Written questions by Hurley.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the frequency of cervical screening on women from (a) underserved and (b) marginalised communities.

The UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation to change the cervical screening intervals from three to five years for women aged 25 to 49 years old was made in 2019. The evidence and consultation responses supporting the recommendation can be found at the following link:https://view-health-screening-recommendations.service.gov.uk/cervical-cancer/The decision to make the changes was based on what is best for individuals. The more accurate human papillomavirus test requires less frequent screening, and changing the frequency eliminates the unnecessary over screening of the population.The IT system supporting the national cervical screening programme was updated in July 2024, and can now enable the changes that were recommended.A full impact assessment and equality impact assessment were considered before the changes were agreed by the Government. We will publish these shortly.

When secondary legislation for the Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Act 2023 will be laid before Parliament.

The government is committed to delivering the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) in the 2026/27 academic year for courses starting from 1 January 2027. We shall share further details and plans for LLE delivery alongside the multi-year spending review in June, including information on maintenance loans, supplementary grants, priority courses and additional entitlement, and information on the expansion and regulation of modular funding, together with the Office for Students. Parliamentary time allowing, the department plans to lay the secondary legislation necessary for the LLE, including that made under powers in the Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Act 2023 in 2026.

What assessment she has made contribution of the part-time student premium to the Government's opportunity mission.

The department is determined to break down barriers to opportunity by supporting the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university, regardless of their background, where they live and their personal circumstances. Part-time student premium funding allocated through the Strategic Priorities Grant, is an important part of delivering on this vision and our Opportunity Mission.This funding is allocated to higher education providers in England which are on the Office for Students (OfS)’ Approved (fee cap) register, to support them to provide part-time courses for students. This recognises that the flexibility part-time courses offer is important, especially for older learners and those from underrepresented groups.This is why my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education’s recent guidance to the OfS explicitly directs the OfS to retain the per-student funding rates for the student premiums, including the part-time student premium, where affordable. Funding allocations for individual higher education providers for the forthcoming academic year will be published by the OfS in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to encourage (a) the Royal Mail, (b) the Post Office and (c) Ofcom to collaborate on the (i) design and (ii) implementation of an Address and Collect service, ensuring access to mail for individuals without a secure address.

The government recognises the importance of access to post for all users, including those that are without a secure address. The universal postal service is intended to provide an accessible postal service for all.An address and collect service solution involving Royal Mail and the Post Office would be an operational matter for those businesses but their further joint working, including with Ofcom, on this issue would be welcomed by government.

Whether he has had discussions with Ofcom on stronger mechanisms for holding Royal Mail accountable for improving the reliability of letter deliveries.

It is for Ofcom to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action. While the government does not have a role in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions, in January I met with representatives from Ofcom who gave their reassurance that Ofcom is closely monitoring Royal Mail’s performance and its action plan to drive improvement in quality of service.In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels. The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and take action where appropriate.

What steps her Department is taking to support disabled people into work in Southport constituency.

Disabled people in Southport deserve the same choices and chances to work as anyone else.That is why we will transform support for disabled people who can work to get the jobs they want and deserve, including by investing an additional £1 billion a year through our Pathways to work employment programme.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring tenancy agreements to allow domestic appliances to be used at times that allow people living in (a) flats and (b) houses in multiple occupation to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will require private rented sector landlords in England to provide new tenants with a written statement of terms, which in practice will usually be provided via a written tenancy agreement. Regulations will be made before the reforms are commenced, setting out what this written information must include. The Department is currently engaging with interested parties to seek their views on this information and will consider utilities as part of that process.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure equitable treatment of parents with shared custody arrangements by the Child Maintenance Service.

The Child Maintenance Service operates on the principle that both parents have financial responsibility for their child, including their food and clothing, as well as contributing towards the associated costs of running the home that the child lives in. Reductions can be made for the extra cost of care where it is shared by the paying parent. The paying parent must have overnight care of any qualifying children for at least 52 nights a year, equivalent of 1 night per week. The amount payable is reduced by a maximum of fifty per cent within bands based on the number of nights overnight care is provided over a 12-month period. The bands are used to give greater stability to maintenance payments and as a result there is greater reliability of payments, which contributes towards the welfare of the children in the case. If evidence shows that both parties are providing equal day-to-day care of a qualifying child, in addition to sharing overnight care, there is no requirement for either parent to pay child maintenance.

