Written questions by Dhesi.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of school uniform costs on families in Slough.

The department published its latest research on the cost of school uniform in September 2024, which surveyed parents and carers of children aged 4 to 16 attending state-funded schools in England. The research can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms-survey-2023.This research found that the average total expenditure on school uniform and physical education (PE) kit, based on the items required in 2023, was £381.92. There were higher levels of expenditure for children in secondary schools, at £442.25, than in primary schools, at £343.28, and within both phases for girls (secondary: £454.31; primary: £357.28) compared to boys (secondary: £430.40; primary: £330.78).The data was sampled to be representative of the population at primary and secondary level. The sample size was not large enough to make robust comparisons at a regional level.Too many families still tell the department that the cost of school uniform remains a financial burden. ​This is why we have introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities. This will give parents more choice in where to purchase uniform and allow them greater flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.

What the (a) proportion and (b) value was of steel from the (i) US and (ii) EU used in UK military shipbuilding in each of the last five years.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) contributes to the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) steel public procurement return. The information is published annually and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/steel-public-procurement The data available from the information published includes steel purchased for MOD shipbuilding projects. The response to this question assumes that UK military shipbuilding relates solely to the building of surface warships, and does not include submarine construction. The tables below set out a summary of the details available, for each of the last five years. Data for Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 has not yet been published. The data gathered and subsequently published by DBT has matured and become more detailed since the start of publishing steel data for FY 2017-18 in January 2019. Therefore, the origin of the steel is only available for FY 2022-23. Financial Year 2022-23 ProjectSteel product typeEU / UK / USCountries of originValue of steel £Type 31Flat rolled, Plate, Sections & shapesEUFinland, Spain£41,850,500 Sections & shapes, Tubes/Pipes/Hollow sectionsUKUK£1,311,790 Type 26Plate, Sections & shapesEUSweden, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain£3,162,171 Plate, Sections & shapesUKUK£1,537,996 Financial Year 2021-22 ProjectSteel product typeCountries of originValue of steel £Type 31Plate, Bulb bar, SectionsNot detailed£43,600,000Type 26PlateNot detailed£465,498 Financial Year 2020-21 ProjectSteel product typeCountries of originValue of steel £Type 31Structural steel, SectionsNot detailed£391,949Type 26Plate, Sections, Sheet, Non-shipNot detailed£3,758,269 Financial Year 2019-20 ProjectSteel product typeCountries of originValue of steel £Type 26Various gradesNot detailed£3,401,994 Financial Year 2018-19 No steel was recorded as having been purchased in FY 2018-19 for any UK shipbuilding projects.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the criteria used to determine the amount allocated for the Personal Expenses Allowance for residents in care homes.

The personal expenses allowance (PEA) sets the statutory minimum amount of income an individual residing in a care home must be left with after being charged for their care. These rates are reviewed annually, and local authorities also have the discretion to set higher rates where they choose.The 2025 Local Authority Circular, published on 3 March 2025, sets out that the rates of the PEA will be uprated in line with consumer price index (CPI) inflation for 2025/2026, to £30.65 per week.This aligns with the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024 announcement that benefits will be uprated in line with CPI inflation.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding.

The potential impact of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding is still being explored. The UK benefits from a strong and balanced trade relationship with the US and we continue to share a longstanding, close relationship on all defence issues.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of access to cash.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with UK Export Finance on funding for the Mozambique liquefied natural gas project.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regularly engages with UK Export Finance officials on funding for the Liquified National Gas Project in Mozambique. UK Export Finance is currently in talks with project sponsors and other lenders regarding the latest status of the project. These discussions are commercially sensitive and remain ongoing.

With reference to the oral statement by the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, column 634, if he will initiate a review of maritime security to inform the new national security strategy.

There are no current plans to publish a separate national maritime security strategy. As announced by the Prime Minister, a new national security strategy will be published this summer.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to mental health support for people who are (a) homeless and (b) in temporary accommodation.

We recognise the importance of reducing barriers to healthcare services for those experiencing homelessness, this includes those in temporary accommodation.All local health systems should have mechanisms in place to ensure their mental health services can support people who are homeless. This should include work to routinely complete a mental health needs assessment for rough sleepers which will identify need and lead directly to action that increases access to mental health services for this population. As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, new specialist mental health provision for rough sleepers was established in 37 of the areas that most in needed it between 2019/20 and 2023/24. An evaluation of these services is currently being undertaken.We are also working across Government, the health system, local government, commissioners, and the voluntary sector to review and support implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance on integrated health and social care for people experiencing homelessness, both nationally and locally.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with (a) the families of British citizens and (b) British citizens impacted by the (i) ongoing security situation surrounding the Mozambique liquefied natural gas project and (ii) insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region.

The UK continues to support British nationals throughout the ongoing IS-Mozambique insurgency in northern Mozambique. This includes engagement with families of those affected by security issues in Cabo Delgado. The UK is supporting efforts to counter the insurgency there, including through programmes aimed at building local resilience to violent extremism.

What recent steps he has taken with global partners to achieve a global clean energy transition.

The UK works closely with international partners towards an accelerated global clean energy transition, building on our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. This includes working through the UNFCCC and other multilateral fora; through alliances including the Global Clean Power Alliance; and bilaterally, as with our recent engagement with China. The UK will host with the International Energy Agency an international Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London on 24-25 April, seeking to build a holistic approach that meets our changing needs as we drive forward the global energy transition.

Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps with (a) local authorities and (b) industry stakeholders to help increase the sustainability of (i) live music venues and (ii) other aspects of the night-time economy.

The government is urging the live music industry to introduce a voluntary levy on tickets for stadium and arena shows, to help safeguard the future of the grassroots music sector. We welcome steps taken by industry to set up a charitable trust to distribute funds from the ticket levy, and commitments made by artists to support grassroots music. DCMS will continue to work closely with the music sector and Arts Council England on the implementation of the industry-led ticket levy. In addition, we are continuing to support Arts Council England’s (ACE’s) Supporting Grassroots Music Fund by providing £2.5 million funding in 2025-26, which provides grants to grassroots music organisations, including those that host or promote electronic music. The government recognises the role of night time economy businesses in supporting resilient high streets, and we are focused on our five-point plan to breathe life back into Britain’s high streets, to ensure they are great places for businesses, and economic growth across the UK. To protect the high street, from 2026-27, the government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values (RV) less than £500,000. To provide further support, the government has extended RHL relief at 40% for 2025-26.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that practitioners within the aesthetic industry comply with (a) licensing and (b) regulations.

The Government is committed to taking action to address longstanding concerns about the safety of the cosmetics sector and is exploring options for further regulation in this area. We will set out the details of our approach in due course.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of regulatory reform within the aesthetic industry.

The Government is committed to taking action to address longstanding concerns about the safety of the cosmetics sector and is exploring options for further regulation in this area. We will set out the details of our approach in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the level of patient safety within the aesthetic industry.

The Government is committed to taking action to address longstanding concerns about the safety of the cosmetics sector and is exploring options for further regulation in this area. We will set out the details of our approach in due course.

Whether he plans to introduce legal requirements for practitioners of non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

The Government is committed to taking action to address longstanding concerns about the safety of the cosmetics sector and is exploring options for further regulation in this area. We will set out the details of our approach in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria his Department uses to assess applications to the John Bunyan Fund.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's John Bunyan Fund provides funding to overseas posts to support the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all around the world. UK posts are invited to submit applications that support the central objective of the fund: to curtail FoRB violations and abuses. Diplomatic missions have full control over the exact design and scope of project work to best develop an intervention that suits their specific in-country context and priorities and is complementary to any other financing they receive.

What recent steps his Department has taken to reduce gynaecology waiting lists.

At the end of December 2024, the referral to treatment (RTT) gynaecology waiting list stood at 586,013 across England, with 55.4% of patient pathways waiting within 18 weeks.As set out in the Plan for Change, we have committed to return to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients, including those waiting for gynaecological care, wait no longer than 18 weeks from RTT by March 2029.  We provided additional investment in the Autumn Budget that has enabled us to deliver an additional two million appointments as a First Step to achieving this, seven months ahead of schedule.The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the reform we will undertake to return to the 18-week standard, and ensure patients have the best possible experience while they wait. This includes commitments to offer patients care closer to home, in the community, including piloting gynaecology pathways in community diagnostic centres for patients with unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy. We have also committed to increasing the relative funding available to support gynaecology procedures with the largest waiting lists and reviewing support options from the independent sector.

What recent steps his Department has taken to improve (a) maternity and (b) perinatal outcomes.

NHS England’s three-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services is making good progress in rolling out new services to improve maternity and perinatal outcomes. All local areas have published Equity and Equality action plans setting out local action to tackle ethnic inequalities in maternal and neonatal outcomes; all 150 maternity and neonatal units in England are currently part of the Perinatal Culture and Leadership programme; there are important improvements to safety through version three of Saving Babies Live Care Bundle; and families are being engaged more through additional funding for Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships. NHS England is also rolling out perinatal pelvic health services and maternal mental health services to reduce rates of perineal tears, provide additional mental health support and improve outcomes for women.

What recent discussions he has had with Integrated Care Boards about their policies to reduce delayed discharge from hospital where patients meet the criteria to (a) return home or (b) receive community care.

The Government is working to reduce delayed discharges, ensuring that people are not stuck in hospital beds when they are well enough to go home. We will tackle delayed discharges by improving local partnership working between the National Health Service and the social care system, making sure people get the right support to return home as soon as possible. To drive improvements, we will work with those systems experiencing the worst discharge delays, using senior experts from across local government and the NHS.On 30 January 2025, the Government published a revised Better Care Fund policy framework for 2025/26. As part of this, the NHS and local authorities will be expected to make measurable improvements on delayed discharges.My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and I continue to engage with key partners and meet regularly with NHS England to discuss discharge and urgent & emergency care performance.

What recent steps he has taken to help improve the quality of maternity care in (a) Slough, (b) Berkshire and (c) England.

NHS England’s three-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services has made good progress across England by rolling out of new maternal mental health services, Saving Babies Live Care Bundles and families are being engaged more through additional funding for Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships.Improvement to Slough and East Berkshire maternity services include alignment with the three-year delivery plan which include but are not limited to: the recruitment of more midwives to significantly reduce vacancies and have minimal shortages by 2025; increased access to services through a new maternity hub in Crowthorne; piloting a perinatal pelvic health service that provides women with information about pelvic health risks, signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, and prevention strategies; the implementation of the MAMAs phone line, a triage service staffed by midwives with interpretation services; a Rapid Communication Aid being developed to assist in identifying patient needs in 30 languages; free midwife-led antenatal education classes in Urdu being launched, focusing on birth preparation for over 24 weeks gestation; a culturally competent genetics service being established to support informed decision-making for Close Relative Couples; and equity training for staff on mandatory update day.The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has focused on addressing inequalities by improving access to perinatal mental health services and antenatal and preconception information and promoting an increase in folic acid uptake.