Written questions by Chamberlain.

What assessment he has made of waiting times in distribution connections reform.

Distribution-level projects can face significant connection delays, particularly if they could impact on the transmission network. The reformed transmission connections process, currently being implemented, should accelerate connections for many viable distribution-level projects. Furthermore, Ofgem has recently raised the threshold for distribution projects in England and Wales requiring a Transmission Impact Assessment from 1MW to 5MW, which should accelerate connections for connections below the new threshold.[1] More widely, Ofgem is reviewing the connections regulatory incentives and obligations applied to National Energy System Operator and network companies. This aims to reduce connection times where possible and improve customer service.[2] The equivalent thresholds for Scotland are under ongoing review by the Scottish network companies.[1] Decision to approve CMP446: 'Increasing the lower threshold in England and Wales for Evaluation of Transmission Impact Assessment' | Ofgem[2] Connections end-to-end review of the regulatory framework | Ofgem

What discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the resources required to deliver on its financial inclusion obligations.

The Government recognises the key role the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has in improving financial inclusion for UK consumers. This is why the FCA is part of the Financial Inclusion Committee which has been convened to develop a Financial Inclusion Strategy. The membership of the committee reflects the fact that the whole financial inclusion ecosystem will need to work together for the strategy to be a success, including government, industry, consumer representatives, and the regulator. The strategy will be published later this year and will seek to tackle a range of barriers which prevent individuals from accessing the financial services and products they need. This will include actions for the FCA to take forward as part of their responsibilities within the sector, as well as relevant metrics to monitor the strategy’s progress. The Government will work closely with the FCA to deliver the strategy and regularly engages with the FCA on this topic at ministerial and official level. In November, the Chancellor also included reinforcing financial inclusion as a matter for the FCA to have regard to in her letter of recommendation. In response to this, Nikhil Rathi noted the FCA’s support for the development of the Financial Inclusion Strategy and its collaboration with partners to help build consumers’ financial resilience.

With reference to her remit letter to the FCA on 14 November 2024, what steps her Department is taking to work with the FCA to have regard to financial inclusion.

The Government recognises the key role the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has in improving financial inclusion for UK consumers. This is why the FCA is part of the Financial Inclusion Committee which has been convened to develop a Financial Inclusion Strategy. The membership of the committee reflects the fact that the whole financial inclusion ecosystem will need to work together for the strategy to be a success, including government, industry, consumer representatives, and the regulator. The strategy will be published later this year and will seek to tackle a range of barriers which prevent individuals from accessing the financial services and products they need. This will include actions for the FCA to take forward as part of their responsibilities within the sector, as well as relevant metrics to monitor the strategy’s progress. The Government will work closely with the FCA to deliver the strategy and regularly engages with the FCA on this topic at ministerial and official level. In November, the Chancellor also included reinforcing financial inclusion as a matter for the FCA to have regard to in her letter of recommendation. In response to this, Nikhil Rathi noted the FCA’s support for the development of the Financial Inclusion Strategy and its collaboration with partners to help build consumers’ financial resilience.

What metrics her Department will use to evaluate the Financial Conduct Authority’s performance in advancing financial inclusion.

The Government recognises the key role the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has in improving financial inclusion for UK consumers. This is why the FCA is part of the Financial Inclusion Committee which has been convened to develop a Financial Inclusion Strategy. The membership of the committee reflects the fact that the whole financial inclusion ecosystem will need to work together for the strategy to be a success, including government, industry, consumer representatives, and the regulator. The strategy will be published later this year and will seek to tackle a range of barriers which prevent individuals from accessing the financial services and products they need. This will include actions for the FCA to take forward as part of their responsibilities within the sector, as well as relevant metrics to monitor the strategy’s progress. The Government will work closely with the FCA to deliver the strategy and regularly engages with the FCA on this topic at ministerial and official level. In November, the Chancellor also included reinforcing financial inclusion as a matter for the FCA to have regard to in her letter of recommendation. In response to this, Nikhil Rathi noted the FCA’s support for the development of the Financial Inclusion Strategy and its collaboration with partners to help build consumers’ financial resilience.

