Written questions by Braverman.

What plans her Department has to modernise the booking of driving tests in Hampshire.

As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including: booking and scheduling of all practical driving and riding testsrecording mandatory training taken by professional lorry and bus driversadministering the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) and the compulsory basic training (CBT) scheme for novice motorcyclists DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to reduce taxpayer funding of legal representation of proscribed (a) people and (b) organisations.

This Government has made no assessment of limiting legal aid to members of proscribed organisations but will keep the matter under review.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to prohibit (a) artists and (b) music venues that hold concerts by artists who publicly express support for proscribed terrorist organisations.

Under section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 it is already an offence to invite support for a proscribed organisation:Section 12(1) makes it an offence to invite support for a proscribed organisation (the support invited need not be material support, such as the provision of money or other property, and can also include moral support or approval);Section 12(1A) makes it an offence to express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation, reckless as to whether a person to whom the expression is directed will be encouraged to support a proscribed organisation; andSections 12(2) and (3) make it an offence to arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to belong to a proscribed organisation; or to address a meeting if the purpose of the address is to encourage support for, or further the activities of, a proscribed organisation.Section 13(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 makes it an offence to wear clothing or display an article in a public place in circumstances that arouse reasonable suspicion that the person is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation.The investigation and prosecution of proscription offences is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, which are operationally independent.

What steps her Department is taking to help prevent bots mass booking driving tests in Hampshire.

As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including: booking and scheduling of all practical driving and riding testsrecording mandatory training taken by professional lorry and bus driversadministering the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) and the compulsory basic training (CBT) scheme for novice motorcyclists DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.

If he will take steps to help ensure that the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board increases funding for Rowan's Hospice.

Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative and end of life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications. ICBs are responsible for commissioning palliative and end of life care services to meet the needs of their local populations.Whilst the majority of palliative and end of life care is provided by National Health Service staff and services, we recognise the vital part that voluntary sector organisations, including hospices such as Rowan’s Hospice, also play in providing support to people at end of life and their loved ones.Most hospices, including Rowan’s Hospice, are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing NHS services. The amount of funding each charitable hospice receives varies both within and between ICB areas. This will vary depending on demand in that ICB area but will also be dependent on the totality and type of palliative and end of life care provision from both NHS and non-NHS services, including charitable hospices, within each ICB area.We are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. The Government has released the first £25 million tranche of the £100 million of capital funding, with Hospice UK kindly allocating and distributing the money to hospices throughout England. I am pleased that Rowan’s Hospice received £171,289 from this first tranche. An additional £75 million will be allocated in the coming weeks for use in 2025/26.

Whether her Department plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test in Fareham and Waterlooville constituency.

As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including: booking and scheduling of all practical driving and riding testsrecording mandatory training taken by professional lorry and bus driversadministering the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) and the compulsory basic training (CBT) scheme for novice motorcyclists DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of local health authorities appeals process as a means to secure additional funding for charitable hospices.

Integrated care board (ICBs) are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. ICBs receive funding via their annual core allocation for resources. This is their recurrent budget which is uplifted and adjusted for their population on an annual basis. It is for ICBs to locally determine the utilisation of their core allocation, including funding for all healthcare, according to their assessment of the relevant healthcare needs of their population. It will be through this process that decisions regarding funding for hospices are made.Whilst the majority of palliative care and end of life care is provided by National Health Service staff and services, we recognise the vital part that voluntary sector organisations, including hospices, also play in providing support to people at end of life and their loved ones. Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing NHS services.We are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care, and £26 million of revenue funding to support children and young people’s hospices.

Whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost of hiring new staff due to changes in employer National Insurance contributions for GP practices in Hampshire.

We have made the necessary decisions to fix the foundations of the public finances in the Autumn Budget. Resource spending for the Department will be £22.6 billion more in 2025/26 than in 2023/24, as part of the Spending Review settlement. The employers’ National Insurance rise was implemented in April 2025. General practices (GPs) are valued independent contractors who provide over £13 billion worth of National Health Services. Every year we consult with the profession about what services GPs provide, and the money providers are entitled to in return under their contract, taking account of the cost of delivering services. We are investing an additional £889 million in GPs to reinforce the front door of the NHS, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This is the biggest increase in over a decade, and we are pleased that the General Practitioners Committee England is supportive of the contract changes.

What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the appeals process for proscribed organisations to appeal their designated status.

