Written questions by Lake.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 66247 on Public Expenditure: Wales, when her Department plans to publish a new release of Block Grant Transparency data.

The Block Grant Transparency publication breaks down all changes in the devolved governments’ block grant funding from the 2015 Spending Review to Main Estimates 2023-24. The most recent report was published in July 2023. The next publication will include a breakdown of devolved governments’ funding since the 2015 Spending Review up to and including Spending Review 2025 and will be published in due course. Block Grant Transparency: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/block-grant-transparency-july-2023

What recent estimate has she made of the number of people in Wales who have had difficulty in dealing with their (a) property and (b) other investments placed in trusts following the collapse of McClure solicitors.

We are aware that the collapse has had a serious impact on a substantial number of former clients of McClure solicitors, particularly in relation to Family Protection trusts and other estate planning arrangements. The responsibility for regulation of such law firms lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which is independent of Government. Responsibility for regulating the legal profession rests with approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA sets professional standards that solicitors (and firms) must adhere to.Given the independence of the legal profession and its regulators, the Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of individuals affected in Wales.I have discussed the McClure solicitors firm collapse with the leadership of the SRA and urged them to take robust action.The SRA has investigated the conduct of those former partners of WW&J McClure. While these former partners are no longer on the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales, the SRA keeps any relevant concerns on record. Should any of these individuals apply to return to the profession in the future, the SRA may consider taking appropriate action at that point.  Further guidance can be found in the latest SRA update on WW&J McClure, available here: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority.Further, the SRA has required a formal compliance plan from Jones Whyte (who took on clients’ cases when McClure collapsed) and is overseeing its implementation. This plan includes specific undertakings to prioritise client contact, act promptly on instructions, and ensure that the interests of former McClure clients are protected. The SRA continues to monitor the handling of former McClure client matters by Jones Whyte Solicitors and is working with relevant bodies to address concerns raised.Former clients of McClure may be eligible to pursue compensation claims through Lockton, the brokers responsible for professional indemnity cover under the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy. Claims under this route require individuals to demonstrate negligence, and legal advice may be necessary. It is also important to note that legal representatives may charge fees for their services in such matters.In addition, the Legal Ombudsman may be able to assist individuals who are dissatisfied with the service they have received from a regulated legal provider, including delays or failures in communication.

What steps she is taking to (a) identify and (b) support people affected by the collapse of McClure solicitors.

We are aware that the collapse has had a serious impact on a substantial number of former clients of McClure solicitors, particularly in relation to Family Protection trusts and other estate planning arrangements. The responsibility for regulation of such law firms lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which is independent of Government. Responsibility for regulating the legal profession rests with approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA sets professional standards that solicitors (and firms) must adhere to.Given the independence of the legal profession and its regulators, the Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of individuals affected in Wales.I have discussed the McClure solicitors firm collapse with the leadership of the SRA and urged them to take robust action.The SRA has investigated the conduct of those former partners of WW&J McClure. While these former partners are no longer on the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales, the SRA keeps any relevant concerns on record. Should any of these individuals apply to return to the profession in the future, the SRA may consider taking appropriate action at that point.  Further guidance can be found in the latest SRA update on WW&J McClure, available here: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority.Further, the SRA has required a formal compliance plan from Jones Whyte (who took on clients’ cases when McClure collapsed) and is overseeing its implementation. This plan includes specific undertakings to prioritise client contact, act promptly on instructions, and ensure that the interests of former McClure clients are protected. The SRA continues to monitor the handling of former McClure client matters by Jones Whyte Solicitors and is working with relevant bodies to address concerns raised.Former clients of McClure may be eligible to pursue compensation claims through Lockton, the brokers responsible for professional indemnity cover under the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy. Claims under this route require individuals to demonstrate negligence, and legal advice may be necessary. It is also important to note that legal representatives may charge fees for their services in such matters.In addition, the Legal Ombudsman may be able to assist individuals who are dissatisfied with the service they have received from a regulated legal provider, including delays or failures in communication.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2024 to Question 4409 on Taxation: International Cooperation, what recent steps she has taken to support the implementation of UN General Assembly resolution A /RES/78/230 on the Promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations adopted on 22 December 2023.

The UK is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective international tax cooperation, and has been engaging in discussions at the UN over a future Framework Convention, including the recent informal sessions for the technical workstreams.The UK believes that a UN Tax Framework Convention has the potential to further advance international tax cooperation, but to be successful, it needs to be clear in its aims, avoid duplicating initiatives, and seek to secure the broad support and participation of members.