Innovation and Technology, what data the Government holds on levels of digital exclusion among people aged 65 and over.

Tackling digital exclusion, which disproportionately impacts certain demographics including older people, is a priority for Government. That is why we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First Steps in February 2025 which outlines the first five actions we are taking over the next year on digital inclusion.In 2025, Ofcom reported that 13% of UK households with respondents aged 65+ had no internet access, 45% did not own a laptop, and 18% did not own a smartphone. In 2024, its Online Nation Report found that 15% of UK adults aged 65-74 were not confident in their ability to stay safe online. We estimate that only 4-16% of those aged 65 or over took part in training in digital or online skills.

How many super-injunctions are in effect in the UK.

The Government does not publish data on the number of super-injunctions currently in force, due to the sensitive and often confidential nature of such orders.Where such orders are made, they are typically issued by the High Court under strict judicial oversight and may include provisions that prevent disclosure of their very existence.

What the value is of financial guarantees provided by the National Wealth Fund to support social housing retrofit loans provided by (a) NatWest Group, (b) Barclays UK Corporate Bank, (c) Lloyds Banking Group and (d) The Housing Finance Corporation since October 2024.

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) has committed £1.3bn total guarantees for social housing retrofit to help mobilise private capital into the social housing sector at scale. As of July 2025, the NWF has committed to providing guarantees of up to: a. £400m for NatWest Group2. £350m for Barclays UK Corporate Bank3. £400m for Lloyds Banking Group3. £150m for The Housing Finance Corporation.

How many in-person inspections were carried out by Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority officers on farms in Scotland in 2024; and how many (a) workers and (b) workers on the UK seasonal worker visa were spoken to at each inspection.

In 2024, 18 in-person inspection visits were undertaken by Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) officers on farms in Scotland. This figure includes compliance and enforcement inspections, as well as joint inspections with other enforcement bodies, such as UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The GLAA does not hold data on which visas are held by workers at these farms.In England and Wales, the GLAA has responsibilities to investigate reports of modern slavery. In Scotland, the primacy for this lies with Police Scotland but the GLAA support this activity to target, dismantle and disrupt serious and organised crime.

What (a) guidance, (b) training and (c) minimum standards are provided to work coaches supporting clients with learning difficulties.

All Work Coaches new to DWP receive mandatory learning to support vulnerable customers and complex needs as part of their induction and onboarding, this includes helping customer who need additional support. DWP Work Coaches also receive comprehensive training to support individuals with additional needs. This learning begins with the core Work Coach learning journey, and is reinforced through ongoing, point-of-need learning throughout their role. Key topics include: The claimant commitment – which focuses on tailoring commitments to each claimant’s circumstances and abilities.The vulnerable customer learning journey - which includes a dedicated module on learning difficulties and helping work coaches identify the appropriate support required.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 5 week wait for Universal Credit on housing arrears owed to (a) local authorities and (b) social housing providers.

No such assessment has been made. The Government is reviewing Universal Credit, to make sure it is doing the job we want it to. Procedures are in place to support customers having difficulty in managing their housing payments. Payment of housing costs and rent arrears can be made direct to landlords. Direct payment requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and can be considered at the start or at any point during the UC claim to support the tenancy for the home the customer currently lives in. The need may be identified in the Service Centre, Jobcentre or requested by the claimant, their appointee, caseworker, or landlord advising of a vulnerability, rent arrears or risk of eviction.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 17 June 2025 on Afghanistan HCWS703, if he will publish a list of people he is referring to when stating that his Department speaks "directly with Afghans and civil society to inform our policy and programming".

To maintain the privacy and security of the people with whom we engage, including those based in Afghanistan, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will not be publishing a list of Afghan and civil society contacts. Ministers and officials will continue to engage regularly with a diverse range of Afghans and civil society contacts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish the expected advisory arrangements to the Special Envoy for Afghanistan.

The UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha closed on 30 June 2025. Mr Richard Lindsay was appointed as Special Envoy to Afghanistan on 17 June. He will lead a new Afghanistan department from the UK, taking on the duties of the current Chargé d'Affaires. These changes will not affect our resolve to support the people of Afghanistan, which is unwavering.This new model will allow the UK to actively engage with a broader range of Afghans. The Special Envoy will engage the Taliban on UK priorities including counter terrorism, human rights, and humanitarian access; support intra-Afghan dialogue; engage women, religious and ethnic minorities who suffer at the hands of the Taliban; and work with regional countries on shared priorities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the (a) Special Envoy to Afghanistan and (b) Afghanistan department will be located within the Whitehall premises of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The Special Envoy to Afghanistan and the Afghanistan department operate from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's headquarters in the UK. This arrangement ensures the UK can continue to engage effectively on Afghanistan policy, including with a broad range of Afghan stakeholders, while maintaining flexibility in how and where that engagement takes place.

What steps he is taking to audit spending under the ECO 4 scheme.

Ofgem is the scheme administrator and audits progress on the ECO4 scheme. It publishes regular updates on its website https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/contacts-guidance-and-resources/eco-public-reports-and-data.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protections under the ECO 4 scheme.

ECO4 insulation measures must be installed by TrustMark registered businesses, who are required to adhere to relevant industry standards. Installations of low carbon measures must be carried out in accordance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) requirements. Improvements to consumer protection are underway and we will set out plans for root and branch reform as part of the Warm Homes Plan.

What the mean processing time was for Carer's Allowance applications in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025.

Carer’s Allowance application Average Actual Clearance Times are measured weekly. For the Carer’s Allowance figures shown here, Average Actual Clearance Time (AACT) is calculated as the average length of time (working days) from the receipt of a claim to the date the first payment was issued. Please see attached annex for details of weekly Carer’s Allowance application Average Actual Clearance Times from week commencing 2 January 2023 to week commencing 2 June 2025. Special Notes:The Average Actual Clearance Time figures are unpublished management information, collected and intended for internal departmental use and have not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics publication standard.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the under reporting of young carer numbers in the school census 2025.

The impact of caring on education has been hidden for too long. The school census data is already shining a light on this issue despite the underreporting. It has given the department hard evidence on young carer’s attendance, suspensions and exclusions, and we are aiming to publish data on their educational progress and attainment at both key stage 2 and key stage 4 this autumn.The department expects this data to continue to improve over time as the collection becomes better established, but we are looking at the ways the data is entered to see if there are technical changes that can be made to support more accurate reporting without overly burdening schools.

With reference to her Department's press release entitled Transport Secretary acts to make thousands of extra driving tests available each month, published on 23 April 2025, whether an estimate has been made of the number of number of DVSA staff members who will return to examining roles by region.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State (SoS) for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. The measures announced by SoS to make additional driving tests available each month were implemented on 1 June. It is too early to evaluate those measures, or their impact at a national or regional level.

What the median processing time for Carer's Allowance applications was in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

What the median processing time for Carer's Allowance applications was in each of the first five months of 2025.

The number of Carer’s Allowance new claim applications cleared in each month, starting November 2023, is shown below in Table 1 below. This is based upon weekly data, starting week commencing 30th October 2023 (see ‘Notes to Table 1’ for more information). For all other questions, the information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. Table 1: Number of Carer’s Allowance new claim applications cleared, by month, November 2023 to April 2025.MonthNumber of Carer’s Allowance New Claim Applications ClearedNov-2336,300Dec-2321,800Jan-2433,800Feb-2429,700Mar-2428,700Apr-2425,700May-2437,400Jun-2430,400Jul-2435,600Aug-2425,600Sep-2428,200Oct-2435,500Nov-2429,900Dec-2425,200Jan-2532,400Feb-2526,200Mar-2526,000Apr-2533,700Source: DWP Management Information Notes to Table 1:data is not seasonally adjustednumbers in thousands have been rounded to the nearest 100the monthly data shown is based on the summing of weekly management information data. Where a week falls across two calendar months, the week is attributed to the month in which the most number of working days falls. As a result, the number of weeks contributing to each month’s total volume cleared may vary across months.