Written questions by Cooper.

What guidance her Department has issued on whether BNO partners and dependents can apply for ILR before the main BNO status holder becomes eligible, in circumstances where BNO partners and dependents have earlier BNO visa expiration dates than the main BNO status holder in their family.

The published guidance for BN(O) visa holders and their family members wishing to settle in the UK is published at: British National (Overseas) visa: Settle in the UK - GOV.UK.The relevant guidance for caseworkers is available at: Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BNO) route: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK.

What guidance her Department has issued on whether the BNO partners and dependents can apply for ILR with the main applicant before they become eligible, in circumstances where BNO partners and dependents have later BNO visa expiration dates than the main BNO status holder.

The published guidance for BN(O) visa holders and their family members wishing to settle in the UK is published at: British National (Overseas) visa: Settle in the UK - GOV.UK.The relevant guidance for caseworkers is available at: Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BNO) route: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of guaranteeing access to free banking services for small charitable groups at (a) Post Office branches and (b) banking hubs.

Charities and community groups make a valuable contribution across the country, and it is important that they can access suitable banking services in person and online. Decisions about the provision of banking services, and associated fees, are primarily commercial matters for banks who must meet strict financial crime and customer due diligence obligations. Charities and community groups often have more complex account structures (for example, multiple trustees), making their banking needs more expensive and operationally demanding, which may explain the fees applied. It is important for charities to shop around to ensure they pick the most appropriate banking product for their needs. UK Finance worked closely with the charity sector and Government to produce an ‘Account Finder’ tool designed exclusively for charities and voluntary organisations so they can browse providers and accounts easily, including their charges. The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs provide personal and business customers with access to everyday counter services, including cash withdrawals and deposits, balance enquiries and bill payments. They also contain dedicated rooms where all customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out other banking services as they would in a traditional bank branch. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, and pay bills at over 10,000 of Post Office branches across the UK. Fees for these services remain a commercial decision for the bank providing the account.

Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to enable local authorities to retain district and borough boundaries for the purpose of social housing allocation following the establishment of new unitary organisations.

Local authorities have discretion within the existing allocations framework to design allocation schemes that reflect local housing needs and priorities, including how stock is managed within a new unitary area.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2025 to Question 77413 on Teachers: Workplace Pensions, how many unresolved cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) cases are outstanding as of 10 March 2026; and of those resolved since 17 October 2025 what is the (a) shortest, (b) mean average and (c) longest time taken to process requests.

As of 11 March 2026, 501 cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) cases were outstanding. There will always be a number of CETV cases in progress at any given time, as new CETV applications continue to be made.Capita, the scheme administrator, is continuing to work through the most complex cases for members who have retired. 350 of the outstanding cases can only be processed clerically and the estimated average calculation times are between 20 and 30 hours per processed case.Between 17 October 2025 and 11 March 2026, 1449 CETV cases were completed. Of these cases, in calendar days, the shortest processing length was zero days, applying to automated CETV cases completed on the day they were received. The longest processing length was 960 days, and the average time taken was 44 days.The case that took 960 days to complete was subject to the government embargo on public pension schemes, as well as the Transitional Protection regulations coming into force on 1 October 2023, and the need to develop new guidance.

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the uptake of kidney function tests among at-risk populations in primary care.

Early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is supported through widespread access to blood and urine tests across the National Health Service. Phlebotomy is a key part of this pathway. The NHS delivers over one billion blood tests each year, supporting the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of conditions, including CKD. Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are increasing diagnostic capacity and improving access to testing closer to patients’ homes. Phlebotomy services are currently available in 119 CDCs. CDCs have delivered approximately 1.6 million tests between April 2025 and the end of February 2026. In addition, non-obstetric ultrasound, also used to examine kidneys, is available in 152 CDCs and delivered approximately 1.01 million tests over the same period. NHS England continues to work with integrated care boards to expand diagnostic capacity and improve referral pathways, helping clinicians access the tests needed to support earlier diagnosis and monitoring of long-term conditions, including CKD.

Whether he is taking steps to help improve diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

NHS England is delivering a comprehensive programme to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of people with kidney disease. In 2023, NHS England published a renal services transformation toolkit to support earlier identification of chronic kidney disease and more joined-up services. These changes are intended to make it easier to deliver improvements along the whole patient pathway, including earlier diagnosis and treatment, that can potentially prevent or delay the need for dialysis and transplant further downstream in the pathway.In addition, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease modern service framework in spring. As part of its development, officials are considering opportunities for earlier identification and diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and are engaging widely to identify the best evidenced interventions.

Whether he has made a recent estimate of the number of divorce hearings that have had to be (a) adjourned and (b) rescheduled as a result of delays in receiving cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) statements from (i) teachers and (ii) civil service pension administrators.

The Government does not hold data regarding the number of financial remedy hearings that have been adjourned as a result of delays in receiving cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) statements from teachers and civil service pension administrators. As part of its 2024 scoping report on financial remedies, the Law Commission considered whether there was scope for reform in relation to the treatment of pensions on the division of assets on divorce. This Spring, the Government will be consulting on the challenges raised by the Law Commission in its report.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 March to Question 115912 on Department for Work and Pensions: Telephone Services, how many claimants have been put into housing arrears as a result of being migrated from ESA to Universal Credit.

The Department does not hold the requested data. When someone transitions from Housing Benefit their first payment of Universal Credit will be made 5 weeks later. To help bridge this gap, an additional payment of two week’s Housing Benefit is made, resulting in a customer receiving two weeks more Housing Benefit than if they had not moved. The Department is committed to supporting customers moving from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit and aims to make this transition as smooth as possible. To help achieve this, Transitional Protection has been designed to prevent customers from experiencing a cliff-edge in their benefit entitlement and is applied to customers who would otherwise have a lower entitlement on Universal Credit than they previously received on their legacy benefits.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2025 to Question 77413 on Teachers: Workplace Pensions, how many civil service pension accounts have unresolved cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) requests.

