Written questions by Anderson.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of mechanisms in place to co-ordinate financial inclusion delivery across (a) central government and (b) regulators.

The Government recognises that action on financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and will work collaboratively across local, central, and devolved governments, as well as regulators, industry, and civil society to deliver the recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy sets out the Government’s plans to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. It outlines action to address a range of barriers individuals face in accessing financial products, with a key focus on access to banking services and recognition of the important links with the National Payments Vision and the opportunities this presents to embed and support financial inclusion To deliver the Strategy effectively, the Government will monitor levels of financial inclusion. There are a number of useful resources which were used in the development of the Strategy and which the Government will continue to monitor as the Strategy is delivered, including the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Financial Lives Survey and research carried out by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The Strategy’s implementation will be reviewed in two years’ time to provide an update on progress and relevant outcomes-based metrics, which will reflect on the progress made across the sector.

What estimate she has made of the resources allocated for data collection to support financial inclusion monitoring.

The Government recognises that action on financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and will work collaboratively across local, central, and devolved governments, as well as regulators, industry, and civil society to deliver the recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy sets out the Government’s plans to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. It outlines action to address a range of barriers individuals face in accessing financial products, with a key focus on access to banking services and recognition of the important links with the National Payments Vision and the opportunities this presents to embed and support financial inclusion To deliver the Strategy effectively, the Government will monitor levels of financial inclusion. There are a number of useful resources which were used in the development of the Strategy and which the Government will continue to monitor as the Strategy is delivered, including the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Financial Lives Survey and research carried out by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The Strategy’s implementation will be reviewed in two years’ time to provide an update on progress and relevant outcomes-based metrics, which will reflect on the progress made across the sector.

What discussions her Department has had with local authorities on identifying areas of financial exclusion for targeted support.

The Government recognises that action on financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and will work collaboratively across local, central, and devolved governments, as well as regulators, industry, and civil society to deliver the recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy sets out the Government’s plans to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. It outlines action to address a range of barriers individuals face in accessing financial products, with a key focus on access to banking services and recognition of the important links with the National Payments Vision and the opportunities this presents to embed and support financial inclusion To deliver the Strategy effectively, the Government will monitor levels of financial inclusion. There are a number of useful resources which were used in the development of the Strategy and which the Government will continue to monitor as the Strategy is delivered, including the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Financial Lives Survey and research carried out by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The Strategy’s implementation will be reviewed in two years’ time to provide an update on progress and relevant outcomes-based metrics, which will reflect on the progress made across the sector.

What steps she is taking to ensure that financial inclusion initiatives remain aligned with developments in (i) digital payments and (ii) banking.

The Government recognises that action on financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and will work collaboratively across local, central, and devolved governments, as well as regulators, industry, and civil society to deliver the recently published Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy sets out the Government’s plans to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. It outlines action to address a range of barriers individuals face in accessing financial products, with a key focus on access to banking services and recognition of the important links with the National Payments Vision and the opportunities this presents to embed and support financial inclusion To deliver the Strategy effectively, the Government will monitor levels of financial inclusion. There are a number of useful resources which were used in the development of the Strategy and which the Government will continue to monitor as the Strategy is delivered, including the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Financial Lives Survey and research carried out by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The Strategy’s implementation will be reviewed in two years’ time to provide an update on progress and relevant outcomes-based metrics, which will reflect on the progress made across the sector.

Whether his Department plans to make an assessment of the potential impact of employer-partnership programmes on labour market participation in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency.