Section 4 of the Terrorism Act 2000 provides that any organisation or person affected by a proscription order can submit a signed, written application to the Home Secretary requesting that they consider whether a specified organisation should be removed from the list of proscribed organisations.These processes have operated in a functional way since the legislation was originally introduced, and there are no current plans to change them.

What estimate her Department has made of the number of people impacted by changes to companion travel passes.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Whether her Department plans to amend legislation to improve the appeals process for people on the Children and Adults barred list for exposing children to abuse whose domestic abuse perpetrator is not on the register.

The purpose of the children’s and adults’ barred lists maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is to prevent individuals from applying to work or from working in regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults, if they are considered to pose a risk to those groups. The DBS adds individuals to the list(s) if: they have committed a serious violence or sexual offence; or if police information or an employer referral indicates that they may have harmed a child or vulnerable adult or put a child or vulnerable adult at risk of harm. When considering harm or risk of harm, the DBS will consider a range of evidence on a case-by-case basis. Where domestic abuse is perpetrated by one partner on another and a child is exposed to that behaviour, both the person who is the target of the abuse and the child who is exposed to that behaviour would be considered by the DBS as victims. The DBS would not consider a victim of domestic abuse for barring unless harm had also been caused separately through behaviour demonstrated by that individual. Where the DBS is considering someone for barring due to actions which have led to harm or pose a risk of harm to a child or a vulnerable adult, the DBS is required by statute to provide them with an opportunity to make representations which are given full consideration before a final barring decision is made. Once a final barring decision has been made by the DBS, a barred person can appeal that decision to the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal in England or Wales. If the Tribunal upholds DBS’s decision, the barred person has the right to request a review of the DBS decision after a minimum barred period has elapsed. There are no plans to change the appeals process.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of restricting access to the UK of foreign nationals who have expressed public support for proscribed terrorist organisations.

The Immigration Rules already provide for the refusal of entry clearance, permission to enter and permission to stay on general grounds, if there is any evidence in their background, immigration history, criminal records or past behaviour which shows that they should not be allowed to enter or stay in the UK.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of funding for the companion pass scheme.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

What support her Department offers to (a) disabled people and (b) carers ineligible for the companion travel pass scheme.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Whether her Department plans to support (a) carers and (b) disabled people having free bus travel removed by Hampshire County Council.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the (a) legal process for domestic abuse victims and (b) advice given to abuse victims by investigating advisors.

This Government was elected on a landmark pledge to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) over the next decade, and tackling domestic abuse is a core part of this mission. We will use every lever within our power and work with key partners across Government to deliver against this ambition.Domestic abuse-related crimes are complex and require time and specialist resource to investigate. This Government has committed to ensuring police have the right skills and training to respond appropriately to victims of VAWG to significantly improve standards across the board and to ensure justice is delivered for victims throughout the criminal justice system.We recognise that some domestic abuse victims will be impacted by the delays in the Crown Court. We have already taken decisive action to increase the capacity of the Crown Court - including funding a record allocation of 110,000 sitting days in the Crown Court this financial year. However, the scale of the challenge is beyond what increasing sitting days can achieve. This is why this Government asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review into measures which could be adopted to deliver swifter justice for victims, including victims of domestic abuse.Depending on their needs and the nature of their case, victims may receive specialist support, for example from an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA). IDVAs support victims of domestic abuse, in a trauma-informed way which aims to reduce risk, promote recovery and re-empowerment, and help victims navigate various systems and challenges through informed choices. Where relevant, IDVAs can provide a victim with emotional and practical support through the justice process.There is no comprehensive dataset on the numbers of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). The 42 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales receive annual grant funding from the Ministry of Justice’s victim and witness budget to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types. This includes IDVA support. As part of reporting data, the Ministry of Justice collects information on the provision of PCC commissioned domestic abuse support, including IDVAs. Other local commissioners including Local Authorities and local NHS bodies will also fund IDVAs, and some third sector organisation will secure funding for IDVAs via other routes.

What estimate her Department has made of the number of people on the Children and Adults barred list for exposing children to abuse whose domestic abuse perpetrator is not on the register.

