Written questions by Cane.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the closure of bioenergy power stations which burn agricultural waste, including straw and poultry litter, after the end of the Renewables Obligation Certificate scheme in 2027 on the environment.

While operators of Renewables Obligation accredited generators will have been aware of the expiry of their entitlement to Renewables Obligations Certificates for some time, Defra recognises the potential for adverse environmental consequences of the ending of agreements. Informing this, Defra's research portfolio includes research into the agricultural landbank available to apply these types of materials as a source of nutrients to meet crop and soil needs and explores novel fertilisers from organic materials. The storage and application of these materials to agricultural land is also controlled by The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018 and The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015. Defra has committed to consolidate these agricultural water regulations into a clearer and stronger set of rules. Through these reforms it will consider how best to regulate the use of organic manures on farms and the interdependencies with wider policies. Nonetheless, Defra would continue to expect individuals and businesses to abide by legal obligations.

What steps his Department is taking to improve children's access to dental care in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.

The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency, this is the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB.The Government is committed to ensuring people can access urgent dental care when they need it. Over the past year, ICBs have been commissioning additional urgent dental appointments and there is now an urgent care safety net available in all areas of the country. In the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB, which includes the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency, 25,315 NHS dental treatments were delivered in April to October 2025 compared to the same period before the election. Nationally, 1.8 million more NHS dental treatments were delivered across the same time period. Half of these additional treatments were delivered to children.The 10-Year Health Plan confirms that child dental health is a priority, and we are committed to delivering fundamental reform of the dental contract before the end of this Parliament. In the meantime, we are introducing changes to dental access that will benefit children.From April 2026, we began introducing a package of reforms to address some of the pressing issues that dentists and dental teams have been experiencing. We have introduced a new course of treatment for fluoride varnish for children to be applied by suitably trained dental nurses in between regular check-ups. We have also increased remuneration for dentists for fissure sealants, an effective intervention for children aged seven years old and over, and young people up to 18 years old, to support increased use for primary prevention purposes. These reforms will put patients with greatest need first, incentivising urgent care and complex treatments.Reducing rates of tooth decay is central to our commitment to help children to live healthier lives. Tooth decay is also almost entirely preventable. We are delivering the national targeted supervised toothbrushing programme for up to 600,000 three to five-year-olds in the most deprived areas.

What funding is available to local authorities to improve oral hygiene education in primary schools.

Local authorities in England are responsible for assessing oral health needs and for improving the oral health of their local population. Public health services commissioned by local authorities in England are funded through a ring-fenced Public Health Grant. As part of a multi-year settlement, we will be investing £10.5 million in 2026/27, to enable local authorities to continue to implement the national supervised toothbrushing programme and for other local initiatives that improve education on oral hygiene. Dental health and the benefits of good oral hygiene are also part of statutory guidance on health education for schools in England. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education

Innovation and Technology, what data her Department uses to track progress on 4G and 5G coverage targets.

Through the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom, as the regulator, is responsible for reporting on the availability of electronic communications networks.The Government uses Ofcom’s Connected Nations mobile coverage data to track mobile networks across the UK. This includes assessing progress against the Shared Rural Network’s 95% 4G geographic coverage target and statutory licence obligations, as well as the Government’s ambition for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G coverage by 2030.The Shared Rural Network has already met its objective of delivering outdoor 4G mobile coverage to 95% of UK landmass a year ahead of schedule and the programme continues to deliver new coverage to rural areas that need it the most. Standalone 5G is available outside 83% of UK premises from at least one mobile network operator.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of Ofcom’s mobile coverage maps.

The Government recognises the concerns from members across the House that in some cases, the level of mobile coverage reported by Ofcom does not align with users’ experience. Improving the accuracy of coverage data and improving the information available to consumers on the performance of mobile networks in their area remains a priority for the Government.Government has restated the importance of Ofcom continuing to improve its reporting of mobile coverage in the draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of spectrum and postal services. This includes building on the launch of Map Your Mobile tool in June 2025, by exploring more use of measured and crowdsourced data. It also includes Ofcom keeping under review its definitions of what constitutes “good” 4G and 5G and the signal strength thresholds it uses to measure this, so that these definitions continue to reflect consumer and business expectations as user requirements and behaviours evolve.Ofcom introduced the feedback function in the Map Your Mobile tool to ensure that consumers who are dissatisfied with the results have a way to register concerns or observations about mobile coverage in their area.It provides Ofcom with a qualitative source of consumer experience to complement existing data and monitor broad trends over time, such as recurring locations where issues are raised. This remains under review as the dataset grows, Ofcom continue to assess how it can most effectively support their work.

