Written questions by Morris.

What discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East regarding the potential merits of outdoor education for children.

The department believes all children and young people should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and a variety of enrichment opportunities at school.The National Education Nature Park is a whole-school environmental education programme that encourages teachers to take students outside and use their grounds to learn in and about nature. OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists), based in County Durham, were involved in discussions around the development of this initiative.The value of outdoor learning is also being recognised and promoted in the department’s upcoming Enrichment Framework, which will include 'Nature, outdoors and adventure' as one of five categories of enrichment. We are engaging with national organisations who support outdoor learning and are happy to hear from local and regional organisations with relevant expertise.

Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made on the rollout of Project Gigabit in the North East.

GoFibre recently completed delivery of two Project Gigabit contracts, covering North Northumberland and Teesdale. These contracts have provided gigabit-capable coverage to 8,200 premises, including in Otterburn in the Hexham constituency.In addition, Openreach is currently delivering a Project Gigabit contract across the North East, covering approximately 14,000 premises in the region, over 2,200 of which are in the Hexham constituency, including Ponteland and Darras Hall.Approximately 2,900 premises in Hexham have also benefitted from the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, with more included in live projects.

What discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the Hexham constituency regarding the potential merits of outdoor education for children.

The department believes all children and young people should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and a variety of enrichment opportunities at school.The National Education Nature Park is a whole-school environmental education programme that encourages teachers to take students outside and use their grounds to learn in and about nature. OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists), based in County Durham, were involved in discussions around the development of this initiative.The value of outdoor learning is also being recognised and promoted in the department’s upcoming Enrichment Framework, which will include 'Nature, outdoors and adventure' as one of five categories of enrichment. We are engaging with national organisations who support outdoor learning and are happy to hear from local and regional organisations with relevant expertise.

Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made on the rollout of Project Gigabit in the Hexham constituency.

GoFibre recently completed delivery of two Project Gigabit contracts, covering North Northumberland and Teesdale. These contracts have provided gigabit-capable coverage to 8,200 premises, including in Otterburn in the Hexham constituency.In addition, Openreach is currently delivering a Project Gigabit contract across the North East, covering approximately 14,000 premises in the region, over 2,200 of which are in the Hexham constituency, including Ponteland and Darras Hall.Approximately 2,900 premises in Hexham have also benefitted from the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, with more included in live projects.

What discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland regarding the potential merits of outdoor education for children.

The department believes all children and young people should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and a variety of enrichment opportunities at school.The National Education Nature Park is a whole-school environmental education programme that encourages teachers to take students outside and use their grounds to learn in and about nature. OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists), based in County Durham, were involved in discussions around the development of this initiative.The value of outdoor learning is also being recognised and promoted in the department’s upcoming Enrichment Framework, which will include 'Nature, outdoors and adventure' as one of five categories of enrichment. We are engaging with national organisations who support outdoor learning and are happy to hear from local and regional organisations with relevant expertise.

Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made on the rollout of Project Gigabit in Northumberland.

GoFibre recently completed delivery of two Project Gigabit contracts, covering North Northumberland and Teesdale. These contracts have provided gigabit-capable coverage to 8,200 premises, including in Otterburn in the Hexham constituency.In addition, Openreach is currently delivering a Project Gigabit contract across the North East, covering approximately 14,000 premises in the region, over 2,200 of which are in the Hexham constituency, including Ponteland and Darras Hall.Approximately 2,900 premises in Hexham have also benefitted from the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, with more included in live projects.

What discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East to identify areas of financial exclusion in the region.

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy was developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives, and the Government has engaged extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of perspectives, including lived experience. Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined up approach. The Government is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with a range of organisations to deliver on the strategy and improve financial inclusion across the UK.

What steps the Department is taking to improve access to financial services for vulnerable customers in Northumberland.

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services. FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, and ensuring their services meet the needs of all their customers, including individuals with characteristics of vulnerability. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm.The Government is committed to continuing to engage with the FCA and the financial services sector to ensure consumers can access appropriate financial services products. As part of this, I have recently published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK.

What discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland to identify areas of financial exclusion in the region.

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy was developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives, and the Government has engaged extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of perspectives, including lived experience. Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined up approach. The Government is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with a range of organisations to deliver on the strategy and improve financial inclusion across the UK.

What steps the Department is taking to improve access to financial services for vulnerable customers in the Hexham constituency.

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services. FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, and ensuring their services meet the needs of all their customers, including individuals with characteristics of vulnerability. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm.The Government is committed to continuing to engage with the FCA and the financial services sector to ensure consumers can access appropriate financial services products. As part of this, I have recently published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK.

What discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Hexham constituency to identify areas of financial exclusion in the region.

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy was developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives, and the Government has engaged extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of perspectives, including lived experience. Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined up approach. The Government is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with a range of organisations to deliver on the strategy and improve financial inclusion across the UK.

What steps the Department is taking to improve access to financial services for vulnerable customers in the North East.

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services. FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, and ensuring their services meet the needs of all their customers, including individuals with characteristics of vulnerability. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm.The Government is committed to continuing to engage with the FCA and the financial services sector to ensure consumers can access appropriate financial services products. As part of this, I have recently published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in the Hexham constituency regarding steps to reduce rural crime.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

What data the Department holds on the theft of agricultural equipment in the last (i) 5 years, (ii) 10 years in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle, (d) the North East and (e) England.

The Home Office does not routinely collect data on the items stolen in theft offences which are reported to the police.

Innovation and Technology, what conversations the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East regarding the Shared Rural Network.

In the North East, the Shared Rural Network is currently planning to upgrade nine Home Office Emergency Services Network sites across the regions of Durham and Northumbria. The programme has primarily engaged with Northumberland County Council who the department has met with twice in the last six months. Previously the Department and its delivery partner Mova have engaged with the Borderlands Partnership and spoken to key audiences at Connected North. The Department and Mova have also responded to enquires from local stakeholders, including elected members.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland regarding steps to reduce rural crime.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in the Hexham constituency regarding steps to reduce farm theft in rural areas.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland regarding steps to reduce farm theft in rural areas.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in the North East regarding steps to reduce farm theft in rural areas.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

Innovation and Technology, what conversations the Department has had with relevant stakeholders regarding improving connectivity in hard-to-reach areas across the country as part of the Shared Rural Network.

The Department and its delivery partner Mova have engaged with relevant stakeholders across the country through frequent progress meetings targeted at key stakeholders from Wales, Scotland and England. Relevant stakeholders include the UK's mobile network operators, devolved governments, local authorities in rural areas, planning departments, statutory organisations, representative bodies, and key enabling stakeholders such as SSE. The Department regularly engages with MPs, MSPs and MSs on the progress of the programme through written updates and MP drop in events. Furthermore, the Department and Mova also regularly respond to enquiries from local stakeholders, including Councillors, and Parish and Community Councils.