Written questions by Sabine.

What steps her Department is taking to prevent employers from requesting Standard or Enhanced DBS checks where a basic check would be sufficient; what assessment her Department has made of the grounds on which higher-level checks are requested; and what steps her Department is taking where employers are routinely requesting a higher level of check than is required for a role.

Employers can only request higher‑level checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where the role meets the eligibility criteria set out in legislation. Standard checks are available only for positions listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, and access to enhanced checks requires inclusion in both the Exceptions Order and the Police Act 1997 regulations.Applications for standard and enhanced checks must be submitted to the DBS via Registered Bodies (RBs) who play a key part in identifying the correct level of check for individual job roles. The DBS invests substantial resources into supporting the work of RBs and carries out routine assurance exercises with all RBs on a rolling basis.When this process identifies non-compliance, the DBS sets deadlines for corrective actions and monitors progress. Over the past two years, all RBs have demonstrated compliance within required timescales, and no suspensions or deregistrations have been necessary. If non-compliance were to persist, the DBS would consider sanctions against the RB, including suspending individual signatories or the RB as a whole.The DBS also provides a growing level of support to service-users to promote improved understanding of eligibility and the purposes for which checks may be used.The Government keeps filtering rules and eligibility under continuous review. On 2 December 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the Government will consider opportunities to simplify the criminal records regime to ensure it is clear and proportionate, particularly in relation to childhood offences. The Home Office and Ministry of Justice are working together to consider next steps.

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of enforcement of the requirement that the level of DBS checks must be proportionate to the role; what steps she is taking to strengthen compliance and enforcement; and whether she plans to introduce additional (a) powers, (b) guidance and (c) penalties to prevent inappropriate requests for higher-level checks.

Employers can only request higher‑level checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where the role meets the eligibility criteria set out in legislation. Standard checks are available only for positions listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, and access to enhanced checks requires inclusion in both the Exceptions Order and the Police Act 1997 regulations.Applications for standard and enhanced checks must be submitted to the DBS via Registered Bodies (RBs) who play a key part in identifying the correct level of check for individual job roles. The DBS invests substantial resources into supporting the work of RBs and carries out routine assurance exercises with all RBs on a rolling basis.When this process identifies non-compliance, the DBS sets deadlines for corrective actions and monitors progress. Over the past two years, all RBs have demonstrated compliance within required timescales, and no suspensions or deregistrations have been necessary. If non-compliance were to persist, the DBS would consider sanctions against the RB, including suspending individual signatories or the RB as a whole.The DBS also provides a growing level of support to service-users to promote improved understanding of eligibility and the purposes for which checks may be used.The Government keeps filtering rules and eligibility under continuous review. On 2 December 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the Government will consider opportunities to simplify the criminal records regime to ensure it is clear and proportionate, particularly in relation to childhood offences. The Home Office and Ministry of Justice are working together to consider next steps.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Music and Dance Scheme Schools on the performing arts sector.

This government is committed to broadening access to arts education, including specialist training for our most promising musicians and dancers irrespective of their personal or financial background through the Music and Dance Scheme. The scheme supports the Creative Industries Sector Plan commitment to increase access to quality specialist creative education provision across England to strengthen our cadre of highly trained young musicians, dancers and performing artists.My department works closely with the Department for Education who continues to fund the scheme, providing means-tested support to over 2,000 students from lower-income families. The Department for Education currently provides £36.5 million for the MDS this academic year and future funding will be announced in due course.

Media and Sport, what steps she has taken with the Secretary of State for Education to secure an uplift in funding for the Music and Dance Scheme Schools.

This government is committed to broadening access to arts education, including specialist training for our most promising musicians and dancers irrespective of their personal or financial background through the Music and Dance Scheme. The scheme supports the Creative Industries Sector Plan commitment to increase access to quality specialist creative education provision across England to strengthen our cadre of highly trained young musicians, dancers and performing artists.My department works closely with the Department for Education who continues to fund the scheme, providing means-tested support to over 2,000 students from lower-income families. The Department for Education currently provides £36.5 million for the MDS this academic year and future funding will be announced in due course.

Media and Sport, what information her Department holds on the number of visitors there were to sites owned by Historic England by age group in 2025.

DCMS does not hold data on the number of visitors to sites owned by Historic England. The National Heritage Collection, operated by English Heritage Trust, comprises more than 400 historic sites and monuments, and the majority of these are free to enter. As some of these sites are not staffed on a day-to-day basis, English Heritage are unable to collect complete data on visitors to these sites by age group.

Media and Sport, how many heritage assets are recorded as being at risk of neglect or dereliction in England; and what assessment they have made of the adequacy of apprenticeship and training provision to support the repair and conservation of historic buildings and other heritage assets.

Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, last published on 6 November 2025, identified 4,891 heritage assets at risk in England. The register identifies designated sites that are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development. More information can be found on Historic England’s website: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/buildings-at-risk/.While no assessment has been made of the adequacy of apprenticeship and training provisions to support the repair and conservation of heritage, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working with the heritage sector to utilise the government’s investment in skills education to grow the workforce. We are engaging with the Department for Education and Skills England to ensure heritage skills are recognised and developed. Through the fully funded SME apprenticeships for under-25s, we are giving smaller heritage organisations the opportunity to deliver flexible, affordable apprenticeships in heritage skills and conservation.

What steps her Department is taking to support banking hub customers who rely on cheque payments, in the context of Lloyds Banking group no longer allowing cheque deposits through Post Offices and banking hubs.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefiting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, the Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking services to communities and is committed to supporting sufficient access for customers across the country. 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 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 210 are already open. Banking hubs provide access to everyday counter services through Post Office staff, including cash withdrawals and deposits, balance enquiries and bill payments. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out other banking services. The range of services available through Post Office counters in banking hubs, including whether cheque deposits are accepted and processed, is determined by the commercial arrangements between individual banks and the Post Office. A significant number of retail banks continue to offer cheque depositing services through Post Office counters. Where cheque depositing is not available at a hub counter for particular banks, such as Lloyds Banking Group, customers continue to have alternative options to pay in cheques. These include paying in cheques at Lloyds Banking Group branches where available, or digitally via mobile banking apps using cheque imaging technology. In addition, customers unable to travel to a bank branch, or for whom digital banking is not suitable, may submit cheques by sending them in a stamped addressed envelope via any post box or by handing them in at their local Post Office for posting. Banks may also provide postal options for customers who are unable to travel to a branch or for whom digital banking is not suitable. Lloyds Banking Group provides a freepost address service for vulnerable customers who previously used a Post Office counter to deposit cheques, as well as for customers who have only deposited cheques through a Post Office or banking hub. The Government continues to engage with the banking industry to improve the consistency and functionality of services provided through banking hubs, including through recent discussions with banks, Cash Access UK and UK Finance.

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the use of enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks in roles where such checks are not legally required on (a) access to employment and (b) reoffending rates, particularly for people with historic conviction.

The criminal record regime aims to strike a balance between providing employers with the information they need to make safer recruitment decisions, while enabling ex-offenders to rebuild their lives. This is why Enhanced DBS checks are intended for roles involving a high degree of public trust or specific safeguarding responsibilities—including work with children or vulnerable adults. The roles and activities that are eligible for enhanced criminal record checks are set out in legislation.We recognise that disclosure of a criminal record can have a significant impact on an individual’s employment opportunities and ability to reintegrate into society, and we are committed to helping those people to overcome barriers and turn away from reoffending. This includes having introduced Regional Employment Councils, which bring together prisons, probation and the Department of Work and Pensions along with businesses, to help support people with convictions out into the community.The Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed that the Government will consider opportunities to simplify the criminal records regime to ensure it is clear and proportionate, particularly in relation to childhood offences. The Home Office and Ministry of Justice are working together to consider next steps.

