Written questions by Spencer.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Immediate measures to step up safeguards against African swine fever from Europe, published on 26 September 2024, to help prevent an outbreak of African Swine Fever in the UK, whether additional funding has been allocated to (a) Border Force and (b) Port Health Authorities to help implement the measures.

Defra has made additional funding of £1.9 million available to Dover District Council for the Port Health Authority, for the remainder of this financial year (2024 to 2025), to support Border Force to conduct safeguarding checks on the illegal import of products of animal origin. This is in addition to the £1.2 million already committed. This total funding of £3.1 million is based on the existing staffing costs provided by Dover Port Health Authority. This funding is only for this financial year. Defra has also contributed operational equipment to support Border Force with relevant checks.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's guidance entitled African swine fever: how to spot and report the disease, updated on 27 September 2024, whether he plans to ban all personal imports of (a) pork and (b) pork products.

Preventing an outbreak of African swine fever in the UK is one of Defra’s key biosecurity priorities. The Department keeps policy on personal imports under constant review and works closely with the devolved governments on contingency planning and preventing an incursion from possibly infected goods. We have already strengthened controls on personal imports of pork and pork products from the EU through the measures we introduced in September. We are working to develop a long-term policy on personal imports of products of animal origin and animal by-products, taking account of international examples.

Food and Rural Affairs, what the eligibility criteria was for the expanded Farming Recovery Fund.

Defra is aware of the ongoing challenges farmers have been facing following the winter storms and the wet weather in late 2023 and early 2024. Defra is committed to maintaining food production and supporting thriving farm businesses as well as protecting communities from flooding. All spending commitments will be confirmed in the spending review. This includes the Farming Recovery Fund, more information on the expanded Farming Recovery Fund will be made available soon.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2024 to question 4377 on Pension Credit, what progress her Department has made contacting pensioner households that are in receipt of Housing Benefit; and if she will make an estimate of the number of pensioners her Department expects to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment in the next 12 months.

We will be writing shortly to the approximately 120,000 pensioners we have identified who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and who may also be eligible for, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit. As a result of the Winter Fuel Payment changes announced on 29 July, we estimate the take-up rate of Pension Credit to increase by 5 percentage points. This is the equivalent of around an additional 100,000 successful claims to Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 (allowing for a maximum of 3 months backdating to ensure entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment for 2024/25). In the long term, the Government will bring together the administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, so that pensioner households receiving Housing Benefit also receive any Pension Credit that they are entitled to, which was pushed back by the previous Government.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support flood defence and preparedness works in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.

The Environment Agency (EA) serves as a Category 1 responder, offering flood warning services and managing various flood management projects. Post-2023 floods, Suffolk’s flood warning areas were refined for enhanced accuracy, with changes effective from November. The EA partners with local groups to boost community resilience and planning. Hydraulic modelling studies by the EA, due for completion in Spring/Summer 2025, will ensure maintenance activities remain suitable for Framlingham, Wickham Market, Debenham, and Needham Market. Needham Market’s ongoing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) projects involve 24 properties, with installations set for January 2025, and 43 additional properties surveyed in October 2024 for winter 2025 installations. Feasibility studies for flood risk interventions in Framlingham and Wickham Market will start in Spring 2025. The Alde & Ore flood risk model updates are planned for FY 27/28, pending funding. Suffolk County Council oversees a £5,000 Flood Recovery Framework grant, with 127 applications received and 39 fully paid. The EA operates Rattlesdon and Gipping reservoirs, aiding downstream communities, and continues to engage with landowners for Natural Flood Management opportunities.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing levels of funding to help (a) support residents who experienced flooding during Storm Babet in 2023 and (b) mitigate against the risk of flooding in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency.

Following Storm Babet, the Flood Recovery Framework was activated by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Alongside this, the Property Flood Resilience Grant Scheme was activated by Defra. A post activation review of the Flood Recovery Framework is underway and we expect this to report later this year. Protecting communities from flooding is a key priority for this Government. The Government is determined to turbocharge the delivery and repair of flood defences, improve drainage systems and develop natural flood management schemes. We are investing over £1.25 billion this year to scale up national resilience through building new and improving existing flood defences. In the current floods investment programme, there are over 150 property flood resilience schemes planned, which will better protect over 4,000 homes. The Government is reviewing the investment programme to get it back on track after the pace slowed due to the impacts of inflation and delays with the supply chain. Decisions on future spending will be made at the spending review later this month.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to support for landowners to maintain stretches of waterways on their land to help mitigate future flooding risk.

