Written questions by Cleverly.

What recent discussions he has had with NHS England and integrated care boards on supporting hospices facing financial pressures, including those serving mid-Essex.

Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB), including the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, must commission. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.The Government recognises the financial pressures facing hospices. In February, NHS England wrote to all ICBs requesting an update on the financial stability of hospices in their footprint as a matter of urgency, and the steps being taken to mitigate risks.We also supported the hospice sector in England with a £125 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. From this funding stream, Farleigh Hospice in mid-Essex received £1,350,650 and Havens Hospices, which Little Havens Children’s Hospice is part of, received £1,287,240.Furthermore, children and young people’s hospices received £26 million in revenue funding in 2025/26. This was a continuation of the funding which until recently was known as the Children’s Hospice Grant. From this funding, Little Havens Children’s Hospice received £557,000.In 2025/26, we announced the continuation of this funding for a further three financial years. This funding will see at least £26 million, adjusted for inflation, allocated to children and young people’s hospices in England each year, covering 2026/27 to 2028/29, amounting to approximately £80 million over the three-year period.Children and young people’s hospices and ICBs have recently been informed of their allocations for 2026/27, although we are not yet in a position to share those individual allocations publicly. Communication regarding future allocations, for 2027/28 and 2028/29, will be sent once the 2026/27 process is complete.For the long-term, the Government is developing a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care for England, with a planned publication date of autumn 2026. We recognise that there is currently a mix of contracting models in the hospice sector. As part of the development of the MSF, we will consider contracting and commissioning arrangements. By supporting ICBs to commission more strategically, we can move away from grant and block contract models. In the long term, this will aid sustainability and help hospices’ ability to plan ahead.

Whether his Department plans to collect data on hospice bed capacity and service provision at a national level.

The majority of hospices are charitable, independent organisations and, therefore, the Government does not collect or keep data on hospice bed capacity nationally. Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning palliative care services to meet the reasonable needs of their population, which can include hospice services available within the ICB catchment. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and a service specification. NHS England’s Medium-Term Planning Guidance makes clear that ICBs and relevant National Health Service providers should ensure an understanding of current and projected total service utilisation and costs for those at the end of life, which can include services provided by hospices. The Government is developing a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care. Through our MSF, we will closely monitor the shift towards the strategic commissioning of palliative care and end-of-life care services to ensure that services reduce variation in access and quality. As part of the MSF, we will consider contracting and commissioning arrangements. We recognise that there is currently a mix of contracting models in the hospice sector. By supporting ICBs to commission more strategically, we can move away from grant and block contract models. In the long term, this will aid sustainability and help hospices’ ability to plan ahead.

What recent steps his Department has taken to support hospices in the Braintree constituency.

Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB), including the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, must commission. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.The Government recognises the financial pressures facing hospices. In February, NHS England wrote to all ICBs requesting an update on the financial stability of hospices in their footprint as a matter of urgency, and the steps being taken to mitigate risks.We also supported the hospice sector in England with a £125 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. From this funding stream, Farleigh Hospice in mid-Essex received £1,350,650 and Havens Hospices, which Little Havens Children’s Hospice is part of, received £1,287,240.Furthermore, children and young people’s hospices received £26 million in revenue funding in 2025/26. This was a continuation of the funding which until recently was known as the Children’s Hospice Grant. From this funding, Little Havens Children’s Hospice received £557,000.In 2025/26, we announced the continuation of this funding for a further three financial years. This funding will see at least £26 million, adjusted for inflation, allocated to children and young people’s hospices in England each year, covering 2026/27 to 2028/29, amounting to approximately £80 million over the three-year period.Children and young people’s hospices and ICBs have recently been informed of their allocations for 2026/27, although we are not yet in a position to share those individual allocations publicly. Communication regarding future allocations, for 2027/28 and 2028/29, will be sent once the 2026/27 process is complete.For the long-term, the Government is developing a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care for England, with a planned publication date of autumn 2026. We recognise that there is currently a mix of contracting models in the hospice sector. As part of the development of the MSF, we will consider contracting and commissioning arrangements. By supporting ICBs to commission more strategically, we can move away from grant and block contract models. In the long term, this will aid sustainability and help hospices’ ability to plan ahead.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of including fruit and nut bars under the restrictions for high fat, sugar and salt products on economic growth.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis to ease the strain on our National Health Service and create the healthiest generation of children ever.Restrictions on the promotion by location of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in stores and their equivalent places online have been in place since 2022. These restrictions apply to categories of products that impact most on childhood obesity, which were chosen following public consultation. Only fruit and nut bars that are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar are in scope of the restrictions. The products that are in and out of scope of the restrictions are set out in the Schedule to the Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021 and we have published guidance to support industry on complying with the restrictions.We published a detailed impact assessment on the costs to industry and the benefits of this policy on the GOV.UK website. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the restrictions and will publish a Post Implementation Review within five years of the restrictions taking legal effect.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential health impacts for consumers since fruit and nut bars were included in the location restrictions for high fat, sugar and salt products from October 2022.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis to ease the strain on our National Health Service and create the healthiest generation of children ever.Restrictions on the promotion by location of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products in stores and their equivalent places online have been in place since 2022. These restrictions apply to categories of products that impact most on childhood obesity, which were chosen following public consultation. Only fruit and nut bars that are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar are in scope of the restrictions. The products that are in and out of scope of the restrictions are set out in the Schedule to the Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021 and we have published guidance to support industry on complying with the restrictions.We published a detailed impact assessment on the costs to industry and the benefits of this policy on the GOV.UK website. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the restrictions and will publish a Post Implementation Review within five years of the restrictions taking legal effect.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on the economic viability of (a) pubs, (b) nightclubs, (c) bars and (d) other parts of the hospitality sector.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill Impact Assessment, published in November 2024, which was given a ‘green’ rating by the Regulatory Policy Committee, assesses the expected impact of policies on the face of the bill, including any impacts on the hospitality industry. The impact on the hospitality industry of any regulations implemented using powers in the bill will be assessed in separate impact assessments when these regulations are developed. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill Impact Assessment is available at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6985eeb7cfe7ccf77efbc74e/tobacco-and-vapes-bill-impact-assessment.pdf

