Written questions by Jermy.

What steps their Department is taking to implement the guidance entitled The government’s approach to rural proofing 2025, published on 15 May 2025.

The Government has made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed. Rural proofing ensures that rural areas are not overlooked and that the intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas. DEFRA leads on rural proofing, but individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their policy decision-making is rural proofed. Rural proofing is important because rural communities are an important part of the economy. Rural areas are home to around one-fifth of England’s population and half a million registered businesses. Policy outcomes in rural areas can be affected by economies of scale, distance, sparsity and demography. That is why it is important that government policies consider how they can be delivered in rural areas. Rural proofing ensures that these areas receive fair and equitable policy outcomes. Our department takes its obligation to rural proofing seriously. In the Get Britain Working White Paper published in November 2024, the Government committed to giving local leaders increased powers to design and deliver approaches to employment support which were tailored to local needs. All areas across England have been asked to produce local Get Britain Working plans which cover labour market priorities and challenges within their areas – including those impacted by rurality – and to work collectively across organisations including local government, Jobcentre Plus, and the local NHS to address these. As set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper, we are reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service across Great Britain that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them to progress in work, including through an enhanced focus on skills and careers. We will develop an enhanced digital offer accessible for everyone. Our vision for our new service is for people to be able to access support through the channels that best meet their needs – whether that is online, on the phone or in person. Furthermore, the Flexible Support Fund is a non-recoverable discretionary fund that can be used to support eligible customers to move into employment, increase their earnings whilst in work or move closer to the labour market. Common barriers it can help to remove include, childcare costs; travel costs, clothing, and essential tools and equipment. It could be used to provide financial assistance which may help eligible rural customers overcome logistical barriers.

Communities and Local Government, what steps their Department is taking to implement the guidance entitled The government’s approach to rural proofing 2025, published on 15 May 2025.

The government has made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed. Rural proofing ensures that rural areas are not overlooked and that the intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas. Defra leads on rural proofing, but individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their policy decision-making is rural proofed. Rural proofing is important because rural communities are an important part of the economy. Rural areas are home to around one-fifth of England’s population and half a million registered businesses. Policy outcomes in rural areas can be affected by economies of scale, distance, sparsity and demography. That is why it is important that government policies consider how they can be delivered in rural areas. Rural proofing ensures that these areas receive fair and equitable policy outcomes. Our department takes its obligation to rural proofing seriously and is focussed on building good homes, creating strong communities, and ensuring the proceeds of growth can be felt across every part of the country. Local leadership is at the heart of this, which is why we are giving local leaders more tools to deliver for their areas and targeting funding where it is needed most.

Media and Sport, what steps their Department is taking to implement the guidance entitled The government’s approach to rural proofing 2025, published on 15 May 2025.

The Government has made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed. Rural proofing ensures that rural areas are not overlooked and that the intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas. Defra leads on rural proofing, but individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their policy decision-making is rural proofed. Rural proofing is important because rural communities are an important part of the economy. Rural areas are home to around one-fifth of England’s population and half a million registered businesses. Policy outcomes in rural areas can be affected by economies of scale, distance, sparsity and demography. That is why it is important that government policies consider how they can be delivered in rural areas. Rural proofing ensures that these areas receive fair and equitable policy outcomes. Our department takes its obligation to rural proofing seriously. Through the Arts Council England, funding to Rural areas has increased to around £44 million a year to 110 organisations.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many incidents of animal welfare abuse have been recorded on intensive livestock farms in (a) England and (b) Norfolk in each of the last five years.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out regulatory duties and monitors compliance with animal welfare legislation through proactive and reactive inspections. The outcome of all animal welfare inspections is recorded on APHA systems according to a scoring system, where A and B scores indicate compliance, and C and D scores indicate non-compliance. The D score indicates specifically that the non-compliance identified resulted in unnecessary suffering. This data is not in the public domain.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of industrial livestock farming on the UK's capacity to reach its net zero targets.

As part of the cross-Whitehall Carbon Budget Delivery Plan 2023 (CBDP), Defra published 25 on-farm decarbonisation measures to reduce agricultural emissions and meet our Carbon Budget 4 to 6 commitments, including measures aimed at supporting livestock emissions reduction. To support ongoing delivery and identify further opportunities for emissions reduction, Defra is actively exploring ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through scientific research into livestock management, feed, and breeding. Looking ahead, the Government will set Carbon Budget 7 by June 2026, in line with statutory requirements. This will outline the next phase of the UK’s net zero pathway, including future policies to further decarbonise agriculture.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to ban the (a) expansion of existing and (b) building of new industrial livestock farms.

The Government promotes efficient, competitive farming, but does not seek to favour large, or small-scale, farming operations. Farms of all sizes have a role to play in promoting sustainable UK agriculture. All farms must comply with comprehensive UK law on planning, animal health and welfare, veterinary medicines and environmental legislation. Planning authorities should determine applications for livestock buildings in accordance with their development plan or the National Planning Policy Framework.

Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of appointing an animal welfare expert to the Food Strategy board.

Members of the Food Strategy Advisory Board were selected as senior leaders who have a broad range of experience across the food system and reflect the diversity of the sector. Membership has been finalised. We are not looking to expand it at this time. The Board represents just one aspect of our engagement with stakeholders across the food supply system. The food strategy will articulate the outcomes required to deliver food system change.

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving childcare provision in Northern Ireland.

My colleague Minister Anderson regularly meets with the Northern Ireland Minister for Education on important issues, including childcare provision, and has recently facilitated discussions between the Minister and the UK Government Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan MP to discuss areas for greater co-operation. I welcome the recent progress taken by the Northern Ireland Executive to provide increased childcare support. Whilst childcare in Northern Ireland is devolved, the UK Government is keen to see this work progressed so that parents are better able to balance childcare alongside their work.

What proportion of eligible families are receiving Healthy Start in (a) England, (b) East Anglia and (c) South West Norfolk constituency.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) operates the Healthy Start scheme on behalf of the Department. Monthly figures for the number of people on the digital Healthy Start scheme are published on the NHS Healthy Start website, at the following link:https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthcare-professionals/The NHSBSA does not hold data on the number of families receiving Healthy Start and does not currently hold data on the number of people eligible for Healthy Start. In addition, the NHSBSA does not hold data on local constituencies. The following table shows the number of people on the digital scheme in England as of 23 May 2025:CountryNumber of people on the digital schemeEngland328,685 East Anglia is not defined as specific geographical region within the Office for National Statistics’ Open Geography Portal, which the NHSBSA uses to define geographical regions. Therefore, the following table shows the number of people on digital scheme in the East of England region, which comprises of 45 local authorities, as of 23 May 2025: RegionNumber of people on digital schemeEast of England30,892 In addition, South West Norfolk consists of two local authorities, namely Breckland, and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Therefore, the following table shows the number of people on the digital scheme in Breckland, and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, as of 23 May 2025:Local authorityNumber of people on the digital schemeBreckland706King's Lynn and West Norfolk734

Whether she is taking steps with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to align school food procurement with the Government’s (a) horticulture strategy and (b) food security objectives.

The government’s commitment to the horticulture sector and its vital role in strengthening food security by ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of home-grown fresh produce remains steadfast. We are taking a strategic approach to support for horticulture, recognising the specific needs of the sector. This includes developing a farming roadmap, which will set out a 25-year vision and blueprint to make our farming and food production more sustainable and profitable.Alongside this, our food strategy will deliver clear long term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system. This will boost our food security, improve our health, ensure economic growth, and deliver environmental sustainability.The department engages with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a variety of topics related to food in schools, as part of the government’s wider food strategy, helping to drive change and support a healthier, more sustainable and resilient food system.

Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will appoint an expert in animal welfare to the Food Strategy board.

Members of the Food Strategy Advisory Board were selected as senior leaders who have a broad range of experience across the food system and reflect the diversity of the sector. Membership has been finalised. We are not looking to expand it at this time. The Board represents just one aspect of our engagement with stakeholders across the food supply system. The food strategy will articulate the outcomes required to deliver food system change.

How MEES (minimum energy efficiency standards) took into account properties which are not occupied for less than half of the period between 1 October 2024 and 30 April 2025.

As of April 2020, privately rented homes in England and Wales are required to meet the minimum standard of Energy Performance Certificate E before they can be let, unless a valid exemption applies. The regulations are applicable if a property is let on an assured tenancy, regulated tenancy, or domestic agricultural tenancy, and legally required to have an EPC. There is more information and guidance on the requirement to have an EPC available on gov.uk. For non-domestic rented buildings, minimum energy efficiency standards only apply where the property is leased on a term certain of 6 months to 99 years.

