Written questions by Andrew.

What plans his Department has to consult stakeholders in the mental health and neurodivergence sectors as part of its review into over-diagnosis.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced on 4 December 2025, via a Written Ministerial Statement, the launch of an independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.The Government is deeply concerned that many adults, young people, and children with mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism have been let down by services and are not receiving timely or appropriate support and treatment. Therefore, we are launching this review to understand the rise in the prevalence and demand for services, so people receive the right support at the right time and in the right place.The review will look to understand, with regard to mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, the similarities and differences regarding prevalence, early intervention and treatment, the current challenges facing clinical services, and the extent to which diagnosis, medicalisation, and treatment improve outcomes for individuals.Professor Peter Fonagy will chair the review with the support of two vice chairs, Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird. The review will appoint an advisory working group of leading academics, clinicians, epidemiological experts, charities, and people with lived experience to directly shape the recommendations and scrutinise the evidence. The Terms of Reference have been published on GOV.UK website and are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-terms-of-reference

Whether organisations in the mental health sector will be asked to contribute evidence to the Department’s review into the over-diagnosis of mental health conditions and neurodivergence.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced on 4 December 2025, via a Written Ministerial Statement, the launch of an independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.The Government is deeply concerned that many adults, young people, and children with mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism have been let down by services and are not receiving timely or appropriate support and treatment. Therefore, we are launching this review to understand the rise in the prevalence and demand for services, so people receive the right support at the right time and in the right place.The review will look to understand, with regard to mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, the similarities and differences regarding prevalence, early intervention and treatment, the current challenges facing clinical services, and the extent to which diagnosis, medicalisation, and treatment improve outcomes for individuals.Professor Peter Fonagy will chair the review with the support of two vice chairs, Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird. The review will appoint an advisory working group of leading academics, clinicians, epidemiological experts, charities, and people with lived experience to directly shape the recommendations and scrutinise the evidence. The Terms of Reference have been published on GOV.UK website and are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-terms-of-reference

If he will publish the proposed scope and timetable for his Department’s review into the prevalence of the potential over-diagnosis of mental health conditions and neurodivergence.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced on 4 December 2025, via a Written Ministerial Statement, the launch of an independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.The Government is deeply concerned that many adults, young people, and children with mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism have been let down by services and are not receiving timely or appropriate support and treatment. Therefore, we are launching this review to understand the rise in the prevalence and demand for services, so people receive the right support at the right time and in the right place.The review will look to understand, with regard to mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, the similarities and differences regarding prevalence, early intervention and treatment, the current challenges facing clinical services, and the extent to which diagnosis, medicalisation, and treatment improve outcomes for individuals.Professor Peter Fonagy will chair the review with the support of two vice chairs, Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird. The review will appoint an advisory working group of leading academics, clinicians, epidemiological experts, charities, and people with lived experience to directly shape the recommendations and scrutinise the evidence. The Terms of Reference have been published on GOV.UK website and are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-terms-of-reference

What evidence his Department has received on the potential over-diagnosis of mental health conditions and neurodivergence.

The most recent evidence about the prevalence of mental health conditions and neurodiversity comes from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2023/24, which provides data on the prevalence of both treated and untreated mental health disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions in the English adult population.The survey found that common mental health conditions among adults, especially young adults, have become more widespread over time. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of adults screening positive for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In contrast, the prevalence of autism in adults has remained steady over the years.We are deeply concerned that many adults, young people, and children with mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism have been let down by services and are not receiving timely or appropriate support and treatment. That is why we have launched an independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism.The review will examine the similarities and differences between mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism, focusing on prevalence, prevention, treatment, and current challenges in clinical services. It will assess how diagnosis, medicalisation, and treatment impact individual outcomes, including the risks and benefits of medicalisation, and will identify approaches to provide varied support models and pathways, both within and beyond the National Health Service, that promote prevention and early intervention alongside clinical care.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of changes in the diagnosis rates of mental health conditions and neurodivergence in England in the last five years.

