Written questions by Braverman.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of pausing the Right to Choose pathways on trends in the level of demand for private assessments among families unable to access NHS support.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future, and reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus will improve early intervention and support.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism assessments and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.The Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October, sets out expectations for local areas to improve access to autism and ADHD services, and was explicit that ICBs and providers are expected to optimise existing resources to reduce long waits for autism and ADHD assessments and improve the quality of assessments by implementing existing and new guidance, as published. NHS England introduced Activity Management Plans to help manage variably funded activity when providers risk exceeding their Indicative Activity Plans. There is a statutory requirement for ICBs to remain within annual funding allocations and to deliver on agreed financial plans. Providers are not asked to close referrals or prevent access to the pathway but, where required, once planned activity levels have been met, they are asked to manage new referrals on a waiting list until they have capacity within their contracted activity envelope. There is guidance for the use and implementation of Indicative Activity Plans and Activity Management Plans, detailed in the NHS Standard Contract Technical Guidance. We are absolutely clear that use of these must not restrict patients' choice of provider. The Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) understands that waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment can be difficult for individuals and families, and is committed to improving access to meaningful support while people wait. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight redesigned a clinically-optimum diagnostic model on 31 March 2026. As part of their wider transformation programme, the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ICB is introducing new services designed to offer earlier help, even when a formal diagnosis has not yet been made. From 1 April 2026, every area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have a place based Children’s Neurodiversity Team. These teams will:- bring together professionals across education and healthcare;- offer practical advice, support, and guidance for families; and- support children based on their needs, without requiring a diagnosis; While patients are waiting for a Right to Choose ADHD or Autism assessment there are a range of services to access for support, which are available at the following link:https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/application/files/4917/7495/4596/HSIOW_ICB_-_Right_to_choose_Supporting_you_while_you_wait_for_your_assessment_.pdfMore broadly, in December 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, launched the independent review into the Prevalence and Support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. The review is chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, with vice chairs Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird.The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and the wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

If he will require Integrated Care Boards to establish a single point of contact for families affected by the pause of Right to Choose pathways.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including supporting children and young people waiting for assessment or treatment. While there are no plans to require ICBs to establish a single point of contact, they must ensure appropriate routes are in place for families to access accurate and timely information and support.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the pause on school attendance, mental health and family stability among children awaiting ADHD and autism assessments.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future, and reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus will improve early intervention and support.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism assessments and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.The Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October, sets out expectations for local areas to improve access to autism and ADHD services, and was explicit that ICBs and providers are expected to optimise existing resources to reduce long waits for autism and ADHD assessments and improve the quality of assessments by implementing existing and new guidance, as published. NHS England introduced Activity Management Plans to help manage variably funded activity when providers risk exceeding their Indicative Activity Plans. There is a statutory requirement for ICBs to remain within annual funding allocations and to deliver on agreed financial plans. Providers are not asked to close referrals or prevent access to the pathway but, where required, once planned activity levels have been met, they are asked to manage new referrals on a waiting list until they have capacity within their contracted activity envelope. There is guidance for the use and implementation of Indicative Activity Plans and Activity Management Plans, detailed in the NHS Standard Contract Technical Guidance. We are absolutely clear that use of these must not restrict patients' choice of provider. The Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) understands that waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment can be difficult for individuals and families, and is committed to improving access to meaningful support while people wait. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight redesigned a clinically-optimum diagnostic model on 31 March 2026. As part of their wider transformation programme, the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ICB is introducing new services designed to offer earlier help, even when a formal diagnosis has not yet been made. From 1 April 2026, every area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have a place based Children’s Neurodiversity Team. These teams will:- bring together professionals across education and healthcare;- offer practical advice, support, and guidance for families; and- support children based on their needs, without requiring a diagnosis; While patients are waiting for a Right to Choose ADHD or Autism assessment there are a range of services to access for support, which are available at the following link:https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/application/files/4917/7495/4596/HSIOW_ICB_-_Right_to_choose_Supporting_you_while_you_wait_for_your_assessment_.pdfMore broadly, in December 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, launched the independent review into the Prevalence and Support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. The review is chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, with vice chairs Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird.The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and the wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

Whether his Department has plans to publish the criteria used by Integrated Care Boards to prioritise cases during the pause of Right to Choose pathways.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for planning and commissioning services to meet the needs of their local populations, including making decisions about how best to manage demand and capacity within available resources. Where an ICB has taken a decision to pause or manage activity within a Right to Choose pathway, it is for that ICB to determine and apply any local prioritisation criteria, taking account of clinical need and patient safety. It is the responsibility of the local system to decide whether to publish criteria, and to ensure that patients, families, and the public are communicated with clearly and provided with appropriate information.NHS England provides guidance and oversight to ICBs to support them in meeting their statutory duties, including in relation to patient choice. The Government is committed to patients having the right to choose their provider when referred to consultant-led treatment, or to a mental health professional, for their first appointment as an outpatient. Patients’ right to choose is set out in legislation and no changes are being made to this legal right. Further information on the choices available for patients can be found on the NHS Choice framework, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that Integrated Care Boards provide clear, timely and accessible information to families affected by changes to assessment pathways.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Whether he plans to review the Transitioning in the Workplace policies used by NHS Trusts to ensure they include risk assessments for all staff affected by changes to single‑sex facilities.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Whether his Department has plans to require Integrated Care Boards to provide regular public updates on the status of paused Right to Choose pathways.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for planning and commissioning services to meet the needs of their local populations, including making decisions about how best to manage demand and capacity within available resources. Where an ICB has taken a decision to pause or manage activity within a Right to Choose pathway, it is for that ICB to determine and apply any local prioritisation criteria, taking account of clinical need and patient safety. It is the responsibility of the local system to decide whether to publish criteria, and to ensure that patients, families, and the public are communicated with clearly and provided with appropriate information.NHS England provides guidance and oversight to ICBs to support them in meeting their statutory duties, including in relation to patient choice. The Government is committed to patients having the right to choose their provider when referred to consultant-led treatment, or to a mental health professional, for their first appointment as an outpatient. Patients’ right to choose is set out in legislation and no changes are being made to this legal right. Further information on the choices available for patients can be found on the NHS Choice framework, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework

Whether his Department has assessed trends in the level of families being advised by NHS services to leave CAMHS waiting lists to pursue Right to Choose assessments.

The Department has not made a specific national assessment of trends in families being advised to leave Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services’ waiting lists to pursue Right to Choose pathways.NHS England has not issued, and is not planning to issue, further guidance to integrated care boards or providers specifically in respect of Right to Choose pathways. However, NHS England issued advice on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service delivery and prioritisation on 7 October 2025, including guidance on managing demand, reviewing waiting lists, and supporting patients. The advice can be found at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/adhd-service-delivery-and-prioritisation-advice-to-systems/

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that children do not lose clinical oversight, including access to medication reviews, as a result of being removed from CAMHS waiting lists to pursue Right to Choose pathways.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that children whose needs are escalating while awaiting assessment receive interim support from local NHS services.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board to pause Right to Choose pathways for ADHD and autism assessments until 2027 on children and young people.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future, and reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus will improve early intervention and support.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism assessments and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.The Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October, sets out expectations for local areas to improve access to autism and ADHD services, and was explicit that ICBs and providers are expected to optimise existing resources to reduce long waits for autism and ADHD assessments and improve the quality of assessments by implementing existing and new guidance, as published. NHS England introduced Activity Management Plans to help manage variably funded activity when providers risk exceeding their Indicative Activity Plans. There is a statutory requirement for ICBs to remain within annual funding allocations and to deliver on agreed financial plans. Providers are not asked to close referrals or prevent access to the pathway but, where required, once planned activity levels have been met, they are asked to manage new referrals on a waiting list until they have capacity within their contracted activity envelope. There is guidance for the use and implementation of Indicative Activity Plans and Activity Management Plans, detailed in the NHS Standard Contract Technical Guidance. We are absolutely clear that use of these must not restrict patients' choice of provider. The Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) understands that waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment can be difficult for individuals and families, and is committed to improving access to meaningful support while people wait. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight redesigned a clinically-optimum diagnostic model on 31 March 2026. As part of their wider transformation programme, the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ICB is introducing new services designed to offer earlier help, even when a formal diagnosis has not yet been made. From 1 April 2026, every area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have a place based Children’s Neurodiversity Team. These teams will:- bring together professionals across education and healthcare;- offer practical advice, support, and guidance for families; and- support children based on their needs, without requiring a diagnosis; While patients are waiting for a Right to Choose ADHD or Autism assessment there are a range of services to access for support, which are available at the following link:https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/application/files/4917/7495/4596/HSIOW_ICB_-_Right_to_choose_Supporting_you_while_you_wait_for_your_assessment_.pdfMore broadly, in December 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, launched the independent review into the Prevalence and Support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. The review is chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, with vice chairs Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird.The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and the wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

