Written questions by Sollom.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the closure of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements on the specialist skills base in atmospheric science in the United Kingdom.

While the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recognise that the retirement of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) is a significant decision for the atmospheric science community, this is not reflective of any decrease in the value of atmospheric science, and reflects a strategic shift to sustain UK leadership in this domain within a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Government remains committed to maintaining world class capabilities in environmental science and ensuring that public investment is most effectively directed where it delivers the greatest long-term impact. UKRI is engaging closely with affected staff and institutions to manage the transition responsibly and to retain expertise within the wider atmospheric science system wherever possible.

Innovation and Technology, what process was followed that led to decision to cut funding for the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM).

Following a review of value for money across its infrastructure investments, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), concluded that the Facility for Airbourne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) aircraft no longer offers value for money due to significant rising operating and maintenance costs and limited planned usage. Only two research projects are currently scheduled to use the aircraft between 2027 and 2029, accounting for approximately 27% of the available flying hours.NERC has engaged directly with the programme leads for the two projects affected, and is working to see how the aims of the research can be achieved through deployment of FAAM instrumentation from ground-based or other platforms, or through exploring alternative approaches with partners to achieve its goals, including the use of drones and other technologies.Ceasing FAAM operations will also release over £32 million in savings across the Spending Review Period, with a further £5 million in costs. This funding will remain within UK environmental science, enabling reinvestment in more adaptable, scalable and lower-emission technologies that can support a broader range of researchers and applications.

Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an assessment of the timeline for autonomous systems to replicate the payload and operational capabilities of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with input from the scientific community, is prioritising a strategic transition to more sustainable, modern and flexible infrastructures. While there are some aspects of atmospheric science that can only be done with an aircraft, the future direction increasingly favours distributed observing systems, land-based capability, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced sensor technologies. These technologies offer lower emissions, greater responsiveness and improved cost‑effectiveness through scalability.NERC has already begun investing in these areas, including a Net Zero Aerial Capability scoping programme (in collaboration with Innovate UK) on UAV development, as well as committing additional investment to NCAS’ Atmospheric Measuring and Observation Facility (AMOF) equipment pools. NERC will also invest £1 million in Financial Year 2026/27 to further explore autonomous capabilities, with the intention of scaling successful approaches.

How many starts there have been on each foundation apprenticeship standard since their launch in August 2025; and what assessment he made of the adequacy of that performance before announcing the expansion of foundation apprenticeships into hospitality and retail.

In August 2025 we introduced foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors, such as construction and health and social care, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills.Foundation apprenticeships are designed to support those young people who want to gain a broad grounding in a sector before they commit to progress into a more specific or more advanced occupation.As foundation apprenticeships are a new offer we understand providers and employers will need time to incorporate them into their businesses.In addition, other apprenticeships continue to support young people to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a specific occupation.Apprenticeship and foundation apprenticeship starts are published here: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2025/26 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK. The latest published data shows that there have been 110 foundation apprenticeship starts so far this academic year (Aug 2025 - Jan 2026).To create more opportunities for young people at the start of their careers, we are expanding foundation apprenticeships into hospitality and retail from April 2026. These sectors traditionally employ large numbers of young people and offer strong entry points into sustained employment with clear progression routes across England.They will have employer payments of up to £2,000 employer payment to support with the additional costs of taking on and supporting a young person at the start of their career.

When is his estimated date for publishing publish funding rates, duration and assessment arrangements for each of the seven apprenticeship units due to launch in April 2026.

Following the announcement we will be carrying out further testing with critical stakeholders to confirm details, including funding rates and delivery hours, are set at the right level. We want to ensure the final figures are robust and reflect sector needs. The details will be made available on the Skills England website in April 2026.

How many of the 500,000 opportunities announced on 16 March 2026 comprise (a) apprenticeships, (b) subsidised jobs, (c) work experience placements and (d) sector-based work academy programmes.

This Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. For many years our young people have not had the opportunity and support they deserve. Under the last government, between 2021 and 2024, the number of young people not in education, employment or training increased by 250,000. The Government has recently announced a further £1 billion investment in young people, taking the total investment to £2.5 billion over the next three years though the Youth Guarantee and additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy. This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. The more detailed breakdown of the 500,000 opportunities have been published on GOV.UK, as follows:150,000 work experience145,000 SWAPs50,000 apprenticeships90,000 jobs guarantee jobs60,000 hiring incentives Together these measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to backing young people, supporting employers, and working with partners across Great Britain to create clear pathways into employment and education for young people.

Whether an impact assessment was carried out before the decision to defund 16 apprenticeship standards.

Apprenticeship starts for the 2024/25 academic year by standard and age are published here: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2024/25 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK. Over the past 10 years, apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen sharply. Starts for 16–24-year-olds have declined by 40%, and over half of all apprenticeship starts are now by learners aged over 25, many of which are at higher levels. This has happened at a time when we have seen the number of young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) increase to nearly one million. The changes to streamline the apprenticeship offer will help to create headroom to invest in opportunities for young people and new apprenticeship units. An equalities impact assessment was undertaken and concluded that any potential negative impacts that could arise were proportionate to our legitimate aim of rebalancing funding towards young people, delivering growth, and better aligning the programme with the Youth Guarantee and the Industrial Strategy.

For each of the 16 apprenticeship standards being defunded, how many starts in 2024-25 were by people aged under 25.

Apprenticeship starts for the 2024/25 academic year by standard and age are published here: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2024/25 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK. Over the past 10 years, apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen sharply. Starts for 16–24-year-olds have declined by 40%, and over half of all apprenticeship starts are now by learners aged over 25, many of which are at higher levels. This has happened at a time when we have seen the number of young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) increase to nearly one million. The changes to streamline the apprenticeship offer will help to create headroom to invest in opportunities for young people and new apprenticeship units. An equalities impact assessment was undertaken and concluded that any potential negative impacts that could arise were proportionate to our legitimate aim of rebalancing funding towards young people, delivering growth, and better aligning the programme with the Youth Guarantee and the Industrial Strategy.

What progress his department has made on the implementation of the Child Support (Enforcement) Act 2023 in England and Wales.

Work is ongoing to implement Administrative Liability Orders (ALO). While Child Maintenance is reserved, enforcement of CM arrears in Scotland requires using the Scottish judicial system, which is devolved. We are working closely with HM Courts and Tribunals Service and the Scottish Government to ensure enforcement action resulting from ALOs operates effectively across the UK, and plan to introduce regulations to Parliament to implement the measures across England, Scotland and Wales, as soon as possible.

If he will publish (a) the total amount owed to parents in child maintenance payment arrears and (b) how much this has increased by over the last 10 years.

The Department publishes quarterly statistics for the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)and the latest statistics are currently available to September 2025. Table 5 of the latest National tables shows the total amount of child maintenance that Paying Parents should have paid since the CMS began, and how much of that has not been paid at the end of every quarter, from March 2015 to September 2025.

What information her Department holds on the qualification levels in British Sign Language of Communication Support Workers working with deaf (a) school, (b) college and (c) university students.

The department does not hold information or data on the availability of Communication Support Workers, or their qualification levels in British Sign Language.However, all education and training providers, as well as other related service providers, have duties under the Equality Act 2010 towards individual disabled children and young people. They must make reasonable adjustments, including the provision of auxiliary aids and services for disabled children, to prevent them being put at a substantial disadvantage.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the availability of Communication Support Workers for deaf (a) school, (b) college and (c) university students.

The department does not hold information or data on the availability of Communication Support Workers, or their qualification levels in British Sign Language.However, all education and training providers, as well as other related service providers, have duties under the Equality Act 2010 towards individual disabled children and young people. They must make reasonable adjustments, including the provision of auxiliary aids and services for disabled children, to prevent them being put at a substantial disadvantage.

What her Department's proposed timetable is for responding to the A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. Working at pace, the contributions will now be analysed, and the findings will support the development of the final model. The public will be informed when a response is produced.Economic and equality impact assessments will be conducted on the final model and published in due course.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of access to post-18 information for deaf pupils.

We are improving careers advice in schools and colleges through the adoption of updated Gatsby Benchmarks into statutory guidance. The benchmarks put more focus on inclusion, making sure all pupils – including those in specialist settings – get personalised support and good quality, up-to-date information about future pathways, study options and labour market opportunities. We are funding training for careers leaders, Special Educational Needs Coordinators and other educators to help implement these benchmarks.Young people who are deaf can also use the National Careers Service to get clear information about post‑18 options, along with careers and education advice designed for those with special educational needs or disabilities. The Service’s Accessibility Statement sets out how it supports people who face barriers in accessing information.As they move into adulthood, deaf young people can receive more in‑depth, one‑to‑one guidance from community-based advisers. This enhanced support is prioritised for several groups, including individuals with SEND.

