Every parliamentary written question tabled by John Milne this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 121–140 of 198 · this parliament
What estimate her Department has made of the annual saving to the public purse from not fully disregarding (a) War Pensions and (b) Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments in the assessment of Pension Credit in the previous financial year.
No formal assessment has been made on the annual saving to the public purse on not fully disregarding these payments.
Whether his Department (a) has made and (b) plans to make an assessment of the impact of exposure to chemicals on cancer incidence rates.
The UK REACH regulation aims to protect human health from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, including substances of very high concern such as carcinogens. This is led by the Health and Safety Executive, with the UK Health Security Agency contributing to the process. The Department is currently not planning to make an assessment of the impacts of chemicals on cancer incidence rates for this reason.
If she will maintain the careers guidance service for all unemployed people receiving support as part of the new national Jobs and Careers Service.
We are reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new Jobs and Careers Service across Great Britain that will transform our ability to support people into good, meaningful work, and to progress in work, including through an enhanced focus on skills and careers. This will be a universal service which all people – not just benefit recipients or those out of work – will be able to engage with. In England, these reforms will include bringing together Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service. The new service will have an increased focus on supporting progression and good work through aligning employment support more closely with skills and careers advice. In Scotland and Wales, we will work closely with the Devolved Governments to ensure the new service works effectively with the devolved careers and skills services. We are in the early stages of designing the new service, working closely with Department for Education and more details will be shared in due course.
What steps she will take to ensure young people are supported in choosing from the range of (a) technical and (b) vocational options available to them after the end of the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge contract in summer 2025.
Enabling access to apprenticeships and technical education remains a key part of this government’s education policy. There is a range of support available to schools, colleges, parents, careers and young people to support careers education and the promotion of apprenticeship and technical education options.Young people, parents and carers, as well as schools and colleges seeking support to raise awareness of apprenticeships and technical education can continue to access:The Skills for Careers Apprenticeships support page, which can be found here: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/apprenticeships.The Careers and Enterprise Company’s (CEC) resource directory, which is available here: https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/.Amazing Apprenticeships which offers a wide range of resources and support for schools and colleges.CEC’s network of Careers Hubs, covering 95% of schools and colleges, works with schools and colleges to support their careers education programmes.CEC also supports enhanced Provider Access Legislation compliance which specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education.The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network of around 2,000 volunteers which visits institutions sharing compelling experiences about apprenticeships.
What assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) greater data sharing between (i) work coaches and (ii) careers advisors and (b) improvements to (A) engaging and (B) involving local employers in employability programmes in the context of jobcentre reforms.
DWP has strengthened its employer engagement strategy through a multi-faceted approach, involving early business input into the JCS design and a rolling programme of engagement events. Local employer engagement is driven by dedicated teams, sector-specific Recruitment Innovation Workshops, tailored recruitment support via account managers, increased use of digital tools and ongoing promotion of inclusive hiring practices for disabled people and those with health conditions. DWP’s reforms have deepened employer involvement in employability programmes by embedding them into both design and delivery. The Strategic Relationship Team coordinates employer portfolios and ensures feedback shapes services. Work programmes are co-designed with employers to meet recruitment needs through training, work experience, and guaranteed interviews. Integration with the National Careers Service enhances local labour market alignment, while the Get Britain Working White Paper promotes local co-design of employment support with employers and authorities.
Communities and Local Government, how many local green spaces have been designated in Neighbourhood plans in England.
Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests. This can include designating Local Green Spaces where this is appropriate. Where a made neighbourhood plan contains a green space designation this will continue to have effect.As of the end of March 2025, the government was aware of over 1,800 neighbourhood plans being in place. We do not hold information on the specific policies, such as green space designations, included in neighbourhood plans.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department plans to take to help ensure that local green spaces that have been designated in Neighbourhood Plans are supported, in the context of the withdrawal of funding from Neighbourhood Planning Support services.
Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests. This can include designating Local Green Spaces where this is appropriate. Where a made neighbourhood plan contains a green space designation this will continue to have effect.As of the end of March 2025, the government was aware of over 1,800 neighbourhood plans being in place. We do not hold information on the specific policies, such as green space designations, included in neighbourhood plans.
