Written questions by Chamberlain.

How many and what proportion of applications for Carer's Allowance received in each month since 1 November 2025 were processed in (a) under 20, (b) 21 to 40, (c) 41 to 50, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70, (f) 71 to 80, (g) 81 to 90, (h) 91 to 100, (i) 101 to 110, (j) 111 to 120, and (k) 121 or more days.

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.

How many applications for Care's Allowance have been processed by her Department in each month since 1 November 2023; and how many and what proportion of those applications took (a) between six and nine months and (b) more than nine months to be processed.

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.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government support for independent veterinary practices.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating the companion animal veterinary sector. Defra will consider any recommendations from the CMA once their work has concluded.

What discussions she has had with mainstream banks on the supply of affordable credit.

The development of the Financial Inclusion Strategy is being informed by a committee of industry and consumer representatives I chair, (including banks), ahead of its publication later this year. The strategy will examine the barriers consumers face and further action what more industry and Government can take in partnership to address them, including a focus on how to increase access to affordable credit. This workstream is being considered by a dedicated sub-committee which includes both financial services firms and consumer representative organisations.Action to improve financial inclusion will require a joined-up approach across the Government, the financial services sector, and civil society. The Government is engaging extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of expertise and frontline perspectives.

What steps she is taking to ensure that the whole financial services sector is involved in the delivery of the Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The development of the Financial Inclusion Strategy is being informed by a committee of industry and consumer representatives I chair, (including banks), ahead of its publication later this year. The strategy will examine the barriers consumers face and further action what more industry and Government can take in partnership to address them, including a focus on how to increase access to affordable credit. This workstream is being considered by a dedicated sub-committee which includes both financial services firms and consumer representative organisations.Action to improve financial inclusion will require a joined-up approach across the Government, the financial services sector, and civil society. The Government is engaging extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of expertise and frontline perspectives.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring sustainable fishing by boats operating in UK waters.

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues on a wide range of issues related to fisheries, including ensuring that vessels operating in UK waters do so legally and in a sustainable manner.

With reference to the White Paper entitled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 2025, if she will make it her policy to (a) consult on and (b) publish an implementation timetable for the proposed reforms to the basic compliance assessment metrics.

The Home Office regularly engages with a range of stakeholders when developing policy. The implementation timetable, transitional arrangements, and further details of the reforms to the Basic Compliance Assessment will be confirmed in due course.

With reference to proposed reforms to the Basic Compliance Assessment in the White Paper entitled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 2025, if she will consult with (a) sponsoring institutions and (b) bodies representing them on the implementation of those reforms.

The Home Office regularly engages with a range of stakeholders when developing policy. The implementation timetable, transitional arrangements, and further details of the reforms to the Basic Compliance Assessment will be confirmed in due course.

With reference to the White Paper entitled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 2025, if she will make it her policy to implement a transition period for compliance with basic compliance assessment metrics by sponsoring institutions.

The Home Office regularly engages with a range of stakeholders when developing policy. The implementation timetable, transitional arrangements, and further details of the reforms to the Basic Compliance Assessment will be confirmed in due course.

With reference to the White paper entitled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 2025, whether the decision to implement the international student levy will fall under the devolved powers of the Scottish Government.

I refer the hon. Member for North East Fife to the answer of 30 May 2025 to Question HL7427.

What progress she has made on developing a national financial inclusion strategy.

I have convened a Financial Inclusion Committee of industry and consumer representatives to develop the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, which will be published later this year. The strategy will tackle a range of issues, including access to affordable credit, digital inclusion, and financial capability and education. I am meeting with the Committee in June to discuss potential strategy interventions.

What assessment she has made of the efficiency of the Royal Mail First Class service in delivering letters of notification on driving suspensions from the DVLA.

When a driving licence is revoked, the law requires that the notice of revocation must be served in writing to the licence holder. The letter notifying the individual of the revocation is sent by first class post and the licence is revoked two working days from the date the letter is posted.The Royal Mail aims to deliver over 90 per cent of first-class post by the next working day, including Saturdays. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency already makes allowances for Bank Holidays and non-working days.

With reference to the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, published on 18 March 2025, how Scottish claimants would access the health element of Universal Credit, in the context of the planned use of the single Personal Independence Payment assessment for this purpose.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March 2025, sets out our plans to reform health and disability benefits and employment support and opened a consultation on certain reforms. The consultation extends to Scotland, but the proposals will only apply to UK Government’s areas of responsibility. DWP Ministers are engaging with Scottish Government throughout the consultation period and beyond. The interactions of the reformed system, in particular the abolition of the Work Capability Assessment and the introduction of a PIP passporting model and the implications for Devolved Governments, will need to be fully considered before being implemented. This will be particularly important in Scotland as PIP is devolved and has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment, so we will carefully consider how entitlement to the UC health element will be determined for people in Scotland. DWP currently treats Scottish Government’s disability benefits in the same way as the equivalent DWP benefits for the purposes of reserved premia and additions. Whilst this will be kept under review, it will in any event be necessary for the UK Government to ensure that people in Scotland are not disadvantaged in the reserved benefit system compared with people in England and Wales.

