Written questions by Sollom.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that child protection frameworks keep pace with technological developments in digital platforms and online gambling.

Keeping children safe online is a priority for this government. We continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders including social media platforms to further strengthen protections. As outlined in the Online Safety Act, in scope social media companies and search services are required to protect children from harmful content. Ofcom has robust enforcement powers to use should services not comply with their duties. Our children's wellbeing consultation seeks views on how we can go further, including exploring if age-restrictions should be applied to addictive features, such as algorithms.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to address the role of algorithmic recommendation systems in promoting harmful or addictive content, including gambling, to children.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling, including online gambling. Gambling operators advertising in the UK must comply with advertising codes, which ensure that gambling advertising is not targeted at children. When operators fall short, the ASA can take action or refer them to the Gambling Commission for possible enforcement action. We continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders to further strengthen protections.Keeping children safe online is a priority for this government. As outlined in the Online Safety Act, in scope social media companies and search services are required to protect children from harmful content. Ofcom has robust enforcement powers to use should services not comply with their duties. Our children's wellbeing consultation seeks views on how we can go further, including exploring if age-restrictions should be applied to addictive features, such as algorithms.

Media and Sport what recent assessment she has made of trends in under-18 participation in gambling activities, including via online platforms and apps.

The 2025 Young People in Gambling Survey demonstrated that gambling activity by under-18s increased from 27% to 30% compared with the previous year. This was driven by a 3% increase in unregulated gambling, such as private betting between friends and family, to 18%.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the role of AI chatbots in promoting or directing children to illegal online gambling.

We take the issue of children being directed to illegal gambling sites very seriously.AI chatbots covered by the Online Safety Act must protect all users from illegal content. We continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure these rules keep pace with technology and will not hesitate to go further if there is evidence to do so.More broadly, the Government is committed to tackling illegal gambling through the Illegal Gambling Taskforce. We will therefore consider examples of chatbots promoting illegal sites to children, in conjunction with other issues, when deciding on the best next steps to increase protections against illegal gambling.

Pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 122166, which groups her Department engaged to understand what capability is available to maintain high standards of security and integrity.

Externally, prior to live procurement, the Home Office English Language Testing (HOELT) Programme conducted five rounds of market engagement. This included industry experts and market leaders.The programme has also engaged with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Commercial Innovation Hub, including the Government Digital Service in addition to Home Office Digital (HOD) who are fully embedded in the programme, supported by specialist managed services covering technical architecture, service design, cyber security, testing, and AI assurance.

If he will publish his Department's Service Level Agreement with Capita regarding the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

The Cabinet Office maintains rigorous oversight of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) administration contract with Capita. While the Department does not publish the full, granular Service Level Agreement (SLA) documents as these contain commercially sensitive metrics and proprietary service modelling information, the core requirements regarding payment accuracy, timeliness of processing, and complaint resolution are outlined within the contract’s Statement of Requirements to ensure transparency.These standards are designed to ensure members receive a high-quality service, with financial deductions (service credits) applied should the provider fail to meet these thresholds.Further information regarding the contract's scope and performance expectations can be found on GOV.UK Contracts Finder at the following link:https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/f91f69a7-6120-4918-8220-2757e7e51ded?origin=SearchResults&p=2

Innovation and Technology, whether his Department considered alternative funding models for the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) reached the decision to cease Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) operations following a rigorous value-for-money assessment. This included a review of historical and forecast demand for the aircraft, detailed analysis of operating costs, and an assessment of future operational risks. Over the past year, and prior to the decision to cease funding, The National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) explored different operating models, including options to increase external income. However, forecast demand for the aircraft remained low. NERC and UKRI are aware that several organisations have expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft. As NERC and UKRI progresses the sale of the airframe, they will undertake appropriate market assessment and engagement, in line with HM Treasury guidance, to ensure that its disposal achieves the best possible value for public money.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made on the potential impact of changes in funding for the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements on (a) the UK’s weather, climate and air quality research capacity and (b) related skills pipeline.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), a part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is reviewing the value for money of its infrastructure investments to ensure maximum impact for the UK and transition its atmospheric science infrastructure to more flexible, scalable and sustainable technologies. As part of this, NERC has decided to cease funding the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) aircraft, which is operated by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) at the end of this financial year, with orderly decommissioning taking place in FY 2026/27. While there are some aspects of atmospheric science that can only be done with an aircraft, the future direction of atmospheric science increasingly favours distributed observing systems, land-based capability, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced sensor technologies that offer lower emissions, greater responsiveness and improved cost‑effectiveness through scalability. NERC and UKRI have already begun investing in these areas, including a Net Zero Aerial Capability scoping programme (in collaboration with Innovate UK) on UAV development, as well as committing additional investment to NCAS’ Atmospheric Measuring and Observation Facility (AMOF) equipment pools. NERC will also invest £1 million in Financial Year 2026/27 to further explore autonomous capabilities, with the intention of scaling successful approaches. NERC is engaging closely with affected staff and institutions to retain expertise within the wider atmospheric science system (including weather, climate and air quality research) wherever possible. Much of the FAAM equipment will be repurposed and will continue to require skilled operators, helping to maintain capability and minimise impacts on the skills pipeline.

Pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 122166, if she will publish the security schedule and solution requirements relating to English Language Testing Requirements.

The security schedule and solution requirements form part of the live procurement documentation for this contract. As the procurement process is live and ongoing, it would not be appropriate to publish these documents at this time, as doing so could prejudice the integrity of the competitive tendering process

Pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 122166, whether she has had discussions with Five Eyes counterparts on maintaining high standards of security and integrity in English Language Testing arrangements.

The security and integrity of English Language Testing arrangements is a matter the Government takes very seriously and robust standards in this area are essential to maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.We work closely with our Five Eyes counterparts across all service areas, including language testing, and value the insight provided by these interactions.As there is a live procurement exercise currently under way, it would not be appropriate for the Home Office to comment further on the specific arrangements or any discussions that may inform them at this time.

Whether his Department holds data relating to (a) average hold time when calling Capita customer services regarding Civil Service Pensions and (b) number of callers who end their calls while waiting on hold.

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. The Cabinet Office monitors the performance of the Civil Service Pension Scheme administrator, Capita, through regular service level reporting. This includes metrics relating to contact centre performance, such as average call wait times and call abandonment rates. In the week commencing 20 March 2026, the average wait time was 2 minutes and 3 seconds, with 70% of calls answered in less than 30 seconds. Improvements are still to be made to ensure calls are answered as per the agreed contractual rate. Senior representatives from Capita appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on 26 March 2026 to provide evidence on the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. During this session, Capita committed to providing the Committee with specific data on recent call-handling performance and member experience. Regarding the volume of calls disconnected after a conversation has commenced, referred to during the PAC hearing as 'calls dropped partway through', Capita has committed to providing this specific data to the Committee in writing. Progress on the recovery plan and the latest available performance updates are also published regularly on:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that adequate levels of customer service are maintained by MyCSP during the transfer of the Civil Service Pension Scheme administration to Capita.

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme.Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. Capita has made lump sum payments to 8,747 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time. The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates

Whether the Home Office English Language Test will be regulated by Ofqual.

The Home Office English Language Testing Programme remains in live procurement. We anticipate that the successful bidder will hold, or secure, Ofqual recognition. They must then continue to meet the rigorous bar required to comply with Ofqual's regulatory requirements. We are committed to working with Ofqual through to mobilisation to protect the integrity of these high-stakes tests.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the closure of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements on the specialist skills base in atmospheric science in the United Kingdom.

While the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recognise that the retirement of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) is a significant decision for the atmospheric science community, this is not reflective of any decrease in the value of atmospheric science, and reflects a strategic shift to sustain UK leadership in this domain within a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Government remains committed to maintaining world class capabilities in environmental science and ensuring that public investment is most effectively directed where it delivers the greatest long-term impact. UKRI is engaging closely with affected staff and institutions to manage the transition responsibly and to retain expertise within the wider atmospheric science system wherever possible.

Innovation and Technology, what process was followed that led to decision to cut funding for the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM).

