Written questions by Vickers.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) general practitioners and (b) hospital doctors receive training on (i) Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and (ii) other rare conditions.

NHS England commissions a national diagnostic service for complex and rare types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) via two specialist centres. This service supports patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnoses of rare types like classical, vascular, or kyphoscoliotic EDS, and aims to provide accurate diagnoses, minimise unnecessary tests, and provide management plans for local care providers to implement.A primary goal of the Complex EDS Service, which is commissioned by NHS England, is to educate referring doctors about the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients with complex and atypical forms of EDS. While the service focuses on rare types and accepts referrals from secondary and tertiary care, its development of guidelines and educational initiatives also benefits general practitioners (GPs), who are on the front line of patient care. Additionally, other resources like the EDS GP Toolkit, developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, is specifically designed to provide information and guidance to GPs.For the more common types of EDS, diagnosis and management are handled locally and are commissioned by integrated care boards (ICBs), which have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local populations, including for those with EDS. It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.Neighbourhood Health Centres, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, will improve care for people with EDS by providing integrated, multidisciplinary community-based care and support. This approach will offer a more coordinated and holistic support system for people with complex conditions like EDS.

What estimate he has made of the number of homes in each region where installed smart meters remain non-functional due to lack of network connection.

The Department does not hold separate figures on the number of homes with smart meters not sending automatic readings due to lack of Wide Area Network (WAN) signal. The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.25% of premises across GB, with a broadband solution (with consumer consent) soon to become available that will reach more of the premises currently without WAN signal.

Whether NHS England plans to commission dedicated multidisciplinary clinics for patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

NHS England commissions a national diagnostic service for complex and rare types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) via two specialist centres. This service supports patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnoses of rare types like classical, vascular, or kyphoscoliotic EDS, and aims to provide accurate diagnoses, minimise unnecessary tests, and provide management plans for local care providers to implement.A primary goal of the Complex EDS Service, which is commissioned by NHS England, is to educate referring doctors about the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients with complex and atypical forms of EDS. While the service focuses on rare types and accepts referrals from secondary and tertiary care, its development of guidelines and educational initiatives also benefits general practitioners (GPs), who are on the front line of patient care. Additionally, other resources like the EDS GP Toolkit, developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, is specifically designed to provide information and guidance to GPs.For the more common types of EDS, diagnosis and management are handled locally and are commissioned by integrated care boards (ICBs), which have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local populations, including for those with EDS. It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.Neighbourhood Health Centres, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, will improve care for people with EDS by providing integrated, multidisciplinary community-based care and support. This approach will offer a more coordinated and holistic support system for people with complex conditions like EDS.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the extent of geographical variations in access to services for people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

Whether his Department plans to increase the number of clinicians with specialist expertise in (a) diagnosing and (b) treating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

What fiscal steps she is taking to support hospitality businesses with energy costs.

By building a diverse low carbon energy system, the government is taking the long term decisions that will make the most of our abundant natural resources to protect businesses from future price shocks. To support businesses now, the government is offering free carbon foot printing and energy-saving support to 615 small and medium-sized hospitality businesses as part of a 12-month trial. More broadly, we are determined to support retail businesses to succeed against a difficult economic backdrop. We will introduce a permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Ahead of this being introduced, we extended the RHL relief for 2025-26 at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and froze the small business multiplier. In addition, we: increased the Employment Allowance to £10,500; shielding the smallest retail businesses the from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance;established the Licensing Taskforce and issued a call for evidence on a National Licensing Policy Framework which will set out national direction for licensing authorities to consider economic growth and cultural value;introduced the English Devolution Bill, which will protect hospitality businesses from upward only rent clauses, and;are introducing a strong new ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets – such as pubs.

What steps his Department is taking to support research into treatments for (a) Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and (b) related conditions.

The Department funds research on health and social care through 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 Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and related conditions.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. Topics for new research can be proposed to the NIHR via the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topic

What plans his Department has to review the contractual and regulatory obligations of the Data Communications Company in relation to improving smart meter network connectivity in the North of England.

The DCC is required by licence conditions to seek to provide coverage to all premises where it is practicable and cost proportionate, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage. Ofgem is responsible for regulating the DCC against its obligations.

What recent assessment he has made of (a) the adequacy of the technology selected by the Data Communications Company for the North of England smart meter rollout and (b) the potential impact on meeting installation targets.

The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region, which includes the North of England. After consultation with industry, energy suppliers can now install 4G cellular smart meter communication hubs across the whole of GB. 4G will operate in the North alongside long-range radio communications for smart meters, offering suppliers an additional option for connectivity. Additionally, a new solution using consumers’ broadband connections, with consumer consent, in areas still with no WAN coverage will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.

What estimate he has made of the proportion of households in the North of England that are unable to connect to the Data Communications Company smart meter network; and what steps he has taken to improve coverage in rural and hard-to-reach locations.

