Written questions by Paffey.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of measures to ensure that cases of (a) rape and (b) other serious offences committed in the UK by service personnel are tried in civilian courts.

When deciding whether to prosecute, in the civilian Criminal Justice System or the Service Justice System, an offence committed in the UK by Service persons, prosecutors take into account the victim’s preference. These decisions are made by independent prosecutors on a case-by-case basis under protocols provided for under sections 320A to C of the Armed Forces Act 2006. The report published by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate on 28 November 2024 “found good compliance with the protocols in place to govern where cases should be heard. All the cases we examined were in the correct jurisdiction and there was proper consideration of victims’ views when deciding on jurisdiction.” A victim of a rape offence dealt with in the Service Justice System (SJS) will see their case come to trial quicker than in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales and are less likely to withdraw from proceedings. Although the processes used across the two systems are not the same, investigations into adult rape-flagged offences in 2024 by civilian police take longer (326 days vs.147 days in the SJS for rape offences), with 59% of victims withdrawing during that time (vs. 24% in the SJS).

What assessment she has made of the impact of the (a) use of postal communication and (b) lack of digital alternatives at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency on service users.

The large majority of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s services are available digitally.To reduce the use of postal communications, the DVLA has introduced digital reminders alongside existing options for both vehicle excise duty and driver licensing through its Driver and Vehicle Account. The DVLA has future plans to provide further secure communications through the account. These will be introduced following customer insight testing to ensure that they meet customer needs and are fully effective.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the cost effectiveness of the XYLA-provided NHS diabetes prevention programme.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) has been commissioned since 2016, and as of the end of September 2025, there have been over two million referrals into the programme and over 980,000 programme starts.An independent evaluation of the NHS DPP published in 2024 demonstrated that the programme is cost effective and estimated a cost saving of £71.4 million based on the number of participants to March 2020.The evaluation states that the NHS DPP is highly effective and continues to deliver positive outcomes, and that individuals who attended have a 46% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who do not attend.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 82861 on Prescriptions: Fees and Charges, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) amending the process for applying for a maternity exemption certificate and (b) extending the backdating period for successful applications.

A healthcare professional, such as a midwife, practice nurse, health visitor or general practitioner, can complete the maternity exemption (MATEX) application as soon as they have confirmed the pregnancy, birth, or stillbirth. This confirms the individual is eligible for a MATEX certificate and acts as a mechanism of transferring evidence of eligibility from the patient’s individual health records to national systems and systems used by community pharmacies.The National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations 2015 allow for a MATEX certificate to be backdated one month before the date on which the application is received by the NHS Business Services Authority, the organisation which processes applications. The one-month backdating of certificates is a longstanding provision to allow for the administration time taken to receive, process and post a paper MATEX certificate to the patient, and also applies to digital certificates. The regulations do not allow a MATEX certificate to be backdated further and there are no current plans to amend this.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the needs of domestic violence victims are considered in reforms to the welfare system.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper consulted on how DWP could improve safeguarding processes. Domestic violence, along with all other safeguarding needs, is included in this. The department has set up a multidisciplinary team with an expert safeguarding advisor and is in the processes of completing a full review. We have engaged with experts and stakeholders through a consultation and round tables and will update the house in due course. DWP is fully committed to the prevention of abuse and ensuring that victims/survivors get the support they need when they need it. DWP Jobcentres are a safe space with Domestic Abuse trained Work Coaches who provide support to victims/survivors of domestic abuse, for example assisting with new Universal Credit claims, work-related easements, special provisions for temporary accommodation, same day advances, and signposting to expert third-party services. All DWP policies related to domestic abuse are relevant to any victim/survivor, irrespective of sex, gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, or background.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of prioritising care-experienced children for (a) mental health, (b) neurodiversity and (c) other NHS appointments.

Although the Department is not convening a formal assessment, we believe that for care-experienced children and young people who are struggling with their mental health, fast access to early, high-quality support is critical. That is why the 10-Year Health Plan sets out how we will work with schools and colleges to better identify and meet children's mental health needs by expanding mental health support teams in schools and colleges in England, to reach full national coverage by 2029. This will build on the work that has already begun, including providing mental health support for almost one million more young people in schools this year and investing an extra £688 million in Government funding to transform mental health services, hire more staff, and deliver more early interventions.

What her planned timetable is for announcing further details on the regulation of private electric scooters, as indicated in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan.

The Government is committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles when parliamentary time allows. We understand the importance of providing a clear legislative timeline and my Department is working with colleagues across government to secure this.

What steps he is taking to reduce court delays in relation to hearings for possession orders for anti-social behaviour.