The Department for Work and Pensions continually monitors and evaluates the impact of its programmes on labour market participation across Great Britain, including in Buckingham and Bletchley. Employer-partnership initiatives such as the Restart Scheme, Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), and Skills Bootcamps are subject to independent evaluation, which informs future policy and contractual decisions. For example, the Restart evaluation by the Learning & Work Institute and Ipsos UK, and the Skills Bootcamp evaluation by CFE Research, are publicly available on GOV.UK. Locally, Jobcentres in Aylesbury and Milton Keynes deliver a range of employer-led programmes to help people move into sustainable employment. These include tailored support through Restart, mentoring circles with NHS and other employers, and SWAPs in sectors such as construction, logistics, retail, and health and social care. The Department’s wider reforms will create a new service across Great Britain, enabling people to access support to find good, meaningful work and progress in employment, while working with employers to overcome recruitment barriers and meet skills needs. Through these measures, the Department aims to improve labour market participation and ensure inclusive employment opportunities in Buckingham, Bletchley, and beyond.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of support for reducing trade barriers has been allocated to food and drink producers in Buckinghamshire.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Buckinghamshire and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value and sectoral priorities. Barriers are identified and prioritised at national level but importance to local economies is taken into account. Our attaches focus on removing regulatory barriers for the agri-food and drink sector, including access for animal and plant products, as well as addressing issues such as labelling and other technical barriers to trade which can hinder exports. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in Buckinghamshire can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association to Defra market access groups for each commodity category. There are a range of SME targeted tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Export Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

How his Department plans to monitor participation in trade promotion programmes by SMEs in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency.

As outlined in our 2025 UK Trade Strategy, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to the monitoring and evaluation of its performance to ensure continuous improvement.DBT has developed a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for its existing export promotion activities, and data on participation is published in DBT’s Export Client Quality Survey.In 2023/24, 17,449 businesses were supported by DBT export promotion services, of which 85% were classified as SMEs. We do not monitor participation by individual constituencies, but would be happy to be advised of any suitable SMEs in Buckingham and Bletchley.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of trade facilitation interventions on export volumes from Buckinghamshire.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Buckinghamshire and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value and sectoral priorities. Barriers are identified and prioritised at national level but importance to local economies is taken into account. Our attaches focus on removing regulatory barriers for the agri-food and drink sector, including access for animal and plant products, as well as addressing issues such as labelling and other technical barriers to trade which can hinder exports. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in Buckinghamshire can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association to Defra market access groups for each commodity category. There are a range of SME targeted tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Export Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure local communities are involved in the management of new national forests.

Community engagement is central to the approach we will encourage these new national forests to apply, and reflects the approach embedded by the original National Forest in the Midlands, which is managed by the National Forest Company. As an illustration of their dedication to community engagement, in 2021 the National Forest Company brought together its 70 community woods groups and conservation organisations under the Community Woods Network.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of support for reducing trade barriers relates to non-tariff barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Buckinghamshire and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value and sectoral priorities. Barriers are identified and prioritised at national level but importance to local economies is taken into account. Our attaches focus on removing regulatory barriers for the agri-food and drink sector, including access for animal and plant products, as well as addressing issues such as labelling and other technical barriers to trade which can hinder exports. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in Buckinghamshire can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association to Defra market access groups for each commodity category. There are a range of SME targeted tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Export Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press notice entitled Nation to benefit from two new national forests backed by £1 billion investment in tree planting, published on 5 November 2025, what her planned timetable is for planting trees.

We intend to announce further details on the planned timetable for the OxCam corridor national forest in due course. Details of the competition for the third new national forest will also be published in due course.

What discussions his Department has had with NHS England on integrated occupational-health pathways.

The Joint DWP and DHSC Work & Health Directorate routinely works across Departments and health systems to develop cross cutting initiatives such as Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care programme and WorkWell. The Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies (England), embeds Employment Advisors within the Talking Therapies service, enabling the provision of integrated therapeutic treatment and employment support to patients regardless of their work or benefit status. The Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care programme (IPSPC), is a Supported Employment model aimed at supporting disabled people and those with health conditions. IPSPC supports people who are out of work and those needing support with their health issues to stay in work. The WorkWell pilot is a new way to deliver integrated work and health support that is designed by Integrated Care Boards in partnership with local government, Jobcentre Plus and community groups. These partnerships have had flexibility to design their WorkWell service according to their local needs, building on existing assets and resources, creating opportunities to integrate provision and pathways across places. Sites went live from October 2024 in 15 areas in England and provide low intensity holistic support for health-related barriers to employment, and a single joined up gateway to existing local work and health service provision. Multidisciplinary teams provide support to participants that can include employer liaison, work and health coaching, physiotherapy, and mental health services.

