Written questions by Stafford.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to consult on new fiscal incentives to support younger people into home ownership.

The government has no plans to consult on new fiscal incentives to support younger people into home ownership. ​ The affordability challenges facing prospective first-time buyers mean that too many people are now locked out of home ownership. In addition to increasing the supply of homes of all tenures, the government will be launching a new mortgage guarantee scheme in July 2025. Further details can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement of 11 June (HCWS694).

If she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of historical mortgage tax relief schemes in supporting access to home ownership.

The Government must ensure the tax system supports strong public finances whilst targeting support where it is most needed. Mortgage interest relief, which was a historical feature of the UK tax system that was abolished in 2000, benefitted lower income individuals less when compared to higher income groups or not at all. It also provides little support to tenants who rent as there is no guarantee that these relieved costs are passed on. The Government is supporting home ownership through other means. This includes launching a permanent, UK-wide mortgage guarantee scheme to ensure the consistent availability of mortgages for buyers with small deposits. We know that increasing housing supply is the long-term answer to making home ownership more accessible. The Government has already introduced ambitious reforms to the planning system, judged by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to boost housebuilding to its highest level in 40 years. Through Phase 2 of the Spending Review, the Government is going further to deliver on its Plan for Change commitment of building 1.5 million homes this parliament, including by catalysing additional private investment to further boost housebuilding by confirming £4.8bn in financial transactions from 2026/27 to 2029/30.

Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an assessment of trends in the relationship between home ownership levels among under-45s and historic tax support for mortgage holders.

The government has no plans to consult on new fiscal incentives to support younger people into home ownership. ​ The affordability challenges facing prospective first-time buyers mean that too many people are now locked out of home ownership. In addition to increasing the supply of homes of all tenures, the government will be launching a new mortgage guarantee scheme in July 2025. Further details can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement of 11 June (HCWS694).

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using AI technologies in the national recycling system for (a) waste separation and (b) material recovery.

The Government has not conducted a specific assessment of use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to support recycling in England. However, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) conducts ongoing engagement with local authorities and businesses that collect and dispose of waste, including as part of the Simpler Recycling Collections reforms. Through this engagement, Defra is aware of the use of AI technologies to support improved separation and recovery of recyclate from material recovery facilities (MRFs). At some MRFs such as Sweeep Kuusakoski in Kent which I visited recently, AI technology is helping to sort materials that could not previously be easily sorted for reprocessing, including plastic films. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Defra are funding research to help overcome the challenges faced when seeking to build a circular economy. An example of this is the work that the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and Defra are funding to accelerate UK recycling capabilities. Moreover, Defra has recently published its AI Strategy and has appointed a new AI Enablement team within its Digital, Data, Technology and Security directorate. Our approach is to seek out opportunities to apply AI technologies but to do so by taking a reasonably cautious approach as to ensure that this is done responsibly and ethically as we continue to develop our expertise and harness the expertise and learning from others.

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on cross-departmental strategies on (a) the size of the armed forces and (b) the rehabilitation of offenders.

Defence is dedicated to recruiting, retaining and developing the best talent, drawn from the broadest diversity of thought, skills and background, to reflect the society we serve. We inherited a long running recruitment crisis from the last government.Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, the Armed Forces can consider applications from candidates with spent and unspent convictions for non-serious offences on a case-by-case basis. The entry policy regarding convictions is regularly reviewed and amended to ensure that it is fully aligned with updated legislation. However, there will always be a number of serious convictions that preclude entry.The Defence purpose is to protect the people of the United Kingdom, prevent conflict, and be ready to fight our enemies. The demanding nature of defence today is such that we require highly trained, professional personnel in our Armed Forces, fully committed to giving their best in defending our country and its allies. Recruits are all volunteers, and the Government has no current plans to introduce any form of mandated service.It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to review the principles of justice and deliver the Criminal Justice System. Should the MOJ seek Ministry of Defence (MOD) support for alternative forms of justice and rehabilitation, the MOD will investigate potential options. Within the Strategic Defence Review such initiatives will have merit for consideration as Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds. However, the protection of operational outputs will always be a Defence priority.

What estimate her Department has made of the comparative annual cost per head of (a) incarceration and (b) military service for non-violent offenders.

We have no current plans to introduce military service as an alternative to custody. Therefore, no comparative cost analysis has been undertaken.Research indicates that sentences with a military focus do not reduce re-offending. The evidence shows that it is the intervention to address offending behaviour which makes a difference, not the military regime and physical toughness.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of introducing structured military service as an alternative sentence for non-violent offenders serving sentences of less than 25 years.

We have no current plans to introduce military service as an alternative to custody. Therefore, no comparative cost analysis has been undertaken.Research indicates that sentences with a military focus do not reduce re-offending. The evidence shows that it is the intervention to address offending behaviour which makes a difference, not the military regime and physical toughness.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the feasibility of integrating non-violent offenders into non-combat military support roles as part of a structured rehabilitation programme.

Defence is dedicated to recruiting, retaining and developing the best talent, drawn from the broadest diversity of thought, skills and background, to reflect the society we serve. We inherited a long running recruitment crisis from the last government.Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, the Armed Forces can consider applications from candidates with spent and unspent convictions for non-serious offences on a case-by-case basis. The entry policy regarding convictions is regularly reviewed and amended to ensure that it is fully aligned with updated legislation. However, there will always be a number of serious convictions that preclude entry.The Defence purpose is to protect the people of the United Kingdom, prevent conflict, and be ready to fight our enemies. The demanding nature of defence today is such that we require highly trained, professional personnel in our Armed Forces, fully committed to giving their best in defending our country and its allies. Recruits are all volunteers, and the Government has no current plans to introduce any form of mandated service.It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to review the principles of justice and deliver the Criminal Justice System. Should the MOJ seek Ministry of Defence (MOD) support for alternative forms of justice and rehabilitation, the MOD will investigate potential options. Within the Strategic Defence Review such initiatives will have merit for consideration as Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds. However, the protection of operational outputs will always be a Defence priority.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of converting decommissioned prison facilities to (a) schools, (b) hospitals, (c) housing and (d) other public uses.

We are committed to exploring all options for prison build and the expansion and maintenance of the prison estate. Where facilities are not currently suitable or in use as part of the prison estate, we aim to work collaboratively with other Departments to establish a viable next step for the sites.At this time, we have two decommissioned prison sites, HMP Camp Hill and HMP Blantyre House. A decision has not yet been made on the future of these sites.

How many unoccupied places there were in prison wings for transgender prisoners only on 5 June 2025.

The separate unit for transgender prisoners, E Wing at HMP Downview, has 16 cells. There are currently seven prisoners being held in the unit.

What criteria his Department is using to calculate compensation offers made to Sub-Postmasters impacted by the Horizon scandal.

Claims for Horizon redress are assessed by applying the specific facts of the individual cases to established legal principles and any other factors which support reaching a fair outcome. Assessment criteria for the individual redress schemes are published by the Department for Business and Trade and the Post Office.Across each scheme, claimants have the option of accepting a fixed-sum offer or requesting a detailed assessment.Where a claimant is not satisfied with an offer for redress, the offer may be appealed. On the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, disputed offers would be assessed by an independent panel and in some circumstances, an independent reviewer.As of 2 June 2025, over £1 billion has been paid to over 7,300 claimants across the 4 horizon schemes.

Whether he plans to provide funding for legal advice for Sub-Postmasters pursuing compensation claims.

The Department for Business and Trade meets the reasonable legal costs of postmasters in applying to its Horizon redress schemes, and encourages claimants to take up this offer. Legal cost frameworks and tariffs for each scheme delivered by the Department have been agreed and published following discussions with claimants’ legal representatives. Post Office provides funding for reasonable legal fees to help claimants on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme to consider offers made by the independent panel, with further legal support available should they choose to dispute or appeal their offer.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the (a) fairness and (b) efficiency of the Horizon compensation schemes.

As of 2 June 2025, over £1 billion has been paid to over 7,300 claimants across the 4 horizon schemes. This represents a fourfold increase since July 2024, with more than 4,500 victims receiving compensation for the first time.Claims for Horizon redress are assessed by applying the specific facts of the individual cases to established legal principles and any other factors which support reaching a fair outcome. Across each scheme, claimants have the option of accepting a fixed-sum offer or requesting a detailed assessment. Where a claimant is not satisfied with an offer for redress, the offer may be appealed. On the Group Litigation Order scheme, disputed offers would be assessed by an independent panel and in some circumstances, an independent reviewer.We continue to seek options to speed up redress, in discussion with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ending the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme on regional equality of access to apprenticeship (a) information and (b) advice.

Enabling access to apprenticeships and technical education remains a key part of this government’s education policy. The decision not to continue the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) programme was based on:Growth in awareness of apprenticeships amongst secondary pupils, which is now on a par with awareness of A Levels.Apprenticeships programme development since ASK was introduced, with emphasis now moving towards supporting successful participation and completion than awareness-raising.Tight fiscal climate requires tough decisions about activity that can be extended. Schools and colleges seeking support to raise awareness of apprenticeships and technical education can continue to access the following support:The Skills for Careers Apprenticeships support page, accessible at: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/apprenticeships.The Careers and Enterprise Company’s (CEC) resource directory.Amazing Apprenticeships which offers a wide range of resources and support for schools and colleges. This is accessible at: https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/.CEC’s network of Careers Hubs, covering 95% of schools and colleges, works with schools and colleges to support their careers education programmes.CEC also supports enhanced Provider Access Legislation which specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education.The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network of around 2000 volunteers which visits institutions sharing compelling experiences about apprenticeships.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of poor mobile signal on police capacity to (a) respond to and (b) manage rural crime.

