Every parliamentary written question tabled by Neil Duncan-Jordan this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 221–240 of 1,260 · this parliament
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that independent faith schools meet independent school standards.
All private schools are required to comply with the Independent School Standards (ISS). Schools that fail to meet the ISS at inspection are subject to regulatory action as per the ‘Independent Schools: Regulatory and Enforcement Action’ policy statement.
How many people with a Personal Independence Payment Special Rules award reached the end of their three-year award period and had their benefits award reviewed in each of the last 12 months for which data is available.
Over the past 12 months, 30 individuals with a Personal Independence Payment Special Rules award reached the end of their three-year award period and had benefits reassessed. Monthly breakdowns cannot be provided due to disclosure control. In the majority of months over the last 12-month period, there were fewer than 5 Special Rules for End of Life claims which reached their award period’s end and were reassessed. Notes:- The figure provided is rounded to the nearest 10.- The figure is for claimants under DWP policy ownership (England, Wales and abroad) and exclude claimants where PIP has been devolved to the Scottish Government in Scotland or the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
How many people have been assessed at a Personal Independence Payment assessment as having a terminal condition; how many of those people were in receipt of a fixed-term award; and what was the length of these fixed-term awards in each of the latest 12 months for which data is available.
The Department does not collect information centrally for analysis about whether a claimant’s condition is terminal. However, claimants claiming under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) are terminally ill and we can provide information about their awards. A PIP claimant is currently regarded as being end of life if they “suffer from a progressive disease, and the person’s death in consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within 12 months.” [S.82 Welfare Reform Act 2012] Claims by people with end of life are fast tracked – currently 3 days for new claimants; in the last five years to January 2026, 99% of special rule claims were successful, excluding withdrawn claims. The majority of awards are made for 3 years. The three-year awards given to SREL claims strikes a balance that recognises making a prognosis is not an exact science. Someone already in receipt of PIP under the normal rules, where there is a wide variety of award lengths, can report a change in their circumstances that they are now terminally ill. This change of circumstances is similarly fast tracked. The tables below detail the number or SREL claimant assessments for PIP over the last 12 months and fixed-term awards for SREL claimants for the same period. Table 1: Volume of SREL claimant assessments over time VolumeFeb-251,500Mar-251,500Apr-251,190May-251,470Jun-251,870Jul-251,540Aug-251,480Sep-251,510Oct-251,720Nov-251,430Dec-251,390Jan-261,570 Table 2: Volume of SREL fixed-term awards by duration Less than 1 year1 year to less than 2 years2 years to less than 3 years3 years to less than 4 years4 years to less than 5 years5 or more yearsTotalFeb-2510X201,2200101,260Mar-2510X301,1700X1,210Apr-2510X20970X101,010May-2510X301,1400201,200Jun-2520X401,470X101,540Jul-2520X201,2200101,270Aug-251010101,200X101,230Sep-2510X101,230X201,260Oct-2510X101,400X101,440Nov-2510X101,130XX1,160Dec-251010201,110XX1,150Jan-2610X201,2600X1,300Total1303024014,5101010015,020Notes:- Values have been rounded to the nearest 10. Where a value is less than 5 but not 0 it has been replaced by an X for disclosure control.- Figures are for claimants under DWP Policy Ownership (England, Wales and Abroad) and exclude claimants where PIP has been devolved to the Scottish Government in Scotland or The Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
How many people that were claiming Personal Independent Payment and in receipt of the both enhanced components died (a) in total and (b) who had accessed PIP under the Special Rules for terminal illness route in the last year for which information is available.
The information requested can be found in the table provided below. Table 1: People who have died who were recipients of Personal Independence Payment Enhanced Daily Living and Mobility components Special Rules for End of LifeTotalFeb-251,4903,900Mar-251,5904,180Apr-251,4603,930May-251,5204,000Jun-251,4603,790Jul-251,6204,060Aug-251,5603,880Sep-251,5303,860Oct-251,5904,210Nov-251,5404,080Dec-251,6404,620Jan-261,7004,760 Notes:- Values have been rounded to the nearest 10.- Figures are for claimants under DWP Policy Ownership (England, Wales and Abroad) and exclude claimants where PIP has been devolved to the Scottish Government in Scotland or The Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.- Figures include people of both working age and those who are aged above state pension age.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Earned Settlement proposals on the supply of care workers.
The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the Home Office on issues relating to immigration and the adult social care sector, including the social care workforce.The Government ran a public consultation on whether the existing pathway for settlement should be increased to 15 years for those admitted to the United Kingdom to work in occupations skilled below Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6, under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care routes. This includes care workers and senior care workers.The consultation, which ran for 12 weeks, opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026. The Home Office is now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model.Following analysis of the consultation responses, the necessary impact assessments will be undertaken.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Earned Settlement proposals on the number of care workers leaving the sector.
