d8/tables-pip-statistics-to-october-2024-eng-wales.odsTable 1A in this release shows the median average clearance times for normal rules new claims. Notes:Normal rules new claims only.England and Wales only.Figures rounded to the nearest whole week.It would be disproportionate costs to investigate whether the highest recorded rates were genuine or the result of incorrect recording that was later corrected.99th percentile means ‘longer wait time than 99 other claims from a random sample group of 100 claims’.End to end wait time calculated as the time from PIP registration to DWP decision.
What steps his Department is taking to support rural businesses.
Rural businesses offer significant potential for growth and are central to our economy. As with all places, fulfilling the needs of people and businesses in rural areas is at the heart of our policymaking.The Government has just launched the Business Growth Service (BGS), a national service with local delivery at its heart. It will bring a range of existing core services under the BGS banner, working hand in glove with local and devolved governments and the Growth Hubs network.All businesses can access their Local Growth Hubs, which provide advice and support throughout the business journey, shaping their offer around the unique needs, whether town or country.
What the mean average waiting time has been for PIP applications in each of the last five years.
We are committed to ensuring that people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner and reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence. The following figures are for normal rules new claims only. YearMean Wait Time (Weeks)2020182021222022192023152024 (to October)15 Median PIP application clearance times are also available on a monthly basis as part of the PIP Official Statistics quarterly release. The latest release, with data to October 2024, is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675bf09bb915d092055a01d8/tables-pip-statistics-to-october-2024-eng-wales.odsTable 1A in this release shows the median average clearance times for normal rules new claims.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to announce new projects funded by the Frequently Flooded Allowance in the next year.
We are investing £2.4 billion in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience by maintaining, repairing and building flood defences. The list of projects to receive government funding in 2025/26 will be consented in the usual way through Regional Flood and Coastal Committees with local representation. Longer term funding decisions will be made at the next Spending Review.
How many of the houses bought from Annington are in (a) North Shropshire constituency, (b) Shropshire, (c) Staffordshire and (d) Telford and Wrekin.
The table below shows the number of properties bought by the Ministry of Defence from Annington Property Ltd located in North Shropshire, South Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford, and Wrekin constituencies. LocationNumber of properties purchased from Annington Property LtdNorth Shropshire140South Shropshire0Stafford190Telford0Wrekin600
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of existing (a) culvert and (b) land drainage responsibility legislation.
Defra keeps all legislation under review. Between 2022 and 2024, Defra undertook a review of the statutory powers and responsibilities to map, monitor, inspect and maintain all flood and coastal erosion risk assets, including culverts. This review also considered powers within the Land Drainage Act 1991. The review will be examined by the new Government and likely published in early 2025. We expect those responsible for all assets including risk management authorities, other public and community organisations, the private sector and riparian owners to invest in ongoing maintenance and ensure timely repairs where necessary.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to protect properties in North Shropshire constituency against surface water flooding.
To ensure we protect the country from the devastating impacts of flooding, we will invest £2.4 billion in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience, by maintaining, repairing and building flood defences. The Environment Agency has strategic overview for all flood risk in England, however, it is for Lead Local Flood Authorities to develop local interventions to reduce surface water flood risk for communities. The Environment Agency continues to work closely with Shropshire Council, who are the Lead Local Flood Authority on North Shropshire.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the methodologies used by the Rural Payments Agency for deciding which areas of farmland are eligible for the Farming Recovery Fund.
The Rural Payments Agency uses both the Environment Agency and Met Office data to establish which farm businesses may be eligible for Farming Recovery Payment. The data on river flooding and exceptional rainfall allows the agency to identify affected land.The full methodology can be found in the link below.Our approach to Farming Recovery payments – Farming.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the methodology used to decide which areas are eligible for funding under the Frequently Flooded Allowance.
This Government is investing £2.4bn in 2024/25-2025/26 to improve flood resilience. The projects to receive Government funding in 2025/26 will be consented over the coming months in the usual way through Regional Flood and Coastal Committees with local representation. We will consult in the new year on a review of the formula that allocates flood defence funding to ensure the challenges facing businesses and rural and coastal communities are adequately taken into account. The process used to allocate funding to floods projects in the investment programme follows a consistent approach that aims to reduce flood risk and secure benefits. The approach follows Green Book guidance on value for money.
Food and Rural Affairs, what methodologies the Rural Payments Agency uses to determine the set proportion of total eligible farm area provided funding.
The Rural Payments Agency uses both the Environment Agency and Met Office data to establish which farm businesses may be eligible for Farming Recovery Payment. The data on river flooding and exceptional rainfall allows the agency to identify affected land.The full methodology can be found in the link below.Our approach to Farming Recovery payments – Farming.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has produced an impact assessment for projects funded by the Frequently Flooded Allowance.
