Written questions by Hayes.

When she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ban conversion therapy for trans people.

This Government’s position is that conversion practices are abuse. Such practices have no place in society and must be stopped. We are committed to bringing forward a comprehensive trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices. This is a complex issue, and it is imperative that we get this right. That is why, in collaboration with Ministerial colleagues, my officials and I are working hard to draft legislation that protects LGBT individuals from these harmful practices. We will publish our draft Bill later this session for pre-legislative scrutiny.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the disability employment gap on (a) the public purse and (b) trends in the level of economic growth.

The Department has published analysis which estimated the costs to the economy of working age ill-health or disabilities that prevent working in the UK, to be between £240 and £330 billion. The Government is committed to reducing the disability employment gap, as part of a clear ambition to raise the overall employment rate to 80%. The Government has published a set of key indicators, including the disability employment rate gap, which is monitored regularly to assess progress and identify influencing factors.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential impact of the NHS 10-Year Plan on (a) levels of employment and (b) the cost to the public purse of (i) health and (ii) incapacity benefits.

The Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care Joint Work and Health Directorate was set up in recognition of the significant link between work and health and to improve employment opportunities for disabled people and people with health conditions. The Directorate is staffed by officials in both Departments who report to both Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Work and Pensions Ministers. The Secretaries of State and Junior Ministers for Work and Pensions and for Health and Social Care meet on a regular basis. We know that good work is generally good for health and wellbeing and that there are many disabled people who want to work. Our Pathways to Work Guarantee will provide work, health and skills support for disabled people and those with health conditions claiming out of work benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care have worked together on the 10 Year Health Plan. The Plan will break down barriers to opportunity by delivering the holistic support that people need to access and thrive in employment by ensuring a better health service for everyone, regardless of condition or service area. The Plan sets out the vision for what good joined-up care looks like for people with a combination of health and care needs, including for disabled people. Furthermore, it outlines how the neighbourhood health service will join up support from across the work, health and skills systems to help address the multiple complex challenges that often stop people finding and staying in work. Neighbourhood health services will support people to access services closer to home, which will benefit people whose disability may make travelling challenging. NHS Health and Growth Accelerators are testing a novel approach where local NHS systems are supported to increase – and are held accountable for – the impact they have on people’s work status. If those Accelerators are successful, we will expect all integrated care boards (ICBs) to establish specific and measurable outcome targets on their contribution to reducing economic inactivity and unemployment based on this model. In developing that approach, we will expect ICBs to seek the closest possible collaboration with local government partners – including mayors and strategic health authorities in particular – so that citizens benefit from a seamless work, health and skills offer in their area The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care are working together and will continue to do so as the package of reforms is developed in detail.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of higher education providers on exports produced by Bournemouth.

Exports from the UK’s higher education providers have a significant economic impact on the UK and their respective regions. In 2022, total education-related exports and transnational education revenue was estimated to be £32.9 billion, with higher education contributing £23.7 billion to this figure. According to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency data, 4,525 international students were enrolled in Bournemouth’s higher education institutions in the academic year 2023/24, directly contributing to education export revenue generated in Bournemouth through tuition fees and living expenditure.The government is currently reviewing its international education strategy to ensure that it continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports across the UK.

What assessment she has made of the disability employment gap in (a) Bournemouth and (b) the South West.

The disability employment gap is monitored and published in the official statistics release The employment of disabled people 2024 - GOV.UK in data tables LMS008, LMS009 and LMS010. This includes statistics on the South West region, parliamentary constituencies Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West and local authority area Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The disability employment gap for 2020 to 2022 was 23.6 percentage points for the South West, 23.8 percentage points for Bournemouth East, and 35.2 percentage points in Bournemouth West. This compares to the UK wide disability employment gap of 27.4 percentage points for 2020 to 2022. This is the latest period for which reliable data is available. Estimates below national level are based on smaller sample sizes and should therefore be used with caution.

What proportion of Personal Independence Payments claims are related to an ongoing mental health condition for the last 12 months for which data is available.

PIP is assessed on the needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability rather than a diagnosis. Information on claimants whose primary health condition is a mental health condition can be found on Stat Xplore. The information you need can be found on the ‘PIP Cases with Entitlement from 2019’ table. You can use the “month” filter to select the previous 12 months for which data is available, and the ‘Disability’ filter can be used to select those under mental health conditions. The “table options” setting can be used to select “percentages”. You can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest user and, if needed, you can access guidance on how to extract the information required.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) increasing the soft drinks industry levy and (b) lowering the threshold for drinks to be subject to the levy.

HM Treasury is the department responsible for taxation policy. The Department of Health and Social Care provides input and support as appropriate.Indicative analysis has been conducted by the Department to estimate the calorie reduction through reformulation and substitution to alternative drinks, and the subsequent health and economic benefits as a result of the proposed changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). This includes lowering the standard sugar threshold from 5 grams to 4 grams total sugar per 100 millilitres, and removing the current exemption for pre-packaged milk based and milk substitute drinks.Where the proposed changes to the SDIL are successful in influencing behaviour and lowering consumption of high sugar drinks, positive health and economic outcomes are expected from reduced calorie intake in diets. The indicative analysis estimates per person per day calorie reductions of 0.9 kcal in five to 10 year olds, 2.1 kcal in 11 to 18 year olds, 1.2 kcal in 19 to 64 year olds, and 0.5 kcal in those aged 65 years old and over. This is the equivalent to approximately 15 million kcals per day in children and 46 million kcals per day in adults on a population level in England. The contribution to the calorie reduction from the two proposed changes to the SDIL varies by age group, however, as an example for those aged 19 to 64 years old, the contribution is 85% for reducing the lower sugar threshold and 15% for removing the previous exemptions for milk-based and milk substitute drinks.These calorie reductions could achieve health and economic benefits of approximately £4.2 billion over 25 years, including:- reduced morbidity, which could result in reduced cost pressures to the National Health Service, resulting in NHS savings of £100 million;- wider health benefits to the population through improved quality of life, leading to reduced mortality and premature morbidity, which are estimated to be worth approximately £3.1 billion;- social care savings that could amount to £100 million; and- reduced morbidity and premature mortality, which could be expected to deliver approximately £800 million in economic output through additional labour force participation.The Department has not done an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the SDIL.

What assessment she has made of the contribution of (a) Bournemouth University, (b) Health Sciences University and (c) other higher education institutions in tackling skills gaps in the Dorset economy.

The Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), led by Dorset Chamber, identified specific skills needs across the following key sectors: health and social care, advanced manufacturing and engineering, defence and marine; construction; digital technology and creative; agriculture, agricultural biotechnology and aquaculture. It also identified cross-cutting skills needed by employers in all sectors of the local economy.Higher education providers in the area are engaging in the LSIP process and responding to the area’s identified needs in a number of ways, including by establishing new provision. As set out in the recently published LSIP Progress Report, Bournemouth University is creating five new degree apprenticeships in identified skills needs in digital marketing, accounting finance management, biomedical science, social work and midwifery to begin in September 2025. The Health Sciences University is developing four new level six apprenticeships in the areas of diagnostic radiographer, occupational therapist, podiatrist and speech and language therapist.The government wants higher education providers across the country to be fully engaged in the LSIP process and in meeting local skills needs. The updated LSIP statutory guidance, which is due for publication this autumn, will encourage designated employer representative bodies leading LSIPs to work closely with the higher education providers in their area to agree the different ways in which they can engage and support the development of the LSIP and delivery of the priorities identified within it.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of health inequalities on the (a) demand for and (b) cost of delivering NHS services in Bournemouth.

The National Health Service is responsible for determining allocations to the integrated care boards (ICBs). In allocating budgets, they have two aims: equal opportunity of access for equal need; and reducing health inequalities that are amenable to NHS healthcare. There are a range of adjustments made in the core ICB allocations formula that account for the fact that the costs of providing health care may vary in coastal areas like Bournemouth.The NHS South West Regional Team, whose area includes Bournemouth, provides assurance and support on inequalities, system performance, and productivity. Engagement with key stakeholders in the region is undertaken through the Regional Reducing Inequalities Group.In response to the NHS’s Statement on Information on Health Inequalities, NHS Dorset publishes an annual report on health inequalities which includes comprehensive information relating to the 24 health inequality indicators by ICBs as a whole, and where relevant by the NHS trust specifically. Further information on the NHS’s Statement on Information on Health Inequalities and the latest annual report on health inequalities is available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-englands-statement-on-information-on-health-inequalities/https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Health-Inequalities-annual-report-2024.pdf

What assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the cost of (a) living and (b) housing on the number of families choosing to have a child.

We know increased costs in essential areas worrying and cause hardship and hardship for many families with children. The Government is taking a comprehensive approach—providing support while addressing the structural changes necessary to fix the country's foundations. We are supporting families with everyday costs, including an uplift of over £1.6 billion per year by 2028-29 for government-funded childcare, rolling out Best Start Family Hubs to every LA in England, and extending Free School Meals eligibility to all children in England with a parent receiving Universal Credit. The Government has also extended the Household Support Fund in England which helps households facing the greatest hardship with the cost of essentials such as food, energy and water. At the Spending Review, we committed to continue investing in crisis support to enable a new Crisis and Resilience Fund, including support for housing costs and to fund councils to support some of the poorest households so that their children do not go hungry outside of term time. We also funded the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation through the Affordable Homes Programme.

With reference to her oral contribution of 12 May 2025, Official Report, column 2, whether the Personal Independent Payment assessments review will include (a) equality and (b) employment law experts.

We have launched a review of the PIP assessment, which I am leading. Through the review, we want to make sure the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future in a changing world and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence. The review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders, to ensure that a range of views and voices are heard. I have now spoken to a range of stakeholders to gather views on how best to approach the review. Proposed Terms of Reference have been published. I will engage widely over the summer to design the process for the work of the review, including to ensure that expertise from a range of different perspectives is drawn upon.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) Bournemouth University, (b) Health Sciences University and (c) other higher education institutions on the delivery of the Industrial Strategy.

The UK has some of the best universities in the world - four in the top ten – and according to research by Global University Venturing, in 2022 was second only to the US in total investment into university spin-outs. The Government recognises the contribution that Bournemouth University, Health Sciences University and other institutions make to higher education and their unique and critical role as engines for innovation and for meeting the skills needs of our growth-driving sectors and places where they concentrate. We will continue to support our universities including through Higher Education Innovation Funding, worth £280 million in 2024-2025, and as part of our broader record public investment in R&D of more than £86 billion over the Spending Review period.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle mental health barriers to employment in Bournemouth.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to cutting mental health waiting lists and intervening earlier with more timely mental health support, to help people stay in work or return to work to grow the economy and support people to thrive.Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies services bring together employment advice and support within local services, including those available to people in Bournemouth. Therapists and employment advisors support people with common mental health conditions who are in work but who are struggling or facing difficulties in the workplace, off work sick, or who are looking for work.In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced a £1 billion employment support package to support more people with health conditions, including mental ill health, back into work, unlocking opportunity and growing the economy as part of the Plan for Change.

With reference to page 3 of the report by The Association for Decentralised Energy entitled Consumer-Led Clean Power: How to Unlock Consumer-Led Flexibility for Clean Power by 2030, published in June 2025, whether he has considered introducing a consumer-led flexibility delivery board.

This Government supports significant growth in consumer-led flexibility, as set out in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. We are grateful to the Association for Decentralised Energy for its work in this area. In our Action Plan, Government committed to publishing a Flexibility Roadmap in 2025, which will set out further detail on how the benefits of such flexibility will be unlocked for the consumer. The Roadmap will include our reforms to flexibility coordination and governance.

With reference to the findings on page 14 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How to Build New Trams in the UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, whether she has considered the proposals to create a national tram standard modelled after the German common standards (a) VDV Blue Books and (b) BOStrab.

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier. Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities. My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’. The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments. In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the findings on p.18 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice.

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier. Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities. My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’. The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments. In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

With reference page 15 of Britain Remade's report entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, whether she plans to devolve the Transport and Works Act 1992 approval process to allow regional mayors to sign off on new projects.

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier. Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities. My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’. The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments. In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

With reference to page 18 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of adopting a nationwide waiver specific for utilities left in place on tram routes for Section 82 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier. Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities. My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’. The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments. In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

With reference to page 14 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, what assessment she has made creating a speciality delivery unit responsible for (a) trams, (b) metro and (c) light rail within her Department's public transport and local group.

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier. Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities. My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’. The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments. In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

With reference to page 18 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of updating the Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000 to rebalance the cost of diverting utilities from tram projects to utility companies.

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier. Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities. My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’. The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments. In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.