Written questions by Coombes.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that signage for EV charging stations can be erected in the same way as for a fuel pump.

Clear and consistent electric vehicle (EV) signage is essential to support the EV transition, ensuring drivers can confidently and safely undertake journeys. We’re modernising EV road signage so drivers can more easily find chargers.Changes announced in July 2025 allow signing from major A-roads for charging hubs with at least 12 ultra-rapid chargepoints and the same level of facilities as existing A-road services.We will continue to work with industry to improve EV signage. We are currently engaging with stakeholders on what further changes would be valuable for signage on motorways, major A-roads and on local roads.

What percentage of ultra-rapid charging hubs along A-roads and motorways are eligible for roadside signage.

Clear and consistent electric vehicle (EV) signage is essential to support the EV transition, ensuring drivers can confidently and safely undertake journeys. We’re modernising EV road signage so drivers can more easily find chargers.Changes announced in July 2025 allow signing from major A-roads for charging hubs with at least 12 ultra-rapid chargepoints and the same level of facilities as existing A-road services.We will continue to work with industry to improve EV signage. We are currently engaging with stakeholders on what further changes would be valuable for signage on motorways, major A-roads and on local roads.

With reference to the answer of 2 March 2026 to question 115655, what safeguards and checks the DVLA has in place to ensure the 1,840 number plate suppliers who have been struck off the register of number plate suppliers since 2020 cannot successfully re-apply to become a registered supplier.

The 1,840 suppliers who were removed from the Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS) since 2020 includes those suppliers who were removed voluntarily, suppliers that have ceased trading and those whose removal was ordered by a court. Suppliers who were removed from the RNPS voluntarily or because they have ceased trading can re-register at any time. Removals from the RNPS ordered by a court are usually for a fixed period, up to a maximum of five years. If the DVLA is aware that removal from the RNPS has been ordered by a court, the supplier will not be able to rejoin the register until the length of the exclusion ordered by the court has expired. When a supplier applies to join the RNPS, checks are carried out against the business and individual’s name(s) and address to confirm if they have previously been on the RNPS. This ensures number plate suppliers whose removal from the RNPS was ordered by a court cannot successfully re-apply to become a registered supplier during their removal period.

After factoring in the national decline in healthy life expectancy referenced in the answer of 3 March 2026 to Question 115639, for what reason Sandwell has seen a further decline in HLE for men and women since 2020.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mortality during 2020, 2021, and 2022, and explains the national decline observed in healthy life expectancy (HLE) since 2020. Some negative impact remains in the latest reporting period, from 2022 to 2024. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandlifeexpectancies/bulletins/healthstatelifeexpectanciesuk/between2011to2013and2022to2024HLE at birth for Sandwell stood at 51.3 years for females and 52.7 years for males for the latest period 2022 to 2024. This compares to 61.3 and 60.9 years for females and males respectively, for England.HLE is a broad summary measure of population health, combining mortality rates and self-reported health, at various ages. This can make it difficult to interpret the reasons behind the changes observed, especially as HLE is known to be influenced by a wide range of social, economic, environmental, and behavioural factors.The Government recognises that health inequalities can widen if access and quality of healthcare are worse where need is greatest. Therefore, over the course of our 10-Year Health Plan, we aim to establish a Neighbourhood Health Centre in every community, transforming healthcare access by bringing historically hospital-based services into communities and addressing wider determinants of health through services like debt advice, employment support, and obesity management programmes.Nationwide coverage will take time, but we will start in the areas of greatest need where healthy life expectancy is lowest, including rural towns and communities with higher deprivation levels and delivering healthcare closer to home for those that need it the most.

What steps he is taking to half the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions.

It is a priority for the Government to halve the gap between the richest and the poorest regions and to ensure that everyone, no matter where they are born, lives well for longer. We recognise that recently released Office for National Statistics Data on Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) data is concerning and there is more we need to do.We are tackling the root causes of the HLE gap, focusing on key prevention policies such as reducing obesity and smoking, improving NHS access and outcomes, and through coordinated cross‑Government action on wider determinants like air quality and fuel poverty.A core mission of the 10-Year Health Plan is to reduce the persistent inequalities that shape people’s health. The plan’s three shifts all serve one purpose, to improve outcomes for the communities who face the greatest disadvantage.We are working across Government to ensure health is embedded in the policies that shape people’s daily lives, from the homes they live in to the air they breathe. Recent cross-Government action includes the Warm Homes Plan, the Keep Britain Working Review, and the Homelessness Strategy.We are also taking a range of cross-Government action to tackle health inequality. This includes the introduction of Awaab’s Law, ensuring landlords will have to fix significant damp and mould hazards, and legislating for a new statutory health and health inequalities duty for strategic authorities.

With reference to the answer of 3 March 2026 to question 115639, what factors are behind the national decline in healthy life expectancy since 2020.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mortality during 2020, 2021, and 2022, and explains the national decline observed in healthy life expectancy (HLE) since 2020. Some negative impact remains in the latest reporting period, from 2022 to 2024. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandlifeexpectancies/bulletins/healthstatelifeexpectanciesuk/between2011to2013and2022to2024HLE at birth for Sandwell stood at 51.3 years for females and 52.7 years for males for the latest period 2022 to 2024. This compares to 61.3 and 60.9 years for females and males respectively, for England.HLE is a broad summary measure of population health, combining mortality rates and self-reported health, at various ages. This can make it difficult to interpret the reasons behind the changes observed, especially as HLE is known to be influenced by a wide range of social, economic, environmental, and behavioural factors.The Government recognises that health inequalities can widen if access and quality of healthcare are worse where need is greatest. Therefore, over the course of our 10-Year Health Plan, we aim to establish a Neighbourhood Health Centre in every community, transforming healthcare access by bringing historically hospital-based services into communities and addressing wider determinants of health through services like debt advice, employment support, and obesity management programmes.Nationwide coverage will take time, but we will start in the areas of greatest need where healthy life expectancy is lowest, including rural towns and communities with higher deprivation levels and delivering healthcare closer to home for those that need it the most.

How many days per year the DVLA's enforcement officers are on the road.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s Register of Number Plate suppliers (RNPS) enforcement officers are on the road auditing number plate suppliers three to four days a week. Other days are reserved for administration, training, meetings with stakeholders, partner organisations and other matters. Since 2020, 1,840 outlets have been removed from the RNPS. This includes voluntary removals, suppliers that have ceased trading as well as removals ordered by a court. A list of suppliers removed from the RNPS as a result of a court order can only be provided at disproportionate cost. To extract this information would require a manual interrogation of each of the 1,840 records to determine the reason for removal. Suppliers who have been removed from the RNPS voluntarily or because they have ceased trading can re-register at any time. Court ordered removals from the RNPS are usually for a fixed period up to a maximum of five years. The DVLA will not allow a suppler to rejoin the RNPS during the time while a court ordered period is in effect. Information on how many suppliers have rejoined the RNPS following their removal from the register is not readily available and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. To extract this information would also require a manual interrogation of each of the 1,840 records to determine if the supplier has returned to the register.

Whether the DVLA can provide a list of suppliers who have been struck off the Register of Number Plate suppliers since 2020.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s Register of Number Plate suppliers (RNPS) enforcement officers are on the road auditing number plate suppliers three to four days a week. Other days are reserved for administration, training, meetings with stakeholders, partner organisations and other matters. Since 2020, 1,840 outlets have been removed from the RNPS. This includes voluntary removals, suppliers that have ceased trading as well as removals ordered by a court. A list of suppliers removed from the RNPS as a result of a court order can only be provided at disproportionate cost. To extract this information would require a manual interrogation of each of the 1,840 records to determine the reason for removal. Suppliers who have been removed from the RNPS voluntarily or because they have ceased trading can re-register at any time. Court ordered removals from the RNPS are usually for a fixed period up to a maximum of five years. The DVLA will not allow a suppler to rejoin the RNPS during the time while a court ordered period is in effect. Information on how many suppliers have rejoined the RNPS following their removal from the register is not readily available and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. To extract this information would also require a manual interrogation of each of the 1,840 records to determine if the supplier has returned to the register.

How many suppliers has the DVLA returned to the Register of Number Plate Suppliers following their removal from the Register.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s Register of Number Plate suppliers (RNPS) enforcement officers are on the road auditing number plate suppliers three to four days a week. Other days are reserved for administration, training, meetings with stakeholders, partner organisations and other matters. Since 2020, 1,840 outlets have been removed from the RNPS. This includes voluntary removals, suppliers that have ceased trading as well as removals ordered by a court. A list of suppliers removed from the RNPS as a result of a court order can only be provided at disproportionate cost. To extract this information would require a manual interrogation of each of the 1,840 records to determine the reason for removal. Suppliers who have been removed from the RNPS voluntarily or because they have ceased trading can re-register at any time. Court ordered removals from the RNPS are usually for a fixed period up to a maximum of five years. The DVLA will not allow a suppler to rejoin the RNPS during the time while a court ordered period is in effect. Information on how many suppliers have rejoined the RNPS following their removal from the register is not readily available and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. To extract this information would also require a manual interrogation of each of the 1,840 records to determine if the supplier has returned to the register.

With reference to the ONS document entitled Healthy life expectancy, UK: between 2011 to 2013 and 2022 to 2024, published on 19 February 2026, whether his Department has assessed the reasons for declining healthy life expectancy for men and women in Sandwell over the last decade.

Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) at birth for females and males in Sandwell was fairly stable from the beginning of our current consistent data series, 2011 to 2013, up until 2018 to 2020, at which point it peaked temporarily. Since then, the steady decline in HLE in Sandwell is reflective of the decline observed nationally.The Government recognises that the latest figures are concerning, because they reflect people spending more of their lives in poor health. These statistics are about people’s lives and the reality of persistent health inequalities across the country. That is why the Government remains committed to halving the gap in HLE between the richest and poorest regions.HLE is a long-term measure shaped by decades of social and economic factors. Short term movements in the data do not change the Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone lives well for longer, regardless of where they are from.A core mission of the 10-Year Health Plan is to reduce the persistent inequalities that shape people’s health. The plan’s three shifts all serve one purpose, to improve outcomes for the communities who face the greatest disadvantage.

What discussions she has had with Yemeni community groups on the cessation of pension payments to Yemeni steelworkers.

We recognise the tragic conflict in Yemen is hindering the normal means of administrating pensions for those based abroad. In May 2025, I held a meeting with several Members of Parliament who represent Yemeni pensioners facing challenges receiving their State Pension payments. Since then, we have supported individual cases and taken steps to support pensioners living in Yemen. Previously, officials met community leaders in 2022.

How many people she estimates have been impacted by the cessation of pension payments to Yemeni steelworkers who worked in Britani.

We are unable to identify which State Pension claimants are ex-steelworkers and therefore unable to provide any estimate of the number of people whose payment has stopped. As of May 2025, there are 832 State Pension recipients in the Yemen.

If his Department will take steps to reinstate the pensions of Yemeni steelworkers who worked in Britain.

Pension payments to Yemen are being disrupted due to banking and currency issues, war, international sanctions and some issues over verification of identity. We are looking at ways to ensure payments are completed. Our dedicated Yemen telephone number can be found on GOV.UK ( International Pension Centre - GOV.UK) and includes a Yemen-Arabic language translation as part of the opening message and we provide callback and translation services. We urge anyone who is having issues with their State Pension to contact us via this dedicated helpline. Additionally, the Department is working with the Yemeni banks to enable payments in different currencies in order to get payments to the intended recipients.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure water companies comply with transparency obligations.

This information is held by water companies and is governed by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Food and Rural Affairs, what information her Department holds on the number of EIR complaints that have been made against water companies in the last 12 months.

This information is held by water companies and is governed by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

How many drivers were arrested of a driving offence while on bail for causing death by careless or dangerous driving for each of the last five years.

The data requested is not held centrally.The Home Office collects data on arrests by offence group in England and Wales as part of the Police Powers and Procedures statistical series. The latest data is available here: Stop and search, arrests, and mental health detentions, March 2025 - GOV.UKHowever, the data is collected by broader offence group, such as ‘violence against the person’ or ‘miscellaneous crimes against society’. Data on arrests for non-notifiable offences is not collected. Additionally, we do not collect information centrally on whether a person was on bail at the time of their arrest.

For what reasons vehicles may not have registered keepers.

Vehicles that are currently in the motor trade may legitimately have no registered keeper as well as vehicles that have been sold but the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has not yet been notified of the new keeper. There will also be cases where the DVLA has been made aware of someone being incorrectly associated with a vehicle they are not responsible for. In those cases, the DVLA will remove the person’s name from the vehicle record to help ensure that they are not contacted about a vehicle for which they are not responsible.

How many fines the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has issued to people who have failed to update their address on their driving license in each of the last five years.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not allow individual vehicle keepers to use a PO Box address to register their vehicles. Fleet companies are able to use a PO box address but this must always be accompanied by the full and verifiable postal address. This supports vehicle accuracy and the traceability of registered keepers. The DVLA is unable to identify the number of vehicle records with a PO box number as part of the address as the data is filtered by post code. The DVLA has not issued any fines to people who failed to update their vehicle registration certificate or driving licence in the last five years.

How many and what proportion of vehicle registered keepers have provided a PO Box as an address.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not allow individual vehicle keepers to use a PO Box address to register their vehicles. Fleet companies are able to use a PO box address but this must always be accompanied by the full and verifiable postal address. This supports vehicle accuracy and the traceability of registered keepers. The DVLA is unable to identify the number of vehicle records with a PO box number as part of the address as the data is filtered by post code. The DVLA has not issued any fines to people who failed to update their vehicle registration certificate or driving licence in the last five years.

How many fines the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has issued to people who failed to update their V5C logbook in each of the last five years.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not allow individual vehicle keepers to use a PO Box address to register their vehicles. Fleet companies are able to use a PO box address but this must always be accompanied by the full and verifiable postal address. This supports vehicle accuracy and the traceability of registered keepers. The DVLA is unable to identify the number of vehicle records with a PO box number as part of the address as the data is filtered by post code. The DVLA has not issued any fines to people who failed to update their vehicle registration certificate or driving licence in the last five years.