Written questions by McMahon.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment has been made of the potential implications for her policies of social media platforms (a) hosting extremist content and (b) using algorithms that enable radicalisation, exploitation and grooming of vulnerable users.

The Online Safety Act requires services to tackle illegal content, including terrorist content, grooming content, and content which stirs up hatred based on religion or race. They must also protect children from certain forms of legal content, including hateful or abusive material. Services are required to take proportionate measures to mitigate these harms, including where they are enabled by algorithms. These measures are designed to ensure user safety, particularly for children whilst protecting freedom of expression. The Act requires the Secretary of State to review and report to Parliament on the effectiveness of the regime 2-5 years after the Act is fully implemented.

How much has been spent on contract termination for hotels originally commissioned for asylum seeker accommodation since 2023.

We have not terminated any hotels outside of the contract terms.

Representing the House of Commons Commission, how many items from the Parliamentary Art Collection were reported as (a) missing, (b) stolen and (c) damaged beyond repair in each of the last ten years; and what was the total financial loss for each year.

In the period 2015–2025 nothing from the Parliamentary Art Collection has been recorded as stolen or damaged beyond repair.Since 2023 items have been recorded as missing where they have not been located on the estate or in stores for between three and 20 years, in line with collections management best practice. The number of artworks recorded as missing in each year since 2023 was:2023 – 12024 – 1472025 – 33Prior to 2023, some artworks were recorded under the category ‘location unknown’. Data prior to 2018 is not available, but from 2018 to 2023 148 artworks were recorded in this category. 44 were later recategorised as missing. The remainder were found or subject to another action such as a transfer.As a living and working collection, artworks are on display in corridors, meeting and Committee rooms as well as private offices and public spaces. Artworks are sometimes therefore found to have moved from their recorded location. For instance, during multiple office moves required for the 2024 General Election, over 100 artworks were recorded as missing but later located. As objects may be found many years after being recorded as missing, none of the artworks currently recorded as missing have therefore been written off, so are not considered a financial loss.The total number of artworks currently listed as missing is 72.As part of our ongoing assurances processes, the internal audit team are currently conducting an asset check for the three Heritage Collections. The fieldwork is complete and is expected to report shortly.

What information her Department holds on the number of winter grit salt bins that were provided by local authorities for each year from 2015 to date.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 places a duty on highway authorities to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice. It is for local highway authorities to determine what the most appropriate measures are to achieve this, based on local circumstances. Most local highway authorities publish information about their winter service online. For example, Oldham Council’s website states that it currently maintains over 600 grit bins. Local people can access a map of where these are located and request new grit bins. The Government also conducts a survey of local highway authorities every year to gather information about their preparations for winter and planning for extreme weather. This survey is mandatory, and includes information about how many continuous days their salt stocks will last for in severe winter conditions. It does not include detailed information about how many grit bins each authority maintains or where these are located.

Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on the number of (a) car boot sale days that were licensed by local authorities and (b) trading standards compliance visits for counterfeit goods that took place for each of the last three years.

The requested information on the number of car boot sale days that were licenced by local authorities and the number of trading standards compliance visits for counterfeit goods is not held centrally.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of detrunking the A663 Broadway in Chadderton, Oldham.

During the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) covering the period 2020-25, National Highways undertook a comprehensive review of the extent of the Strategic Road Network (SRN). The A663 Broadway in Chadderton was not identified for assessment and therefore was not included in that review. As part of the forthcoming third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) for 2026-31, National Highways will revisit the scope of the SRN, and this corridor may therefore be considered for inclusion in a future assessment.

How many employer provided payment cards were held by government employees in each year since 2015; and what the average credit limit is of those cards.

This information is not held centrally by the Cabinet Office. However, in April this year, departments and their agencies were instructed to freeze all procurement cards, with a tough new application process to cut the numbers in circulation by at least 50%. Figures announced on 23rd November 2025 show that these measures have successfully reduced expenditure, saving approximately £6 million per month in the initial months.

How many commercial food delivery cyclists does the government estimate currently operate in the UK; and how many are assessed to have valid public liability insurance in place.

The department does not collect any information relating to either the number of food delivery cyclists or how many of them might have liability insurance.

What assessment she has made of (a) trends in the level of the build-up of traffic congestion and (b) the effectiveness of traffic light sequencing on the A663 Broadway in Chadderton, Oldham.

The Department has made no assessment of traffic congestion or the sequencing of traffic lights on this road. Traffic management is the responsibility of the relevant highway authority who are best placed to understand traffic flows and signal sequencing.Traffic authorities are subject to the statutory network management duty which requires them to manage their roads to secure the ‘expeditious movement’ of all traffic, with a view to reducing congestion, and they have a wide range of tools already available to them to enable this.

What steps her Department is taking to help support the growth of the mutual banking and building society sector.

The government is committed to supporting the growth of building societies and all mutual financial services in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sector. HM Treasury has already announced measures to support financial mutuals and is currently progressing these. For building societies, HM Treasury has committed to progressing further amendments to the Building Societies Act 1986. This follows two statutory instruments being laid in October 2024, which allow building societies to accept deposits from a wider range of SMEs, remove outdated director retirement requirements, and simplify how balance sheets are signed. These will create a more supportive legislative environment for building societies. To support all financial mutuals, HM Treasury has also asked the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority to produce a report on the current landscape of the sector. This is expected to be published before the end of 2025. The government also welcomed the establishment of the Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council to consider mutual and co-operative solutions. The government also published the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which will support all organisations in the financial services sector and encourages the sector to continue to work in partnership with government to deliver growth. Finally, the government is also supporting the credit union sector by committing to bringing forward a package of growth-focused reforms to the credit union common bond. The government continues to engage regularly with mutuals to understand the current barriers they face and consider further opportunities to help the sector grow.

How much her Department spent with private sector providers of (a) diagnostic and imaging services (b) elective surgery (c) mental health services (d) community and primary care services for each year from 2015 to date.

The information is not held in the format requested, breaking down private sector spend by these exact categories. However, the annual reports and accounts for the Department provide figures for total National Health Service spending with non-NHS, including private, voluntary, local authority, and other, providers. The following table shows the total spend with non-NHS providers and the spend on private providers within that figure, for each year from 2015/16 to 2023/34:YearTotal spend with non-NHS providers (£bn)Of which, spend with private providers (£bn)2015/1612.28.72016/1712.792017/181392018/1913.79.22019/2014.49.72020/2118.412.12021/221710.92022/2316.6112023/2418.112.4Source: the Department of Health and Social Care annual reports and accounts of activity and services for 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19 to 2023/24, with further information available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dhsc-annual-reports-and-accounts

What assessment she has made of trends in the level of surface flooding due to inadequate drainage on the M60 motorway.

National Highways’ data shows the number of reported flooding events have decreased on the M60 motorway in recent years. This follows targeted investigations by National Highways and the implementation of measures to reduce flooding risks. National Highways undertakes regular inspections and maintenance to keep drainage systems functioning effectively. It has also delivered several improvement schemes on the M60 and plans to start further upgrades later this financial year.

If the government has carried out a review of the effect of highway one way systems on congestion and pollution.

The Government has made no such assessment. Local authorities are responsible for the day to day management of their roads, including decisions on implementing traffic management measures such as one way systems. These are one measure available to them to consider but it is for them to consider if they are appropriate, taking into account local factors such as traffic flow and road layout.

What discussions have taken place with National Highways since July 2024 on the effectiveness of litter removal and general grounds maintenance of its assets.

The Department’s officials have held regular discussions with National Highways since July 2024 on these topics. These discussions have generally taken place as part of wider meetings on topics such as reviewing performance against National Highways’s agreed performance indicators (including on litter); planned improvements on the Strategic Road Network; research into driver littering behaviour; and plans to trial innovative interventions such as geofencing.

How much did train operators pay passengers in compensation for delayed journeys for each year from 2015 to date.

The Government produces annual figures relating to the amount of compensation that is paid out by train operating companies. The data between 2020 and 2024 can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/train-operating-companies-passengers-charter-compensation/train-operating-companies-passengers-charter-compensation. The data between 2015 and 2020 can be found here:https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210904023528/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/train-operating-companies-passengers-charter-compensation/train-operating-companies-passengers-charter-compensation.

Communities and Local Government, what measures has the government taken to help ensure that outdoor and indoor markets are sustainable.

The Government believes markets have an important economic and social role at the heart of many communities. It is for local authorities, not central government, to make decisions on running, supporting and investing in local markets in their areas. From 2026/27, we are introducing permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values below £500,000, including markets. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible markets benefit from much-needed certainty and support. Communities can also choose to invest in markets through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will provide £20 million over 10 years to 244 of the most deprived places in the UK.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of the security of the fertiliser and CO2 supply chain.

The Ensus CO2 plant went offline for routine maintenance in September, and the Government is in discussions with the company about its future. The UK imports a significant share of its CO2, so most users should remain supplied, though some sectors may face pressure at peak demand. Food businesses are encouraged to engage early with distributors. The Government continues to monitor CO2 availability and maintain contact with suppliers and consumers. Ensuring a stable fertiliser supply is also critical, and Defra monitors prices and supply chains through engagement with manufacturers and stakeholders. In addition to domestic production, the UK imports fertiliser from many countries. Established ports support flexible sourcing and a diverse nutrient supply. Sustainable fertiliser use is important for environmental outcomes and long-term resilience. Defra supports approaches that improve nutrient efficiency, expand greener production routes, and diversify fertiliser types and sources.

What estimate her Department has made of the number and proportion of retail businesses that only accept cash.

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules ensure cash continues to be a viable method of payment for the millions of people who depend on it and help businesses to continue to accept cash by providing reasonable access to cash deposit facilities. It is for each business to decide on the forms of payment it chooses to accept. This will be based on a variety of factors, including cost and customer preferences. The Government does not hold data on the number and proportion of businesses who only accept cash.

What estimate has been made of total cash reserves held by (a) schools and (b) colleges.

In the 2023/24 financial year, reserves in the school system totalled more than £6 billion, and the total value of reserves for the further education college sector was over £1.6 billion.

Of the qualifying journeys, how many claims were (a) made and (b) not made under train operators' delay repay schemes in each of the past three years.

(a) The number of claims received by train operators under train operators’ delay repay scheme in each of the last three years is published in the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) Table 4410 – Delay Compensation Claims, and can be found on the ORR data portal: https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/passenger-experience/delay-compensation-claims/table-4410-delay-compensation-claims/ (b) No data exists for the number of claims not made on qualifying journeys under train operators’ delay repay schemes. Data on the proportion of qualifying journeys that are claimed for can be found for selected years here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/654e4ae06a650f000dbf4812/dft-rail-delays-and-compensation-2023-full-report.pdf