Written questions by Mayhew.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of levels of stamp duty on the housing market.

At this Government’s first Budget, we made changes to stamp duty to help give first-time buyers, and other people buying a home to live in, an advantage over those buying second homes, third homes, or more. The independent Office of Budget Responsibility estimated that the changes will result in 130,000 additional transactions over the next five years by first-time buyers and other people buying a primary residence.We are proud of that record.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of unemployment.

The number of economically active people - which is people either in work or actively looking for work - has increased and stands at a record high. Even if it takes them a little while to find a job, we want to support people back into the labour market and back into jobs. And through our Get Britain Working strategy, we are determined to give them the support they need.

Whether franchised bus networks in combined authorities are reliant on (a) emergency and (b) extraordinary Government funding support.

No. In England outside London, the only franchised bus services in combined authorities operate in Greater Manchester. Since franchised bus services were first introduced in Greater Manchester in September 2023, no emergency or extraordinary funding for franchised bus networks has been announced by the Department for Transport.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to the question from the hon. Member for Doncaster Central South of 1 July 2025, Official Report, column 125 and her Department's document entitled The tax treatment of remote gambling consultation, published on 6 May 2025, what steps her Department is taking to (a) identify unintended consequences and (b) develop mitigations of proposals to (i) simplify gambling duty and (ii) improve compliance.

The Government consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025. The Chancellor takes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.

What his planned timetable is for publishing the dentistry budget.

The Department’s settlement announced at Spending Review (SR) 2025 means that annual National Health Service day-to-day spending will increase by £29 billion in real terms (£53 billion cash increase) by 2028-29 compared to 2023-24. This will take the NHS resource budget to £226 billion by 2028-29, equivalent to a 3.0% average annual real terms growth rate over the SR period.The detail of SR budget allocations within departments is still being determined and we are working to provide the detail and certainty needed on future funding and spending plans.This includes preparing for the first medium-term planning round for the NHS in more than half a decade, which will give local leaders the certainty they need to deliver.

What estimate his Department has made of the number of newly qualified dentists that will be required to ensure the future of NHS dentistry in the next five to ten years.

Later this year we will publish a 10-Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce ready to deliver a transformed service. They will be more empowered, more flexible and more fulfilled.As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will now make it a requirement for newly qualified dentists to practice in the National Health Service for a minimum period, intended to be at least three years. We will consult on the detail of this proposal in due course.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of a tie-in period for newly qualified dentists on NHS dental patients in Norfolk.

As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will make it a requirement for newly qualified dentists to practice in the National Health Service for a minimum period which we intend to be at least three years. That will mean more NHS dentists, more NHS appointments and better oral health.Later this year we will publish a 10-Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce ready to deliver a transformed service. They will be more empowered, more flexible and more fulfilled.

How many new dentists have been given one-off welcome payments in (a) Broadland and (b) Norfolk in the last 12 months.

Integrated care boards have started to recruit posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.We do not hold Golden Hello data at constituency level, but as of 22 September 2025, in England there were 97 dentists in post with a further eight dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. A further 224 posts are currently being advertised. Golden Hello data on regional allocations and posts filled will be published in due course.

What assessment she has made of the suitability of the Bee Network model as a template for wider bus franchising in other combined authorities.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities. Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention. The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs. The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

What recent progress she has made in increasing rail freight growth.

The Government, alongside Network Rail and the rail freight sector, continue to make progress on ensuring the growth of rail freight. In the year April 2024 to March 2025, rail freight volumes increased by 5%. Network Rail’s Access Charge Discounts Policy scheme has been crucial in helping new flows get up and running. Since launching in August 2024, the scheme has supported 15 new flows. Four of the five flows that have passed the discount period have continued to operate, undiscounted.

Whether her Department has requested financial reporting from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Bee Network since the 2019 assessment.

The Department for Transport works closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support the development and delivery of the Bee Network. Since the 2019 assessment, the Department has not formally requested financial reporting specific to the Bee Network as a whole. However, GMCA is required to provide financial and performance reporting in relation to specific funding streams that support the Bee Network, including their City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the Local Authority Bus Grant, and one-off additional funding in 2023/24.The Department continues to monitor the use of public funds through these mechanisms, but the overall financial management of the Bee Network remains a matter for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

What information her Department holds on the amount of Council Tax revenue that has been raised to support franchised bus networks since July 2024.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities. Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention. The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs. The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

How much national grant funding she plans to provide to the Bee Network in 2025-26.

The Department is committed to supporting the development of integrated transport systems that work better for people and communities across the country, including the Bee Network. We are providing £335m in 2025-26 to Greater Manchester under the Local Transport pillar of its Integrated Settlement. This will enable Greater Manchester to deliver transformational change to transport infrastructure; support maintenance of the local highway network; maintain and improve bus services; and build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure.We are also supporting the Mayor’s ambition of integrating rail into the Bee Network with £9m of funding for 2025-26 to support the Pay-As-You-Go ticketing trial to roll out contactless ticketing on rail in Greater Manchester.

Whether she has has discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential fiscal impacts of the long-term subsidy requirements of franchised bus networks.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities. Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention. The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs. The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the volume of freight transported by rail.

The Government is committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental potential and its critical role in the UK’s resilience. Last year, rail freight volumes increased by 5%. We will support future growth by placing a statutory duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail freight. We have also confirmed that there will be an overall target of an 75% increase in rail freight moved by 2050, alongside other targets that will be announced prior to the stand up of Great British Railways.

Whether her Department has set financial performance benchmarks that combined authorities must meet in order to access Government support for bus franchising.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities. Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention. The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs. The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

How much and what proportion of the Bee Network’s 2025-26 operating budget is funded by (a) the national grant, (b) local contributions, and (c) passenger revenues.

We are supporting Greater Manchester to maintain and improve bus services in the Bee Network with £66.4m of Local Authority Bus Grant funding in 2025-26. The overall operating budget for the Bee Network, including the breakdown between national grant, local contributions, and passenger revenues, is a matter for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

How much funding her Department has provided to the Greater Manchester Bee Network since July 2024.

The Department is committed to supporting the development of integrated transport systems that work better for people and communities across the country, including the Bee Network. Between 2022-23 and 2026-27, we are providing £1.07bn of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding to Greater Manchester to deliver transformational change to Greater Manchester’s transport infrastructure. Greater Manchester will also be eligible for an additional £14m in Highways Maintenance funding in 2025-26, to support maintenance of the local highway network and ensure the smooth running of buses and active travel in the Bee Network. Additionally, we are supporting Greater Manchester to maintain and improve bus services in the Bee Network with £80.8m of funding in 2024-25 and £66.4m of funding in 2025-26. We have supported Greater Manchester to build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund with £5.1m of funding in 2024-25 and £15.7m in 2025-26. Finally, we are supporting the Mayor’s ambition of integrating rail into the Bee Network with £14m of funding from 2024-25 to 2025-26 to support the Pay-As-You-Go ticketing trial to roll out contactless ticketing on rail in Greater Manchester.

Whether her Department has provided additional subsidy to franchised bus networks that were originally forecast to break even.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities. Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention. The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs. The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that lessons from the financial performance of the Bee Network are reflected in other areas seeking bus franchising powers.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities. Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention. The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs. The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.