Communities and Local Government, how many Neighbourhood Plans are in place in England.
Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests. This can include designating Local Green Spaces where this is appropriate. Where a made neighbourhood plan contains a green space designation this will continue to have effect.As of the end of March 2025, the government was aware of over 1,800 neighbourhood plans being in place. We do not hold information on the specific policies, such as green space designations, included in neighbourhood plans.
Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has produced an Impact Assessment on the removal of funding to Neighbourhood Planning Support services.
Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests. This can include designating Local Green Spaces where this is appropriate. Where a made neighbourhood plan contains a green space designation this will continue to have effect.As of the end of March 2025, the government was aware of over 1,800 neighbourhood plans being in place. We do not hold information on the specific policies, such as green space designations, included in neighbourhood plans.
What plans her Department has to cover costs to schools for Sports and PE funding between July 2025 and October 2025.
The physical education (PE) and sport premium helps all eligible primary schools to make additional and sustainable improvements to the PE, sport and physical activity they provide. Schools can decide how to use it, in line with the conditions of the grant. It does not fund specific provision.The government has provided £320 million of funding for the primary PE and sport premium in this academic year and has recently committed to continuing this level of funding for the 2025/26 academic year. As in previous years, the funding will be provided in two payments, in the autumn and spring terms.
What discussions he has had with NICE on ensuring that the Single Technology Appraisal process takes into account the health-related quality-of-life impacts on carers for (a) all and (b) rare disease therapies.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) technology appraisal process allows its independent committees to take all health-related costs and benefits, including health-related quality-of-life for carers, and impacts on personal social services, into account. The NICE’s methods are set out in its published health technology evaluations manual, which is available at the following link: https://www.nice.org.uk/process/pmg36 Evaluations should consider all health effects for patients, and, when relevant, carers. When presenting health effects for carers, evidence should show when a condition is associated with a substantial effect on a carer’s health-related quality of life, and how the technology affects carers. This applies for all therapies, including therapies for rare diseases. NICE appraisals specifically consider health-related quality of life, for both patients and carers, rather than quality of life as a whole.
What discussions he has had with steps NICE on ensuring greater (a) clarity and (b) transparency in relation to how carer quality of life is considered within its medicines appraisal framework.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) technology appraisal process allows its independent committees to take all health-related costs and benefits, including health-related quality-of-life for carers, and impacts on personal social services, into account. The NICE’s methods are set out in its published health technology evaluations manual, which is available at the following link: https://www.nice.org.uk/process/pmg36 Evaluations should consider all health effects for patients, and, when relevant, carers. When presenting health effects for carers, evidence should show when a condition is associated with a substantial effect on a carer’s health-related quality of life, and how the technology affects carers. This applies for all therapies, including therapies for rare diseases. NICE appraisals specifically consider health-related quality of life, for both patients and carers, rather than quality of life as a whole.
What steps NHS England is taking to ensure that NHS Trusts are able to deliver emerging treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy when they are needed by patients.
The Department understands the impact that Duchenne muscular dystrophy has on those living with it and their families, and the urgent need for new treatment options. If new therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), then appropriate commissioning plans will be put in place to enable equitable access to treatment through Specialised Neurology Services.The delivery of timely and equitable access to new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy under company-sponsored early access schemes is not the responsibility of NHS England. Individual pharmaceutical companies may put in place Early Access Programmes (EAPs) to allow early access to new medicines that do not yet have a marketing authorisation. Participation in EAPs is decided at an individual National Health Service trust level, and under these programmes, the cost of the drug is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the National Health Service, although NHS trusts must still cover administration costs and provide clinical resources to deliver the EAP.There are no common clinical, data, or regulatory standards for company-sponsored EAPs, meaning each one demands a new protocol to be devised and delivered by each participating trust, which can create significant pressures on clinical and financial resources. Companies providing a sponsored EAP also reserve the right to limit or to close registration of new patients at any time, meaning that any financial and clinical investment made by trusts to establish an EAP could be undermined by a commercial decision that would most likely happen in the event of the treatment not being recommended following an appraisal by NICE.NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge (FoC) medicine schemes, including EAPs, providing advice on potential financial, resourcing, and clinical risks.ICSs should use the guidance to help determine whether to implement any FoC scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/
What steps his Department is taking to increase early diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma.
