Every parliamentary written question tabled by James McMurdock this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,221–2,240 of 3,483 · this parliament
What the ratio of unemployed people to job vacancies was in each of the last five years.
The ONS publish monthly statistics on vacancies and unemployment. The ratio of unemployed people to job vacancies can be found here: VACS01: Vacancies and unemployment - Office for National Statistics.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of progression rates from subjects such as a) psychology, b) sociology and c) English studies and creative arts on priority sector recruitment.
I refer the Hon. member to the answer I gave on 24 November to PQ 90863.
What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of specialist school places for pupils with SEN and disabilities.
The government has been clear that a more inclusive education system is needed to provide children and young people with the opportunities they need to achieve and thrive.The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, sits with local authorities. To support local authorities with this duty, the department has published allocations for £740 million high needs capital in 2025/26. Of this funding, Thurrock council has been allocated just under £2 million.This funding is intended to create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs. It can also be used to adapt mainstream schools to be more accessible and to create special school places for pupils with the most complex needs. It is ultimately up to local authorities to determine how to best prioritise their high needs capital funding to address local priorities.
What estimate she has made of the number of SEND pupils placed in mainstream schools due to a lack of available places in specialist settings.
Information on the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) by the setting they attend is shown in the following table: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/abcb598c-d065-4db8-960d-08de29f25240. Information is not held on the number of pupils with SEN attending mainstream schools due to a lack of available places in specialist settings.
If her will can provide (a) an update on the progress of the grooming gangs inquiry and (b) a timeline for the commencement of the different stages of the inquiry.
We are working urgently to establish the inquiry and Baroness Casey of Blackstock is supporting this process.Our immediate priority is appointing a Chair with the credibility and experience to lead the inquiry, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to engaging victims and survivors throughout - from its design to reporting. We aim to announce a Chair as soon as possible.Once a Chair is appointed, in line with the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005, the Chair will play a central role in shaping the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference and will consult on a draft of these before they are finalised. It is the Terms of Reference that will determine the scope of the inquiry. Once inpost the Chair will set out an inquiry timeline based on the requirements of the Terms of Reference.
Whether her Department has (a) conducted or (b) plans to conduct a risk assessment on the implications of the new Clause 4 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill for data security and the protection of sensitive family information.
An assessment of the potential impact on parental rights and informed consent is included in the Bill ECHR impact assessment, available here: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/59867/documents/6253. Conditions for processing are a matter for local data controllers now, and that will remain the case under this new duty.To clarify, clause 4 introduces an information sharing duty and makes provision for a consistent identifier to be used across organisations that have safeguarding and welfare functions to support record linkage. Its use has therefore been limited to safeguarding and welfare. Safeguards have been built into this provision, and data protection principles still apply meaning information may only be shared where it is necessary and proportionate. In addition, both measures are clear that any benefits of sharing must outweigh any potential detriment to the child.As required under Article 36(4) of the UK General Data Protection Regulations, the department has formally consulted the Information Commissioner’s Office. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is not required by the department for the information sharing duty element of clause 4 because personal data will be processed locally. For the consistent identifier element of clause 4, it is currently the position that the department will not be a processor of personal data, so a DPIA is not required as it stands. We will keep this position under review and, should it ever be the case that the department will process personal data as part of either element of clause 4, we would conduct and publish a DPIA.During the passage of the Bill, the department has committed to undertake public consultation, including with parents, and will comply with requirements for impact assessments.Clause 4 will be commenced at a later date, rather than immediately upon Royal Assent, to allow for consultation on statutory guidance, further consideration of impact, as well as ongoing piloting and technical design of the consistent identifier. The department will only proceed when we are confident in the benefits, cost, security, and governance.
Whether her Department plans to undertake a consultation with parents, schools, and child protection experts on the new Clause 4 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
An assessment of the potential impact on parental rights and informed consent is included in the Bill ECHR impact assessment, available here: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/59867/documents/6253. Conditions for processing are a matter for local data controllers now, and that will remain the case under this new duty.To clarify, clause 4 introduces an information sharing duty and makes provision for a consistent identifier to be used across organisations that have safeguarding and welfare functions to support record linkage. Its use has therefore been limited to safeguarding and welfare. Safeguards have been built into this provision, and data protection principles still apply meaning information may only be shared where it is necessary and proportionate. In addition, both measures are clear that any benefits of sharing must outweigh any potential detriment to the child.As required under Article 36(4) of the UK General Data Protection Regulations, the department has formally consulted the Information Commissioner’s Office. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is not required by the department for the information sharing duty element of clause 4 because personal data will be processed locally. For the consistent identifier element of clause 4, it is currently the position that the department will not be a processor of personal data, so a DPIA is not required as it stands. We will keep this position under review and, should it ever be the case that the department will process personal data as part of either element of clause 4, we would conduct and publish a DPIA.During the passage of the Bill, the department has committed to undertake public consultation, including with parents, and will comply with requirements for impact assessments.Clause 4 will be commenced at a later date, rather than immediately upon Royal Assent, to allow for consultation on statutory guidance, further consideration of impact, as well as ongoing piloting and technical design of the consistent identifier. The department will only proceed when we are confident in the benefits, cost, security, and governance.
What information her Department holds on the proportion of legal migrants to the UK who are net contributors to the UK's public finances.
The net impact on fiscal balances will vary across different migrant cohorts, influenced by factors such as employment rate, income level, age, and their propensity to use different types of public services.The Government publishes estimates of the fiscal impact of groups of migrants in impact assessments accompanying changes to Immigration Rules. Home Office Impact Assessments and wider analysis can be found here: Migration analysis at the Home Office - GOV.UKImmigration rules changes published in October 2025, included an Impact Assessment which set out the estimated per head net fiscal impacts of migrants by visa route.
How funds paid in the Exchequer due to legal actions against NHS trusts since 2020 have been spent.
Fines against any public body are either returned to the Consolidated Fund or used to offset expenditure of the enforcing body based on whether a netting off agreement is in place. Further information is set out in Consolidated Budgeting Guidance.
Whether the Government will make an assessment of the potential merits of pausing the implementation of the new Clause 4 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill until comprehensive public consultation and impact assessments have been completed.
An assessment of the potential impact on parental rights and informed consent is included in the Bill ECHR impact assessment, available here: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/59867/documents/6253. Conditions for processing are a matter for local data controllers now, and that will remain the case under this new duty.To clarify, clause 4 introduces an information sharing duty and makes provision for a consistent identifier to be used across organisations that have safeguarding and welfare functions to support record linkage. Its use has therefore been limited to safeguarding and welfare. Safeguards have been built into this provision, and data protection principles still apply meaning information may only be shared where it is necessary and proportionate. In addition, both measures are clear that any benefits of sharing must outweigh any potential detriment to the child.As required under Article 36(4) of the UK General Data Protection Regulations, the department has formally consulted the Information Commissioner’s Office. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is not required by the department for the information sharing duty element of clause 4 because personal data will be processed locally. For the consistent identifier element of clause 4, it is currently the position that the department will not be a processor of personal data, so a DPIA is not required as it stands. We will keep this position under review and, should it ever be the case that the department will process personal data as part of either element of clause 4, we would conduct and publish a DPIA.During the passage of the Bill, the department has committed to undertake public consultation, including with parents, and will comply with requirements for impact assessments.Clause 4 will be commenced at a later date, rather than immediately upon Royal Assent, to allow for consultation on statutory guidance, further consideration of impact, as well as ongoing piloting and technical design of the consistent identifier. The department will only proceed when we are confident in the benefits, cost, security, and governance.
What assessment she has made of the impact on mainstream schools of the number of SEND pupils placed in these schools due to a lack of available places in specialist settings.
The government has been clear that a more inclusive education system is needed to provide children and young people with the opportunities they need to achieve and thrive.The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, sits with local authorities. To support local authorities with this duty, the department has published allocations for £740 million high needs capital in 2025/26. Of this funding, Thurrock council has been allocated just under £2 million.This funding is intended to create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs. It can also be used to adapt mainstream schools to be more accessible and to create special school places for pupils with the most complex needs. It is ultimately up to local authorities to determine how to best prioritise their high needs capital funding to address local priorities.
Whether funds acquired by the Exchequer from fines against NHS trusts or other bodies delivering public services are ringfenced to be spent by the relevant department on that service.
Fines against any public body are either returned to the Consolidated Fund or used to offset expenditure of the enforcing body based on whether a netting off agreement is in place. Further information is set out in Consolidated Budgeting Guidance.
Whether her Department plans to introduce safeguards to help ensure that the digital identity system introduced under Clause 4 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill protects children’s privacy and data protection rights.
An assessment of the potential impact on parental rights and informed consent is included in the Bill ECHR impact assessment, available here: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/59867/documents/6253. Conditions for processing are a matter for local data controllers now, and that will remain the case under this new duty.To clarify, clause 4 introduces an information sharing duty and makes provision for a consistent identifier to be used across organisations that have safeguarding and welfare functions to support record linkage. Its use has therefore been limited to safeguarding and welfare. Safeguards have been built into this provision, and data protection principles still apply meaning information may only be shared where it is necessary and proportionate. In addition, both measures are clear that any benefits of sharing must outweigh any potential detriment to the child.As required under Article 36(4) of the UK General Data Protection Regulations, the department has formally consulted the Information Commissioner’s Office. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is not required by the department for the information sharing duty element of clause 4 because personal data will be processed locally. For the consistent identifier element of clause 4, it is currently the position that the department will not be a processor of personal data, so a DPIA is not required as it stands. We will keep this position under review and, should it ever be the case that the department will process personal data as part of either element of clause 4, we would conduct and publish a DPIA.During the passage of the Bill, the department has committed to undertake public consultation, including with parents, and will comply with requirements for impact assessments.Clause 4 will be commenced at a later date, rather than immediately upon Royal Assent, to allow for consultation on statutory guidance, further consideration of impact, as well as ongoing piloting and technical design of the consistent identifier. The department will only proceed when we are confident in the benefits, cost, security, and governance.
What measures his Department are taking to ensure the NHS is appropriately prepared for winter flu-related admissions in 2025 and early 2026.
We have done more than ever to prepare for this winter, including stress testing winter plans, making sure community teams have the vaccines they need, and identifying the patients who are most vulnerable in winter. We are asking trusts to place a special focus on reducing bed occupancy ahead of Christmas, creating additional capacity, and improving patient flow.Flu is a recurring pressure that the National Health Service faces every winter. There is particular risk of severe illness for older people, the very young, pregnant, and those with certain underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine remains the best form of defense against influenza, particularly for the most vulnerable, and continues to be highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalisation. This year we have:- expanded the use of the National Booking Service for flu vaccination;- carried out a major campaign aimed at eligible people, encouraging them to take up their vaccinations; and- developed the “flu walk-in finder” so that, from October 2025, patients can easily look up when they can walk into a community pharmacy to get a vaccination.
What plans she has to provide additional funding to mainstream schools that are accommodating higher numbers of SEND pupils due to shortages in specialist placements.
The government has been clear that a more inclusive education system is needed to provide children and young people with the opportunities they need to achieve and thrive.The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, sits with local authorities. To support local authorities with this duty, the department has published allocations for £740 million high needs capital in 2025/26. Of this funding, Thurrock council has been allocated just under £2 million.This funding is intended to create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs. It can also be used to adapt mainstream schools to be more accessible and to create special school places for pupils with the most complex needs. It is ultimately up to local authorities to determine how to best prioritise their high needs capital funding to address local priorities.
What assessment has her Department made of the potential impact of Clause 4 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill on parental rights and the principle of informed consent.
An assessment of the potential impact on parental rights and informed consent is included in the Bill ECHR impact assessment, available here: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/59867/documents/6253. Conditions for processing are a matter for local data controllers now, and that will remain the case under this new duty.To clarify, clause 4 introduces an information sharing duty and makes provision for a consistent identifier to be used across organisations that have safeguarding and welfare functions to support record linkage. Its use has therefore been limited to safeguarding and welfare. Safeguards have been built into this provision, and data protection principles still apply meaning information may only be shared where it is necessary and proportionate. In addition, both measures are clear that any benefits of sharing must outweigh any potential detriment to the child.As required under Article 36(4) of the UK General Data Protection Regulations, the department has formally consulted the Information Commissioner’s Office. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is not required by the department for the information sharing duty element of clause 4 because personal data will be processed locally. For the consistent identifier element of clause 4, it is currently the position that the department will not be a processor of personal data, so a DPIA is not required as it stands. We will keep this position under review and, should it ever be the case that the department will process personal data as part of either element of clause 4, we would conduct and publish a DPIA.During the passage of the Bill, the department has committed to undertake public consultation, including with parents, and will comply with requirements for impact assessments.Clause 4 will be commenced at a later date, rather than immediately upon Royal Assent, to allow for consultation on statutory guidance, further consideration of impact, as well as ongoing piloting and technical design of the consistent identifier. The department will only proceed when we are confident in the benefits, cost, security, and governance.
