Written questions by Hayes.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

The Ministry of Defence is experimenting with a range of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to increase productivity and efficiency across the Department. That includes the use of informational chatbots, machine learning applications and generative AI to manage large volumes of data, automate laborious or repetitive tasks and support policy work (summarising documents, drafting emails, generating meeting minutes etc).

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

AI has transformative potential, with the ability to drive growth, raise living standards, transform public services, and improve the lives of working people across the UK. In HM Treasury, we are using AI to build tools that support policy makers, including our bespoke HMT-GPT system and email triaging solution for managing correspondence. The award-winning Hawkeye service enables the Treasury to automatically combine key data on the UK economy and provide valuable insights for analysts. We are also adopting this modern, digital approach for the upcoming Spending Review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will transform diplomatic practice and the FCDO's delivery, enhancing our diplomatic impact and increasing individual productivity and corporate efficiency.AI is already integrated into many commodity products and devices. Ministers do not currently use specific FCDO provided AI augmented tools in their work. Officials already use a range of FCDO provided AI augmented tools in their work to support information analysis and national security activities. The FCDO participated in the cross-HMG pilot of Microsoft Copilot and is trialling an AI agent to intelligently sign-post written Consular enquiries on GOV.UK. The secure and responsible adoption of AI is a key component of the FCDO's multi-year Digital, Data and Cyber Security Strategy.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of regulation of gambling (a) advertising, (b) sponsorship and (c) marketing.

There are a range of robust rules in place to ensure that gambling adverts, wherever they appear, are socially responsible. The Gambling Commission is further strengthening protections on marketing to improve customer control and ensure marketing does not exacerbate harm. However, as the Gambling Minister set out in her speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, more needs to be done to improve protections. The industry now has a clear task to further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm, and this work will be monitored closely.Regarding sponsorship, all major sporting bodies have published their gambling sponsorship Codes of Conduct, setting minimum standards for socially responsible gambling sponsorships. The Premier League’s decision to ban front-of-shirt sponsorship by gambling firms will also commence by the end of the 2025/26 season. The Department will closely monitor the implementation of the Codes to ensure they have a meaningful impact.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

AI is being used for a range of purposes in the HO, including:to improve business delivery as part of overall digital improvements in the department with well-established systems such as e-Gates, to allow entry at the Border; in our passport service, to support online applications; triage tools, which route cases to the appropriate teams; and the Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) Classifier, which helps police officers grade child sexual abuse material (CSAM) more swiftly and reduces their exposure time to harmful contentto assist the creation of documents and presentationsto research publicly available documentsto transcribe meetingsto summarise informationWe are also running several AI trials to test their potential for wider productivity and quality improvements in existing business processes.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

The Department for Business and Trade is committed to improving its productivity, including through AI and effective use of data. A range of AI tools are available for use by Ministers and officials across various roles the department, including: Microsoft Copilot, Open AI models and other models for specific uses. There are teams focussed on enabling use of AI by building necessary infrastructure and developing specific AI use cases.Ministers and officials also have access to a range of data services which allow them to deploy AI and data tools.We report against the Algorithmic Transparency Reporting Standard on GOV.UK.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country.The department has been using Microsoft Copilot, an AI-based web chat with commercial protection, for various means including:Information retrieval and summarisation, for example, from a policy or data publication.Learning new skills, for example, improving writing skills or use of analytical skills.Pattern recognition and data analysis.Natural language understanding and generation, ideal for conversation, content creation, and summarisation.In addition, 150 people across the organisation are piloting Microsoft 365 Copilot, which leverages AI to automate and accelerate tasks in Microsoft Products. We are tracking the benefits of this pilot which currently include:Increased productivity.Less time in meetings.Ability to search and analyse data more effectively.Less repetitive tasks.Increased efficiency in drafting.Ability to be more creative.User satisfaction.Since summer 2023, the department has created a secure Microsoft Azure Open AI sandbox environment. This allows limited groups of users to build and test AI models based on specific uses cases, in a safe and secure environment. Use cases are approved by a technology-led steering group, and this group will ultimately decide on which applications could potentially be moved into production for use more broadly across the organisation.We draw on a range of resources, published on GOV.UK, to inform our AI usage. For example the Generative AI Framework, the Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Framework, the Data Ethics Framework, the AI Opportunities Action Plan and the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard.The department has also had access to the Central Digital and Data Office, based in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, for expert advice.

