Written questions by Campbell.

What steps his Department is taking to use AI and automation to (a) improve the delivery of, (b) reduce administrative burdens of and (c) improve the accuracy of assessments for welfare benefits.

We are adopting AI in DWP to help colleagues deliver better outcomes for customers and to improve productivity and efficiency, so that colleagues can get more decisions right first time and can support the people who need it most. The Department uses automated decision-making in some areas, as described in our Personal Information Charter. Customers are told when an automated decision may have been made in relation to their case, along with information on the steps they would need to take if they want to exercise their right to ask for a human to review that decision. DWP has a legal requirement to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place when carrying out automated decision-making. The Department carries out regular checks to ensure our systems are working as intended, and any new features go through rigorous testing.

What steps the Government is taking to support charities to increase availability of guide dogs in Nottinghamshire.

The UK government recognises the invaluable role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual impairments and hearing loss. Assistance dogs are not funded or provided by the government. Direct provision of guide dogs is primarily handled by charitable organisations. Organisations like Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), an umbrella coalition for well-established dog training organisations, offer information and advice on how to apply for an assistance dog. As assistance dogs are provided by independent charities and organisations, the Government is not responsible or accountable for supply issues. We are aware of concerns around shortages of assistance dogs since the pandemic and there has been dialogue with assistance dogs charities. Guide Dogs UK have assured us that they are on course to return to pre-pandemic supply levels soon, and are working hard to reduce waiting times with record levels of investment.

If he will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential merits of banning silica.

There are no plans to discuss the merits of banning silica as it is a naturally occurring material found in sand, glass, and many rocks and minerals. Great Britain has a well-established regulatory framework under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as amended), which already requires employers to prevent exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) to protect workers’ health.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of banning silica.

The merits of banning silica have not been considered as it is a naturally occurring material found in sand, glass, and many rocks and minerals. Great Britain has a well-established regulatory framework under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as amended), which already require employers to prevent exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) to protect workers’ health.

What estimate his Department has made of the number of pensioners who are affected by the absence of statutory indexation on pre-1997 contributions in Broxtowe constituency; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential financial impact of this on pensioners in Broxtowe.

The Pensions Regulator has published data which shows that as of March 2023, only 17 per cent of members of private sector defined benefit pension schemes do not receive any pre-1997 indexation. This is available at: https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/research-and-analysis/data-requests#f3a5fe60511a445f91112bd7dd8a64ae The Department and the Pensions Regulator do not hold this information at a constituency level.