Written questions by Wilson.

If she make it her policy to consult the Climate Change Committee on proposals to expand Heathrow Airport.

In January, the Chancellor announced the government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow. In that announcement, the government committed to engaging the Climate Change Committee (CCC) as part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net zero framework. Over summer, the Department for Transport has been assessing proposals for a third runway at Heathrow from potential scheme promoters. The government is considering the proposals to inform the ANPS review. Further details on the assessment of scheme proposals, ANPS review and how the CCC will be engaged as part of the review will be announced shortly.

What assessment she has made of compliance of proposals for the expansion of Heathrow airport with her Department's four tests.

The government supports expansion at Heathrow Airport. In June 2025 the Secretary of State published a letter to potential promoters, inviting proposals by 31 July 2025 and outlining the essential information required in initial plans. The government has received proposals for a third runway which it is now assessing, to support the forthcoming ANPS review against the criteria set out in the Secretary of State’s letter (link). This includes a demonstration that proposals could maximise economic growth opportunities, whilst complying with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations, including in relation to air and noise pollution.

When she will review the Airports National Policy Statement.

The Government published a letter to potential promoters inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. The Government is now assessing the proposals against the criteria set out in the letter. Once this is complete the Government will move quickly to review the Airports National Policy Statement. We will update on the timings for the review as soon as possible. However, when conducting the review, the Secretary of State will comply with the requirements in the Planning Act 2008, including consultation, publicity and parliamentary requirements.

How many times the Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security has met the Climate Change Committee since July 2024.

The Minister attended the Jet Zero Taskforce Plenary in December 2024, which was attended by the CCC’s CEO, Emma Pinchbeck, and where the government’s approach to aviation decarbonisation was discussed. The minutes from that meeting can be found here: Jet Zero Taskforce – 2024 Annual Plenary 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Wednesday 4 December 2024. The Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security has not had a bilateral meeting with the Climate Change Committee (CCC) since July 2024.

What plans her Department has to increase funding for (a) road maintenance and (b) pothole repairs in Twickenham.

The Government has already provided an additional £500 million increase for local highway maintenance this financial year. As a result of this increase, Richmond upon Thames will receive up to £664,000 in additional funding. Building on this, at the spending review the Chancellor announced that the Government will be providing £24 billion of capital funding between 2026-27 and 2029-30 to maintain and improve motorways and local roads across the country. This funding increase will allow National Highways and local authorities to invest in significantly improving the long-term condition of England’s road network, delivering faster, safer and more reliable journeys.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the New Economic Foundation's publication entitled Flying Fair: Modernising the air transport tax system, published in June 2025.

Aviation taxation is a matter for the Treasury. The Chancellor announced changes to Aviation Passenger Duty (APD) in the October 2024 Budget to ensure the aviation industry continues to contribute its fair share to public finances. The Treasury also recently consulted on their proposal to extend the scope of the higher rate of APD to all private jets. The rates of APD are the highest in Europe for a tax of its kind, and the revenue raised funds government priorities, including tackling climate change. More widely, the aviation sector is important for the whole of the UK economy in terms of connectivity, direct economic activity, trade, investment and jobs.

What steps her Department is taking to improve the affordability of rail fares in (a) Twickenham constituency and (b) London.

We are overhauling the fares and ticketing system to make it easier for passengers to trust that they are buying the right ticket and getting the best fare, with the move to Great British Railways passengers will be able to receive a more consistent offer across the network. We need to balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers as we reform fares and deliver Great British Railways, ensuring everyone gets a fair deal. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) – this includes responsibility for setting fares on TfL services. We know the success of the London transport network is critical for both the capital and the UK’s economy, which is why in the spending review TfL received a four-year settlement of £2.2 billion.

If her Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of Heathrow Airport's regulatory framework.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) determines the specific regulatory model for Heathrow independently of Government. The CAA’s primary duty in setting the price cap at Heathrow is to protect consumers’ interests. Officials are working closely with the CAA to better understand the various positions on the right regulatory framework to facilitate expansion.

If she will make it her policy to undertake a comprehensive review of Heathrow’s economic regulation before a final decision on a third runway is made.

It is important to the Department that airport expansion is delivered in a way which ensures minimal cost to the consumer.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) determines the specific regulatory model for Heathrow independently of Government. The CAA’s primary duty in setting the price cap at Heathrow is to protect consumers’ interests. Officials are working closely with the CAA to better understand the various positions on the right regulatory framework to facilitate expansion.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that plans for Heathrow’s expansion do not result in increased costs for passengers.

It is important to the Department that airport expansion is delivered in a way which ensures minimal cost to the consumer.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) determines the specific regulatory model for Heathrow independently of Government. The CAA’s primary duty in setting the price cap at Heathrow is to protect consumers’ interests.

When she will publish the Aviation Night Noise Effects report.

The Aviation Night Noise Effects study is expected to conclude later this year and we intend to publish the report as soon as possible once it has been reviewed.

How many civil servants are working on Heathrow expansion.

The Chancellor announced on 29 January that the government supports expansion that is in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, to be brought forward by the summer. As the lead Department supporting this key priority, we are working with colleagues across government to ensure appropriate resource to support the successful delivery of this work.

If she will set a minimum acceptable level of noise for Heathrow expansion proposals.

The government supports airport expansion and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow. It expects any proposals to be brought forward by the summer and is clear that any scheme must be delivered in line with the UK’s legal, climate and environmental obligations. Once proposals have been received the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which sets clear requirements to mitigate the impacts of expansion on the environment and affected communities, and which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow.

What estimate she has made of the number of primary schools which will be exposed to noise pollution from Heathrow expansion proposals above (a) 45dB, (b) 51dB and (c) 54dB.

The government supports airport expansion and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow. It expects any proposals to be brought forward by the summer and is clear that any scheme must be delivered in line with the UK’s legal, climate and environmental obligations. Once proposals have been received the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which sets clear requirements to mitigate the impacts of expansion on the environment and affected communities, and which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow.

Whether she plans to establish an independent noise authority.

The Government is committed to a strong aviation noise policy and funds the Civil Aviation Authority to provide noise advisory functions, including provision of best practice on noise mitigation, as well as funding two major noise studies. There are no current plans to establish an independent noise authority.

Whether she plans to update health costs of noise impacts in Transport Appraisal Guidance.

TAG, or Transport Analysis Guidance, provides information on the role of transport modelling and appraisal. We keep our guidance and values under review with the aim of ensuring that they are based on the best available evidence and meet the needs of decision makers.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the DVSA.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. In 2023/2024 DVSA: Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog of driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. In 2023/2024 DVSA: Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What steps her Department is taking to prevent bots booking driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. In 2023/2024 DVSA: Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What her planned timeline is for publishing a new Airports National Policy Statement.

The government supports airport expansion and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow. It expects any proposals to be brought forward by the summer and is clear that any scheme must be delivered in line with the UK’s legal, climate and environmental obligations. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The Secretary of State will determine the scope of a review of the ANPS and we cannot speculate on the scope nor the timings of the review at this stage.