What steps she is taking to improve the accessibility of bus services for disabled people in Lincolnshire.

The government is committed to improving bus services right across the country, including in Lincolnshire, so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. On 1st October 2024, the first phase of the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 came into force, meaning that newer vehicles providing local services must provide audible and visible information on stops, destinations and diversions. The majority of services will need to comply by October 2026.On 17th December, the government introduced a new Bus Services Bill that will give local leaders the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities and ensure networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them, including for disabled people. The Bill includes measures which will make bus travel more accessible and inclusive.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to (a) protect and (b) enhance green spaces in (i) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (ii) Lincolnshire.

The designation of land as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans allows communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them. Designating land as Local Green Space should be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs, and other essential services.The National Planning Policy Framework includes strong protections to prevent development on existing open space, including playing fields and formal play spaces, in recognition of its important role in supporting the health and well-being of communities, its wider benefits for nature and efforts to address climate change.The government is committed to creating better access to parks and green spaces for everyone. The MHCLG-owned Green Flag Award scheme sets the national standard for parks and green spaces that are welcoming, safe, well-maintained and promote biodiversity and community participation, promoting best practice across the sector.  We have seen many green spaces across Lincolnshire afforded this prestigious accolade, including Boultham Park, Lincoln Arboretum, Queen Elizabeth Park and Central Park Scunthorpe.

How many delayed discharges there were in Lincolnshire since 2022.

Since September 2024, NHS England has published data on the number of discharges occurring at least one day after a patient has become medically ready for discharge, aggregated at an integrated care system (ICS) level. For the Lincolnshire ICS, between September 2024 and December 2024, there were a total of 2,323 discharges of adult acute patients occurring at least one day after they had become medically ready.The following table shows the average number of patients who remained in hospital each day, despite being medically ready for discharge, from the Lincolnshire ICS, from December 2022 to December 2024:YearAverage number of patients remaining in hospital each day despite being medically ready for dischargeDecember 2022150December 2023137December 2024135Source: NHS England

Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to increase levels of investment in high streets in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire.

This Government is committed to supporting our high-street businesses and communities. At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced that it is retaining and reforming the Long-Term Plan for Towns as part of a new regeneration programme. Spalding, Skegness and Boston, together with 75 towns, will each receive up to £20 million in additional funding and support for their communities.An additional £900 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was also announced for financial year 2025/26, with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority set to receive £14.7 million. This follows £2.6 million UKSPF funding that South Holland District Council received for 2022-2025. Under the UKSPF-delegated model, Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority may choose to invest in high streets in their area. This allows local leaders to continue to invest in local priorities and deliver projects that drive growth and support regeneration.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

Over the last 12 months AI has been used for a variety of purposes in the Department for Transport.The department is participating in a pilot of the Microsoft Copilot AI product with ~230 staff. The pilot is being conducted to determine the benefits of this product (particularly potential efficiencies) and its reliability in relation to accuracy and data security.The department also has an internal programme to develop bespoke in-house AI solutions for a number of specific use cases. The majority of these are still in development and have therefore not yet been used. Those that have are listed below:Automated drafting of correspondence: AI is being used (currently within a small pilot) to create first drafts of responses to treat official correspondence. These are checked and finalised by officials before being sent.Automated consultation analysis: AI is being developed to streamline the analysis of open text responses to public consultations, in collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute. This is being piloted with a live call for ideas. The performance of the AI is being thoroughly evaluated by social research specialist to ensure reliability.Fraud detection: AI enabled computer vision has been used to detect fabricated applications for the department's electric vehicle chargepoint grant. This has flagged a large number of applications, leading to further investigation and grants being reclaimed.Automation of roadside surveys: AI enabled computer vision has been used to automate aspects of a survey to measure vehicle excise duty compliance, replacing a time-consuming manual process.HGV detection: AI enabled computer vision has been used to analyse ariel imagery to assess potential locations for a future network of electric HGV chargers.Where personal data has been processed in any of the above examples a Data Protection Impact Assessment has been carried out and all data has been handled in-line with the department’s personal information charter.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the supply of adapted housing for (a) adults and (b) children with disabilities in South Holland and the Deepings constituency.

