Written questions by Mierlo.

What eligibility criteria will be applied to the recently announced additional £300 million of funding for upgrading IT infrastructure in schools through the Connect the Classroom programme.

We will invest £325 million by 2029/30 to support digital connectivity. This includes expanding Connect the Classroom to thousands more schools in need, supporting schools and responsible bodies to build on the technology underpinning infrastructure and resilience, with the expectation that all schools and colleges should meet core technology standards by 2030.Connect the Classroom will continue to support schools on the regional improvement for standards and excellence programme, ensuring that poor connectivity is not a barrier to school improvement, with additional selection criteria to be announced in the summer.

What recent progress the Commission for Countering Extremism has made on tackling extremism.

The Commission is a non-statutory expert committee of the Home Office, set up to help the Government to understand the scale of extremism in the UK and the wider harms associated with it, beyond radicalisation into terrorism.The Commission for Countering Extremism has played a key role in the Government’s approach to counter-extremism by providing external challenge and plays a vital role in providing advice to the Government on how to address the challenge posed by extremism and harness innovative thinking around critical issues. It is vital that the Government hears from a range of independent voices that can advise, criticise, and review work on such a crucial issue.Robin Simcox was appointed as Interim Commissioner for the Commission for Countering Extremism in March 2021. He was appointed as the substantive Commissioner for Countering Extremism in July 2022, for a three-year term. As is usual when public appointments come to an end, Ministers are considering next steps and will update in due course.

Whether his Department plans to ensure that the (a) psychological, (b) social and (b) financial impacts of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease are accounted for as part of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methods for evaluating novel treatments.

In developing its recommendations, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) takes into account all health-related costs and benefits for patients and caregivers, in line with its established methods and processes.In 2022, NICE undertook a detailed review of whether it should broaden the perspective it uses in its economic evaluations, including consideration of wider societal impacts. NICE found that robust methods for quantifying wider societal effects are not yet sufficiently developed, and that evidence on the wider societal benefits of interventions, and of the services that might be displaced, is limited. NICE has also noted that expanding assessments to capture socioeconomic impacts could introduce ethical challenges, such as advantaging interventions for populations with higher workforce participation over those for children, older adults, or people unable to work.Following this review, and after examining both international comparisons, and the significant methodological and ethical challenges involved, NICE’s Board concluded that it should retain its current approach of using a health-sector perspective routinely but with the flexibility to include wider societal benefits when they are especially relevant.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of transits by sanctioned Russian‑linked vessels through the Channel on national security.

The UK Government constantly monitors UK waters to ensure the safety of mariners, protect the marine environment and uphold the UK’s national security, which includes monitoring sanctioned tankers. The Department for Transport is continuing to increase scrutiny of these vessels as they transit through the Channel through our Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism introduced in October 2024.

If she will publish timelines for (a) asylum housing pilots and (b) funding to trial local delivery of housing for people seeking asylum.

We have committed to closing every asylum hotel, and work is well underway, with more suitable sites, including military bases, being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Home Office are exploring options for a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities and devolved partners. This would complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate to end the use of hotels.

Innovation and Technology, what the (a) current planned deadlines are for new applications to the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, and (b) whether any changes to those deadlines are under consideration.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) will come to an end on 31 March 2028. The following deadlines will apply to meet this closure date:31 August 2026 – New voucher project submissions.31 March 2027 – Vouchers issued. Vouchers requested but not validated and issued by 31 March 2027 will be cancelled.31 March 2028 – Voucher claims submitted.These dates remain subject to change in advance of the March 2028 GBVS closure, in line with the GBVS Supplier Terms and Conditions.Building Digital UK (BDUK) is willing to consider any further proposals for voucher projects from suppliers that can be delivered within the remaining timetable for the scheme. The voucher scheme is just one part of Project Gigabit, and BDUK will aim to cover as many as possible of the remaining non-gigabit premises through the Project Gigabit contracts.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for her policies of the role of (a) trustees and (b) sponsoring employers in decision‑making on surplus extraction in defined benefit pension schemes.

The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus. The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees. The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action. We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of setting a maximum settlement reduction of £70,000 under the revised loan charge settlement arrangements.

The Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to bring the matter to a close for those affected, ensure fairness for all taxpayers and ensure that appropriate support is in place for those subject to the loan charge. Because of the decisions the Government has taken, around 30 percent of people within scope of the review could have their liabilities removed entirely. Most other individuals will see their liabilities reduced by at least half. The most serious cases within scope of the Loan Charge review include instances where an individual has avoided more than £5 million of tax through disguised remuneration use. The Government does not believe it is right to offer this group further substantial reductions to their liabilities. The £70,000 cap was introduced to ensure fairness for all taxpayers, including the vast majority who have never used disguised remuneration schemes. Over 80% of individuals that are within scope of the settlement opportunity will not be affected by the cap.

When his Department plans to publish draft regulations relating to surplus extraction under the Pension Schemes Bill; and whether he plans to publish these before the Bill completes its passage through Parliament.

The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus. The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees. The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action. We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals.

If he will implement safeguards to ensure that release of surplus from defined benefit schemes does not adversely impact the security of accrued benefits.

The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus. The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees. The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action. We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that overseas visitor charging regulations are applied uniformly across NHS trusts.

The overseas visitor charging regulations apply to all National Health Service trusts in England. The Department is working closely with NHS England to ensure the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015 are applied fairly and consistently across all NHS trusts.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ageing tankers, such as the 21 year old Kusto, transiting through the Channel on the environment.

The Department for Transport is clear about the risks that ageing shadow fleet vessels pose to the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security. The Government remains committed to deterring and disrupting the shadow fleet. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has sanctioned over 500 vessels, including the Kusto in May 2025, which prohibits these vessels from entering into a UK port, and signals to the global maritime community that these vessels are dangerous and should not be interacted with.DfT has operated the Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism since October 2024, which increases scrutiny on shadow fleet vessels by challenging them for proof of their insurance as they transit the Channel. Since October 2024, over 600 vessels have been challenged.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on community services hosted by places of worship, including (a) food banks, (b) youth groups and (c) after school clubs.

DCMS conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report.The evaluation did not specifically assess the impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on community services hosted by places of worship, including (a) food banks, (b) youth groups and (c) after school clubs. However, we are aware that grants from the scheme will have enabled many recipients to continue to provide these vital community services.Our evaluation showed that while it had many benefits, 80% of respondents said that they would still have carried out the work without the rebate. As we look towards a new fiscal period and the evolving needs of our community, it is essential that government support is deployed to the areas where it can have the greatest impact and where it is needed most. That is why over the next four years, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will invest £92 million capital funding into listed places of worship, some of which host these community services.

What plans his department has to address the potential misuse of legal proceedings for purposes associated with Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.

I refer the honourable Member to the answer I gave on Friday 13 February to Question 111038.

Media and Sport, whether the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will support energy efficiency improvements such as low carbon heating and lighting systems.

Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund will be published in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of sanctions on Russian oil exports.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 28 January in response to Question 106998.

What estimate he has made of the volume of Russian oil transported through the English Channel by UK‑sanctioned tankers in the last 12 months.

Deterring and disrupting the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for the UK, and the UK Government will continue to proactively monitor tanker activity to ensure the safety of seafarers, protect the marine environment, and for national security purposes. The volume of Russian oil transiting the English Channel is not data the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero owns.

Media and Sport, whether the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will provide (a) equivalent to and (b) greater financial support than the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme; and what steps she is taking to ensure transitional funding for places of worship.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will provide an equivalent overall level of financial support to that provided by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, £23 million per annum. The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a capital fund providing grants upfront, which in some cases, may award a greater proportion of the project costs than what would have previously been received through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. We are aware of concerns regarding the transition between the two schemes. Guidance, including eligibility criteria and application process on the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund, will be published in due course.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to prevent funding gaps during the transition from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will provide an equivalent overall level of financial support to that provided by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, £23 million per annum. The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a capital fund providing grants upfront, which in some cases, may award a greater proportion of the project costs than what would have previously been received through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. We are aware of concerns regarding the transition between the two schemes. Guidance, including eligibility criteria and application process on the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund, will be published in due course.

Pursuant to the answer of 19th January to question 105612, to ask what role the Department for Health and Social Care will have in drug price negotiations following the abolishment of NHS England.

The target operating model for the integration of NHS England operations into the Department has yet to be finalised. However, drug-price negotiations will continue uninterrupted up to and beyond April 2027, when NHS England will cease to exist as a separate entity.