Written questions by Holden.

With reference to her Department’s Efficiency Delivery Plans, what proportion of the forecast reduction in the rail passenger services subsidy over the period covered by the Spending Review is attributable to (a) quantified administrative efficiencies arising from the creation of Great British Railways, (b) efficiencies delivered through regulated settlements, and (c) assumptions on passenger ridership and revenue growth.

The Department’s Spending Review settlement and additional commentary were set out on gov.uk. As is usual, the Department does not publish further detail on those budgets. The reduction in the rail passenger services subsidy over the Spending Review period will be enabled through delivery of the public ownership programme, a relentless focus on improving operational performance and improvements for customers, and by driving passenger revenue growth.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101846, how many station staff were employed by TransPennine Express on (a) 4 July 2024 and (b) the most recent date for which figures are available; and what the percentage change in station staffing levels has been over that period.

For 2024-25 rail period 4 (23 June-20 July 2024) TransPennine Express reported 153.5 full-time-equivalent (FTE) staff at stations, including barrier staff. That figure for 2025-26 rail period 10 (7 December 2025-3 January 2026) was 178 FTE, representing a 16 per cent increase. The increase over 2024-25 were mainly due to filling vacancies that had been paused pending the previous Government’s proposed closure of ticket offices which they subsequently reversed.

How many driving mobility assessment centres operate in the UK; how many are managed by NHS Trusts; how many are operated by charitable organisations; and what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the long-term sustainability of the funding model for these centres.

There are fourteen mobility centres in operation in the UK. Four are managed by NHS Trusts, and nine by charitable organisations, with one Community Interest Company. The Department for Transport provides grant funding to mobility centres that have been accredited by Driving Mobility in England, and we work closely with them.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the long-distance simplified fares trials on passengers.

The Department has commissioned independent evaluation on the trial, this research has not yet concluded. The current evidence is provided by London North Eastern Railway and is available at: https://assets.ctfassets.net/mxack5k9p2sw/6k2Evw4OmGsvywKgBg9U9j/e63a4ca09d2c4e01fada29f731d90f7b/Simpler_Fares_LNER_Website_Copy_Enhanced_Sept_2025.pdf.

How many (a) full time equivalent police officers and (b) headcount police officers there were in Essex Police as at 31 March in each financial year since 2019-20; and how many police officers (i) joined and (ii) left Essex Police in each of those years.

The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of police officers in post, and police officers joining and leaving the police service, on both a headcount and full-time equivalent basis, in the ‘Police Workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and-wales.Information on the number of police officers in post in Essex Police as at 31 March 2007 to 2025 can be found in the ‘Workforce Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/687f314d8adf4250705c96fa/open-data-table-police-workforce-230725.ods.Information on the number of police officers joining Essex Police between the years ending 31 March 2007 to 2025 can be found in the ‘Joiners Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/687a363b312ee8a5f0806b7b/open-data-table-police-workforce-joiners-230725.ods.Information on the number of police officers leaving Essex Police between the years ending 31 March 2007 to 2025 can be found in the ‘Leavers Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/687a364d312ee8a5f0806b7c/open-data-table-police-workforce-leavers-230725.ods.

What proportion of Advance tickets previously available on LNER routes remain available following the introduction of long-distance simplified fares.

LNER does not publish data on the proportion of Advance/Fixed tickets sold before and after the commencement of the trial.

With reference to her oral contribution of 8 January 2026, Official Report, column 420, on what evidential basis she said that the majority of single tickets under the extension of contactless ticketing will be the same price or lower than under the previous fares structure.

As part of our fares simplification to expand Pay As You Go (PAYG) with Contactless ticketing, we introduced single leg pricing. The Department worked with the rail industry to ensure that as much as possible, single fares will cost roughly half the price of a return. The Department is currently progressing the evaluation of the phases of PAYG rollout, in the South East, following the launch of phase one stations last year. This will measure the impact of both PAYG technology and fares reform on passenger experience. Once the evaluation is complete, we will make the final reports public.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of VAT on the cost of pilot training in the UK; and whether she has considered extending VAT exemption to all commercial pilot training regardless of provider status.

Pilot training may be exempt from VAT when provided by an eligible body which meets certain conditions (for example, when provided by a government institution or certain regulated organisations), but otherwise will be subject to the standard rate. VAT-registered businesses paying for training will be able to recover any VAT they pay.The Government currently has no plans to remove VAT on pilot flight training courses more broadly.

What responses have been received from delivery platforms following the Department’s letter on compliance with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983; and whether delivery platforms are expected to participate in the national work-related road safety charter.

The letters to the delivery platforms from the Department have been placed in the Library of the House. Responses were received from all three delivery platforms that were written to, and these provided a clear understanding of the requirements of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations. On 7 January, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The Strategy sets an ambition target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads by 65% by 2035. The safety of anyone driving on our roads is a priority, and that includes those who drive for work. We have therefore announced as part of the strategy that we will pilot a voluntary National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. The aim of the Charter is to help employers reduce work-related road risk and improve safety for all road users by promoting good practice, and to improve compliance with current legislation and guidance. It will include the use of e-bikes alongside other vehicles. The pilot will run for two years and will be monitored and fully evaluated. The Government will develop this Charter in collaboration with business and industry, and it will be informed by existing schemes.

