Written questions by Anderson.

What steps her Department is taking to support early childhood education providers to ensure that three-quarters of five-year-olds are school ready in (a) under-resourced and (b) other areas.

Giving young children the best start in life is the foundation of the government’s Opportunity Mission. Children’s earliest years are crucial to their health, development and life chances. We have set a milestone of a record proportion of children starting school ready to learn in the classroom. We will measure our progress through 75% of children at the end of reception reaching a good level of development in the early years foundation stage profile assessment by 2028.The government set out its next steps for delivering on this milestone in the Plan for Change published on 5 December. It will roll out government-funded childcare support to improve access, delivering the expansion to 30 funded hours, and supporting 3,000 new and expanded school-based nurseries, increasing the availability of high-quality childcare places where they are needed most.The government will work in partnership with the sector, reforming training and support for the workforce to drive up standards. Only by listening to the expertise and experiences of those on the ground can we deliver this together.We will work towards a stronger early years system, beginning with offering sustained professional development and working with providers to help spread evidence-based programmes as part of comprehensive plans to drive high-quality early education and care. We will ensure that the reception year sets children up for success in the rest of primary school, by rolling out schools’ access to evidence-based programmes that boost early literacy and numeracy skills.We will strengthen and join up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood. This includes continuing to invest in and build up Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes to support early child health, parenting and home learning programmes. In addition, we will strengthen health visiting services for all families and improve early identification of special educational needs and disabilities.In the Autumn Budget 2024, we provided an additional £1.8 billion to continue the expansion of government-funded childcare support for working parents in England, bringing total spending on childcare to over £8 billion in 2025/26.As usual, hourly funding rates for providers offering the government-funded hours will vary between local authorities, reflecting local circumstances. On average, rates will rise to £11.54 for under 2s, £8.53 for two-year-olds and £6.12 for three and four-year-olds.The government also announced, on 10 December, a new £75 million expansion grant, to be allocated later this year, to support nurseries, childminders and other providers to deliver the 35,000 additional staff and 70,000 places required to meet demand for September 2025.The government will also deliver the largest ever uplift to the early years pupil premium, increasing rates by over 45% to up to £570 per eligible child per year. This unprecedented increase is an investment in quality early education for those children who need it most, in the areas that need it most, to give them the support they need to be ‘school ready’ at age 5 and go on to have the best life chances.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of material switching by food producers currently using metal food cans on (a) UK food security and (b) the (i) recyclability of and (ii) cost of recycling other types of packaging.

The Scheme Administrator will study what measures may be needed to mitigate against material switching, where switching may produce perverse environmental outcomes. As pEPR places the cost of disposing of packaging back on those who place packaging on the market, the system contains intrinsic incentives against producers switching to materials which are more expensive to reprocess in the waste stream.

Whether he has met the nuclear test veteran campaign group.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise their Service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK’s security. This is why I have already met with both Parliamentarians and representatives from the nuclear test veteran community to discuss a range of topics relating to their experiences and the challenges they face. These efforts have resulted in us expanding the criteria for the commemorative Nuclear Test Medal. Further engagement is already planned before the end of the year. I have also asked officials to continue to regularly meet with Nuclear Test Veteran groups.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reimbursement schemes and (b) financial assistance programmes for patients seeking private dental care because of NHS delays.

The National Health Service contracts with independent dental providers to deliver NHS dental treatment. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. If a patient decides to choose alternative private options, this should be included in their treatment plan.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that residents of Ashfield constituency are able to access essential postal services.

The Government provides an annual £50m Network Subsidy funding to support the delivery of a minimum number of Post Office branches and a geographical spread of these branches in line with published access criteria. This requires 99% of the UK population to be within three miles of their nearest Post Office outlet. The Government-set Access Criteria ensures that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens, including those living in the Ashfield constituency.

Communities and Local Government, when she plans to implement secondary legislation under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Food and Rural Affairs, what the evidential basis is for the levels of Extended Producer Responsibility fee for (a) steel food cans, (b) fibre-based cartons and (c) plastic pouches.

Defra published the second iteration of packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR) illustrative base fees on 30 of September. These illustrative fees are estimates only, based on the best available data at the time. They are not the final base fees to be used for year 1 of the pEPR scheme. The second iteration of illustrative base fees are based on tonnages of packaging placed on the market in 2023, as reported by producers on RPD, and local authority waste management costs, which were modelled using the LAPCAP model. Local authority costs account for the management of different material types based on key drivers, such as a local authority recycling system, residual collection frequency, or level of deprivation and rurality. Defra’s model is undergoing a robust quality assurance process under the new Government, with ongoing consultation taking place which involves local authorities and packaging producers, to ensure that fees reflect the costs of waste management associated with each material.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help protect leaseholders from (a) excessive ground rents and (b) other exploitative practices in the period until secondary legislation is implemented under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

What plans his Department has to tackle funding gaps between (a) mental and (b) physical health services.

We know that too many people with mental health issues are not getting the support or care they need, which is why we will fix the broken system to ensure we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health, and that people can be confident in accessing high quality mental health support when they need it. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will set out expectations for mental health funding, including its share of overall National Health Service expenditure in 2025/26, in due course, as required under section 3(2) of the Health and Care Act 2022.

What recent discussions he has had with the Post Office on maintaining local post office services.

