Written questions by Maguire.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed reforms to PIP on demand for (a) local authority services, (b) food banks, and (c) mental health support.

Any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, led by myself and co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to mitigate risks to delivery of proposed water infrastructure upgrades arising from the financial instability of water companies.

Water companies’ delivery of infrastructure and improved water demand management to secure our water supplies is a top priority and will be supported by our reforms of the sector. Defra work with regulators to closely monitor delivery through annual reviews of how companies against their targets. If they are not meeting their targets, they will receive a joint regulators letter setting out what they are failing on and when they must rectify these issues. We have established a ministerial Water Delivery Taskforce to monitor and intervene in projects that are essential for growth. This will also work alongside the regulators to hold the water companies to account to deliver their PR24 plans and scrutinising the costs of major projects in PR24.

What steps he is taking to ensure integrated care boards publish data on funding for children’s hospices.

Palliative care services, including for children, are included in the list of services that integrated care boards (ICBs) must commission. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.Whilst the majority of palliative and end of life care is provided by National Health Service staff and services, we recognise the vital part that voluntary sector organisations, including children’s hospices, also play in providing support to children who require palliative care and end of life care, and their loved ones.Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing NHS services. The amount of funding each charitable hospice receives varies both within and between ICB areas. This will vary depending on demand in that ICB area but will also be dependent on the totality and type of palliative care and end of life care provision from both NHS and non-NHS services, including charitable hospices, within each ICB area. It is for ICBs to determine whether they publish their funding data.We are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for eligible adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. The allocations for 2024/25 are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hospices-receive-multi-million-pound-boost-to-improve-facilitiesThe allocations for 2025/26 are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/75-million-boost-for-hospices-to-transform-end-of-life-careWe are also providing £26 million of revenue funding to support children and young people’s hospices for 2025/26. This is a continuation of the funding which until recently was known as the Children and Young People’s Hospice Grant.In 2024/25 and 2025/26, this funding was administered via ICBs in line with NHS devolution.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of extending the settlement pathway to ten plus one years on the cost of visa renewal fees for families of British National (Overseas) visa holders.

The Government is committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and those who may come here in future.I welcomed the opportunity to listen to the views of Members around these subjects in the recent 8th September Westminster Hall Debate on Indefinite Leave to Remain.We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year. All will be welcome to participate. We will provide details of how the scheme will work after that consultation.We regularly engage with representatives of the Hong Kong diaspora in the UK on issues related to the BN(O) visa and will continue to do so.

When she plans to make an announcement on pavement parking.

The Department has been considering all the views expressed in response to the 2020 pavement parking consultation and is currently working through the policy options and the appropriate means of delivering them. We will announce the next steps and publish our formal response as soon as possible. The new research announced last week will not delay this; my officials are finalising its terms now. The Department will aim to publish within 12 weeks of agreeing final outputs, per Government Social Research protocols. Local authorities can make use of existing powers to manage pavement parking.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of prolonged temporary immigration status on British National (Overseas) visa holders’ access to (a) employment, (b) housing and (c) credit.

The Government is committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and those who may come here in future.I welcomed the opportunity to listen to the views of Members around these subjects in the recent 8th September Westminster Hall Debate on Indefinite Leave to Remain.We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year. All will be welcome to participate. We will provide details of how the scheme will work after that consultation.We regularly engage with representatives of the Hong Kong diaspora in the UK on issues related to the BN(O) visa and will continue to do so.

What steps he is taking to ensure the consistent availability of menopause medications.

There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and the vast majority are in good supply. We are aware of supply issues affecting Estradot (estradiol) patches until early October 2025. We have issued comprehensive management guidance to healthcare professionals and Serious Shortage Protocols to enable community pharmacists to supply specified alternative estradiol patches, with the patient’s consent and without needing to seek authorisation from the prescriber. We work closely with suppliers and other stakeholders such as the National Health Service and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to maintain overall HRT supply to patients across the United Kingdom during any shortages, including working to expedite resupply dates of the disrupted HRT products to resolve issues as soon as possible and to help fill supply gaps and prevent future shortages. We have added estradiol to the list of products that cannot be exported from, or hoarded in, the UK to protect supply of this hormone replacement therapy for UK patients.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of (a) drought, (b) flooding and (c) rising temperatures on the UK’s top 10 fruit and vegetable supplier countries.

