Written questions by Pinkerton.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Local Housing Allowance for residents in Surrey Heath constituency.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are reviewed annually in the Autumn and as part of that decision, the impact of local rental market is considered. In April 2024, LHA was increased to the 30th percentile of local market rents, including in the Surrey Heath constituency, costing an additional £1.2bn in 2024/25 and approximately £7bn over 5 years. For those who face shortfalls in meeting their housing costs, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available from local authorities.

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce financial hardship experienced by new parents.

The government provides a range of state-funded support for new parents depending on individual circumstances. Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and pay is available to working parents through their employers, and pregnant working women who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay may be eligible for Maternity Allowance. Parents also have access to Child Benefit. Families who are not working or who are on low incomes can claim Universal Credit and may also be eligible for Sure Start Maternity Grant (a lump sum payment of £500) and Healthy Start vouchers for food and milk. More information about benefits and financial support available to new parents can be found on www.gov.uk via the Childcare and Parenting link on the home page. More broadly, the government is committed to giving every child the best start in life and we are considering all available levers. We will publish a Child Poverty Strategy in the autumn that will deliver fully funded measures to tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty. The Government has also committed to review the parental leave and pay system.

What steps her Department is taking to support schools to (a) deliver inclusive education and (b) promote understanding of diverse backgrounds in Surrey Heath constituency.

The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, including those in Surrey Heath, as well as ensuring special and alternative provision schools cater to those with the most complex needs.The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme tests a new model, providing health and education specialist support to upskill mainstream primary schools to better meet the needs of neurodivergent pupils at whole-school level. Schools in Surrey Heath have participated in this programme.Our new regional improvement for standards and excellence teams will work with mainstream schools to help them become more inclusive places as one of four priority areas for improvement.Ofsted will be holding leaders to account for inclusion. For the first time they have set out an explicit focus on inclusion in their new framework, which includes gathering evidence on how well schools understand disadvantaged pupils' needs.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the use of educational technology on student preparedness for paper-based examinations in Surrey Heath constituency.

The department is committed to ensuring students are well prepared for all forms of assessment, including paper-based examinations. While constituency-specific data for Surrey Heath is not held, the department continues to assess the impact of educational technology (EdTech) nationally. Evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation and the Technology in Schools Survey shows that digital tools can accelerate learning and improve attainment when used effectively. However, EdTech is intended to complement, not replace, traditional teaching, especially where paper-based exams remain standard.The department works closely with Ofqual to ensure technology use does not compromise the fairness or validity of assessments.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of taking steps to help reduce phone use by school children in Surrey Heath constituency.

Mobile phones have no place in our schools.Schools should prohibit the use of mobile phones and other smart technology with similar functionality to mobile phones throughout the school day, including during lessons, the time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime, as set out in the ‘Mobile phones in schools’ guidance, published in 2024.The department expects all schools to take steps in line with this guidance to ensure mobile phones do not disrupt pupils’ learning.Research from the Children’s Commissioner, with responses from nearly all schools and colleges in England, shows that the overwhelming majority of schools, 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools, already have policies in place that limit or restrict the use of mobile phones during the school day.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to face-to-face appointments for people with Parkinson’s in Surrey Heath constituency.

No estimate has been made of the number of people with Parkinson's disease who have access to a Parkinson’s nurse in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. The Department does not hold data on how many hospitals have staff who are members of the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network.It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) and local authorities to meet the care and support needs of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Patients living in the Surrey Heath constituency would be covered by either the NHS Frimley ICB or the NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB. ICBs are responsible for commissioning services to meet the healthcare needs of their local populations and, in doing so, we expect them to have regard to best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.This Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan which will ensure the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.The new NHS App will end the 8am rush by providing more flexibility in the way that people contact their general practitioner (GP), enabling better GP appointment booking as long as GPs make appointments available in the App. It will also help people to get care quicker without seeing their GP, for example improved self-care by going to a pharmacy or by self-referring into a specialist pathway or by providing remote consultations with specialists.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that students with additional needs have access to mandatory online homework platforms in Surrey Heath constituency.

Schools determine homework volume and format in collaboration with staff, pupils, parents, and governors. Digital tools can support learning and enhance parental engagement by providing visibility into tasks and progress. However, access to devices remains uneven. In 2024, 34% of parents reported their child lacked continuous access to a device for online schoolwork. Schools should offer alternative homework options for pupils with limited device access.The department is committed to ensuring all students, including those with additional needs, can safely and effectively use digital tools. While data for Surrey Heath isn’t available, the department has published digital accessibility standards to help schools implement inclusive technology strategies. The 'Plan Technology for Your School' service supports strategic digital planning. The department continues working with schools and providers to ensure no child is left behind.