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 92263 on Low Alcohol Drinks: Children, whether he made an assessment of the potential impact of 16 and 17 year olds visiting licenced premises on drinking patterns in later life.

The existing legal position set out in Section 150(4) of the Licensing Act 2003 seeks to achieve a balance that allows parents to introduce their children to alcohol in a controlled, measured, and responsible way, if they wish to do so, whilst upholding the licensing objective to protect children from harm. The legislation also requires licensed premises to have a robust age verification policy in place, and there are a large number of offences that the police can use to tackle under-age drinking where necessary.Consumption of alcohol by children and young people can be harmful, with health risks including acute alcohol poisoning, an increased risk of becoming involved in violence, and damage to the developing brain and liver. Evidence shows that early age of drinking onset is associated with an increased likelihood of developing alcohol abuse or dependence in adolescence and adulthood.

Pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2025, to Question 90224, on Electronic Cigarettes: Retail Trade, whether the policy intent is that the licensing scheme controls on location and density would apply to (a) new promises and (b) existing premises.

Our call for evidence, which closed in December 2025, invited feedback on whether licence applications for existing businesses should be treated differently to those for new businesses established after the implementation of the scheme, and whether factors such as the location and density of retailers should have a role when granting licences.We are carefully considering the responses to the call for evidence and will launch a subsequent consultation on our policy proposals before bringing forward secondary legislation.The purpose of the licensing scheme is to support law-abiding retailers, while tackling those who break the law and pose a risk to public health. We want to ensure we are taking a proportionate approach, particularly to the many existing businesses who currently operate fairly and responsibly.

Pursuant to the Answer of 25 July 2025 to Question 68412 on Fast Food, whether a sausage roll sold from a counter service falls within that definition.

In February 2025, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published data on fast food outlets per 100,000 population. In this analysis, fast food was described as “food that is energy dense and available quickly, usually via a counter service, and for consumption on or off the premises”. This definition covers a range of outlets selling foods, including, but not limited to:- burgers;- pizza;- kebabs;- chicken;- Indian takeaway;- Chinese takeaway; and- fish and chips. It is for local planning authorities, when receiving a planning application, to consider whether, given the type of food and service to be provided at the location proposed, they consider the outlet to be either a hot food takeaway or a fast-food outlet.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle sex-selective abortion and infanticide.

The Department continues to work with providers to ensure abortions are only performed in accordance with the legal grounds set out by the Abortion Act. Sex is not itself a lawful ground for termination of pregnancy in England and Wales and it is illegal for a practitioner to carry out an abortion for that reason alone.Under section 1 of the Infanticide Act 1938, it is infanticide rather than murder if a woman causes the death of her child under 12 months in age and at the time of the act the balance of her mind was disturbed by not having fully recovered from the effect of giving birth. The infanticide offence is currently being considered by the Law Commission as part of their review of homicide offences and sentencing for murder.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 78182 on Retail Trade: Planning Permission, whether the proposing licensing regime for the retail sale of vaping products will regulate the (a) number and (b) cumulative impact of vaping shops that are permitted to operate in a locality.

On 8 October 2025, we launched a Call for Evidence to gather views on a range of topics related to tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products, including the implementation of the proposed licensing scheme for the retail sale of these products. The Call for Evidence asks detailed questions, including on factors that should be taken into consideration when making decisions on the granting of a premises licence, such as the location and density of retailers. We welcome feedback on the questions in the Call for Evidence.The evidence gathered will be used to inform the development of the licensing scheme, and we will launch a subsequent consultation on our policy proposals before bringing forward secondary legislation. The Call for Evidence is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/tobacco-and-vapes-evidence-to-support-legislation/tobacco-and-vapes-evidence-to-support-legislation

Pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2025 to Question 75606 on Community Development: English Language, what estimate he has made of the cost of providing English language support in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

The following table shows the cost of providing English language interpretation and translation services for the 2024/25 financial year and the 2025/26 financial year to date:Financial yearAmount2024/25£9,8342025/26£28,619

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that Government funding for public health is not use to promote disinformation about vaccines.

National Health Service bodies and upper tier and unitary local authorities in England are responsible for making effective, appropriate use of the resources allocated to them, including funding for public health. Local authorities receive a Public Health Grant from the Department, totalling £3.884 billion in 2025/26. This grant, other than funding allocated to Greater Manchester authorities via their retained business rate arrangement, is ring-fenced for use on public health functions, and the local authority Director of Public Health must certify annually that the funding has been used for appropriate purposes. NHS England commissions national NHS public health services, including national immunisation programmes. It does so to evidence-based standards and is accountable for performance to the Department.The Government is focused on combating vaccine misinformation as part of its 10-Year Health Plan, working with local authorities and community groups to support vaccine trust.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of banning vaping inside pubs on the economic viability of community pubs.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the Government with powers to make most public places and workplaces that are smoke-free also vape-free.Many businesses and enclosed public places, including pubs, already have voluntary schemes in place to prohibit vape usage inside their premises. We plan to consult on making most indoor settings, that are subject to existing smoke-free legislation, vape free.Exactly which settings should become vape-free will be a matter for secondary legislation and will be subject to a full consultation. We will undertake full impact assessments before any regulations are made, including the likely impact on businesses.

When he plans to reply to the correspondence from the Rt hon. Member for Braintree of 27 August 2025.

I have received the hon. Member’s letter and I have responded.

How many civil servants in his Department are working on the Independent commission into adult social care; whether any (a) Commissioners and (b) other external appointees have been (i) appointed and (ii) assigned to support the work of the Commission; and what the budget for the Commission is in the current financial year.

There is a total of ten officials assigned to work on the Independent Commission into adult social care (the Commission). Eight are employed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and two by the Cabinet Office. There are a further four officials working in the Commission’s sponsorship function based in DHSC.There are currently no Commissioners appointed, and one external individual has been hired as contingent labour to support the work of the Commission.As the Commission is independent, the secretariat may expand as it carries out its work, and as Baroness Casey considers what further skills and expertise she needs.

How much funding his Department provided to Kent County Council for public health activities in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26; and whether the Council is required to use those funds to promote child vaccinations.

The Department of Health and Social Care allocated public health funding to Kent County Council of £86.6 million in 2024/25 and £91.3 million in 2025/26, which consists of:Total DHSC Public Health Funding to Kent County Council, £2024/252025/26Public Health Grant77,308,93582,039,842Drugs and Alcohol Treatment and recovering funding15,570,7255,584,314Start for Life Grant1,755,0001,799,600Stop Smoking Services1,944,8231,891,779Total86,579,48391,315,535[1] Includes contributions from the Department for Work and Pensions for individual placement and support funding and from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for rough sleeping drug and alcohol treatment funding which are transferred to the Department of Health and Social Care, and paid out via Department of Health and Social Care grants.Core funding for local authorities’ public health responsibilities is provided through the Public Health Grant. Local authorities are responsible for deciding how best to use this funding in support of their public health responsibilities. There is no specific requirement for them to use it to support access to National Health Service childhood immunisations, but local authority funded services may play an active role in promoting uptake of childhood vaccinations – for example through local authority-commissioned health visiting services that may advise parents on childhood vaccinations.

What steps his Department plans to take to improve cancer survival rates, in the context of the withdrawal of funding for AI auto-contouring.

We will improve National Health Service cancer waiting time performance, so patients are diagnosed and treated faster. We will also improve cancer survival rates by diagnosing cancers at an earlier stage.We will build on recent successes, including the roll out of the Lung Screening programme, to diagnose cancer earlier and boost survival rates.Furthermore, the recently announced National Cancer Plan will set out key goals and actions to improve on cancer waiting time performance and survival rates.The Department supports the NHS in reviewing opportunities to utilise artificial intelligence to transform performance, bring down waiting times, and improve survival rates.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for cancer treatment, in the context of the withdrawal of funding for AI auto-contouring technology.

We will improve National Health Service cancer waiting time performance, so patients are diagnosed and treated faster. We will also improve cancer survival rates by diagnosing cancers at an earlier stage.We will build on recent successes, including the roll out of the Lung Screening programme, to diagnose cancer earlier and boost survival rates.Furthermore, the recently announced National Cancer Plan will set out key goals and actions to improve on cancer waiting time performance and survival rates.The Department supports the NHS in reviewing opportunities to utilise artificial intelligence to transform performance, bring down waiting times, and improve survival rates.

How many NHS cancer trusts are (a) delivering radiotherapy contouring planning manually and (b) using AI auto contouring for radiotherapy.

NHS England undertook a baseline assessment of artificially intelligent (AI) auto-contouring systems in summer 2024 which indicated that, at that time, 39 trusts had some AI arrangements in place.The use of AI auto contouring technology to plan for treatments is not always suitable, useful, or available for all areas of the body, therefore, the actual percentage of cases where AI technology was used is not known.