Written questions by Dance.

Pursuant to the answer received on the 27 January 2026 on Cystic Fibrosis: Prescriptions [Question 107568], what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reviewing the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate which exempts the holder from paying the National Health Service prescription charge.

The Government has not made an assessment of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with cystic fibrosis in the Yeovil constituency. Pursuant to the answer of 27 January, no assessment has been made of the potential merits of reviewing the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with Cystic Fibrosis in Yeovil constituency.

The Government has not made an assessment of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with cystic fibrosis in the Yeovil constituency. Pursuant to the answer of 27 January, no assessment has been made of the potential merits of reviewing the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

What steps she is taking to make enrichment activities, including residential trips, (a) affordable and (b) accessible for children on free school meals in Yeovil constituency.

The government is committed to ensuring that all children and young people across England can access a variety of enrichment opportunities at school as part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity.A new Enrichment Framework will be published this academic year. It will set out benchmarks to help schools and colleges plan high-quality enrichment more strategically, with case studies and signposting to tools and resources. The framework will support schools to provide accessible and inclusive enrichment opportunities to those less likely to participate, such as pupils on free school meals.We are also working with the Department of Culture Media and Sport to deliver a £22.5 million programme to create tailored enrichment offers in up to 400 schools over 3 years, with a particular focus on underserved pupils, and will confirm the schools which will be involved in due course.

Whether the new end of treatment summaries set out in the National Cancer Plan will include guaranteed information on the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer.

The National Cancer Plan, published on 4 February, sets out several commitments and ambitions, to be delivered within the next 10 years, including end of treatment summaries.Every cancer patient will receive a summary that will inform the ongoing care they receive from neighbourhood health services. As the summary will be co-produced between the patient can their clinical team, it will reflect the patient’s own understanding of their condition and their individual needs, including personalised information and advice on secondary cancer symptoms where relevant. End of treatment summaries will link back to the patient’s personal cancer care plan, and offer a rapid route back to hospital if they need it.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the absence of in-person banking services in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the United Kingdom on individuals with mental health conditions.

The Government recognises that access to in‑person banking services can be particularly important for some customers, including blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions. The Government is committed to maintaining high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including in the Yeovil constituency, Somerset and the United Kingdom as a whole. Where banks make commercial decisions to reduce their branch network, they are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carefully consider the impact on customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs, including the needs of vulnerable customers, and to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place. The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, enabling people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. In addition, customers can access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK. Some firms also provide additional in‑person access through services such as mobile banking vans or pop‑up locations in community venues, particularly in rural and remote areas. Financial services provided by banks and building societies must comply with the FCA’s rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers. The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible. The FCA’s Handbook requires firms to identify particularly vulnerable customers, and to consider the needs of these customers appropriately. This includes blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties. Banks and building societies are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access services on an equal basis. More broadly, the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November, sets out an ambitious programme of work to improve access to financial services for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on access to banking and digital inclusion, with interventions to make financial products and services more accessible, support in-person banking services, and make it easier for individuals to access a bank account. The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the absence of in-person banking services in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the United Kingdom on individuals with learning disabilities.

The Government recognises that access to in‑person banking services can be particularly important for some customers, including blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions. The Government is committed to maintaining high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including in the Yeovil constituency, Somerset and the United Kingdom as a whole. Where banks make commercial decisions to reduce their branch network, they are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carefully consider the impact on customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs, including the needs of vulnerable customers, and to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place. The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, enabling people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. In addition, customers can access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK. Some firms also provide additional in‑person access through services such as mobile banking vans or pop‑up locations in community venues, particularly in rural and remote areas. Financial services provided by banks and building societies must comply with the FCA’s rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers. The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible. The FCA’s Handbook requires firms to identify particularly vulnerable customers, and to consider the needs of these customers appropriately. This includes blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties. Banks and building societies are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access services on an equal basis. More broadly, the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November, sets out an ambitious programme of work to improve access to financial services for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on access to banking and digital inclusion, with interventions to make financial products and services more accessible, support in-person banking services, and make it easier for individuals to access a bank account. The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a lack of in-person banking services in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the United Kingdom on (i) blind and (ii) partially sighted people.

The Government recognises that access to in‑person banking services can be particularly important for some customers, including blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions. The Government is committed to maintaining high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including in the Yeovil constituency, Somerset and the United Kingdom as a whole. Where banks make commercial decisions to reduce their branch network, they are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carefully consider the impact on customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs, including the needs of vulnerable customers, and to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place. The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, enabling people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. In addition, customers can access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK. Some firms also provide additional in‑person access through services such as mobile banking vans or pop‑up locations in community venues, particularly in rural and remote areas. Financial services provided by banks and building societies must comply with the FCA’s rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers. The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible. The FCA’s Handbook requires firms to identify particularly vulnerable customers, and to consider the needs of these customers appropriately. This includes blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties. Banks and building societies are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access services on an equal basis. More broadly, the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November, sets out an ambitious programme of work to improve access to financial services for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on access to banking and digital inclusion, with interventions to make financial products and services more accessible, support in-person banking services, and make it easier for individuals to access a bank account. The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with counterparts in the European Union on whether British residents will continue to be able to use existing EU-issued pet passports after 22 April 2026.

Pets leaving Great Britain must comply with the relevant requirements as determined by the country of destination. The Government always advises pet owners to consult with the relevant authorities in the country of destination if any pet travel requirements for movements from Great Britain are unclear. The Government understands that updated EU rules governing the non‑commercial movement of pets into the EU are scheduled to come into force on 22 April 2026. The EU has yet to publish guidance on how its updated rules will be applied and any relevant transitional arrangements. The Government is actively working to confirm the details of the new requirements with the EU and will update the guidance to pet owners on the relevant documentary requirements once the EU have confirmed its position.

Food and Rural Affairs, when the scheme for Withdrawal of Certificates of Exemption for Dogs Wrongly Registered as XL Bullies will be (a) finalised and (b) implemented.

The Government is continuing to develop a withdrawal scheme so that owners who no longer believe that their dog is an XL Bully type can apply to have their certificate of exemption withdrawn.The Government does not have a definitive timeline for when this process will be available. Officials are working diligently to develop the withdrawal scheme as soon as possible and further details will be shared once finalised.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of producing a horticulture strategy.

The Government is committed to the horticulture sector and its role in providing fresh, home‑grown produce that helps feed the nation. The sector’s needs are being addressed through steps we are taking to support increased domestic production. Building on this work, the Secretary of State has announced the Farming & Food Partnership Board to oversee a series of sector growth plans, the first of which will focus on horticulture. This approach is aimed at boosting productivity and profitability, reducing costs and opening new markets in ways that support health and environmental goals, with the first plan focused on the horticulture sector.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of installing air filtration systems in schools in England.

The department regularly reviews its guidance to ensure that it aligns with best practice and industry standards, supporting the delivery of high quality school environments.The department has assessed the suitability of using air cleaning units, and the relevant information is included in our guidance on ventilation and indoor air quality in education and childcare settings, which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-education-and-childcare-settings/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-education-and-childcare-settings.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026 to Question 119636 on Shops: Rural Areas, what his planned timeline is for the publication of a new High Streets Strategy.

We will publish the High Streets Strategy later this year. The Strategy will be backed by £301 million investment in High Street Innovation Partnerships to help reimagine and revive some of the country’s most struggling high streets. We will set out further information in due course

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to help tackle furniture poverty in rural communities across (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) England.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 84054 on 3 November 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with representatives from the farming community on access to health food in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the South West.

Defra Minister’s and officials meet with a range of stakeholders based on policy need.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to Skills Bootcamp funding on the ability of the scheme to adapt to market and employer needs in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) England.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 February 2026 to Question UIN 113868.

Communities and Local Government, whether he is taking steps is to strengthen legal protections for those with shared ownership properties in Yeovil constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 101061 on 6 January 2026.

Communities and Local Government, what steps is he taking to strengthen protections for owners of shared ownership properties in Yeovil constituency from unaddressed instances of dangerous mould.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 101061 on 6 January 2026.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of cyber governance regulations on business growth in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset, and (c) England.

The Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill was introduced in November 2025 to increase UK defences against cyber attacks. These reforms will ensure the UK economy is better protected than ever by securing the most important essential and digital services and suppliers which businesses and public services rely on.The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology produced an Impact Assessment for the introduction of the Bill that identifies the expected impact the legislation will have on regulated entities. The assessment highlights that cyber security is a critical enabler of economic growth, and it is expected that the improved security resulting from businesses adhering to the regulations will mean the benefits of adherence outweigh the cost of adherence. Further analysis will be undertaken for relevant secondary legislation to support the implementation of the Bill, and the Impact Assessment will be updated upon Royal Assent.The government's forthcoming Modernising Corporate Reporting consultation will provide an opportunity for users of corporate reporting to comment on the effectiveness of the existing risk reporting framework which includes businesses' cyber risk reporting and the Department for Business and Trade will consider the impact on business growth of any changes to risk reporting following this consultation.

Pursuant to the answer of 06.01.2026 to question 103582 on Tourette’s Syndrome: Health Services, what steps he is taking to continue to minimise waiting times for Tourette’s diagnosis.

The commissioning of services for Tourette’s syndrome is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs), which have a legal duty to plan comprehensive health services for their populations, including for conditions like Tourette’s. While Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has not been directly approached to promote these e-learning modules, it would welcome reviewing the content and, if appropriate, would be happy to share more widely.Cutting waiting lists is a key priority for the Government, including for neurology services. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the number of incomplete neurology pathways was reduced by 15,500, from 234,720 to 219,221, and the average waiting time for neurology services fell from 16.2 to 15.2 weeks. Over the same period, the proportion of patients seen within 18 weeks increased to around 57%, up from around 54% the previous year. We remain committed to returning to the NHS constitutional standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment by March 2029. As part of the Elective Reform Plan, we are investing in additional capacity and reforming outpatient services to help bring waiting times down, recognising that neurology is a particularly challenged specialty.NHS England’s Neuroscience Transformation Programme is supporting ICBs to improve pathways, reduce unwarranted variation and provide care closer to home for neurology patients, including for patients with Tourette’s.The Mental Health Act 2025 is a critical foundation to ensure that people with the most severe mental health conditions get better, more personalised care, and have greater choice and control over their treatment. NHS England’s mental health, learning disability and autism inpatient quality transformation programme will support cultural change and a new model of care for the future across all NHS-funded mental health inpatient settings. Local health systems have now published their three-year plans for localising and realigning inpatient care in line with this vision.

Pursuant to the answer of 06.01.2026 to question 103582 on Tourette’s Syndrome: Health Services, what assessment he has made of the quality of management of Tourette’s in mental health hospitals.

The commissioning of services for Tourette’s syndrome is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs), which have a legal duty to plan comprehensive health services for their populations, including for conditions like Tourette’s. While Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has not been directly approached to promote these e-learning modules, it would welcome reviewing the content and, if appropriate, would be happy to share more widely.Cutting waiting lists is a key priority for the Government, including for neurology services. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the number of incomplete neurology pathways was reduced by 15,500, from 234,720 to 219,221, and the average waiting time for neurology services fell from 16.2 to 15.2 weeks. Over the same period, the proportion of patients seen within 18 weeks increased to around 57%, up from around 54% the previous year. We remain committed to returning to the NHS constitutional standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment by March 2029. As part of the Elective Reform Plan, we are investing in additional capacity and reforming outpatient services to help bring waiting times down, recognising that neurology is a particularly challenged specialty.NHS England’s Neuroscience Transformation Programme is supporting ICBs to improve pathways, reduce unwarranted variation and provide care closer to home for neurology patients, including for patients with Tourette’s.The Mental Health Act 2025 is a critical foundation to ensure that people with the most severe mental health conditions get better, more personalised care, and have greater choice and control over their treatment. NHS England’s mental health, learning disability and autism inpatient quality transformation programme will support cultural change and a new model of care for the future across all NHS-funded mental health inpatient settings. Local health systems have now published their three-year plans for localising and realigning inpatient care in line with this vision.