What information his Department holds on the amount the Exchequer has received from fines against NHS trusts since 2020.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has criminal enforcement powers to fine a health or social care provider where they identify a breach of regulations. The CQC can directly serve a fixed penalty notice to a provider, or a fine may be issued by the court following prosecution brought by the CQC.The size of the fine following prosecutions brought by the CQC is a decision made by the court and is informed by sentencing guidelines. The CQC does not have influence over this decision. The money raised by court fines is paid to HM Treasury. The following table shows the fines served by the court following prosecution brought by the CQC against National Health Service trusts since 2020:Financial yearNHS trust nameFine amount (£)2020/2021Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust1,600.002021/2022East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust733,000.002021/2022The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust2,533,332.002021/2022United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust100,000.002022/2023The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust800,000.002022/2023The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust533,334.002022/2023The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust200,000.002022/2023Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust60,000.002022/2023Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust800,000.002022/2023University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust200,000.002024/2025Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust140,000.002024/2025Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust60,000.002024/2025Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust100,000.002024/2025Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust300,000.002024/2025Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust100,000.002024/2025Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust300,000.002024/2025Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust100,000.002024/2025Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust700,000.002025/2026University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust200,000.00Note: where an NHS trust is fined more than once in a given fiscal year, the fines relate to individual cases.Any fixed penalty paid to the CQC is passed on by the CQC to My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The CQC transfers the penalties received to the Department on a quarterly basis. The following table shows the fixed penalty notices served by the CQC to NHS trusts since 2020:Financial yearNHS trust nameFine amount (£)2020/2021Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust4000.002020/2021Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust4000.002020/2021The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust4000.002021/2022West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust1250.002021/2022West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust1250.002021/2022Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust1250.002022/2023North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust1250.002022/2023North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust1250.002022/2023University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust4000.002022/2023University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust4000.002023/2024North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust4000.002023/2024East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust4000.00Note: where an NHS Trust is served a fixed penalty notice more than once in a given fiscal year, this could be due to multiple breaches of regulations.
Whether she plans to introduce policies requiring schools to give both parents equal access to information about their child’s education, regardless of parental separation status.
The department’s parental responsibility guidance sets out how schools should communicate with non-resident parents. The guidance states that ’school and local authority staff must treat all parents equally, unless a court order limits a parent’s ability to make educational decisions, participate in school life or receive information about their child’.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that schools provide equal access to school reports, parents’ evening information, and other communications for separated and separating parents.
The department’s parental responsibility guidance sets out how schools should communicate with non-resident parents. The guidance states that ’school and local authority staff must treat all parents equally, unless a court order limits a parent’s ability to make educational decisions, participate in school life or receive information about their child’.
What steps he is taking to ensure employers are supported to provide entry-level roles suitable for young people under the Youth Guarantee.
The government is taking clear steps to ensure employers are supported to provide entry-level roles for young people.At Budget the government announced that £820 million has been committed to the Youth Guarantee over the next three years to support all young people aged 16 to 24 to earn or learn. This includes the previously announced Jobs Guarantee, which is guaranteeing six-months of paid work for every eligible 18-21 year old who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months. Under the Jobs Guarantee we are committing to ensuring that businesses can take on these young people by funding 100% of the wages for the six months (up to 25hrs/week at the relevant minimum wage), as well as the additional employment costs and a budget for wrap around support. We recognise that the Jobs Guarantee can only succeed if businesses are part of it. That is why we will work closely with employers to develop a programme which works for businesses and young people.More broadly this government is supporting employers to offer apprenticeships to young people. In August we introduced new foundation apprenticeships for young people in targeted sectors which are underpinned by an employer incentive payment of up to £2,000 to contribute to the extra costs of supporting someone at the beginning of their career. In addition, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced at the Budget, this government will now fully fund SME apprenticeships for eligible people aged 16-24, to boost small business starts and prioritise funding to young people, starting from the next academic year.Employers also continue to benefit from existing employer National Insurance (NICs) reliefs for under-21s and under-25 apprentices. This means employers pay no employer NICs for apprentices under 25 or employees under 21 on earnings up to £50,270. These reliefs were worth over £1.3bn to employers in 2024/25.