Written questions by Maguire.

What level of financial benefit is offered as part of the re-joining Bounty for former armed forces personnel rejoining the military.

The Ministry of Defence is always seeking ways to incentivise Service, not all of which are financial. In recent years a variety of financial incentives of varying degrees have been made available for the recruitment of both Regular and Reserve personnel, including re-joiner payments to encourage ex-Regulars to rejoin either Regular or Reserve Service. Recent financial incentives have included a Royal Navy Recruit Bounty Scheme worth £500 and Army Reserve enlistment schemes worth between £500 and £1,200. Golden Hello payments of £100,000 for the recruitment of specialised doctors and £50,000 for specialised nurses are available. There are currently no live schemes for Reserve Service enlistment. The levels of financial incentive for both Regulars and Reserves vary by Service and by trade, but all were location agnostic; numbers of payments have varied according to need and have been generally successful in filling some important roles and trades. Information on the numbers of people who have claimed a financial incentive in each year since 2020 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

What financial schemes there are to incentivise former armed forces personnel to enlist in the Reserves.

The Ministry of Defence is always seeking ways to incentivise Service, not all of which are financial. In recent years a variety of financial incentives of varying degrees have been made available for the recruitment of both Regular and Reserve personnel, including re-joiner payments to encourage ex-Regulars to rejoin either Regular or Reserve Service. Recent financial incentives have included a Royal Navy Recruit Bounty Scheme worth £500 and Army Reserve enlistment schemes worth between £500 and £1,200. Golden Hello payments of £100,000 for the recruitment of specialised doctors and £50,000 for specialised nurses are available. There are currently no live schemes for Reserve Service enlistment. The levels of financial incentive for both Regulars and Reserves vary by Service and by trade, but all were location agnostic; numbers of payments have varied according to need and have been generally successful in filling some important roles and trades. Information on the numbers of people who have claimed a financial incentive in each year since 2020 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

How many former Armed Forces personnel have started the process of re-enlisting in each year since 2020.

It is taking time to collate and review the required information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Ofwat on (a) the financial viability of water companies and (b) protections for consumers in the event of insolvency.

Ofwat is an independent regulator that monitors the financial position of water companies, taking action when companies need to strengthen their long-term financial resilience. For example, in March 2023, Ofwat utilised powers provided by the Environment Act 2021 to modify licences to prevent water companies paying dividends where financial resilience is compromised. In his first week in office, the Secretary of State met water companies’ chief executives, where they signed up to a tough set of initial measures for reform, including on putting customers and the environment at the heart of their businesses. The Secretary of State meets with stakeholders regularly such as Ofwat to discuss a range of issues. Records of these meetings are published on Defra: ministerial overseas travel, and meetings - GOV.UK.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of community care staffing levels on hospital bed occupancy levels in Surrey.

No specific assessment has been made. Integrated care board are responsible for commissioning services to meet the needs of their local communities, including in Surrey, as they are best placed to take those decisions.The Government is committed to building a health service fit for the future. We will shortly publish a 10-Year Health Plan which will set out the radical reforms needed to make the National Health Service fit for the future. This will include a focus on shifting care from the hospital to the community, to bring care closer to where people live.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of sewage spills on biodiversity in rivers in Surrey.

For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas. The Environment Agency assesses all reported sewage spills, considering impacts on water quality and ecology. For significant incidents, it may carry out enhanced monitoring, such as fish mortality counts and invertebrate surveys. Routine ecological monitoring across Surrey catchments, supported by Citizen Science, helps track river health, with targeted investigations used where deterioration is detected. As part of Price Review 24, Thames Water will undertake significant investment programme to improve the environment over the 2025-30 period. This includes £740.31 million to reduce storm overflow use and £1.2 billion to prevent nutrient pollution. Ofwat expects reduction of the storm overflows use by at least 29% over the next five years.

What steps he is taking to ensure that households on heat network schemes have access to the same consumer protections as people on standard tariffs.

DESNZ is introducing heat network regulation which aims to provide consumers with comparable protections to existing gas and electricity consumers.From 27 January 2026 Ofgem will formally commence their role as the market regulator, with powers to investigate high prices and enforce authorisation conditions. These conditions will include rules on treatment of vulnerable consumers, transparent billing and quality of service. The scope of Consumer protection is not limited to the item’s bellow, but includes powers to investigate unfair pricing, require suppliers to institute protections for vulnerable consumers, and establish guaranteed standards of performance to ensure that a minimum quality of service is provided at all timesIn addition, from 1 April 2025 heat networks consumers have been able to access support specific to heat networks from Citizens Advice or Consumer Scotland, and have had add access to the Energy Ombudsman’s Consumer Redress .

What steps his Department is taking to expedite the processing of applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme have been submitted by LGBTQ+ veterans.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Whether his Department plans to include specific reference to LGBT veterans in the Veterans Strategy Action Plan.

This Government acknowledges the historic policy prohibiting homosexuality in the Armed Forces was regrettable, wrong and completely unacceptable. We are currently developing a new Veterans’ Strategy to be published later this year. It will be inclusive of the needs and experiences of all veterans, including the LGBT community.

How many applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme submitted by LGBT veterans have been (a) fully processed and (b) resulted in a payment.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

How often the Independent Panel assessing impact payments under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme is sitting.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Whether her Department plans to (a) extend beyond the current trial areas and (b) make permanent the pilot of Serious Violence Reduction Orders.

Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs) were piloted for two years throughout Merseyside, Sussex, Thames Valley and West Midlands police force areas. The pilot took place between 19 April 2023 and 18 April 2025.The final independent evaluation of the pilot, due this Summer, will look to understand the effectiveness of SVROs in reducing reoffending and knife carrying. These insights will be critical in informing future decisions on whether the orders will be rolled out nationally.

Whether he plans to take steps to increase the capacity of the Independent Panel to assess claims to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

What the average wait time is for LGBT veterans requesting access to their service records for the purpose of Financial Recognition Scheme claims.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Whether he has had discussions with the British Standards Institution on the implications of Publicly Available Specification 63100:2024 for the installation of domestic battery storage systems; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the one metre clearance requirement in section 6.5.5 of that specification on the uptake in housing stock.

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 63100:2024 is a standard and not part of government regulation. The content of the draft standard was publicly consulted on and considered by the PAS Steering Group, which included battery manufacturers with an interest in ensuring rules are not unduly restrictive with regards to sale and installation.

How many applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme have been submitted by LGBT veterans.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

What discussions she has had with local authorities in Surrey on pavement parking powers.

The Secretary of State has not had any discussions with local authorities in Surrey on this matter. The Department has been considering all the views expressed in response to the consultation and is currently working through the policy options and the appropriate means of delivering them. As soon as the Government has decided its preferred way forward, we will announce the next steps and publish our formal response. In the meantime, local authorities can make use of existing powers to restrict and enforce pavement parking.

What the average delay is between patient (a) referral and (b) diagnostic testing in Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust; and what steps he is taking to reduce diagnostic waiting times.

There is no complete measure for the average wait time for a patient between a referral and receiving a diagnostic test for all diagnostic tests.The Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity monthly collection, known as DM01, measures the current waiting times of patients still waiting for 15 key diagnostic tests or procedures at the end of each month. As of the end of March 2025, of those that were on the waiting list for a key diagnostic test at the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, the median average length of time patients had been waiting was 2.5 weeks, compared to 2.7 weeks nationally. Details on this collection are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/Cutting waiting lists, including for diagnostic tests, is a key priority for the Government. Our Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, builds on the investments already made with an ambitious vision for the future of diagnostic testing. This will include more straight-to-test pathways, increasing and expanding community diagnostic centres, and better use of technology.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of Ofwat’s regulatory powers to hold water companies to account for repeated pollution incidents.

The Government remains clear that regulators must be empowered to hold water companies to account, which is why the Water Special Measures Act delivers on our commitment to put water companies under special measures by strengthening regulation to clean up our waters. The Act will turn around the performance of water companies and ensure they are held to account where they do not deliver for customers and the environment. As a result, companies are now not permitted to pay bonuses to water bosses that oversee poor environmental and customer outcomes. In May, we also announced a record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into water companies. This is the toughest crackdown on water companies in history. In addition to the Water Special Measures Act, the Government established the Independent Water Commission to support a wider reset of the sector, including looking at regulators and their powers. The interim report was published on 3 June, and a final report is due this summer. The Government will then the Commission’s recommendations.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of using private partnerships to build NHS hospitals on public finances.

There has been no formal assessment on the potential impact of using private partnerships to build National Health Service hospitals. Current HM Treasury policy is that private finance cannot be used. As part of the NHS capital strategy, we are considering how best to address capital funding issues in the NHS estate, and all investments will be subject to value for money and strategic assessments.