Written questions by Mierlo.

Communities and Local Government, if he will publish his Department's review on deadlines and practices relating to the dispatching of postal ballots.

The Government is committed to strengthening the resilience of our electoral processes, including the postal voting system. In the 2025 policy paper, Restoring trust in our democracy: Our strategy for modern and secure elections the Government set out a package of proposals intended to improve the overall resilience and responsiveness of postal voting. These include moving the postal vote application, and candidate nomination deadlines earlier in the election timetable. This will provide more time for the production, distribution and return of postal votes. This package of measures is now being delivered as part of the Representation of the People Bill 2026.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the oral contribution of the Hon Member for Chester North and Neston in the eight sitting of the Representation of the People Bill Committee, 16 April 2026, col 359, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of drafting and publishing a report assessing a range of options to support postal voting for overseas electors.

The Department has not made a specific estimate of the cost of drafting and publishing such a report. As set out during the Representation of the People Bill Committee, the Government considers that the issues raised have already been extensively examined. In the 2025 policy paper, Restoring trust in our democracy: Our strategy for modern and secure elections, the Government set out a package of measures intended to improve the resilience and responsiveness of the postal voting system overall. These measures include moving the postal vote application, and candidate nomination deadlines earlier in the electoral timetable. This will provide more time for the production, distribution and return of postal vote packs. These changes will benefit all administrators and voters, including those living overseas.

With reference to the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000, what recent assessment she has made of the future viability of (a) parent funded school transport schemes and (b) spare seat schemes.

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) set minimum accessibility requirements for buses and coaches, designed to carry over twenty-two passengers and used on local or scheduled services. They support millions of disabled people, including young people and children, to make the journeys important in their lives. PSVAR have applied to certain home-to-school (HTS) services for 25 years. In response to widespread non-compliance in the sector, including HTS services where spare capacity is sold, the government issued exemptions to enable these essential services to continue operating whilst operators procured compliant coaches. The current Medium-Term Exemptions (MTE) for HTS and rail replacement coach services expire on 31st July. In 2023 the previous Government began a review of PSVAR, including inviting feedback from local authority commissioners, providers and users of transport services, through a Call for Evidence, with a view to understanding the extent to which the Regulations remained appropriate and continued to serve disabled passengers. We continue to work with partners to understand the best way forward and we will announce our proposed next steps on PSVAR, including a decision on the future of the MTE scheme and its implications for HTS services, soon.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on protecting maternity safety campaigners from Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What assessment he has made of the quality and timeliness of services provided to victims of crime by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the 2012 Scheme) does not prescribe a time limit for applications to be decided.Most applications are decided within 12 months. Each case must be considered on its own facts. In most cases, CICA requires information from third parties such as the police and medical authorities in order to decide a claim.Some applications will by necessity take longer to decide. This could be where information is not available due to ongoing court proceedings, where CICA needs time to assess the long-term impact of complex injuries (e.g. brain injuries), or where there is an application for loss of earnings (which requires at least 28 weeks of loss).CICA understands the importance of its role in giving recognition, redress and closure to its applicants. It works closely with a range of victims’ organisations including those that are members of its biannual Stakeholder Engagement Forum. This continues to provide valuable insights which help to inform how it can further improve its service.On 4 August 2025 I visited CICA staff at their offices in Glasgow to see for myself and better understand the work that they do, both to process applications and to make future improvements to their service. I hope it will reassure you that throughout my visit, it was very clear to me that staff are committed to making the compensation application process as straightforward as possible and to minimise its potential for re-traumatisation of victims. Clear and sensitive communication is a clear priority. I was struck on my visit by the organisation’s clear dedication to supporting victims through their application journey.

If she will bring forward guidance for parents who have been released from prison on co-parenting and handling children's emotional response.

