Written questions by Anderson.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of recent trends in diagnosis times for women with endometriosis.

The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it has on their lives, their relationships, and their participation in education and the workforce. We are committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for endometriosis. It is unacceptable that women can wait so long for an endometriosis diagnosis and we are taking action to address this.As announced in September 2025, we will establish an online hospital, via NHS Online, which will give people across the country, on certain pathways, the choice of getting the specialist care they need from their home. It will connect patients with clinicians across the country through secure, online appointments accessed through the NHS App.Menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis will be among the first nine conditions available for referral to NHS Online from 2027. We’ve chosen some of the conditions with the longest waits and where online consultation works best. NHS Online will help to reduce patient waiting times, delivering the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years, four times more than an average trust, while enhancing patient choice and control over their care. This will allow women with menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis across the country to reach a diagnosis sooner.The General Medical Council has introduced the Medical Licensing Assessment from the academic year 2024/25. The content map for this assessment includes several topics relating to women’s health including menstrual problems, endometriosis, menopause, and urinary incontinence. This will encourage a better understanding of common women’s health problems among all doctors as they start their careers in the United Kingdom.In November 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated their guideline on endometriosis to make firmer recommendations for healthcare professionals on referral and investigations for women with a suspected diagnosis, which will help the estimated one in 10 women with endometriosis to receive a diagnosis faster. NICE is working with the National Health Service to ensure adoption of this best practice endometriosis care.

What steps he is taking to reduce diagnosis times for women with endometriosis.

The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it has on their lives, their relationships, and their participation in education and the workforce. We are committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for endometriosis. It is unacceptable that women can wait so long for an endometriosis diagnosis and we are taking action to address this.As announced in September 2025, we will establish an online hospital, via NHS Online, which will give people across the country, on certain pathways, the choice of getting the specialist care they need from their home. It will connect patients with clinicians across the country through secure, online appointments accessed through the NHS App.Menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis will be among the first nine conditions available for referral to NHS Online from 2027. We’ve chosen some of the conditions with the longest waits and where online consultation works best. NHS Online will help to reduce patient waiting times, delivering the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years, four times more than an average trust, while enhancing patient choice and control over their care. This will allow women with menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis across the country to reach a diagnosis sooner.The General Medical Council has introduced the Medical Licensing Assessment from the academic year 2024/25. The content map for this assessment includes several topics relating to women’s health including menstrual problems, endometriosis, menopause, and urinary incontinence. This will encourage a better understanding of common women’s health problems among all doctors as they start their careers in the United Kingdom.In November 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated their guideline on endometriosis to make firmer recommendations for healthcare professionals on referral and investigations for women with a suspected diagnosis, which will help the estimated one in 10 women with endometriosis to receive a diagnosis faster. NICE is working with the National Health Service to ensure adoption of this best practice endometriosis care.

Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of statutory and compliance costs on (a) small and (b) micro businesses.

The Government recognises that too many small businesses have been held back from achieving growth and reaching their full potential in recent years. That is why we published our Plan for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses. The Plan contains over 200 targeted actions which will make a real difference to the day-to-day trading operations of small businesses, supporting them to grow and reduce costs. This includes reducing regulatory admin costs by 25%, tackling late payments, modernising the tax and customs system and launching a new Business Growth Service, all of which will save businesses time and money.

What steps his Department is taking to support small consultancy businesses.

The UK Government has, for the first time, chosen to put Professional and Business Services at the heart of our modern industrial policy, with consultancy as one of its key Frontier Sectors driving future growth.The Department supports small consultancy businesses through a range of measures designed to improve capability, competitiveness and access to opportunities. Smaller consultancies benefit from improved access to government procurement and initiatives that encourage investment in digital, AI and innovation, helping them develop new services and grow sustainably. The government has pledged to cut regulatory administrative costs by 25% - a move designed to unlock growth, boost innovation and reduce burdens on businesses across key sectors.In addition, SMEs can access tailored advice via the Business Growth Service, local Growth Hubs, the Help to Grow: Management scheme, and finance through the British Business Bank, strengthening their leadership, skills and long-term resilience.

Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department’s planned timeline is for the publication of its consultation on the licensing, regulation and inspection of domestic rescue and rehoming organisations in England.

The Animal Welfare strategy sets out Government priorities until 2030. Policies will be delivered throughout this time. Next steps on the consultation will be announced in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of high energy bills on small businesses in the UK.

The Government wants to provide businesses with better protection from being locked into unfair and expensive energy contracts, and more redress when they have a complaint. That’s why the Government has decided to regulate Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), such as energy brokers. This will improve consumer outcomes and enhance consumer protections for non-domestic consumers, particularly charities and small businesses. Regulation will be introduced once parliamentary time allows. The Government and Ofgem continue to work together with consumer groups and wider stakeholders to identify and implement policy changes which can improve the non-domestic market.

What steps she is taking to support the growth of (a) small and (b) micro companies.

We are taking measures to ensure the wider economic environment is conducive to growth. We are cutting borrowing and debt, and supporting the Bank of England by taking action to bring inflation down – which otherwise dampens investment in the UK and slows economic growth. Government took measures at Budget to reduce consumer price inflation by 0.4pp in 2026/27, which the office for budget responsibility forecast will reduce CPI. The Government set out its overall approach for supporting SMEs in the Small Business Strategy published in July 2025 and built on this with targeted reforms to support small businesses at Autumn Budget 2025. The Government is committed to a fair tax system that supports small firms, while ensuring the ongoing funding of essential public services and economic stability. Through our changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions, the threshold at which business start paying Employer NICs has doubled to £10,500.We are supporting employment and skills by changing the rules to fully fund SME apprenticeships training costs for eligible people under the age of 25.At the Budget we announced an Entrepreneurship package to support starts ups and scale ups. As part of this, Government is undertaking its largest ever injection of capital into the British Business Bank. Over the next five years, the British Business Bank will increase annual deployment by two-thirds, aiming to unlock around £26 billion of private capital alongside £13 billion in public funding, and enable up to an additional £10 billion in small business lending through guarantees. We are also doubling the eligibility of our enterprise tax incentives to boost scale-ups, consulting on plans to reducing business energy prices, and reforming and simplifying regulation. We have also launched the Business Growth Service, making it easier for all firms, including micro companies, to get the advice and support they need to grow and thrive.

Whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of business rates on small and medium-sized enterprises.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To support with bill increases, the Government has introduced a generous support package worth £4.3 billion over the next 3 years, including support to help ratepayers to transition to their new bill. This means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. The Government is introducing new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. From April, every pub and live music venue will get 15% off its new business rates bill on top of the support announced at Budget and then bills will be frozen in real terms for a further two years. The Government is also supporting small businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance. Around a third of properties already pay no business rates as they receive 100 per cent Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), with an additional 85,000 benefiting from reduced bills as this relief tapers.

What steps she is taking to ensure (a) primary and (b) secondary schools are able to support pupils with hearing difficulties.

The majority of children and young with hearing impairments are already taught in mainstream schools and we aim to improve inclusivity and expertise in these schools further. In addition to requiring those teaching children with sensory impairment to hold the relevant Mandatory Qualification in Sensory Impairment, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has launched a Sensory Impairment apprenticeship route into the school workforce.Early years settings, schools and colleges have clear legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled children and young people, including those with hearing impairments, are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. Making these adjustments is central to ensuring full participation in school life and delivering high-quality, inclusive education.To help schools meet these duties, we are improving the clarity and practicality of guidance on reasonable adjustments. This includes developing more accessible tools and examples with partners such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure people with hearing loss don’t face (a) loneliness and (b) social exclusion.

This Government is committed to supporting people at risk of loneliness, including those with hearing loss, to have the social connections they need. Our ambition to strengthen positive social connections is a key part of achieving wider government objectives to create a healthier society and more connected communities that benefit everyone. My department has been working hard to ensure social connection and tackling loneliness are key themes throughout government policy.The Action Plan on Hearing Loss (2015) sets out key objectives on hearing loss including, prevention, early diagnosis, maximising independence, and enabling people to take part in every-day activities. The government also funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online forum for people working on loneliness, including health practitioners, to come together and share insights, research and best practice. The Hub frequently spotlights issues affecting specific demographics; this March, an event will be hosted to address loneliness among older people with hearing loss.

What steps his Department is taking to help support research into hearing loss treatment.

The Department delivers research into hearing loss via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).This includes, for example, £2.4 million of NIHR funding for a study that will compare giving adults with severe hearing loss implants in both ears versus just one ear to inform future guidance.As well as funding research itself, the Department invests significantly in centres of excellence and collaborations, services, and facilities to enable development and delivery of research in England. This includes the NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), which drive innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ill-health through early phase translational research. Several of the NIHR BRCs have hearing health themes, supporting a broad range of research into hearing loss treatment, including drug discovery, gene and cell therapies, and regenerative approaches targeting inner ear damage.The NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including hearing loss.

