Written questions by Costigan.

What steps he is taking to improve access to optometry services for rough sleepers who are not eligible for full public funding due to their immigration status.

Individuals can apply for help with the cost of sight tests and glasses through the NHS low-income scheme. This includes people seeking asylum, refused asylum seekers in receipt of Home Office support and some refugees who will be eligible for cost exemption certificates. Furthermore, NHS England have recently taken steps to ensure that having no fixed abode should not prevent access to sight tests.The Department of Health and Social Care recognises the importance of reducing barriers to services for those experiencing rough sleeping. This is why we supported the development of NICE guidance which provides recommendations on ways to improve access to, and engagement with, health and social care services for people experiencing homelessness.More broadly, there are some services that are free at the point of use for all patients regardless of immigration status. These include, for example, accident and emergency services.

What steps he is taking to improve access to dental care for rough sleepers who are not eligible for full public funding due to their immigration status.

The Department recognises the importance of reducing barriers to services for those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. This is why we supported the development and implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance, which provides recommendations on ways to improve access to, and engagement with, health and social care services for people experiencing homelessness. This guidance is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng214Certain groups of patients, such as rough sleepers, may be vulnerable to oral health problems and may find it difficult to access dental care. Integrated care boards are responsible for assessing the needs of their population and ensuring that the relevant dental services are available. Individuals with no recourse to public funds including failed asylum seekers remain eligible to receive help with dentistry costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Dentists are not required to ask for proof of identity, proof of address or proof of immigration status from individuals applying to become an NHS patient.We are tackling the immediate dental crisis with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and to recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most.

What steps he is taking to improve adult social care workforce retention.

Skills for Care data shows improvement in workforce retention in adult social care, the staff turnover rate decreased from 29.1% in 2022/23 to 24.8% in 2023/24 in the independent and local authority sectors. This may be partly due to the increase in international recruitment.Whilst much of the responsibility for recruitment and retention rests with adult social care employers, we are committed to ensuring the adult social care workforce feels supported, recognised, and there are opportunities to develop and progress, all of which contribute to retention. On 10 October 2024, recognising the central role of our care workforce, we took a critical step, introducing the legislation that will establish the first ever Fair Pay Agreement for care professionals. More information is available at the following link:https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3737Fair Pay Agreements will work to empower workers, employers, and others in partnership to negotiate pay and terms and conditions in a regulated and responsible manner and will help to address the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector, in turn supporting the delivery of high-quality care.