What assessment her department has made of access to Communication Support Workers for post-18 year old deaf students.

As set out under section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, all education and training providers, and other related service providers, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, including those with a hearing impairment, so they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students.Education and training providers should assess the individual needs of the student and put in place the appropriate assistance. Where necessary, an education and training provider can arrange for a student to be supported by a Communication Support Worker.University students can be supported by Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) which covers disability‑related study costs and ensure hearing impaired students have equal access to learning. Feedback from stakeholders shows that British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters are more suitable in a higher education setting. Therefore, DSA funds BSL interpreters rather than Communication Support Workers.

What steps he is taking to improve clinical communications between primary and secondary care providers.

The 10 Year Health Plan is clear that the National Health Service needs to modernise and shift toward providing continuous, accessible and integrated care. This relies on clear communication across different services, including primary and secondary care. The Plan set out our commitment to delivering the recommendations of the ‘Red Tape Challenge’, which includes making improvements at the interface between primary and secondary care. This contains measures such as improving access to shared care records and greater standardisation of forms and processes across services.The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, set out the need for more integrated working between primary and secondary care. As part of the approach, the Government expanded the Advice and Guidance (A&G) scheme in 2025/26 with £80 million of funding allocated for General Practice to increase uptake. Between April 2025 and October 2025, there has been an increase of 22% in processed A&G requests compared to the same period last year. A&G facilitates communication between General Practice and specialists to ensure care is delivered in the most appropriate place.The NHS Medium Term Planning Framework, published in October 2025, also set out an improved approach to triaging patients. From April 2026, the NHS will start moving toward a unified access model where all appropriate requests and referrals (excluding urgent suspect cancer) will flow through a Single Point of Access, acting as a single ‘front door’ to support clinical triage to the most appropriate service or outcome. This will enable primary care referrers to get a response from specialists at the start of a patient’s care journey in secondary care, as well as timelier and more joined up care for patients.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the National Association of Disability Practitioners entitled Critical Response to the Equality Impact Assessment and Decision-Making in the Removal of DSA support for Students who are Disabled by Higher Education Academic Practices Involving Spelling and Grammar; and whether she plans to respond to this report.

The department is aware of the report produced by the National Association of Disability Practitioners in December 2025 concerning the decision to remove Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) funding for nonspecialist spelling and grammar software from March 2025, except in exceptional circumstances. The department considers that the current policy ensures DSA funding is managed appropriately, with support still available where there is a clear disability related need. The department has considered the report carefully but is not intending to make any changes to this policy as a result.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the public have adequate routes of appeal to raise complaints about their pensions.

Members of the public have access to independent routes of appeal regarding pension maladministration through the Pensions Ombudsman (TPO). TPO operates independently to deliver its statutory responsibilities. The Department works closely with TPO to support the effective delivery of its functions and to ensure individuals can access appropriate routes of redress. Determinations made by the Pensions Ombudsman are legally binding. Parties may appeal to the High Court on a point of law. Complaints about the Ombudsman’s service, as distinct from case determinations, can be made through its internal complaints process and, if unresolved, referred to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman through a Member of Parliament. Consumers wishing to raise complaints regarding financial services firms, including pension providers, that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority can do so via the Financial Ombudsman Service.

What recent assessment he has made of the implications of his policies of recommendation 3a of the Public Administration Committee's fifty-seventh Report of Session 2022-23 on reviewing ombudsman arrangements to ensure that all aspects of people's interactions with their pensions have an adequate route of appeal.

The Department’s view remains that the Pensions Ombudsman has acted within his statutory remit in considering complaints related to the AEA Technology (AEAT) pension scheme. These matters have been subject to extensive scrutiny over the past decade, including debates in Parliament. Considering that scrutiny, the Government will not be proceeding with a review of the Pensions Ombudsman at this time.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that increased medicine prices do not have an adverse impact on NHS activity.

This deal is a vital investment that builds on the strength of our National Health Service and world leading life sciences sector to increase access to life-changing medicines without taking essential funding from our frontline NHS services. We will always prioritise the needs of NHS patients and at the Spending Review we delivered record real terms increase for day-to-day spending for the NHS in England up to April 2029.This deal will be funded by allocations made at the Spending Review, where front line services will remain protected through the record funding secured. Future year funding will be settled at the next Spending Review.