Written questions by McMurdock.

What steps he is taking to reduce pressure on Accident and Emergency departments during peak demand periods.

The Government recognises the pressures on the National Health Service during peak demand periods, including winter, and the impact this is having on accident and emergency waiting times.We are committed to supporting the NHS to improve accident and emergency performance and achieve the standards set out in the NHS Constitution. The NHS 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance sets national priorities, which include improving accident and emergency care so that a minimum of 78% of patients are seen within four hours as of March 2026, and a higher proportion of patients are admitted, discharged, and transferred from an emergency department within 12 hours across 2025/26 compared to 2024/25.

How many hospitals in England are operating above 90% bed occupancy levels.

Bed occupancy data is published by NHS England and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/critical-care-and-general-acute-beds-urgent-and-emergency-care-daily-situation-reports-2024-25/The data shows 113 National Health Service trusts in England with general and acute bed occupancy above 90%.

What steps she is taking to ensure the recommendations of the Prison Capacity Review are implemented.

The Review into the Handling of Prison Capacity is an independent review, which will report its findings in spring 2025, and we will carefully consider any recommendations.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the tourism sector in Essex.

The Government is implementing the most significant overhaul of regional destination management in a generation, creating a portfolio of nationally supported, strategic and high-performing Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) in partnership with VisitEngland. These LVEPs will provide strong local leadership and governance in tourism destinations all over the country, and Essex is included in this programme as part of the Visit Essex LVEP. Visit Essex works in partnership with private sector businesses to support economic growth, through promoting the county as a place to visit, live and do business, and to continue to grow tourism and ensure that Essex remains a leading visitor destination.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the entitlements to healthcare services for different categories of migrants are clearly communicated to both (a) healthcare providers and (b) the different categories of migrants.

The Department sets the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015 and publishes guidance on National Health Service charging for NHS trusts.The Department regularly publishes advice and guidance on the health needs and entitlements of migrants for healthcare providers and patients via the Migrant Health Guide.

How many unauthorised (a) migrants, (b) refugees and (c) asylum seekers have accessed NHS care in the last 3 years.

The Department and the National Health Service do not collect patient information categorised by immigration status.

What immediate steps she is taking to tackle prison overcrowding while awaiting the conclusions of the 2025 Prison Capacity Review.

The Review into the Handling of Prison Capacity will report its findings in spring 2025, and we will carefully consider any recommendations to help future governments to avoid the cycle of repeated prison capacity crises. We are aiming to deliver 14,000 additional prison places by 2031 as set out in the 10-Year Capacity Strategy published in December. This consists of the construction of four new prisons, as well as the expansion and refurbishment of the existing estate and temporary accommodation. The Lord Chancellor announced a series of measures in October 2024 to manage the pressures on the prison estate until longer term reforms come into effect. This includes reforming our recall practices to target the unsustainable growth in the recall population since the pandemic and an extension of the maximum period offenders can spend on Home Detention Curfew from 6-12 months.

What comparative assessment he has made of the GP-to-patient ratio in (a) Thurrock and (b) nationally.

As of December 2024, the number of full time equivalent (FTE) doctors in general practice (GP) per 10,000 registered patients in Thurrock was 3.5. This is lower than the national median of 5.6.Each GP is required to provide services to meet the reasonable needs of their patients. There is no NHS England recommendation for how many patients a GP should have assigned, or the ratio of GPs or other practice staff to patients.The demands that each patient places on their GP are different and can be affected by many different factors, including rurality and patient demographics. It is necessary to consider the workforce for each practice as a whole, not only the GPs but also the range of health professionals available who are able to respond to the needs of their patients.Through the Red Tape Challenge, we are determined to bulldoze bureaucracy and cut red tape, ensuring that GPs spend less time filling in forms and more time caring for patients. We recognise that it is vital for roles to be satisfying, rewarding, and sustainable so that our experienced GPs continue to contribute throughout their career. The South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency sits within the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB. In December 2024, 529,000 appointments were delivered. 43.9% were delivered on the same day that they were booked and 81.4% were delivered within two weeks of booking. This is slightly lower than the national average, where 46% of all appointments were delivered on the same day and 82.7% were delivered within two weeks. There are several factors which can influence the timing of appointments, and it is not possible to estimate the time between the patient’s first attempt to contact their surgery and an appointment.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the higher GP-to-patient ratio in South Basildon and East Thurrock on (a) patient outcomes, (b) appointment waiting times and (c) GP workload.

