Written questions by Maguire.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support his Department is providing for Ukrainian rehabilitation organisations.

The UK supports the strengthening of Ukrainian rehabilitation systems in various ways, including training and capacity building of Ukrainian healthcare staff; provision of rehabilitation equipment to facilities across Ukraine; and support on health and social policy. We support home-based care and rehabilitation services through our assistance to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and funding via the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine for the Superhumans clinic, which provides innovative rehabilitation services to people who have been impacted by war.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of enabling people over 60 to travel for free on public transport in England.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Surrey County Council has been allocated £12 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.

What steps his Department is taking to increase funding for research into (a) neuroblastoma and (b) other childhood cancers.

The Department invests £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR research expenditure for all cancers was £133 million in 2023/24, reflecting its high priority.Research is a vital part of improving diagnosis and treatment for children and young people with cancer. The NIHR spent approximately £9.9 million over the last five financial years, from 2019/20 to 2023/24, on directly funded research to improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer, including for neuroblastoma.These investments are pivotal to informing efforts to improve cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes. An example of a recent award is the RElapse Decision MAking Parent Process trial, for the development of a treatment decision aid for parents of a child with neuroblastoma which has relapsed. The total award value was £308,000.The NIHR funds research in response to proposals received from scientists rather than allocating funding to specific disease areas. The NIHR continues to encourage and welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including neuroblastoma research and other childhood cancers. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.The Department relaunched the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce, which met on 4 March 2025. Caroline Dinenage and Professor Darren Hargrave have been appointed as co-chairs. The taskforce will examine clinical and non-clinical ways to improve outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer, including neuroblastoma research. The taskforce will feed into wider Department work on the National Cancer Plan.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of environmental contamination caused by sewage discharges by water companies in Epsom and Ewell constituency.

For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas. That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector. To further support understanding of the impact that sewage discharges have on the receiving watercourse, a programme to rollout Continuous Water Quality Monitors is beginning in Price Review period (PR24), which runs from 2025-2030. Monitors will be installed near 25% of storm overflows and sewage treatment works in scope for the programme in this period. Sites prioritised for monitoring will be based on Defra’s priority areas. During PR24, Thames Water will invest £784 million to reduce the use of storm overflows, including in the Epsom and Ewell constituency. Additional improvement actions also include increasing treatment capacity at sewage works, providing storage for high flows, reducing flows entering the system and provision of treatment for storm overflows which are separate from the main treatment route. There are no sewage treatment works in the Epsom and Ewell constituency.

With reference to the Answer of 9 May 2024 to Question 24728 on Army Foundation College: Sexual Offences, how many (a) perpetrators were involved and (b) of the victims were recruits for each category of offence listed.

Due to the small number of offences, victims and perpetrators, it would be inappropriate to release any further breakdown of the figures provided in Question 24728. I am sure you will understand that I am unable to release any details which could lead to the identification of victims of sexual offences. This is because of statutory restrictions and also to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Court Martial results are published online, including the Rank, charges outcome and sentence and unit at the time of Court Martial.

With reference to his Department's statistics entitled Murder, manslaughter and sexual offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, how many victims of sexual crimes under the age of 18 were based at the Army Foundation College.

I am sure you will understand that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and also to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward.Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether or not any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.I can however advise you that the published figures for victims of sexual offences aged under 18 are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority), and not based on conviction.

What safeguarding training is provided to new instructors at the Army Foundation College before working with recruits.

The following safeguarding training is provided to new instructors at the Army Foundation College (AFC) before working with recruits: · Permanent Staff Development Course Part 1. This is a Defence Learning Environment Course covering the Basic Care of Trainees which includes Level 1 Safeguarding Training. · Permanent Staff Development Course Part 2. This delivers the Advanced Care of Trainees (ACoT) course, a safeguarding brief at level 2 and a review of the Supervisory Care Directive. This training is contextualised for the under 18 audience at AFC. Instructors are not able to conduct duties until they have completed ACoT. · AFC(H) staff do refresher training prior to each new intake which includes training on safeguarding and the Supervisory Care Directive. · The Commanding Officer, Designated Safeguard Lead, Chief Instructor, All Training Company Officer's Commanding, Adjutant and Unit Welfare Officer will complete the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Designated Safeguard Lead course.

With reference to the Answer of 9 May 2024 to Question 24727 on Army Foundation College: Staff, how many Army Foundation College staff found to have started sexual relationships with recruits since 2014 were allowed to continue working there.

At the point of notification, the personnel were no longer working at the Army Foundation College. The cases subsequently went to Court Martial and the sentences all included Dismissal from HM Forces.

What process there is for former members of the armed forces who left service after 6 May 2023 to apply for the King’s Coronation Medal; and when his Department plans to provide further details on this application process.

As at 26 February 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office has despatched 144,155 medals to Service personnel, Veterans, Cadets, MOD civilian personnel and agency personnel sponsored by the MOD. The timeline for issuing the remainder of medals to eligible personnel is dependent on the confirmation from Veterans of their home address as once an individual leaves service, the efficacy of records significantly reduces. The MOD continues to explore methods of contacting those individuals who have left the Armed Forces since the 6 May 2023, as it is important to ensure that medals do not go astray by sending to unconfirmed addresses. Any veteran can apply for medals at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge/apply-for-a-medal.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) repair hospitals and (b) improve patient safety.

The safety of National Health Service staff and patients is a top priority for the Government.The NHS was provided with £4.1 billion in operational capital in 2024/25, enabling systems to allocate funding according to local priorities, including hospital repairs and estate safety. In 2025/26, the Government is again backing the NHS with over £4 billion in operational capital, which will continue to be allocated to local system priorities.The Government is also providing significant support through ongoing estates safety programmes delivering vital upgrades, eradicating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), and tackling backlog maintenance and critical infrastructure risk. The 2024 Autumn Budget confirmed over £1 billion of additional investment in 2025/26 for these programmes, including £750 million for an estates safety fund to help ensure hospitals are safe and sustainable, and £440 million for RAAC mitigation and eradication.Alongside 2025/26 funding to address hospital repairs, the Government is taking a fresh look at how to make the current system effective and efficient to protect quality of care and improve patient safety. Following last year’s review by Dr Penny Dash into the operational effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the CQC is rebuilding its approach and trust in its regulation. Dr Dash is conducting a second review of patient safety across the health and care landscape. The conclusions of the review are due to be published shortly and will inform our 10-Year Health Plan to transform the NHS and social care system.Our commitment to patient safety is further demonstrated by other key measures that include the introduction of death certification reform and medical examiners, our commitment to introduce professional standards for and regulate NHS managers and reviewing the statutory duty of candour.

How many King’s Coronation Medals have been issued; what his planned timeline is for completing distribution to all eligible recipients; and what steps his Department is taking to help reduce delays in issuing the remaining medals.

As at 26 February 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office has despatched 144,155 medals to Service personnel, Veterans, Cadets, MOD civilian personnel and agency personnel sponsored by the MOD. The timeline for issuing the remainder of medals to eligible personnel is dependent on the confirmation from Veterans of their home address as once an individual leaves service, the efficacy of records significantly reduces. The MOD continues to explore methods of contacting those individuals who have left the Armed Forces since the 6 May 2023, as it is important to ensure that medals do not go astray by sending to unconfirmed addresses. Any veteran can apply for medals at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge/apply-for-a-medal.

What steps are taken against permanent staff at the Army Foundation College who develop (a) sexual and (b) otherwise intimate relationships with recruits.

Sexual relationships between instructors and trainees are unacceptable. The Army Foundation College Harrogate fully implements the MOD’s Zero Tolerance policy to sexual relationships between instructors and trainees. Instructors or personnel in a position of authority, who engage in sexual relationships with trainees or recruits at any stage of training, where the sexual relationship took place whilst the trainee or recruit was still in training, are abusing their position of trust, may be committing an offence, and will be discharged from Service.

What steps her Department is taking to tackle (a) anti-social behaviour and (b) noise disturbances in Epsom and Ewell constituency.

Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides police, local authorities and other local agencies with a range of tools and powers they can use to respond to ASB, including noise nuisance. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers depending on the specific circumstances.In November 2023, the Home Office published a report on police perceptions of powers within the 2014 Act; this can be found on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-perceptions-of-powers-within-the-anti-social-behaviour-crime-and-policing-act-2014/police-perceptions-of-powers-within-the-anti-social-behaviour-crime-and-policing-act-2014.Findings confirmed that police were generally content with the range of powers available and considered them effective in the short-term.As part of this government’s Plan for Change, we are committed to there being a dedicated ASB lead officer in every force working with communities to develop a local ASB action plan. We will also put 13,000 neighbourhood police and community support officers into local communities, ensuring residents have a named officer they can turn to when things go wrong. We are determined to crack down on those causing havoc on our high streets and in communities by introducing tougher powers in the Crime and Policing Bill including the new Respect Order to tackle the most persistent ASB offenders.The Home Office is also providing £66.3m funding in 2025/26 to police forces in England and Wales for hotspot policing to tackle ASB and knife crime. Surrey police will be allocated £1,000,000 of this funding.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has put a contingency plan in place in the event that Thames Water becomes financially unsustainable.