No assessment has been made. The independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism will examine the similarities and differences between these conditions, focusing on prevalence, prevention, treatment, and current challenges in clinical services.It will assess how diagnosis, medicalisation, and treatment impact individual outcomes, including the risks and benefits of medicalisation, and will identify approaches to provide varied support models and pathways, both within and beyond the National Health Service, that promote prevention and early intervention alongside clinical care.The report will include recommendations for responding to rising need, both within the Government and across the health system and wider public services.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential financial impact on long-distance commuters and early adopters of electric vehicles of the decision to apply standard rates of vehicle excise duty to electric vehicles from 2025, and to increase those rates further from 2028.

From April 2025, zero emission and hybrid cars, vans and motorcycles started to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in a similar way to petrol and diesel vehicles; the standard annual rate is £195. As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs (electric vehicles) contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty. While it is fair for EV drivers to contribute for their car usage, the government is also committed to ensuring that driving an EV is an attractive choice for consumers. Therefore, the rate of eVED for EVs will be half of the equivalent fuel duty rate paid by the average petrol/diesel driver, ensuring that it will still be cheaper to own and run an EV for the majority of EV drivers. When eVED takes effect in April 2028, an average EV driver will pay around £240 per year or £20 per month. The Government is taking a proportionate approach to ensuring electric car drivers pay an appropriate share whilst remaining firmly committed to supporting the transitions to EVs. That is why 80% of eVED revenue from the first three years is being reinvested to extend support for EVs and the auto manufacturing industry. This builds on existing generous support, including Company Car Tax incentives.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of delayed pay awards on staff morale, workload and retention in the Probation Service.

We recognise that fair and competitive pay is a key part of supporting and retaining our valued probation workforce.Staff retention and morale is vitally important to us, and we continuously monitor staff workload and retention. The first Recruitment and Retention Strategy was published in 2021. Since its launch, the Strategy has delivered a range of initiatives aimed at increasing recruitment and improving retention across the Probation Service. A full evaluation of the strategy was undertaken to measure progress and identify further areas for future improvement in the recruitment and retention space.The latest retention data can be found in the HMPPS Official Workforce Statistics which were published on 19 November 2025: HM Prison & Probation Service workforce quarterly: September 2025 - GOV.UK. As these statistics show, the leaving rate for staff in the Probation Service has decreased.We have taken steps to acknowledge the continued dedication of staff during this challenging period. As part of this, we secured agreement to pay the Competency-Based Framework progression payments, as an interim award, to eligible staff in June 2025. This recognises their vital contribution to delivering on our operational priorities.

What steps she plans to take to ensure that future changes to vehicle taxation do not discourage the take-up of electric vehicles or disproportionately impact workers who rely on long-distance commuting.

From April 2025, zero emission and hybrid cars, vans and motorcycles started to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in a similar way to petrol and diesel vehicles; the standard annual rate is £195. As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs (electric vehicles) contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty. While it is fair for EV drivers to contribute for their car usage, the government is also committed to ensuring that driving an EV is an attractive choice for consumers. Therefore, the rate of eVED for EVs will be half of the equivalent fuel duty rate paid by the average petrol/diesel driver, ensuring that it will still be cheaper to own and run an EV for the majority of EV drivers. When eVED takes effect in April 2028, an average EV driver will pay around £240 per year or £20 per month. The Government is taking a proportionate approach to ensuring electric car drivers pay an appropriate share whilst remaining firmly committed to supporting the transitions to EVs. That is why 80% of eVED revenue from the first three years is being reinvested to extend support for EVs and the auto manufacturing industry. This builds on existing generous support, including Company Car Tax incentives.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that increased workloads among HMPPS Probation staff are matched by appropriate pay and support.

We have taken immediate steps to reduce probation workload where possible. “Probation Reset” was fully implemented on 1 July 2024, followed by the introduction of “Impact” on 28 April 2025. These initiatives are among several designed to alleviate workload pressures by refocusing resources to manage those on probation more efficiently.Further to these immediate steps, the Our Future Probation Service Programme has been established which aims to ensure that workloads for probation staff are sustainable by deploying new technologies, reforming processes, and ensuring prioritisation of probation staff time. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of staff by ensuring workloads are sustainable.I recognise the ongoing workload pressures on the Probation Service and supporting staff wellbeing and safety is critical for us. To address this, a new wellbeing support model has been established across HMPPS, with staff support and well-being leads for both prison and probation.

When staff working in HMPPS Probation Services will receive their pay award for 2025–26; and for what reason it has not been implemented.

We recognise that fair and competitive pay is a key part of supporting and retaining our valued probation workforce. We continue to work to deliver on the 2025-26 pay awards for Probation Staff who are members of the Civil Service. We could not start the process until the Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance was published on 22 May 2025, and since then we have worked hard to develop options and are now seeking the necessary approvals to move to the next part of the process which is to start formal negotiations with the trade unions and work towards making a final offer.In the meantime, we have taken steps to acknowledge the continued dedication of staff during this challenging period. As part of this, we secured agreement to pay the Competency-Based Framework (CBF) progression payments, as an interim award, to eligible staff in June 2025. This recognises their vital contribution to delivering on our operational priorities.Once the pay award has been determined it will be back dated to April 2025 for eligible staff.

Whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure that financial services firms offer alternatives to mobile phone authentication for customers who cannot use such technology.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring people can access the financial products and services they need. The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector. The Payment Services Regulations 2017 require firms to apply strong customer authentication when users access their payment account online, initiate an electronic payment or carry out any action through a remote channel (e.g. via the internet) which may carry a risk of payment fraud, unless an exemption applies (e.g. for low-value purchases). Firms are able to choose which methods of authentication they apply. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is independent of the Government, issues detailed standards for firms on strong customer authentication. The FCA expects firms to develop strong customer authentication solutions that work for all groups of consumers, including those with protected characteristics. This means it may be necessary for firms to provide different methods of authentication, for example when customers face difficulties accessing or using a mobile device. The FCA also requires authorised financial services firms to comply with their ‘Consumer Duty’, which requires them to deliver good outcomes for retail customers. The Consumer Duty has rules and guidance covering key aspects of the firm-customer relationship. For example, it requires firms to ensure that the design of the product or service meets the needs, characteristics and objectives of their target consumer market. More detail on the Consumer Duty can be found on the FCA’s website: https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/consumer-duty It is important that people are able to take advantage of digital innovation, and the opportunities this presents, to manage their money more effectively. This is why the issues of access to banking and digital inclusion have been considered as key areas of focus in the Government's recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy.

What estimate the Financial Conduct Authority has made of the number of consumers who have reported difficulty accessing financial services due to mandatory mobile phone authentication.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring people can access the financial products and services they need. The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector. The Payment Services Regulations 2017 require firms to apply strong customer authentication when users access their payment account online, initiate an electronic payment or carry out any action through a remote channel (e.g. via the internet) which may carry a risk of payment fraud, unless an exemption applies (e.g. for low-value purchases). Firms are able to choose which methods of authentication they apply. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is independent of the Government, issues detailed standards for firms on strong customer authentication. The FCA expects firms to develop strong customer authentication solutions that work for all groups of consumers, including those with protected characteristics. This means it may be necessary for firms to provide different methods of authentication, for example when customers face difficulties accessing or using a mobile device. The FCA also requires authorised financial services firms to comply with their ‘Consumer Duty’, which requires them to deliver good outcomes for retail customers. The Consumer Duty has rules and guidance covering key aspects of the firm-customer relationship. For example, it requires firms to ensure that the design of the product or service meets the needs, characteristics and objectives of their target consumer market. More detail on the Consumer Duty can be found on the FCA’s website: https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/consumer-duty It is important that people are able to take advantage of digital innovation, and the opportunities this presents, to manage their money more effectively. This is why the issues of access to banking and digital inclusion have been considered as key areas of focus in the Government's recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of financial services firms requiring mobile phone-based authentication as a condition of accessing online accounts on (a) disabled and (b) elderly consumers; and whether she has had discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority about ensuring alternatives are made available.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring people can access the financial products and services they need. The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector. The Payment Services Regulations 2017 require firms to apply strong customer authentication when users access their payment account online, initiate an electronic payment or carry out any action through a remote channel (e.g. via the internet) which may carry a risk of payment fraud, unless an exemption applies (e.g. for low-value purchases). Firms are able to choose which methods of authentication they apply. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is independent of the Government, issues detailed standards for firms on strong customer authentication. The FCA expects firms to develop strong customer authentication solutions that work for all groups of consumers, including those with protected characteristics. This means it may be necessary for firms to provide different methods of authentication, for example when customers face difficulties accessing or using a mobile device. The FCA also requires authorised financial services firms to comply with their ‘Consumer Duty’, which requires them to deliver good outcomes for retail customers. The Consumer Duty has rules and guidance covering key aspects of the firm-customer relationship. For example, it requires firms to ensure that the design of the product or service meets the needs, characteristics and objectives of their target consumer market. More detail on the Consumer Duty can be found on the FCA’s website: https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/consumer-duty It is important that people are able to take advantage of digital innovation, and the opportunities this presents, to manage their money more effectively. This is why the issues of access to banking and digital inclusion have been considered as key areas of focus in the Government's recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy.