This Government is committed to reducing crime in rural areas. Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will deliver 13,000 more neighbourhood police by the end of the Parliament, whilst also ensuring each community, including rural communities, has a named, contactable officer to turn to. Rural communities can be assured that visible, neighbourhood policing is returning to our communities.The Emergency Services Network (ESN) has been planned to provide coverage to the whole of the UK providing effective mobile services for all of the emergency services. EE’s Network is being upgraded to support the ESN radio infrastructure across the country. Supplementary to this the Home Office are managing and deploying an extra 292 sites filling in the coverage not spots within the most rural parts of Great Britain, ensuring these areas have coverage levels that support effective communications for the Emergency Services.Additionally, the core Airwave network service, funded by the Home Office, provides vehicle levels of radio coverage across the entirety of Great Britain and this is well understood by all Police forces. Several forces have elected to enhance this coverage to provide hand-held contractual coverage depending on their own operational need and practices.The delivery of ESN has estimated total economic benefits of £2.4 billion (present values) most of which are from ESN 999-calls. Additional identified benefits of connecting ESN 999-calls to police in England and all emergency services in Scotland and Wales, are currently being assessed and will add considerably to the programme’s future monetisable benefits. The strategic case around providing a prompt and high quality 999 service, the obsolescence risk of TETRA and other significant non-monetised benefits, further enhance the value for money assessment.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of withdrawing funding for level 7 apprenticeships for people aged 22 and over on workforce planning in critical public services.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity.From January 2026 the government will no longer fund level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to master’s degree level, except for young apprentices under the age of 22. This will enable apprenticeships opportunities to be rebalanced towards young people and create more opportunities for those entering the labour market, who need skills and training to get on in their careers.This decision was informed by a wide range of evidence, including Skills England’s analysis of official apprenticeship statistics and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Skills England’s evidence suggested there was unlikely to be a significant or unavoidable fall in the supply of these skills in the long term, post-defunding.We are encouraging more employers to invest in upskilling their staff over 22 to level 7 where it delivers a benefit to the business and the individual. It will be for employers to determine the most appropriate training. There are alternative training options available to employers at level 7 including non-apprenticeship routes.

Whether her Department plans to introduce a national alternative to the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme.

The government is committed to ensuring every young person can develop the skills they need to succeed in work and life. We want them to have access to good quality careers advice as part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity, under our Plan for Change.Nationally, schools and colleges can access a range of digital and in-person support to help them inform their students about technical routes, such as apprenticeships. This support includes T Levels Ambassador Networks, the Skills for Apprenticeships support page (part of the government’s Skills for Life – ‘It All Starts With Skills’ communications campaign), and The Careers and Enterprise Company’s (CEC) resource directory.Locally, through careers hubs, data and front-line insights support conversations about what is preventing take-up of technical and vocational pathways at the local level, enabling local partners to devise solutions. The government will continue to invest in high-quality careers education for young people, including boosting skills pathways such as apprenticeships and other technical education routes.We will continue investing in wider careers infrastructure, including careers hubs, to ensure successful implementation of our careers programme.Careers hubs, supported by CEC, will continue locally to address barriers relating to apprenticeships and technical education awareness and uptake.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that employers are financially able to support level 7 apprenticeships in the context of the proposed funding changes from January 2026.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity.From January 2026 the government will no longer fund level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to master’s degree level, except for young apprentices under the age of 22. This will enable apprenticeships opportunities to be rebalanced towards young people and create more opportunities for those entering the labour market, who need skills and training to get on in their careers.This decision was informed by a wide range of evidence, including Skills England’s analysis of official apprenticeship statistics and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Skills England’s evidence suggested there was unlikely to be a significant or unavoidable fall in the supply of these skills in the long term, post-defunding.We are encouraging more employers to invest in upskilling their staff over 22 to level 7 where it delivers a benefit to the business and the individual. It will be for employers to determine the most appropriate training. There are alternative training options available to employers at level 7 including non-apprenticeship routes.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to prevent unitary authorities formed through the Local Government Reorganisation requiring exception financial support.

On 5 February, the Government issued invitations to councils in two-tier areas in England and neighbouring unitary councils to prepare proposals for local government reorganisation. The invitation sets out the criteria against which proposals will be assessed, including that unitary local government must be the right size to achieve efficiencies improve capacity and withstand financial shocks. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to take legislative steps to regulate bonfires.

At this present time, we are not planning any new measures restricting bonfires. Government guidance on the rules about garden bonfires is available at: https://www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules.