Written questions by Pinkerton.

What steps his Department is taking to increase social care capacity to support the timely discharge of medically fit patients in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government is committed to tackling delayed discharges to ensure that people do not spend longer than necessary in hospital and to free up hospital beds. This year approximately £9 billion has been committed to the Better Care Fund (BCF) which requires integrated care boards and local authorities to make joint plans and pool budgets to deliver better joined-up care. This funding can be used flexibly to expand social care capacity, including home care and short-term reablement services.From 2026/27, we will reform the BCF to ensure consistent joint funding for services essential to integrated health and social care such as hospital discharge, intermediate care, rehabilitation, and reablement.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in the frequency of severe weather events on flood management infrastructure in Surrey Heath constituency.

Across all catchments in the Thames area, including those in Surrey and Surrey Heath, the Environment Agency (EA) continues to monitor potential flood risk, and its field staff have undertaken flood runs clearing debris. The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (LRF) brings together all agencies, including local authorities, with a significant role to play in responding to and recovering from the effects of emergencies, such as flooding. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic emergencies. The EA works closely with Surrey Prepared, a subgroup of Surrey LRF that looks at flood resilience across the wider county. The EA has recently produced new flood risk modelling of the Addlestone Bourne catchment. This was published as part of wider improvements earlier this year, providing greater understanding of the flood risk posed to our communities.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments for children with (a) ADHD or (b) Autism in (i) Surrey and (ii) the Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including provision of autism and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.The NICE guidance for the diagnosis of autism recommends that the length between referral and first appointment should be no more than 13 weeks. We know that this is not happening routinely across the country. In respect of ADHD, the NICE guideline does not recommend a maximum waiting time for people to receive an assessment for ADHD or a diagnosis, however it sets out best practice on providing a diagnosis.Through the NHS Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of potential flood risk arising from heavy rainfall in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

Across all catchments in the Thames area, including those in Surrey and Surrey Heath, the Environment Agency (EA) continues to monitor potential flood risk, and its field staff have undertaken flood runs clearing debris. The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (LRF) brings together all agencies, including local authorities, with a significant role to play in responding to and recovering from the effects of emergencies, such as flooding. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic emergencies. The EA works closely with Surrey Prepared, a subgroup of Surrey LRF that looks at flood resilience across the wider county. The EA has recently produced new flood risk modelling of the Addlestone Bourne catchment. This was published as part of wider improvements earlier this year, providing greater understanding of the flood risk posed to our communities.

What steps he is taking to help ensure the resilience of electricity during severe weather events in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy network. The Government works closely with the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience of energy infrastructure against risks including severe weather events, such as storms. This includes working with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the Distribution Network Operator for Surrey and Surrey Heath Constituency. Ahead of this winter period, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have assessed industry resilience and preparedness for winter risks, including severe weather, and have provided assurance to my department that the electricity network operators are prepared for these risks.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the public health impacts of loneliness in Surrey Heath constituency.

The most recent Community Life Survey, which also looks at data on a local authority level, shows that 7% of adults in England (over three million people) say they are lonely. This Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation, including in Surrey and Surrey Heath. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men’s Health Strategy. This government funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online community which enables over 1000 members to connect across sectors in England, share insights, and collaborate. My department is currently exploring how to make the Hub even more accessible to a broader range of people whose work can reduce loneliness and improve social connection.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to reduce loneliness among (a) younger and (b) older demographics in Surrey Heath constituency.

The most recent Community Life Survey, which also looks at data on a local authority level, shows that 7% of adults in England (over three million people) say they are lonely. This Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation, including in Surrey and Surrey Heath. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men’s Health Strategy. This government funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online community which enables over 1000 members to connect across sectors in England, share insights, and collaborate. My department is currently exploring how to make the Hub even more accessible to a broader range of people whose work can reduce loneliness and improve social connection.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of prolonged waiting times for ADHD assessment on children’s (a) wellbeing and (b) educational outcomes in (i) Surrey and (ii) the Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including provision of autism and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.The NICE guidance for the diagnosis of autism recommends that the length between referral and first appointment should be no more than 13 weeks. We know that this is not happening routinely across the country. In respect of ADHD, the NICE guideline does not recommend a maximum waiting time for people to receive an assessment for ADHD or a diagnosis, however it sets out best practice on providing a diagnosis.Through the NHS Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of levels of local authority preparedness to respond to flood alerts in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

Across all catchments in the Thames area, including those in Surrey and Surrey Heath, the Environment Agency (EA) continues to monitor potential flood risk, and its field staff have undertaken flood runs clearing debris. The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (LRF) brings together all agencies, including local authorities, with a significant role to play in responding to and recovering from the effects of emergencies, such as flooding. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic emergencies. The EA works closely with Surrey Prepared, a subgroup of Surrey LRF that looks at flood resilience across the wider county. The EA has recently produced new flood risk modelling of the Addlestone Bourne catchment. This was published as part of wider improvements earlier this year, providing greater understanding of the flood risk posed to our communities.

Whether he will make an assessment of the adequacy of local capacity to meet increases in demand for (a) ADHD and (b) Autism assessments in (i) Surrey and (ii) Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including provision of autism and ADHD services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.The NICE guidance for the diagnosis of autism recommends that the length between referral and first appointment should be no more than 13 weeks. We know that this is not happening routinely across the country. In respect of ADHD, the NICE guideline does not recommend a maximum waiting time for people to receive an assessment for ADHD or a diagnosis, however it sets out best practice on providing a diagnosis.Through the NHS Medium-term planning framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of (a) loneliness and (b) social isolation in (i) Surrey and (ii) Surrey Heath constituency.

The most recent Community Life Survey, which also looks at data on a local authority level, shows that 7% of adults in England (over three million people) say they are lonely. This Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation, including in Surrey and Surrey Heath. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men’s Health Strategy. This government funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online community which enables over 1000 members to connect across sectors in England, share insights, and collaborate. My department is currently exploring how to make the Hub even more accessible to a broader range of people whose work can reduce loneliness and improve social connection.

How the Department plans to monitor the potential impact of changes to independent school fees on (a) schools and (b) services in Surrey Heath constituency.

The department does not monitor impact on changes to private school fees. This is a matter for individual schools.

What steps his Department is taking to support increased participation in apprenticeships among young people in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

This government is transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer that will give greater flexibility to employers and support young people, including those in Surrey, at the beginning of their careers. In August, we introduced new foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills. They are underpinned by additional funding for employers of up to £2,000 to contribute to the extra costs of supporting someone at the beginning of their career. More recently, we have announced an ambition to support 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships and backed this with an additional £725 million of investment. This will enable us to expand foundation apprenticeships into sectors that traditionally recruit young people. It also provides £140 million to pilot new approaches, with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, to better connect young people aged 16–24, especially those who are NEET, to local apprenticeship opportunities. In addition, from the next academic year, the government will fully fund apprenticeships for non-levy paying employers (essentially small and medium sized enterprises) for all eligible people aged under 25. At the moment, this only happens for apprentices aged 16-21 and apprentices aged 22-24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or have been, or are, in local authority care. We also provide £1,000 to both employers and training providers when they take on apprentices aged under 19, or 19-to-24-year-old apprentices who have an EHCP or have been, or are, in care. Employers also benefit from not being required to pay anything towards employees’ National Insurance for all apprentices aged up to age 25, when the employee’s wage is below £50,270 a year. The government also facilitates and funds the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) which comprises 2,500 employers and apprentices who volunteer to promote the benefits of apprenticeships. It operates across all parts of England, including in Surrey, through nine regional networks which provide buddying and mentoring support to small businesses to help them recruit and retain apprentices.

What recent assessment he has made of trends in levels of youth unemployment and economic inactivity in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

This Government is investing in young people’s futures. At the Budget, we announced more than £1.5 billion of investment over the next three years, including funding £820 million for the expanded Youth Guarantee to support young people to earn or learn, and an additional £725 million for the Growth and Skills Levy to help support apprenticeships for young people.Through the expanded Youth Guarantee, young people aged 16-24 across Great Britain are set to benefit from further support into employment and learning, including:Support to find a job: For young people on Universal Credit who are looking for work, we are introducing a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, which over the next three years will offer nearly 900,000 16–24-year-olds a dedicated session, followed by four weeks of additional intensive support with a Work Coach. This new support will identify specific work, training, or learning opportunities locally for each young person and ensure they are supported to take those up. This support could be delivered at a Youth Hub.Further expansion of Youth Hubs: We are expanding our network of Youth Hubs to over 360 locations so that all young people – including those not on benefits – can access opportunities and wider support in every local area of Great Britain. Youth Hubs will bring together partners from health, skills and the voluntary sector, working closely with Mayors and local authorities to deliver joined-up community-based support. Across Surrey, there are currently five Youth Hubs across Surrey based in Camberley, Weybridge, Staines, Mole Valley and Woking.c300,000 additional opportunities for workplace experience and training: For young people on Universal Credit who are looking for work, we will create up to 150,000 additional work experience placements and up to 145,000 additional bespoke training opportunities designed in partnership with employers – Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). At the end of each SWAP, employers offer a guaranteed job interview to participants.Guaranteeing jobs: For long-term unemployed 18–21-year-olds on Universal Credit, the Jobs Guarantee scheme will provide six months of paid employment. This will reach around 55,000 young people over the next three years. We know young people need support quickly and that is why we will begin delivery of the Jobs Guarantee in six areas from spring 2026 in: Birmingham & Solihull, East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire & Essex, Central & East Scotland, Southwest & Southeast Wales. We will deliver over 1,000 job starts in the first six months in these six areas. This will be followed by national roll-out of the Jobs Guarantee across Great Britain.Prevention: We are also making it easier to identify young people who need support, by investing in better data sharing for those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), further education attendance monitoring, and new risk of NEET data tools giving local areas more accurate insights to target support where it's needed most. We are also investing in work experience opportunities for young people at particular risk of becoming NEET, focused on pupils in state-funded Alternative Provision settings (education provided outside mainstream or special schools for children who cannot attend a regular school, often due to exclusion, health needs, or other circumstances). This builds on measures announced in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper earlier this autumn.Growth and Skills Levy £725 million package of reforms includes fully funding SME apprenticeships for eligible people aged under 25, and £140 million pilot of new approaches to better connect young people aged 16-24, especially those who are NEET, to local apprenticeship opportunities. These are important steps in the government’s ambition to support 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships, which will also be supported by expanding foundation apprenticeships into sectors that traditionally recruit young people.The information requested on trends in levels of youth unemployment and economic inactivity is published and available at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp and the guidance for users can be found at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp.The estimated trends can be found by selecting “Query data” on the NOMIS home page and selecting “Annual Population Survey/Labour Force Survey” and then “annual population survey (Dec 2004 to Jun 2025)” in the lists of data sources. The Geography will need to be set for the relevant county and Westminster constituency from the menu, and then, in the Variable menu, Category set to “Unemployment rate” from the drop-down list to access 16-24 year old unemployment, and the Category set to “Economically inactive by age” for the economically inactive aged 16-24.

What steps are being taken to ensure that all pupils are able to pursue (a) creative or (b) vocational education pathways in Surrey Heath constituency.

The government will consult shortly on an improved version of Progress 8 that balances a strong academic core with breadth and student choice. It will recognise the value of subjects, including the arts, which strengthen our economy and society, and the importance of a broad pre-16 curriculum.The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out our vision for a world-leading skills system that breaks down barriers to opportunity, meets student and employers’ needs, widens access to high quality education and training, supports innovation, research, and development, and improves people’s lives.We plan to introduce V-Levels, which will become the only pathway for vocational qualifications at level 3 for 16-19 year olds and two clear post-16 pathways at level 2, alongside technical and academic pathways. We have launched a consultation on these measures, which will close on 12 January 2026.The department is providing £36.5 million for the Music and Dance Scheme this academic year, with future funding to be announced in due course. The scheme provides access for all students in the UK to high quality training in music and dance, such as at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey and the Royal Ballet School in Richmond upon Thames.

What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of financial support schemes for pupils pursuing specialist (a) musical or (b) dance training in Surrey Heath constituency.

The government will consult shortly on an improved version of Progress 8 that balances a strong academic core with breadth and student choice. It will recognise the value of subjects, including the arts, which strengthen our economy and society, and the importance of a broad pre-16 curriculum.The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out our vision for a world-leading skills system that breaks down barriers to opportunity, meets student and employers’ needs, widens access to high quality education and training, supports innovation, research, and development, and improves people’s lives.We plan to introduce V-Levels, which will become the only pathway for vocational qualifications at level 3 for 16-19 year olds and two clear post-16 pathways at level 2, alongside technical and academic pathways. We have launched a consultation on these measures, which will close on 12 January 2026.The department is providing £36.5 million for the Music and Dance Scheme this academic year, with future funding to be announced in due course. The scheme provides access for all students in the UK to high quality training in music and dance, such as at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey and the Royal Ballet School in Richmond upon Thames.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of access to (a) specialist arts or (b) vocational training for young people in Surrey Heath constituency.

The government will consult shortly on an improved version of Progress 8 that balances a strong academic core with breadth and student choice. It will recognise the value of subjects, including the arts, which strengthen our economy and society, and the importance of a broad pre-16 curriculum.The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out our vision for a world-leading skills system that breaks down barriers to opportunity, meets student and employers’ needs, widens access to high quality education and training, supports innovation, research, and development, and improves people’s lives.We plan to introduce V-Levels, which will become the only pathway for vocational qualifications at level 3 for 16-19 year olds and two clear post-16 pathways at level 2, alongside technical and academic pathways. We have launched a consultation on these measures, which will close on 12 January 2026.The department is providing £36.5 million for the Music and Dance Scheme this academic year, with future funding to be announced in due course. The scheme provides access for all students in the UK to high quality training in music and dance, such as at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey and the Royal Ballet School in Richmond upon Thames.

What recent assessment she has made of trends in the prevalence of mobile phone use while driving in Surrey Heath constituency.

No assessment has been made by the Department for Transport.The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced. The Police are operationally independent and they will investigate each case according to its individual merits taking appropriate action.

What steps he is taking to tackle pensioner poverty in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

The State Pension remains the foundation of our support for pensioners, and our commitment to maintain the Triple Lock throughout this Parliament will ensure its value continues to rise over time. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the basic and new State Pensions will, increase by 4.8% in April 2026, benefitting over 12 million pensioners by up to £575. It also means the new State Pension is set to rise by over £2,000 over this Parliament. Pension Credit continues to provide vital financial support for pensioners who, for whatever reason, find themselves on a low income. It does this by guaranteeing a minimum level of income - called the Standard Minimum Guarantee - which will also, subject to Parliamentary approval, increase by 4.8%, protecting the most vulnerable pensioners.Crucially, receipt of Pension Credit also opens the door to other financial support, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax support and help with NHS costs as well as help with fuel bills and a free TV licence for those over 75. Maximising the take-up of Pension Credit remains a key priority. That is why we have been running the biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign, promoting Pension Credit to eligible pensioners and their family and friends. The latest campaign burst started in September and activity is planned until the end of the financial year. Our campaign features adverts on television and 'video on demand', radio (including Greatest Hits radio, Hits Radio Lincolnshire, Classic FM and Smooth), social media, digital screens in GP surgeries and Post Offices (13 locations in Lincolnshire), as well as press activity (including advertorials in the Lincolnshire Echo, Grantham Journal, Lincolnshire Free Press, Spalding Guardian and the Stamford Mercury).For households facing financial hardship, the Household Support Fund remains available, with funding extended to March 2026.

Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help improve voter participation in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Department is taking forward a comprehensive programme of work to improve voter participation. This work is being designed in close collaboration with the Electoral Commission, local authorities, think tanks, academics and civil society organisations.It is focused on identifying the attitudinal and knowledge barriers that prevent groups with historically low participation from engaging fully in the democratic process, and on considering the most effective interventions to address these challenges. This work will continue to inform targeted actions to support greater participation in constituencies.