Written questions by Stafford.

What discussions the Government has had with representatives of the United States on the pricing of medicines for the NHS in the last six months.

The pharmaceutical sector and the innovative medicines it produces are critical to our national interest, helping people to access life changing treatments, reducing pressure on the health service over the longer-term, and ensuring we have a National Health Service that is fit for the future.Thanks to the strength of our relationship with the United States, we have secured the first and only deal with them that delivers 0% tariffs on pharmaceutical products, the lowest rate offered to any country. This deal secures the United Kingdom’s access to and supply of medicines for tens of thousands of patients while safeguarding our supply chain and ensuring groundbreaking new treatments will reach the NHS front line quicker. It also delivers mitigations on the US’ ‘Most Favoured Nation’ policy and preferential terms for UK MedTech exports, helping expand access innovative treatments for patients and driving crucial investment in the UK.

What assessment his Department has made of the current strategic approach to ME/CFS research; and whether his Department plans to develop a coordinated national research strategy for the condition.

We have outlined our strategy to support myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), research in the ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan published in July. These steps include a research showcase event, a new funding opportunity for a development award focussed on evaluating repurposed pharmaceutical interventions, and the announcement of new funded studies in health and care services, and research infrastructure and capacity-building.We are determined to accelerate progress in the treatment and management of ME/CFS and will continue working with the ME/CFS community to identify and address barriers to research, with the ambition of supporting more research and capacity-building programmes.The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including ME/CFS. Research funding is available, and applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.

If she will revise forward-looking forecasts for revenue from alcohol duty.

Alcohol duty receipts for the period March 2025 to October 2025, following the February 2025 rate increase, totalled £7.8 billion, down 4.5% from the same period in 2024 when receipts totalled £8.1 billion. This is driven by an underlying fall in alcohol consumption. Likely factors causing this decline, as identified in the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook report published in November 2025, are a growing trend of alcohol moderation and a response to higher prices, as well as a potential impact from demographic changes. You can find the report here: https://obr.uk/economic-and-fiscal-outlooks/ New forecasts for alcohol duty have been produced for Autumn Budget 2025, as shared in the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of alcohol duty increases on 1 February 2025 on revenue from alcohol duty receipts.

Alcohol duty receipts for the period March 2025 to October 2025, following the February 2025 rate increase, totalled £7.8 billion, down 4.5% from the same period in 2024 when receipts totalled £8.1 billion. This is driven by an underlying fall in alcohol consumption. Likely factors causing this decline, as identified in the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook report published in November 2025, are a growing trend of alcohol moderation and a response to higher prices, as well as a potential impact from demographic changes. You can find the report here: https://obr.uk/economic-and-fiscal-outlooks/ New forecasts for alcohol duty have been produced for Autumn Budget 2025, as shared in the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

Whether his Department has assessed the effectiveness of the Bradford Score Chart as a tool for monitoring short-term staff absences.

DWP is aware of the Bradford Score relating to the management of short-term sickness absence.We do not use the Bradford Score but we have a separate system for monitoring and managing sick leave.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Mozambique counterpart on reports of targeted attacks on Christians in Nampula; and what diplomatic steps she is taking with international partners to help ensure their protection.

The UK is aware of a series of attacks by Islamic State Mozambique in Nampula. Our High Commission in Mozambique, in coordination with international partners, regularly engages with authorities and religious leaders as well as peacebuilding and humanitarian agencies both in the capital (Maputo) and Northern Mozambique, including Nampula, to address the problems of violence and instability. We also support partners to provide humanitarian assistance and to promote peacebuilding and resilience against violent extremism in the region.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the availability of ADHD medication.

The Department has made substantial progress in improving the availability of medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), working closely with industry and key stakeholders to resolve previous supply challenges. Through intensive work with industry, NHS England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have resolved most of the previous shortages. All strengths of lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, both the capsules and the oral solution, guanfacine prolonged-release tablets, and methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets are now available.There is a current supply issue with methylphenidate 30 milligram prolonged-release capsules, brand name Equasym XL, which is out of stock until late December. The Department has issued guidance to healthcare professionals with advice on how to manage patients until this shortage resolves.We continue to work closely with suppliers to resolve the few remaining challenges and to strengthen resilience in the supply chain. This includes securing additional stocks, expediting deliveries, and expanding the United Kingdom supplier base to support future demand. In collaboration with NHS England’s ADHD taskforce and national data improvement plan, we are developing growth forecasts to improve demand planning and ensure a sustainable supply of ADHD medicines.To support prescribers and dispensers, the Department maintains and regularly updates a list of currently available and unavailable ADHD products on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website, at the following link:www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd

What steps he is taking to help reduce waiting times for ADHD medication.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment and treatment, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.NHS England established an ADHD taskforce which brought together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including in accessing timely and equitable access to services and support. We are pleased that the taskforce's final report was published in November 2025, and we are carefully considering its recommendations.For the first time, NHS England published management information on ADHD waits at a national level on 29 May 2025 as part of its ADHD data improvement plan; it will soon release technical guidance to ICBs to improve recording of ADHD data, with a view to improving the quality of ADHD waits data. NHS England has also captured examples from ICBs who are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services and is using this information to support systems to tackle ADHD waiting lists and provide support to address people’s needs.My rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD and autistic people to have the right support to enable them to live well in their communities.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the early flu season on corridor care, hospital capacity and patient outcomes.