What estimate her Department has made of the total amount of Barnett consequential funding which will be made available to Wales following the City Region Local Transport funding announced on 4 June 2025.

The 2025 Spending Review set the Department for Transport’s budget for 2026-27 to 2028-29. In line with the Statement of Funding Policy, the Barnett formula is applied to changes in overall department settlements, not to individual programmes. As a result, it is not possible to identify specific Barnett consequentials arising from individual programmes, such as the Transport for City Regions funding announced on 4 June 2025. This is the normal operation of the Barnett formula at Spending Reviews. The Welsh Government’s settlement at the 2025 Spending Review is the largest in real terms since devolution in 1998. It ensures that the Welsh Government continues to receive more than 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending in England, which is above their 15% higher relative need agreed in the Welsh Government Fiscal Framework.

Whether she plans to establish an alternative disputes resolution process for people affected by changes in state pension age for women.

We have no such plans.

With reference to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review report, published on 8 July 2020, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of launching a public inquiry into the potential harms of anti-seizure medication.

Everyone who has been harmed following use of anti-seizure medication has our deepest sympathies. We fully understand the importance of patient safety, which is a top priority for this government. It is vital we do all we can to stop harm from happening in the first place.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency rigorously monitors and reviews all emerging data and risks in relation to anti-seizure medication and communicates information on risks to patients. Following Baroness Cumberlege’s 2020 Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) Review, which examined the anti-seizure medication Sodium Valproate in detail, several actions have been taken to ensure that valproate is only prescribed when clinically appropriate. These include ensuring valproate is not started in new patients younger than 55 years old unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment, or there are compelling reasons that the reproductive risks do not apply.One of the conclusions of the IMMDS Review was that a public inquiry would not best serve the interests of those affected by each of the interventions covered by the review. We have no plans to launch a public inquiry into the potential harms of anti-seizure medication.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on Morocco's refusal to allow a visit to Western Sahara by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since January 2016.

The UK remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, including in Morocco and Western Sahara. Officials, including up to Ambassador level regularly engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities accordingly. During the Foreign Secretary's visit to Morocco in June, the joint-communique of the Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed both countries commitment to cooperate on issues of human rights and the intention to hold a third session of the UK-Morocco Human Rights dialogue before the end of 2025. The UK has also supported language in UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara, including through cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing mandatory veteran-aware training for benefit assessors.

I have interpreted your question to refer to health professionals (HPs) who conduct Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments and Work Capability Assessments (WCA) for our assessment suppliers on behalf of the department, and not Department for Work and Pensions decision makers who make decisions on entitlement to benefit. The Functional Assessment Service contracts require assessment suppliers to act in a manner supportive of the Armed Forces Covenant, to ensure the fair treatment of veterans and their families. PIP assessments and WCAs are not medical consultations and do not require HPs to diagnose conditions or recommend treatment. Instead, they are functional assessments designed to evaluate how an individual’s health conditions or impairments affect their ability to carry out daily living activities and/or their capability for work. HPs conducting assessments are trained specialists in disability analysis. Their focus is on understanding the functional impact of a claimant’s condition, rather than its clinical diagnosis. All HPs receive specific training on assessing the effects of mental health conditions and are supported by Mental Health Function Champions (MHFCs). MHFCs are experienced professionals with relevant expertise in mental health, cognitive, developmental, and learning disabilities. They are available to provide advice and support throughout the assessment process. Additionally, HPs have access to Condition Insight Reports and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guides. These resources offer detailed clinical and functional information on a range of conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, to support HPs in delivering informed assessments. Furthermore, within the WCA core training and guidance material (CTGM) there is a CPD module titled ‘life post miliary service’. While this does not currently form part of the PIP CTGM, we do intend to make this available across the benefit strands. On 25 June, I attended an online event with veterans, as one of the series of consultation events on the proposals in the Pathways to Work Green Paper.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of automatically exempting armed forces veterans with severe, long-term PTSD from repeat disability assessments.

Currently, Work Capability Assessment re-assessments are prioritised for customers on Employment and Support Allowance and the health element of Universal Credit who report a change in their health condition. Routine department-led reassessments are scheduled according to expected prognosis length for recovery and subject to available assessment capacity. Individuals who have Limited Capability for Work- and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA), with the most severe and lifelong health conditions or disabilities, whose level of function means that they will always have LCWRA and are unlikely ever to be able to move into work, are not routinely reassessed. Our wide-ranging package of reforms to health and disability benefits, set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, will improve experiences of the system for those who need it. The functional impact and severity of a condition can significantly vary across individuals, which is why we will continue to ensure that those with the most severe, life-long health conditions, who will never be able to work, will not need to be reassessed.

What recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on updating the Welsh Fiscal Framework.

The UK and Welsh Governments have regular discussions on the delivery funding arrangements, including the Fiscal Framework.We remain committed to working in partnership with the Welsh Government to ensure the Fiscal Framework continues to deliver value for money while upholding our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility.   As set out in the Welsh Government Fiscal Framework agreed in 2016, a full review is triggered if the Welsh Government’s relative funding falls below 115% of equivalent UK Government spending per head in the rest of the UK.

Whether her Department has received representations from the Welsh Government requesting that the East-West rail project be reclassified as an England only project.

There have been no formal representations from the Welsh Government on this matter.The UK Government is responsible for heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales so spends money on this in Wales rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so through the Barnett formula. This approach applies to investment in heavy rail by the Department for Transport, including HS2 and East-West Rail, and is consistent with the funding arrangements for all other policy areas reserved in Wales as set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.

Whether her Department classifies heavy rail projects located entirely within England as (a) local and (b) national projects.

The UK Government is responsible for heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales so spends money on this in Wales rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so through the Barnett formula. This approach applies to investment in heavy rail by the Department for Transport, including HS2 and East-West Rail, and is consistent with the funding arrangements for all other policy areas reserved in Wales as set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the National Telecare Campaign is delivered bilingually in (a) English and (b) Welsh across all platforms.

The Government supports the industry-led National Telecare Campaign. The objective of this campaign is to identify telecare users so that they can receive additional support when their landlines are upgraded from analogue to digital.It is important for the campaign to reach vulnerable customers across the UK, which is why the campaign is being delivered bilingually. In Wales, a TV advert is being broadcast on ITV Wales in English with Welsh subtitles, as well as in Welsh on Welsh community radio. A combination of English and Welsh, as well as Welsh-only content, is being used for printed adverts and video on demand.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 May 2025 to Question 48499 on Revenue and Customs, whether her Department plans to publish the minutes of the 2024 meeting of the Statutory Payment Consultation Group.

Minutes of the Statutory Payments Consultation Group meeting held on 30th January 2024 will be published before the Autumn. A date has not been set for a future meeting of the group.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 May 2025 to Question 48499 on Revenue and Customs, when HMRC's Statutory Payment Consultation Group will next be convened.

Minutes of the Statutory Payments Consultation Group meeting held on 30th January 2024 will be published before the Autumn. A date has not been set for a future meeting of the group.

Whether it is her Department's policy that the classification of the East-West rail project as carrying 100% comparability factor for Wales is a publishing error in each Statement of funding policy, published between 2021 and 2024.

The UK Government is responsible for heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales so spends money on this in Wales rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so through the Barnett formula. This approach applies to investment in heavy rail by the Department for Transport, including HS2 and East-West Rail, and is consistent with the funding arrangements for all other policy areas reserved in Wales as set out in the Statement of Funding Policy. We are aware of a potential error, originating in Spending Review 2021, with the Department for Transport comparability factor used to calculate Barnett consequentials for the devolved governments at spending reviews. HM Treasury will work through the impact of this potential error ahead of the next Statement of Funding Policy publication.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that Máire ní Mhurchú has access to legal representation following her detention by Israel.

We were in contact with the Irish embassy about the case, and we understand that she has since left Israel.

Whether any of the regional transport infrastructure projects announced on 4 June 2025 will be classified as England and Wales projects.

The Chancellor announced the £15.6 billion Transport for City Regions settlements on 4 June 2025 for investment in the local transport networks of 9 eligible mayoral strategic authorities in England. Local transport is devolved to the Welsh government.

How much additional funding through the Barnett Formula will the Welsh government receive from regional transport infrastructure funding in England announced on 4 June 2025.

The Barnett formula is applied when departmental budgets change – not when departments announce how they are spending their budgets. When changes to the Department for Transport’s budget are confirmed at Spending Review 2025 on 11 June, the Barnett formula will be applied in the usual way. The published Block Grant Transparency document provides a detailed breakdown of how the block grants are calculated and the next version will be published in due course.