Written questions by Glindon.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of recent changes made to her Department's guidance entitled Nationality: good character requirement, published on 10 February 2025, on community cohesion.

The British Nationality Act 1981 is clear that it is for the Home Secretary to determine the good character policy. There is no definition of good character in primary legislation, nor is there statutory guidance as to how this should be interpreted or defined. Changes to the good character policy are at the discretion of the Home Secretary.The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is leading cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues. A new cross-government ministerial ‘Communities & Recovery Steering Group’ has been stood up to oversee this work and this group includes the Home Secretary.

What steps she is taking to support (a) low and (b) middle-income households with the cost of living.

Living standards, as measured by Real Household Disposable Income per capita, are expected to increase by an annual average of 0.5% over this parliament (Q3 2024 – Q2 2029). This is in stark contrast to the previous parliament which was the worst for living standards growth since ONS records began in 1955. The Government has set out a Plan for Change, outlining our ambitious yet achievable milestones, including raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom to ensure working people have more money in their pockets. Specific actions already taken by the Government include: increasing to the National Living Wage from April 2025; extension of the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales in 2025-26; and introduction of a new Fair Repayment Rate from April 2025 to cap debt repayments made through Universal Credit.

If he will take steps to require the largest (a) public and (b) private companies to have (i) an Audit Committee and (ii) an internal audit function, in the context of the collapse of ISG.

Companies whose securities are traded on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and banks, building societies and insurers are required to have an audit committee. Other private companies are not required to have an audit committee, but may choose to have one. Outside of the regulated financial sector, companies are not required to have an internal audit function. The Government plans to extend the scrutiny of the largest private companies’ external audits through the draft Audit and Corporate Governance bill and will set out full details of what that will include in due course.

If he will make an assessment of the potential (a) costs and (b) merits of making internal audit functions a mandatory requirement for all contractors delivering public sector infrastructure projects.

The Government announced that it would publish a draft audit reform and corporate governance bill in the King’s Speech, which is expected to include extending enhanced Public Interest Entity audit requirements to very large private companies. The financial resilience of major suppliers to government, including firms working on infrastructure projects, is monitored on an ongoing basis by the Crown Commercial Service.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of widening the definition of a public interest entity in the context of (a) BHS, (b) Bulb and (c) ISG.

The Government’s plans to widen the definition of a Public Interest Entity were announced in the King’s Speech as part of the announcement on the draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill.

If he has made an assessment of the potential merits of giving the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority the statutory power to sanction all company directors.

As announced in the King’s speech, the Government intends to publish a draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill in due course. We expect the Bill to include further details on the proposed directors’ enforcement regime, including in respect of the scope of the regime.

What steps she is taking to help (a) people seeking asylum and (b) refugees to (i) develop their skills and (ii) increase their employability.

The UK has a long history of providing protection to those that need it and supporting refugee integration and employment. This includes work across government to ensure that mainstream services meet the needs of refugees. Refugees granted refugee status or humanitarian protection (as well as those arriving under one of the UK’s resettlement schemes) have immediate access to the labour market, including employment support from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work coaches in the same way as other jobseekers. Unemployed refugees are eligible for full funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learning. In addition, through the Skilled Worker visa, the UK has labour mobility initiatives for refugees and displaced people to take up employment in the UK. We are currently reviewing labour mobility initiatives for refugees and displaced people to ensure we are learning from what works to increase employability and outcomes. We continue to provide local authorities with a core tariff to support the integration of those who arrive through the UK’s Resettlement Scheme, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy. We work across Government to ensure these services meet the needs of refugees and continue to keep our policies under review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the recent reports of attacks on Alawite communities in Syria.

The events in Syria at the start of March 2025 were deeply concerning and reports that large numbers of civilians have been killed are horrific. We are working as quickly as possible to establish from reliable sources of information what exactly happened and who was responsible. Following the Foreign Secretary's public statement on 9 March, I made clear in my statement to the House on 10 March that the interim authorities have a responsibility to ensure the protection of all Syrian civilians and to make progress towards an inclusive political transition. We will judge them by their actions.

Innovation and Technology, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of rejoining the Galileo scheme.

The Government is implementing the October 2023 Government Policy Framework for Greater Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Resilience, which will provide greater resilience for the PNT services that the UK relies upon in the event of any disruption to Global Navigation Satellite Systems such as GPS and Galileo. The UK public and businesses still have access to the Galileo Open Service, though the UK no longer participates in Galileo, and the UK armed forces have access to the US GPS secure service. The Government will consider participation in EU programmes on a case by case basis where participation would meet the UK’s interests.