The English Housing Survey includes data on adaptations within the home at a national level. Data is not held at constituency level.The right housing arrangements are crucial in supporting people to live independently and well. The National Planning Policy Framework outlines that it is for local planning authorities to assess the housing needed for different groups in their area, including disabled people, and reflect this in their local plan.Local housing authorities also have a statutory duty to provide Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding for home adaptations to disabled people of all ages and tenures subject to a means test, eligibility criteria and a needs assessment.Government provided funding of £842,476 to South Holland District Council and £1,063,807 to South Kesteven District Council for the DFG for 2024–2025. As announced by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 3 January 2025, an in-year uplift to the DFG budget, totalling £86 million, will be paid to local authorities as soon as possible. South Holland District Council will receive £115,925 and South Kesteven District Council will receive £146,380 in additional funding.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

As the Prime Minister made clear in his speech last week at the launch of the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, AI can be used to radically improve public services, and we are determined to harness its potential. Ministers and officials in the Cabinet Office have access to a range of technology solutions and platforms to undertake business activities, including AI tools, to improve efficiency and productivity. For example, the Cabinet Office uses an algorithm to automate the review of digital records in order to determine which records should be permanently preserved. The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard entry can be found here.

How many farms were subject to inheritance tax in South Holland and the Deepings constituency in the last five financial years.

I refer the Honourable Member to the PQ referenced 17853 published on 12th December 2024 at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-12-04/17853.

For what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold a record of all uses of artificial intelligence by officials and ministers.The Department of Health and Social Care has focused on establishing the enablers for adopting artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly; more specifically, implementing governance and delivery structures that pool internal experts from across the department and drawing on a range of resources, published on GOV.UK, to inform our AI and data usage. For example: the Generative AI Framework; the Data Maturity Assessment; the Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Framework; the Data Ethics Framework; and the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard. The Department also has access to the Central Digital & Data Office, based in the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, for expert advice.The Department of Health and Social Care does not currently have any plans to implement automated decision-making systems, people remain in full control of decision-making with AI augmenting their work.

Innovation and Technology, for what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country. Officials in DSIT are trialling various AI tools, with appropriate safeguards, to evaluate their impact. For example, 1,500 licenses as part of the cross-government Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment, GitHub Copilot (AI for enhanced programming) and the Incubator for AI (who have moved to DSIT as part of the Machinery of Government change last year) are piloting several tools targeting Civil Service productivity and in support of the missions. We draw on a range of resources, published on GOV.UK, to inform our AI usage.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many incidents of flooding have been reported in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire in the last five years.

Lead Local Flood Authorities are required to conduct formal Section 19 investigations when flood incidents meet specific criteria, such as the number of properties internally flooded, the nature and frequency of flooding, and the impact on critical infrastructure. However, not every flooding incident qualifies for this investigation threshold. The Environment Agency collaborates closely with Lincolnshire County Council to gather evidence that supports their recommendations. Over the past five years, communities in Lincolnshire, particularly in the South Holland and the Deepings constituency, have faced some significant flooding, affecting residential and commercial properties, as well as essential infrastructure. Since early 2019, there have been 1,860 properties flooded across Lincolnshire, with 135 of those in South Holland and the Deepings. In response, the Environment Agency partners with the Local Resilience Forum and engages with affected communities to build resilience against future flooding events. Notable areas experiencing severe impacts include Surfleet Sluice, where residential properties lie within a flood storage area, complicating the Environment Agency’s ability to manage floodwaters. Additionally, the Crowland and Cowbit Flood Storage Reservoir has suffered from high River Welland flows, which damaged embankments and led to flooding. Fortunately, repairs to this damage have now been completed.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the contribution of farming to the economy of (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire.

Regional estimates of total income from farming are produced at international territorial levels (ITL) 1, 2 and 3, with ITL3 being the most granular geographical breakdown. As such, the specific breakdown requested for part a) of the question is not available. In 2023, total income from farming for Lincolnshire was £579.17 million.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increases in employer National Insurance contributions on agricultural businesses.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer; the economic impacts of the policy; and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and an overview of the equality impacts. The Chancellor has decided to protect the smallest employers by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500, and removing the £100,000 eligibility threshold, meaning all eligible employers benefit. This means that next year, 865,000 employers – including small farms who employ staff - will pay no NICs at all. More than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package.