The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region, which includes the North of England. After consultation with industry, energy suppliers can now install 4G cellular smart meter communication hubs across the whole of GB. 4G will operate in the North alongside long-range radio communications for smart meters, offering suppliers an additional option for connectivity. Additionally, a new solution using consumers’ broadband connections, with consumer consent, in areas still with no WAN coverage will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome have access to appropriate pain management services.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

What steps his Department is taking to improve access to specialist services for people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

What steps she is taking to promote hospitality careers to young people through (a) schools and (b) colleges.

Our ambition is for everyone to have access to impartial careers information, advice and guidance throughout their lives, to break down barriers to opportunity and drive economic growth.We fund the Careers and Enterprise Company to support schools and colleges to deliver high quality careers programmes and increase young people’s exposure to different sectors, including hospitality.96% (4,942) of schools and colleges in England are part of our national network of careers hubs. These hubs connect educators to employers, local authorities and sector bodies, including the Food and Drink Consortium and UK Hospitality. They provide insight into roles and pathways into all sectors, resources developed by employers to support careers learning in education, help to identify work experience opportunities and tailor careers advice to local need.Our Skills for Careers website has a dedicated page for young people to explore careers across sectors, including hospitality, and can be accessed here: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/common/career-ideas.

What assessment he has made of the contribution of hospitality businesses to economic growth in coastal and rural communities.

The Government recognises the significant role hospitality businesses play in driving economic growth, employment and community cohesion across the UK, especially in coastal and rural areas. That is why we are offering targeted support for the sector, such as the Hospitality Support Scheme to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs.Whilst there has been no specific assessment on economic contribution for rural or coastal hospitality businesses, in 2024, the hospitality sector contributed £51.5 billion to the UK economy, representing 2.0% of total output.

What engagement his Department has had with (a) Ofgem and (b) the Data Communications Company to ensure that households unable to connect to the smart meter network are not excluded from competitive tariffs or financially disadvantaged.

The Department regularly engages with Ofgem and the Data Communications Company on the smart metering programme. The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.25% of premises across GB and required by licence conditions to seek to provide coverage to all premises where it is practicable and cost proportionate, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage. DCC has introduced 4G smart metering communications across GB and is working on a new solution to enable consumer broadband connections (with consumer consent) to carry smart metering communications in this context.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of corporation tax rises on small and medium-sized hospitality businesses.

Businesses in our retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are foundational to our economy and our high streets, and we are supporting them to succeed.The Government published its Corporate Tax Roadmap at Autumn Budget 2024, which commits to maintaining a competitive and sustainable main rate by capping corporation tax at 25 per cent for the duration of this Parliament. The Roadmap also confirms that the small profits rate will be maintained, so companies with profits of £50,000 or less will continue to pay 19 per cent.The marginal relief for companies with profits of between £50,000 and £250,000 means only around 6 per cent of actively trading companies pay the full main rate. This structure means that most small and medium-sized businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, do not pay the full rate.In addition, the Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with ratable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.Ahead of these new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented the current RHL relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. We have also frozen the small business multiplier.

What estimate he has made of skills shortages in the hospitality sector.

The Employer Skills Survey provides robust estimates of skills shortages. In 2024, the Hotels and Restaurants sector in England had over 15,000 vacancies that were hard to fill due to a lack of skills, qualifications or experience. This was a decrease from 43,000 in 2022. 21% of all vacancies in this sector were due to a skill shortage, which is lower than the average of 27% across all sectors. The 2024 Employer Skills Survey can be found at: Employer Skills Survey , Calendar year 2024 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK

What steps he has taken to support hospitality businesses with cashflow pressures.

The Government recognises the vital role of hospitality businesses in our communities and economy, and the pressures they face, that’s why we’re taking targeted action to support them.In April, we launched a Taskforce to consider ways to create a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025). These reforms are part of the Small Business Strategy, which also tackles late payments, improves access to finance, and cuts red tape. We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents.Additionally, we’re creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value and continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council to boost productivity and resilience by working together to address the challenges facing businesses.

What discussions he has had with industry representatives on ensuring qualifications meet the needs of hospitality businesses.

Skills England, as the national body for skills in England, meets regularly with representatives across sectors. Ministers and officials regularly meet with a range of stakeholders. In addition, within the last two months representatives from Skills England have met with the Association of Employer and Learning Providers Hospitality and Catering Sector Forum, the Dorset and Somerset Training Providers Network and a regional Tourism and Hospitality Initiative in the North East to discuss the skills needs of hospitality businesses.

What steps she is taking to support partnerships between further education providers and hospitality businesses.

It is for employers and further education providers to work together to ensure that provision meets learner, labour market and employer needs. The department welcomes and encourages such partnerships.Across all areas of England, Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) give businesses a direct route to work collaboratively with local providers and leaders to shape curricula and deliver skills provision. Over 25% of LSIPs identified Hospitality and Tourism as a priority sector with key skills needs. In these areas, key stakeholders are working in partnership to develop a skilled workforce that can support these areas' growth and sustainability.A new round of LSIP development started on 1 October 2025 and this is an opportunity for businesses to engage with their local Employer Representative Body to discuss their skills needs and set out the challenges specific to their local economies, including in the hospitality sector.