How many pensioners are affected by the stopping of the state pension on imprisonment.

State Pension and Pension Credit payments are suspended immediately when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is notified by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) that an individual has entered custody for a criminal offence. A citizen who has served a criminal offence must inform DWP of their release to enable DWP to reinstate their payments. Upon receiving notification from the citizen, reinstatement of State Pension and Pension Credit is usually completed instantaneously. The timing of their first payment will depend upon their regular payment cycle, which is usually 4-weekly but can be changed to weekly upon request. Of the c13 million citizens receiving State Pension, around 1,400 citizens per annum are subject to suspension of their payments due to imprisonment. In 2025, there were 1,415 State Pension and Pension Credit related cases suspended.

For what reason the stopping of a state pension is automatic on imprisonment but reinstatement on release is not.

State Pension and Pension Credit payments are suspended immediately when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is notified by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) that an individual has entered custody for a criminal offence. A citizen who has served a criminal offence must inform DWP of their release to enable DWP to reinstate their payments. Upon receiving notification from the citizen, reinstatement of State Pension and Pension Credit is usually completed instantaneously. The timing of their first payment will depend upon their regular payment cycle, which is usually 4-weekly but can be changed to weekly upon request. Of the c13 million citizens receiving State Pension, around 1,400 citizens per annum are subject to suspension of their payments due to imprisonment. In 2025, there were 1,415 State Pension and Pension Credit related cases suspended.

How long does it take to restore the state pension once a prisoner is released.

State Pension and Pension Credit payments are suspended immediately when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is notified by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) that an individual has entered custody for a criminal offence. A citizen who has served a criminal offence must inform DWP of their release to enable DWP to reinstate their payments. Upon receiving notification from the citizen, reinstatement of State Pension and Pension Credit is usually completed instantaneously. The timing of their first payment will depend upon their regular payment cycle, which is usually 4-weekly but can be changed to weekly upon request. Of the c13 million citizens receiving State Pension, around 1,400 citizens per annum are subject to suspension of their payments due to imprisonment. In 2025, there were 1,415 State Pension and Pension Credit related cases suspended.

Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to continue to fund the UK Youth Parliament programme in 2026–27.

Youth empowerment is at the core of the National Youth Strategy. We have committed to putting young people in the driving seat of their own lives and empowering them to shape the solutions and decisions that impact them. Over the coming months, we are working with young people to create these opportunities for youth empowerment. The DCMS grant for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) programme currently runs until 31st March 2026. Decisions relating to future funding will be communicated in due course.

What steps he is taking to extend fracture liaison services.

Fracture Liaison Services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

When those waiting for their pension repayments under the McCloud judgement will receive their payments.

The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS), including the implementation of the 2015 Remedy (McCloud), is the responsibility of the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Of the c.430,000 members subject to the McCloud judgment, all those retiring after 1 October 2023 have, or will, make a choice between their preferred pension options and no amendments need to be made to their pension in payment, as the work has been completed for this group. Approximately 130,000 members who retired prior to October 2023, require an 'Immediate Choice' Remediable Service Statement, of which 44% (58,000) were issued before 31 March 2025 and members in this group (42,000) have confirmed their choice and their elections have been fully implemented. For the remaining 56% (c.70,000) of complex cases, the Cabinet Office has extended the delivery date to March 2027 both to prioritise accuracy for members and to protect wider services to all 1.7 million pension members. Capita, the new administrator from 1 December 2025 is drawing up plans and timelines for completion of this work. It should be noted that many members who retired prior to October 2023, are not better off as a result of McCloud judgment and many choose to remain on the pension already in payment.

What steps he has taken to help ensure that those who are waiting to have their pensions paid under the McCloud judgement are paid in a timely manner.