When her Department plans to publish a breakdown of spending on hotel accommodation for asylum seekers by local authority area.

The Home Office publishes all available information on asylum expenditure in the Home Office Annual Report and accounts at: Home Office annual report and accounts: 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK. There are no plans to publish a breakdown of expenditure by premises or location.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of linking eligibility for (a) boiler replacement and (b) heating repairs to the completion of insulation measures in cases where properties are unsuitable for insulation on vulnerable households; and whether he plans to review that requirement.

Eligibility for government home improvement schemes is based on factors such as the household income, vulnerability and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of the property. Information on government support including eligibility criteria can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat. Consumers can also visit the government’s home retrofit tool on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency to get tailored recommendations for home improvements and upgrades. There is a phoneline service available on 0900 098 7950.

Whether he plans to review access to energy efficiency schemes for households in (a) properties over 100 years old and (b) otherwise classified as difficult to insulate.

The government is committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind in the transition to Net Zero, supplying solutions that work for all buildings. The Warm Homes Plan will transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes fit for the future. Research was commissioned by the Department to develop a definition for housing stock where the presence, and combination, of attributes and contextual factors, including age, can add complexity to improving energy efficiency. The government is currently carefully considering the findings, which can be found at: (www.gov.uk/government/publications/defining-and-identifying-complex-to-decarbonise-homes.) These will inform any future decisions. For tailored recommendations on home upgrades consumers should visit the government’s home retrofit tool: https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency

With reference to the Autumn Budget 2025, which tax reliefs for Motability and other qualifying schemes she plans to (a) withdraw and (b) amend; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of those changes on scheme affordability and access to transport for disabled people, particularly in rural areas.

At Budget 2025 the government announced tax changes to the Motability scheme which will save over £1 billion over the next five years.The VAT relief for top-up payments made to lease more expensive vehicles will be removed for new leases from July 2026, and Insurance Premium Tax will apply at the standard rate to insurance contracts on the Scheme. The tax changes will not apply to vehicles designed, or substantially and permanently adapted, for wheelchair or stretcher users.These tax changes ensure Motability can continue to deliver for its customers, for example through the continued provision of a broad range of vehicle models available without any top-up payments. Further detail on the impacts of tax changes can be found in the Tax Impact and Information Note on GOV.UK Motability Scheme: reforming tax reliefs - GOV.UK.

What the total cost has been to the public purse of housing asylum seekers in hotels located in the West Northamptonshire Council area since July 2024; and if she will provide a breakdown by hotel.

The Home Office publishes all available information on asylum expenditure in the Home Office Annual Report and accounts at: Home Office annual report and accounts: 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK. There are no plans to publish a breakdown of expenditure by premises or location.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is working with the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority on a strategy to help tackle digital exclusion in financial services, particularly for older or disabled people who do not use mobile devices.

Tackling digital exclusion, which disproportionately impacts certain demographics including older and disabled people, is a priority for Government. That’s why we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan in February 2025, which sets out our immediate actions to boost digital inclusion.Alongside this, DSIT is working closely with HM Treasury on the implementation of the Financial Inclusion Strategy to address the barriers consumers face in accessing the financial services products they need.The Government is working closely with industry on the commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament, which will provide individuals and businesses across the country with cash and banking services. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 190 are already open.

What steps his Department has taken to ensure the National Screening Committee and the newborn screening programme appropriately consider rare diseases.

When assessing the case for newborn screening for rare diseases, as with all other diseases and conditions, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) uses internationally recognised criteria, and a rigorous evidence review and consultation process. It is only where the UK NSC is confident that the offer to screen provides more good than harm that a screening programme is recommended.The UK NSC is an independent scientific advisory committee which advises ministers and the National Health Service in all four countries on all aspects of population and targeted screening and supports implementation.