Written questions by Sabine.

Whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of a third runway at Heathrow on the environment.

The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.

What steps he is taking to increase the uptake of smear tests.

To support improving access and uptake of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, the National Health Service has a series of initiatives underway, including:developing a digital-first approach to cervical screening invitations and reminders;introducing revised invitation correspondence, and a subsequent reminder letter, that is sent at 24.5 years old to specifically highlight the need to attend cervical screening, even if they have had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and raise awareness of HPV vaccine catch-up offers, for those up to 25 years old;using the new IT system, the Cervical Screening Management System, to enable an opt-in process for transgender and non-binary people’s screening invitations, to ensure that no-one eligible misses the opportunity to be invited and participate;expanding the of the range of accessible public information materials across all screening programmes, and continuing to highlight the importance of screening within our regular equalities-focused communications and engagement;developing an agile cervical screening workforce that can respond to fluctuations in demand through workforce planning, accounting for potential future changes to screening offers, directed by the UK National Screening Committee;identifying low-cost or no-cost opportunities to communicate the NHS’s aim to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, highlighting the value of cervical screening and the HPV vaccination as fundamental to achieving this goal; andThe UK National Screening Committee’s consideration of whether the introduction of self-sampling for non-attenders to the cervical screening programme may increase uptake.

What steps he is taking to increase the uptake of HPV vaccinations for (a) girls and (b) boys.

NHS Commissioned School Aged Immunisation Service providers have robust catch-up plans in place for the adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme. This is based on population need, and utilises opportunities from the move to one dose in September 2023. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) works closely with several charities to develop resources to raise awareness of HPV. The UKHSA also publishes annual statistics, which are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine-coverage-estimates-in-england-2022-to-2023/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccination-coverage-in-adolescents-in-england-2022-to-2023These support local National Health Service teams in developing plans to improve uptake and reduce inequalities for the HPV universal programme. NHS England has improved digital communications on vaccinations, including expanding the NHS app, and has improved access to the vaccine outside of schools, through community clinics at convenient times and locations. The UKHSA produces a number of HPV resources, which are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hpv-vaccination-programme.Materials are also available on the UKHSA Health Publications website in a range of languages and accessible formats, at the following link:https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.html

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to progress strategic devolution in Somerset with (a) Wiltshire, (b) Dorset and (c) other neighbouring counties.

We are launching the Devolution Priority Programme, aiming to deliver new Strategic Authorities and see a new wave of Mayors elected in May 2026. Regions interested in joining the Devolution Priority Programme have written to government to express their interest. We are now reviewing proposals and expect to confirm places on the Programme shortly.However, I recognise that not all areas will be ready to move at such a pace towards mayoral devolution, and I look forward to working with such areas to help them to realise the benefits of devolution in due course.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the annual pensioner Christmas bonus in line with inflation.

The Department has no current plans to make such an assessment. The Christmas Bonus was initially introduced as a one-off payment of £10 in 1972 and has not been uprated or increased on a yearly basis like some benefits.

What plans he has to introduce dental provision for students in schools.

We are committed to implementing a national targeted supervised toothbrushing programme to three, four, and five year olds living in our most deprived areas.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing qualified mental health professionals to schools.

We know that waits for mental health services are far too long, including for children and young people. That is why we will recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers across child and adult mental health services, and introduce a specialist mental health professional in every school. We will set out our timeline for introducing access to specialist mental health professionals in due course.

How often he meets with the British Dental Association; and when he last met with that organisation.

Ministers meet regularly with external stakeholders on a variety of topics, including but not limited to dentistry. Details of ministerial meetings are published quarterly in arrears on the GOV.UK website.

What discussions he has had with Royal Mail on achieving delivery targets for (a) first and (b) second class mail.

In November I met with Royal Mail’s CEO and stressed the importance of a reliable postal service including for first and second class mail. As the independent regulator for the postal sector, it is for Ofcom to oversee Royal Mail’s delivery of the universal service obligation and decide how to respond should Royal Mail fail to meet its obligations. While the government does not have a role in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions, I also recently met with representatives from Ofcom who reasserted their commitment to ensuring that the universal postal service meets the reasonable needs of users.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to progress strategic devolution in the South West.