Whether he will approve arrangements under which electricity generated by Drax from imported wood pellets is used to supply data centres; and what assessment he has made of the carbon and environmental impact of such use.

The government is committed to ensuring that the UK’s AI infrastructure is developed in a way that is both sustainable and aligned with our net zero ambitions. The Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference, covering Drax's generation from 2027-31, requires Drax to request permission should they wish to supply power to a data centre from their biomass units during this period. Should such a request arise, DESNZ, working with the Low Carbon Contracts Company, would assess this on its merits, taking account of security of supply, value for money, and sustainability matters. Without such permission any data centre on the site could not draw power directly from the biomass units during this period. Regardless of the supply arrangements, Drax is contractually obliged to meet enhanced sustainability criteria for their power generation, which include requiring 100% of the biomass used to be obtained from sustainable sources.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101830 on c2c Railway: Rolling Stock, how many Class 357 units operated by c2c have received all planned upgrades and modifications in full.

All Door Overhaul and Tight Lock Auto Coupler Overhaul works planned for 2025/26 have been completed on 74 units. Planned train painting and corrosion repairs and LED lighting upgrades are currently being undertaken.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101859, when her Department's work with Active Travel England on research into side road zebra crossings began; and when she expects that work to conclude.

Active Travel England’s Inclusive Crossings Research is currently underway. In 2024, Active Travel England commissioned Transport for West Midlands to undertake research at the University of Warwick to evaluate the usability, safety, and design of side road zebra crossings, particularly for disabled pedestrians, and to inform future design specifications. The data collection for the project primarily took place in the autumn of 2024 and into early 2025. Work to analyse and report on the findings has subsequently been undertaken and it is expected that the project will conclude later in 2026.

When she plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the privatisation of the Dartford Crossing.

Autumn Budget 2025 announced that the Government's preferred financing option for the Lower Thames Crossing scheme at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model. Under this model, ownership and operations of the Dartford Crossing would transfer to a new regulated private sector entity, which would be responsible for operating and maintaining both the Dartford Crossing and the new Lower Thames Crossing, ensuring a consistent and reliable service. This entity will be overseen by a regulator to ensure it performs and protects users. New primary legislation is required to enable the RAB model to be utilised to deliver roads. We intend to put forward legislation, when parliamentary time allows for it.

Which schemes are included in the Department’s longer-term rail infrastructure pipeline; what the status is of the Ely–Haughley junction improvements within that pipeline; and what criteria are used to determine when schemes are considered for funding.

The Secretary of State updated Parliament on 8th July 2025 regarding those rail and road infrastructure projects which will progress following completion of SR25The previous government had announced a number of schemes that were unfunded, including Ely Area Capacity Enhancement.

What her planned timetable is for bringing forward legislation on micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters.

The Government has made a commitment to pursue legislative reform for micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters, when Parliamentary time allows.

When she expects to announce which schemes will be taken forward under the Access for All programme.

This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of the Access for All programme, before delivery funding was secured. On 15 January 2026, we confirmed that 8 Access for All projects will be progressing directly to delivery and 23 projects will undergo design work for potential future delivery. Full details were provided to the House in a Written Ministerial Statement which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/improving-accessibility-at-railway-stations-across-britain.

What the status is of the community rail programme; what changes have been made since 1 July 2024 to (a) the community rail recognition process, (b) guidance issued to train operating companies on community rail engagement and (c) the Department’s objectives for community rail; and if she will publish a summary of those changes.

The Department continues to support the accreditation process for Community Rail Partnerships (CRP). The Community Rail Network (CRN) reviews processes, accounts, and governance and recommends to the Department when a CRP has met a certain standard of operation to receive accreditation. The Department works with the CRN to continuously improve this process while maintaining the aims of accreditation. The Department engages with train operating companies on Community Rail on a regular basis, and train operating companies continue to provide funding for the CRPs they support.The Government is committed to supporting Community Rail in the longer term, and the establishment of Great British Railways provides the opportunity to improve how we support this important programme. The Department will provide an update if there are any changes to the way in which Community Rail is delivered.

Pursuant to the the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101836 on Railways: Barnsley and Sheffield, what the revised launch date is for the GPS-based pay as you go trial between Sheffield and Barnsley.

We are continuing to work closely with Northern and the supplier to address the problems that have caused Digital Pay As You Go Trial 4 to be delayed, and will launch the trial as soon as possible. Northern will provide an update to participants in the respective trial as soon as possible.

What funding her Department has provided to support community rail, including (a) community rail partnerships and (b) station adopter schemes, in each financial year since 2019-20; and what funding is planned for 2025-26.

Community Rail Partnerships (CRP) are awarded funding from both the Community Rail Network (CRN) and train operating companies. CRPs then allocate funding to station adopter groups within their catchment. Funding has remained at a consistent level since 2019-20.

When the next meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge taskforce is expected to take place.

The Government intends to convene a further meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce in the near future to discuss next steps for the project. My Department’s officials will be in touch with key local stakeholders to arrange this in due course.