Written questions by Anderson.

What workforce planning measures he has implemented to support the delivery of home-based NHS care in (a) Buckinghamshire and (b) Milton Keynes.

This Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to set out action to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.The NHS is increasingly using virtual wards, also known as hospital at home, to support people at the place they call home, and enable the shift from hospital to community care. Virtual wards allow patients to get the care they need at home safely and conveniently, rather than being in hospital.

What assessment his Department has made of potential factors limiting Pension Credit take-up among eligible low-income pensioners in rural areas.

Research suggests that there are a range of reasons why some pensioners don’t claim Pension Credit. These include lack of awareness, uncertainty about eligibility and stigma around claiming benefits more generally. Some pensioners assume that they will not be entitled because they own their own home or have modest savings or other retirement income. Some may be put off by the claim processor be hesitant to provide personal or financial information. Pensioners in rural areas may face added barriers such as having limited access to local support services, social isolation or poor digital connectivity. The Government is committed to ensuring that all pensioners, no matter where they live, receive the financial support they are entitled to. That is why we have been running the biggest ever Pension Credit taken-up campaign across the whole of Great Britain, promoting Pension Credit to eligible pensioners and their family and friends through adverts on television and radio; on social media and on digital screens in GP surgeries and Post Offices, as well as in the press. And Pension Credit can be claimed over the telephone, by post or online. Pensioners claiming by telephone can be supported and guided through the claim process by an agent while the online service is available 24/7 every day of the year and can be completed by a friend or relative.

What data his Department holds on local authority engagement with Pension Credit take-up campaigns.

The Department regularly engages with all councils in Great Britain through the Local Authority Welfare Direct e-bulletins on GOV.UK, email communications to our local authority contact list, and through wider outreach work through partnership managers covering national Jobcentre Plus districts. DWP Communications keeps a log of the extensive support for the campaign offered by Local Authorities across Great Britain, which helps the Department to focus promotional efforts. Following our calls for support for the annual Pension Credit Week of Action in 2024, and in October this year, at least 200 councils across Great Britain have actively supported our awareness campaign through social media promotion and/or in-person/on-site distribution of our promotional materials, including posters and leaflets.

What plans his Department has to enhance digital access support for Pension Credit applications for older people.

The Department is committed to making Pension Credit applications as accessible as possible for older people. We have invested in the Apply for Pension Credit online service (AfPC), which is designed to simply gather the information needed to make a claim, while ensuring that non-digital routes remain available for those who prefer or require them. Assisted digital support is embedded into the service, including telephone and paper-based options for digitally excluded customers. To further enhance digital access support, we plan to introduce “save and return” to make online applications easier for those who need more time or assistance.

Whether his Department has undertaken analysis of productivity variation across integrated care systems.

The Department recognises the importance of understanding productivity variation across integrated care systems (ICSs) to support improvement and to ensure value for money. NHS England routinely collects and analyses data on performance outcomes across ICSs, which is used to provide insight into relative performance at a trust level.For acute providers, this is included in the NHS Oversight Framework and trusts are segmented based on the latest estimates of a range of metrics, including productivity performance, and ranked in the NHS league tables, which are available at the following link:https://data.england.nhs.uk/dashboard/nofacute

Whether his Department plans to introduce mandatory reporting on productivity improvements linked to capital investment.

The Department is committed to ensuring that capital investment in the National Health Service delivers measurable improvements in productivity and patient outcomes. While there is currently no mandatory reporting framework specifically linking capital investment to productivity gains, NHS organisations are expected to demonstrate value for money and the impact through business case processes and post-project evaluations. The Department is exploring options to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of capital investments, including how productivity gains can be more systematically captured and reported in future.More broadly, the NHS plans to begin regularly publishing assessments of productivity performance against the 2% year-on-year improvement target we set in our 10-Year Health Plan. Data published in September 2025 showed an estimated 2.7% year-on-year improvement in acute productivity in the NHS over the 2024/25 financial year, with further information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/patients-treated-more-quickly-as-nhs-productivity-rises-over-yearEarly data for the first quarter of 2025/26 suggests this trend is continuing with a further 2.4% improvement in acute productivity, with further information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-recovery-continues-with-above-target-productivity-growth

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of reduced electricity costs for employers in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency on employment growth in energy-intensive sectors.

