Written questions by Mierlo.

Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to ensure that (a) people and (b) businesses are not disrupted by loss of mobile phone network coverage in areas where coverage previously existed.

UK mobile operators have committed to close all legacy 2G and 3G mobile services by 2033, with some operators having already turned off their 3G networks. The government is working in conjunction with Ofcom and the telecoms industry to minimise disruption and ensure that people and businesses are 4G and 5G ready. This includes close engagement with critical sectors such as the emergency services. As well as maintaining our commitment to our target of 95% of the UK geography being covered by 4G, our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of plastic grass on (a) biodiversity and (b) nature.

This Government is committed to moving to a circular economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, waste is reduced, we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs, our economy prospers, and nature thrives. The government is currently considering the actions that can be taken to address the challenges associated with problematic plastic products. Defra recognises the importance of assessing the impacts of plastic grass on biodiversity and nature. As we develop our Circular Economy Strategy for England, we will consider the evidence for action from right across the economy and evaluate what interventions may be needed. The Government is committed to delivering our legally-binding biodiversity targets on species abundance, species extinction, habitat creation and restoration. The Environment Act 2021 introduced a number of policies that will support habitat restoration. For example, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will work in tandem to create or restore habitats that enable wildlife to recover and thrive, while conservation covenants will help secure habitat for the long term.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure adequate (a) financial and (b) other support for communities with a building society but not a banking hub.

The Government recognises the value that building societies bring to their members in local communities across the country, and the value of their 30% share of the UK’s branch network. However, I recognise that most building societies do not provide current accounts or serve businesses. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access to all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, which allow businesses and individuals to deposit and take out cash, across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Further, the Financial Conduct Authority has introduced rules which seek to ensure individuals and business have reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. Under these rules, LINK will assess the impact of a closure or material change of a cash service on the local community and recommend new services if necessary. Assessments can also be requested by the local community. As part of its process, LINK considers what services are already available in the area, including any existing branches, and whether they meet the needs of the local community. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

With reference to the meeting between PANS PANDAS and his Department on 19 November 2024, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for research into that condition.

We are supportive of the progress made by PANS PANDAS UK and the PANS PANDAS Steering Group to undertake a national surveillance study, develop a clinical guideline, and produce guidance for professionals, children, young people, and families.Funding for research into rare diseases such as pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections is available through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and researchers in this area are encouraged to come forward with proposals that can further our understanding.

What comparative assessment he has made of levels of young people dying from sudden cardiac death in (a) England and (b) other European countries; and what steps he plans to take to reduce levels of sudden cardiac death in young people.

The treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease is a priority for the Government. We want people to have the best chance of survival from cardiac arrest, and rapid intervention is central to improving outcomes. NHS England has published a national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions that covers patients who often present as young adults with a previously undiagnosed cardiac disease or from families requiring a follow up due to a death from this cause.  Further information on the national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cardiology-inherited-cardiac-conditions.pdfThe service specification describes the service model and guidance that should be followed to support the diagnosis and treatment of patients or family members. It also includes the requirement for specialised inherited cardiac conditions services to investigate suspected cases. NHS England is currently reviewing this service specification in line with the national service specification methods review process. NHS England is working with a broad range of stakeholders as part of this review, including National Health Service clinical experts, the Association of Inherited Cardiac Conditions, Cardiomyopathy UK, Heart Valve Voice, and the British Heart Foundation.The consensus at present is to focus on the rapid identification and care of people who are likely to be at risk of sudden cardiac death and automated external defibrillator use for people who suffer a cardiac arrest.

Whether he has had discussions with (a) NHS England and (b) ITF Pharma UK on the (i) resources and (ii) guidance available to NHS Trusts that participate in the early access programme for givinostat.

The Department has not had any discussions with ITF Pharma UK about the resources or guidance available to National Health Service trusts participating in the early access programme (EAP) for givinostat.Department officials have had discussions with colleagues in NHS England about the guidance and resources that are available to NHS trusts. NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge medicine schemes, such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/Under the EAP, givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the NHS, but NHS trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. While there are no current plans to hold discussions with Duchenne UK on steps to increase access, ministers in the Department are keen to engage with a broad range of stakeholders. Participation in the programme is decided at an individual NHS trust level.

If he will have discussions with (a) Duchenne UK and (b) other patient advocacy groups on steps to increase access to the givinostat early access programme.

The Department has not had any discussions with ITF Pharma UK about the resources or guidance available to National Health Service trusts participating in the early access programme (EAP) for givinostat.Department officials have had discussions with colleagues in NHS England about the guidance and resources that are available to NHS trusts. NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge medicine schemes, such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/Under the EAP, givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the NHS, but NHS trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. While there are no current plans to hold discussions with Duchenne UK on steps to increase access, ministers in the Department are keen to engage with a broad range of stakeholders. Participation in the programme is decided at an individual NHS trust level.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of commercial protections for airline passengers.

Air passenger rights remain a priority for the Department for Transport, and continues to consider options to ensure passengers have the best possible protections whilst travelling by air. This includes ensuring aviation is accessible for all passengers. That is why the Department launched the Aviation Accessibility Task & Finish Group. It brings together industry and consumer representatives to assess the barriers and develop practical and achievable actions to make aviation more accessible.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a proportional property tax as a replacement for (a) stamp duty and (b) council tax.

Council Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) are reliable and important sources of revenue for both the Exchequer and Local Authorities. They raise over £50 billion each year to help pay for essential public services. Any reforms to the property tax system would have to carefully consider impacts on the Exchequer and Local Government finances, as well as impacts on taxpayers. The Government has no plans to introduce a proportional property tax. The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the usual tax policy making process.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing individual health plans for every child with epilepsy.

Statutory guidance on supporting pupils at school with medical conditions recommends the use of individual healthcare plans as good practice. The guidance can be accessed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf. Healthcare plans can help schools support pupils with medical conditions, providing clarity about what needs to be done, when and by whom. The school, healthcare professionals and parents should agree, based on evidence, when a healthcare plan would be appropriate. The department will keep the statutory guidance under review as we take forward our commitment to delivering an inclusive mainstream system.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provision of ambulance services by South Central Ambulance Service in Henley and Thame constituency.

No specific assessment has been made for the Henley and Thame area, however we recognise that ambulance response times have been below the high standards that patients should expect in recent years. The latest National Health Service data for January shows that ambulance response times performance for the South Central Ambulance NHS Trust, which provides services to the Henley and Thame, are not meeting the NHS Constitution standards.The Government is committed to returning the NHS to these standards. The NHS 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance included improving ambulance response times as one of four national priorities to improve patient outcomes. An urgent and emergency care improvement plan to further support improvements in services will be published shortly.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure all eligible NHS Trusts participate in the Early Access Programme for givinostat.

Under the Early Access Programme (EAP), givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the National Health Service, but NHS trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. The Department and NHS England do not have any initiatives to encourage participation in compassionate use schemes such as the EAP for givinostat and participation is decided at an individual NHS trust level.NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICSs) on free of charge medicines schemes such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/

Innovation and Technology, with reference to correspondence from the hon. Member for Henley and Thame of (a) 21 November 2024 and (b) 13 January 2025, what steps his Department is taking to reconsider the inclusion of Ewelme in Project Gigabit for Oxfordshire.

Based on the latest information shared by broadband suppliers regarding their commercial build plans in the area, we currently expect most premises in Ewelme to gain access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection from commercial operators without the need for support through Project Gigabit.We are seeking to bring any remaining premises in Ewelme, that are unlikely to be reached by these plans, into one of the Project Gigabit contracts being delivered by Gigaclear in Oxfordshire. There will also be a wider review of the area this year, which will involve consulting with various suppliers regarding additional interventions to connect premises in Ewelme if required.We have responded with further details to both items of correspondence to which the hon. Member refers.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on employers’ ability to employ (a) part-time and (b) lower earning employees who were previously not counted in employer National Insurance contributions.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer; the economic impacts of the policy; and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and an overview of the equality impacts. The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances. The Government is protecting the lowest paid by increasing the National Living Wage. This limits the ability of employers to pass on increases in costs to those on lower pay. The Government has also introduced important protections for workers as part of the Plan to Make Work Pay.

If she will take steps to ensure (a) part time and (b) lower earning employees that are exempt from employer National Insurance contributions remain so once the proposed changes to employer National Insurance have been implemented.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer; the economic impacts of the policy; and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and an overview of the equality impacts. The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances. The Government is protecting the lowest paid by increasing the National Living Wage. This limits the ability of employers to pass on increases in costs to those on lower pay. The Government has also introduced important protections for workers as part of the Plan to Make Work Pay.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of making insurance cover of properties at risk of flooding mandatory for insurers participating in the Flood Re scheme.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 5 February 2025, UIN 27724.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2024 to Question 7243 on Driving Tests: Oxfordshire, what further steps she has taken since 11 October 2024 to (a) stop the bulk buying of driving tests by bots and (b) improve the recruitment of driving instructors; and if she will publish a timeline for the implementation of further steps to increase the number of available driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority continues to be upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.A call for evidence was launched on 18 December 2024, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes.On 6 January 2025, DVSA also introduced tougher terms and conditions for the service driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils. These steps are part of wider measures announced on the 18 December, which sets out DVSA's plan to reduce driving test waiting times. These steps include recruiting 450 driving examiners. DVSA’s examiner recruitment campaigns continue to be successful but, like many employers, DVSA is finding the job market extremely competitive. As it moves through each recruitment campaign, DVSA will continually review and make changes and improvements to its recruitment and selection process, and training courses.

What assessment he has made of (a) the adequacy of uptake of Shared Parental Leave and (b) how this will inform future policies to support fathers in taking early parental leave.

Information provided by employers to HMRC shows that in 2023/24 (the latest year for which full year data is available), 17,200 individuals were in receipt of Statutory Shared Parental Pay.The government is committed to supporting working families. The Employment Rights Bill will make Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave ‘day one’ rights. We have committed to review the parental leave system, ensuring it offers the best possible support to working families. Planning work is already underway.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2025 to Question 24061 on Rolling Stock, if she will ensure that the Rolling Stock Strategy procures adequate capacity on the Chiltern Rail route between Haddenham and Thame Parkway.

I and my officials continue work with Chiltern Railways to improve passenger experience. Chiltern periodically adjust its timetable in response to passenger demand. We are closely engaged with Chiltern’s fleet renewal programme. The option to procure additional trains to increase capacity is being investigated, while considering the value for money for taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2025 to Question 24061 on Rolling Stock, if she will (a) provide a timeline for the (i) development and (ii) publication of the Rolling Stock Strategy and (b) make available opportunities for stakeholders to contribute their input.

The Government is working at pace to develop the framework for a rolling stock strategy which will include considerations around the timelines for new build, refurbishments, and potential cascades. Once Great British Railways is established it will take the strategy forward providing a long-term approach to future rolling stock needs.