All farmers and land managers are encouraged to manage the land in a way that supports and enhances the environment while reducing impacts on others, such as climate risks. Where there is a watercourse, riparian landowners are required under common law to keep watercourses clear of anything which could cause an obstruction to the flow of water on their land, or downstream if washed away. This includes maintenance of the bed and banks, as well as any trees or shrubs growing on the banks. They must also ensure that any structures such as culverts, trash screens and mill gates are cleared of debris and allow the flow of water. The new Environmental Land Management schemes aim to help the environment while supporting farming and food production. These will include support for farmers and land managers to adopt Natural Flood Management approaches in a way that reduces flooding and coastal erosion risks to local communities.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will have discussions with the Environment Agency on clarifying its position relating to the ability of landowners to maintain stretches of waterway on their land to help reduce flooding.

The Environment Agency has proactively engaged riparian landowners setting out responsibilities, where there might be exemptions and how they can get help. This has already reached several communities affected in Storm Babet – in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency the letter has been sent to: FramlinghamDebenhamNeedham MarketWickham MarketCharsfieldParhamFramsdenHachestonSomershamGreat Bealings

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Suffolk County Council on the costs of implementing section 19 actions in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency.

S19 recommendations are far reaching and span across several organisations. If all recommendations were to be implemented the cost in central Suffolk and North Ipswich would be in the tens of millions. Efficiency is gained through close partnership working, for example between Suffolk County Council (SCC) and the Environment Agency (EA). The EA has been working closely with SCC and will continue to work together for the communities impacted.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Norwich-to-Tilbury pylon route on the local agricultural sector.

It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects, in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission, to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route including assessment of any agricultural impacts. The Government sets the rules for a robust and independent planning process that communities participate in. The Government cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final decision. Depending on the specifics of each case, network operators are required to have an agreement with landowners impacted by transmission infrastructure projects on their land, including payment of appropriate compensation.

Whether her Department plans to simplify the education, health and care plan (a) application and (b) assessment system; and what support her Department provides to (i) Suffolk County Council and (ii) other local authorities to help ensure that they are able to meet the 20 week timeframe for issue.

The department knows that parents have struggled to get the right support for their children, particularly through long and difficult education, health and care (EHC) plan processes and is planning to work across the sector to provide support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those needing alternative provision (AP), and their families. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools and AP settings, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.The department wants to ensure that EHC plan applications are processed promptly and, where required, plans are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need. The department publishes annual data from the SEN2 survey in relation to every EHC plan maintained by individual local authorities and closely monitors and uses the information from the annual SEN2 data collection to inform discussions with local areas. Where a council does not meet its duties, the department can take action that prioritises children’s needs and supports local areas to bring about rapid improvement. The department offers a range of universal, targeted and intensive support through department-managed programmes, such as the sector-led improvement partners which provide peer-to-peer tailored support.The local area SEND inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Suffolk local area partnership in November 2023 found widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.The local area partnership submitted a priority action plan to Ofsted and the CQC to address the areas for priority action, including actions to improve EHC plan timeliness, with progress monitored by the department through deep dive and stocktake meetings.An expert SEND advisor has been commissioned by the department to support the improvement work being undertaken by the partnership, including improving EHC plan timeliness, by providing advice, guidance and challenge alongside the Regional NHS England SEND Manager.Ofsted and the CQC introduced a strengthened area SEND inspection framework in January 2023, leading to a greater emphasis on the outcomes being achieved for children and young people. It is the primary tool to maintain a focus on high standards in the SEND system across all partners.

What plans her Department has to (a) encourage and (b) support parents to (i) read, (ii) speak and (iii) play with young children in the home.

The department recognises the vital role of parents and the home learning environment in children's early development and their contribution to the government’s mission to improve opportunity and give all children the best start in life. The department continues to support family hubs delivering services to help parents create rich home learning environments. The department's Little Moments Together campaign aims to encourage and provide resources for parents to chat, play and read with their children. The department is reviewing future support for parents within the current spending review process.

What steps her Department (a) has taken and (b)plans to take to implement the recommendations of the paper entitled Right Support, Right Place and Right Time, CP 624, published by her Department in March 2022.