This Government is well aware of the pressures facing our energy intensive industries (EIIs), across the nation, including high electricity prices. Our recent announcement of the uplift of relief offered by the Network Charging Compensation Scheme from 60% to 90% highlights our intent to support UK EIIs in their decarbonisation transition. This support will deliver much needed financial relief allowing businesses, such as those in Buckingham and Bletchley, more financial headroom and the possibility to grow.

Whether his Department has assessed the potential effectiveness of digital scheduling tools in improving outpatient capacity.

As set out in the Elective Reform Plan, the Department is committed to ensuring that outpatient capacity is planned and used effectively, and that processes are streamlined to free up capacity where possible. This includes ensuring that all appointments are necessary and reducing missed appointments.Digital scheduling tools like the NHS e-Referral Service (NHS e-RS), the NHS App, and the Manage Your Referral service are key enablers of this. The NHS e-RS is a digital platform used for referring patients from primary care into elective services. Manage Your Referral is the patient facing side of the NHS e-RS, allowing a patient to book, check, change, or cancel their first outpatient appointment online through its website or through the NHS App.The 10-Year Health Plan builds on this vision. It introduces tools like My NHS GP, My Choices, and My Specialist for personalised scheduling. By 2028, the NHS App will become the primary gateway for patients to book appointments and manage their appointments. The Medium Term Planning Framework, published in October 2025, sets out the initial phase of this work starting this year, to bring forward a roadmap for the delivery of the NHS App’s functions as described in the 10-Year Health Plan. This will help deliver a technology-enabled model of planned care which gives patients one place to manage all their appointments, referrals, and interactions, while bringing efficiencies that reduce referral-to-treatment times.

What steps his Department is taking to support NHS trusts to increase same-day elective procedure capability.

Same-day elective procedures, or day surgeries, allow patients to be treated and discharged on the same day, helping to reduce waiting times, minimising cancellations due to bed pressures, and supporting patients to recover more quickly, in the comfort of their own home.To expand same-day capability, we are investing in dedicated elective surgical hubs focused on high-volume, low-complexity procedures. These hubs improve productivity and support more patients to return home the same day, in line with the Right Procedure, Right Place principles.There are currently 124 operational hubs in England, 23 of which have opened since the Government took office. Over the next three years, we are committed to increasing the number of hubs to boost surgical capacity and deliver faster access to common procedures.NHS England also continues to run the Getting It Right First Time programme, as part of which trusts are supported to maximise hub productivity and increase the proportion of inpatient procedures completed as day surgeries.

What steps she is taking to report on the progress of the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made by the Windrush Compensation Scheme is published as part of the monthly Transparency Data release. The latest published data, covering the period up to the end of September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

What recent discussions her Department has had with representative groups of the Windrush generation on the compensation process.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made by the Windrush Compensation Scheme is published as part of the monthly Transparency Data release. The latest published data, covering the period up to the end of September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of public information campaigns on levels of benefit-related fraud.

DWP will be launching a new campaign at the end of January 2026. This campaign will focus on the three greatest key loss areas for the Department – living together, self-employed, and capital & savings. It will run across a range of channels, including on demand video, out-of-home, digital display, paid search and paid social. The campaign’s communications objectives are to increase awareness of the consequences of not reporting changes of circumstances to DWP and to increase understanding of the types of changes of circumstances that need to be reported amongst Universal Credit customers.

What criteria her Department has used as a basis for its assessment of the effectiveness changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made by the Windrush Compensation Scheme is published as part of the monthly Transparency Data release. The latest published data, covering the period up to the end of September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

What recent training has been provided to staff administering the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Last year, the Government reiterated its renewed commitment to ensuring everyone who was affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible and members of the Windrush generation receive the support they deserve swiftly and with dignity. The Scheme has since taken forward several actions to honour that commitment.The Home Office continues to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that the Scheme is operating effectively for those affected. The changes made to the Scheme in December 2020, August 2022 and October 2025, mean people receive significantly more money more quickly. We have significantly accelerated our claims processing and continue to reduce waiting times. Our ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring claimants receive timely outcomes. These significant and positive policy changes were made following consultation with claimants and stakeholders. Detailed information on the changes was shared in the Written Ministerial Statement by Lord Hanson, published on 27 October 2025.Information on the progress made by the Windrush Compensation Scheme is published as part of the monthly Transparency Data release. The latest published data, covering the period up to the end of September 2025, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: September 2025 - GOV.UKSince announcing the Government’s commitment to deliver on its manifesto promises to the Windrush Generations in October 2024, Ministers have also been determined to hear directly from impacted communities and individuals. Reverend Clive Foster MBE was appointed as the first UK Windrush Commissioner on 18 June 2025, fulfilling a manifesto commitment. His crucial role ensures that the voices of those affected remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice and lasting change. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the Windrush Compensation Scheme has attended over 95 engagement events, including the Windrush National Organisation Conference, to promote awareness of the scheme. The Home Office has also worked closely with organisations through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund to improve access to advocacy and support for claimants. Home Office Ministers have held one to one meetings, attended Windrush events and exhibits, and on three occasions the Home Office has opened its doors to host Windrush events.All staff undertake a training programme which includes a module providing a history of Windrush and what happened prior to the launch of the Compensation Scheme. It includes clips of people from the Windrush generation, as well as case studies, to provide insights into the way people have been affected. Once staff have completed this programme, they follow a structured mentoring programme which further develops Decision Makers’ skills and knowledge.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the role her Department will be in discussions on debt sustainability and restructuring under the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

What steps her Department is taking to monitor delivery of the £6.4 billion of trade and investment commitments announced during her visit to the Gulf.

Whilst in Riyadh, the Chancellor welcomed a total package worth £6.4bn in mutual trade and investment. This included both private commercial deals and a Memorandum of Understanding between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. HMT will be able to monitor UKEF financial exposure in Saudi Arabia via regular reporting and UKEF’s annual accounts. Commercial agreements are a matter for the relevant companies.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential role of UK sovereign investment vehicles in facilitating co-investment opportunities with Gulf partners.

The Chancellor is committed to building strong relationships with Gulf countries and Sovereign Wealth Funds, as reflected in her attendance of the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudi Arabia. She engaged with key partners to explore opportunities that could benefit regions across the UK and progress negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The visit also helped unlock £6.4bn in two-way trade and investment between the UK and Saudi Arabia, including a £5bn MoU between UK Export Finance and the Saudi Public Investment Fund to support jobs and manufacturing across the UK. Attracting investment into every region of the UK is central to this government’s mission to drive national growth. Partnering with the private sector is essential and is why at the Regional Investment Summit last month the Chancellor announced the creation of the Sterling 20. The new grouping of institutional investors will further support mobilising institutional investment by raising awareness among investors of government-led programmes and initiatives. This will allow members to help shape and co-design investment opportunities, so they are attractive, unlocking capital for UK infrastructure throughout the UK.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to measure the potential impact of UK leadership in multilateral development fora on global poverty reduction outcomes.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

What steps her Department is taking to strengthen financial sector co-operation between the UK and Gulf economies.

The UK has signed financial services Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar – priority markets for the UK sector given the scale of growth and investment opportunities. The Chancellor recently visited Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative, where she promoted the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, driving growth in the financial sector and the economy, advanced the UK’s Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the GCC, advocated for deeper UK-Saudi capital market connectivity, and unveiled a two-way investment package worth £6.4bn In negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, the UK aims to secure the Gulf Cooperation Council’s most advanced financial services commitments yet, supporting increased trade between our markets. The Chancellor’s trip followed a visit from the then-Economic Secretary to the Treasury to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in February to discuss our financial service relationships. The first UK-Qatar Financial Services Working Group, as agreed under our MoU signed last year, took place on 3 November and focused on collaboration in capital markets, sustainable finance, fintech and pensions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that UK-funded multilateral programmes align with the Sustainable Development Goals review cycle to 2030.

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.