Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people in Essex who have been able to successfully utilise the help to buy scheme.

A total of 14,665 have accessed Help to Buy in the county of Essex. A breakdown of Help to Buy figures from April 2013 to May 2023 is as follows: Basildon 1,015Braintree 1,469Brentwood 506Castle Point 192Chelmsford 1,437Colchester 2,829Epping Forest 243Harlow 1,280Maldon 546Rochford 585Tendring 1,156Uttlesford 771Southend-on- Sea 507Thurrock 2,129 Total 14,665 Statistics for all Local Authorities can be found on gov.uk here.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help retain UK-trained STEM graduates in the domestic workforce; and what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of international recruitment offers on talent retention in the UK.

DSIT is strengthening retention of UK‑trained STEM graduates through investment in talent and skills, including support for postgraduate researchers via the New Deal for Postgraduate Researchers. DSIT funds studentships and globally prestigious fellowships through UKRI and the National Academies. Analysis of all respondents who completed recent UK R&I Workforce Surveys found a statistically significant drop in the proportion of respondents considering leaving the UK, from 26% in 2022 to 22% in 2024 overall.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of permanently closed police stations on (a) local community safety and (b) public confidence in policing.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

What the estimated annual cost to police forces is of maintaining vacant police station buildings in (a) Essex and (b) the UK.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

With reference to paragraph 3.9 of the report by the National Audit Office entitled Investigation into the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, published on 16 June 2025, HC 951, what further steps he plans to take to ensure that his Department has sufficient commercial levers to influence Capita's administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

The government has taken significant steps to ensure the Cabinet Office has sufficient commercial levers to influence Capita's administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. The new contract provides a more robust and strengthened position that includes a number of levers to address any aspects of under performance by the supplier. Steps have been built into the new contract primarily through enhanced enforcement mechanisms, new key performance indicators, and financial penalties. Alongside this we have increased development within the contract management functions to ensure that the overall delivery continues to meet the requirements for the scheme.

What guidance her Department provides to police and crime commissioners on the (a) maintenance, (b) security and (c) future use of disused police station buildings.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

How many police stations in Essex have been closed or left vacant since 2020; and what plans her Department has to support the repurposing or renewal of those sites.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

With reference to paragraph 3.14 of the report by the National Audit Office entitled Investigation into the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, published on 16 June 2025, HC 951, when he expects the track my case function to be available for members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

The Cabinet Office expects the ‘Track My Case’ function to be available for members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme after the full service transition to Capita in March 2026.

With reference to the report by the National Audit Office entitled Investigation into the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, published on 16 June 2025, HC 951, what steps he has taken to ensure that changes to (a) staffing levels and (b) other matters within the contract with Capita for the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme are effectively monitored.

The government has taken specific steps to ensure that changes to (a) staffing levels and (b) other matters within the Capita contract are effectively monitored. Key measures include setting contractual expectations for sufficient resourcing and establishing robust governance structures and reporting requirements to oversee delivery and continuous improvement.

What information his Department holds on the profit margin obtained by MyCSP in each year of their administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme contract.

MyCSP is required to provide updates on profit as part of the gainshare provisions within the contract. MyCSP continues to provide this to the Cabinet Office on a six monthly basis. This information is financially sensitive and is not currently reported in the public domain.

What recent assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the key drivers behind the emigration of highly skilled UK (a) graduates and (b) other workers.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 10th October is attached.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that pensioners who retired before April 2016 do not fall into poverty.

The Government is committed to supporting pensioners and ensuring they have financial security and dignity in retirement. The State Pension remains the foundation of our support for pensioners. In April this year, both the basic and new State Pensions increased by 4.1%, benefitting over 12 million pensioners by up to £470. And our commitment to maintain the Triple Lock – helping to protect the value of the State Pension – for the entirety of this Parliament will see pensioners’ yearly incomes rise significantly. Pensioners who reached State Pension age before April 2016, and therefore receive the basic State Pension, may also receive an earnings-related additional State Pension (also known as the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) or from April 2002 the State Second Pension) and Graduated Retirement Benefit. This means that although the rate of the basic State Pension is set below the rate of the new State Pension, a person who retired before April 2016 may be receiving a larger amount of pension than just the basic rate – and in many cases above the level of the new State Pension. Pension Credit continues to provide vital financial support for pensioners who, for whatever reason, have been unable to save for or contribute towards their retirement and find themselves on a low income. It was introduced by the last Labour Government specifically to help prevent pensioners falling into poverty and it does this by guaranteeing a minimum level of income, currently £227.10 week for a single pensioner or £346.40 week for a couple. For pensioners who reached State Pension age before April 2016, the Savings Credit element of Pension Credit also provides a tapered award for those with other income such as a modest private or occupational pension. Receipt of Pension Credit opens the door to other financial support, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax support and help with NHS costs as well as help with fuel bills and a free TV licence for those over 75. That is why we continue to promote Pension Credit to eligible pensioners and their family and friends, with our ongoing campaign featuring adverts on television and radio; on social media and on digital screens in GP surgeries and Post Offices, as well as in the press.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 15 September 2025 to Question 72662 on Timesharing: Regulation, whether this guidance applies to fractional ownership schemes as well as shared ownership schemes.

