Written questions by Race.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much of the UK's funding to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) has been disbursed through the CNF's (a) programme window and (b) match window.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 November to Question 89032, which sets out the UK's approach to improving nutrition for women and children, including our role as a proud co-founder and Board member of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has disbursed £16.7 million in total to the Child Nutrition Fund since its inception in 2020. Of this £13 million has been disbursed through the Child Nutrition Fund's match window, £1 million through the programme window and £2.7 million through the supplier window.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Healthy Women, Children and Newborns: A Coordinated Approach to Ending Preventable Deaths, published on 6 November 2025, what role the Child Nutrition Fund is playing in her Department’s updated approach to ending preventable deaths.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 November to Question 89032, which sets out the UK's approach to improving nutrition for women and children, including our role as a proud co-founder and Board member of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has disbursed £16.7 million in total to the Child Nutrition Fund since its inception in 2020. Of this £13 million has been disbursed through the Child Nutrition Fund's match window, £1 million through the programme window and £2.7 million through the supplier window.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of new technologies on the use of animals in medical research.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in science and will publish a strategy to support their adoption later this year.We support new technologies and approaches that replace animal use in research including organ-on-a-chip, functional genomics and computer modelling.The impact of individual technical advancements are a matter for individual regulators to consider.The Government strategy will facilitate the inclusion and adoption of alternative methods in these regulatory contexts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the level of therapeutic food procured through UK Overseas Development Assistance (a) directly by the Government and (b) by third party partners, in the latest year for which information is available.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not directly procure therapeutic foods and does not currently hold data on the quantity of therapeutic foods procured by third-party partners using FCDO funds.Therapeutic foods are primarily procured as part of nutrition-related humanitarian programming. Expenditure on nutrition-related humanitarian programming is captured in the FCDO's annual nutrition accountability reports, which are published 18 months in arrears. The most recent report covers spend from 2022, totalling £238.5 million. This figure which includes funding for food assistance and therapeutic foods, should be viewed as a proxy indicator of the level of investment in such products, rather than a direct measure of procurement. Data on nutrition-related spend for 2023 will be published in Autumn 2025.

What plans his Department has to hold discussions with the Reclassification Alliance on the future of medicines reclassification.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) chairs the Reclassification Alliance, a collaborative forum involving the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB), pharmacy bodies and industry stakeholders.The Alliance was relaunched in July 2023 to explore opportunities for improving the reclassification of medicines in the UK. Although the next meeting has not yet been scheduled, the work of the Alliance remains ongoing. MHRA is working with industry to encourage the application of new therapies for consideration in the over-the-counter setting.As part of this work, the MHRA has developed an updated reclassification procedure and, in April 2024, published updated reclassification guidance. The MHRA also held a reclassification webinar for industry on 12 November 2024 which focused on the updated procedure and the recently published reclassification guidance.Further information on the Government’s priorities for reclassification, including the list of conditions and categories identified for potential reclassification, is available at the following link: https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/05/new-opportunities-to-reclassify-medicines-what-you-need-to-know

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report published on 28 July 2005, what assessment he has made of the implications for his his policies of the projection that 512 million people will be chronically food insecure in 2030.

The persisting high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition referenced in the report are deeply concerning. We are committed to addressing these, working alongside partners to address urgent humanitarian need and support long-term solutions for food and nutrition security.We are working to better prevent crises and reduce reliance on emergency aid through early action and resilience building, last year enabling hundreds of thousands of food-insecure households to build resilience to climate and other shocks.Through our partnerships, like the ones with the Gates Foundation and CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), we are investing in science and innovation, helping increase nutritious yields for farmers, while protecting critical ecosystems.We do this in partnership, supporting global initiatives like the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration to accelerate action and unlock much-needed finance.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report, published on 28 July 2025, what steps his Department plans to take to support initiatives to close the financing gap for (a) food security and (b) nutrition.

We are committed to addressing global food insecurity and malnutrition, this includes working to scale-up finance from diverse sources towards more sustainable, nutritious, and resilient food systems. We leverage financial reforms and systems change through the International Financial Institutions and the UN system, and crowd in private and philanthropic investment. This must be done in partnership. We are supporting global initiatives and new approaches to partnership with the Global South, like the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration to accelerate action and unlock finance. The UK is also a co-founder of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) and remains committed to its success. The CNF supports partner governments in scaling up a range of high-impact nutrition interventions, including provision of ready-to-use therapeutic foods for the treatment of wasting.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 by 2030.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are tackling the catastrophic hunger and malnutrition seen in Sudan, Gaza and beyond. We are also working to reduce the need for humanitarian assistance, supporting long-term solutions for food and nutrition security which boost economies and protect the environment. Last year, we enabled hundreds of thousands of food-insecure households to build resilience to climate and other shocks. We have invested in science and innovation for resilient food security in UK and across Africa. Our partnerships with the Gates Foundation and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) help increase nutritious yields for farmers, while protecting critical ecosystems.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of aligning the Housing Benefit taper rate with that of Universal Credit.

The Department acknowledges there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those living in Supported and Temporary Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit. The department is considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders. Despite this challenge, the Housing Benefit taper ensures a person is better off in work than wholly reliant on benefits. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence, as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of increasing the Housing Benefits disregard from £5 to £57 for people in supported housing.