The purpose of the children’s and adults’ barred lists maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is to prevent individuals from applying to work or from working in regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults, if they are considered to pose a risk to those groups. The DBS adds individuals to the list(s) if: they have committed a serious violence or sexual offence; or if police information or an employer referral indicates that they may have harmed a child or vulnerable adult or put a child or vulnerable adult at risk of harm. When considering harm or risk of harm, the DBS will consider a range of evidence on a case-by-case basis. Where domestic abuse is perpetrated by one partner on another and a child is exposed to that behaviour, both the person who is the target of the abuse and the child who is exposed to that behaviour would be considered by the DBS as victims. The DBS would not consider a victim of domestic abuse for barring unless harm had also been caused separately through behaviour demonstrated by that individual. Where the DBS is considering someone for barring due to actions which have led to harm or pose a risk of harm to a child or a vulnerable adult, the DBS is required by statute to provide them with an opportunity to make representations which are given full consideration before a final barring decision is made. Once a final barring decision has been made by the DBS, a barred person can appeal that decision to the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal in England or Wales. If the Tribunal upholds DBS’s decision, the barred person has the right to request a review of the DBS decision after a minimum barred period has elapsed. There are no plans to change the appeals process.

Whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of independent domestic violence advisors working (a) in Fareham and Waterlooville constituency and (b) nationally.

This Government was elected on a landmark pledge to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) over the next decade, and tackling domestic abuse is a core part of this mission. We will use every lever within our power and work with key partners across Government to deliver against this ambition.Domestic abuse-related crimes are complex and require time and specialist resource to investigate. This Government has committed to ensuring police have the right skills and training to respond appropriately to victims of VAWG to significantly improve standards across the board and to ensure justice is delivered for victims throughout the criminal justice system.We recognise that some domestic abuse victims will be impacted by the delays in the Crown Court. We have already taken decisive action to increase the capacity of the Crown Court - including funding a record allocation of 110,000 sitting days in the Crown Court this financial year. However, the scale of the challenge is beyond what increasing sitting days can achieve. This is why this Government asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review into measures which could be adopted to deliver swifter justice for victims, including victims of domestic abuse.Depending on their needs and the nature of their case, victims may receive specialist support, for example from an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA). IDVAs support victims of domestic abuse, in a trauma-informed way which aims to reduce risk, promote recovery and re-empowerment, and help victims navigate various systems and challenges through informed choices. Where relevant, IDVAs can provide a victim with emotional and practical support through the justice process.There is no comprehensive dataset on the numbers of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). The 42 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales receive annual grant funding from the Ministry of Justice’s victim and witness budget to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types. This includes IDVA support. As part of reporting data, the Ministry of Justice collects information on the provision of PCC commissioned domestic abuse support, including IDVAs. Other local commissioners including Local Authorities and local NHS bodies will also fund IDVAs, and some third sector organisation will secure funding for IDVAs via other routes.

Whether her Department plans to review the companion bus pass scheme.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of support for domestic violence victims in the criminal justice system.

This Government was elected on a landmark pledge to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) over the next decade, and tackling domestic abuse is a core part of this mission. We will use every lever within our power and work with key partners across Government to deliver against this ambition.Domestic abuse-related crimes are complex and require time and specialist resource to investigate. This Government has committed to ensuring police have the right skills and training to respond appropriately to victims of VAWG to significantly improve standards across the board and to ensure justice is delivered for victims throughout the criminal justice system.We recognise that some domestic abuse victims will be impacted by the delays in the Crown Court. We have already taken decisive action to increase the capacity of the Crown Court - including funding a record allocation of 110,000 sitting days in the Crown Court this financial year. However, the scale of the challenge is beyond what increasing sitting days can achieve. This is why this Government asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review into measures which could be adopted to deliver swifter justice for victims, including victims of domestic abuse.Depending on their needs and the nature of their case, victims may receive specialist support, for example from an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA). IDVAs support victims of domestic abuse, in a trauma-informed way which aims to reduce risk, promote recovery and re-empowerment, and help victims navigate various systems and challenges through informed choices. Where relevant, IDVAs can provide a victim with emotional and practical support through the justice process.There is no comprehensive dataset on the numbers of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). The 42 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales receive annual grant funding from the Ministry of Justice’s victim and witness budget to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types. This includes IDVA support. As part of reporting data, the Ministry of Justice collects information on the provision of PCC commissioned domestic abuse support, including IDVAs. Other local commissioners including Local Authorities and local NHS bodies will also fund IDVAs, and some third sector organisation will secure funding for IDVAs via other routes.