The government is supporting all families, including parents who have been released from prison through Best Start Family Hubs (BSFHs) and Healthy Babies, backed by over £900 million investment over the next three years, to deliver a more connected, prevention-led system that improves outcomes for babies, children and their families.The recently published ‘Best Start Family Hubs’ guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-family-hubs-and-healthy-babies-guidance-for-local-authorities.This guidance sets out expectations for local authorities to provide inclusive, accessible and joined up support for families facing disadvantage or disruption. This includes promoting strong parent child relationships, supporting positive co-parenting, and addressing children’s social and emotional development, through advice and support for all families, with proactive outreach to disadvantaged groups.Best Start Family Hubs act as a single, local front door to support, including evidence-based parenting programmes and support for parents. Local authorities are expected to take a proactive and inclusive outreach approach, working with voluntary and community sector partners where appropriate, to engage seldom‑heard and disadvantaged families and reduce barriers to access.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of requiring providers of digital landline services to provide a battery back-up of greater than one hour duration for vulnerable and landline dependent customers.

The Government is committed to ensuring that any risks from the industry-led migration of the copper based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated for everyone across the UK.In November 2024, the Government secured additional safeguards from the telecoms industry. These include the provision of free battery back-ups for vulnerable and landline dependent customers to ensure access to emergency services go beyond one hour in a power outage. Many communication providers have gone further, providing battery back-ups of 4-7 hours. This includes Vodafone, BT, KCOM, and Zen Internet. Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, are responsible for setting minimum standards.In March 2026, the Government and industry agreed a new Fixed Telecoms Charter to extend these safeguards to all future fixed telecoms modernisation programmes.

If he will include anti-SLAPP legislation in the King's Speech in May 2026.

Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) have a chilling effect on public participation and freedom of expression, posing a threat to our legal system and democracy. The Government is committed to tackling SLAPPs and is considering all options for reform to address this issue.The legislative programme for the second session will be set out in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the change in the quality of service for customers moved from analogue to digital landline services, including the clarity and audibility of phone services and the unexpected disconnection of calls.

The analogue Public Switched Telephone Network’s (PSTN) replacement technology is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Ofcom have confirmed that VoIP technology enables communication providers to offer consumers and businesses clearer and better-quality phone calls and additional features. VoIP can also be used to block scam calls (BT Digital Voice blocks over 17,000 scam calls every day).Ofcom, the independent regulator, is responsible for assessing VoIP services, and has done so since the early 2000’s. Whilst Ofcom are responsible for regulating communication providers, the Government has acted to ensure consumers are protected during the upgrade. In March 2026, major communication providers and network operators signed the Fixed Telecoms Modernisation Charter to enhance protections for customers during any telecoms modernisation, including the PSTN migration to VoIP.

What assessment she has made of the impact of the backlog in issuing Remediable Service Statements and what steps are being taken to ensure timely completion of the remaining cases.

The department recognises the importance of issuing Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) to affected members as part of the McCloud remedy and continues to closely monitor progress made by Teachers’ Pensions in delivering these statements.The backlog has arisen due to the scale and complexity of the remedy, which requires the recalculation of historic pension service and depends on complete and accurate data from employers that can date back several decades. To address the backlog, Teachers’ Pensions has increased dedicated resources and implemented a phased delivery plan to ensure remaining cases are completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Senior oversight and regular performance reporting are in place to track progress.The department recognises that delays may be particularly concerning for retired members and those in receipt of ill health retirement benefits. Retired members often already have benefits in payment, and any underpayments identified will be paid in full, with interest applied in line with legislation. Additional support is available for vulnerable members, including escalation routes for urgent and complex cases.Teachers’ Pensions has improved the frequency and clarity of secure messages, increased engagement through social media, and strengthened training for helpline staff to ensure better understanding of individual circumstances. Member feedback continues to inform further service improvements, and the department is working closely with the scheme administrator to oversee delivery.

What steps are being taken to improve communication by Teachers’ Pensions with affected members, in terms of secure messages, helpline staff knowledge of cases and delivery timelines.

The department recognises the importance of issuing Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) to affected members as part of the McCloud remedy and continues to closely monitor progress made by Teachers’ Pensions in delivering these statements.The backlog has arisen due to the scale and complexity of the remedy, which requires the recalculation of historic pension service and depends on complete and accurate data from employers that can date back several decades. To address the backlog, Teachers’ Pensions has increased dedicated resources and implemented a phased delivery plan to ensure remaining cases are completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Senior oversight and regular performance reporting are in place to track progress.The department recognises that delays may be particularly concerning for retired members and those in receipt of ill health retirement benefits. Retired members often already have benefits in payment, and any underpayments identified will be paid in full, with interest applied in line with legislation. Additional support is available for vulnerable members, including escalation routes for urgent and complex cases.Teachers’ Pensions has improved the frequency and clarity of secure messages, increased engagement through social media, and strengthened training for helpline staff to ensure better understanding of individual circumstances. Member feedback continues to inform further service improvements, and the department is working closely with the scheme administrator to oversee delivery.

If he will make an assessment of the affordability of the costs of call credit for incarcerated parents.

We know that enabling prisoners to maintain and strengthen family ties is a vital contributing factor to their rehabilitation and avoidance of re-offending.Following negotiations with service providers, we have reduced the cost of telephone calls across the public sector prison estate by 20%. These reduced rates, which took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 May 2027, were introduced to make communication more affordable and to support rehabilitation.We recognise the important role that community-based organisations, including those offering peer-to- peer support, can play in assisting offenders in custody and on release, including with regard to family relationships and resettlement. A common set of standards for peer support and mentoring schemes is being developed across the estate, to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate safeguards. While the existing evidence base points to promising benefits, it is not yet strong or consistent enough to justify large scale investment. An incremental, evidence led approach is therefore being taken: testing models, improving data collection, and working with academic partners to strengthen evaluation. H M Prison & Probation Service is focusing on the value of pro-social peer relationships as part of a wider rehabilitative culture model. This aligns with the principles of psychologically informed practice, desistance, and supporting people in custody to build problem-solving skills, positive identities, and constructive relationships.

What assessment has she made of the affordability for incarcerated parents of current communication policies in prisons to speak with their families.

We know that enabling prisoners to maintain and strengthen family ties is a vital contributing factor to their rehabilitation and avoidance of re-offending.Following negotiations with service providers, we have reduced the cost of telephone calls across the public sector prison estate by 20%. These reduced rates, which took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 May 2027, were introduced to make communication more affordable and to support rehabilitation.We recognise the important role that community-based organisations, including those offering peer-to- peer support, can play in assisting offenders in custody and on release, including with regard to family relationships and resettlement. A common set of standards for peer support and mentoring schemes is being developed across the estate, to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate safeguards. While the existing evidence base points to promising benefits, it is not yet strong or consistent enough to justify large scale investment. An incremental, evidence led approach is therefore being taken: testing models, improving data collection, and working with academic partners to strengthen evaluation. H M Prison & Probation Service is focusing on the value of pro-social peer relationships as part of a wider rehabilitative culture model. This aligns with the principles of psychologically informed practice, desistance, and supporting people in custody to build problem-solving skills, positive identities, and constructive relationships.

What assessment she made of the adequacy of the level of the Service Pupil Premium to support the needs of military children, including for children who have attended several different schools over a short period and have a parent deployed overseas on military service.

The service pupil premium (SPP) provides additional funding for state-funded schools in England attended by children from service families. In the 2026/27 financial year it is worth £360 per service child.The SPP is not a personal budget and schools have flexibility over its expenditure. The funding is primarily to enable schools to offer pastoral support and help mitigate the negative impact of family mobility or parental deployment. We have published advice and wider guidance for schools and local authorities on supporting service pupils, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-pupils-in-schools-non-statutory-guidance/service-pupils-in-schools-non-statutory-guidance.In addition to the SPP, schools also attract funding for pupil mobility through the ’mobility factor’ in the schools national funding formula. In the 2026/27 financial year, schools will attract £985 for eligible primary pupils and £1,415 for eligible secondary pupils, above a threshold of 6% of the schools’ pupil numbers, where more than 6% of the school’s pupil numbers are classified as mobile.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for the meningococcal B vaccination to children and young people who were not eligible for the routine infant immunisation programme introduced in 2015.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school years 9 and 10. However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as Meningitis B (MenB), can circulate among young adults.Decisions on vaccination programmes follow independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI does not currently recommend a routine MenB booster vaccination for adolescents and young adults, however the JCVI routinely reviews new evidence as it emerges and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked them to reexamine eligibility for meningitis vaccines.The importance of raising awareness in parents, teenagers, and other adults about the signs and symptoms of meningitis remains key. There are a range of resources developed by the UK Health Security Agency, co-branded with the National Health Service, that set out these key messages and their importance, such as the teenage guide to immunisation.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing funding for community based organisations which offer peer-to-peer support for fathers inside prisons and post-release and the effects on levels of reoffending.

