Written questions by Savage.

What information her Department holds on the number and proportion of pre-schools that rely on fundraising to cover (a) operational and (b) staffing costs in the South West.

The early years funding rates for the 2025/26 financial year for Gloucestershire are £5.71 for the 3 and 4 year-old entitlement, £7.94 for the 2 year-old entitlements, and £10.75 for children under 2s. This is slightly below national average due to relative differences in local costs of delivery and the proportion of children with additional needs which are reflected in the Early Years National Funding Formula (EY NFF) used to set local authority rates.Regarding levels of additional needs, the EY NFF uses data on free school meals and the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (for the 2s and under formula only), disability living allowance and English as an additional language. The formulae also include an area cost adjustment to reflect variations in local staff and premises costs.The department does not hold data on the proportion of settings using fundraising to support their income.

How funding rates for early years education in Gloucestershire compare with the rest of England; and what criteria these funding rates are based on.

The early years funding rates for the 2025/26 financial year for Gloucestershire are £5.71 for the 3 and 4 year-old entitlement, £7.94 for the 2 year-old entitlements, and £10.75 for children under 2s. This is slightly below national average due to relative differences in local costs of delivery and the proportion of children with additional needs which are reflected in the Early Years National Funding Formula (EY NFF) used to set local authority rates.Regarding levels of additional needs, the EY NFF uses data on free school meals and the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (for the 2s and under formula only), disability living allowance and English as an additional language. The formulae also include an area cost adjustment to reflect variations in local staff and premises costs.The department does not hold data on the proportion of settings using fundraising to support their income.

What information her Department holds on the number of pre-schools that have closed due to financial difficulties in the South West in the last five years.

It is our ambition that all families have access to high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change. I can appreciate how devastating the closure of a nursery can be and the resulting impact this can have on families and the wider community. While the department does not hold the requested data, we can however confirm that childcare places in the South West region experienced a 5% increase in registered nursery places at group-based providers between 2023 and 2024.The key measure of sufficiency is whether the supply of available places is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents and children. We have regular contact with each local authority in England about their sufficiency of childcare and any issues they are facing. Where local authorities report sufficiency challenges, we discuss what action the local authority is taking and, where needed, support with any specific requirements through our childcare sufficiency support contract. Childcare Works additionally provide one-to-one targeted support for local authorities who need it, alongside a wider package of support for all local authorities to support them to deliver the childcare expansion programme.

What steps his Department is taking to support families with rises in care home fees for relatives with dementia; and whether he has made an assessment of the impact of those changes on the savings of older people.

The Department does not hold data on self-funder residential care home fees sufficient to make a comparative assessment between different local authorities. Fee rates are set by providers of adult social care. The Department does not have the power to limit the level of fees that a care home can charge. However, all businesses are required to comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 by ensuring that they use fair and clear terms in their standard agreements with customers.We have launched an independent commission into adult social care as part of our critical first steps towards delivering a National Care Service. The commission will deliver recommendations for the transformation of adult social care, including how to best create a fair and affordable adult social care system.The current system of charging for care provides funded support for those with the least financial means. Only the income and assets, including savings, of the cared for individual can be considered by the local authority when assessing their financial eligibility for support. Where individuals have assets below £14,250, they will not contribute to their care from their assets. Local authorities have the power to set a higher threshold if they choose.

If he will make a comparative assessment of the level of the residential care home fees (a) in England, (b) Wiltshire and (c) Gloucestershire; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure (i) care home residents and (ii) the families of care home residents are protected from above-inflation increases in care charges.

The Department does not hold data on self-funder residential care home fees sufficient to make a comparative assessment between different local authorities. Fee rates are set by providers of adult social care. The Department does not have the power to limit the level of fees that a care home can charge. However, all businesses are required to comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 by ensuring that they use fair and clear terms in their standard agreements with customers.We have launched an independent commission into adult social care as part of our critical first steps towards delivering a National Care Service. The commission will deliver recommendations for the transformation of adult social care, including how to best create a fair and affordable adult social care system.The current system of charging for care provides funded support for those with the least financial means. Only the income and assets, including savings, of the cared for individual can be considered by the local authority when assessing their financial eligibility for support. Where individuals have assets below £14,250, they will not contribute to their care from their assets. Local authorities have the power to set a higher threshold if they choose.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is considering requiring mobile network operators to provide indoor coverage data alongside outdoor coverage maps to ensure that service availability more accurately reflects the experience of rural communities.

Each of the main UK mobile network operators already provide indoor coverage data in their mobile coverage checkers which are available on their public facing websites.In addition, Ofcom launched their improved mobile coverage checker, ‘Map Your Mobile, on 26 June 2025, which now better reflects people’s lived experience of mobile connectivity, both indoors and outdoors.Indoor aggregated coverage figures for 4G connectivity are also provided in the Connected Nations data releases, published by Ofcom twice a year.

Innovation and Technology, what guidance her Department has issued to internet service providers on fulfilling their licence obligation to ensure access to 999 calls from within the home in communities where mobile not spots exist.

According to Ofcom, 88% of UK premises have 4G indoor mobile coverage from all four mobile network operators, with almost 100% having coverage from at least one operator. However, we know that there is a range of local factors, such as building construction, which can affect user experience. Ofcom also provides advice on potential options that could improve mobile coverage indoors on its public facing website via the link here. DSIT has not provided guidance to internet service providers regarding their obligations, as that is for the regulator Ofcom to consider. Ofcom sets the regulatory conditions for communications providers through their General Conditions of Entitlement, which requires communication providers to ensure continuous access to emergency services via 999 and 112. In 2018, Ofcom published guidance on how all communications providers should meet this duty, including in relation to customers who are dependent on a landline and may not be able to get a mobile signal.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that households in areas with poor indoor mobile coverage have reliable access to the emergency services by 2027.

According to Ofcom, 88% of UK premises have 4G indoor mobile coverage from all four mobile network operators, with almost 100% having coverage from at least one operator. However, we know that there is a range of local factors, such as building construction, which can affect user experience. Ofcom also provides advice on potential options that could improve mobile coverage indoors on its public facing website via the link here. DSIT has not provided guidance to internet service providers regarding their obligations, as that is for the regulator Ofcom to consider. Ofcom sets the regulatory conditions for communications providers through their General Conditions of Entitlement, which requires communication providers to ensure continuous access to emergency services via 999 and 112. In 2018, Ofcom published guidance on how all communications providers should meet this duty, including in relation to customers who are dependent on a landline and may not be able to get a mobile signal.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of extending minimum EPC C requirements to include self-catering holiday lets on (a) rural tourism, (b) small businesses and (c) local economies; and if he will review his Department's decision to apply these regulations to short-term holiday accommodation.

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation included proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. We have sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes, to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties. We received a significant number of responses and have engaged widely with stakeholders on our proposals. A government response will be published in due course.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the length of time covered by overseas criminal record certificates.

We take the issue of preventing foreign criminals entering the UK extremely seriously.Overseas criminal record certificates are one of a number of checks undertaken to establish whether a person has committed any offences overseas.Visa applicants coming here to work in education, health and social care sectors must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This continues to be considered a fair balance between capturing any significant and recent criminal history, and what is available from some territories’ criminal record data systems.The requirement strengthens the existing process of checks enabling us to establish whether the person has committed any offences overseas, including standard self-declaration of any criminal history as part of an application to come to the UK.

