Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 10 Novembr 2025 to Question 87207 on Local Government: Reorganisation, whether his Department would consider another request to cancel elections on the basis of delivering (a) devolution and (b) reorganisation to be sufficiently strong justification for cancelling local elections in 2026.

The Department has received no formal requests to postpone elections from councils in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock that were invited to submit proposals for unitary local government. In terms of cancelling elections, I expect the secondary legislation that establishes new unitary councils to replace scheduled elections with elections to the new councils. For Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock I anticipate there will be elections to new unitary councils in May 2027.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66600 on Slingshots: Regulation, what information her Department holds on the number of offences committed with hand-held catapults and slingshots against people in (a) Essex and (b) the UK.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number of police recorded offences that involved hand-held catapults or slingshots.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66600 on Slingshots: Regulation, what information her Department holds on the number of criminal offences committed of using a (a) catapult and (b) slingshot to attack animals since 2020.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number of police recorded offences that involved hand-held catapults or slingshots.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66600 on Slingshots: Regulation, what steps her Department is taking to strengthen the laws to protect wildlife from attacks with (a) catapults and (b) slingshots.

The Government takes crimes against wildlife seriously, including those involving the use of catapults and slingshots. Although these are not listed as prohibited weapons in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, within this legislation, as well as the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, there are a range of offences around deliberate attempts to kill, injure or inflict harm on wildlife. The Government believes that there is already sufficient legislation in place which protects wildlife from targeted use of catapults. Defra therefore has no current plans for legislative change. However, Defra recognises that the misuse of catapults is causing great concern to some communities. We are working with the Home Office to find solutions to this problem with the aim of increasing protection to our wildlife from crimes involving these weapons.

What mechanisms are in place to allow the collection of child maintenance arrears after a qualifying child ceases to be a qualifying child; and what guidance his Department has issued to receiving parents on this matter.

If Paying Parents fail to meet their financial obligation to their children, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has a range of strong enforcement powers including deduction from earnings orders and bank accounts, removing a parents passport or driving license and committal to prison. These powers can be used to collect debt of any age, including after a child ceases to be a qualifying child.When ongoing maintenance ends due to there no longer being a qualifying child, the CMS will contact both parties to explain what this means. Receiving Parents are informed of any arrears outstanding and provided with guidance on whether they want the arrears collecting, and how the CMS can recover the arrears owed.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the equitableness of the Child Maintenance Service's (a) fee structure and (b) case prioritisation (i) where a paying parent has multiple children across different claims and (ii) all other cases.

The Child Maintenance Service operates on the principle that both parents have financial responsibility for their child, including their food and clothing, as well as contributing towards the associated costs of running the home that the child lives in. Information about the paying parent's gross income is taken directly from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the latest tax year available. This allows calculations to be made quickly and accurately. The calculation can also take into account other aspects such as where care of the child is shared between the parents and any other children that the paying parent provides care. The CMS recognises the complexity of cases where a paying parent has multiple children across different claims and is committed to ensuring that all children receive fair and timely support. Where a paying parent has multiple children across different claims, the CMS recalculates the total maintenance liability based on the number of qualifying children across all cases, fees are based on a percentage of the total ongoing maintenance (OGM) amount, not on the number of arrangements. The calculation can also take into account any other children outside of the statutory scheme for whom the paying parent provides support. This ensures the Child Maintenance Service fulfils its responsibility to consider the welfare of all children connected to a case. A consultation on proposed CMS reforms was published by the previous Government on 8 May 2024. The consultation was extended by the Government at the end of July and ran until 30 September 2024. The Government published a response on 23 June 2025. This included plans to reform the CMS fee structure for the Collect and Pay Service, reducing fees to 2% for receiving parents, deducted from maintenance received, and 2% for compliant paying parents in addition to their calculated maintenance amount, while maintaining the 20% rate for non-compliant paying parents, in addition to their calculated maintenance amount. The Government is conducting a review of the child maintenance calculation to make sure it is fit for purpose. This includes updating the underlying research and considering how to ensure the calculation reflects current and future societal trends. Options for proposed reforms are currently being considered. Any changes made to the child maintenance calculation will be subject to extensive public consultation, and if made, will require amendments to legislation so would be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to ensure that planning and infrastructure projects are consistent with the (a) priorities and (b) targets set out in local nature recovery strategies.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) set out nature recovery priorities for their area and where action could best be taken on the ground to achieve those priorities. All public authorities must “have regard” to LNRSs and Planning Practice Guidance has been updated to set out how Local Planning Authorities should use LNRSs when preparing local plans and in decision making. A new requirement for all tiers of planning to “take account” of LNRSs is expected to come into effect.