What steps his Department is taking to support research into alopecia.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, 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 alopecia. 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. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topicThe NIHR provides an online service called Be Part of Research, which promotes participation in health and social care research by allowing users to search for relevant studies and register their interest. There are currently several studies supported by Be Part of Research focusing on alopecia, with further information available at the following link:https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

What steps he is taking to encourage people to seek help in the early stages of hearing loss.

National Health Service audiology services are locally commissioned, and the responsibility for meeting the needs of non-hearing people lies with local NHS commissioners.We expect local commissioning to be informed by the best available evidence, relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and guidance issued by NHS England. In 2015, NHS England published The Action Plan on Hearing Loss which sets out key objectives on hearing loss including, prevention, early diagnosis, maximising independence, and enabling people to take part in every-day activities. In 2018, NICE issued the guidance, Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management, which aims to improve hearing loss services. The NHS also provides information on hearing loss online, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/This includes a link to a free online hearing test from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, signposting to services and, for those having hearing loss, things to help communicate with others and to avoid more damage to hearing.

What steps he is taking to make affordable hair systems more available for people experiencing hair loss.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

What steps she is taking to ensure people with hearing loss do not face discrimination in society.

The Equality Act 2010 makes it clear that businesses and public bodies that provide goods and services to the public must not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people, including those who are deaf or have hearing impairments. The Act places an anticipatory duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve access to premises, buildings and services. The Act is clear that the failure by a service provider to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled person could amount to disability discrimination.

What steps he is taking to improve the provision of NHS audiology services in Ashfield constituency.

We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including for audiology.The Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are taking a number of steps to improve the provision of audiology services. These include the building of a new soundproof booth to boost testing capacity and transforming some paediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) pathways for direct audiology follow-ups. The trust is also improving ENT triage to ensure that patients with potential hearing loss are seen and assessed as soon as possible.Waiting times for NHS audiology appointments are captured across a number of different data publications. Monthly diagnostics waiting times and activity data for 15 key diagnostic tests and procedures, including audiology assessments, is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/As of the end of December 2025, the latest available data, only three of 501 waits, or 0.6%, for an audiology assessment at the Ashfield constituency’s local NHS trust, the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, were waiting more than six weeks. That’s better than the NHS constitutional standard of 1% and the national average of 45.5%. Since the end of June 2024, audiology assessment performance has improved by 25% in the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. The following table shows audiology assessment performance at the local trust, local ICB, and national level:AreaPercentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in June 2024Percentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in December 2025 (latest available data)Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust0.4%0.6%NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB63.4%38.4%England44.9%45.5% Data is also published on community health services waiting lists, which includes waiting times for community audiology services. This is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/community-health-services-waiting-lists/

How long the waiting times are for an NHS audiology appointment in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) England.

We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including for audiology.The Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are taking a number of steps to improve the provision of audiology services. These include the building of a new soundproof booth to boost testing capacity and transforming some paediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) pathways for direct audiology follow-ups. The trust is also improving ENT triage to ensure that patients with potential hearing loss are seen and assessed as soon as possible.Waiting times for NHS audiology appointments are captured across a number of different data publications. Monthly diagnostics waiting times and activity data for 15 key diagnostic tests and procedures, including audiology assessments, is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/As of the end of December 2025, the latest available data, only three of 501 waits, or 0.6%, for an audiology assessment at the Ashfield constituency’s local NHS trust, the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, were waiting more than six weeks. That’s better than the NHS constitutional standard of 1% and the national average of 45.5%. Since the end of June 2024, audiology assessment performance has improved by 25% in the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. The following table shows audiology assessment performance at the local trust, local ICB, and national level:AreaPercentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in June 2024Percentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in December 2025 (latest available data)Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust0.4%0.6%NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB63.4%38.4%England44.9%45.5% Data is also published on community health services waiting lists, which includes waiting times for community audiology services. This is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/community-health-services-waiting-lists/

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the cost of women's hair systems.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

Whether his Department is taking steps to support independent hair salons who offer hair systems for people experiencing hair loss.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

What steps he is taking to ensure that people experiencing hair loss can access suitable mental health support.

We recognise that hair loss can have a significant emotional impact, and people affected should be able to access appropriate mental health support, if and when they need it.The Government is increasing access to mental health services across the spectrum of need. This includes expanding NHS Talking Therapies, which provide effective treatment for common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and growing Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges to ensure children and young people can receive early support. This is supported by the recruitment of almost 8,000 additional mental health staff, against our target of 8,500 by the end of this Parliament.