This Government is investing £2.4bn in 2024/25-2025/26 to improve flood resilience. The projects to receive Government funding in 2025/26 will be consented over the coming months in the usual way through Regional Flood and Coastal Committees with local representation. We will consult in the new year on a review of the formula that allocates flood defence funding to ensure the challenges facing businesses and rural and coastal communities are adequately taken into account. The process used to allocate funding to floods projects in the investment programme follows a consistent approach that aims to reduce flood risk and secure benefits. The approach follows Green Book guidance on value for money.
What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to create domestic abuse-aggravated offences.
I regularly meet with the Lord Chancellor to discuss the Government’s mission to halve VAWG and tackle domestic abuse.I am aware of Private Members Bill tabled by the Honourable Member for Eastbourne.I will carefully consider both the merits and risks of creating domestic abuse-aggravated offences and respond via the usual parliamentary procedure.
What steps his Department is taking to provide (a) comprehensive healthcare guidance on and (b) access to specialised gynaecological support for (i) the management of menstruation, (ii) contraception options, (iii) safe pregnancy care and (iv) other related matters for people with spinal cord injuries.
The Government will prioritise women’s health, placing women’s equality at the heart of our agenda, and ensuring that women’s health is never neglected again. NHS England Specialised Commissioning has a Clinical Reference Group (CRG) for specialised women’s services that provides clinical advice and leadership for complex obstetrics and maternity, and complex gynaecology and fertility preservation services. Specialist gynaecological services are commissioned in line with the service specification published by the CRG.Furthermore, there is a CRG for rehabilitation, and complex disability and spinal cord injury services. Specialist services for spinal cord injuries are commissioned in line with the service specification published by the CRG. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also has guidance on the assessment and early management of spinal cord injuries, which is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng41Menstrual problems and symptoms, such as heavy or painful periods, are common and can have a significant impact on women and girls’ wellbeing, and their participation in education and the workplace. We also recognise that having a spinal cord injury can create additional challenges for women and girls when it comes to managing their period. A range of treatments are available and can help manage menstrual symptoms and gynaecological conditions. Women and girls should contact their general practice (GP) if menstrual problems are affecting their daily life.In November 2023, NHS England published a decision support tool for managing heavy periods. This tool supports women’s understanding of their symptoms and appropriate treatment options, to support discussion with clinicians.The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has published a Women’s Health Library which brings together educational resources and guidelines on women’s health from the RCGP, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. This resource is continually updated to ensure GPs and other primary healthcare professionals have the most up-to-date advice, to provide the best care for their patients.We are committed to ensuring that the public receives equitable access to the best possible contraceptive services. Different methods of contraception are available from a range of different settings, including direct from pharmacies, both prescribed and over the counter, from GPs, and from local authority commissioned sexual and reproductive health services.The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service was launched in April 2023, enabling pharmacists to issue ongoing supplies of contraception initiated in GP surgeries and sexual health services. The service relaunched in December 2023 to enable community pharmacies to also initiate oral contraception. This service offers greater choice in how people can access contraception services. It will also create additional capacity in GP and sexual health clinics to support meeting the demand for more complex assessments.The Government will continue to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to grow our maternity workforce, develop a culture of safety, and ensure women and babies receive safe, compassionate care.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that women with spinal cord injuries receive adequate postnatal support including (a) breast feeding assistance and (b) tailored rehabilitation services.
The Government will prioritise women’s health, placing women’s equality at the heart of our agenda and ensuring women’s health is never again neglected. According to NHS England’s guidance, all women who have given birth should be offered a check-up with their general practice six to eight weeks after giving birth. The check-up will cover a range of topics such as mental health, physical recovery, breastfeeding, and support with family planning. NHS England is also rolling out perinatal pelvic health services to reduce rates of perineal tears, and maternal mental health services to provide additional mental health support and improve outcomes for women.We know that breastfeeding has significant benefits for both mother and baby. The Government is committed to achieving the healthiest generation of children ever, and central to this is our commitment to give every baby the best start in life. This includes helping families to achieve their breastfeeding goals. It is important that all families are supported to make the right choice for them and have prompt and easy access to high-quality advice and services to help them achieve their infant feeding goals.The Department is working closely with 75 local authorities across England to improve their infant feeding services, including breastfeeding support, through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. These services are helping families to access face-to-face and virtual infant feeding support whenever they need it, and in a location that suits them. This could be at home, in their family hub, or in a hospital setting.We want to build on the actions that local areas are already taking through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme to improve their infant feeding services. At a national level, families across the United Kingdom can access round-the-clock support and advice on breastfeeding through the National Breastfeeding Helpline.The Department recognises the profound impact that spinal injuries can have on an individual and their loved ones, and the importance of early access to high-quality neurorehabilitation. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced guidance on rehabilitation after traumatic injury, which includes specific recommendations regarding rehabilitation for those with spinal injuries. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng211