Written questions by Naish.

What research his Department is undertaking on the (a) causes, (b) symptoms and (c) treatment for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

The National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service (NCARDRS) is part of the National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), and NHS England. The NCARDRS aims to collect, curate, quality-assure, and analyse data from patients in England diagnosed and/or treated with rare conditions. Further information on the NCARDRS and the NDRS is available, respectively, at the following two links:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/about/ncardrshttps://digital.nhs.uk/ndrsOver the last five financial years, the National Institute for Health and Care Research has allocated £189,109 for research on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Research has focused on establishing evidence-based management of CRPS to improve clinical outcomes throughout the care pathway. There is a National Health Service conditions page dedicated to CRPS, detailing the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis and treatment pathway, available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme and the GeNotes resource provides concise information to help healthcare professionals make the right decisions at each stage of a clinical pathway. GeNotes also includes resources on non-genetic rare diseases, and work continues to expand the programme's coverage.

What NHS guidance and training is (a) in place and (b) being put in place to ensure Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is understood by medical professionals across England.

The National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service (NCARDRS) is part of the National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), and NHS England. The NCARDRS aims to collect, curate, quality-assure, and analyse data from patients in England diagnosed and/or treated with rare conditions. Further information on the NCARDRS and the NDRS is available, respectively, at the following two links:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/about/ncardrshttps://digital.nhs.uk/ndrsOver the last five financial years, the National Institute for Health and Care Research has allocated £189,109 for research on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Research has focused on establishing evidence-based management of CRPS to improve clinical outcomes throughout the care pathway. There is a National Health Service conditions page dedicated to CRPS, detailing the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis and treatment pathway, available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme and the GeNotes resource provides concise information to help healthcare professionals make the right decisions at each stage of a clinical pathway. GeNotes also includes resources on non-genetic rare diseases, and work continues to expand the programme's coverage.

What data is collected on the prevalence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in England; and how this data is being used to understand the condition.

The National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service (NCARDRS) is part of the National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), and NHS England. The NCARDRS aims to collect, curate, quality-assure, and analyse data from patients in England diagnosed and/or treated with rare conditions. Further information on the NCARDRS and the NDRS is available, respectively, at the following two links:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/about/ncardrshttps://digital.nhs.uk/ndrsOver the last five financial years, the National Institute for Health and Care Research has allocated £189,109 for research on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Research has focused on establishing evidence-based management of CRPS to improve clinical outcomes throughout the care pathway. There is a National Health Service conditions page dedicated to CRPS, detailing the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis and treatment pathway, available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme and the GeNotes resource provides concise information to help healthcare professionals make the right decisions at each stage of a clinical pathway. GeNotes also includes resources on non-genetic rare diseases, and work continues to expand the programme's coverage.

What support is available for dental practices to (a) relocate to and (b) open new practices in underserved areas.

Dental practices are private businesses and therefore able to decide how they operate. It is their own responsibility to secure dental premises. The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For Rushcliffe constituency, this is Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB.The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access NHS dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.Integrated Care Boards have started to recruit posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 February 2025, in England, 35 dentists were recruited and in post, a further 33 dentists were recruited but yet to start in post, and a further 249 posts are currently advertised.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of having a teaching qualification from an English university on the ability of a British National (Overseas) visa holder to gain Qualified Teacher Status in the UK.

Since February 2023, eligible teachers who trained in an increased number of overseas countries, including Hong Kong, have been able to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) through our new digital service if they meet the robust criteria.This recognition process is designed to assess the qualifications, professional standing and experience of teachers who trained overseas, rather than those who have qualifications from institutions in England.English teacher training courses that meet our quality requirements and are offered by an accredited provider lead to QTS. As the qualification your constituent presented did not lead to QTS and has not been gained overseas, it cannot be considered for recognition.There are several other routes available for experienced teachers to gain QTS, including the assessment only route. This allows teachers to demonstrate that they already meet all the teachers‘ standards, without the need for any further training. Teachers need to present detailed evidence and their teaching is assessed in a school by an accredited and approved provider.If my hon. Friend, the Member for Rushcliffe has further questions about the eligibility criteria, he may find it helpful to contact the Teaching Regulation Agency directly via QTS.enquiries@education.gov.uk.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure equitable parking enforcement debt collection practices.

To ensure an enforcement regime that is fair and proportionate, the Department for Transport published the ‘Statutory guidance for local authorities in England on civil enforcement of parking contraventions’, which sets out the appropriate debt collection practices together with links to the applicable legislation. Local authorities in England with civil parking enforcement powers must have regard to this statutory guidance under Section 87 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. Matters relating to private parking and local authority operated off-street car parks are the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Whether he is taking steps with his international counterparts to (a) help ensure that an assessment is made of the condition of and (b) protect the (i) Gaza and (ii) Deir el Belah Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries in Gaza.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) reports that as a result of the recent conflict in Gaza, both the Gaza War Cemetery and the Deir al Balah War Cemetery have suffered extensive damage, including to approximately 10% of the headstones. A more detailed assessment cannot be carried out until the current situation subsides. The CWGC will, however, restore those sites to a befitting standard as and when circumstances allow. Until then, the locally employed maintenance team remain temporarily relocated outside Gaza.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to promote cross-Departmental work to invest in communities following violent disorder in summer 2024.

I refer my Hon Friend to the answer I gave to UIN 19795 on 20 December 2024.

What steps his Department is taking to help to care for the estimated 47,000 people affected by polio in the UK.

Although there is currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, a range of treatments and support is available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.Once post-polio syndrome is identified, patients with the condition can usually be managed through routine access to primary or secondary care provided via a general practitioner or consultant. Treatment will depend on the severity of a patient’s condition, but may involve pain-relieving medication, physiotherapy, dietary and exercise advice, and counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy.Commissioners, providers and clinicians, supported by relevant clinical practice, determine the best treatment for people with post-polio syndrome.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to require (a) Instagram and (b) other social media channels to add posting dates to all posts.

The government is committed to making the internet safer. Media literacy can help users engage critically with online content, including contextual data and labelling. Since 2022, DSIT has provided £3 million in funding for media literacy projects that empower users to navigate the online world safely.The Online Safety Act updated Ofcom’s statutory media literacy duty by placing targeted duties on the regulator to help the public assess the reliability, accuracy and authenticity of content on services. Ofcom has published a three-year media literacy strategy that emphasises collaboration with platforms. We look forward to working with them as they implement these strategies.

Whether he plans to review the use of NHS Shared Business Services for finance services such as (a) payroll, (b) pensions, (c) procurement and (d) taxation.

NHS Shared Business Services provides these services though contract framework agreements which it hosts. In late 2023, NHS England launched an Accredited Framework Host programme and successfully accredited 20 Procurement Framework Host organisations, of which NHS Shared Business Services is one, all of whom have subscribed to enhanced standards. These standards cover a range of areas, from minimum contractual terms & conditions, robust supplier appointment and value for money assessment processes, through to sharing of commercial and commission data with NHS England.Further details and the list of accredited host organisations such as NHS Shared Business Services are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/system-guidance-for-the-implementation-of-framework-host-management/

If she will meet with members of ForThe100 to discuss duty of care owed by higher education providers to their students.

I refer my hon. Friend the member for Rushcliffe to the answer of 08 January 2025 to Question 21515.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to take steps to reform funding arrangements for Internal Drainage Board levies.

MHCLG recognises the need for a long-term solution and are working with Defra to explore potential approaches.In line with the previous two years, at the 2025-26 provisional Local Government Finance Settlement the government announced that it will provide £3 million in funding for authorities most impacted by Internal Drainage Board Levies.MHCLG and Defra will ensure that all potential long-term solutions are given careful consideration.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) regulate delivery drivers working for food delivery companies to ensure they are using roads and pavements safely.

Everyone who drives, rides or cycles, including delivery drivers and riders, has a duty to behave in a safe and responsible manner, and to follow the rules set out in The Highway Code. They must also hold the necessary registration, tax, licence and appropriate insurance for driving or riding the vehicle they are using: if they do not, they may be liable for prosecution. Enforcement of these rules is a matter for the police.Employers have a duty to manage the safety of their employees, and their employees in turn have a responsibility to drive, ride or cycle appropriately and to comply with relevant laws. Last month, the Minister for Local Transport wrote to the main food delivery companies to remind them of their obligations, and of the importance the Government places on the safety of all road users. The Department will consider next steps in the light of the responses received to the letter.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that parking enforcement debt collection practices are equitable.

Local authorities may only charge reasonable costs in relation to fees for enforcement agents, these are clearly set out in the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014. Enforcement agents responsible for executing warrants of control on behalf of local authorities are obliged to follow the code set out in part 3 of, and schedule 12 to, the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. In addition, the Department issues statutory guidance to local authorities on the use of enforcement agents. Debt collection in respect of private parking operators is a matter for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing non-academic routes for people to train as nurses.

We have a complete apprentice pathway for nursing, from entry level to postgraduate advanced clinical practice. NHS England is expanding routes into healthcare professions through apprenticeships. Our 10-Year Health Plan to reform the National Health Service will establish how to train and provide the staff the NHS needs, including nurses, through all training routes, to care for patients across our communities. A refreshed NHS Long Term Workforce Plan due for publication in summer 2025 will deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, ensuring the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to give the care patients need when they need it.

What steps he is taking to support healthcare providers to ensure (a) uninterrupted access to essential patient care and (b) maintain the stability of primary care services.

It is vital that patients can access primary care services when they need it.In October 2024, we provided an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, enabling the recruitment of 1,000 newly qualified general practitioners (GPs) across England. This will take pressure off the existing workforce, secure the future supply of GPs and increase the number of appointments delivered in general practice. We have uplifted a monthly payment to practices by 7.4% to fund a 6% increase in pay to the general practice workforce. We have also announced a proposed £889 million uplift to the GP contract for 2025/26, the largest uplift in years, with a rising share of total National Health Service resources going to general practice. We are currently consulting the profession on key proposals to improve access, continuity of care and GP recruitment.We are working to ensure patients can start to access 700,000 additional urgent NHS dental appointments as soon as possible, targeting areas that need them most. To rebuild NHS dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists. We are committed to stabilising the pharmacy sector and building a service fit for the future, making full use of the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. That includes making prescribing part of the services delivered by community pharmacists as we shift care from hospital to the community.

If he will simplify the process for obtaining Maternity Exception Certificates.

There are no plans to revise the application process for maternity exemption certificates that provide entitlement to free National Health Service prescriptions. The NHS Business Services Authority has advised that in 2024, 48,063 Penalty Charge Notices were issued to those who indicated they held a valid maternity exemption certificate that could not be validated.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of (a) supervisor and (b) designated prescribing practitioners.

NHS England is investing in training for independent prescribers, as well as initiatives to support the development and safe practice of designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs) and educational supervisors. This will ensure the National Health Service is ready to support and mentor foundation trainee pharmacists from 2025, alongside training for currently registered pharmacists that are learning to be independent prescribers.Reforms to pharmacist education and training will allow for development of prescriber pharmacists from the point of registration from 2026. This will enable a career-long focus on prescriber services and an associated expansion of the DPP workforce, to support multi-professional teams and the expansion of cross-sector prescribing services.

How many people have been fined for accessing prescriptions without a valid Maternity Exception Certificate.

There are no plans to revise the application process for maternity exemption certificates that provide entitlement to free National Health Service prescriptions. The NHS Business Services Authority has advised that in 2024, 48,063 Penalty Charge Notices were issued to those who indicated they held a valid maternity exemption certificate that could not be validated.