We continue to monitor the impact of flu and the performance of hospitals over the winter months.The Department is continuing to take key steps to ensure the health service is prepared for the colder months. This includes taking actions to try and reduce demand pressure on accident and emergency, increasing vaccination rates, and offering health checks to the most vulnerable, as well as stress-testing integrated care boards and trust winter plans to ensure that they are able to meet demand and ensure patient flow.Flu is a recurring pressure that the National Health Service faces every winter. There is particular risk of severe illness for older people, the very young, pregnant people, and those with certain underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine remains the best form of defense against influenza, particularly for the most vulnerable, and continues to be highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalisation.

What guidance his Department provides on financial settlements for public appointments that are cancelled or withdrawn.

There are a wide variety of public appointments which are made by Ministers. A person appointed to such a position is an office holder, whose appointment is defined by the office itself, not a contract. An office holder’s terms of engagement will set out a Minister’s authority to terminate an appointment at any time with or without notice. Office holders do not receive payment in lieu of notice or severance for loss of office because they are not employees with contractual rights.

Communities and Local Government, when he plans to announce the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant for the 2026-27 financial year.

As announced in the Local Government Policy Statement on 20 November, found here, the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant will be worth at least £480 million over the 3 years from 2026/27 and the distribution will follow the existing allocation formula. Further details will be in the Local Government Finance provisional settlement before Christmas.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will publish the terms or value of any financial settlement agreed in relation to Lord Mandelson’s cancelled appointment.

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of guidance issued to local planning authorities on the increase in housing delivery targets through revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework; and whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of that guidance in enabling authorities to meet statutory obligations.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 includes a new Standard Method for assessing housing needs that is aligned to our Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new safe and decent homes in England by the end of this Parliament The standard method is used by local authorities to inform the preparation of their local plans. Once local housing need has been assessed, authorities should then make an assessment of the number of new homes that can be provided in their area. This should be justified by evidence on land availability, constraints on development, such as National Landscapes and areas at risk of flooding, and any other relevant matters. The approach taken is then be tested by the Planning Inspector during the examination of the Local Plan. Alongside the publication of a new Standard method, my Department also published revised planning practice guidance to reflect these changes. This can be found on gov.uk here. We will keep the need for additional planning practice guidance under review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson will receive a financial settlement following the cancellation of his proposed five-year term as Ambassador to the United States.

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to ensure transparency and propriety in negotiating any financial settlement for Lord Mandelson following the withdrawal of his ambassadorial appointment.

The Department does not publish details of individuals' cases. Lord Mandelson's withdrawal was subject to normal HR processes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Turkish counterpart on the expulsion of Christian foreign workers under national security legislation.

Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a fundamental right that we regularly discuss with our Turkish counterparts. We will continue to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.

Whether the Government plans to provide (a) additional support (b) exemptions and (c) simplified alternatives for small businesses and landlords to comply with Making Tax Digital requirements without the need for specialist accounting expertise.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now. HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs. HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available. Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

What assessment the Government has made of the (a) costs, (b) administrative burdens, (c) the risk of being forced to close and (d) other impacts as a result of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax on sole traders and landlords with low turnover.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now. HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs. HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available. Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

If the Government will make an assessment of the potential merits of retaining the option for small low-income businesses and landlords to continue submitting an annual Self Assessment Tax Return on paper instead of requiring full Making Tax Digital submissions.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It will be extended to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027 and for those with income over £20,000 in April 2028. In total around 2.9m businesses and landlords will need to use MTD for Income Tax. Sole Traders and landlords below these thresholds will still be able to file their Self Assessment returns as they do now. HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax across different taxpayer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.  The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK MTD for Income Tax is a new approach that is designed to help customers avoid errors and make their annual tax returns easier. The government has taken steps to minimise costs to businesses resulting from MTD, including working with the software industry to ensure free software is available for landlords and other businesses with simple affairs. HMRC is providing a range of support to taxpayers transitioning to MTD, including guidance in various formats, accessible video content and webinars. HMRC is testing the MTD service with thousands of users, and using dedicated teams to ensure the right support is available. Those who genuinely cannot operate MTD because it is not reasonable for them to do so will be able to apply for an exemption from MTD requirements.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a lower business rates multiplier for pubs on levels of investment.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible properties, including pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support.The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. Under the previous Government, RHL relief was due to end entirely in April 2025, and so by extending it, the Government has saved the average pub, with a ratable value of £16,800, over £3,300.