What steps her Department is taking to strengthen the requirements for overseas criminal record checks for migrant care workers applying for sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

We take the issue of preventing foreign criminals entering the UK extremely seriously.Overseas criminal record certificates are one of a number of checks undertaken to establish whether a person has committed any offences overseas.Visa applicants coming here to work in education, health and social care sectors must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This continues to be considered a fair balance between capturing any significant and recent criminal history, and what is available from some territories’ criminal record data systems.The requirement strengthens the existing process of checks enabling us to establish whether the person has committed any offences overseas, including standard self-declaration of any criminal history as part of an application to come to the UK.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of changes in the number of (a) firefighter posts since 2010, (b) (i) fire stations and (ii) control rooms and (c) fire engines on the frontline on (A) levels of public safety and (B) response times; and if he will make it his policy to (1) prevent reductions to fire and rescue services, (2) provide more funding for frontline resources and (3) introduce national response standards to ensure consistent protection.

The Government acknowledges the vital contributions made by fire and rescue services. Decisions on how their resources are best deployed are a matter for each fire and rescue authority (FRA) as employer, based on its analysis of risk and local circumstances. Priorities for fire and rescue reform are subject to regular discussion with sector representatives through the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform (MAGFRR) and other relevant forums. The MAGFRR, established by this Government, serves as a platform for engaging with senior leaders across the sector to address policy challenges. Delivering on manifesto and other commitments, reform priorities endorsed by the Group aim to support FRAs’ drive to modernise fire and rescue services to ensure they are equipped to meet the evolving needs of communities. The Government remains committed to working collaboratively with all sector partners to drive meaningful change and ensure fire and rescue services have the resources they need to keep the public safe.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is taking steps with (a) Ofcom, (b) mobile network operators and (c) local authorities to explore community-level infrastructure solutions to improve mobile coverage in rural villages in (i) Wiltshire and (ii) Gloucestershire.

Government encourages digital teams and planners within local authorities to work with Mobile Networlk Operators (MNOs) to improve rural coverage. We are also aware that many local authorities have carried out mobile coverage measurement surveys of their own to help inform them of mobile connectivity gaps.Ensuring there is high quality mobile coverage right across the UK remains a priority for the Government, including in rural communities. However, it is for the market to determine how to deploy infrastructure to effectively achieve this ambition.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including council and housing association tenants are not included in the EPC rating system requirements; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that social housing tenants have (a) adequate heating systems, (b) affordable heating bills and (c) the same rights as private renters.

Every tenant deserves to live in a decent, warm and comfortable home. The recently closed consultation on the future of Energy Performance Certificates, which can be found on gov.uk here, provides an opportunity to ensure the standard in the social rented sector incentivise the appropriate measures for each home. The government also recently consulted on proposals to set a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for socially rented homes. Socially rented homes are not currently required to meet a minimum EPC standard and current requirements are roughly equivalent to an EPC ‘F’ rating. The consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, proposes setting the standard at EPC C or equivalent by 2030. This mirrors proposals to raise standards in the private rented sector, set out within a recently closed consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes which can be found on gov.uk here. This MEES will be included in the modernised Decent Homes Standard (DHS), which the government recently consulted on, as part of a Criterion D on thermal comfort. The consultation on a reformed DHS for social and privately rented homes can be found on gov.uk here. Both consultations closed on 12 September, and we have committed to publishing the final standards before the end of the year.

What discussions he has had with the care sector on the adequacy of safeguarding procedures in private care homes that employ staff recruited from overseas.

Any form of abuse or neglect is unacceptable, and regulated providers have a key role in safeguarding adults. All staff are subject to employer checks and controls, and employers must satisfy themselves regarding the skills and competence of their staff.The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors how well providers are safeguarding service users. As part of their regulatory regime, the CQC checks that care providers have effective systems to help keep adults safe from abuse and neglect.International workers applying for a Health and Care Visa must submit a criminal record certificate from any country that they have resided in for 12 months or more in the last ten years. Further to this, a Disclosure and Barring Service check must be undertaken.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that care providers have a (a) clear and (b) enforceable duty of care towards employees who are victims of serious assaults in the workplace.

