Written questions by Heylings.

What estimate he has made of the potential impact of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme on energy cost reductions for SMEs.

The Made Smarter Adoption Programme is primarily designed to boost SME productivity, but digital adoption can also deliver energy‑cost savings. The 2024 Institute for Manufacturing’s government‑commissioned report on the programme found a third of the firms surveyed reported positive impacts on carbon emissions. The main changes that have had positive impacts included: fewer product defects, more efficient use of logistics and lower energy use. In December 2025 the Government announced an additional £2 million of Made Smarter funding to specifically fund SME investment in energy‑efficient technologies, digital energy‑management systems and on‑site renewables.

What steps his Department is taking to identify skills gaps in the retrofit industry; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) supporting the expansion of high-quality training and (b) providing funding for long-term capacity.

The Government’s Warm Homes Plan will deliver growth to our economy, good jobs for our communities, and opportunities for innovation. The number of additional jobs supported in energy efficiency and clean heating is projected to be up to 180,000 by 2030. The Plan outlines the actions the government is taking to support retrofit skills development including launching the £8 million Warm Homes Skills Programme, extending the Heat Training Grant by allocating a further £21 million until March 2029, and establishing a Workforce Taskforce to facilitate the transition to a diverse, skilled and resilient workforce for existing workers and new entrants.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of offering loans or a cashback scheme to SMEs to implement energy efficiency measures; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of this on levels of (a) emissions, and (b) SME energy costs.

Several pilots are running to better understand how we can support SMEs to reduce energy demand, bills and carbon. The Pilot Business Energy Advise Service, providing energy audits and grants in the West Midlands, could have annual saving of £24m in bills and 51,000 tonnes of carbon based on all recommendations being implemented. The ZCS Hospitality Trial, will support c600 hospitality SMEs through online carbon and energy reduction tools, with potential to save over £3m in bills and 2,700 tonnes of carbon annually. The British Business Bank’s pilot Green Growth Guarantee Scheme will facilitate up to £30m of investment in green tech for SMEs and help understand SME appetite for green finance.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of modifying future Contracts for Difference rounds to reward system value, benefits, and services, in addition to procuring energy at the lower possible cost per unit.

We keep the Contracts for Difference scheme under review and consult on potential reforms ahead of each allocation round. We have also introduced the Clean Industry Bonus which allows for other factors such as supply chain investments to be taken into account as part of the process.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of promoting and planning the co-location of load-following small modular reactors with stable demand sources, such as data centres or electric arc furnaces, to reduce grid congestion and maximise the flexibility and surplus capacity delivered to the grid.

The Government is aware of the growing interest in private offtake agreements, particularly from energy-intensive sectors, and will explore options brought forward by privately led projects that supporting such arrangements as part of the Advanced Nuclear Framework.

What comparative assessment he has made of the international competitiveness of (a) the UK and (b) countries that deploy carbon capture at scale in low-carbon cement production.

Carbon capture, usage and storage is integral to decarbonising the cement sector’s production of clinker and making the sector competitive in a net zero economy. Government has signed the UK’s first industrial carbon capture contracts with Heidelberg Materials UK’s Padeswood cement works, showing our commitment in this regard. In addition, the National Wealth Fund has made a £28.6 million equity investment in Peak Cluster. Furthermore, DESNZ in partnership with Innovate UK is supporting the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for next-generation low-carbon concrete. This initiative aims to accelerate the scale up and adoption of low carbon concrete solutions through creating a guaranteed market for these products. Industry supporters who have made commitments include Scottish Water, Ramboll, Derwent London, Atkins Realis UK, and Heathrow.

What plans his Department has to help resolve the shortage of bone cement in the NHS.

The Department is working closely with NHS England, professional bodies and industry partners and have implemented a range of measures to resolve the shortage of bone cement.The National Health Service has secured stock of an alternative bone cement product, which is now in the United Kingdom for onward distribution. There is sufficient supply to confidently resume elective procedures, and further deliveries are planned in the coming weeks.The NHS also issued immediate guidance to hospitals to ensure that trauma and urgent care could continue safely.We will keep our horizon-scanning processes under review and work specifically to identify future potential risks and safeguard continuity of future bone cement supplies.The Department has held regular discussions with NHS England on the supply position, operational impact, and plans to secure alternative products, including through established incident coordination structures.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with its allies to help uphold human rights in Cameroon.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 November 2025 to Question 91527 following elections in Cameroon. Further to this, the UK continues to work with international partners, including through the UN and G7, to encourage the Government of Cameroon to uphold human rights. Through our British High Commission in Yaoundé, we regularly raise concerns and urge stronger democratic governance and engagement with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2026 to Question 110137 on Renewable Energy, whether his Department plans to set a minimum gigawatt target for (a) local energy and (b) community energy within the 15GW target.

As set out in its Strategic Plan in December 2025, Great British Energy (GBE) has a 15GW clean energy target over the next 5 years. This will allow GBE to unlock the potential of emerging technologies while supporting the continued build out of more established technologies, like solar, wind and hydro. GBE has committed to support at least 1000 local and community energy projects by 2030. These projects will form an integral part of that overall ambition to deliver at least 15GW. By focussing on projects rather than on GW, GBE will prioritise smaller projects across the country and the communities that benefit from them.

What discussions he has had with (a) the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, (b) the Children’s Commissioner, (c) the Local Government Association and (d) Adoption UK, on the waiting times faced by (i) looked-after children and (ii) previously looked-after children for neurodevelopmental assessment.

My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has regular discussions on a wide range of matters including with stakeholders.The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including children and their access to neurodevelopmental assessments.NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation on 7 October 2025. This advice includes guidance on managing service provision, reviewing waiting lists and providing support to patients waiting. The advice is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/adhd-service-delivery-and-prioritisation-advice-to-systems/Through the Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.NHS England established an ADHD taskforce which brought together those with lived experience with experts from the NHS, education, charity, and justice sector to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support. The final report was published on 6 November 2025 and we are carefully considering its recommendations.Building on the work of the Independent ADHD Taskforce, my Rt. Hon. Friend announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The review will inform our approach so that people with ADHD and autistic people have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.

What discussions he has had with the Department for Work and Pensions about the adequacy of levels of support available to clean energy SMEs, to ensure they are able to take on apprentices.

This Government is transforming the apprenticeships levy into a new growth and skills levy, backed by £725 million additional investment, which will deliver greater flexibility to employers and learners in England and support the industrial strategy. To support SMEs in all sectors to take on apprentices, the government will fully fund apprenticeship training for non-levy paying employers (essentially SMEs) for all eligible people aged under 25 from the next academic year. This change will make it easier for those employers to engage with apprenticeships by cutting costs and reducing bureaucracy for both them and their training providers. As set out in the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, DESNZ works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions and Skills England to ensure the skills system, including apprenticeships, delivers the workforce needed for our clean energy mission.

What discussions he has had with the Department for Work and Pensions about support for apprentices to transition into the clean energy sector.

This Government is transforming the apprenticeships levy into a new growth and skills levy, backed by £725 million additional investment, which will deliver greater flexibility to employers and learners in England and support the industrial strategy. To support SMEs in all sectors to take on apprentices, the government will fully fund apprenticeship training for non-levy paying employers (essentially SMEs) for all eligible people aged under 25 from the next academic year. This change will make it easier for those employers to engage with apprenticeships by cutting costs and reducing bureaucracy for both them and their training providers. As set out in the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, DESNZ works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions and Skills England to ensure the skills system, including apprenticeships, delivers the workforce needed for our clean energy mission.

Whether apprenticeships have been created through unspent Growth and Skills Levy funds.

The Department for Work and Pensions has responsibility for apprenticeships in England only. The English apprenticeships budget is set by HM Treasury and although closely linked, is distinct from the income collected from the Growth and Skills Levy. The apprenticeships budget pays for apprenticeship training costs at both levy-paying and non-levy paying employers, as well as the costs of English and maths tuition for apprentices and additional payments to employers, training providers and apprentices. The funds available to levy-paying employers, through their apprenticeship service accounts, are not the same as the annual apprenticeships budget, and while levy-paying employers can use all their levy funds, the majority do not. This allows the government to fund apprenticeship training for non-levy paying employers from the apprenticeship budget. As a result, over the last four years, on average, 98% of the English apprenticeships budget has been spent.

