Written questions by George.

Innovation and Technology, what consideration her Department has given of the potential merits of requiring mobile network operators to fund the installation of emergency back‑up power for mobile phone masts from company profits rather than through customer bill increases.

Residents in rural areas, as well as other areas of the country, rightly expect to have reliable mobile connectivity to participate in the modern digital economy. The Government recognises that events like storms and power outages can have a particular impact on rural communities.Mobile network operators have legal obligations to put in place appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure the resilience of their networks and services. This is overseen by the independent regulator Ofcom, who have powers to monitor compliance, conduct investigations, issue penalties and enforce remedial actions.Ofcom have completed a public consultation on power back-up for mobile services across the UK, which identified a particular impact on rural communities. They published an update on their work in February 2025 and announced they are completing further analysis to determine the appropriate and proportionate measures required to ensure adequate resilience for consumers.The Government is also supporting collaboration between the electricity and telecommunications sectors to deliver measures so that when power cuts occur the likelihood of disruption to telecommunications services is as low as possible, and where disruption does occur it should affect as few people for the shortest possible time.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the resilience of mobile communications infrastructure during prolonged power outages; and for what reason mobile phone masts are not required to have emergency back‑up generators to ensure continuity of communication for isolated communities.

Residents in rural areas, as well as other areas of the country, rightly expect to have reliable mobile connectivity to participate in the modern digital economy. The Government recognises that events like storms and power outages can have a particular impact on rural communities.Mobile network operators have legal obligations to put in place appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure the resilience of their networks and services. This is overseen by the independent regulator Ofcom, who have powers to monitor compliance, conduct investigations, issue penalties and enforce remedial actions.Ofcom have completed a public consultation on power back-up for mobile services across the UK, which identified a particular impact on rural communities. They published an update on their work in February 2025 and announced they are completing further analysis to determine the appropriate and proportionate measures required to ensure adequate resilience for consumers.The Government is also supporting collaboration between the electricity and telecommunications sectors to deliver measures so that when power cuts occur the likelihood of disruption to telecommunications services is as low as possible, and where disruption does occur it should affect as few people for the shortest possible time.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the transition from analogue to digital landline services on public safety, including the availability of digital telephony during power outages.

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) often relies on cables in the air that can fail during a storm. In 2024/25 there were over 2,600 major incidents on the PSTN, each affecting 500 or more customers. Further, in a power outage the PSTN would not work for most customers as it requires a corded handset, now only in 2% of UK households. Fibre cables are more resilient and less prone to damage during severe weather events.The Government is committed to ensuring that any risks from the industry-led migration from the PSTN to Voice over Internet Protocol are mitigated for everyone.In November 2024, the Government secured additional safeguards from the telecoms industry. These include the provision of free battery back-ups for vulnerable and landline dependent customers to ensure access to emergency services for at least one hour in a power outage. Many communication providers have gone further, providing battery back-ups with 4-7 hours of battery life.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the withdrawal of analogue landline services on public safety, given that Voice over Internet Protocol systems cease to function when households have no access to (a) electricity, (b) Wi‑Fi and (c) mobile connectivity; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that all residents have access to reliable communication channels during emergencies.

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) often relies on cables in the air that can fail during a storm. In 2024/25 there were over 2,600 major incidents on the PSTN, each affecting 500 or more customers. Further, in a power outage the PSTN would not work for most customers as it requires a corded handset, now only in 2% of UK households. Fibre cables are more resilient and less prone to damage during severe weather events.The Government is committed to ensuring that any risks from the industry-led migration from the PSTN to Voice over Internet Protocol are mitigated for everyone.In November 2024, the Government secured additional safeguards from the telecoms industry. These include the provision of free battery back-ups for vulnerable and landline dependent customers to ensure access to emergency services for at least one hour in a power outage. Many communication providers have gone further, providing battery back-ups with 4-7 hours of battery life.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that the proposed digital verification process for the Government’s One Login system is compliant with Article 9 of the UK General Data Protection Regulation in the context of the processing of biometric data.

GOV.UK One Login is fully compliant with all aspects of data protection law, including in relation to the processing of biometric data under the UK GDPR. DSIT relies on Article 9(2)(g) UK GDPR (substantial public interest) for the processing of biometric data. The appropriate safeguards and data minimisation procedures are applied throughout GOV.UK One Login’s biometric checks and special category data is processed only where lawful, necessary and proportionate. GOV.UK One Login provides an alternative route for individuals who do not wish to, or cannot, prove their identity using biometrics.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that digital identity does not become a de facto requirement for participation in (a) commerce, (b) governance and (c) daily life.

The Government’s new digital credential will focus on use cases that are most impactful for the public and will be designed to make interactions with public services easier. We will invite views on such use cases through the public consultation that will launch in the new year.

What safeguards will be in place for self-employed individuals who decline to use the Government’s One Login system in 2027 on grounds of (a) conscience and (b) security.

GOV.UK One Login is the single sign-in and identity checking solution enabling citizens to access digital government services. Over time it will replace all other sign-in methods on GOV.UK including Government Gateway. Whilst HMRC will serve most of its customers and their intermediaries through its digital services, it will also provide targeted support so customers can access HMRC’s knowledgeable advisers in circumstances where they need that support to get their tax affairs right. HMRC wants to encourage as many of its customers as possible to use available digital channels, but in many cases, customers have the option of using a paper form or an agent. Where the use of digital channels is required for some customers, as with Making Tax Digital, customers can apply for an exemption from these rules when it is not reasonably practicable for them to access or use digital services.

Whether his Department plans to provide alternative identity verification routes for individuals who do not wish to submit (a) facial and (b) other biometric data in the context of the proposed introduction of digital ID cards.

We are inviting the public to have their say in the upcoming consultation as we develop a safe, secure, and truly inclusive system for the UK. The consultation will gather views on the scheme, including any concerns around facial and biometric data associated with a digital ID. No final decisions will be made until after the consultation.We will ensure that the digital ID scheme complies with all data protection legislation, and user privacy will be at the heart of the design of the scheme at every stage of development and delivery.

What progress she has made on implementing the provisions in Schedule 8 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 on access to cash; and what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the effectiveness of its powers to enforce those provisions.

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. The FCA introduced regulatory rules to protect access to cash in September 2024. Its rules ensure cash continues to be a viable method of payment for the millions of people who depend on it by providing reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free services for personal accounts. The FCA is required by law to keep its rules under review and has been closely monitoring the impact and effectiveness of their regime during its first year. It will commence a formal evaluation of its regime in due course. The Government meets regularly with the FCA to discuss a range of topics.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on support for transport services for Scottish islands.

It is vital that Scotland’s island communities continue to thrive. Reliable, affordable transport connections are a critical part of that.The Scottish Government has failed to deliver that, and island communities, rightly, are demanding a credible plan for sustained improvements.The Scottish Government has received a record devolution settlement, and has the powers and resources to address this issue. Our island communities deserve better.

What steps he is taking to ensure that (a) clinical leadership and (b) specialist networks currently hosted by NHS England are maintained during and after its abolition.

Clinical leaders and networks of specialists across the country play a vital role in providing advice, catalysing change, and improving care. Following the announcement that NHS England will be abolished as an arm’s length body and replaced by a new Department of Health and Social Care, work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities.The new Department will operate in a leaner, more agile, and more efficient way and will empower staff at all levels of the health system, including local clinical systems, to deliver better care for patients, drive productivity up, and get waiting times down. This change will set local National Health Service providers free to innovate, develop new productive ways of working, and focus on what matters most.A new Joint Executive Structure came into effect on 3 November, providing unified leadership across the Department and NHS England to deliver the 10-Year Health Plan and oversee the transition to a single, integrated Department. The executive structure includes the Chief Medical Officer, national medical directors, and the Chief Nursing Officer, and they will play a key role in ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place to provide clinical leadership and advice.

What steps will be taken to avoid disruption to frontline services (a) during and (b) after the abolition of NHS England.

Our commitment to the delivery of frontline services for patients underpins the transformation. We will simplify the National Health Service and remove layers of unnecessary bureaucracy, which will allow us to reinvest more into the frontline, so patients receive safe, timely care and are heard and listened to.It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, and we will do this throughout. Ongoing assessment is part of the reform programme and evidence collected will inform the programme as appropriate and ensure our decisions focus on improving patient care. The Government is committed to transparency and will consider how best to ensure the public and parliamentarians are informed of the outcome.

What his planned timetable is for publication of a formal impact assessment on the abolition of NHS England.

We will publish an impact assessment as part of the material to accompany the required primary legislation which will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows. Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.The Government is committed to transparency and will consider how best to ensure that the public and parliamentarians are informed of the outcomes.

If he will publish a formal impact assessment on the abolition of NHS England to include assessment of (a) patient safety risks during the transition, (b) impact on delivery of (i) the 10-year plan and (ii) ongoing programmes and (c) (A) redundancy costs, (B) projected savings and (C) other financial implications.

The Government is committed to transparency and evidence-based policy making. In line with established best practice for impact assessments, we will publish proportionate assessments to support these reforms. Where appropriate, assessments will be published alongside relevant consultations or decisions to enable scrutiny by Parliament and the public. These will be proportionate to the scale of the reform, and will support decision-making with clear evidence, analysis of options, and consideration of affected groups. Financial information, including any redundancy costs, projected savings, and other material implications, will be disclosed in line with Government reporting requirements and transparency commitments.

What steps she is taking to ensure that open banking initiatives under the Financial Inclusion Strategy are accessible to consumers with (a) low digital literacy and (b) limited internet access.

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy setting out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on digital inclusion and access to banking and considers accessibility as a cross-cutting theme across all areas under the strategy, in recognition of the particular challenges individuals can face in relation to this, including those with a disability or low literacy skills. The strategy includes a range of specific interventions for both Government and industry to address these issues, including launching an industry-led working group which will examine how to make financial products more accessible and meet specific needs. This work will begin in early 2026 and the group will report on progress to HM Treasury every six months. More widely, the Government continues to work closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.  FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable, such as individuals with a disability, and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, to ensure their products are accessible. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm. In addition, under the Equality Act 2010, all service providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all.

What steps she is taking to ensure that financial products and services meet the accessibility requirements set out under the (a) Consumer Duty and (b) Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy setting out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on digital inclusion and access to banking and considers accessibility as a cross-cutting theme across all areas under the strategy, in recognition of the particular challenges individuals can face in relation to this, including those with a disability or low literacy skills. The strategy includes a range of specific interventions for both Government and industry to address these issues, including launching an industry-led working group which will examine how to make financial products more accessible and meet specific needs. This work will begin in early 2026 and the group will report on progress to HM Treasury every six months. More widely, the Government continues to work closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.  FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable, such as individuals with a disability, and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, to ensure their products are accessible. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm. In addition, under the Equality Act 2010, all service providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that digital banking services are (a) compliant with inclusive design principles outlined in the Financial Inclusion Strategy and (b) accessible to people with disabilities.

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy setting out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on digital inclusion and access to banking and considers accessibility as a cross-cutting theme across all areas under the strategy, in recognition of the particular challenges individuals can face in relation to this, including those with a disability or low literacy skills. The strategy includes a range of specific interventions for both Government and industry to address these issues, including launching an industry-led working group which will examine how to make financial products more accessible and meet specific needs. This work will begin in early 2026 and the group will report on progress to HM Treasury every six months. More widely, the Government continues to work closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.  FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable, such as individuals with a disability, and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, to ensure their products are accessible. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm. In addition, under the Equality Act 2010, all service providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all.

What plans her Department has to expand the network of banking hubs (a) in all areas and (b) in areas with multiple recent bank branch closures.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. In addition to traditional bank branches, the financial services industry is committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 190 are already open. Government is working closely with industry on this commitment. The locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. LINK will carry out an assessment wherever a branch closure is announced or if they receive a community request. LINK will recommend appropriate solutions where it considers that a community requires additional cash services. Some of the criteria that LINK considers are whether there is a bank branch remaining, population size, number of shops on the high street, distance to the nearest bank branch, public transport links and vulnerability of the population. While decisions on branch provision are commercial decisions for banks themselves, Financial Conduct Authority guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Firms must show they have considered customer needs and identified potential reasonable alternatives. The FCA also expects engagement with stakeholders at least 12 weeks before closure and firms must ensure that any replacement services, such as banking hubs, are in place before a branch closes. These measures aim to ensure closures are implemented fairly and transparently.

If she will make it her policy to introduce statutory requirements for banks to provide alternative face-to-face services in communities in which branches have closed.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. In addition to traditional bank branches, the financial services industry is committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 190 are already open. Government is working closely with industry on this commitment. The locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. LINK will carry out an assessment wherever a branch closure is announced or if they receive a community request. LINK will recommend appropriate solutions where it considers that a community requires additional cash services. Some of the criteria that LINK considers are whether there is a bank branch remaining, population size, number of shops on the high street, distance to the nearest bank branch, public transport links and vulnerability of the population. While decisions on branch provision are commercial decisions for banks themselves, Financial Conduct Authority guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Firms must show they have considered customer needs and identified potential reasonable alternatives. The FCA also expects engagement with stakeholders at least 12 weeks before closure and firms must ensure that any replacement services, such as banking hubs, are in place before a branch closes. These measures aim to ensure closures are implemented fairly and transparently.

What assessment her Department has made of the economic impact of bank branch closures on high streets for local businesses; and what steps are being considered to mitigate these.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. Whilst the Government does not make economic estimates regarding the impact of branch closures, the Government does understand the importance of face-to-face banking to high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. That is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs on high streets across the UK by the end of this Parliament. More than 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 190 are already open.This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. Alongside the £5bn funding for Pride in Place, we have announced a suite of tools to support communities to improve their high streets, including: High Street Rental Auctions giving councils the power to auction the lease of long-term vacant premises; a Community Right to Buy for communities to take ownership of local buildings they value; and streamlining the compulsory purchase process to help local authorities regenerate high streets.