What steps he is taking to support local initiatives in (a) Cheshire and (b) Merseyside to improve early cancer diagnosis rates in (a) deprived communities and (b) general.

We recognise that there are challenges for several different populations, particularly for people living in the most deprived areas of the country, and that this impacts early diagnosis rates.Improving diagnosis rates and access to treatment are key priorities for the Government for all cancer types. To achieve this, we are improving public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, streamlining referral routes, and increasing the availability of diagnostic capacity through the roll-out of more community diagnostic centres. In addition, we have delivered an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week, during our first year in Government as the first step to ensuring early diagnosis and faster treatment.The latest rapid registration data shows the 12-month early diagnosis rate reached 58.7% as of October 2024; this is 2.8% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This means approximately 7,500 more people are being diagnosed at stage 1 and 2. For Cheshire and Merseyside ICB the latest rapid registration data shows the 12-month early diagnosis rate reached 59.2% as of October 2024; this is 4.6% higher than pre-pandemic levels.The roll out of the lung cancer screening programme has driven two thirds of the national improvement and when fully rolled out the programme is expected to detect around 9,000 cancers earlier each year.People living in deprived areas are four times more likely to smoke, and smoking causes 72% of lung cancers. Through the programme early diagnosis rates have increased for all deprivation quintiles, with biggest gains among those living in most deprived areas. We will build on recent successes, including further roll out of the lung cancer screening programme, to diagnose cancer earlier and boost survival rates.Additionally, the recently announced National Cancer Plan, which will complement the 10-Year Health Plan and support delivery of the Government’s Health Mission, will set out further actions to improve early diagnosis.

What steps he is taking to improve (a) one year and (b) five year survival rates for cancers of the (i) liver, (ii) lung, (iii) pancreas, (iv) oesophagus and (v) stomach in Cheshire and Merseyside.

Improving early diagnosis of cancer, which is integral for improving survival rates, is a priority for this government. Rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs), which are designed to speed up the diagnosis of cancer, have now been successfully rolled out across England. RDCs provide a non-specific symptom (NSS) pathway for patients who display symptoms that could indicate cancer but do not align to specific cancers. NSS pathways are very important for diagnosing cancers such as liver, pancreas, oesophagus and stomach cancers whose symptoms may not be obvious and mimic other conditions. NSS pathways complement other cancer diagnostic pathways, as well as providing elements that can be applied to existing pathways.We set out expectations for renewed focus on cancer targets in the Elective Reform plan, published on 6 January 2025. We have asked systems and providers to identify local opportunities in both community diagnostic centres and hospital based diagnostic services to improve performance against the Faster Diagnosis Standard, to reduce the number of patients waiting too long for a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. Cheshire and Merseyside has been at the forefront of developing the new centres, with 10 across the region.Furthermore, the Department has also committed support to the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, which targets cancers with poor survival rates. This partnership focuses on liver, pancreas, lung, brain, oesophagus, and stomach cancers, raising awareness of these less survivable cancers so more people understand their symptoms and go to see their general practitioner if they have concerns. We will build on recent successes, including roll out of the targeted lung screening programme, to diagnose cancer earlier and boost one and five year survival rates. This has already been rolled out to at least five areas of Cheshire and Merseyside and is making a real impact on early detection of lung cancer.Finally, the recently announced Cancer Plan, which will complement the 10-Year Health Plan and support delivery of the Government’s Health Mission, will set out further actions to improve early diagnosis and transform survival rates, saving thousands of lives and putting us on a stronger footing with our international peers.

What recent discussions his Department has had with the utility companies on the ability of people living in (a) flats and (b) houses in multiple occupation to take advantage of reduced tariffs for off-peak electricity due to (i) the conditions of their tenancy agreement (ii) the potential impact on their neighbours.

