Written questions by Gordon.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the provision of Covid vaccinations to people with (a) type 1 diabetes and (b) long term immunosuppressive health conditions.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an independent expert committee which reviews the latest data on COVID-19 risks, vaccine safety, and effectiveness and advises the government on eligibility for vaccination and immunisation programmes. The JCVI has published advice for future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in autumn 2025, spring 2026, autumn 2026, and spring 2027. The government has accepted JCVI advice for autumn 2025. The Government is considering the JCVI’s advice for 2026 and spring 2027 carefully and will respond in due course.The primary aim of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme remains the prevention of serious disease (hospitalisations and deaths) arising from COVID-19. The JCVI assessment indicates that the oldest age cohorts and individuals who are immunosuppressed are the two groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease.Therefore, in autumn 2025, a COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to:adults aged 75 years and over;residents in a care home for older adults;individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the ‘immunosuppression’ sections of tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the UK Health Security Agency Green Book).The JCVI has advised that more recent data are needed to assess whether any other population groups under the age of 75 years with specific clinical comorbidities, such as type 1 diabetes, are at similar risk of serious disease as those aged 75 years and over.The JCVI continues to review evidence and may update its advice in future.

What estimate she has made of the number of parents who are unable to take up or remain in employment because they have children with special educational needs and disabilities that do not have access adequate educational provision and require full-time care at home.

Good work is generally good for health and wellbeing and can significantly reduce the chances of people falling into poverty, so we want everyone to get work and get on in work, whoever they are and wherever they live. Our Get Britain Working White Paper, backed by an initial £240 million investment in 25/26, will deliver the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation to help more people into work and to progress. Children living in households where no adults work are around 4 times more likely to be in relative poverty after housing costs than those where all adults work. We are therefore considering how we can improve our support to help parents into work as part of our upcoming Child Poverty Strategy. We are listening carefully to the voices of children with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND) and their families. We have also engaged with charities and organisations like Contact, ALLFIE, and the Challenging Behaviour Foundation to discuss the experience of disabled children living in poverty. Carers on low incomes can claim Universal Credit at a higher rate through the carer element. An unpaid carer receiving UC who meets the eligibility threshold for receiving Carers Element is not required to undertake work-related activity but can access employment support on a voluntary basis. Support offered can include access to skills provision, referral to an employment support programme, for example the Restart programme, careers advice, job search support, volunteering opportunities and access to the Flexible Support Fund to aid job entry. Support is also available through Carer’s Allowance (CA) which provides a measure of financial support and recognition for unpaid carers who are unable to work full time as a result of their caring responsibilities.

What steps he is taking to improve the quality of national primary care data on Young Onset Dementia.

Young onset dementia is defined as dementia diagnosed under the age of 65.The dementia diagnosis rate is not calculated for patients aged under 65 years old. This is because the numbers of patients known to have dementia in the sample population age groups comprising those aged between zero and 64 years old are not large enough for reliable estimates to be made.The dementia diagnosis rate for patients aged 65 years old and over is calculated and published monthly via the Primary Care Dementia Data publication, which is available at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/primary-care-dementia-dataThis publication does include a monthly count of the number of patients aged 65 years old and under who do have a dementia diagnosis on their patient record. This is expressed as a raw count and as a percentage of registered patients aged between zero and 64 years old.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the 10 year health plan on health outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes.

The 10-Year Health Plan aims enhance the care of patients living with type 1 diabetes through shifts in how care is delivered. Hospital to community will enable those living with diabetes to manage their care in the best way for them through the Neighbourhood Health Service, while analogue to digital will make it easier for those living with diabetes to access tailored advice and manage their appointments at a time that suits them. By 2028, patients will be able to manage all their care through the NHS App. People with diabetes will be able to book appointments, manage their medication and prescriptions and view their single-patient record so they can become better advocates for themselves. Patients will be able to access tailored advice through the NHS App on how to manage their diabetes. The App will give patients a doctor in their pocket, and artificial intelligence functionality will enable patients to check their symptoms and find out where to go for further advice or screening as appropriate. Patient care will be personalised through the comprehensive single patient record. When patients attend appointments, clinicians will be able to see all their medical information and history, helping them to make informed diagnoses against co-morbidities and advise patients of their individual risk factor.By 2035, all patients will have access to wearables. Wearables will enable patients and their carers to better manage their care by having access to their health data such as blood pressure and glucose levels. They will also enable remote monitoring to alert a patient’s care team to any issues so that appropriate interventions can be made quickly before they progress.The MyHealth tool will enable remote monitoring, giving patients piece of mind that their condition is being monitored and healthcare professionals will step in if needed.The Neighbourhood Health Service will give those living with diabetes more choice and control of their care. Patients will receive seamless care across services through high-quality care plans. The plan proposes that by 2027, 95% of people with complex needs, including long-term conditions, will have an agreed care plan. More people will be able to access Personal Health Budgets. Patients will be told how much money is available to them and will be supported by their National Health Service team to decide how to spend that money to meet their needs. By 2028 the Diagnosis Connect service will support better self-care. In partnership with the Richmond Group, this service will bring together the NHS and the voluntary sector to help people with new diagnoses manage their care.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of having a universal screening programme for type 1 diabetes.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for South Northamptonshire on 25 July 2025 to Question 67791.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the 10 year health plan on levels of inequality in access to wearable diabetes technology.

The 10 Year Health Plan aims to reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and enhance the care of patients living with diabetes through the delivery of the three shifts. Hospital to community will enable those living with diabetes to manage their care in the best way for them through the Neighbourhood Health Service. Analogue to digital will make it easier for those living with diabetes to access tailored advice and manage their appointments at a time that suits them. Treatment to prevention will make it easier for people to access diabetes screening and support people to make healthier choices to prevent them from developing type 2 diabetes.By 2035, all patients will have access to wearables. Wearables will enable patients and their carers to better manage their care by having access to their health data such as blood pressure and glucose levels. They will also enable remote monitoring to alert a patient’s care team to any issues so that appropriate interventions can be made quickly before they progress.

Whether he plans to bring forward (a) regulations and (b) a licensing regime for practitioners of cosmetic surgery.

All doctors performing cosmetic surgery in the United Kingdom are required to be registered and licensed to practise by the General Medical Council. The Care Quality Commission regulates cosmetic treatments carried out by healthcare professionals in England that involve surgical procedures.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 our response to the consultation on the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England, which we will publish at the earliest opportunity.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the bus fare cap increase on passenger numbers.

The government is investing over £150 million to deliver the new £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London from 1 January until 31 December 2025 to help keep bus fares affordable, and as part of the Spending Review, we announced further funding to extend the £3 cap to March 2027. Under the plans of the previous administration, the £2 cap on bus fares had been due to expire on 31 December 2024, and prior to the Budget, there was no further funding available to maintain a cap on bus fares beyond this point. The final monitoring and evaluation report into the impact of the £2 bus fare cap was published on 12 February. An evaluation of the £3 fare cap is due to be commissioned shortly.

If she will make it her policy to ensure bus fares do not increase above the rate of inflation following the bus fare cap increase.

On 1 January, the government introduced a £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London until 31 December 2025. As part of the Spending Review, the government announced further funding to extend the £3 cap to March 2027. This will ensure millions of people can continue to access affordable bus fares and better opportunities all over the country. The current terms and conditions for the £3 cap already require operators to demonstrate that they have not raised fares any higher than inflation.

If her Department would make an estimate of the cost of extending the statutory minimum criteria to allow disabled bus pass holders to use their passes at all times on weekdays.

The Department for Transport conducted a review of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme which considered expanding statutory travel times for all passholders. We are currently considering next steps.

If her Department would make an estimate of the cost of requiring all local government authorities to provide a companion pass for disabled pass holders who cannot travel alone.

The introduction of companion passes for disabled passholders under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme would be an additional concession, introduced at the discretion of local authorities depending on their needs and circumstances. The Department for Transport therefore has no plans to produce an estimate of implementing this at a national level.

Whether his Department plans to take steps to help reduce variations in fuel prices between regions.