The Government and Ofwat – the financial regulator for the water sector – are carefully monitoring the situation with Thames Water, and Ofwat continues to engage with Thames Water to support it in improving its resilience within the context of its licence and broader statutory obligations. The company remains stable. However, we do want to provide reassurance that we are prepared for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries – including water – as any responsible Government should be.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) the police and (b) local authorities to effectively respond to (i) noise nuisance and (ii) other forms of anti-social behaviour.

Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides police, local authorities and other local agencies with a range of tools and powers they can use to respond to ASB, including noise nuisance. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers depending on the specific circumstances.In November 2023, the Home Office published a report on police perceptions of powers within the 2014 Act; this can be found on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-perceptions-of-powers-within-the-anti-social-behaviour-crime-and-policing-act-2014/police-perceptions-of-powers-within-the-anti-social-behaviour-crime-and-policing-act-2014.Findings confirmed that police were generally content with the range of powers available and considered them effective in the short-term.As part of this government’s Plan for Change, we are committed to there being a dedicated ASB lead officer in every force working with communities to develop a local ASB action plan. We will also put 13,000 neighbourhood police and community support officers into local communities, ensuring residents have a named officer they can turn to when things go wrong. We are determined to crack down on those causing havoc on our high streets and in communities by introducing tougher powers in the Crime and Policing Bill including the new Respect Order to tackle the most persistent ASB offenders.The Home Office is also providing £66.3m funding in 2025/26 to police forces in England and Wales for hotspot policing to tackle ASB and knife crime. Surrey police will be allocated £1,000,000 of this funding.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of inflation for food products; and what steps she is taking to help support people with the cost of food.

We are committed to tackling food poverty and reducing mass dependence on emergency food parcels. Economic factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have resulted in record levels of need for food banks. This issue is being discussed as part of the Child Poverty Taskforce. We have announced additional support to address financial pressures on households. These measures include tripling investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million, introducing a Fair Repayment Rate for deductions from Universal Credit, and increasing the National Living Wage to £12.21 an hour from April 2025 to boost the pay of 3 million workers. In England, Healthy Starts supports over 356,000 beneficiaries, 3 million pupils are eligible for a Free School Meal, we have invested over £200 million every year into the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Additionally, the Household Support Fund has provided billions of pounds of support to millions of households across England since its inception, helping vulnerable households with the cost of household essentials and supporting those most in need, and provided further funding of £742 million, extending the Household Support Fund until 31 March 2026.

On how many occasions staff at the Army Foundation College have been disciplined for violent behaviour against recruits in each year since 2013; and what the nature was of each incident.

From 2013 to 2024, there have been 14 occasions where staff or former staff at the Army Foundation College Harrogate were convicted of an offence via Court Martial or Summary Hearing for violent behaviour against recruits. The 14 occasions consisted of eight Court Martials and six Summary Hearings. A further break down of figures may be disclosive and trigger potential breaches of the Data Protection Act.

How many and what proportion of army recruits participating in the long course at the Army Foundation College left the army before completing the course in 2024.

Of the 707 Junior Entry trainees that were due to complete training in 2024 as a result of starting the long course at the Army Foundation College in 2023, 198 left and discharged from training prior to completing the course. This equated to 28% of the total discharging from the course prior to completion. The main reason for early discharge was individuals exercising their “Discharge As Of Right”, i.e. voluntary discharge. An average of 167 personnel discharged voluntarily between 2013 and 2023.

Whether the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will apply to armed forces initial training establishments that accept under-18-year-olds.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will strengthen multi-agency working between local authorities, health, police and education and childcare settings, and those settings will be designated in regulations. The department expects safeguarding partners to work together with relevant agencies to promote the welfare of children in their local area regardless of what type of education or training establishment they are attending.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the National Youth Strategy provides sufficient funding to youth services.

The Government will publish the National Youth Strategy this summer. The detail and scale of the funding commitments included in the Strategy will be shaped by engagement with young people and the youth sector and will be dependent on Spending Review decisions.In 2025/6, DCMS funding for Youth will include over £85 million of capital funding to create fit-for-purpose spaces in places where it is most needed. This includes the £26 million Better Youth Spaces Fund for youth clubs to buy new equipment and do renovations, and completion of Youth Investment Fund projects underway. Further funding allocations to youth services for 2025/26 will be announced in due course.