The Government condemns violent or aggressive behaviour towards social care staff. They have a right to expect a safe and secure workplace.The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), and the health and safety regulations made under it, impose duties on employers, such as care providers, to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their workers, and to assess the risks to employees and take appropriate measures to prevent or reduce the risk. The HSWA applies to work-related acts of violence and aggression. Health and Safety Executive, along with local authorities, play a critical role in preventing violence in the workplace by regulating and enforcing health and safety legislation in Great Britain. Other enforcing authorities, such as the police, are responsible for dealing with the criminal acts of serious assaults and for bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Whether his Department is taking to (a) improve food allergy safety and (b) provide safe gluten-free options in the hospitality sector through (i) enforcing standards on the prevention of cross-contamination, (ii) reducing reliance on generic allergy disclaimers, (iii) supporting small businesses with access to gluten-free ingredients and staff training and (iv) encouraging the uptake of accreditation schemes to ensure that people with coeliac disease and other food allergies can dine out safely.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the independent Government department responsible for food safety and allergen labelling in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Food business operators (FBOs) need to tell customers if any food they provide contains any of the 14 listed allergens as an ingredient, including cereals containing gluten. Further information on the allergen guidance for food businesses and the food allergen labelling and information requirements is available, respectively, at the following two links: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-allergen-labelling-and-information-requirements-technical-guidance-introduction In March 2025, the FSA published new guidance, Allergen Information for Non-Prepacked Foods Best Practice, which recommends that allergen information be provided in writing, and supported by a conversation with the consumer. We have also emphasised the need for those with allergies to mention these when ordering food. This new guidance is available at the following link: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-information-for-non-prepacked-foods-best-practice-introduction All food businesses must have a food safety management system based on the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles. This includes identifying hazards including allergens, determining critical control points, setting limits, monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and record-keeping. Businesses can use ‘gluten-free’ claims if the level of gluten is 20 milligrams per kilogram or less, and should be able to verify such a claim. The enforcement of hygiene and allergen information regulations is the responsibility of local authorities, who monitor compliance with the latter through the Food Standards Delivery Model.Food law does not oblige FBOs to provide gluten-free food or ingredients. However, if an FBO is made aware of a person’s allergen requirements and has agreed to provide a meal, they have an obligation to ensure that the meal does not contain that allergen and is safe. FBOs must ensure that staff receive training commensurate to their role, and the FSA has provided free online allergen training via their website, at the following link: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergy-training-for-food-businesses This training has been accessed by over 915,000 users, including those in hospitality, to help food businesses to understand the importance of allergies. The FSA also provides guidance to FBOs and trade associations, and to local authorities who are responsible for enforcing allergen labelling laws. As a regulator, the FSA does not provide accreditation or certification and is not in a position to endorse any other accreditation schemes. However, the FSA recognises its role in helping consumers identify safe dining options and encourages businesses to consider such schemes where appropriate.

If he will bring forward legislative proposals to strengthen protections against (a) workplace exploitation, (b) excessive working hours and (c) zero-hour contracts for care sector staff.

The Government is committed to ending exploitative zero hours contracts through the landmark Employment Rights Bill.The Bill also introduces a framework for a fair pay agreement in social care, to bring together workers and providers to negotiate pay and terms and conditions.All workers, including those in the care sector, have protections under the Working Time Regulations, which set the maximum working hours and minimum rest breaks workers are entitled to.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that farmers continue to receive support for managing their land to prevent flooding beyond 2025; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of there being no replacement funding available in 2026 on flood risk and soil health .

This Government is increasing its funding for flood protection. We are investing £4.2 billion over three years in flood defences across the country – an average of £1.4 billion each year and a 5% increase compared to the current spending review period. This money will fund construction of new flood schemes and maintain and repair existing defences.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce a successor scheme to support on-farm natural flood management and drainage maintenance from 2026 onwards.

This Government is increasing its funding for flood protection. We are investing £4.2 billion over three years in flood defences across the country – an average of £1.4 billion each year and a 5% increase compared to the current spending review period. This money will fund construction of new flood schemes and maintain and repair existing defences.