Communities and Local Government, what the average number of days was that short-term rental properties were occupied between 1 October and 30 April in each of the last three years for which records exits.

My Department does not hold the requested information.We intend to introduce a registration scheme for short-term lets in England, one of the benefits of which will be to give local authorities access to valuable data at a local level.

Communities and Local Government, how many short-term rental properties have been converted to private rental properties in each of the last three years for which records exist.

My Department does not hold the requested information.We intend to introduce a registration scheme for short-term lets in England, one of the benefits of which will be to give local authorities access to valuable data at a local level.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Avian Influenza Prevention Zone housing measures lifted, published on 12 May 2025, when the General Licence 45 for gamebird release in and near to special protection areas in England will be reissued.

There are currently no plans to reissue General Licence 45 for gamebird release on and near to Special Protection Areas in England. Anyone intending to release gamebirds on or near a Special Protection Area should apply to Natural England for an individual licence.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support councils who pay the Internal Drainage Board levy.

The Government recognises the important role of internal drainage boards (IDBs). We increased the IDB Fund to £91 million. This will reduce future costs and improve assets and water level management across 400,000ha of farmland and benefiting over 91,000 properties. In Norfolk 32 projects have received grants (£10.6 million), 8 of which (£2.32 million) are in South West Norfolk constituency. The Government also announced £5 million in 2025/26 for those local authorities most impacted by IDB levies. Given local pressures, we are launching research to review IDB costs and funding, including whether any changes are needed to the funding model. Protecting communities from the dangers of flooding is one of Defra’s top priorities. This government is investing a record £2.65 billion over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26) for the construction of new flood schemes, and the maintenance and repair of existing ones. Of this £49.6 million is being invested in Norfolk.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to secure additional funding for Internal Drainage Boards in (a) England, (b) Norfolk and (c) South West Norfolk constituency.

The Government recognises the important role of internal drainage boards (IDBs). We increased the IDB Fund to £91 million. This will reduce future costs and improve assets and water level management across 400,000ha of farmland and benefiting over 91,000 properties. In Norfolk 32 projects have received grants (£10.6 million), 8 of which (£2.32 million) are in South West Norfolk constituency. The Government also announced £5 million in 2025/26 for those local authorities most impacted by IDB levies. Given local pressures, we are launching research to review IDB costs and funding, including whether any changes are needed to the funding model. Protecting communities from the dangers of flooding is one of Defra’s top priorities. This government is investing a record £2.65 billion over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26) for the construction of new flood schemes, and the maintenance and repair of existing ones. Of this £49.6 million is being invested in Norfolk.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to mitigate the costs to (a) local councils and (b) landowners of internal drainage boards; and what steps he is taking to ensure that (i) South West Norfolk and (ii) Norfolk are protected from flooding.

The Government recognises the important role of internal drainage boards (IDBs). We increased the IDB Fund to £91 million. This will reduce future costs and improve assets and water level management across 400,000ha of farmland and benefiting over 91,000 properties. In Norfolk 32 projects have received grants (£10.6 million), 8 of which (£2.32 million) are in South West Norfolk constituency. The Government also announced £5 million in 2025/26 for those local authorities most impacted by IDB levies. Given local pressures, we are launching research to review IDB costs and funding, including whether any changes are needed to the funding model. Protecting communities from the dangers of flooding is one of Defra’s top priorities. This government is investing a record £2.65 billion over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26) for the construction of new flood schemes, and the maintenance and repair of existing ones. Of this £49.6 million is being invested in Norfolk.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 43491 on Internal Drainage Boards: Finance, what steps she has taken to allocate funding to councils.

The government announced at the final 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement that it will provide £5 million in funding for the local authorities most impacted by Internal Drainage Board levies. Allocations for the 2025-26 IDB levy support grant will be announced in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what funding his Department is providing to farmers of broiler hens to (a) replace and upgrade housing to help improve animal health and welfare and (b) help improve the control of pollutive emissions.

There is currently no funding available for replacing broiler housing. However, on 29 May 2025, eligible broiler farmers will be able to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000, through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, towards the cost of a list of items to make improvements to existing housing. Listed grant items address a range of health and welfare issues including ventilation, enrichment, and biosecurity.