Written questions by Maguire.

Whether her Department is considering replacing the Dance and Drama Awards scheme with the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will not be replacing the Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) grant scheme. The LLE will provide individuals with a loan entitlement to the equivalent of four years’ post-18 education to use over their working lives (£38,140 in today’s fees). The LLE will eventually be replacing the advanced learner loans scheme for levels 4 to 6.To offer LLE provision, providers will need to be registered with the Office for Students. Funding for the 2026/27 academic year will be subject to confirmation in the government’s spending review.

What the total number of hours was by which the 48 hours target for call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation was exceeded in the week commencing 5 May 2025.

The average resolution time for urgent repairs to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for week commencing 5 May 2025, will not be available until mid-June 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48-hour target for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

What the total number of hours was by which the 48 hours target for call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation was exceeded in each month since January 2024.

The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard. During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours. The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below: MonthTotal number of urgent repairs for SFAAmey - average resolution times to urgent repairsVIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairsJanuary 20245,9214334.9February 20244,3303238March 20244,0223736April 20244,16141.8535.1May 20243,30040.934.5June 20242,80234.7533.5July 20243,38736.839.3August 20243,35737.542.9September 20243,79139.137.4October 20243,88141.340.6November 20244,82832.344.3December 20244,19833.139.2January 20255,54642.239.3February 20253,78529.742.22March 20253,69635.640.9April 20253,253Data not heldData not held The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

In how many and what proportion of cases did call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation exceed the 48-hour target in each month since January 2024.

The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard. During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours. The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below: MonthTotal number of urgent repairs for SFAAmey - average resolution times to urgent repairsVIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairsJanuary 20245,9214334.9February 20244,3303238March 20244,0223736April 20244,16141.8535.1May 20243,30040.934.5June 20242,80234.7533.5July 20243,38736.839.3August 20243,35737.542.9September 20243,79139.137.4October 20243,88141.340.6November 20244,82832.344.3December 20244,19833.139.2January 20255,54642.239.3February 20253,78529.742.22March 20253,69635.640.9April 20253,253Data not heldData not held The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

In how many and what proportion of cases did call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation exceed the 48-hour target in the week-commencing 5 May 2025.

The average resolution time for urgent repairs to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for week commencing 5 May 2025, will not be available until mid-June 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48-hour target for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

How many urgent repairs were requested for standard family accommodation in each month since January 2024.

The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard. During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours. The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below: MonthTotal number of urgent repairs for SFAAmey - average resolution times to urgent repairsVIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairsJanuary 20245,9214334.9February 20244,3303238March 20244,0223736April 20244,16141.8535.1May 20243,30040.934.5June 20242,80234.7533.5July 20243,38736.839.3August 20243,35737.542.9September 20243,79139.137.4October 20243,88141.340.6November 20244,82832.344.3December 20244,19833.139.2January 20255,54642.239.3February 20253,78529.742.22March 20253,69635.640.9April 20253,253Data not heldData not held The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

How many urgent repairs were requested for standard family accommodation in the week commencing 5 May 2025.

442 urgent repairs were requested for Service Family Accommodation properties as at noon on 9 May 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protections for billpayers of water services where the agreed environmental standards have not been met.

This Government is strengthening consumer protections by bringing forward secondary legislation to introduce new and increased compensation - double the previous amounts or more - which will be compulsory for water companies to pay customers for poor service, underscoring our commitment to hold companies to account and stand up for consumers.  Furthermore, our Water (Special Measures) Act delivered on our promise to put water companies under tough special measures, by strengthening regulation as a first legislative step towards improving the sector. As part of the Act, Ofwat has new powers to ban the payment of unfair bonuses if environmental standards are not met.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of the research paper entitled Occupational Incidence of Bladder Cancer Amongst Veteran Ammunition Technicians of the British Army, published on 22 March 2025.

As the hon. Member will know from my recent answer to Question 47566, Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the recent British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. This is a complex scientific area, and the MOD has referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel will be discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting and their advice will inform decisions on next steps. I can confirm that no discussions have taken place with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. I am advised there is currently a lack of medical evidence to support screening this population for bladder cancer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to expand the designation of vessels considered part of Russia’s shadow fleet to align with (a) the US, (b) Europe and (c) Canada.

This Government has sanctioned 229 oil tankers in Putin's shadow fleet, more than any other partner. On 9 May, we sanctioned 100 oil tankers - our largest single action to date. We work closely with our G7 partners to maximise the impact of our sanctions.We do not comment on future designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of Health and Social Care on introducing regular health screening programmes for military personnel involved in handling explosive ordnance.

As the hon. Member will know from my recent answer to Question 47566, Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the recent British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. This is a complex scientific area, and the MOD has referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel will be discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting and their advice will inform decisions on next steps. I can confirm that no discussions have taken place with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. I am advised there is currently a lack of medical evidence to support screening this population for bladder cancer.

Communities and Local Government, what her timeline is for (a) consultation and (b) implementation of the updated Decent Homes Standard.

The government will consult this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.

What steps she is taking to (a) improve work coach support and (b) provide tailored employment support for jobseekers.

As set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper, we are reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service across Great Britain that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them to progress in work. In England, these reforms will include bringing together Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service to create a greater awareness and focus on skills and careers as well as better join-up between employability and careers provision.Our new service will move away from the current one size fits all approach, recognising people are individuals with different support needs and will provide better tailored support. Providing high-quality personalised support that helps people get into work, support training, and get on at work is a central tenet to the new service.We will provide an update on our plans to Get Britain Working and the steps we are taking in due course.

If her Department will add young carers to the Daily Attendance reporting programme.

​​​​This government is committed to breaking down barriers of opportunity for all young people, including young carers who provide a critical role caring for their loved ones.Young carers were added to the school census in the 2022/23 academic year. This change has raised both awareness and the profile of young carers in schools by, for the first time, providing hard data on both the numbers of young carers in schools and their education. The number of schools returning data on young carers as part of the census has been low. The last annual spring census showed that 72% of schools did not record any young carers in 2024, which is an improvement on the 79% of schools with zero returns in 2023. The department recognises that this is not good enough, and we hope to see an improvement in coverage and quality in the next spring census, due in June. We will monitor the quality of school census data on young carers for consideration for future inclusion in the daily collection. In the meantime, we are continuing to work closely with the sector to encourage better identification, recording and support for young carers in schools.​Absence from school is almost always a symptom of wider needs and barriers that a family are facing, including where pupils may have caring responsibilities at home. The department’s statutory guidance ‘Working together to improve school attendance’ takes a ‘support first’ approach where pupils and families, including young carers, should receive holistic, whole-family support to help them overcome the barriers to attendance they are facing.

If he will make an estimate of the number of qualified medical professionals unable to progress in their training pathways in the most recent period for which figures are available.

We are committed to training the staff we need to ensure patients are cared for by the right professional, when and where they need it. It is not possible, from the data held, to consistently and accurately identify unique applicants, as many applicants will apply to more than one specialty training pathway We will ensure that the number of medical specialty training places meets the demands of the National Health Service in the future. NHS England will work with stakeholders to ensure that any growth is sustainable and focused in the service areas where need is greatest.Post graduate medical training consists of several different phases of training courses, depending on the speciality choices a doctor makes. After graduating, doctors will typically do a two year foundation programme, followed by speciality training. Speciality training can be a single “run through” programme or can be core training followed by competitive entry into higher speciality training. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/training-doctorIn 2024, there were 59,698 total applications across all medical specialty training pathways in the United Kingdom, for the 12,743 speciality training posts that were available. This data covers all round one and round two specialty training pathway programmes. The Department does not hold information on the number of individual, or unique, applicants that this comprises of in order to make and estimate on the specific progression of medical professionals. The timing of progression, from foundation years training to medical specialty training, will depend on a wide variety of factors, including personal preferences for future specialty training programmes, development of current strengths and skills, personal factors influencing the timing of progression, and the NHS’s demand for specialty training roles.Once medical professionals have entered a training pathway, progress outcomes within that pathway are collected and reported by the General Medical Council in its Annual Review of Competency Progression reports. This information is available at the following link:https://edt.gmc-uk.org/progression-reports/arcp

What steps his Department is is taking to help tackle delays in the transfer of care.

It is a priority for the Department to tackle delays in the transfer of care, and to ensure that people receive the care that they need.On 30 January 2025, the Government published a revised policy framework for the £9 billion Better Care Fund. The new BCF Policy Framework for the 2025-2026 financial year supports local areas to use pooled funding in way that delivers greater impact for those receiving integrated health and social care.Under the new framework, local authorities and National Health Service integrated care boards are accountable for providing timely and joined-up support for people with more complex health and care needs, and for achieving more timely and effective discharge from acute, community, and mental health hospital settings.

What steps she is taking to ensure that people receiving Universal Credit have adequate support for accessing (a) employment opportunities and (b) training in Epsom and Ewell constituency.

Jobcentre teams work closely with Epsom and Ewell Council, Employers, local colleges and providers to promote employment and training opportunities. The Employment and Partnership Team recently facilitated the Annual Epsom & Ewell Employment Fair with Nescot College, Epsom & Ewell Council and Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership. The Jobcentre offers Sector Based Work Academy Programmes and Mentoring Circles to give customers the skills to enter employment. Often, customers engage directly with an employer to find out role requirements. For example, working with the Jobcentre, Macro will facilitate a series of Mentoring Circle sessions to help people with mental health impairments move closer to employment.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with anti-poverty campaigners on strengthening the Decent Homes Standard for social housing.

My Department engages a wide range of external stakeholders, including campaigners, on issues facing social housing tenants.The government intends to consult this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.

Whether her Department has detected any ship-to-ship transfers in British waters that have enabled Russia to evade the price cap on exported oil since December 2022.

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in HM Treasury is responsible for the implementation of the Oil Price Cap (OPC). Whilst I cannot comment on individual instances of evasion of the OPC due to the sensitivity of that information, British territorial waters are not typically the site of ship-to-ship transfers of this kind. The UK Government closely monitors these kinds of transfers for OPC evasion and continues to directly target shadow fleet vessels and entities that seek to undermine UK sanctions and facilitate the trade and transportation of Russian oil and oil products.In October last year, the Department for Transport operationalised a mechanism to challenge suspected shadow fleet vessels with unknown insurance to provide proof of insurance as they transit the English Channel. OFSI works closely with industry to aid compliance – as evidenced by the February 2024 updates to the OPC compliance regime and the OPC industry advisory on falsified certificates of origin, published in November 2024.

What guidance her Department provides to people seeking to complain about private security companies hired by local authorities.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a Home Office arm’s length body established by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA) as the regulator of the private security industry.The SIA publishes guidance for buyers of private security which is available at: Do you buy security?.Complaints or concerns about the SIA, or about private security companies, or people working in the private security industry, can be raised at: Complaints procedure - Security Industry Authority - GOV.UK, Report a Crime or Concern.