Following a review of value for money across its infrastructure investments, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), concluded that the Facility for Airbourne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) aircraft no longer offers value for money due to significant rising operating and maintenance costs and limited planned usage. Only two research projects are currently scheduled to use the aircraft between 2027 and 2029, accounting for approximately 27% of the available flying hours.NERC has engaged directly with the programme leads for the two projects affected, and is working to see how the aims of the research can be achieved through deployment of FAAM instrumentation from ground-based or other platforms, or through exploring alternative approaches with partners to achieve its goals, including the use of drones and other technologies.Ceasing FAAM operations will also release over £32 million in savings across the Spending Review Period, with a further £5 million in costs. This funding will remain within UK environmental science, enabling reinvestment in more adaptable, scalable and lower-emission technologies that can support a broader range of researchers and applications.

Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an assessment of the timeline for autonomous systems to replicate the payload and operational capabilities of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with input from the scientific community, is prioritising a strategic transition to more sustainable, modern and flexible infrastructures. While there are some aspects of atmospheric science that can only be done with an aircraft, the future direction increasingly favours distributed observing systems, land-based capability, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced sensor technologies. These technologies offer lower emissions, greater responsiveness and improved cost‑effectiveness through scalability.NERC has already begun investing in these areas, including a Net Zero Aerial Capability scoping programme (in collaboration with Innovate UK) on UAV development, as well as committing additional investment to NCAS’ Atmospheric Measuring and Observation Facility (AMOF) equipment pools. NERC will also invest £1 million in Financial Year 2026/27 to further explore autonomous capabilities, with the intention of scaling successful approaches.

How many starts there have been on each foundation apprenticeship standard since their launch in August 2025; and what assessment he made of the adequacy of that performance before announcing the expansion of foundation apprenticeships into hospitality and retail.

In August 2025 we introduced foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors, such as construction and health and social care, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills.Foundation apprenticeships are designed to support those young people who want to gain a broad grounding in a sector before they commit to progress into a more specific or more advanced occupation.As foundation apprenticeships are a new offer we understand providers and employers will need time to incorporate them into their businesses.In addition, other apprenticeships continue to support young people to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a specific occupation.Apprenticeship and foundation apprenticeship starts are published here: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2025/26 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK. The latest published data shows that there have been 110 foundation apprenticeship starts so far this academic year (Aug 2025 - Jan 2026).To create more opportunities for young people at the start of their careers, we are expanding foundation apprenticeships into hospitality and retail from April 2026. These sectors traditionally employ large numbers of young people and offer strong entry points into sustained employment with clear progression routes across England.They will have employer payments of up to £2,000 employer payment to support with the additional costs of taking on and supporting a young person at the start of their career.

When is his estimated date for publishing publish funding rates, duration and assessment arrangements for each of the seven apprenticeship units due to launch in April 2026.

Following the announcement we will be carrying out further testing with critical stakeholders to confirm details, including funding rates and delivery hours, are set at the right level. We want to ensure the final figures are robust and reflect sector needs. The details will be made available on the Skills England website in April 2026.

How many of the 500,000 opportunities announced on 16 March 2026 comprise (a) apprenticeships, (b) subsidised jobs, (c) work experience placements and (d) sector-based work academy programmes.

This Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. For many years our young people have not had the opportunity and support they deserve. Under the last government, between 2021 and 2024, the number of young people not in education, employment or training increased by 250,000. The Government has recently announced a further £1 billion investment in young people, taking the total investment to £2.5 billion over the next three years though the Youth Guarantee and additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy. This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. The more detailed breakdown of the 500,000 opportunities have been published on GOV.UK, as follows:150,000 work experience145,000 SWAPs50,000 apprenticeships90,000 jobs guarantee jobs60,000 hiring incentives Together these measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to backing young people, supporting employers, and working with partners across Great Britain to create clear pathways into employment and education for young people.

For each of the 16 apprenticeship standards being defunded, how many starts in 2024-25 were by people aged under 25.

Apprenticeship starts for the 2024/25 academic year by standard and age are published here: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2024/25 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK. Over the past 10 years, apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen sharply. Starts for 16–24-year-olds have declined by 40%, and over half of all apprenticeship starts are now by learners aged over 25, many of which are at higher levels. This has happened at a time when we have seen the number of young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) increase to nearly one million. The changes to streamline the apprenticeship offer will help to create headroom to invest in opportunities for young people and new apprenticeship units. An equalities impact assessment was undertaken and concluded that any potential negative impacts that could arise were proportionate to our legitimate aim of rebalancing funding towards young people, delivering growth, and better aligning the programme with the Youth Guarantee and the Industrial Strategy.