This government is committed to taking a community-wide approach and to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children and young people with the most complex needs. The Change Programme, which was established in September 2023 following the publication of the Special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) Improvement Plan, is providing valuable learning across the SEND and AP system, including by informing thinking about effective, inclusive mainstream practice. This government recognises that the SEND system is not meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND. Addressing its problems will be a priority for this government.The government cannot do this alone. It will work with the sector as essential and valued partners to ensure its approach is fully planned and delivered together with parents, schools, councils and expert staff who go above and beyond to support children.

If she will review the High Needs National Formula for pupils with additional support needs to reduce regional disparities.

The department is taking time to consider the various funding formulae that both it and local authorities use to allocate funding for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. It is important that there is a fair education funding system that directs funding to where it is needed. Budgets for the 2025/26 financial year have not yet been set, which means that decisions on the high needs and schools national funding formulae, as well as the publication of allocations for that year, are not to the usual timescales. The department will publish information as soon as possible after the Budget announcement on 30 October.

What early intervention measures her Department is taking in order to (a) identify, (b) evaluate and (c) support children who do not have SEND but require additional support throughout their education due to (i) domestic violence and (ii) other external circumstances.

This year government is investing £255 million in the Supporting Families Programme, which since 2012 has championed early intervention and helped over 800,000 families achieve successful outcomes.In addition, through the £45 million families first for children pathfinder and family networks pilot, the department is testing whole-system reform to children’s social care in 10 local authorities to help families overcome challenges, stay together and thrive, and to keep children safe. This includes testing a new model of Family Help, building on best practice from well-evidenced programmes, such as Supporting Families.The department is working closely with pathfinder local authority areas and their partners including health, police, education, the voluntary and community sector and local children and families. The department will share learning from the programme with the wider sector and partners as the programme progresses including through an independent evaluation. Initial evaluation findings are expected in spring 2025..

What support her Department provides to help parents of children with SEND with (a) education, health and care plans and (b) support systems.

The department recognises that some parents have struggled to get the right support for their children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly through long and difficult Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan processes.The department wants to ensure that EHC plan applications are processed promptly and, where required, plans are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need. We are listening to a wide range of people, such as children and young people, parents, schools, colleges and local authorities and their partners. We are reflecting on what practices could be made consistent nationally.Under the Children and Families Act (2014) it is a legal requirement that all local authorities have a Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS), to ensure families are provided with the support necessary to enable them to participate in discussions and decisions about their support, such as through their Education, Health and Care plan, and strategically, such as through SEND local offers.The department funds training and support for SENDIASS services through a contract with specialist charities which support parents and carers of children with SEND. This contract is led by Contact, a national charity who support families with SEND. In addition, Contact also runs a national telephone helpline which offers impartial support and advice on SEND.The department also provides grant funding to Parent Carer Forums throughout England who provide a supportive forum for parents. They work alongside local authorities, education, health and other service providers to ensure that the services they plan, commission, deliver and monitor meet the needs of children and families locally.

What funding she plans to provide to Suffolk County Council to increase provision of educational psychologist services.

Educational psychologists play a critical role providing support to children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, the department knows that current workforce shortages are a barrier to delivering its ambitions for an inclusive mainstream education system. 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 majority of the funding provided through the Local Government Funding Settlement is un-ringfenced, in recognition of local authorities being best placed to understand local priorities, including investment in educational psychology services.The department is taking measures to support the flow of educational psychologists into local authority services by investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists from this year. This builds on the £10 million currently being invested in the training of over 200 educational psychologists who began their training in September 2023.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a community benefit scheme for agricultural landowners affected by the National Grid Norwich to Tilbury project who will no longer be able to farm land with a pylon on it.

The Government cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final planning decision. All projects, regardless of location, must go through the independent and robust planning process. We are committed to ensuring that communities who live near new transmission infrastructure can see the benefits of it and are considering how to most effectively deliver this. Community benefits are different to compensation. Depending on the specifics of each case, network operators must have an agreement with landowners impacted by the presence of transmission infrastructure projects on their land, which includes payment of appropriate compensation.

What recent discussions his Department has had with the agricultural community on the construction of the Norwich-to-Tilbury pylon project.

It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects – in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission - to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route. The government sets the rules for a robust and independent planning process that communities can participate in, with consultation being a central element of the planning process. Any engagement by Ministers must consider the role of the Secretary of State in deciding on planning applications for energy projects, and the limitations on discussing live projects in the development process which have not come to the Planning Inspectorate.