The Ministry of Justice does not currently collect or publish data broken down by the specific grounds used in possession claims, such as anti-social behaviour.The Civil Procedure Rules stipulate that possession claims should be listed within 4 to 8 weeks. The most recent published statistics, covering the period April to June 2025 show that the median time from claim to order is 7.9 weeks, consistent with the same period in 2024. The timeliness of subsequent enforcement of an order, where this is required, can be influenced by the actions of users as well as the court. Less than 25% of possession claims require progression to enforcement.The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 which has recently received Royal Assent, will shorten the notice period for the existing mandatory anti-social behaviour eviction ground. As soon as landlords have served their notice for eviction to the tenant for anti-social behaviour using this ground, they can begin possession proceedings through the court immediately.The Ministry of Justice publishes quarterly data on possession claims at: Mortgage and landlord possession statistics: April to June 2025 - GOV.UK.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reducing the threshold for a further closure order when a closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has been issued previously for the same individual and address and (b) otherwise ensuring previous closure orders are taken into account when making decisions on further closure orders.

The closure power can be used by the police and councils to close premises which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder.The closure order is a powerful tool which can restrict access to premises. The closure order can be implemented for a maximum of up to three months (with Magistrates able to extend for a further three months – not to exceed six months in total). Where the anti-social behaviour continues or is expected to continue beyond the six months, the relevant agencies are expected to explore other solutions to prevent further anti-social behaviour, such as Community Protection Notices and Civil Injunctions.Courts can consider previous orders made for the same individual when considering a further closure order.

Communities and Local Government, how many residential buildings have been decanted due to (a) unsafe cladding and (b) other fire safety defects in each year since the passage of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Building decants arise in one of two ways – either in a planned way as part of a schedule of works or in an emergency situation due to emerging safety concerns. Not all decants are reported to the Department, particularly if they are planned. Emergency decants are a local operational matter led either by the entity responsible for the building or by local regulators. Where emergency decants are reported to uswe work with local regulators and responsible entities to ensure residents are placed at the centre of decision-making by all parties. In the past year, 10 emergency decants related to fire safety defects have been reported to the Department. We have also collaboratively with local regulators and other parties to prevent decants from taking place and since December 2023 this work has allowed more than 6000 households to remain in their homes safely. When local authorities take enforcement action against a mid or high-rise residential building, the Department asks the local authority to voluntarily upload details to a designated data platform. Local authorities share details of buildings subject to enforcement under powers within the 2004 Housing Act, including inspections, information gathering notices and statutory notices requiring action (such as improvement and prohibition notices). Local authorities can also share data pertaining to remediation orders and remediation contribution orders under the Building Safety Act 2022. We publish enforcement information as part of the monthly remediation data release on gov.uk here.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote equality as part of the Government mission entitled Break Down Barriers to Opportunity.

Equality and opportunity are at the heart of the government’s programme of national renewal. That’s why we’re investing £1.5bn over the next three years through the Best Start in Life strategy to improve family services and early years education, creating a fairer Britain where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Free school meals, more nurseries, bringing back Sure Start for the 21st century with Best Start Family Hubs. That’s the difference a Labour government makes.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of autonomous rail rapid transit for (a) Southampton, (b) the Solent region and (c) in general.

Government recognises the valuable role that mass transit networks can play as part of a truly integrated transport system, in the right circumstances, in our cities. It is for Local Transport Authorities to bring forward mass transit plans, as they are best placed to identify possible opportunities and the potential benefits of such schemes. The Department encourages authorities to take a mode neutral approach to mass transit schemes, and to develop proportionate solutions to local transport issues. it is important that local authorities consider affordability and projected demand alongside other cheaper fixed route options, such as bus rapid transit. The Government is providing Southampton City Council with £15.56 million of capital funding from 2025/26 to 2029/30, and £890,000 of resource funding from 2026/27 to 2028/29 from the Local Transport Grant (LTG), which could be used to further develop their mass transit plans.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the eligibility criteria for the shingles vaccine, and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the criteria are clearly communicated to (a) patients and (b) general practices.

From September 2023, the routine shingles vaccination programme changed from the Zostavax vaccine to the two-dose Shingrix vaccine, to better protect individuals from the effects of shingles, provide better clinical outcomes, and reduce pressures on the health system. The programme was also expanded, and as a result, almost one million more people became eligible for the shingles vaccination.The expansion is being rolled out in phases to maximise cost-effectiveness and population benefit, ensure consistent messaging to maximise coverage, and take account of National Health Service capacity, all while being consistent with the approach taken by all four nations in the United Kingdom. During the first phase, which commenced in September 2023, those who reach the ages of 65 or 70 years old will be called in for vaccination on or after their 65th or 70th birthday. During the second phase, from September 2028, individuals will be called in for vaccination on or after their 60th or 65th birthday. From 1 September 2033 onwards, vaccination will be routinely offered to those turning 60 years of age on or after their 60th birthday.Separately, in November 2024, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation provided advice on eligibility for the shingles vaccination programme for adults aged 80 years old and over. The Department is considering this advice as it sets the policy on who should be offered shingles vaccinations.In addition, as of September 2025, all severely immunosuppressed individuals aged 18 years old and over are now eligible for the shingles vaccine in order to protect those who are most at risk of serious illness and complications from shingles.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) ensures commissioners, providers, and relevant healthcare professionals have access to the necessary resources to communicate accurate information on eligibility for all national vaccination programmes. For example, comprehensive guidance on shingles vaccination is provided for healthcare professionals on GOV.UK website, at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingles-vaccination-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/shingles-immunisation-programme-information-for-healthcare-practitioners Additionally, to strengthen awareness of the programme amongst health professionals and the wider public, the UKHSA provides a comprehensive suite of public facing resources and assets. This includes information leaflets on shingles vaccination in multiple languages and accessible formats, for instance easy read, British Sign Language, and braille, with further information available at the following link: https://find-public-health-resources.service.gov.uk/filter?diseases=Shingles&diseases=Varicella&vaccinations=Shingles+vaccine This is a relatively newly expanded programme, and anyone unsure if they are eligible for the shingles vaccination should check online, on the NHS.UK website, or should speak to their general practice.

