Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, which (a) large sites have been descoped and (b) medium-sized sites have been brought into scope following the rescaling of the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what additional sites are included within the pipeline for the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the three pilot projects are that she plans to launch with local authorities and other partners under the Asylum Accommodation Programme; and who the other key partners are.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, with which (a) local authorities, (b) statutory partners and (c) other Departments she is working with on the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the target for bed spaces by the end of 2026 through the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

Which sites are in scope as accommodation pilots for the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the different operating models being tested at each site are through the locally-led delivery model under the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, for what reason it was decided to reduce the number of bed spaces delivered by the Asylum Accommodation Programme prior to its approval.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to her Department's press release entitled UK-France treaty targeting illegal crossings comes into force, published on 7 August 2025, what the level of interoperability is between UK Border Force and the newly established specialist intelligence and judicial police unit.

There is no direct engagement between the specialist intelligence and judicial police unit the Groupe d’Appui Operationnel and UK Border Force.However, newly established law enforcement units such as these are all part of this Government’s commitment to strengthen border security through cooperation with France. We have been clear there are no silver bullets, which is why we have strengthened law enforcement in France and signed this landmark agreement; alongside taking wider measures domestically.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, which smaller to medium sites are being progressed under the Asylum Accommodation Programme.

The Asylum Accommodation Programme (AAP) was initially set up as one of a range of responses in the Home Office to tackle a growing demand of asylum accommodation to reduce reliance on costly contingency options such as hotels, looking specifically at large sites and vessels. To date the Programme has delivered two sites (Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm) and continues to progress a pipeline of additional sites.The Asylum Accommodation Programme has now captured over 1,000 lessons from sites delivered, as well as those that never made it through to delivery.   As lessons have been learned, the Programme undertook a strategic refresh in Spring 2024 and is aiming to deliver a more flexible estate, working closely with local authorities and statutory partners and in collaboration with other government departments. We will ensure that lessons are continually learned and applied. These lessons identified are implemented and applied to future sites via a detailed ‘Stage Gate’ process, ensuring the correct due diligence and decision-making is carried out before investment decisions are made.Decisions made by the programme relating to targets are decided based on various assessments, outlined in the business case, which is approved both internally and externally, such as by HMT.A number of proposals from local authorities expressing interest in working on the pilots have been shortlisted, however further progression will be subject to ongoing due diligence, funding and collaboration and no contractual agreements will be set up until a final shortlist is agreed. We continue to engage with LAs across the UK and are focused on delivering mutual benefits regarding a more locally led model, increasing overall supply of temporary accommodation suitable for multiple cohorts and delivering additional community benefits, to be designed in partnership with individual LAs.The Home Office is working with a range of strategic partners to deliver accommodation plans, including collaboration with other government departments, such as MHCLG, MoD and DHSC. We are also engaging with Local Authorities through ongoing Full Dispersal and accommodation pilot plans, promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives.The government is investing £500 million to develop this accommodation model, developed in consultation with LAs. This funding will be delivered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with the Home Office and local councils, in order to deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers. This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels.Community cohesion is fully considered in site selection. We are prioritising models that give control back to communities, reduce pressure on local services, and deliver fairer distribution across the country.We are unable to provide commentary on individual sites in the scope of the programme. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.

With reference to her Department's press release entitled 4.2% pay rise for police officers across England and Wales, published on 1 August 2025, what proportion of the £120 million was allocated to Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

This Government is committed to ensuring that policing has the resources it needs and the allocation of funding to police forces remains an important consideration.The method for distributing the additional funding will be communicated in due course.

What the full scope is of Operation Beaconport.

The National Police Operation, launched in response to the Casey Independent Audit of Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, has been named Operation Beaconport. The Operation is being set up to, as Baroness Casey recommended, ensure that past failures are addressed, justice is delivered, best practice is shared, and that we equip the system to deal with complex cases effectively.The Operation is bringing together, for the first time, local and national policing partners and will be overseen by the NCA. Terms of Reference are being set and details of the Operation will be announced in due course. However, work is not standing still and phase one of the review of closed group-based child sexual exploitation cases is underway with over 1,200 cases identified, of which 216 have been prioritised. The Operation is in its early stages therefore no arrests and prosecutions have been made.

When access to the capabilities environment of the Tackling Organised Exploitation programme will be available to police forces.

As part of the response to the Casey Independent Audit of Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse the government has recently provided £426,000 of new funding to the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme (TOEX). The new funding will enable TOEX to extend access to its suite of cutting-edge investigative apps and digital tools, stored within its secure capabilities environment, to all Home Office police forces in England and Wales.In total, the Home Office is providing TOEX over £9 million this year to increase law enforcement’s capability to respond to organised exploitation, including by providing dedicated intelligence, analytical and technical expertise. This includes child sexual exploitation, alongside other organised exploitation crimes including modern slavery, organised immigration crimes, and criminal exploitation.The additional funding will allow for the expedited roll out of the TOEX Capabilities Environment, to ensure all police investigators in England and Wales have access to the full array of TOEX’s AI-enabled and time-saving tools.The TOEX programme contacted all forces in England and Wales to provide information on how they can access the TOEX tools following the Minister’s announcement is August. In addition to the 15 police forces which are already utilising TOEX tools, a further 12 forces are currently onboarding. TOEX are continuing to engage with further forces to support the expansion.