The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS), including the implementation of the 2015 Remedy (McCloud), is the responsibility of the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Government is committed to implementing the remedy as quickly as possible. Capita took over responsibility of the Civil Service Pension Scheme from 1 December 2025, and Capita is currently preparing a delivery plan for undertaking all the outstanding Remedy work required. Since October 2023 all members starting to receive their pension for the first time have been given their 2015 election options prior to their pension being put into payment. From the Remedy group, there are c.70k members remaining (from the original 430k) requiring the issuing of a Remediable Service Statement and these are expected to be completed by March 2027. This will enable the member to either continue with their current benefits or opt for the alternative. It is important to note that all impacted members in receipt of a pension are already receiving benefits and that the remedy is an adjustment and the alternative scheme benefits will not automatically provide a member with a higher pension and lump sum. Where it does and the member makes an alternative scheme election, the difference between what has been paid and what is due, will be backdated to the original payment date and paid to the member inclusive of interest.

Food and Rural Affairs, what information he has reviewed from the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative and other scientific or industry bodies about sustainable cultivation, reforestation, and traceability schemes.

Defra officials have engaged with a wide range of scientific and industry stakeholders — including some who may be affiliated with IPCI — through meetings, written submissions and open forums, and have reviewed information related to Pernambuco conservation, particularly on traceability. This evidence has informed the UK’s technical understanding and international engagement on this issue.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of HMRC’s procedures for granting exemptions from Making Tax Digital for taxpayers who are digitally excluded, including older individuals who do not use computers or mobile phones.

Whilst most taxpayers are able to use Making Tax Digital (MTD), some will be digitally excluded for a range of reasons which could include age, disability, health conditions, religious beliefs, or lack of internet access. HMRC has clear processes and a dedicated team in place to ensure requests for exemption from MTD requirements are considered in a consistent and fair way. Exemption procedures for MTD for income tax broadly mirror those which have been successfully applied in MTD for VAT cases since 2019. Taxpayers can apply for an exemption by phone or in writing, and authorised agents or family members may apply on their behalf. HMRC continually monitors service performance and capacity to ensure adequate resourcing and timely decisions.

Media and Sport, whether she has conducted an impact assessment on UK musicians regarding the additional CITES permit requirements that an Appendix I listing would require, including travel, touring logistics, and compliance impacts.

DCMS has not conducted a formal impact assessment on UK musicians regarding the additional CITES permit requirements that an Appendix I listing would require.Consultation on CITES proposals are led by DEFRA, who engaged extensively with the music sector and DCMS Officials ahead of the recent COP20 to understand potential implications of uplisting Brazilwood (Pernambuco) to Appendix I. This evidence informed the UK’s position to oppose an uplisting as it would have imposed significant negative impacts through increased administrative burdens and restrictions on the movement of finished bows, without delivering a clear conservation benefit.

What steps he is taking to ensure that NHSE informs ICBs, practitioners and Regional Pharmacists about amendments to the liothyronine (T3) section in the guidance document entitled Items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care.

Regional chief pharmacists have been informed of the changes made to the liothyronine section, including Armour Thyroid and liothyronine combination products, of the ‘items that should not be prescribed in primary care’ policy guidance via email. They have been asked to cascade this information through their integrated care board’s regional networks.

Media and Sport, what steps she is planning to take to ensure that lessons from the 24 early support hubs will feed into the Young Futures Hubs programme; and what plans she has to build the Young Futures Hubs programme on these existing hubs.

The Department for Health and Social Care is responsible for Early Support Hubs, and interventions into young people’s mental health. Young Futures Hubs, developed by DCMS, will leverage local understanding of services in each area to improve support for young people at community level, increasing opportunities, improving mental health and wellbeing, and reducing crime. 50 Young Futures Hubs across the country will be supported by the end of this Parliament. We are working closely with DHSC, NHS England, and health partners to ensure Young Futures Hubs builds on existing evidence to meet young people's emerging needs, including early mental health and wellbeing support.