The only way to accurately reflect the individual usage of each tenant in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) would be if they each had a submeter. This would mean that their energy usage would be reflected in how much they pay the landlord for their energy. If an individual wishes to have this implemented, they should speak to their landlord to see if this is an option for them. In order to protect consumers in HMOs, there is legislation which sets a maximum price that can be charged for electricity and gas which has already been bought from a licensed supplier. The maximum resale price guidance is available on Ofgem’s website and if a tenant upon reviewing this guidance believes their landlord to be in contravention of it, they should raise it with them. Ofgem is exploring options for easier routes to access support where non-compliance with the guidance has taken place. Ofgem continues to work to have vulnerable consumers added to the Priority Services Register in order that they can more easily access support where needed. We will continue to engage with stakeholders and consider whether any further actions are required.

With reference to the report by the Civil Aviation Authority entitled CAP3010: Annual Report & Accounts 2023/2024, published on 12 September 2024, if she will take steps to ensure (a) the accuracy of (i) drone operator (A) numbers and (B) projections and (ii) other information in that report and (b) that accurate data is used in future regulatory decisions affecting the drone industry.

Late last year the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) became aware of an error in its Annual Report and Accounts for 2023/24 and immediately notified the Department for Transport. The Department for Transport officially put this error right by means of a correction slip. This was laid in both Houses of Parliament on 16 December 2024, alongside the original report which had been laid on 12 September 2024. This corrected error has had no implications for regulatory decisions, charging models or future projections made or to be made by the CAA. The CAA has since taken steps to further strengthen its Annual Report and Accounts auditing process to confirm the accuracy of all the statistics in future Annual Reports and Accounts before they are laid in Parliament.

What steps he plans to take to use the Postcode Address File to support (a) innovation, (b) small businesses and (c) the economy.

The Postcode Address File is owned by Royal Mail, not the Government. Royal Mail’s terms of access to the Postcode Address File are regulated by Ofcom, the independent regulator for postal services.

What steps his Department is taking to address regional disparities in (a) funding and (b) staffing levels for the (i) diagnosis and (ii) treatment of congenital heart disease for (A) all patients and (B) paediatric services in the North West..

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ North West Regional Team provides system leadership for population health and reducing health inequalities across the North West. This includes working with local authorities and integrated care systems to develop and deliver population health programmes at a local level, supporting regional NHS England priorities and long-term planning on prevention and health inequalities.NHS England undertook a national review of congenital heart disease from 2014 to 2016 which created a new service specification for the provision of congenital heart disease services. This new service specification identifies minimum activity levels for each centre to achieve optimum outcomes, and the review identified planning footprints for clinical networks to achieve this level of activity.Specialised commissioners, namely NHS England and the integrated care boards, have been working with North West providers and the North West Congenital Heart Disease Clinical Network to ensure adherence to these standards within local provision. Proposals are in development to support the creation of a single networked pathway of care for patients, delivered across designated specialised healthcare services, which includes plans for staffing and workforce development to consistently deliver national standards for all patients in the North West.NHS England works closely with the Congenital Heart Networks to support work to maintain and monitor elective congenital heart disease surgery activity, waiting lists, and waiting times across England, noting that there are interdependencies with critical care capacity. Clinical heart disease constitutes the bulk of paediatric cardiac cases.

If she will take legislative steps to make it a statutory requirement for Local Authorities to provide wraparound childcare provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