The Secretary of State and I have met with the CEO and Chair of Post Office Limited to ensure that Post Office delivers for postmasters and its communities. We recently met with the Post Office Chair, Nigel Railton, and discussed his proposals for the future of the company before Mr Railton announced Post Office's Transformation Plan on 13th November. While Post Office has the freedom to make commercial decisions regarding the composition of its network, Government sets the parameters for the Post Office to operate in. Government protects the branch network by setting minimum access criteria which require 99% of the UK population to be within three miles of their nearest Post Office outlet. The access criteria ensure that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

What the average waiting time is for a driving test at each driving test centre in Ashfield constituency.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book. There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.DTCAverage car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024Booked testsTests available to book in 24 week booking windowAshfield22.82,296100Chesterfield19.81,647191Worksop11.52,086515Nottingham (Colwick)244,392212Nottingham (Chilwell)23.83,75359National19.5561,45167,190The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.

What steps her Department is doing to improve counter-terrorism measures.

The UK has one of the strongest counter-terrorism frameworks in the world.Counter-terrorism is a whole of government effort in response to a substantial terrorist threat which is diverse, dynamic and complex. This system is underpinned by the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. CONTEST is a framework covering all types of terrorism. It has remained effective since 2003 and is a flexible and adaptable framework through which we continuously work to improve our delivery. As set out in the latest iteration of the strategy, the Government is making transformational improvements in response to the evolving threat.The entire strategy, including our counter-terrorism powers, terrorist offences and risk management tools are kept under close review to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the context of emerging threats. This is supported through both internal and independent scrutiny, including via the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing approved driving instructors to conduct driving tests to help clear the current backlog.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book. There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.DTCAverage car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024Booked testsTests available to book in 24 week booking windowAshfield22.82,296100Chesterfield19.81,647191Worksop11.52,086515Nottingham (Colwick)244,392212Nottingham (Chilwell)23.83,75359National19.5561,45167,190The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.

What recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on tackling the backlog of driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book. There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.DTCAverage car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024Booked testsTests available to book in 24 week booking windowAshfield22.82,296100Chesterfield19.81,647191Worksop11.52,086515Nottingham (Colwick)244,392212Nottingham (Chilwell)23.83,75359National19.5561,45167,190The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.

What recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on the adequacy of the rule that driving tests cannot be booked more than 24 weeks in advance.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book. There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.DTCAverage car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024Booked testsTests available to book in 24 week booking windowAshfield22.82,296100Chesterfield19.81,647191Worksop11.52,086515Nottingham (Colwick)244,392212Nottingham (Chilwell)23.83,75359National19.5561,45167,190The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.

What his policy is on the payment of military reservist pensions for pre-2015 service.

Following legal advice, the Ministry of Defence has lodged an appeal against the Milroy employment tribunal ruling. We are unable to comment further while the appeal is ongoing.

Whether her Department is taking steps to prevent (a) undocumented and (b) illegal migrants in the UK workforce from accessing (i) NHS and (ii) welfare services.

The UK has in place a framework of laws, policies and administrative arrangements to regulate migrant access to work, benefits and services. These measures ensure only those who are lawfully present and with the right to access are able to do so, whilst preventing access for those not entitled.Migrants in the UK without lawful status are subject to a No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition, which prevents them from accessing most publicly funded benefits and services. An individual’s immigration status is checked prior to administering benefits and service. Benefits are either denied or terminated where an individual is subject to an NRPF condition.

What steps he is taking to strengthen the Union.

This Government is committed to the Good Friday Agreement and Northern Ireland's place in the union. We are supporting all communities working with the Executive on improving public services and encouraging investment in Northern Ireland as a great place to live, work, and do business.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the decision to end the National Citizen Service on the number of (a) volunteering and (b) training opportunities available to young people.

NCS programmes will continue to be delivered as planned up until March 2025. The new youth strategy will guide our transition over the next year, and we are committed to supporting young people throughout this process to mitigate any adverse impacts of the closure of NCS. Our priority is co-producing this new strategy with young people to understand how we can best support them moving forward. While the strategy is being developed, there are opportunities available for young people to access training and volunteering opportunities through other DCMS funded programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the #iwill fund. Next financial year, we are increasing the total funding for other DCMS youth programmes which support young people’s access to opportunities, including volunteering and training opportunities, as well as local authorities’ capacity to provide an impactful offer for young people.

With reference to her Department’s statistics entitled Academic year 2023/24: Elective home education, published on 29 February 2024, if she will take steps to ensure that children remain in mainstream education rather than home education.

All parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child receives a suitable, full-time education and they have the right to choose how their child receives that education. For example, by attendance at school or by home educating them.The number of children in home education has risen significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an estimated 92,000 children believed to be home educated as of October 2023. There is also an increase in parents reporting that they are moving their children into home education due to mental health concerns or special educational needs.The department intends to introduce a package of measures to help ensure that children receive a safe, suitable education regardless of the setting they attend. The ‘Keeping children safe, helping families thrive’ policy paper, published on 18 November, confirmed the department’s intention to create a new requirement whereby parents will need local authority consent to home educate if a child registered at a school is subject to an enquiry under section 47 of the Children’s Act 1989 or on a child protection plan. If a child is subject to a section 47 Children Act enquiry or on a child protection plan and is already being home educated, the local authority will be able to require them to attend school.We also intend to make improvements to the School Attendance Order process and, as announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce compulsory Children Not in School registers in every local authority in England as part of the Children’s Wellbeing Bill.