The Department acknowledges there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those living in Supported and Temporary Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit. The department is considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders. Despite this challenge, the Housing Benefit taper ensures a person is better off in work than wholly reliant on benefits. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence, as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of recognising the provision of dementia care to individuals as a qualifying disability service for VAT exemption.

Supplies of welfare services, including the provision of care for people with dementia, are exempt from VAT if they are supplied by eligible bodies, such as public bodies or charities. More generally, VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s second largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help tackle youth homelessness.

Homelessness levels are far too high, and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including young people. We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The government has increased funding for homelessness services by £233 million in 2025/26 compared to last year, taking our total investment to £1 billion. Local authorities can use this funding to respond to the needs of their communities. The government is also considering youth homelessness as part of our long-term, cross-government strategy; working with Mayors, councils and key stakeholders to get us back on track to ending homelessness for good.

Media and Sport, whether she is taking steps to reallocate National Citizen Service funding to the wider youth sector.

This Government recognises the transformative role that youth services play in young people’s lives. We know that being part of supportive communities and having access to youth provision can improve a young person’s wellbeing, health and personal development.The Secretary of State previously committed to set out this department's 2025-26 funding for youth programmes - an investment of over £145 million - to provide stability to the youth sector and ensure young people can continue to access opportunities, as we transition to the new National Youth Strategy.The Government will publish the National Youth Strategy this Summer. The detail and scale of the funding commitments included in the strategy will be shaped by engagement with young people and the youth sector and will be announced in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to update regulatory requirements to (a) reduce and (b) eliminate the need for animal testing for (i) chemicals and (ii) pesticides where non-animal New Approach Methodologies are available.

The Government is committed to supporting the uptake and development of alternative methods to the use of animals in science. The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing.

Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to consult (a) industry stakeholders and (b) relevant experts on the proposals set out in the Government’s forthcoming strategy on phasing out the use of animal testing.

The Government is committed to supporting non-animal alternatives and will publish a strategy to support their development, validation and adoption later this year.This transition must be science-led and in lock step with partners. The Government has been consulting industry, academia and civil society as this process unfolds. Minister Vallance hosted a roundtable on 05.09.24 with industry representatives and officials have kept in regular contact with industry since then. Ministers and officials also engage with relevant experts including academics, with Lord Vallance meeting the Harries lab at the University of Exeter, and officials opening the Queen Mary University organ-on-a-chip facility.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders in the (a) life sciences and (b) technology sectors on the potential contribution of artificial intelligence to supporting the uptake of (i) non-animal new approach methodologies and (ii) alternatives to animal testing.

The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”. The Government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year.Minister Vallance hosted a roundtable on 05.09.24 with industry representatives, including discussing the application of AI and officials have kept in regular contact with industry since then. The Government is also co-funding seven Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI), two of which focus on AI which will support developing alternative methods.

What recent estimate she has made of the cost to primary schools of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

The government has set out its expectation that organisations follow the clarity the ruling provides. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim update provides a perspective on how the judgment and Equality Act are practically applied in some areas, but it is neither official guidance nor comprehensive.The EHRC is updating their Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations and seeking views from affected stakeholders through their consultation which closes on 30 June. We would encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation. We will then consider the EHRC’s updated draft once they have submitted it.We are currently reviewing the draft statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance and the draft non-statutory guidance on gender questioning children, ensuring that children’s wellbeing is at the heart of both. We are analysing consultation responses, talking to stakeholders and considering the evidence, including the Cass Review, before deciding next steps.

What recent estimate she has made of the cost to academies of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

The government has set out its expectation that organisations follow the clarity the ruling provides. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim update provides a perspective on how the judgment and Equality Act are practically applied in some areas, but it is neither official guidance nor comprehensive.The EHRC is updating their Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations and seeking views from affected stakeholders through their consultation which closes on 30 June. We would encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation. We will then consider the EHRC’s updated draft once they have submitted it.We are currently reviewing the draft statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance and the draft non-statutory guidance on gender questioning children, ensuring that children’s wellbeing is at the heart of both. We are analysing consultation responses, talking to stakeholders and considering the evidence, including the Cass Review, before deciding next steps.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations on the arts and cultural sector.

The Supreme Court ruling made it clear that the provision of single-sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex. Service providers and those delivering public functions should note and follow the ruling. It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to all the services they need whilst in keeping with the ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as Britain’s Equalities watchdog, is developing updated guidance to support service providers and is consulting on its code of practice for services, public functions and associations. This consultation will close on 30 June 2025. The Government is considering the further implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Media and Sport, what recent estimate she has made of the cost to the night-time economy of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

We appreciate that any reinterpretation or clarification of the Equality Act 2010 may raise operational considerations for businesses, including in the night time economy. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s update aims to support understanding and inform future dialogue rather than mandate specific changes. Employers and other duty bearers should continue to follow the law and take appropriate legal advice where necessary. The EHRC has launched a consultation on their Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations which closes on 30 June. We encourage stakeholders to engage with the EHRC consultation and make their views heard. The Government is committed to engaging with both the EHRC and sector stakeholders to ensure that any changes in interpretation or practice are understood and implemented in a proportionate way. The Government will consider the EHRC's updated draft Code of Practice once it has been submitted, to help provide greater clarity for service providers, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.