Written questions by Davies.

Whether she has had recent discussions with the Office of Road and Rail on reducing decision making times on the introduction of new rail routes (a) to and from London, (b) between London and Wales and (c) between Shropshire and London.

Access to the rail network is a matter for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in its capacity as independent regulator for the rail industry. The Department works closely with both ORR and Network Rail to ensure that information to inform access decisions is provided in as timely a manner as possible, however it is important that decisions are fully considered and potential impacts to taxpayers, the efficient operation of the network, and to other operators are properly assessed.

What the (a) average, (b) shortest and (c) longest wait was for determination of an application for a new rail line by a private operator for each year that records are available.

Access to the rail network is a matter for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in its capacity as independent regulator for the rail industry. ORR have advised that since 2020, it has determined four applications for wholly new open access services. ORR rejected one and approved three. The time taken to go through the industry processes and reach a decision on these applications was as follows:- Grand Union Trains (London – Stirling): 126 days- Grand Union Trains Application 1 (London – Carmarthen): 281 days- Grand Union Trains Application 2 (London – Carmarthen): 163 days- Go-op: 783 daysThe Go-op process involved significant changes to the application from the applicant over the course of two years. For all of these applications, ORR took decisions within 6 weeks of receiving all relevant information from the parties.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has set a deadline for councils to publish their (a) local growth plans and (b) local housing development plans.

The Deputy Prime Minister wrote to the 11 Mayoral Combined Authorities and the Greater London Authority in September to invite them to begin the process of developing their Local Growth Plans. These will be locally owned, long-term strategic plans that set out how the authority will use its devolved powers and funding to support the national growth mission. Local Growth Plans will also help inform the development of the UK Industrial Strategy and will support its delivery. They will be published after the multi-year spending review.All local development plans should be submitted for examination by December 2026 with the exception of plans that reach pre-submission consultation stage (Regulation 19) on or before 12 March 2025. These plans will proceed on the basis of the transitional arrangements set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024.

Media and Sport, what plans has to use World Heritage sites to encourage economic growth.

Heritage plays an important part in the UK economy. In 2023, seven out of ten of the most popular paid visitor attractions in England were heritage attractions, according to evidence from the Annual Visitor Attraction Survey.According to research undertaken by the UK National Commission for UNESCO in 2020, a UNESCO designation, such as a World Heritage Site designation, leads to increased tourism, brings economic benefits for local communities, and delivers a greater international profile.DCMS works with World Heritage Site coordinators and heritage agencies across the UK to continue to build the value of these designations and to support economic growth.Our ambition is to have 50 million international visitors to the UK a year by 2030.

Innovation and Technology, what the timetable is for the (a) introduction of 5G and (b) the rollout of fibre broadband in Telford constituency.

The Government wants all areas of the UK, including Telford constituency, to benefit from good quality mobile coverage. Our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.5G is already available in the Telford constituency. I have raised my concerns about the reporting of mobile connectivity with Ofcom, but according to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report (published on 5 December 2024) 5G is available from at least one operator outside 99% of all premises in the Telford constituency.In the Telford constituency, over 99% of premises can access superfast broadband speeds (>=30 Mbps) and over 87% have access to gigabit-capable broadband coverage (>1000 Mbps). There is high existing gigabit coverage and commercial plans in the area. Therefore, this constituency is not expected to see significant benefits from Project Gigabit.

If she will publish a timetable for a decision on the funding of the M54-M6 North link.

Funding for the M54 to M6 Link Road is subject to the multi-year Spending Review, and assurances cannot be provided on individual projects until the conclusion of the Spending Review.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential economic impact of introducing a football regulator.

The Independent Football Regulator will create a clearer and more certain regulatory environment for investors which will drive future investment and growth so that English football remains a global success story. A more sustainable game is a more investable game, and this in turn should drive continued economic growth in the market.The government’s estimate of the economic impact of introducing a football regulator is set out in our Impact Assessment.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14th October 2024 to Question 6697 on Magistrates' Courts: Telford, when she expects Shropshire remand cases to be returned to Telford Magistrates' Court.

The week commencing Monday 24 March 2025 would be a suitable go-live date for the new listing plan to start and for Shropshire prisoners to be returned to Telford Crown Court. This date was shared with local stakeholders at a dedicated court user group meeting on Tuesday 3 December 2024, with further meetings promising to share updates prior to and after go-live.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2024 to Question 15510 on Ghana: Treaties, whether his Department holds any record (a) of a treaty ceding Akwamu to the Gold Coast Colony signed in 1886 and (b) the ratification of any such treaty.

UK Treaties Online (UKTO) provides a record of treaties, with links to texts of command papers published in the UK Treaty Series from 1892. We do not hold any UKTO record of the treaty referred to in this question or Question 15510 on Ghana:Treaties. However, information relating to treaties, including historic treaties for which there is no UKTO record, may be held by The National Archives (TNA), as in this case. Since the Answer of 3 December 2024, we have been provided with a copy of relevant information held by TNA in the context of a Freedom of Information request. Based on this information, we have carried out further research and identified a brief excerpt of a treaty concluded in 1886 "between the Governor of the Gold Coast and the King and people of Aquamoo" in The Map of Africa by Treaty (3rd ed.), printed by His Majesty's Stationery Office in 1909. Neither TNA information nor the book excerpt contains any information about ratification.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 16276 on Warm Homes Plan: Insulation, whether the Warm Homes Plan will support investment in loft insulation protection.

The Government’s Warm Homes Plan will support investment in insulation, low carbon heating and other home improvements to cut bills. We will set out full details in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 16276 on Warm Homes Plan: Insulation, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of (a) public awareness of and (b) access to loft insultation protection.

The Government’s retrofitting tool ‘find ways to save energy in your home’ (https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), provides tailored guidance to help consumers make their homes greener and cheaper to run. All businesses installing measures under Government schemes and initiatives must be certified to Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2030 and follow PAS 2035 standards. In the next review of the standards, the British Standards Institute (BSI), who publish PAS 2030 and 2035, will consider how to address more innovative products that do not fit within existing annexes, subject to steering group consensus.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of exemption to the rules preventing anyone previously sentenced to more than 12 months in custody from obtaining visas for performing artists who have had clean records for the past 10 years.

The Immigration Rules in this area are aligned with the long-standing automatic deportation threshold for individuals who have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, as set out in the UK Borders Act 2007. In exceptional circumstances, a visa may be granted, but that has not been a common practice since the passage of the 2007 Act.

What steps his Department is taking to support Armed Forces personnel with children when there is a breakdown in family arrangements.

Joint Service Publication (JSP) 770 (Tri-Service Operational and Non-Operational Welfare Policy) provides a framework for the delivery of a widely recognised and accessible support structure that secures and improves the wellbeing of Service personnel and the Service community. Whilst JSP 770 recognises that Service personnel have responsibility for their own immediate welfare and that of their family, the Chain of Command have prime responsibility for the welfare support of those personnel under their command and their entitled families when their wellbeing is at risk. Delivery of welfare support to Service personnel and entitled family members is therefore a single Service responsibility and includes provision of welfare support to Service families experiencing separation and divorce. JSP 770 can be accessed at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_d ata/file/480979/FOI_04718-JSP_770__Final_v10-U.pdf. In addition, the Armed Forces Covenant also ensures that support is provided to Armed Forces families. It ensures, amongst other things, that those who currently serve or who have served, as well as their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. The Covenant Legal Duty obliges certain local public bodies to have due regard to the Covenant principles when conducting functions in healthcare, education, and housing. Local authorities are subject to this legal obligation in relation to social housing and homelessness.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of reforming child arrangement orders to help accommodate parents that are Armed Forces personnel on mandatory overseas deployment.

The Government has not made an assessment of the potential merits of reforming child arrangement orders to help accommodate parents that are Armed Forces personnel on mandatory overseas deployment.Child Arrangements Orders are determined on the individual facts of each case. The Children Act 1989, which governs applications for child arrangements orders, makes the child’s welfare paramount and presumes the child’s welfare is furthered by the involvement of both parents, where it is safe to do so, unless the contrary is shown.In determining the child arrangements orders, the court will apply the factors set out in the ‘welfare checklist’ in the Children Act 1989. These include the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child concerned, the impact on the child of any change in circumstances, and how capable each parent is of meeting the child’s needs.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of working conditions in the Armed Forces on the (a) mental health and (b) familial relations of Armed Forces personnel.