What recent progress she has made in signing a new contract to (a) run, (b) maintenance and (c) support the Law Enforcement Cloud Platform.

The Law Enforcement Cloud Platform (LECP) is moving away from using an outside service provider and will start managing its own support through the in-house Shared Application Service (SAS) team.By the end of this financial year key roles will be taken over by civil servants and other Home Office Digital staff. During 2026, service management and security for LECP will be included in a unified support model, reducing reliance on external providers.

What the full scope is of the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme.

As part of the response to the Casey Independent Audit of Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse the government has recently provided £426,000 of new funding to the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme (TOEX). The new funding will enable TOEX to extend access to its suite of cutting-edge investigative apps and digital tools, stored within its secure capabilities environment, to all Home Office police forces in England and Wales.In total, the Home Office is providing TOEX over £9 million this year to increase law enforcement’s capability to respond to organised exploitation, including by providing dedicated intelligence, analytical and technical expertise. This includes child sexual exploitation, alongside other organised exploitation crimes including modern slavery, organised immigration crimes, and criminal exploitation.The additional funding will allow for the expedited roll out of the TOEX Capabilities Environment, to ensure all police investigators in England and Wales have access to the full array of TOEX’s AI-enabled and time-saving tools.The TOEX programme contacted all forces in England and Wales to provide information on how they can access the TOEX tools following the Minister’s announcement is August. In addition to the 15 police forces which are already utilising TOEX tools, a further 12 forces are currently onboarding. TOEX are continuing to engage with further forces to support the expansion.

Which police forces have access to the capabilities environment of the Tackling Organised Exploitation programme.

As part of the response to the Casey Independent Audit of Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse the government has recently provided £426,000 of new funding to the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme (TOEX). The new funding will enable TOEX to extend access to its suite of cutting-edge investigative apps and digital tools, stored within its secure capabilities environment, to all Home Office police forces in England and Wales.In total, the Home Office is providing TOEX over £9 million this year to increase law enforcement’s capability to respond to organised exploitation, including by providing dedicated intelligence, analytical and technical expertise. This includes child sexual exploitation, alongside other organised exploitation crimes including modern slavery, organised immigration crimes, and criminal exploitation.The additional funding will allow for the expedited roll out of the TOEX Capabilities Environment, to ensure all police investigators in England and Wales have access to the full array of TOEX’s AI-enabled and time-saving tools.The TOEX programme contacted all forces in England and Wales to provide information on how they can access the TOEX tools following the Minister’s announcement is August. In addition to the 15 police forces which are already utilising TOEX tools, a further 12 forces are currently onboarding. TOEX are continuing to engage with further forces to support the expansion.

What biometric data is stored by her Department as part of the Immigration and Asylum Biometric System.

Biometrics, in the form of fingerprints and facial images, underpin the UK Immigration system to support identity assurance and suitability checks on foreign nationals who are subject to immigration control. This data is stored on the Immigration and Asylum Biometric System (IABS).

With reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, for what reasons the senior responsible officer delivery confidence assessment in the Police National Database programme has changed from amber to red.

The Police National Database is a live intelligence-sharing service. It provides a national view of 6.3 billion searchable records, 19.9m images and information from 198 systems/databases. It is used by 49 UK police forces and 56 Law enforcement agencies, and around 1.3m searches are made each month.The change in confidence rating from amber to red was primarily related to delays to a platform upgrade and transition to the cloud.The Home Office is currently considering its options for future delivery of the Police National Database transformation programme and further information will be issued once a decision has been taken.

How many (a) arrests and (b) prosecutions have occurred as a result of Operation Beaconport.

The National Police Operation, launched in response to the Casey Independent Audit of Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, has been named Operation Beaconport. The Operation is being set up to, as Baroness Casey recommended, ensure that past failures are addressed, justice is delivered, best practice is shared, and that we equip the system to deal with complex cases effectively.The Operation is bringing together, for the first time, local and national policing partners and will be overseen by the NCA. Terms of Reference are being set and details of the Operation will be announced in due course. However, work is not standing still and phase one of the review of closed group-based child sexual exploitation cases is underway with over 1,200 cases identified, of which 216 have been prioritised. The Operation is in its early stages therefore no arrests and prosecutions have been made.

What progress she has made in delivering the Law Enforcement Data Service programme.

The Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS) is progressively replacing the legacy Police National Computer (PNC). The LEDS Property product is now the sole system for processing stolen and found items across UK police forces. Currently, 52 police forces, including Jersey and Guernsey, are connected to LEDS.So far in 2025, LEDS has handled over 12 million transactions, demonstrating strong growth and reliability. LEDS Vehicles and Drivers are live and widely used, while LEDS Person is rolling out in phases to support data on suspects, criminals, and missing or wanted individuals. The “Photographs at the Roadside” feature, showing driving licence images on police devices, has saved over 1 million hours of police time since its launch in January 2021.LEDS has achieved BS10008 Certification, confirming the legal admissibility of its electronic records. A Code of Practice has been developed with the College of Policing to guide appropriate use of LEDS and PNC.The programme remains technically complex and under close ministerial oversight. Final delivery and PNC decommissioning are planned for 2026, subject to assurance from policing stakeholders and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.