The guidance referenced in the Answer of 15 September 2025 to Question 72662 applies specifically to shared ownership schemes that are grant-funded or delivered via Section 106 agreements. Other types of housing ownership scheme or arrangement, that are not grant funded or supported by Government, are not covered by this guidance and are not subject to the same regulatory framework.

What steps she is taking to help improve collaboration between (a) schools, (b) local authorities and (c) police forces to ensure that intelligence that could help to prevent security breaches on school grounds is shared.

Responsibility for the school estate lies with responsible bodies such as local authorities, academy trusts, or charitable trustees.The department’s 'Good estate management for schools' guidance, alongside more detailed 'Site security' guidance, outlines best practice for perimeter security and access control.Capital funding for school buildings will rise to £2.1 billion in 2025/26, increasing to around £2.3 billion by 2029/30. Essex County Council received £9.3 million for its maintained schools, with other responsible bodies also allocated funding. Smaller trusts and colleges may bid into the Condition Improvement Fund.The department’s ‘Protective security and preparedness for education settings’ and ‘School and college security’ guidance supports settings to assess vulnerabilities and ensure safe environments.Ofsted expects compliance with safeguarding but does not inspect site security specifically.

What estimate she has made of the proportion of schools in (a) Essex and (b) England that have adequate systems for preventing unauthorised access.

Responsibility for the school estate lies with responsible bodies such as local authorities, academy trusts, or charitable trustees.The department’s 'Good estate management for schools' guidance, alongside more detailed 'Site security' guidance, outlines best practice for perimeter security and access control.Capital funding for school buildings will rise to £2.1 billion in 2025/26, increasing to around £2.3 billion by 2029/30. Essex County Council received £9.3 million for its maintained schools, with other responsible bodies also allocated funding. Smaller trusts and colleges may bid into the Condition Improvement Fund.The department’s ‘Protective security and preparedness for education settings’ and ‘School and college security’ guidance supports settings to assess vulnerabilities and ensure safe environments.Ofsted expects compliance with safeguarding but does not inspect site security specifically.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that all schools have effective (a) fencing, (b) access control systems, (c) CCTV and (d) other perimeter security measures to prevent unauthorised access to school premises in (i) Essex and (ii) nationally.

Responsibility for the school estate lies with responsible bodies such as local authorities, academy trusts, or charitable trustees.The department’s 'Good estate management for schools' guidance, alongside more detailed 'Site security' guidance, outlines best practice for perimeter security and access control.Capital funding for school buildings will rise to £2.1 billion in 2025/26, increasing to around £2.3 billion by 2029/30. Essex County Council received £9.3 million for its maintained schools, with other responsible bodies also allocated funding. Smaller trusts and colleges may bid into the Condition Improvement Fund.The department’s ‘Protective security and preparedness for education settings’ and ‘School and college security’ guidance supports settings to assess vulnerabilities and ensure safe environments.Ofsted expects compliance with safeguarding but does not inspect site security specifically.

Innovation and Technology, which Departments contributed to the cost of redesigning the GOV.UK logo.

The cost of redesigning the GOV.UK brand was drawn from the Cabinet Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.The refreshed GOV.UK brand is much more than just a logo. It is a comprehensive system of guidance, assets and components that are being used across the whole GOV.UK product suite, including the new GOV.UK App, to ensure a modern, coherent and accessible online user experience, as set out in the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the enforcement of child maintenance payments.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to making the most effective use of its strong enforcement powers and have made a number of improvements to its processes to drive case compliance and challenge non-compliant behaviours. The Department publishes quarterly statistics for the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and the latest statistics are currently available to June 2025. Table 6 in the latest National tables provides information on all enforcement actions used by the CMS from quarter ending June 2015 to quarter ending June 2025 to collect both the maintenance arranged by the CMS, and Child Support Agency arrears that have been transitioned to CMS systems. This may include actions taken against parents for whom no ongoing maintenance has been arranged under the CMS. The table shows that between April 2017 and June 2025, the CMS has collected a total of £95.9m from Paying Parents via civil enforcement actions.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that schools implement her Department's guidance entitled School and college security, updated on 12 July 2024; and what steps she is taking to monitor the implementation of that guidance.

Responsibility for the school estate lies with responsible bodies such as local authorities, academy trusts, or charitable trustees.The department’s 'Good estate management for schools' guidance, alongside more detailed 'Site security' guidance, outlines best practice for perimeter security and access control.Capital funding for school buildings will rise to £2.1 billion in 2025/26, increasing to around £2.3 billion by 2029/30. Essex County Council received £9.3 million for its maintained schools, with other responsible bodies also allocated funding. Smaller trusts and colleges may bid into the Condition Improvement Fund.The department’s ‘Protective security and preparedness for education settings’ and ‘School and college security’ guidance supports settings to assess vulnerabilities and ensure safe environments.Ofsted expects compliance with safeguarding but does not inspect site security specifically.

What guidance his Department provides to NHS trusts on the wearing by healthcare staff in hospital settings of (a) perfumes, (b) scented laundry products and (c) other fragranced products; and what assessment has been made of the potential impact of such products on patients with (i) respiratory conditions, (ii) allergies, and (iii) fragrance sensitivities.

NHS organisations set their own policies locally and these generally form part of their unform policy. Although there is no national guidance in place, some organisations do advise in their own guidance that the wearing of perfumed products must be discrete and not overpowering.