Written questions by Robertson.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

No taskforce was announced. The following table shows the reviews, investigations, and consultations that were announced and launched by the Department, between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025, and their current statuses:TitleAnnouncement DateStatusConsultation on Healthy Start eligibility for families who cannot access public fundsJuly 2024Completed, with the outcome not yet published.Darzi InvestigationJuly 2024Completed, with the report published September 2024.Junior doctors rotations ReviewJuly 2024Review not yet started.Consultation on proposed changes to the availability of puberty blockers for under 18sAugust 2024Completed, with the outcome published.New Hospital Programme ReviewSeptember 2024Completed, with the outcome published.Consultation on introducing further advertising restrictions on TV and online for less healthy food and drink: internet protocol televisionSeptember 2024Completed, with the outcome published.Review of patient safety across the health and care landscapeOctober 2024In progress.Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future (10 Year Plan consultation)October 2024In progress.Leng Review: independent review of physician associate and anaesthesia associate professionsNovember 2024In progress.Consultation on tackling modern slavery in NHS procurement: proposed regulations and guidanceNovember 2024In progress.Consultation on leading the NHS: proposals to regulate NHS managers (consultation)November 2024In progress.Call for evidence, Standardised packaging for all tobacco productsNovember 2024In progress.Consultation on NHS Pension Scheme: proposed amendments for 1 April 2025December 2024In progress.Consultation on new reforms and independent commission to transform social care (consultation)January 2025In progress.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

The Scotland Office has not launched any reviews, consultations or investigations between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

In line with the requirements under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Office routinely publishes information on internal reviews in respect of any new, proposed or revised policies, and public consultations on GOV.UK. Between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025, the Northern Ireland Office launched one public consultation on the use of Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland, which is currently ongoing, and completed an internal screening assessment of Non-Jury Trial Provisions under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007. In addition, the Department also published the findings of a Review of the Operation of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme on 29 August 2024.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

The information requested is a matter of public record and available on gov.uk.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Information on public reviews, consultations and investigations is available on Gov.uk, although there will always be internal work in government departments which we would not ordinarily or routinely publish.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out a set of milestones, across the missions, for this Parliament. The Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has commissioned modelling on the reduction in residual waste collection frequency as a consequence of the Simpler Recycling programme.

For too long, households in England have been presented with a muddled and confusing patchwork of approaches to bin collections. This Government inherited legislation that could have required households to have up to 7 bins, placing an unnecessary burden on people and businesses. We are simplifying the rules to make recycling easier for people in England, while stimulating growth and maximising environmental benefits. Through Simpler Recycling, all householders will receive a comprehensive and consistent set of waste and recycling services. This will enable householders to recycle as much waste as possible and to frequently dispose of bad-smelling food waste, which will be collected from all households at least weekly. Defra recognises that as recycling services are expanded and improved, local authorities may want to review residual waste services to ensure they are providing best value for money in line with local need. The Government’s priority is ensuring that households’ needs are met, and we expect local authorities to continue to provide services to a reasonable standard, as they do now. Building on existing and new legal duties, Defra has published guidance to ensure that local authorities consider certain factors when they review services, to ensure that reasonable standards are maintained.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 3 January 2025 to Question 20290 on Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal, whether his Department has undertaken an (a) equality impact and (b) environmental principles assessment in relation to the Simpler Recycling policy.

Yes.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.As the House would expect, the Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews and consultations will be available on GOV.UK as they are published.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has held discussions with WRAP on the frequency of household residual bin collections by local waste collection authorities.

Through Simpler Recycling, all householders will receive a comprehensive and consistent set of waste and recycling services. This will enable householders to recycle as much waste as possible and to frequently dispose of bad-smelling food waste, which will be collected from all households at least weekly. As is currently the case, waste collection authorities should continue to decide collection frequency and methodology for collecting the residual (non-recyclable waste) and dry recyclable waste streams and do so in a way that meets local needs and provides value for money for the taxpayer. The Secretary of State has not held any discussions with WRAP on the frequency of household residual bin collections by local waste collection authorities. Defra recognises that as recycling services are expanded and improved, local authorities may want to review residual waste services to ensure they are providing best value for money in line with local need. The government’s priority is ensuring that households’ needs are met, and we expect local authorities to continue to provide services to a reasonable standard, as they do now.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2024 to Question 19918 on Waste: Codes of Practice, what representations he has received, on outsourced private enforcement firms issuing fines in breach of non-statutory enforcement guidance.

Current littering enforcement guidance for local authorities is clear that where external contractors are used, private firms should not be able to receive greater revenue or profits just from increasing the volume of penalties and that local authorities remain responsible for the whole enforcement process, whether they contract out part of it or not. The previous administration consulted on whether to place this guidance on a statutory footing. 35 responses were received, some of which discussed the use of private enforcement firms.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.Headline findings from the Foreign Secretary's three reviews into Economic Diplomacy, Development and Global Impact will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, the Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

Innovation and Technology, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones, across the Missions, for this Parliament. As the House would expect, the government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews will be available on GOV.UK as they are published.

Communities and Local Government, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews and consultations will be available on GOV.UK as they are published.