Written questions by Pinkerton.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of data-sharing arrangements between the (a) DVLA, (b) police forces and (c) local authorities in tracking cloned vehicle registration marks.

There are established data sharing arrangements in place which allow the police and local authorities to lawfully obtain up to date information about vehicles and their registered keepers. The police can also access details held on the Register of Number Plate Suppliers upon request. The table below shows the number of occasions where members of the public have contacted the DVLA about correspondence, fines or penalties that they have received from third parties about the use of vehicles which they do not recognise or accept responsibility for. The table also includes the number of replacement vehicle registration numbers the DVLA has issued following receipt of these notifications. Replacement registration numbers are provided free of charge but the purchase of new number plates is the responsibility of the registered keeper. It is important to note that potential cloning is just one of the possible reasons why someone might receive such correspondence. A proportion of these cases will have been made as a result of errors, for example where a vehicle registration number has been entered incorrectly. Information about how many of these cases resulted in penalties, fines or enforcement action being withdrawn from affected motorists is not held.Calendar YearNumber of reportsNumber of replacement VRNs20207,37711220217,4306120227,83710120239,84887202410,4611362025 (to 31/10)9,385137 Information on the total costs to motorists as a result of vehicle cloning incidents is not available.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of driving test backlogs on (a) rural and (b) semi-rural communities.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers, particularly those living in rural and semi-rural communities.The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, particularly in rural areas where a driving licence is vital for accessing jobs and training, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.DVSA is committed to providing its customers, including those in rural and semi-rural areas, with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.

What recent steps her Department has taken to reduce driving test waiting times for young drivers in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access.On 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA would take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times, and announced further actions. The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, particularly in rural areas where a driving licence is vital for accessing jobs and training, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. Driving instructors are not directly employed by DVSA and DVSA has no control over what approved driving instructors charge for their services including lessons, test fees, and vehicle hire. To help with costs, learners might wish to consider private practice with family or friends. Guidance on supervising a learner driver is available on the ‘Ready to Pass?’ website as well as on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/guidance/supervise-a-learner-driver.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of driving test waiting times on the (a) mental health and (b) wellbeing of learner drivers in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access.On 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA would take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times, and announced further actions. The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, particularly in rural areas where a driving licence is vital for accessing jobs and training, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. Driving instructors are not directly employed by DVSA and DVSA has no control over what approved driving instructors charge for their services including lessons, test fees, and vehicle hire. To help with costs, learners might wish to consider private practice with family or friends. Guidance on supervising a learner driver is available on the ‘Ready to Pass?’ website as well as on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/guidance/supervise-a-learner-driver.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of additional driving lessons caused by driving test booking backlogs in Surrey Heath constituency on families.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access.On 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA would take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times, and announced further actions. The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, particularly in rural areas where a driving licence is vital for accessing jobs and training, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. Driving instructors are not directly employed by DVSA and DVSA has no control over what approved driving instructors charge for their services including lessons, test fees, and vehicle hire. To help with costs, learners might wish to consider private practice with family or friends. Guidance on supervising a learner driver is available on the ‘Ready to Pass?’ website as well as on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/guidance/supervise-a-learner-driver.

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for (a) Education and (b) Work and Pensions on the potential impact of driving test backlogs on young people’s access to (i) training and (ii) employment in the South East.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times, and announced further actions. The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, particularly in rural areas where a driving licence is vital for accessing jobs and training, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

What estimate the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has made of the total cost to motorists of vehicle registration mark cloning incidents in each of the last five years.

There are established data sharing arrangements in place which allow the police and local authorities to lawfully obtain up to date information about vehicles and their registered keepers. The police can also access details held on the Register of Number Plate Suppliers upon request. The table below shows the number of occasions where members of the public have contacted the DVLA about correspondence, fines or penalties that they have received from third parties about the use of vehicles which they do not recognise or accept responsibility for. The table also includes the number of replacement vehicle registration numbers the DVLA has issued following receipt of these notifications. Replacement registration numbers are provided free of charge but the purchase of new number plates is the responsibility of the registered keeper. It is important to note that potential cloning is just one of the possible reasons why someone might receive such correspondence. A proportion of these cases will have been made as a result of errors, for example where a vehicle registration number has been entered incorrectly. Information about how many of these cases resulted in penalties, fines or enforcement action being withdrawn from affected motorists is not held.Calendar YearNumber of reportsNumber of replacement VRNs20207,37711220217,4306120227,83710120239,84887202410,4611362025 (to 31/10)9,385137 Information on the total costs to motorists as a result of vehicle cloning incidents is not available.