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication to ensure members receive the support they deserve. While the immediate focus remains on stabilising the service through this intensive recovery plan, we are committed to ensuring all staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. As of 6 March 2026, there were 2,286 open case requests regarding Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) quotes and actions on civil service pension member accounts. This includes recent CETV applications, and as such, there will always be a number of outstanding CETV cases at any given time. The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update (2 March 2026) is available at this weblink: (latest update 16 March): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-update-16-march-2026

Whether the scope of the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch pad has been expanded since 2024.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to the Hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell on 24 November 2025 to Question 91780.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on taking steps to help prevent schools wars content circulating on social media platforms.

The government takes the safety of children extremely seriously. Under the Online Safety Act, enforced by Ofcom, social media companies must act on content that is illegal. This includes material that incites violence and includes threatening behaviour likely to cause fear or provoke immediate violence. Platforms must also remove content that is harmful to children, such as dangerous online challenges.Ofcom has the government’s full backing to use all the powers given to it by Parliament in the exercise of its regulatory responsibilities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on the availability of consular assistance for UK citizens unable to leave Israel as a result of the war in Iran who require to return home for life saving cancer treatments.

The Government's top priority is the safety and welfare of British nationals affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Airspace closures and security restrictions have made travel extremely difficult, but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stood up 24/7 consular support and is working closely with airlines and regional governments to help British nationals return home as soon as routes become viable. British nationals across the region should register their presence with the FCDO so we can provide direct updates. We will continue to prioritise assistance to the most vulnerable as the situation develops.

Media and Sport, whether prediction markets will be regulated by the (a) Gambling Commission and (b) Financial Conduct Authority.

In order to operate in Great Britain, any prediction market would require a licence from the Gambling Commission, the independent regulator for gambling. If approved, they would be classified as a ‘Betting Intermediary’ and subject to regulation under the Gambling Act 2005. We will monitor the potential impacts of prediction markets and consider further action if needed.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether foreign nationals married to UK citizens will be entitled to accompany their spouse on repatriation flights from the UAE.

The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and plans for a first assisted departure from Oman. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of any further evacuation plans, but for now, the primary objective remains to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the resumption of normal commercial flights.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2025 to Question 95904 on Health Professions: Regulation, if he will publish a consultation on secondary legislation to modernise the General Medical Council’s regulatory framework which would enable them to consider fitness to practise concerns arising from allegations of sexual misconduct that are more than five years old during this parliamentary session.

The Government is committed to modernising the regulatory frameworks for all healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom.As a first step, we aim to consult on secondary legislation to modernise the General Medical Council’s (GMC) regulatory framework shortly with a view to laying this legislation before Parliament this year.As part of the consultation, we will be consulting on a reformed fitness to practise process for the GMC.

Whether the MP hotline can be used by hon. Members for raising non-emergency queries about claimants who have been sent housing payment demands as a result of being migrated from ESA to Universal Credit.

We recognise that for some customers, the transition to Universal Credit can feel complex at the outset. To support individuals during this period, dedicated help is available through our Universal Credit helpline, where colleagues can provide guidance and reassurance tailored to their circumstances. The Department’s MP Hotlines are specifically intended for urgent, non‑complex enquiries where a claimant may be at risk of harm to their wellbeing, facing an imminent loss of income, or experiencing another situation requiring immediate intervention. As such, they are not designed for routine or non‑urgent matters, including standard enquiries relating to managed migration from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit or issues relating to the issuing of housing payment notifications. Hon. Members wishing to raise non‑emergency enquiries of this type are encouraged to use the Department’s established written correspondence routes. This ensures that all enquiries are properly logged, triaged, and responded to in a way that allows us to provide thorough and appropriate support to constituents.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2026 to Question 105675 on NHS: Hearing Impairment and Visual Impairment, what steps his Department is taking to improve accessibility of NHS services for Deaf BSL-users following the recommendations of the BSL Advisory Board’s Locked Out report.

We want disabled people’s access to, and experience of, healthcare services to be equitable, effective, and responsive to their needs. The 10-Year Health Plan specifically identifies disabled people as a priority group for the development of neighbourhood health care, offering more holistic ongoing support, noting the health inequalities they face.NHS England is rolling out a Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag which enables the recording of key information about a disabled patient or client, and the reasonable adjustments to care and treatment that they need, to ensure support can be tailored appropriately and equitably. Under a new information standard, published on 19 December 2025, all publicly funded health and social care service providers must be able to share, read, and write reasonable adjustment data by 30 September 2026. This would include anyone who is a Deaf British Sign Language user, and anyone with another disability.

Whether Hong Kongers with dual nationality of a third country eligible for an ETA, who also have an expired BN(O) passport, will be able to obtain an ETA to enter the UK.

BN(O) passport holders who do not also hold British citizenship are not exempt from UK immigration control in law. They may apply for an ETA using the passport of an ETA-eligible nation.

Whether he has considered the potential merits of providing enhanced Shared Parental Pay relief to schools funded from the public purse to cover the cost to schools when Shared Parental Leave is taken exclusively during term time and not during pre-defined public holidays.

The Government recognises the specific challenges Shared Parental Leave can present for schools. The application of Shared Parental Leave in schools is covered by the Burgundy Book, which is negotiated between employers and teachers’ organisations. The Government has no authority over the Burgundy Book. The Department is currently undertaking a review of the parental leave and pay system, including Shared Parental Leave, to explore how the system can work best for families and employers.