Written questions by Tice.

What steps her Department is taking to improve the service on the trainline between Grantham and Skegness.

More modern Class 170 trains were introduced to this route in 2023, and additionally these trains will be completely refurbished over the next three years. Meanwhile, East Midlands Railway will continue to improve its timetable of strengthened trains and passenger handling in the summer peak, building on the success of the last two years.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) improve the (i) effectiveness and (ii) efficiency of the Child Maintenance Service and (b) help tackle unpaid child maintenance.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has a relatively low percentage of unpaid maintenance. Only 8% of the total maintenance due to be paid since the start of the CMS remains to be collected through the collect & pay service. This was as high as 17% in March 2015. The CMS has a range of strong enforcement powers that can be used against those who consistently refuse to meet their obligations to provide financial support to their children including deducting directly from earnings, bank accounts and forcing the sale of a property. The Department plans to streamline the enforcement process further by removing the requirement to obtain a court issued liability order, and instead allow the Secretary of State to issue an administrative liability order. Introducing this simpler administrative process will enable the CMS to take faster action against those paying parents who actively avoid their responsibilities. A CMS modernisation programme is ongoing which is delivering services with increased effectiveness and efficiency by optimising the use of digital channels and self-service. These efficiencies will make it easier for customers to report changes and report non-payment so CMS caseworkers can focus on the collection of unpaid child maintenance.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that all patients have access to face-to-face appointments with their GP.

We know that patients are finding it harder than ever to see a general practitioner (GP). Patients can’t get through the front door of the National Health Service, so they aren’t getting the timely care they need.We have pledged to guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one. We will make sure the future of GPs is sustainable by training thousands more GPs, ensuring increased capacity across the NHS to deliver this commitment and securing a future pipeline of GPs.

If she will make it her policy to maintain current levels of (a) Agricultural Relief for Inheritance Tax and (b) Business Relief for Inheritance Tax in the upcoming Budget.

The Government does not speculate on tax changes outside of fiscal events.

What steps she is taking to (a) reduce congestion in Boston and Skegness constituency and (b) improve road maintenance in rural areas.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network. For England as a whole, the Government has a manifesto commitment to enable local highway authorities to fix up to a million extra potholes a year. Lincolnshire County Council is the local highway authority for the Boston and Skegness constituency, and it is therefore responsible for the maintenance of its local highway network. Lincolnshire County Council will receive £43.6 million from this Department during 2024/25 to help it carry out its local highway maintenance responsibilities. It is up to the local authority to decide how that funding is used. Lincolnshire County Council will also receive £3.3 million for small scale transport improvements including reducing congestion through the Integrated Transport Fund. To help reduce congestion through improving traffic flow, the Department has also provided Lincolnshire County Council with £878,352 for traffic systems since 2021: £250,000 from the Traffic Signal Maintenance Grant in 2021, and £500,000 from the Green Light Fund, and £128,352 from the Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant in 2024.

What steps her Department plans to take to (a) increase prison capacity and (b) improve rehabilitation services for offenders.

On 22 October, the Lord Chancellor announced the further steps the Government will take to manage prison capacity including launching an independent review of sentencing to ensure that we are never again in a position where we have more prisoners than we have space in our prisons.We are also committed to creating 14,000 additional prison places and will set out a ten-year prison capacity strategy later this year, ensuring we have a sustainable pipeline of prison places over the next decade to allow us to effectively drive down reoffending.This Government will act to improve rehabilitation services for offenders by giving offenders leaving prison the tools to move away from crime. This will include improving prisoners access to purposeful activity such as education, delivering pre-release plans for all those leaving custody; and ensuring that ex-offenders leave prison with a job and the skills needed to lead law abiding lives.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to support people living in rural areas with limited public transport links with the potential financial impact of increases in fuel duty.

People living in rural areas often have greater distances to travel to access essential services, employment, education and other social and recreational activities. We know that this can make it more costly and time consuming for rural communities. As announced in the King’s Speech, the Government will introduce a Buses Bill later this parliamentary session, which will put decision-making into the hands of local leaders, including in rural areas across England. This will allow local areas to determine how best to design their bus services so that they have control over routes and schedules. The Government has made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed. Defra leads on rural proofing, but individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their policy decision-making delivers for rural communities. Decisions on tax policy, including fuel duty rates, are made by the Chancellor at fiscal events. The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme was introduced in 2011 to provide a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average, remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential (a) economic, (b) security and (c) supply chain risks posed by the potential closure of the UK's remaining blast furnaces.

The UK government recognises the strategic importance of the steel industry for economic growth and national security. We are committed to developing the sector. Many countries, particularly across Europe, are replacing aging blast furnaces with Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs). While the future of the remaining blast furnaces ultimately lies with British Steel, as I recently conveyed to the Hon Gentleman, the government is reviewing innovative technologies, such as Direct Reduced Iron, to support primary steelmaking in the future. EAFs will also bolster our economic security by reducing our reliance on imports. This shift will enable us to use the abundant supply of scrap metal available in the UK, thereby increasing the resilience of our steel sector and the wider UK supply chain from global shocks.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support farmers and the agricultural industry with (a) challenges related to fluctuating market prices, (b) improving access to modern technology and (c) ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The UK agricultural sector is both robust and adaptable and operates in an open market with the value of commodities established by those in the supply chain. We have seen evidence of this particularly in recent years following global events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Recognising that farmers should always receive a fair price for their products, the Government is committed to tackling contractual unfairness wherever it exists. Innovation is key in supporting our efforts to improve agricultural sustainability. The Government wants the UK to be a great place for technology innovators to start and grow their businesses, and access both domestic and international market adoption opportunities. We have already announced our intention to bring forward the secondary legislation needed to implement the Precision Breeding Act. The Government is also fully committed to Environmental Land Management schemes and will optimise them so they produce the right outcomes for all farmers, while delivering food security and nature recovery in a just and equitable way. Defra will continue to work closely with stakeholders from all farming sectors on the best way to support farmers and the agricultural industry over the long-term, designing our policies in partnership.

What steps his Department is taking to help protect (a) agricultural land and (b) natural habitats from the potential impact of the (i) construction and (ii) maintenance of (A) the Great Grid Upgrade and (B) other major infrastructure projects.

Developers of electricity networks and all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales need to assess the impacts of their proposals, including on agricultural land, natural habitats and in terms of construction and maintenance. This is done through Environmental Impact and Habitats Regulations Assessments, which are then considered during the consenting process. This includes consideration of safeguarding Best and Most Versatile agricultural land and ensuring the protection of natural habitats.

What recent steps she has taken to ensure that (a) violent and (b) repeat offenders receive longer sentences.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent courts. When deciding what sentence to impose, courts must consider the circumstances of the case, including the culpability of the offender, the harm they caused or intended to cause, and any aggravating and mitigating factors. The courts also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the independent Sentencing Council for England and Wales.It is the function of the court to decide the sentence in each case subject to the maximum that Parliament has provided and any guidelines that may be laid down by the Sentencing Council or the Court of Appeal. The sentence imposed on an offender should reflect the crime they have committed and be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. Custody should only be imposed if the offence is so serious that no other sentence can be justified.The Government has launched an independent review of sentencing. The Review will be guided by three principles. Firstly, sentences must punish offenders and protect the public – there must always be space in prison for the most dangerous offenders. Secondly, sentences must encourage offenders to turn their backs on a life of crime, cutting crime by reducing reoffending. Thirdly, we must expand and make greater use of punishment outside of prison. The Review will report in Spring 2025.

Whether she plans to support (a) pubs and (b) hospitality businesses to (i) maintain financial viability and (ii) protect jobs.

The pub and hospitality industry make an enormous contribution to our economy and society, and this is recognised in the tax system.The alcohol duty system supports pubs and hospitality businesses through Draught Relief, which ensures eligible products served on draught pay less duty. Draught Relief helps to level the playing field between pubs and supermarkets, allowing pubs and brewers to price their on-trade products more competitively.The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the recent reforms and rates that took effect on 1 August 2023. As with all taxes, the Government keeps the alcohol duty system under review during its Budget process.

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the UK’s points-based immigration system in (a) reducing net migration and (b) attracting high-skilled workers.

The Government is determined to bring down historically-high levels of legal migration and tackle the root causes behind it. To succeed in reducing net migration, we need to reduce our economy’s reliance on overseas workers. That is why the Government is setting out a new approach, linking migration, skills and labour market policies to build a sustainable workforce for the future. In the Home Secretary’s written ministerial statement on 30 July 2024, she confirmed the Government supported the changes made as part of the net migration package announced by the previous Government and will continue to implement them.The Government keeps all policies under review and regularly publishes Impact Assessments, including on 27 September 2024 publishing those related to the net migration package, as well as monthly migration statistics.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) prevent illegal immigration and (b) reduce the number of asylum claims from individuals coming from safe countries.

Since entering office, we have already launched the Border Security Command (BSC), led by Martin Hewitt, to strengthen our approach to prevent illegal migration. This will be backed with up to £75 million in new investment to build capability, taking the fight to criminals in Europe and beyond and directly targeting the criminal gangs behind small boat crossings.The BSC will provide strategic direction across several agencies and partners, drawing together the work across the border security system. It will also work with international partners to disrupt the activity of criminal smuggling gangs and ensure those profiting from people-smuggling are brought to justice.As set out in the King’s speech, this government will introduce new legislative measures to restore order to our border.The proposed new legislation will include provisions to give the border security system stronger powers to disrupt, investigate and prosecute facilitators of organised immigration crime.

What progress she has made on efficiency savings across Government Departments; and what steps she is taking to ensure value for money in public expenditure.

As part of her July statement the Chancellor set out some immediate steps to make efficiencies across government including reducing departmental administration budgets, stopping non-essential spending on communications and consultancy, and disposing of surplus Government property. The Government will provide an update on the delivery of these commitments at the Budget alongside further steps it is taking to ensure value for money in public expenditure.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that parish meetings are (a) included and (b) consulted in the Planning Inspectorate’s decision-making process; and whether she plans to undertake a review of consultation practices.

Parish Councils are engaged already in the Planning Inspectorate’s decision-making processes.In the case of planning appeals, any submissions that a Parish Council, being a statutory consultee, made in relation to an appealed planning application will be available for a Planning Inspector’s consideration. In addition, Parish Councils may make direct representations on planning appeals. Representatives of Parish Council appear regularly at public hearings and inquiries, where they are afforded time to speak in front of the Planning Inspector. They may also ask to have so-called “Rule 6” status, which entitles them to appear as a formal party to a public inquiry and to cross-examine witnesses.In the case of Local Plans, Parish Councils can submit representations on drafts of plans. Their representatives can request to take part in round table sessions on issues of concern to them. It is very common for Parish Council representatives to take part in discussions, and to provide evidence, in this way. Parish Councils can, of course, produce Neighbourhood Plans, of which Planning Inspectors will take account when reaching decisions on planning appeals.In the case of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Parish Councils, as statutory consultees, are engaged in the process from the start. Representatives can also register to have their say at the pre-examination stage, setting out full details of the issues that they which the examining authority to consider. They may also register to “have their say” at the public examination before the examining authority.The Planning Inspectorate has no immediate plans to review its practices.

What steps she is taking to ensure the adequacy of border checks in the context of criminality rules for applications for entry clearance; and what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of border security measures.

Arriving passengers are examined by Border Force and checked against Home Office systems before being allowed into the UK. The system is used by Home Office staff for the purposes of national security and the detection and prevention of crime. It is longstanding policy not to discuss either the specific data held; the source of the data, nor how it is used, as to do so would be counterproductive and not in the public interest.We have been clear that we will strengthen our border security. Resources are being redeployed to go after the organised criminal gangs who undermine our border security and put lives at risk in small boats. Our new Border Security Command will strengthen our global partnerships and enhance our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who are facilitating the small boat crossings. The threats we face span geographic boundaries, and we will work closer with international partners, further developing the positive relationships already built by this Government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to help secure the release of (i) Emily Damari and (ii) other hostages held by Hamas.

We condemn Hamas' continued holding of hostages in Gaza, including Emily Damari and others with UK links, who remain cruelly detained. The Foreign Secretary and I have met all the families of hostages with links to the UK, whose loved ones have been murdered or taken by Hamas and have heard firsthand the suffering they have endured. We welcome the tireless efforts of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States, and fully endorse their efforts to secure a resumption of ceasefire negotiations and a hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the Great Grid Upgrade infrastructure project on (a) local communities, (b) the environment and (c) economic development in (i) Boston and Skegness constituency and (ii) the UK; and what steps his Department is taking to mitigate potential negative impacts in these areas.

All electricity transmission network projects, regardless of location, must go through the independent and robust planning process. Developers must evidence that they have engaged and consulted with communities. They must take account of community views, environmental impacts, efficiency of the system and the cost to consumers, and consider alternative options.

What the cost of stability services to the electricity grid was in each of the last five years.

According to data provided by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the costs of procuring stability services in the Balancing Mechanism for the last five years are as follows: 2019/20 £211m2020/21 £348m2021/22 £176m2022/23 £112m2023/24 £83m Based on actions introduced to address the high stability costs faced in 2020/21, NESO do not expect stability costs to increase significantly from 2023/24 levels over the next five years. NESO also incurs stability costs through its stability network services procurement project. NESO has awarded tenders to five providers across seven sites, securing stability services until 31st March 2026. With a total contract exposure of £328m, NESO expects to save consumers between £52m to £128m over this period as a result of having to take fewer Balancing Mechanism actions to address system stability.