Written questions by Bishop.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of including (a) clear and (b) deliverable objectives to combat child (i) sexual abuse and (ii) exploitation in the updated Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

This Government recognises the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and exploitation and is committed to tackling these crimes.The new VAWG Strategy will set the direction for the next decade, driving forward the Government’s bold ambition to halve VAWG within ten years. This is a landmark commitment that demands a truly transformational approach. It’s vital we get it right. We’re working towards publication of the Strategy as soon as possible and I will continue to keep the House updated on its development and forthcoming publication.Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation will be clearly reflected in the VAWG Strategy. But we also recognise that tackling these horrendous crimes requires a targeted and child-centred approach. Which is why we are taking forward an ambitious programme of work across Government, including through our response to the Casey Audit and IICSA recommendations.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a 20 years’ service medal for Police Community Support Officers.

The Home Office will consider any proposal for national long service recognition for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).It is only right that we recognise the commitment shown by PCSOs across the country and whose roles are undeniably at the sharp end of policing, diffusing community tensions and providing visible policing presence in our communities.

What plans her Department has to reconvene the Police Covenant Oversight Board; and if she will include the National Association of Retired Police Officers in the membership of that Board.

The Police Covenant Oversight Board was most recently convened in January, with the next meeting planned for the Spring.Beyond the oversight board, interested organisations, such as the National Association of Retired Police Officers, are engaged on the Covenant through a consultation group.Individual organisations may be invited to attend the oversight board, as they have in the past, where specific discussions are of particular relevance to the interests of those they represent.

What steps her Department is taking to monitor the efficiency of firearms licensing authorities.

The Firearms Act 1968 gives responsibility for the issuing of firearms licences to Chief Officers of Police.Since November 2021, however, the Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires forces to make certain checks on the suitability of the applicant to hold a license and ensure their subsequent continuous assessment. The application process is now also supported by the refreshed Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.The NPCC Lead on Firearms Licensing is currently developing a new performance framework for police forces. In addition, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services will later this year be undertaking a thematic inspection in respect of firearms licensing.

If she will make it her Department’s policy to create a unified national firearms licensing authority.

The Firearms Act 1968 gives responsibility for the issuing of firearms licences to Chief Officers of Police.Since November 2021, however, the Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires forces to make certain checks on the suitability of the applicant to hold a license and ensure their subsequent continuous assessment. The application process is now also supported by the refreshed Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.The NPCC Lead on Firearms Licensing is currently developing a new performance framework for police forces. In addition, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services will later this year be undertaking a thematic inspection in respect of firearms licensing.

If will make an assessment of the potential merits of a national firearms application process.

The Firearms Act 1968 gives responsibility for the issuing of firearms licences to Chief Officers of Police. Since November 2021, however, the Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires forces to make certain checks on the suitability of the applicant to hold a license and ensure their subsequent continuous assessment. The application process is now also supported by the refreshed police Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.We keep the framework of firearms licensing controls under constant review as it is important that we maintain strong controls on firearms to safeguard the public.

What steps she is taking to help tackle retail crime.

In the last year of the previous government shoplifting soared to a twenty-year high, with more and more offenders using violence and abuse against shopworkers. We will not stand for this. Everybody has a right to feel safe on the job.This Government will end the effective immunity, introduced by the previous Government, granted to shop theft of goods under £200. This will remove any perception that offenders will escape punishment.We will also introduce a new offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores.As set out in the Autumn budget 2024, we will provide law enforcement with over £7 million over the next three financial years to help support police in tackling retail crime.I remain committed to regular engagement with both the retail sector and policing through the Retail Crime Forum, to ensure we understand the needs of all retailers and to promote collaboration between the retail sector, security providers and law enforcement, which had its inaugural meeting at the end of 2024.

Whether she plans to roll out automatic number plate recognition cameras in (a) Forest of Dean and (b) other rural constituencies.

The National ANPR infrastructure is governed by national standards which are available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-anpr-standards. Prior to the deployment of ANPR cameras an assessment must identify a need, which could include the impact on local crime, community confidence, serious organised crime, or national security.Police Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies are responsible for ensuring additional static ANPR cameras within their area are appropriate in line with national standards and the Data Protection Act. The Home Office has no plan to alter this arrangement.

With reference to the Police Federation's press release entitled Pensions update from the Police Federation of England and Wales, published on 3 December 2024, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the irregularities in pension eligibility between the (a) legacy pension system and the (b) CARE pension scheme 2015.

There are many differences between the 2015 CARE police pension scheme and the legacy police pension schemes, including the age at which benefits can normally be drawn. The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission.The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement.There are also valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes, including the point at which they can draw benefits.

What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the suspension of firearm certificate grants by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Chief Constables have operational responsibility for consideration of firearms licensing applications and the allocation of resources to firearms licensing units.However, we expect police forces to ensure that all applications for firearm certificates, whether new applications or those for renewal, are dealt with as efficiently as possible subject to addressing public safety risks.