We have already made progress on strategic devolution in the South West. Subject to parliamentary approval the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority will be established in early 2025, and the Cornwall non-mayoral Devolution Agreement is largely already implemented. We encourage the authorities to continue working together and with their neighbours to explore the next steps towards deeper and wider devolution for their area.We are launching the Devolution Priority Programme, aiming to deliver new Strategic Authorities and see a wave of Mayors elected in May 2026. Regions interested in joining the Devolution Priority Programme have written to Government to express their interest. We are now reviewing proposals, and expect to confirm places on the Programme shortly.However, I recognise that not all areas will be ready to move at such a pace towards mayoral devolution, and I look forward to working with such areas to help them to realise the benefits of devolution in due course.

What proportion of first class post in Frome and East Somerset constituency is delivered on time.

Ofcom are the independent regulator of postal services, and the Government do not collect or hold this type of information. Ofcom has a duty to ensure the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service. It monitors Royal Mail’s provision of the universal service and has powers to investigate and take enforcement action if Royal Mail fails to achieve its performance targets as appropriate, taking account of all relevant factors.

What proportion of second class post in Frome and East Somerset constituency is delivered on time.

Ofcom are the independent regulator of postal services, and the Government do not collect or hold this type of information. Ofcom has a duty to ensure the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service. It monitors Royal Mail’s provision of the universal service and has powers to investigate and take enforcement action if Royal Mail fails to achieve its performance targets as appropriate, taking account of all relevant factors.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of taxing wine according to strength on wine (a) producers and (b) vendors.

At Autumn Budget, the Chancellor confirmed that the current temporary wine easement will end as planned from 1 February 2025. By this time, the wine industry will have had over two years to adapt to the strength-based alcohol duty system. The summary of impacts from the alcohol duty reforms announced at Spring Budget 2023, including the wine easement, can be found here: Alcohol Duty Reforms - GOV.UK HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of the new rates and structures three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023. The Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of UK support for a UN convention on the rights of older persons.

The UK Government is committed to equality and opportunity for all, with a particular focus on those most likely to be marginalised and discriminated against, including on the grounds of their age. We are open in principle to the idea of a multilateral instrument dedicated to the human rights of older people and will continue to play a constructive role in discussions on this issue at the UN and other relevant fora.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the cost of insurance.

Insurers make commercial decisions about the terms on which they will offer cover following an assessment of the relevant risks. This is usually informed by the insurer’s claims experience and other industry-wide statistics. The Government does not usually intervene in these decisions by insurers, as this could damage competition in the market. The Government is committed to ensuring that insurers treat all customers fairly and insurance companies are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules. The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value. The FCA monitors firms to make sure they provide products that are fair value, and, where necessary, it will take action.

With reference to paragraph 4.69 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, how she plans to use the additional funding for cycling and walking infrastructure in the 2025-26 financial year.

At the Budget we announced an additional £100 million investment in cycling and walking infrastructure to support local authorities. Final allocations for active travel investment in 2025/26 will be decided as part of the Department for Transport business planning process, which is expected to conclude shortly.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of putting a cap on insurance costs for small businesses.

Insurers make commercial decisions about the terms on which they will offer cover following an assessment of the relevant risks. This is usually informed by the insurer’s claims experience and other industry-wide statistics. The Government does not usually intervene in these decisions by insurers, as this could damage competition in the market. The Government is committed to ensuring that insurers treat all customers fairly and insurance companies are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules. The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value. The FCA monitors firms to make sure they provide products that are fair value, and, where necessary, it will take action.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that UK international climate finance reaches (a) children and (b) communities most vulnerable to climate change.

Our international climate finance continues to prioritise support to the most vulnerable communities who are experiencing the worst impacts of climate change, including children. In addition, we are committed to amplifying the voices of the most marginalised, empowering them as decision-makers, advocates and leaders in the climate response, ensuring gender and other factors including age and disability are a key part of our policy and programming. At COP29, I championed gender-responsive and inclusive international climate finance and policy, announcing over £5.8 million to support women's economic empowerment and social norms change and to build the resilience of women's rights organisations against climate threats.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of reduced funding for (a) Now Teach and (b) other charities on the recruitment of teachers.

Now Teach currently deliver a national Career Changers Programme. The previous government confirmed to Now Teach in April 2024 that the programme is not being reprocured and will come to a natural end in August 2026 when the current cohort completes the p...

What her policy is on the policy paper entitled The Power of Music to Change Lives: A National Plan for Music Education, published by her Department on 25 June 2022.

As part of our Opportunity Mission, this government is committed to ensuring that every child has a rich and broad education, including access to arts and music, which sets them up to achieve and thrive throughout life.The national plan for music educatio...