The Department is committed to getting the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster so that more patients, including those with lobular carcinoma, survive this horrible set of diseases. To achieve this, the NHS has delivered an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week as the first step to ensuring early diagnosis and faster treatment.There are multiple NHS initiatives and funding streams across the NHS in England that support the early detection of breast cancer, and many organisations across the health service are involved.The Department spends £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with cancer as the largest area of spend at more than £133 million in 2023/24. The NIHR spends more on cancer than any other disease group, reflecting its high priority. These investments in cancer, including lobular breast cancer, are pivotal to informing efforts to improve cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes.The forthcoming National Cancer Plan will include further details on improving outcomes for cancer patients, including those with invasive lobular carcinoma, and will highlight how the Department will support the NHS to improve diagnosis rates for people in all parts of England.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 904123 Gatwick Airport: Carbon Emissions, if she will list the organisations from which she has received carbon emissions projection data relating to Gatwick's proposed expansion.
As this is live planning application that is yet to be decided, unfortunately I cannot comment in detail at this time. However, all information provided to the Secretary of State by the applicant, the Examining Authority, and any parties who chose to make written representations is available on the Planning Inspectorate website. This will include information on carbon emissions.
If she will make an estimate of the potential impact of changes to (a) PIP entitlement rules, (b) the Universal Credit health element, (c) Universal Credit standard allowance and (d) all three measures on the number of (i) people and (ii) children who will be in relative poverty after housing costs in 2029-30, using baselines in which the Autumn Statement 2023 Work Capability Assessment descriptor reforms are assumed to have (A) been implemented and (B) not been implemented.
An assessment of the potential impact of the planned changes to health and disability benefits is available here: Spring Statement 2025 health and disability benefit reforms – Impacts. This includes breakdowns for each change separately on levels of poverty. It also includes estimated impacts regarding the changes to the Work Capability Assessment descriptors proposed at Autumn Statement 2023, but which were subsequently reversed.
If she will make an estimate she of the potential impact of changes to (a) PIP entitlement rules, (b) the Universal Credit health element and (c) the Universal Credit standard allowance and (d) all three measures on the number of (i) families, (ii) people and (iii) children who are (A) in and (B) not in relative poverty after housing costs pre-measures in 2029-30, using baselines in which the Autumn Statement 2023 Work Capability Assessment descriptor reforms are assumed to have (1) been implemented and (2) not been implemented.
An assessment of the potential impact of the planned changes to health and disability benefits is available here: Spring Statement 2025 health and disability benefit reforms – Impacts. This includes breakdowns for each change separately on levels of poverty. It also includes estimated impacts regarding the changes to the Work Capability Assessment descriptors proposed at Autumn Statement 2023, but which were subsequently reversed.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of expanding Gatwick Airport on carbon emissions.
This Government has been clear that airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate they can be delivered in line with the UK’s climate change commitments. Having received further information from Gatwick, the Secretary of State hopes to make a final decision in due course.
Whether (a) he and (b) the Minister for Public Health and Prevention will attend the Lobular Moon Shot Project's drop in on Tuesday 6 May 2025 to discuss research into lobular breast cancer.
Due to diary pressures, neither myself nor my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will be attending the Lobular Moon Shot Project’s drop in event on 6 May 2025. However, the Department will continue to fund research into lobular breast cancer through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including lobular breast cancer. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality. Welcoming applications on lobular breast cancers to all NIHR programmes enables maximum flexibility both in terms of the amount of research funding a particular area can be awarded, and the type of research which can be funded.
What steps he is taking to ensure that glaucoma monitoring services are available to patients in (a) Horsham and (b) England.
Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning primary and secondary eye care services in their areas to meet patient needs, and this includes services to meet the needs of patients with glaucoma.The Department worked with the eye care sector to develop a standard clinical specification for the commissioning of Community Minor and Urgent Eye Care Services, and this was published in February 2024. The specification is available at the following link:https://locsu.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1.-CUES-Service-specification-vs-1.43-Feb-2024.pdf