The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the Home Office on issues relating to immigration and the adult social care sector, including the social care workforce.The Government ran a public consultation on whether the existing pathway for settlement should be increased to 15 years for those admitted to the United Kingdom to work in occupations skilled below Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6, under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care routes. This includes care workers and senior care workers.The consultation, which ran for 12 weeks, opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026. The Home Office is now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model.Following analysis of the consultation responses, the necessary impact assessments will be undertaken.
What assessment she has made of the potential merits of clearer pathways to settlement for Ukrainians, in addition to working visas.
The Ukraine schemes are temporary humanitarian routes and do not provide a route to settlement. However, Ukrainians in the UK under any of the Ukraine Schemes may apply to switch into other immigration routes for which they meet the eligibility and suitability requirements, including work, study, family and private life routes.The Government keeps the Ukraine schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under review and is actively considering the future position. I intend to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Earned Settlement proposals on vacancy rates for adult social care workers.
The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the Home Office on issues relating to immigration and the adult social care sector, including the social care workforce.The Government ran a public consultation on whether the existing pathway for settlement should be increased to 15 years for those admitted to the United Kingdom to work in occupations skilled below Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6, under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care routes. This includes care workers and senior care workers.The consultation, which ran for 12 weeks, opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026. The Home Office is now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model.Following analysis of the consultation responses, the necessary impact assessments will be undertaken.
Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the allocation of public funding exclusively to National Portfolio Organisations on non-national portfolio organisations.
The government’s support for culture is not exclusively for National Portfolio Organisations (NPO). In particular, Arts Council England (ACE) capital funding in the current Spending Review period is not limited to NPOs. For example, the Government launched the £425 million Creative Foundations Fund, an open-access capital programme supporting arts and cultural organisations across England to address urgent estate and infrastructure needs. The first £85 million round was open to any eligible organisations, with a further £340 million to be allocated by ACE in due course.The government has also decided to invest additional funding in ACE to support the NPO Programme within the wider context of large-scale open-access funds. As this programme is periodically open to competition, it allows opportunities for new entrants while supporting around 1,000 key cultural institutions across England. The extra funding will help address cost pressures and provide greater stability.
Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to facilitate the introduction of Article 4 directions in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation by local authorities.
Local planning authorities already have powers to limit the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) through 'Article 4' directions.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of enabling concessionary bus pass holders to use services before 9am.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays. The duration of the concessionary period was set out in the Transport Act 2000. The ENCTS costs around £795 million annually in reimbursement to operators. Any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the times of use, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. However, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as extending travel times. The Government has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to the end of the Spending review period to support local leaders and bus operators across England to improve bus services. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will be allocated £17.1 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in addition to the £6 million they are already receiving this financial year. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, which could include extending discretionary concessions locally.
If she will set out the support available for children in care to help them prepare for life post-18 years.
Local authorities have the primary responsibility for supporting care leavers and must publish their ‘local offer’ for care leavers, setting out their legal entitlements, plus any further discretionary support they provide. All care leavers are entitled to support from a Personal Adviser (PA), whose role is to help care leavers access support from mainstream services, such as housing, healthcare, benefits, and to provide practical and emotional support to help them prepare for the challenges of adulthood. PAs work with the young person to develop a pathway plan which should include their career aspirations and ambitions, providing access to high quality information, advice and guidance to inform their plans for continuing education, training or employment.The department is going further through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, placing a new duty on local authorities to provide Staying Close support to care leavers up to the age of 25 where their welfare requires it. The bill also requires local authorities to publish information on their arrangements for supporting care leavers’ transition to adulthood, and seeks to change housing legislation so that care leavers cannot be found intentionally homeless.
What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the level of financial support for foster carers.
Foster carers do not foster for financial reward, but need adequate support to ensure that they, and the children in their care, can achieve and thrive.The department has set the National Minimum Allowance to cover the cost of looking after a child. The amount depends on the age and location of the child, but ranges from £176 to £309 per week, and increases annually along with tax relief and in line with inflation to reflect the cost of living.The department recognises that wider support, such as fees and expenses, remain inconsistent. To better understand this variation and the impact this has on recruitment and retention, we have committed to an in-depth study of fostering finances. Alongside this, we will work closely with local authorities to understand and promote the full range of incentives they offer to carers, such as council tax discounts or exemptions and reduced rate local authority parking.
Media and Sport, what plans she has to ensure that public funding supports the parts of the cultural ecosystem most at risk, including the grassroots music sector.