What discussions he has had with NHS England on the communication of the pause of Right to Choose pathways to families, including the timing and level of notice.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for planning and commissioning services to meet the needs of their local populations, including making decisions about how best to manage demand and capacity within available resources. Where an ICB has taken a decision to pause or manage activity within a Right to Choose pathway, it is for that ICB to determine and apply any local prioritisation criteria, taking account of clinical need and patient safety. It is the responsibility of the local system to decide whether to publish criteria, and to ensure that patients, families, and the public are communicated with clearly and provided with appropriate information.NHS England provides guidance and oversight to ICBs to support them in meeting their statutory duties, including in relation to patient choice. The Government is committed to patients having the right to choose their provider when referred to consultant-led treatment, or to a mental health professional, for their first appointment as an outpatient. Patients’ right to choose is set out in legislation and no changes are being made to this legal right. Further information on the choices available for patients can be found on the NHS Choice framework, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework

What assessment he has made of the potential implications of the Newcastle Employment Tribunal judgment of 16 January 2026 for NHS policies on staff changing facilities and the provision of single‑sex spaces.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of demand for clearer national safeguarding standards for staff‑only spaces in NHS hospitals.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of NHS England guidance on managing requests for gender‑identity‑related workplace adjustments including where these affect single‑sex spaces used by staff.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Whether his Department plans to issue updated national guidance to NHS trusts on the provision of single‑sex changing rooms for staff.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

How many children and adults in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been impacted by the pause of Right to Choose pathways for ADHD and autism assessments.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future, and reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus will improve early intervention and support.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to autism assessments and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.The Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October, sets out expectations for local areas to improve access to autism and ADHD services, and was explicit that ICBs and providers are expected to optimise existing resources to reduce long waits for autism and ADHD assessments and improve the quality of assessments by implementing existing and new guidance, as published. NHS England introduced Activity Management Plans to help manage variably funded activity when providers risk exceeding their Indicative Activity Plans. There is a statutory requirement for ICBs to remain within annual funding allocations and to deliver on agreed financial plans. Providers are not asked to close referrals or prevent access to the pathway but, where required, once planned activity levels have been met, they are asked to manage new referrals on a waiting list until they have capacity within their contracted activity envelope. There is guidance for the use and implementation of Indicative Activity Plans and Activity Management Plans, detailed in the NHS Standard Contract Technical Guidance. We are absolutely clear that use of these must not restrict patients' choice of provider. The Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) understands that waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment can be difficult for individuals and families, and is committed to improving access to meaningful support while people wait. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight redesigned a clinically-optimum diagnostic model on 31 March 2026. As part of their wider transformation programme, the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ICB is introducing new services designed to offer earlier help, even when a formal diagnosis has not yet been made. From 1 April 2026, every area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have a place based Children’s Neurodiversity Team. These teams will:- bring together professionals across education and healthcare;- offer practical advice, support, and guidance for families; and- support children based on their needs, without requiring a diagnosis; While patients are waiting for a Right to Choose ADHD or Autism assessment there are a range of services to access for support, which are available at the following link:https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/application/files/4917/7495/4596/HSIOW_ICB_-_Right_to_choose_Supporting_you_while_you_wait_for_your_assessment_.pdfMore broadly, in December 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, launched the independent review into the Prevalence and Support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. The review is chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, with vice chairs Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird.The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and the wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

What assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of the number of children who are left without appropriate support plans or adjustments as a result of delays in diagnostic pathways.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Whether her Department plans to review the current level of fines for school non‑attendance.

The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education and it is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child receives that education. Our guidance emphasises a support first approach and makes clear that fines and legal intervention should only be used where support has been exhausted, not engaged with, or is not appropriate. Fines remain one part of our system for reducing school absence, therefore the amount must reflect the potential short and longer-term impact of absence on the pupil, their teachers, and other pupils at the school. If parents cannot afford to pay a school attendance penalty notice, they should contact their local council immediately to explain their financial situation, as they may be able to offer guidance or support.

What data his Department collects on the number of older people required to move from care home placements following a transition to local authority funding; and if he will publish that data.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.