What discussions his Department has had with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the potential impact (a) emerging diagnostic technologies and (b) breath testing on (i) detection and (ii) survival rates for people for pancreatic cancer.

The Department has not had discussions with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on this topic, however we remain committed to improving survival rates for people with all cancers including pancreatic cancer.The National Cancer Plan for England will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates.

How many benefit overpayments his Department made in 2024; and what steps he is taking to reduce those payments.

We have committed to significant fraud, error and debt measures at Autumn Budget 2024 and Spring Statement 2025, which the OBR estimated will deliver an additional £9.6bn savings over the next five years. The Autumn Budget 2024 package was the biggest ever announced to reduce welfare fraud, error, and debt. Building on our existing interventions (including investment in additional staff and preventative measures), we have brought forward new legislation this session through the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill (“PAFER Bill”). This Bill includes powers that will help DWP to identify incorrect payments and prevent the build-up of overpayments and debt accruing. Fraud and error overpayments accounted for £9.5bn (3.3%) in 2024/25 compared to £9.7bn (3.6%) in 2023/24.

What steps he is taking to increase the number of specialists able to carry out (a) ADHD and (b) autism assessments.

The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan 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 the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments are carried out by multiple professional groups and often form only a part of their roles. NHS England has recently launched an England-wide survey of the learning disability and autism workforce, which will also capture staff undertaking ADHD assessments, and the data is expected to be reported in 2026.In addition to this, NHS England provides autism training for psychiatrists to develop enhanced skills and confidence in diagnosis. It is also piloting a neurodevelopment credential for doctors to develop specialist neurodevelopmental skills.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 January to Question 22115 on Prescriptions: Fees and Charges, how many people with a maternity exemption certificate that received a penalty charge notice in 2024 were (a) eligible for an exemption certificate but did not hold an exemption at the time they were issued with a penalty charge notice and (b) awarded an exemption certificate after receiving a penalty charge notice.

In 2024, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) issued 48,063 penalty charge notices (PCNs) to people that claimed a maternity exemption on their prescription form, but where no exemption was found/matched as part of the NHS BSA process. Of the 48,063 PCNs, 23,710 were eased. An easement is applied when someone has a condition/circumstance that would allow for free prescriptions but does not have an exemption in place. The process allows for the person to subsequently arrange their exemption, and for the penalty charges to be eased.The NHS BSA is unable to identify the number of people who were eligible for the maternity exemption (matex) but who had not applied for it when claiming the exemption. It is not possible to state that all 23,710 PCNs were eased due a matex certificate being awarded, as easements could also be for exceptional circumstances, or for other exemptions being applicable.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Penalty Charge Notices issued for maternity exemption certificates that could not be validated but who were eligible for the exemption on pregnant women and new mothers.

The maternity exemption, known as matex, and penalty charge notices (PCNs) are administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) on behalf of the Department. The NHS BSA has adopted a policy of waiving the penalty charge for the matex, if a patient’s midwife or other clinician is able to submit a completed application for an exemption certificate within 60 days of receipt of the PCN. The matex certificate issued during this 60-day grace period can only be backdated one month from the date of application which means that the patient is still liable for any prescription charges that should have been paid before a valid matex certificate was put in place.

Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on when the remediation enforcement unit within the Building Safety Regulator will be set up.

The remediation enforcement unit is currently recruiting and intends to begin operations in December 2025. The purpose of this unit is to enforce compliance by holding building owners to account, accelerate remediation works and support local enforcement.

Communities and Local Government, when the new Fast Track Process for Building Safety Regulator applications will be live; and what the criteria for it will be.

The Innovation Unit (previously referred to as the Fast Track process) was launched on the 4th August with the majority of cases on track to meet the 13-week target. The Innovation Unit has initially been used only for new-build applications. As its capacity grows, this will be extended to other categories of application.