What steps his Department is taking to assess supply chain readiness for increased export activity.

The government recognises that robust supply chains are fundamental to enabling businesses to capitalise on export opportunities and drive sustainable growth. As outlined in the UK’s Trade Strategy, we are committed to working with businesses of all sizes to strengthen their capacity to compete in global markets.

What estimate he has made of the resources allocated to improve export advisory capacity within UK business support services.

The Department for Business and Trade is putting in place the policies and support needed to drive export-led business growth.DBT has integrated its support for SMEs in a single, accessible place – the Business Growth Service – designed to help businesses across the UK start, scale, and succeed globally. From tailored market advice to free training through the Export Academy, we are making it easier for businesses to navigate global markets, seize opportunities, and build resilience.Our Export Champions are also sharing their experience and encouraging and inspiring new and fledgling exporters.

What discussions his Department has had with (a) local authorities and (b) regional growth bodies on export-capability development.

Working with local delivery bodies is a central part of our Plan for Small Businesses and Business Growth Service. A core principle of the Business Growth Service is local partnership working, including working with Growth Hubs and Mayoral Strategic Authorities.Our Plan for Small Businesses, published in July, sets out the ways in which we will work with local authorities to deliver our ambitions of supporting businesses to grow.

Food and Rural Affairs, what criteria she uses to prioritise businesses in accessing support for reducing trade barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Buckinghamshire and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value and sectoral priorities. Barriers are identified and prioritised at national level but importance to local economies is taken into account. Our attaches focus on removing regulatory barriers for the agri-food and drink sector, including access for animal and plant products, as well as addressing issues such as labelling and other technical barriers to trade which can hinder exports. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in Buckinghamshire can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association to Defra market access groups for each commodity category. There are a range of SME targeted tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Export Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure smaller food and drink producers in Buckinghamshire can access government support for reducing trade barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Buckinghamshire and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value and sectoral priorities. Barriers are identified and prioritised at national level but importance to local economies is taken into account. Our attaches focus on removing regulatory barriers for the agri-food and drink sector, including access for animal and plant products, as well as addressing issues such as labelling and other technical barriers to trade which can hinder exports. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in Buckinghamshire can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association to Defra market access groups for each commodity category. There are a range of SME targeted tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Export Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

What estimate he has made of the skills support required to help UK firms expand into new export markets.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to providing businesses with the support, advice and skills they need to export across the globe.Businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via business.gov.uk. This includes support via the UK Export Academy, a free, comprehensive learning and development programme that boosts British businesses’ global trading capability.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Nation to benefit from two new national forests backed by £1 billion investment in tree planting, published on 5 November 2025, what proportion of trees planted will be native species.

The design of the new forests will be led by delivery partners on the ground, so exact species mix is not known at this time.  The woodlands created will be designed for multiple functions including recreation, flood management, timber production and wildlife habitat – the species will be selected to reflect these functions will differ from site to site.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of home-based NHS care on hospital admissions.

Whilst no comprehensive quantitative assessment has been made, we recognise that home and community-based National Health Services play a crucial role in preventing admissions for people with conditions that can be safely managed in the community, thereby helping to manage demand pressures on accident and emergency departments, and improving patient experience.Key features of home and community based services include: anticipating and preventing exacerbations using personalised care plans delivered through neighbourhood health teams for people with long-term conditions and frailty; directing people to the most appropriate service at first contact using clearly established routes for clinical advice supported by digital tools and neighbourhood teams; and delivering integrated community based services including Urgent Community Response, Hospital at Home, and therapy-led intermediate care.Our Urgent and Emergency Care Delivery Plan, published in June 2025, commits to increasing the number of patients receiving urgent care in the community by expanding these services.