What steps his Department is taking to provide funding for the defence sector in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports employment in the defence supply chain, including in Surrey Heath, by prioritising UK businesses through the Defence Industrial Strategy, boosting innovation, exports, and job creation. Initiatives such as Defence Growth Deals and a robust skills package create job opportunities across the UK. MOD expenditure with UK Industry in the South-East is the highest within the United Kingdom at £7.85 billion.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with Surrey County Council on the potential implications of local government reorganisation on the voluntary sector in Surrey.

The government’s consultation on the two unitary proposals in Surrey closed on 5 August 2025. A named consultee contacted to respond was the Surrey VCSE Alliance, and the government encouraged councils in Surrey to promote the consultation and welcomed views from the voluntary and community sector. The statutory guidance given to councils invited to develop proposals for local government reorganisation in February 2025 set out an expectation that while developing their proposals, councils should engage with relevant bodies in their area, including voluntary and third sector organisations, and that engagement undertaken should inform the development of robust proposals. Officials from MHCLG have been engaging with councils in Surrey and will continue to do so as we move through transition into implementation phase.

Communities and Local Government, what support his Department is providing to small voluntary sector organisations during local government reorganisation in Surrey Heath constituency.

The government’s consultation on the two unitary proposals in Surrey closed on 5 August 2025. A named consultee contacted to respond was the Surrey VCSE Alliance, and the government encouraged councils in Surrey to promote the consultation and welcomed views from the voluntary and community sector. The statutory guidance given to councils invited to develop proposals for local government reorganisation in February 2025 set out an expectation that while developing their proposals, councils should engage with relevant bodies in their area, including voluntary and third sector organisations, and that engagement undertaken should inform the development of robust proposals. Officials from MHCLG have been engaging with councils in Surrey and will continue to do so as we move through transition into implementation phase.

Whether his Department is taking steps to help people for employment in the defence supply chain sector in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports employment in the defence supply chain, including in Surrey Heath, by prioritising UK businesses through the Defence Industrial Strategy, boosting innovation, exports, and job creation. Initiatives such as Defence Growth Deals and a robust skills package create job opportunities across the UK. MOD expenditure with UK Industry in the South-East is the highest within the United Kingdom at £7.85 billion.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure inclusive school environments for children with different learning styles in Surrey Heath constituency.

This government’s ambition is that every child or young person in our country deserves the best possible educational experience, one that is academically stretching, where every child or young person feels like they belong, and that sets them up for life and work. We will build a better system which is grounded in evidence and identifies and supports need at the earliest opportunity.Our new regional improvements for standards and excellence (RISE) teams will work with mainstream schools to help them become more inclusive places, as one of four priority areas for improvement.The recently published RISE Inclusive Mainstream webpage provides schools with programmes and resources to help mainstream schools improve inclusivity and support for those with special educational needs and disabilities and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rise-support-for-inclusive-mainstream-education/rise-support-for-inclusive-mainstream-education.

Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to consult the voluntary sector on proposals for local government reorganisation in Surrey.

The government’s consultation on the two unitary proposals in Surrey closed on 5 August 2025. A named consultee contacted to respond was the Surrey VCSE Alliance, and the government encouraged councils in Surrey to promote the consultation and welcomed views from the voluntary and community sector. The statutory guidance given to councils invited to develop proposals for local government reorganisation in February 2025 set out an expectation that while developing their proposals, councils should engage with relevant bodies in their area, including voluntary and third sector organisations, and that engagement undertaken should inform the development of robust proposals. Officials from MHCLG have been engaging with councils in Surrey and will continue to do so as we move through transition into implementation phase.

What steps his Department is taking to improve cancer screening methodologies in Surrey Heath constituency.

Cancer screening methodology is the same across England and adheres to national specifications and standards.A range of improvements are being made nationally, including the introduction of the new ‘ping and book’ service via the NHS App; the provision of screening appointments at more convenient times and locations; and developments to screening IT systems as part of the Digital Transformation of Screening programme of work. These improvements will also benefit people in Surrey Heath constituency.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the capacity of sewage treatment sites to accommodate (a) current housing and (b) new housing developments in Surrey Heath constituency.

The government recognises the importance of water and wastewater provision on new developments. As set out in Paragraph 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, including the provision of homes, commercial development and supporting infrastructure in a sustainable manner. Sustainable development should be pursued both through the preparation and implementation of local development plans, and the application of policies in the framework. The government is clear that housing must come with appropriate infrastructure, including appropriate water infrastructure. We believe that strategic issues such as water capacity are best dealt with at a strategic level through the plan-making process, rather than through individual planning applications. A key function of local development plans is to guide development to the most suitable and sustainable locations and to ensure that the associated infrastructure requirements are addressed. Effective co-operation early in the plan-making process is essential to ensuring not only that housing and infrastructure need is appropriately planned for, but that they are aligned with each other. The NPPF makes it clear that local planning authorities should collaborate with each other and with other public bodies, including infrastructure providers, to identify relevant strategic matters to be addressed, including providing for sustainable water supplies. Water companies are under a statutory duty to provide new water and sewerage connections to residential properties, as well as planning to meet the needs of growth as part of water resource management plans, and drainage and wastewater management plans. The water resources planning guideline published by the Environment Agency and Ofwat, sets out how those companies should forecast demand for water based on existing customers and planned levels of household and non-household growth, with the number of planned developments being based on published local plans. Relevant planning practice guidance sets out that good design and mitigation measures should be secured during development, both through site-specific and non-site-specific policies on water infrastructure. The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 makes clear that developments of all sizes should use sustainable drainage techniques when the development could have drainage impacts and should have appropriate maintenance arrangements in place. We continue to explore whether more needs to be done to ensure sustainable drainage technologies are taken up more widely in new development, either through planning policy or by commencing schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and a decision on the best way forward will be made in the coming months. Ensuring that we take a strategic spatial planning approach to the management of water, including tackling pollution and managing pressures on the water environment at a catchment, regional and national scale, was a core objective of the independent review into the regulatory system of the water sector. The government’s full response to the Independent Water Commission’s recommendations will be published through a White Paper published for consultation this Autumn. This will include responses to recommendations which intend to unlock growth by ensuring water infrastructure investment is aligned with regional and national economic priorities and remove long-standing barriers to development.

What steps his Department is taking to support (a) young and (b) older adults to access (i) employment opportunities and (ii) skills training in Surrey Heath constituency.

DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of Jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes. The Government is reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them progress in their careers. This includes an enhanced focus on skills and careers advice. The Department of Work and Pensions Youth Offer provides individually tailored Work Coach support to young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit. This support includes the Youth Employment Programme, Youth Employability Coaches for young people with additional barriers to finding work, and Youth Hubs across Great Britain. The Chancellor has announced that every eligible young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be offered guaranteed paid work through a new Youth Guarantee. This new initiative will build upon existing employment support and sector-based work academies currently being delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions. The scheme forms part of the government’s aim to provide targeted support for young people at risk of long-term unemployment. A dedicated offer for older jobseekers provides more tailored support for those affected by additional challenges such as out-of-date skills or qualifications or those who need help with CVs. In Surrey Heath, our Jobcentre teams work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers of all ages. Support for younger customers includes Camberley Jobcentre co-locating our services within the local Youth Hub alongside provisions including mental health support, budgeting and financial support, digital and skills training as well as CV and careers guidance. Our Jobcentre Teams also have dedicated Work Coaches delivering Mid-Life MOT sessions and Pension awareness workshops for our 50+ customers. The team also work closely with providers such as Surrey Adult Learning to ensure customers of all ages, including those 50+, can access digital support for internet use, online job and CV support as well as digital tools for communication and productivity.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of abolishing Healthwatch organisations on the transparency of patient feedback in Surrey Heath constituency.

The abolition of Healthwatch England and the transfer of its functions, as well as the changes to Local Healthwatch, requires primary legislation. The timing of this is subject to the will of Parliament and will happen when parliamentary time allows. A full Impact Assessment would be produced in line with HM Treasury's Green Book standards and published on the Government’s website when legislation is introduced in Parliament.

What steps his Department is taking to provide mental health support to carers in Surrey Heath constituency.

We recognise people with mental health issues, including carers in Surrey Heath have been historically underserved. That is why the 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to boost mental health support across the country. This includes transforming mental health services into neighbourhood mental health centres that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, improving assertive outreach, expanding talking therapies, and giving patients better access to around-the-clock support directly through the NHS App.Local authorities have duties to support unpaid carers and are required to deliver sustainable, high-quality care and support services. To help local authorities fulfil their duties, including to unpaid carers, the 2025 Spending Review allows for an increase of over £4 billion of funding available for adult social care in 2028/29 compared to 2025/26.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of maintaining the five year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain for visa holders in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government’s Immigration White Paper, published on 12 May 2025, announced new measures on a wide range of issues, including settlement. This will include an expansion of the Points-Based System that will increase the standard qualifying period for settlement to ten years. However, through the expansion of the Points-Based System, individuals will also have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on contributions to the UK economy and society. I welcomed the opportunity to listen to the views of Members in the recent 8th September Westminster Hall Debate on settlement. We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year. All will be welcome to participate. We will provide details of how the scheme will work after that consultation.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of providing consumers with access to information on (a) historical and (b) real-time electricity supply interruptions in Surrey.

Access to real time information during power disruptions is essential for situational awareness at a national and local level. All Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) offer power outage information on their websites and have made significant improvements in customer communications, following the Storm Arwen review in 2022 with requirements to report on response times during outages. Customers can access information on any disruptions by contacting their network operator by dialling 105 or alternatively visiting: https://www.powercut105.com/findoperator. DNOs, per their license obligations, report their annual performance for customer interruptions to Ofgem each year. This information is published in Ofgem's RIIO-1 Electricity Distribution Annual Report.