What estimate her Department has made of the annual cost of repairing and maintaining soil affected roads.

The Department is aware of the challenges associated with maintaining peat soil affected roads. Under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, the statutory responsibility for maintaining the public highway rests with local highway authorities, who are best placed to make decisions based on their local knowledge and circumstances. As such the Department has not undertaken an assessment of the annual cost of maintaining soil affected roads.To support local highway authorities in the maintenance of their highway networks, the Government has confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years. This record investment builds on the investment of £1.6 billion this financial year, a £500 million increase compared to the previous financial year.

Innovation and Technology, what process Ofcom follows after receiving feedback on mobile coverage maps.

The Government recognises the concerns from members across the House that in some cases, the level of mobile coverage reported by Ofcom does not align with users’ experience. Improving the accuracy of coverage data and improving the information available to consumers on the performance of mobile networks in their area remains a priority for the Government.Government has restated the importance of Ofcom continuing to improve its reporting of mobile coverage in the draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of spectrum and postal services. This includes building on the launch of Map Your Mobile tool in June 2025, by exploring more use of measured and crowdsourced data. It also includes Ofcom keeping under review its definitions of what constitutes “good” 4G and 5G and the signal strength thresholds it uses to measure this, so that these definitions continue to reflect consumer and business expectations as user requirements and behaviours evolve.Ofcom introduced the feedback function in the Map Your Mobile tool to ensure that consumers who are dissatisfied with the results have a way to register concerns or observations about mobile coverage in their area.It provides Ofcom with a qualitative source of consumer experience to complement existing data and monitor broad trends over time, such as recurring locations where issues are raised. This remains under review as the dataset grows, Ofcom continue to assess how it can most effectively support their work.

Pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2026 to question 117027, whether her Department plans to review highways maintenance funding formulas alongside the review of highways maintenance best practice.

The government plans to review the funding formula that it uses to distribute capital funding to local highways authorities to see whether it can be adjusted to consider, for example, the conditions that affect the wear and tear of local roads. However, the government cannot commit to any changes to the allocation methodology until each option has been assessed for feasibility and deliverability, in line with the normal policy making process. The government would also expect to engage with local highway authorities about any methodology to understand how any changes might impact on their services. The Department’s review of the highways maintenance guidance it provides to local highway authorities in the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice will progress in addition to this and will be completed by the end of 2026.

What data her Department holds on the condition of roads in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.

Official statistics on the condition of local roads in England are published annually: Road conditions in England to March 2025 - GOV.UK. Local authorities in England are required to provide the Department for Transport (DfT) with data on the condition of local roads annually under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s single data list. DfT does not hold information on the condition of roads for Ely or East Cambridgeshire constituency but does hold information for Cambridgeshire. In the financial year ending March 2025, the percentage of local A road and motorway in Cambridgeshire where maintenance should have been considered was 7%, for B and C road this was 16% and for unclassified road was 22%. For the same period, in England, the percentage of local A road and motorway where maintenance should have been considered was 5%, for B and C road was 7% and for unclassified road was 17%.

What steps her Department is taking to assess the maintenance of soil affected roads.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 place a statutory duty on local highway authorities to maintain public highways, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances. The Department is aware of the challenges associated with peat soil. The Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the highways maintenance guidance it provides to local highway authorities in the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice, which will incorporate and signpost best practice guidance for treating soil affected roads. This will be completed at the end of 2026. To support local highway authorities in the maintenance of their highway networks, the Government has confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years. This record investment builds on the investment of £1.6 billion this financial year, a £500 million increase compared to the previous financial year.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of peat soils on road maintenance.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 place a statutory duty on local highway authorities to maintain public highways, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances. The Department is aware of the challenges associated with peat soil. The Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the highways maintenance guidance it provides to local highway authorities in the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice, which will incorporate and signpost best practice guidance for treating soil affected roads. This will be completed at the end of 2026. To support local highway authorities in the maintenance of their highway networks, the Government has confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years. This record investment builds on the investment of £1.6 billion this financial year, a £500 million increase compared to the previous financial year.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 90532 on Pharmacy: Pollution, what the public health impact is.

While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) undertakes work to understand the health effects of exposure to chemicals, no incidents of pharmaceutical-related water pollution have been reported to the UKHSA. The Environment Agency routinely monitors inland water bodies, and if a chemical pollution incident occurs, the UKHSA may conduct an assessment of any potential public health impact.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Department's Answer to Question 89843 on Flood Control, answered on 19 November 2025, if the report mentioned has been taken into consideration when planning for flood risk this winter.

The Government continues to prioritise improving flood resilience to protect communities. In developing policy, we consider the findings of research from key external partners, and this includes those in the Building Future Communities report.

Pursuant to the Department's Answer of 18 November 2025 to Question 89133 on Railways: East of England, if she will make an estimate of the cost to the (a) freight sector and (b) economy of the pause in work on that programme since 2022.

We are focused on prioritising the schemes that will make the greatest difference for passengers and support economic growth as quickly as possible. The previous government had committed to a number of projects that were unfunded, including the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to permit (a) commercial companies and (b) property developers to offer collection and reuse of non-drinkable rainwater.

Defra are considering the recommendations set out in the Independent Water Commission including the ask for Government to work with regulators to develop a new policy and regulatory framework to drive the adoption of water re-use infrastructure in the household and non-household commercial market. The Government recognises the benefits of water reuse within domestic properties through rainwater harvesting with the additional benefit of reduced demand on the sewerage system through attenuation of water within the system. Opportunities to harness these benefits will be considered as part of our review of Part H of the Building Regulations including the use of dual pipe systems providing both potable and treated, non-potable water which has the capacity of supplying rainwater, greywater and stormwater. The treated reused water can be used for non-drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, outdoor use and washing machines. Potable water is still supplied for human consumption, as well as other domestic uses such as showering and sinks.

Communities and Local Government, (a) how many new social houses have been built in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency in each of the last three years, and (b) how many the Government intends to build in the constituency in the next three years.

The number of new social homes delivered, split by provider, geography and whether they are new build or acquisitions, can be found in the affordable housing supply statistics on gov.uk here.On 2 July, the government set out its five-point plan for kickstarting a decade of social and affordable housing renewal. Taken together, the grant funding support and regulatory certainty and stability that this government is providing will enable Registered Providers to quickly ramp up investment in existing and new stock. Further detail can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement made on that day (HCWS771).

Whether she has had discussions with the ports sector on the potential merits of progressing the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement Scheme.

We are focused on prioritising the schemes that will make the greatest difference for passengers and support economic growth as quickly as possible. The previous government had committed to a number of projects that were unfunded, including the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 November 2025 to Question 89316 on Railways: East of England, whether there are civil servants in her Department working on the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement Scheme.

The previous government had committed to a number of projects that were unfunded, including the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) scheme. EACE will be kept under review. It is a worthy scheme that will be considered for potential progression in the future as funding becomes available.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 77307, on Cancer: Health Services, how his Department intends to support businesses and organisations based in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency to develop cancer research programmes.

Research is crucial in tackling cancer, which is why the Department invests £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with cancer research as one of the largest areas of spend, at over £141.6 million in 2024/25, signalling its high priority.The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) provides expert support and advice to applied health, public health, and social care researchers on the design and delivery of research and the development of research funding applications. This is a national service and researchers based in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency who are applying to national, open and peer-reviewed research programmes, including all domestic NIHR funding programmes, UK Research Councils, and national health and care charities, can access this support. Further information on the RSS is available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/support-and-services/research-support-serviceThe NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including all cancer types. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition.

What his Department's plans are for the future of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The Government is working on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan for households to cut energy bills for good and will publish more details soon.On 18 November, the Government published the response to the recent consultation, which closed on 11 June. This provides detail on amendments to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which will be implemented from next year. These changes are designed to increase access, stimulate further demand, and enhance existing consumer protections, making low carbon heating technologies more accessible to a wider range of property owners and small businesses.