How many additional driving examiners have been recruited to test centres in the South East since May 2025.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times. In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.For test centres serving learner drivers in the Southeast, DVSA has recruited and trained 52 DEs who are now in post and delivering driving tests. There are currently 24 new entrant DEs undertaking training, 32 booked on a training course and DVSA has made offers to 26 new entrants.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of securing UK access to the EU's Security Action for Europe Fund.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 November 2025 to Question 90640. The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for enhanced cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with Government departments, including the His Majesty’s Treasury and the Department of Business and Trade, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

What progress the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has made on implementing its plan to reduce driving test waiting times in the South East.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times. In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.For test centres serving learner drivers in the Southeast, DVSA has recruited and trained 52 DEs who are now in post and delivering driving tests. There are currently 24 new entrant DEs undertaking training, 32 booked on a training course and DVSA has made offers to 26 new entrants.

How many meetings his Department has had with the European Union on the proposed UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme since the announcement of the UK-EU Reset Deal.

We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU at the UK-EU Summit. The exact parameters are subject to ongoing negotiations. Since the Summit we have held a number of rounds of negotiations with the European Commission regarding outcomes of the Common Understanding, including a youth experience scheme, as well as other areas including a food and drink deal (SPS) and linking our carbon markets (ETS) that started this week.

What recent discussions he has had with the (a) Post Office Board and (b) Fujitsu on accountability for the Horizon IT system.

Sir Wyn Williams is currently preparing the full report of his statutory Inquiry into the Horizon scandal. Until all parts of the report are published, action on accountability would be premature.

Whether her Department has assessed the adequacy of public transport accessibility for assistance dog users in (a) Surrey Heath constituency and (b) Surrey.

The Government recognises the importance of accessible public transport to enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As part of our broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we recognise that more needs to be done to ensure transport is accessible to all, including assistance dog users in Surrey. Our Bus Services Act 2025 includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of local bus services. Among others, we are requiring local authorities to publish a Bus Network Accessibility Plan, assessing the existing accessibility levels of local bus services in their area and specifying any planned improvements to it. Assistance dogs can travel on all UK trains for free and are permitted to be on the train with their handler at all times. There is also an Assistance Dog Travel Scheme, which provides a personal, highly visible and reusable Assistance Dog Under Seat card, that creates a ‘protected space’ for assistance dogs and lets other customers know the seat and the space under it should be kept free. As these are national policies, they also apply to the Surrey Heath constituency and Surrey. We are also committed to developing an Accessible Travel Charter. The charter is a commitment to a shared vision for accessible travel. It will aim to set out what disabled travellers can expect from their journeys and what to do when standards are not met, share best practice across organisations and create consistency in end-to-end journeys for disabled travellers.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the level of (a) recruitment and (b) retention of Armed Forces personnel stationed in Surrey Heath constituency.

Data held in the annually published location statistics for UK Regular Armed Forces report indicates increased recruitment from within the Surrey Heath constituency, in the 12 months to 31 March 2025 compared to the preceding 12-month period. Whilst we have not made similar geographical assessments for retention, given that Surrey Heath is an area with proximity to Army establishments, reduction in the Army's rate of voluntary outflow in the 12 months to 30 June 2025, compared to preceding 12 months serves to highlight likely improvement. We are committed to improving recruitment and retention through a range of targets, initiatives and measures and have already made a positive impact; although outflow currently remains greater than intake, inflow has increased and outflow has decreased, with the gap between reducing. In the 12 months preceding 1 July 2025 there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12 month period. At the same time there was a decrease of 11% in people leaving the Armed Forces.Further information can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/location-statistics-for-uk-regular-armed-forces-and-civilians-2025

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that key stakeholders are involved in the (a) planning and (b) decision-making of works on junctions connecting to critical national infrastructure in Surrey Heath constituency.

Ahead of planned roadwork closures National Highways (NH) engage with local authorities' and key local stakeholders to inform them of the work which may impact on them and plan a suitable schedule. NH inform customers through its website, project information events, letter drops and local media to support road users in areas facing a significant impact from the works. National Highways currently have no planned schemes in Surrey Heath during 2025/26 and have some renewals work planned during 2026/27.

What steps his Department is taking to improve data collection on (a) the number of veterans serving custodial sentences and (b) potential disparities in sentencing outcomes.

Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the independent judiciary, who take into account the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in accordance with the relevant law. Sentencers also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, unless in the interests of justice not to do so. Sentencing guidelines help promote consistency and transparency in sentencing. Whilst the fact that someone is a veteran is not explicitly listed as a mitigating factor in statute nor in sentencing guidelines, judges have the flexibility to consider relevant factors in an individual case and could, for example, choose to take previous positive good character or exemplary conduct into account when determining a sentence, if considered appropriate to do so based on the full facts of the case. We do not hold data concerning the previous military service of those sentenced at the criminal courts and so are unable to make an assessment of sentencing outcomes for this cohort relative to non-veterans. More generally, prisoners are asked on entry into custody whether they have served in the armed forces, and responses are then checked against Ministry of Defence records.

What discussions he has had with the Post Office Horizon Inquiry on the publication of evidence.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 and Sir Wyn Williams and the Inquiry team have the right to receive full access to the information and witnesses they require in order to investigate what went wrong at the Post Office. The Inquiry is entirely independent. Within its published terms of reference, Sir Wyn has the power to decide what to look at and which evidence to make public.The Department for Business and Trade is the lead department on Post Office issues, so the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice has not engaged with the Inquiry on the publication of its evidence. It is important that the Government respect Sir Wyn’s independence, therefore it would not be appropriate for Government to comment further on the Inquiry.

Whether his Department has made a comparative assessment of the consistency of sentencing outcomes for (a) veterans and (b) non-veterans convicted of similar offences.

Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the independent judiciary, who take into account the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in accordance with the relevant law. Sentencers also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, unless in the interests of justice not to do so. Sentencing guidelines help promote consistency and transparency in sentencing. Whilst the fact that someone is a veteran is not explicitly listed as a mitigating factor in statute nor in sentencing guidelines, judges have the flexibility to consider relevant factors in an individual case and could, for example, choose to take previous positive good character or exemplary conduct into account when determining a sentence, if considered appropriate to do so based on the full facts of the case. We do not hold data concerning the previous military service of those sentenced at the criminal courts and so are unable to make an assessment of sentencing outcomes for this cohort relative to non-veterans. More generally, prisoners are asked on entry into custody whether they have served in the armed forces, and responses are then checked against Ministry of Defence records.

What estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of Post Office (a) litigation, (b) compensation schemes and (c) public communications related to Horizon IT.

No public funding commitments nor costs have been incurred to date with regards to litigation.At the Autumn Budget 2024, the government set aside £1.8 billion of funding for redress payments from 2024-25 in addition to around £200 million that had already been distributed. This is not a target or limit. As of 31 October 2025, approximately £1,273 million has been paid to over 9,500 claimants.As part of the spending review settlement over £500 million has been committed over the Parliament to allow the Post Office to implement its Strategic Transformation Plan, including the replacement of the legacy Horizon computer system.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the affordability of household water bills in Surrey Heath constituency.

It is Ofwat's responsibility to independently scrutinise water company business plans and ensure that the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. The price controls set as part of Price Review 2024 (PR24) came into effect on 01 April 2025. As part of this approach companies are required to publish their charges before each financial year in their Charges Scheme. Ofwat sets charging rules that companies must follow when developing their charging schemes and differences in charges for different services need to reflect differences in costs. Their licences also prohibit companies from setting charges which show undue discrimination or preference. Ofwat does not approve companies’ charges, but they have the powers to intervene if they are or could be breaching the rules or licence conditions. Water companies must also comply with Ofwat's Paying Fair principles which includes companies needing to make information about services and bills more understandable for all customers – and make it available in a way that best meets their needs. The Government has already announced that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. When money for investment is not spent, companies will be required to refund customers via lower water bills, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases. We understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing and we are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills; water companies must ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Moreover, the Government expects industry to keep the current support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country are supported. We also expect all water companies to put appropriate support in place for customers struggling to pay their bills and to proactively engage with their customers to ensure they know what support schemes are available and how to use them if they need help. All companies have measures in place such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support. The Government has acted decisively by consulting on reforms to WaterSure – the statutory scheme which caps bills for low-income customers with necessary higher water usage and by introducing new and increased compensation for companies to pay customers in the event of unforeseen disruption to supply. Before the end of the year, the Government will publish a Water White Paper bringing forward root and branch reform to secure better outcomes for customers, investors and the environment and restore trust and accountability. Together with the building blocks the Government has already put in place, this will mark the most fundamental reset to our water system in a generation.