The Government will implement Fuel Finder, a statutory open data scheme for fuel prices, to increase price transparency and help drivers make more informed decisions on where to buy petrol and diesel. This will increase pressure on retailers to compete strongly to attract consumers by lowering prices. Subject to legislation and Parliamentary time, we aim to launch Fuel Finder by the end of 2025. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) received statutory information gathering powers on 1 January 2025 through the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act 2024 so it can monitor and scrutinise fuel prices. Once launched, Fuel Finder will provide the CMA with the appropriate data to adequately consider issues such as regional pricing variations.

Whether he is taking steps to help increase (a) competition and (b) the transparency of road fuel pricing.

The Government will implement Fuel Finder, a statutory open data scheme for fuel prices, to increase price transparency and help drivers make more informed decisions on where to buy petrol and diesel. This will increase pressure on retailers to compete strongly to attract consumers by lowering prices. Subject to legislation and Parliamentary time, we aim to launch Fuel Finder by the end of 2025. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) received statutory information gathering powers on 1 January 2025 through the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act 2024 so it can monitor and scrutinise fuel prices. Once launched, Fuel Finder will provide the CMA with the appropriate data to adequately consider issues such as regional pricing variations.

What information his Department holds on when the Competition and Markets Authority plans to publish its assessment of regional road fuel pricing.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) addressed variation in regional road fuel pricing as part of their Road Fuel Market Study which was published in July 2023. The CMA published its latest report on 31 March 2025 and plans to release a more comprehensive report in the future, which will focus extensively on regional pricing differences.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) support and (b) inform healthcare professionals on the potential clinical presentation of West Nile Virus in the UK.

In May 2025, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reported fragments of West Nile virus genetic material in a small sample of mosquitoes collected in Nottinghamshire during July 2023, as part of the RADAR surveillance programme. There is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in animals or mosquitoes, and there have been no locally acquired West Nile virus detections in humans in the United Kingdom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has assessed the risk to the general public as very low.The UKHSA partners with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the APHA on the surveillance of mosquitoes, birds, horses, and humans for a range of emerging infectious diseases, including West Nile virus.Human health surveillance relevant to the West Nile virus includes routine testing of travellers who have returned from overseas areas affected by West Nile virus with compatible clinical syndromes, including undiagnosed encephalitis.The NHS Blood and Transplant service screens donors returning from affected areas based on their travel history, and partners with the UKHSA on a research study to understand the risk of climate-related emerging infections, including West Nile virus.The UKHSA’s clinical testing protocols require that any undiagnosed human cases of encephalitis are referred to the UKHSA’s Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory. They will be routinely tested for West Nile virus, regardless of travel history.Following the detection in mosquitoes, the UKHSA issued a briefing note to National Health Service clinicians nationally on the potential clinical presentation of vector borne diseases, including West Nile virus.The UKHSA Imported Fever Service offers a clinical advisory and testing service to support doctors managing domestic cases of undiagnosed encephalitis. The British Infection Association’s testing guidelines for encephalitis are being updated to include consideration of the West Nile virus.

What steps he is taking to increase public health surveillance following the detection of West Nile Virus genetic material in UK mosquitoes.

In May 2025, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reported fragments of West Nile virus genetic material in a small sample of mosquitoes collected in Nottinghamshire during July 2023, as part of the RADAR surveillance programme. There is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in animals or mosquitoes, and there have been no locally acquired West Nile virus detections in humans in the United Kingdom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has assessed the risk to the general public as very low.The UKHSA partners with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the APHA on the surveillance of mosquitoes, birds, horses, and humans for a range of emerging infectious diseases, including West Nile virus.Human health surveillance relevant to the West Nile virus includes routine testing of travellers who have returned from overseas areas affected by West Nile virus with compatible clinical syndromes, including undiagnosed encephalitis.The NHS Blood and Transplant service screens donors returning from affected areas based on their travel history, and partners with the UKHSA on a research study to understand the risk of climate-related emerging infections, including West Nile virus.The UKHSA’s clinical testing protocols require that any undiagnosed human cases of encephalitis are referred to the UKHSA’s Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory. They will be routinely tested for West Nile virus, regardless of travel history.Following the detection in mosquitoes, the UKHSA issued a briefing note to National Health Service clinicians nationally on the potential clinical presentation of vector borne diseases, including West Nile virus.The UKHSA Imported Fever Service offers a clinical advisory and testing service to support doctors managing domestic cases of undiagnosed encephalitis. The British Infection Association’s testing guidelines for encephalitis are being updated to include consideration of the West Nile virus.

Whether the UK Health Security Agency plans to expand its clinical testing protocols for patients presenting with encephalitis of unknown cause, in the context of the recent detection of West Nile Virus genetic material.

In May 2025, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reported fragments of West Nile virus genetic material in a small sample of mosquitoes collected in Nottinghamshire during July 2023, as part of the RADAR surveillance programme. There is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in animals or mosquitoes, and there have been no locally acquired West Nile virus detections in humans in the United Kingdom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has assessed the risk to the general public as very low.The UKHSA partners with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the APHA on the surveillance of mosquitoes, birds, horses, and humans for a range of emerging infectious diseases, including West Nile virus.Human health surveillance relevant to the West Nile virus includes routine testing of travellers who have returned from overseas areas affected by West Nile virus with compatible clinical syndromes, including undiagnosed encephalitis.The NHS Blood and Transplant service screens donors returning from affected areas based on their travel history, and partners with the UKHSA on a research study to understand the risk of climate-related emerging infections, including West Nile virus.The UKHSA’s clinical testing protocols require that any undiagnosed human cases of encephalitis are referred to the UKHSA’s Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory. They will be routinely tested for West Nile virus, regardless of travel history.Following the detection in mosquitoes, the UKHSA issued a briefing note to National Health Service clinicians nationally on the potential clinical presentation of vector borne diseases, including West Nile virus.The UKHSA Imported Fever Service offers a clinical advisory and testing service to support doctors managing domestic cases of undiagnosed encephalitis. The British Infection Association’s testing guidelines for encephalitis are being updated to include consideration of the West Nile virus.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of climate change on the range of mosquito-borne diseases in the UK.

Defra funds, with UKRI, a large research consortium looking at the effects of climate change on mosquito-borne diseases in the UK. This programme includes the Vector-Borne disease RADAR programme, but there are other equally important vector borne diseases we also accept will be impacted by changes in our climate. Risk assessments undertaken by the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group, for mosquito-borne diseases consider the likely changes with climate change.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many additional surveillance sites are being introduced under the Vector-Borne RADAR programme following the detection of West Nile Virus fragments.

The Vector-Borne RADAR programme includes a project run by UKHSA’s Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology team undertaking country-wide surveillance for mosquitos in 2025. Pools of any female mosquitos collected will be tested for several potential mosquito-vectored viruses. The sites being surveilled are suitable mosquito breeding sites. In 2024, mosquito traps were successfully deployed in almost all 50 km2 grids across England, collecting nearly 1,000 individuals across 71 sites.

If she will introduce a statutory duty on all educational settings to record and report each incident of physical restraint to parents and relevant authorities.

​The government recognises that the misuse of reasonable force and restrictive interventions can have a significant and long-lasting effect on pupils, staff members and parents.The department is currently consulting on revisions to the ‘Use of reasonable force’ guidance, published in 2013. The consultation is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/use-of-reasonable-force-and-other-restrictive-interventions-guidance-proposed-amendments. The revised guidance will provide advice for schools on creating environments that minimise the use of reasonable force and restrictive interventions, and, where necessary, support staff to use reasonable force and restrictive interventions safely, appropriately and within the law.The revised draft guidance defines reasonable force and other restrictive interventions, and outlines the general risks associated with their use. This approach ensures that the guidance can be applied regardless of specific terminology that a school may use and allows school staff to confidently apply the advice in order to minimise the use of restrictive practices.The department recognises the importance of recording and reporting the use of force. This is why we will be enacting Section 93a of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, making recording and reporting incidents of reasonable force to parents a legal duty. This will be enacted to coincide with the publication of the updated ‘Use of reasonable force’ guidance, to ensure that schools have adequate advice on how they should be recording and reporting any incidents where reasonable force, including restrictive interventions, is used.