What role a) climate and b) nature experts perform in the creation of economic policy in her Department.

HM Treasury works across government to leverage expertise on climate and nature issues. HM Treasury also engages extensively with external stakeholders to inform related economic policy, as we recognise the value of incorporating expertise from outside government in addition to our internal capability. The Green Book requires HM Treasury and other government departments to assess the climate and environmental impacts of policy proposals as part of their appraisal of costs and benefits. Within that, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued supplementary guidance for policy makers to consider the value of a natural capital approach. Similarly, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has issued supplementary guidance on the valuation of energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

If he has made an assessment of the potential merits of standardising reimbursement for all types of home dialysis.

There are no plans to undertake an assessment of the potential merits of standardising reimbursement for all types of home dialysis, or to reduce variance in payments. Commissioned renal providers in England have a contractual obligation to reimburse the additional utility costs for patients who receive home haemodialysis therapy, as stipulated within the national Haemodialysis to treat established renal failure performed in a patients home service specification and the Paediatric medicine renal service specification, and reimbursement costs are managed directly between providers and patients. Currently, information about patients seeking reimbursement costs is not collected centrally. Further information on the Haemodialysis to treat established renal failure performed in a patients home service specification and the Paediatric medicine renal service specification is available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Haemodialysis-to-treat-established-renal-failure-in-the-home.pdfhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-standard-contract-for-paediatric-medicine-renal/#:~:text=The%20aim%20of%20the%20service,progression%20of%20disease%20where%20possibleIncreasing access to home therapies is a priority for NHS England and this is reflected in its inclusion in the Renal Transformation Toolkit that was published in 2023, which recommends that 20% of all patients on kidney replacement treatment should receive treatment at home.Commissioned renal clinical networks across England have included improving access to home therapies in their work plans as per the recommendations within the toolkit. The NHS England national team supports renal clinical networks with the implementation of home dialysis transformation.The renal clinical networks and the renal services clinical reference group are providing input into the Department’s 10-Year Health Plan development process. As part of this, it is highlighted that increasing home dialysis provision will reduce in-centre dialysis demand and this will shift care from a hospital to a community setting. Renal clinical networks are working towards increasing home dialysis rates in line with the Renal Service Transformation Programme Toolkit’s recommendations.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by Kidney Care UK entitled Left Out in the Cold, published on 30 March 2023; and if he will take steps to reduce the variance of home dialysis reimbursement payments made by NHS trusts.

There are no plans to undertake an assessment of the potential merits of standardising reimbursement for all types of home dialysis, or to reduce variance in payments. Commissioned renal providers in England have a contractual obligation to reimburse the additional utility costs for patients who receive home haemodialysis therapy, as stipulated within the national Haemodialysis to treat established renal failure performed in a patients home service specification and the Paediatric medicine renal service specification, and reimbursement costs are managed directly between providers and patients. Currently, information about patients seeking reimbursement costs is not collected centrally. Further information on the Haemodialysis to treat established renal failure performed in a patients home service specification and the Paediatric medicine renal service specification is available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Haemodialysis-to-treat-established-renal-failure-in-the-home.pdfhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-standard-contract-for-paediatric-medicine-renal/#:~:text=The%20aim%20of%20the%20service,progression%20of%20disease%20where%20possibleIncreasing access to home therapies is a priority for NHS England and this is reflected in its inclusion in the Renal Transformation Toolkit that was published in 2023, which recommends that 20% of all patients on kidney replacement treatment should receive treatment at home.Commissioned renal clinical networks across England have included improving access to home therapies in their work plans as per the recommendations within the toolkit. The NHS England national team supports renal clinical networks with the implementation of home dialysis transformation.The renal clinical networks and the renal services clinical reference group are providing input into the Department’s 10-Year Health Plan development process. As part of this, it is highlighted that increasing home dialysis provision will reduce in-centre dialysis demand and this will shift care from a hospital to a community setting. Renal clinical networks are working towards increasing home dialysis rates in line with the Renal Service Transformation Programme Toolkit’s recommendations.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Oral Statement from the Minister for Development of 28 January 2025 on Gaza: Humanitarian Situation, Official Report, Column 185, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of supply of (a) tents, (b) mattresses and (c) medical equipment in Gaza; and what diplomatic steps he is taking to increase that supply.