What discussions she has had with her counterpart in the Scottish government on the proposed changes to eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March 2025, sets out our plans to reform health and disability benefits and employment support and opened a consultation on certain reforms. The consultation extends to Scotland, but the proposals will only apply to UK Government’s areas of responsibility. DWP Ministers are engaging with Scottish Government throughout the consultation period and beyond. The interactions of the reformed system, in particular the abolition of the Work Capability Assessment and the introduction of a PIP passporting model and the implications for Devolved Governments, will need to be fully considered before being implemented. This will be particularly important in Scotland as PIP is devolved and has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment, so we will carefully consider how entitlement to the UC health element will be determined for people in Scotland. DWP currently treats Scottish Government’s disability benefits in the same way as the equivalent DWP benefits for the purposes of reserved premia and additions. Whilst this will be kept under review, it will in any event be necessary for the UK Government to ensure that people in Scotland are not disadvantaged in the reserved benefit system compared with people in England and Wales.

With reference to her Department's consultation Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, updated 7 April 2025, whether she plans to amend eligibility to (a) disability premiums and (b) other passported benefits in Scotland.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March 2025, sets out our plans to reform health and disability benefits and employment support and opened a consultation on certain reforms. The consultation extends to Scotland, but the proposals will only apply to UK Government’s areas of responsibility. DWP Ministers are engaging with Scottish Government throughout the consultation period and beyond. The interactions of the reformed system, in particular the abolition of the Work Capability Assessment and the introduction of a PIP passporting model and the implications for Devolved Governments, will need to be fully considered before being implemented. This will be particularly important in Scotland as PIP is devolved and has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment, so we will carefully consider how entitlement to the UC health element will be determined for people in Scotland. DWP currently treats Scottish Government’s disability benefits in the same way as the equivalent DWP benefits for the purposes of reserved premia and additions. Whilst this will be kept under review, it will in any event be necessary for the UK Government to ensure that people in Scotland are not disadvantaged in the reserved benefit system compared with people in England and Wales.

What discussions he is having with the Scottish Government on support for the hospitality and tourism industry in Scotland.

Hospitality and tourism play a huge role in the cultural and economic well-being of Scotland. Indeed, the Secretary of State was a publican himself. The Scotland Office has regular engagement with key stakeholders in the sector, such as the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Scottish Hospitality Group. I continue to engage with counterparts in the Scottish Government on a range of issues, including support for these vital industries, and we remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure the sector can thrive now and in the future.

Pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 39218 on Infrastructure, whether his Department plans to implement recommendation 27 of the report by the National Infrastructure Commission entitled Second National Infrastructure Assessment, published on 1 October 2023.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is the lead department for recommendation 27. The Government will draw on the National Infrastructure Commission’s analysis for the forthcoming 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, which HMT is due to publish in June. My officials are working with DSIT, Ofcom, and Ofgem to support the identification of the future telecommunications requirements of the energy sector.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department undertakes Child Rights Impact Assessments for international development policies.

As a ratifier of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights and wellbeing of children. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not undertake mandatory Child Rights Impact Assessments, but it is FCDO policy to consider the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), which includes age, and Safeguarding responsibilities across our policies and investments.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing VAT from children's bikes on levels of take up of cycling among children and young people.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates. In some cases, reliefs do not represent good value for money, as there is no guarantee that savings will be passed on to consumers. The Government has no plans to remove VAT on children’s bikes.

What progress she has made on simplifying the Pension Credit application form (a) in paper and (b) online.

As the Department continues to modernise the Pension Credit service, we review the user experience, balancing simplification of application with capturing the right information to ensure accuracy of award. A key objective of DWP’s Service Modernisation Programme is to utilise end user research to understand how the application process should operate in the future and consider the opportunities on how services can be more user friendly and easily accessible for citizens. To that end we are streamlining all Pension Credit application routes by using information held internally to reduce the number of questions the citizen must answer.Claims for Pension Credit can be made online, by telephone or by post. By far, the most popular way to claim is online where a claim can be made 24/7 with the help of a family member, a friend or a third party. Via the online service, the maximum number of questions a person needs to answer is 48; for some customers it can be as few as 35 questions. As a result, the online claim form now takes just 16 minutes on average to complete, with 90 per cent of new customers applying using the simple online form, or over the phone.With the telephone service, the caller will be guided through the claim process. We will keep the Pension Credit application process under review.