DCMS and Arts Council England (ACE) are already focusing funding on the areas of the cultural sector most at risk, using both dedicated funds and wider investment. We have been clear that significant government investment, such as the £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund, is focused on supporting organisations, particularly in underserved areas, to protect vulnerable cultural infrastructure and local venues, ensuring access nationwide. Arts Council England also directs National Lottery and National Portfolio funding toward underserved areas, prioritising inclusivity, community access and long-term sustainability across the sector. In addition, in response to Baroness Hodge’s review of ACE, we have highlighted the importance of ensuring that support is directed towards the places that need it most. We will also soon publish a Music Plan, drawing together all that the Government is doing to support the music industry. This includes the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years, which aims to strengthen the talent pipeline, sustain vital music infrastructure and remove barriers to touring, supporting live performance and providing export opportunities to keep UK music globally competitive. Our Creative Places Growth Fund will provide £150m in total over 3 years to 6 Mayoral Strategic Authorities for them to distribute, according to local barriers and opportunities. This will allow areas to maximise the impact of national interventions, including the grassroots music sector.
How many people assessed at a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment as having a terminal condition did not receive PIP under the Special Rules in each of the latest 12 months for which data is available.
The Department does not collect information centrally for analysis on whether a claimant’s condition is terminal. The Special Rules for End of Life allow people nearing the end of their life to get faster and easier access to PIP at the highest rates. The Department considers anyone likely to have fewer than 12 months to live as nearing the end of life.
What is the scope of the baseline report on child poverty; and whether it will outline what reduction in child poverty his Department aims to achieve for the 10 year strategy period.
The baseline report will provide further details on our approach to monitoring and evaluating the Child Poverty Strategy, as initially set out in the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework published alongside the Strategy, alongside the latest statistics and evidence. Our Child Poverty Strategy fulfils our commitment to reducing poverty this Parliament, lifting 550,000 children out of poverty, and sets out our ambition to tackle its structural drivers as part of a long-term, 10-year strategy. This Government has taken decisive action, with the interventions in the Strategy set to lead to the largest expected reduction in child poverty over a Parliament since comparable records began. From the very beginning of our time in government we have done what is needed to tackle child poverty – we have increased the minimum wage, expanded Free School Meals, invested in social and affordable housing, funded more Best Start Family Hubs, and removed the two-child limit.
Media and Sport, whether she has assessed the potential merits of establishing a Royal Commission on Youth on the challenges facing future generations.
This government recognises the scale of the challenges facing young people and is fully committed to addressing them. That is why we published the ‘Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy’ which sets out a 10-year plan to ensure every young person has somewhere to go, someone who cares for them and a community they feel part of. It is underpinned by extensive research and insights, including a national survey and The Big Ambition Analysis for the National Youth Strategy. We will hold yearly national hearings on the progress of the Strategy and publish an interim delivery report in 2027.We recognise that some of the challenges impacting young people have a systemic nature and the government is conducting specific reviews and consultations on key cross-cutting challenges. This includes the independent Milburn review analysing drivers of youth inactivity, the consultation on children’s use of technology as well as the reforms to the SEND system.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of taking steps to tackle noise pollution caused by high powered cars and motorbikes.
The Government takes the impact of excessive noise on health, wellbeing and the natural environment seriously. Strict noise regulations for cars and motorcycles are harmonised at an international level and require vehicles to demonstrate compliance before being placed on the market. It is ultimately for local authorities and the police to consider what the most appropriate enforcement routes may be for addressing issues with excessive vehicle noise within their area. The use of noise camera technology has already been taken forward by some local authorities.
Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of appointing a Minister for Youth.
I am the Minister for Youth.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of whether Perenco should pay further compensation for oil spill in Poole harbour.
The Environment Agency (EA) has undertaken a full investigation into the March 2023 oil spill in Poole Harbour and rigorously assessed Perenco’s £6 million Enforcement Undertaking (EU) in line with the EA’s Enforcement and Sanctions Policy. The package covers pollution clean‑up, compensation for verified claims, the development of a remediation plan, and funding for local environmental improvement projects. The EU was reviewed at both local and national levels within the EA to ensure it was proportionate, consistent, and reflected the operator’s level of responsibility. Independent impact reports commissioned by the Recovery Co‑ordination Group found that the environmental harm from the incident was short‑lived and localised, with limited long‑term impacts on wildlife, community, and the local economy. Perenco has additionally implemented operational improvements to reduce the risk of future incidents. Based on the EA’s assessment and the findings of the impact reports, the Secretary of State has not identified a need for further compensation.