Defence considers its people to be its greatest asset and is committed to the health and wellbeing of our personnel and their families. We recognise that the unique nature of Service life can cause stress and strain. We invest in, and act upon, mechanisms designed to understand the opinions and attitudes of Service personnel and their families. Through the annual Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) and Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FAMCAS) we gather information on the views and experiences of our personnel and their families, including topics such as morale and accommodation, which will impact on family life. The information from these surveys helps shape policies for training, support, and the terms and conditions of service. All Service personnel can also access pastoral and welfare care from a variety of sources, including from within their Chain of Command, Service welfare organisations, contracted Social Work Services, Families Federations and, where appropriate, Service Charities. Specialist mental health support for Service personnel is also available, including on-demand digital resources, and in-person welfare establishments. The latest AFCAS and FAMCAS data can be found at the following links: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-summaries. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tri-service-families-continuous-attitude-survey-summaries/tri-service-families-continuous-attitude-survey-2024-summary

Whether his Department has conducted qualitative research into recruitment barriers in the Armed Forces.

The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. We are modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract, and then retain the best possible talent, highlighting that Defence is a modern, forward-facing employer which offers a valuable and rewarding career. Within this work we are drawing on qualitative research to inform decisions and steer direction, ensuring that desired outcomes are achieved in the most effective ways.

How much his Department paid in paternity pay to (a) civilian and (b) military staff in each of the last five years; and to how many fathers.

The below table details the number of people who took paternity leave for either the birth or adoption of a child in each of the last five calendar years. The amount paid to staff will take longer to compile and I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House. Calendar YearCount of Civilian Person NumberCount of Military Person Number20203062,40020213482,43520224952,29920234572,12220244201,667Grand Total2,02610,923

What information his Department holds on the reasons why staff leave the armed forces; and what the most common reasons are.

The number of people who have left the Armed Forces within the last five years can be found in the table below, and was extracted from the quarterly Service Personal Statistics 2024 on gov.uk at the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2024 12 Months Ending:2020202120222023202431 Mar31 Mar31 Mar31 Mar31 MarTri Service:Trained (RN/RM and RAF) and Trade Trained (Army) Outflow11,7978,64910,61013,46413,275Voluntary Outflow7,3795,2685,9788,4008,101Time Expiry1,8541,5722,0262,1471,960Other Reasons2,5641,8092,6062,9173,214 According to the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2024, the top three factors increasing, or strongly increasing, intentions to leave were due to the impact of Service life on family and personal life; opportunities outside the Service and the amount of pay. Full results can be found at thefollowing link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-2024

How many people left the armed forces in each of the last five years, and what information his Department holds on the different types of departure.

The number of people who have left the Armed Forces within the last five years can be found in the table below, and was extracted from the quarterly Service Personal Statistics 2024 on gov.uk at the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2024 12 Months Ending:2020202120222023202431 Mar31 Mar31 Mar31 Mar31 MarTri Service:Trained (RN/RM and RAF) and Trade Trained (Army) Outflow11,7978,64910,61013,46413,275Voluntary Outflow7,3795,2685,9788,4008,101Time Expiry1,8541,5722,0262,1471,960Other Reasons2,5641,8092,6062,9173,214 According to the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2024, the top three factors increasing, or strongly increasing, intentions to leave were due to the impact of Service life on family and personal life; opportunities outside the Service and the amount of pay. Full results can be found at thefollowing link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-2024

What steps she is taking to secure shared use agreements between schools and councils.

Many schools across the country will either allow others to make use of their facilities, or themselves be making use of land shared with their local communities. The department encourages schools to open their sites in this way. Shared use agreements or other arrangements to facilitate this are primarily a matter for local discussion between schools, their landowners and local authorities, who will all appreciate the individual local needs.However, in specific circumstances, such as when a school converts to become an academy and the department is involved in agreeing how the academy will access land, the department can and will help schools and councils consider their options. Our good estate management for schools (GEMS) guidance also contains information for schools on allowing others to use their premises. More information about GEMS can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools.