Written questions by Osborne.

What government financial support is being provided for the Medway Tunnel.

Awaiting answer.

What progress has been made on the A229 Blue Bell Hill Improvement Scheme.

Awaiting answer.

Whether she is taking steps to help ensure that Memoranda of Understanding between train operators in Europe support UK operators to benefit from cross-border collaboration, network interoperability, and route

We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Germany and with Switzerland to pave the way for further direct rail connections to mainland Europe As part of these agreements, we have established formal working groups with both countries, involving rel...

What steps her Department is taking to manage risks associated with the SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames Estuary.

My Department is progressing a project to reduce the height of the three masts on the SS Richard Montgomery, which will reduce stress on the wreck. This project is currently in the process of procuring a salvage contractor to deliver this work and expects to have this contract in place in 2026.

What assessment she has made of the economic contribution of Gatwick Airport to the South East.

As this is live planning application that is yet to be decided, unfortunately I cannot comment in detail at this time. The Secretary of State will assess all evidence provided to her, by the applicant, the Examining Authority, and any parties who chose to make written representations. This will include information on economic impacts. Once the decision is made, the decision letter will set out the full rationale.

What steps her Department is taking to improve the reliability of the Thameslink service to Rainham; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of Southeastern trains making additional stops at Higham in the event of Thameslink service cancellations to Rainham.

My Department is working with Southeastern, Govia Thameslink Railway and Network Rail to address reliability issues on the Rainham route, particularly following a rise in cancellations since the beginning of the year driven by employee sickness and training demands linked to new technology.Higham station currently has two Thameslink services per hour with additional Southeastern services at peak times. Station coverage is monitored to ensure a minimum service of one train per hour in each direction and Southeastern services can be scheduled to make additional stops at Higham if required.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of penalties for reselling driving tests for profit.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced, amongst other measures, that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Blue Badge scheme to include statutory requirement to expand the offer on a shorter fixed-term basis to people with temporary mobility problems or conditions.

The Blue Badge scheme is primarily about helping people with a long-term disability, that affects their capacity to access the goods and services they need to use. Anyone may be entitled to a badge if they meet the eligibility criteria. The Department has no plans to amend the current eligibility criteria. The Department has previously issued local authorities with advice on how they could use existing powers to provide locally determined parking concessions within their areas. For example, some local authorities grant parking concessions to assist their elderly residents. The same powers could be used to help those with temporary mobility problems or conditions.

Whether she is taking steps with Kent Councils to identify further financial support for the A229 Bluebell Junction improvements.

Kent County Council plans to submit an Outline Business Case to the Department in summer 2026. If this is approved, under current arrangements the Department’s maximum funding contribution would be up to a maximum of 85% of the total estimated cost at Outline Business Case stage. This would be conditional on approval by government to a Full Business Case. The Council currently forecasts works starting in spring 2029.

What steps she is taking to help reduce driving test waiting times in (a) Medway and (b) Kent.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA’s) main priority is to reduce car practical driving test waiting times, whilst upholding road safety standards.DVSA continues to take measures to increase test availability. These include the recruitment of ...

What assessment she had made of the adequacy of the condition of local roads in Kent and Medway.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network. Kent County Council and Medway Council are the local highway authorities for different parts of the Chatham and Aylesfor...