What progress her Department has made on completing an equalities impact assessment of the revised Equality and Human Rights Commission Equality Act 2010: Statutory Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations.

The EHRC revised its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following its consultation after the UK Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland, and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Government is considering the draft updated Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Secretary of State will lay it before Parliament. Parliament will then have a 40 day period to consider the draft Code. It is important that the correct process for considering the Code is followed to ensure the Secretary of State can make an informed decision.

When she plans to lay before parliament the revised Equality and Human Rights Commission Equality Act 2010: Statutory Code of Practice on Service, Public Functions and Associations.

I refer the Hon Member to Lord Collins’ answer to Lord Rooker’s oral question in the House of Lords, dated 2 February 2026, which provides the information you requested. “The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations provides guidance on all protected characteristics, not solely on sex and gender reassignment. The EHRC has submitted its draft Code to Ministers, and we are reviewing it with the care it deserves. It is crucial that providers have legally robust guidance on how to apply the Equality Act, which is why we are considering the draft Code properly.”

Whether her Department plans to continue the policies set out in the policy paper entitled Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 813, 22 October 2020 in relation to the rights and settlement expectations of individuals who entered the UK under the European Communities Association Agreement route.

As the explanatory memorandum to HC 813 set out, following the end of the EU exit transition period and the repeal of EU-derived directly effective immigration rights, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We will now carefully review and analyse all responses received and the findings will support the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement, which set out the rules described in HC 813, will continue to apply. Time spent in routes that currently count towards settlement after 5 years will also continue to count towards the new standard qualifying period.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the policy paper entitled Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 813, 22 October 2020 on proposals on settlement for individuals who entered the UK under the European Communities Association Agreement route.

As the explanatory memorandum to HC 813 set out, following the end of the EU exit transition period and the repeal of EU-derived directly effective immigration rights, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We will now carefully review and analyse all responses received and the findings will support the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement, which set out the rules described in HC 813, will continue to apply. Time spent in routes that currently count towards settlement after 5 years will also continue to count towards the new standard qualifying period.

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for Access to Work Applications; and what plans his Department has to introduce new measures to reduce waiting times for Access to Work Applications in 2026.

We are committed to reducing waiting times in Access to Work so that people can access the support they need. We have increased the number of staff processing Access to Work applications and prioritise cases where someone has a job starting in the next four weeks or who are renewing existing support. The Pathways to Work Green Paper launched a consultation on the future of Access to Work which has now concluded. Following over 47,500 responses from individuals, charities and other stakeholders, as well as 18 consultation events, we published our summary of the responses to the Pathways to Work Green Paper consultation on 30 October 2025. We are now considering the responses, and will bring forward our proposals for reforming Access to Work as soon as we are able to.

If he will make an assessment of the provision of NHS treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder; and what steps he will take to resolve the disparities that currently exist between regions for the treatment of this condition.

NHS England’s updated Specialised Neurology Service Specification, published in August 2025, includes specific reference to functional neurological disorder (FND). It states that all specialised neurology centres must include access to treatment services for FND. The updated Specialised Neurology Service Specification is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/specialised-neurology-services-adults/ There are a number of other national-level initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with neurological conditions, including FND, such as the Getting It Right First Time Programme for Neurology and the Neurology Transformation Programme, which aim to improve care for people by reducing variation and delivering care more equitably across England. Additionally, we have set up a UK Neuro Forum facilitating formal, which are twice-yearly meetings across the Department, NHS England, the devolved administrations and health services, and the Neurological Alliances of all four nations. The new forum brings key stakeholders together, to share learning across the system and to discuss challenges, best practice examples, and potential solutions for improving the care of people with neurological conditions, including FND.

What estimated waiting times his Department is communicating to applicants to the Access to Work Programme.

The Department is currently advising applicants submitting a new Access to Work grant that the estimated waiting time for their application to be reviewed is up to 30 weeks.Applications from individuals who have a job starting in the next four weeks, or who are renewing existing support, are prioritised.