This government is determined to break down barriers to opportunity for all children and young people, ensuring they have access to the brilliant education and care they need to achieve and thrive. This includes ensuring that wraparound care is available and accessible. The government is improving access to before and after school care through the National Wraparound Childcare Programme. The programme is being delivered through local authorities, given their existing sufficiency duty. The Childcare Act 2006 places a legal duty on local authorities to make sure that there are enough childcare places within its locality for working parents or parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0 to 14, or up to 18 for disabled children. All local authorities should be able to demonstrate how they have discharged this duty and should include specific reference to how they are ensuring there is sufficient childcare to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as per the statutory guidance. This should be available from the local authority. The department has also taken decisive action by announcing in the King’s Speech that, under the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, every state-funded school in England with primary aged pupils will offer a breakfast club. Departmental officials are working closely with schools and sector experts to develop a breakfast club programme that meets the needs of all children, including those with SEND. On 23 September 2024, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced that up to 750 state-funded schools with primary aged pupils will begin delivering free breakfast clubs from April 2025. The funding will allow these schools to run free breakfast clubs for their pupils starting in the summer term as part of a ‘test and learn’ phase to inform delivery of a national rollout, this will include testing approaches to supporting children with SEND. This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs, restoring parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need.

Whether she plans to give courts powers to order offenders' attendance at sentencing hearings.

Offenders who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings deny victims and their families the opportunity to explain how their crimes have impacted their lives. This Government wants victims to have faith that justice will be delivered and to see criminals face the consequences of their actions.The Government is committed to legislating to enhance court powers to require offenders to attend their sentencing hearings. This measure will be included in the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill which is due to be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

What steps she is taking to ensure better value for money for motor insurance customers; and what steps she is taking to make car insurers more accountable.

We are committed to tackling the increased costs of motor insurance to deliver on our manifesto commitment, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.The cross-government Motor Insurance Taskforce, including the stakeholder panel, met for the first time on 16 October 2024. The Taskforce is currently exploring short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums, while maintaining appropriate levels of cover.As it takes this work forwards, the Taskforce will continue to work closely with the independent Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Competition and Markets Authority. The FCA has launched a market study into the premium finance market and is undertaking work to analyse the cause of increased claims costs in the motor insurance market.

What steps the Government is taking to increase (a) the number of specialist teams to deal with vehicle crime and (b) the funding available to track stolen cars across borders.

This Government is determined to drive down vehicle crime and we are working with the automotive industry and law enforcement to ensure our response is as strong as it can be – including recruiting thousands of additional neighbourhood police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables to provide a visible and effective response to car crime in local communities.We continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for vehicle crime, through the National Vehicle Crime Working Group, to take forward a programme of work, focusing on prevention and deterrence of theft of and from vehicles. Through the Working Group, a network of vehicle crime specialists has been established, involving every police force in England and Wales, to ensure forces can share information about emerging trends in vehicle crime and better tackle regional issues.There are also a number of specialist teams that support work to tackle vehicle crime, including Opal, the police’s national intelligence unit for serious acquisitive crime, and the National Vehicle Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), a national policing unit funded by industry, including finance and leasing companies, insurers and hauliers, to provide dedicated specialist intelligence and enforcement.Last autumn, driven by the NPCC lead for vehicle crime and supported by the Home Office, the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership was established, bringing together the police, Home Office and manufacturers.We are also providing £250,000 this financial year to help support enforcement at the ports to prevent stolen vehicles and vehicle parts being shipped abroad, including additional staff and specialist equipment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support Ukraine.

In chairing the UN Security Council on 18 November, the Foreign Secretary made clear that UK support for Ukraine is ironclad. We have stepped up the delivery of vital military equipment, led the way in investing in Ukraine’s defence industrial base, and imposed major new sanctions upon Russia. As the Prime Minister has said, we must double down and give Ukraine the support it needs for as long as it needs.

Innovation and Technology, when measures under the Online Safety Act 2023 to help protect social media users from (a) fake and (b) anonymous accounts will be implemented; and whether Ofcom's consultation on additions to the Illegal Content Codes will include those accounts.

Under the Online Safety Act, all services in scope must tackle illegal content and activity which is harmful to children, including activity through fake and anonymous accounts. The illegal harms duties will come into force in Spring 2025, followed by the child safety duties in Summer 2025.Ofcom’s draft codes include proposed measures to allow children to block accounts, and to reject unwanted invitations to group chats. The Act also requires Category 1 providers to offer user verification options, enabling users to filter out non-verified users and their content. Ofcom expects to consult on these duties in late 2025.