We know that enabling prisoners to maintain and strengthen family ties is a vital contributing factor to their rehabilitation and avoidance of re-offending.Following negotiations with service providers, we have reduced the cost of telephone calls across the public sector prison estate by 20%. These reduced rates, which took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 May 2027, were introduced to make communication more affordable and to support rehabilitation.We recognise the important role that community-based organisations, including those offering peer-to- peer support, can play in assisting offenders in custody and on release, including with regard to family relationships and resettlement. A common set of standards for peer support and mentoring schemes is being developed across the estate, to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate safeguards. While the existing evidence base points to promising benefits, it is not yet strong or consistent enough to justify large scale investment. An incremental, evidence led approach is therefore being taken: testing models, improving data collection, and working with academic partners to strengthen evaluation. H M Prison & Probation Service is focusing on the value of pro-social peer relationships as part of a wider rehabilitative culture model. This aligns with the principles of psychologically informed practice, desistance, and supporting people in custody to build problem-solving skills, positive identities, and constructive relationships.

What assessment she has made of the effect of prolonged RSS delays on retired and ill‑health pensioners, and what additional support is being provided to vulnerable members awaiting statements.

The department recognises the importance of issuing Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) to affected members as part of the McCloud remedy and continues to closely monitor progress made by Teachers’ Pensions in delivering these statements.The backlog has arisen due to the scale and complexity of the remedy, which requires the recalculation of historic pension service and depends on complete and accurate data from employers that can date back several decades. To address the backlog, Teachers’ Pensions has increased dedicated resources and implemented a phased delivery plan to ensure remaining cases are completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Senior oversight and regular performance reporting are in place to track progress.The department recognises that delays may be particularly concerning for retired members and those in receipt of ill health retirement benefits. Retired members often already have benefits in payment, and any underpayments identified will be paid in full, with interest applied in line with legislation. Additional support is available for vulnerable members, including escalation routes for urgent and complex cases.Teachers’ Pensions has improved the frequency and clarity of secure messages, increased engagement through social media, and strengthened training for helpline staff to ensure better understanding of individual circumstances. Member feedback continues to inform further service improvements, and the department is working closely with the scheme administrator to oversee delivery.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her department has had with Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and Natural England regarding the application of the duty of candour to water companies in relation to the duties and offences in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.

The Government set out its new vision for water through a White Paper published on 20 January 2026. To truly turn around the water sector we need the right people in to do the job. We want the sector to be attractive to high quality senior leaders, acting in the public interest, who can lead change from the top. To achieve this, the Government committed in the White Paper to consider taking forward a new regime for senior accountability. This would be carefully designed to ensure senior leaders are directly accountable for the service customers receive, whilst still allowing water companies to appoint capable leadership.

Whether his department has assessed the extent to which water companies, as statutory undertakers with statutory monopolies, will fall within the scope of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.

The legal framework for the provision of water and sewage services varies significantly across the UK. In England and Wales, services are delivered by private companies (including not-for-profit organisations), whilst in Scotland and Northern Ireland services are delivered by publicly owned companies. The Bill is drafted so that the duty of candour and offence of misleading the public apply to all water companies when they exercise public functions. The Code of Conduct provisions would apply to the publicly owned water companies in Scotland and Northern Ireland and their workers, but not private companies in England and Wales.In relation to the Misconduct in Public Office offences at Part 3 of the Bill, Schedule 4 sets out a definitive list of roles which make someone a “public office holder” for the purposes of these offences. Most roles are listed specifically in the Schedule, paragraph 22 is more general. It captures “Other public bodies and offices” who fulfil three criteria: (a) the body or office is established by statute, a Minister, government department, or under the Royal Prerogative; (b) appointments to the office are made by the Crown, a Minister, or government department, or (in the case of a body) appointments to the body are wholly or mainly made in that way; and (c) in that office or body they are exercising functions of a public nature.

From what date the National Institute of Clinical Excellence will be authorised to apply an increased cost-effectiveness threshold of £25,000 - £35,000 per quality-adjusted life year.

The Government intends to direct the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to apply the new cost-effectiveness threshold increase from April.