What steps her Department is taking in (a) the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex to encourage the establishment of banking hubs in towns which lack in-person banking services.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. The location of banking hubs is determined independently by LINK following an access to cash review. An access to cash review can be requested via their website which also has information about the criteria they use. This includes population size, whether other banks remain nearby, the number of SMEs on the high street and public transport links, as well as the level of vulnerability in the community. It also takes account of whether a community is urban or rural. Whilst the government doesn’t keep data on the demographics of banking hub users specifically, we utilise data from the Financial Conduct Authority on wider in-person banking. According to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Lives Survey, in 2024, day-to-day account holders most likely to have undertaken banking activities face to face in a branch in the previous 12 months were the digitally excluded (46%), heavy users of cash (40%), and adults aged 75+ (34%).

What assessment his Department has made of the proportion of paying parents who have (a) avoided and (b) reduced child maintenance payments through (i) advance benefit payments and (ii) other similar means.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) recognises the importance of ensuring that child maintenance payments are made fairly and consistently, and that children receive the financial support to which they are entitled.In the Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced that from 30 April 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) would reduce the Universal Credit (UC) overall deductions cap from 25% to 15% of the standard allowance, introducing the Fair Repayment Rate (FRR). Without changes, this would reduce the number of child maintenance (CM) deductions. To prevent this, DWP implemented a temporary regulatory and policy change for one year from 30 April 2025 meaning CM deductions moved to first place in UC’s deductions priority order and deductions can exceed the 15% cap ensuring CM payments continue. Evidence gathered during the year will inform whether to make the change permanent or adopt an alternative approach. In relation to other similar means: The CMS monitors claims to ensure they are accurate and works closely with HMRC to verify income data and identify discrepancies. Where a receiving parent believes their assessment does not reflect the paying parent’s true financial position, CMS offers a variation process to challenge the assessment. The CMS continues to refine its systems to detect and prevent avoidance, including through legislative reforms and improved data sharing.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that local nature recovery strategies are (a) implemented in full and (b) that their targets are monitored.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are strategies whose primary purpose is to identify where action for nature recovery and wider environmental improvement would be more effective. Defra will work closely with responsible authorities to deliver priority actions identified by LNRS. Landowners and managers are being encouraged to carry out proposed actions within an LNRS. Actions that have been taken will be reported when each LNRS is reviewed and republished. This will ensure that LNRS remain up to date and effective in helping nature to recover.

What data her Department holds on (a) the number of people who lack access to in-person banking services and (b) the demographic profile of banking hub users.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. The location of banking hubs is determined independently by LINK following an access to cash review. An access to cash review can be requested via their website which also has information about the criteria they use. This includes population size, whether other banks remain nearby, the number of SMEs on the high street and public transport links, as well as the level of vulnerability in the community. It also takes account of whether a community is urban or rural. Whilst the government doesn’t keep data on the demographics of banking hub users specifically, we utilise data from the Financial Conduct Authority on wider in-person banking. According to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Lives Survey, in 2024, day-to-day account holders most likely to have undertaken banking activities face to face in a branch in the previous 12 months were the digitally excluded (46%), heavy users of cash (40%), and adults aged 75+ (34%).

Media and Sport, what resources have been allocated to (a) schools, (b) leisure centres and (c) youth clubs in Essex to deliver the objectives of the Let’s Move campaign.

The Let’s Move campaign launched on the 3rd November and the Department has since been sharing its campaign resources with partners across Essex who are working to increase physical activity in the area and/or who have significant reach with parents of the 7-11 year olds that we are reaching through this campaign. This includes working closely with Active Essex, to share resources with schools, sports clubs, leisure centres and youth groups that will reach these audiences and point them to the Better Health - Healthier families webpage to find further information about simple ways to get active together.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of pylon infrastructure along the Norwich-Tilbury coastline on (a) protected coastline habitats, (b) birdlife and (c) other species of special conservation interest.

Due to the role of ministers in the planning system, we are unable to comment on individual planning applications. Any project must comply with all relevant regulations, including the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 which protect designated habitats and species. Depending on a project’s size, location in a sensitive area, or potential impact the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations may also apply. Decision makers will also consider whether to grant consent of individual planning applications in line with relevant planning policies. Such policies are themselves subject to a strategic environmental assessment which includes consideration of biodiversity at a broader level.

What assessment he has made of regional variation in (a) participation and (b) progression rates for foundation apprenticeships.

The first seven foundation apprenticeships became available in August 2025 focussed on four industrial strategy and priority areas: construction and the built environment, engineering and manufacturing, health and social care, and digital. In line with other apprenticeships, the minimum duration is 8 months, and we expect them to last for up to 12 months, however this may be longer to accommodate individual learner needs. As such, it is too early to provide the information requested. As with all policy, the government will keep foundation apprenticeships under review to ensure it meets learner and employer needs.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that child maintenance arrears owed under previous Child Maintenance Service schemes are recovered effectively.

The main focus of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is to collect money owed to children who will benefit today, thereby preventing the build-up of arrears under CMS. Arrears owed under previous Child Support schemes are at least 12 years old. It is a key principle that unpaid child maintenance should be paid immediately.Powers were introduced in 2018 that enabled the CMS to close the remaining cases on the Child Support Agency (CSA) following the collection or write-off of historic arrears.Closing the CSA was a key element of the child maintenance reforms. It means that all cases are now managed on a single, more efficient and effective system.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of awareness of the Let’s Move campaign in South Basildon and East Thurrock Constituency.

The localised Let's Move campaign is designed to inspire children ages 7 - 11 and their families to build more movement into their everyday lives. The campaign, which launched on 3rd November, is being piloted in targeted areas of Sandwell, Lancashire, Essex, Blackpool and Bradford where inactivity levels and inequalities are greater than other parts of the country. These areas all receive funding from Sport England, via their place partnership programme, to increase provision and ensure those in greatest need can be active. We have varying evaluation methods in place to demonstrate the awareness and impact of the campaign across Essex, but will not have this evaluation finalised until the campaign finishes at the end of March.

What proportion of eligible cases have the Child Maintenance Service used enforcement powers in including (a) liability orders, (b) bailiff action, (c) passport revocation and (d) driving licence revocation in each of the last five years; and what barriers exist to the Child Maintenance Service applying such enforcement powers in cases of persistent non-payment.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to ensuring that children receive the financial support to which they are entitled. Where a paying parent fails to meet their obligations under a statutory child maintenance arrangement, enforcement action is taken. The Department regularly publishes Child Maintenance Service official statistics. The Enforcement section of the latest bulletin provides details on the enforcement actions used by the CMS, and further details of these for quarter ending June 2015 to quarter ending June 2025 are available in table 6.1 and 6.2 of the accompanying National tables. Enforcement actions are used by the CMS to collect both the maintenance arranged by the CMS, and Child Support Agency arrears that have been transitioned to CMS systems. Details of the number of paying parents using the Collect and Pay service, and the compliance of those parents, for the same time period are available in the CMS Paying Parents dataset on Stat-Xplore. Users can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest and, if needed, can access general guidance on how to extract the information required. Enforcement can be more challenging where paying parents have irregular income, lack traceable assets, or receive benefits, as deductions may be limited or not feasible. These situations require careful consideration to ensure that enforcement remains proportionate and effective. In some instances, non-payment is used as a form of economic abuse. To support survivors, the CMS has introduced reforms, including easier access to the Collect and Pay service. While enforcement aims to be swift, paying parents have a right to appeal, which can delay proceedings. The CMS must balance timely action with procedural fairness. The Department continues to monitor the effectiveness of enforcement measures and remains committed to further reforms to ensure that child maintenance is paid promptly and in full.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the apprenticeship £2,000 employer incentive payment in supporting progression into employment.

The first seven foundation apprenticeships became available in August 2025 focussed on four industrial strategy and priority areas: construction and the built environment, engineering and manufacturing, health and social care, and digital. In line with other apprenticeships, the minimum duration is 8 months, and we expect them to last for up to 12 months, however this may be longer to accommodate individual learner needs. As such, it is too early to provide the information requested. As with all policy, the government will keep foundation apprenticeships under review to ensure it meets learner and employer needs.

What estimate he has made of the proportion of foundation apprentices who progress into (a) sustained employment and (b) higher-level apprenticeships within six months of completion.

The first seven foundation apprenticeships became available in August 2025 focussed on four industrial strategy and priority areas: construction and the built environment, engineering and manufacturing, health and social care, and digital. In line with other apprenticeships, the minimum duration is 8 months, and we expect them to last for up to 12 months, however this may be longer to accommodate individual learner needs. As such, it is too early to provide the information requested. As with all policy, the government will keep foundation apprenticeships under review to ensure it meets learner and employer needs.

Innovation and Technology, what proportion of contracts awarded under European Space Agency programmes supported by UK funding have been secured by UK-based organisations since 2020.

Since 2020, ESA has awarded €2.05 billion worth of contracts to UK entities, spanning industry and academia. This has been distributed across more than 69,000 contracts to UK space sector. We are unable to provide the proportion of UK contracts awarded to total ESA contracts because this is withheld by ESA due to commercial sensitivities.