The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Our food security is built on supply from diverse sources, strong domestic production as well as imports through stable trade routes. Defra has commissioned research to gather evidence which explores how climate change could affect the production of fruit and vegetables in regions across the Mediterranean.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international partners on taking steps to help support the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on the Middle East made in the House by the Prime Minister on 14th October.

Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of safeguarding policies in mixed-sex changing facilities in (a) leisure centres and (b) swimming pools.

It is vital that everyone participating in sport feels safe and secure.Decisions regarding the use of changing facilities are the responsibility of facility owners. Many National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), local authorities and sports organisations have guidance and policies in place to help facility owners. As an example, the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CSPU) has produced best practice guidance. Similarly, Sport England’s This Girl Can Campaign published new guidance this year for gyms and leisure centres to make safer spaces for women and girls. This guidance was created in collaboration with ukactive, The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity and Women’s Aid, and is available on the Safer Spaces to Move Hub.

Media and Sport, if her Department will take steps to ensure that the design of new leisure facilities funded through the Levelling Up Programme reflects community preferences in changing arrangements.

The Levelling Up Programme was run under the previous Government. Our Arm’s Length Body, Sport England, provides resources to help in the design of new leisure facilities. Sport England works with local authorities as part of their place partnerships work to help them understand and meet community needs for sport and physical activity.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of inclusive (a) sports days and (b) competitions on (i) participation, (ii) motivation and (iii) confidence among secondary school girls; and what steps she is taking to ensure that sporting activities in schools promote (A) engagement and (B) equal opportunities for pupils.

The government recognises the challenges girls face participating in PE and sport and is committed to ensuring they can access equal opportunities to be physically active and experience the many known benefits of sports.In June, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister launched a new approach to PE and school sport. A new partnerships model will be created, supported by the new Enrichment Framework, to ensure all children and young people, including girls, have equal access to high-quality extra-curricular activities.The partnerships will:Increase collaboration to expand high-quality PE, increase physical activity, maximise use of facilities, and strengthen teacher continuing professional development.Build stronger links to create clear pathways for children and young people to stay active.Following the announcement, the department, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Health and Social Care, has held design meetings with over 25 stakeholders, including schools, NGBs, SGOs, and sector bodies, to identify and build on effective practice from current and past programmes.Additionally, the School Games Mark, funded by the government and managed by the Youth Sport Trust, introduced mandatory equality criteria for PE, school sport and physical activity participation. Schools can review their provision as part of their planning and delivery. Best practice from the School Games Mark will be shared with all schools to enhance equal access to sport.

What the (a) recruitment target for and (b) actual number of people recruited into the (i) Army Reserves, (ii) Maritime Reserves and (iii) RAF Reserves was by constituency in each year since 2020.

I am grateful for the contribution of our Reserve Forces who provide the UK with the ability to meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that it needs, in a cost-effective way. Information on the average time to process applications to join the Reserves by Service and year, and the number of people recruited by constituency is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The single Services do not set recruitment targets by constituency. Information on the number of applications to the Volunteer Reserves is provided in the following table: Applications to the Volunteer Reserves, broken down by Service, From 1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025 (12 months ending each 31 March) Service 20212022202320242025Naval2,8322,3932,3152,7153,024Army29,27323,40918,27124,66531,454Royal Air Force4,908N/A3,9784,2575,297Source: Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics 1st July 2025Note:Naval figures for the period ending 31 March 2025 are provisional. There is a break in the time series for the Naval Service following the period ending 31 March 2024 due to a methodology refinement.

How many applications to join the Reserves for the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) RAF were made in each year since 2020.

I am grateful for the contribution of our Reserve Forces who provide the UK with the ability to meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that it needs, in a cost-effective way. Information on the average time to process applications to join the Reserves by Service and year, and the number of people recruited by constituency is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The single Services do not set recruitment targets by constituency. Information on the number of applications to the Volunteer Reserves is provided in the following table: Applications to the Volunteer Reserves, broken down by Service, From 1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025 (12 months ending each 31 March) Service 20212022202320242025Naval2,8322,3932,3152,7153,024Army29,27323,40918,27124,66531,454Royal Air Force4,908N/A3,9784,2575,297Source: Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics 1st July 2025Note:Naval figures for the period ending 31 March 2025 are provisional. There is a break in the time series for the Naval Service following the period ending 31 March 2024 due to a methodology refinement.

What the average length of time to process applications from people wanting to join the Reserves in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) RAF was in each year since 2020.

I am grateful for the contribution of our Reserve Forces who provide the UK with the ability to meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that it needs, in a cost-effective way. Information on the average time to process applications to join the Reserves by Service and year, and the number of people recruited by constituency is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The single Services do not set recruitment targets by constituency. Information on the number of applications to the Volunteer Reserves is provided in the following table: Applications to the Volunteer Reserves, broken down by Service, From 1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025 (12 months ending each 31 March) Service 20212022202320242025Naval2,8322,3932,3152,7153,024Army29,27323,40918,27124,66531,454Royal Air Force4,908N/A3,9784,2575,297Source: Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics 1st July 2025Note:Naval figures for the period ending 31 March 2025 are provisional. There is a break in the time series for the Naval Service following the period ending 31 March 2024 due to a methodology refinement.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulatory framework for insurance companies’ use of loss adjusters; and whether she plans to regulate the conduct of loss adjusters.

Whilst loss adjusters acting on behalf of insurers are not directly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), they are typically members of professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA). CILA sets standards for ethical conduct, technical competence, and professional integrity through its Guide to Professional Conduct. Insurers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all aspects of their claims process meet the FCA’s regulatory standards. These include requirements to handle claims promptly and fairly, provide reasonable guidance to policyholders, and avoid unreasonable claim rejections. The FCA’s Consumer Duty also requires insurers to deliver good outcomes for customers throughout the claims journey. At present, there are no plans to introduce additional regulation specifically targeting the conduct of loss adjusters. However, the FCA continues to monitor practices across the insurance sector and has robust powers to take action against regulated firms that fail to comply with its rules.

What Parliamentary process will be followed prior to the implementation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions, and Associations.

The Minister for Women and Equalities is considering the EHRC’s updated draft Code. If the Minister approves the draft Code, it will be laid before both Houses over a period of 40 sitting days.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help increase girl’s participation in rugby.

The Government is committed to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, are able to participate in sport and physical activity. Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign has inspired millions of women and girls to get active and anticipates that 1.6 million women will be active as a result of the campaign by 2028. Sport England have awarded the Rugby Football Union £13,859,000 as one of their long-term system partners for the period 2022-27 to support grassroots men’s and women’s rugby union.DCMS has provided £17.98 million of investment to support England hosting the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, including £6.77m legacy funding. This tournament can be the springboard for women's rugby, just as the women's EUROs in 2022 was for women’s football. A record-breaking 400,000 tickets have been sold and 43,500 women and girls are now playing rugby. The legacy programme, Impact 25, is pivotal in cementing rugby as a game for all- improving facilities, reaching 850 clubs up and down the country, and supporting greater opportunities for women and girls of all ages to get involved. We’re also launching the Women’s Sport Taskforce at the Rugby World Cup to tackle challenges and barriers facing women and girls in sport, including rugby, from grassroots to elite. Meeting actions will be published on gov.uk.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has met with representatives from Red Tractor to discuss the effectiveness of the Red Tractor assurance scheme regarding animal welfare standards.

The Red Tractor assurance scheme is independent from Government. We have not met with representatives of Red Tractor to discuss the effectiveness of the Red Tractor scheme standards.

What steps his Department plans to take to support (a) lower income families and (b) pensioners impacted by the energy price cap increase.

The Government knows that more needs to be done to support vulnerable households struggling with their energy bills. That's why we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bill costs. The Warm Home Discount regulations expire in 2026, and we will want to consider all options for future bill support beyond this point. I have been clear with suppliers that they should do all that they can to support their customers – including vulnerable consumers – who may be struggling with their bills. I would urge any consumers who are struggling to pay their bills to speak to their supplier, local authority, or Citizens Advice who may be able to provide help and support. Your constituent can also visit the GOV.UK website, where extra cost-of-living support can be found - www.gov.uk/cost-of-living.