Written questions by Duncan-Jordan.

When the review of PIP assessment will (a) commence and (b) conclude.

Through the review, which I will be leading, we want to make sure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future. This includes considering the PIP assessment criteria – including descriptors - and how the PIP assessment can play a role in unlocking wider support to enable better health, good work, higher living standards and greater independence. I am working closely with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and others, to ensure that the voices of those who go through the PIP assessment, those who support them, and those with expertise in the system are embedded in the review.The scope and timing of the review is being developed in close collaboration with stakeholders. I have now begun the first phase of this work, inviting stakeholders with a range of experience and expertise to roundtables to consider the scope and timing. I will then publish the Terms of Reference for the review in due course.

How many (a) single pensioners and (b) couples receive a full old basic state pension.

The pre-2016 State Pension system for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 consisted of a basic State Pension, an earnings-related additional State Pension and Graduated Retirement Benefit. (If people were contracted out of the additional State Pension, they will have a workplace or private pension instead.) People may also have derived some basic State Pension from a spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance record or inherited some State Pension from a deceased spouse or civil partner. There is no full rate of additional State Pension or Graduated Retirement Benefit as the amount an individual receives will vary depending on their earnings, the amount of contributions they have paid and whether they were contracted out of the State scheme. As of March 2025, around 5.8 million received the full basic State Pension. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Quarterly Statistical Enquiry 5% sample March 2025. Numbers have been grossed up to 100% and rounded to the nearest 0.1 million. State Pension is paid on an individual basis. Data on State Pension incomes by relationship status (single pensioners and couples) is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on issuing import permits to hunting trophies of species listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora).

The Animal and Plant Health Agency, an executive agency of Defra, is responsible for issuing import permits for hunting trophies. Appendix I species are the most strictly regulated species under CITES and import permits will only be issued if the criteria set out in the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations are met, including that the import does not have a detrimental impact on the conservation status of a species. The Government committed to banning the import of hunting trophies in its manifesto and we will deliver on this. Defra is engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can deliver a ban on the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern in the most effective way.

How many pensioners are in receipt of a full new State Pension.

The latest figures, for the quarter ending November 2024, show 2,458,948 individuals were in receipt of at least the full rate of the new State Pension. Source: Stat-Xplore

How many pensioners were in receipt of a full old State Pension on 12 May 2025.

The pre-2016 State Pension system for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 consisted of a basic State Pension, an earnings-related additional State Pension and Graduated Retirement Benefit. (If people were contracted out of the additional State Pension, they will have a workplace or private pension instead.) People may also have derived some basic State Pension from a spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance record or inherited some State Pension from a deceased spouse or civil partner. There is no full rate of additional State Pension or Graduated Retirement Benefit as the amount an individual receives will vary depending on their earnings, the amount of contributions they have paid and whether they were contracted out of the State scheme. As of March 2025, around 5.8 million received the full basic State Pension. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Quarterly Statistical Enquiry 5% sample March 2025. Numbers have been grossed up to 100% and rounded to the nearest 0.1 million. State Pension is paid on an individual basis. Data on State Pension incomes by relationship status (single pensioners and couples) is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

What is the average amount of basic state pension paid to (a) individuals and (b) couples under the old pension.

The weekly amount of basic State Pension paid to individuals who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 was £148.53, as of March 2025. This was before April 2025 increases. This is based on the basic State Pension only and does not include other components such as earnings-related additional State Pension and Graduated Retirement Benefit which individuals may also be receiving. State Pension is paid on an individual basis. Data on State Pension incomes by relationship status (single pensioners and couples) is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Quarterly Statistical Enquiry 5% sample March 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on imports of hunting trophies of species listed as (a) Near Threatened, (b) Vulnerable, (c) Endangered, (d) Critically Endangered and (e) Extinct in the Wild in the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species.

The import of hunting trophies is regulated by the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations, which implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Where required, permits to import hunting trophies will only be issued when the strict criteria set out in the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations are met, including that the import does not have a detrimental impact on the conservation status of a species. The Government committed to banning the import of hunting trophies in its manifesto and we will deliver on this. Defra is engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can deliver a ban on the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern in the most effective way.

What discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on protected funding for the child poverty strategy.

We are working across government to develop the Child Poverty Strategy and are committed to exploring all available levers to reduce child poverty. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is a part of the Child Poverty Taskforce and the Secretary of State has regular discussions on child poverty with HM Treasury Ministers. Officials in the Child Poverty Unit are also working closely with policy and analytical experts across departments, such as HM Treasury.

If she will ensure that autism is included in the Youth Employment Strategy.

As a Government, we want to support all forms of neurodiversity in the workplace, and we are looking to build on the findings of the Buckland Review of Autism Employment by gathering expert evidence in line with this expanded focus. As part of plan to Get Britain Working, we will launch a Youth Guarantee for all young people aged 18-21 in England to ensure that they can access training opportunities, an apprenticeship or help to find work. Our Youth Guarantee will meet the needs of those facing disadvantages relating to mental or physical health. Collaborating closely with stakeholders from a range of sectors will be integral to improving opportunities for young people. And that is why we have launched eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers to test and learn before further roll out of the Youth Guarantee. These Trailblazers are testing joining-up locally and nationally delivered work, health and skills approach. Autism creates employment barriers that can affect young people's daily lives and mental health. As outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we have ambitious plans to better support our young people to lead fulfilling lives and careers. Jobcentre Plus already offers extensive assistance to young disabled people and those with health conditions, focusing on individual needs and collaborating with local partners for appropriate support. In addition, work coaches in Youth Hubs and Youth Employability Coaches, provide targeted interventions to build skills, confidence, and employment opportunities.

What assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of children in poverty.

Statistics on the number of children living in absolute and relative poverty in the UK are published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication, the latest available being  Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2024 - GOV.UK. The table showing the percentage of children in relative poverty over time is published as “table 4.1tr” of “children-trends-hbai-1994-95-2023-24-tables”. Statistics on the number of children living in absolute and relative poverty on a before housing costs basis at local level are published annually in the “Children in low income families: local area statistics” publication, the latest available being Children in low income families: local area statistics 2014 to 2024 - GOV.UK. The latest statistics published on 27 March 2025 are up to and including 2023/24. The latest available data can also be found on Stat-Xplore: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/. Guidance on how to use it can be found here: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/User-Guide.html. In 2023/24 there were 900,000 more children in relative poverty after housing costs in the UK than in 2010/11. Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this Government. The Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy looking at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, including considering social security reforms, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across government and work underway in Devolved Government. The Taskforce is listening to experts and campaigners and ensuring the voices of families and children with experience of poverty are brought into policy thinking and decision making as part of the development of the Child Poverty Strategy. This includes three key stands of work – a Parents and Carers Forum, engagement with the Changing Realities Project and research with children and young people. The vital work of the Taskforce comes alongside our commitments to triple investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million, introduce a Fair Repayment Rate for deductions from Universal Credit, improve the adequacy of the standard allowance with the first sustained above inflation rise in the basic rate of Universal Credit since it was introduced and increase the National Living Wage to £12.21 an hour to boost the pay of three million workers.

Whether she plans to remove the two-child benefit limit.

This government has been clear that all our policies are costed and fully funded, and we will only make commitments we know we can keep. Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this government, and the Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change.

Whether he plans to update the existing regulations on (a) composition, (b) marketing and (c) labelling of commercial infant and toddler foods.

Children’s early years provide an important foundation for their future health and strongly influences many aspects of well-being in later life.It is vital that we maintain the highest standards for foods consumed by babies and infants, which is why we have regulations in place that set nutritional and compositional standards for commercial baby food. The regulations also set labelling standards to ensure consumers have clear and accurate information about the products they buy. We continue to keep these regulations under review, to ensure they reflect the latest scientific and dietary guidelines.

Whether he plans to update the statutory guidance on the Autism Act.

The House of Lords has established an Autism Act 2009 Committee, which is holding an inquiry to look at the Autism Act, the autism strategy, and the autism statutory guidance, and which will make recommendations to the Government by 30 November 2025. This will inform the Government’s future approach.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of women in prison.

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.

Whether she plans to create a women's centre in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council area.

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.

What recent progress her Department has made on implementing the recommendations of the report by Baroness Jean Corston entitled Vulnerable women in prison, published on 13 March 2007; and whether she is taking steps to increase the number of women's centres.

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.

What steps she is taking to help long-term unemployed back into work.

The Get Britain Working White Paper set out the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation to support our ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate. The Department for Work and Pensions will shift from being a department for employment support and welfare to being a department for work. This means a new, locally led system of work and health support being available for those who are unemployed, bringing together existing locally delivered employment support as a single coherent offer that is part of areas’ local growth plans. In the Autumn 2024 Budget, £240 million funding for the White Paper measures was announced. This funding is helping us deliver and build on labour market reforms to Get Britain Working. The funding included: £55m funding for both the digital development of the new public employment and careers service and the tests and trials for its development. £170m for 16 trailblazers, 8 testing delivery of the Youth Guarantee in areas across England and 8 to tackle economic inactivity through increased engagement and tailored approaches in England and Wales.An additional £15m to support trailblazers and development of local GBW plans.These measures complement contracted employment support for the long-term unemployed.

When she plans to publish the details of the transitional arrangements for people who will be adversely affected by the proposals in the Green Paper: Pathways to Work.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper announced a broad package of changes to health and disability benefits and employment support. We will always work to ensure that the most vulnerable and severely disabled people are protected and carefully consider how best we can support people as we develop our detailed proposals for change. We are very mindful of the impacts of PIP eligibility changes and that is why we are consulting on how best to support those who may lose entitlement, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. Additionally, as we make changes to the health element of Universal Credit, we will protect existing claims by holding the health top up steady in cash terms, while they will also benefit from the new higher standard allowance.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to seek an exemption in any veterinary agreement negotiated with the EU that would ensure the UK's ability to ban the import and sale of fur products.

We have reset our relations with European partners. We have been clear that an SPS agreement could boost trade and deliver significant benefits on both sides, and will be careful to ensure proposals are consistent with our manifesto and does not cross our red lines. It’s too early to discuss specific areas in detail and we will not be providing a running commentary on discussions with the EU.

Whether she has made an assessment of the merits of the Bank of England paying interest on reserve accounts maintained by commercial banks.

The Bank of England has operational independence from the government to carry out its statutory responsibilities for monetary policy and financial stability. Monetary policy, including quantitative easing, is the responsibility of the independent Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England. There are no plans to change the way reserves are remunerated at the Bank of England. The government continues to support the Bank to bring inflation in line with its target, including by managing the public finances responsibly.