Despite the welcome ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely challenging.  The UK is pressing Israel to increase the volume and type of goods, like shelter items and medical equipment, entering Gaza. The Foreign Secretary raised this with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar in a call on 22 January. On 31 January, we joined with Germany and France to call on Israel to abide by its international obligations and live up to its responsibility to ensure full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic services to the civilian population. The Minister for Development also announced £17 million in humanitarian funding on 28 January to ensure healthcare, food and shelter reaches tens of thousands of civilians, and to rebuild vital infrastructure across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Whether the Government plans to hold discussions with the EU on enabling UK citizens to extend their stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180 day period; and if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of a six month visa waiver for UK citizens in the Schengen Area.

The UK and the EU allow for visa-free short-term travel in line with their respective arrangements for third country nationals. The UK allows EU citizens short-term visa-free travel for up to six months. Meanwhile, the EU allows for travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period; this is standard for third countries travelling visa-free to the EU. UK nationals planning to stay longer will need permission from the relevant Member State. This may require a visa and/or permit.The UK Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.

What steps the NHS is taking to ensure that women with Neurofibromatosis type 1 are informed of their increased risk of breast cancer at an early age.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women between the ages of 50 and 71 years old to a screening every three years. However, women with an increased risk of breast cancer, such as those with neurofibromatosis type 1, are invited for screening from 40 years old.Any woman who has neurofibromatosis type 1 and who hasn’t been referred for breast screening at 40 years old, or who has noticed changes to their breasts, should speak to their general practitioner.The National Health Service website, available to the public and professionals, has information on neurofibromatosis and the increased risk of breast cancer, and advises breast screening from 40 years old.In 2023, the England Rare Diseases Action Plan committed to improving the registration of national data for exemplar rare genetic conditions which cause an inherited predisposition to cancer, building on the success of the national Lynch syndrome registry.

If he will take steps to increase awareness among women with Neurofibromatosis type 1 that they are entitled to breast screening from the age of 40; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of GPs taking an increased role in (a) identifying and (b) referring such women for screening.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women between the ages of 50 and 71 years old to a screening every three years. However, women with an increased risk of breast cancer, such as those with neurofibromatosis type 1, are invited for screening from 40 years old.Any woman who has neurofibromatosis type 1 and who hasn’t been referred for breast screening at 40 years old, or who has noticed changes to their breasts, should speak to their general practitioner.The National Health Service website, available to the public and professionals, has information on neurofibromatosis and the increased risk of breast cancer, and advises breast screening from 40 years old.In 2023, the England Rare Diseases Action Plan committed to improving the registration of national data for exemplar rare genetic conditions which cause an inherited predisposition to cancer, building on the success of the national Lynch syndrome registry.

How many households received a possession proceedings order after receiving a Section 21 notice in (a) Newcastle upon Tyne and (b) North Tyneside in 2024; and what proportion of those households had to pay court costs.

The information requested is not held. The Ministry of Justice publishes data about possession proceedings at: Mortgage and landlord possession statistics: October to December 2024 - GOV.UK.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of giving people who have missed a single council tax payment more than seven days to pay before the remaining annual sum is made due in full.

Local councils are responsible for the collection and enforcement of council tax and have powers to agree alternative payment plans at any point in the collection process. The government’s guidance on council tax collection makes clear that councils are expected to be sympathetic to those in financial hardship and willing to negotiate payments at any point in the process. The government keeps all council tax policies under review.The government will publish a consultation in 2025 to consider options to improve council tax billing and wider council tax administration changes to support taxpayers.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of the level of reasonable costs that local authorities can recover when issuing a liability order for council tax arrears.

Councils are responsible for the collection and enforcement of council tax, and it is for them to assess the reasonable costs incurred in issuing a liability order. This is an important matter which the government continues to keep under review. The government will publish a consultation in 2025 to consider options to improve council tax billing and wider council tax administration changes to support taxpayers.

Media and Sport, whether it is her policy that only charities accredited by the Gambling Commission will be eligible for funding under the statutory levy for gambling research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms; and whether organisations involved in gambling lobbying will be excluded.

Since 1 January 2020, operators have been required to direct their annual financial contribution for gambling research, prevention and treatment as required by Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) SR code 3.1.1 to one or more of the organisations on a list maintained by the Gambling Commission. The purpose of this list is to demonstrate to operators how to be compliant with the LCCP requirement. Once the levy system is in force, it is likely that the LCCP RET will be no longer relevant or needed. The Commission has consulted on this and will publish their response in due course.It is a priority for levy funding to be directed where it is needed most. This is why we have appointed statutory bodies to lead on research, prevention and treatment which will be led by the evidence of what works to improve and expand efforts to understand, tackle and treat gambling-related harm. We will also put in place robust governance arrangements to ensure that levy funding is spent in line with our objectives.