As of December 2024, the number of full time equivalent (FTE) doctors in general practice (GP) per 10,000 registered patients in Thurrock was 3.5. This is lower than the national median of 5.6.Each GP is required to provide services to meet the reasonable needs of their patients. There is no NHS England recommendation for how many patients a GP should have assigned, or the ratio of GPs or other practice staff to patients.The demands that each patient places on their GP are different and can be affected by many different factors, including rurality and patient demographics. It is necessary to consider the workforce for each practice as a whole, not only the GPs but also the range of health professionals available who are able to respond to the needs of their patients.Through the Red Tape Challenge, we are determined to bulldoze bureaucracy and cut red tape, ensuring that GPs spend less time filling in forms and more time caring for patients. We recognise that it is vital for roles to be satisfying, rewarding, and sustainable so that our experienced GPs continue to contribute throughout their career. The South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency sits within the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB. In December 2024, 529,000 appointments were delivered. 43.9% were delivered on the same day that they were booked and 81.4% were delivered within two weeks of booking. This is slightly lower than the national average, where 46% of all appointments were delivered on the same day and 82.7% were delivered within two weeks. There are several factors which can influence the timing of appointments, and it is not possible to estimate the time between the patient’s first attempt to contact their surgery and an appointment.

What assessment he has made of trends in the number of fully qualified GPs since 2016.

In December 2024, there were 1,123 fewer full time equivalent (FTE) fully qualified general practitioners (GPs) than in December 2016.We are starting to see consistent growth in the fully qualified GP workforce, with headcount numbers of fully qualified GPs increasing for the past 18 months and full time equivalent numbers increasing for 16 out of the past 18 months. As of December 2024, there were 1,982 more FTE doctors working at practice level compared to December 2023.We have committed to training more GPs across the country and to recruiting over 1,000 newly qualified GPs through an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) over 2024/25. My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has confirmed that recently qualified GPs who are employed via the ARRS will continue to be supported through the scheme in 2025/26.In summer 2025, we will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again.Our commitment to growing the GP workforce includes addressing the reasons why doctors leave the profession and encouraging them to return to practice. We know that high workloads can be a key driver for GPs reducing their contracted hours or leaving the profession altogether. That is why we are tackling morale through drivers such as growing the workforce and reducing bureaucracy through our Red Tape Challenge to improve job satisfaction and reduce the risk of burnout.

What steps he is taking to (a) retain existing GPs and (b) recruit new GPs.

In December 2024, there were 1,123 fewer full time equivalent (FTE) fully qualified general practitioners (GPs) than in December 2016.We are starting to see consistent growth in the fully qualified GP workforce, with headcount numbers of fully qualified GPs increasing for the past 18 months and full time equivalent numbers increasing for 16 out of the past 18 months. As of December 2024, there were 1,982 more FTE doctors working at practice level compared to December 2023.We have committed to training more GPs across the country and to recruiting over 1,000 newly qualified GPs through an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) over 2024/25. My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has confirmed that recently qualified GPs who are employed via the ARRS will continue to be supported through the scheme in 2025/26.In summer 2025, we will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again.Our commitment to growing the GP workforce includes addressing the reasons why doctors leave the profession and encouraging them to return to practice. We know that high workloads can be a key driver for GPs reducing their contracted hours or leaving the profession altogether. That is why we are tackling morale through drivers such as growing the workforce and reducing bureaucracy through our Red Tape Challenge to improve job satisfaction and reduce the risk of burnout.

What assessment he has made of recent trends in the number of 16-24 year olds not in (a) employment, (b) education and (c) training.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 13th February is attached.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in international student applications on the availability of university spaces for domestic students.

Universities and other higher education (HE) providers are autonomous bodies and are independent of government and responsible for their own admissions decisions in relation to both domestic and international students. Our world class universities are highly attractive to all students.This government is clear that international students, who make a positive impact on HE, as well as our economy and society as a whole, are welcome in the UK. They bring significant benefits, by enriching our university campuses, forging lifelong friendships with our domestic students and becoming global ambassadors for the UK.Domestic students continue to make up the majority of students within our universities. Higher Education Statistics Agency data shows that international students made up 16% of all undergraduate entrants at UK providers in the 2022/23 academic year, down from a high of 18% in the 2019/20 academic year. Tuition fees paid by international students in the 2022/23 academic year are estimated at £12.1 billion, with this contribution supporting provision of places for domestic students and research and development.The department will continue to monitor available data and engage closely with the HE sector to assess the level of international student admissions to UK universities for the next academic year.

What steps he is taking to reduce vacancies for NHS dental staff in the South East of England.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term and increase access to NHS dental care, we will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards across England. For the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency, this is the NHS Mid and South Essex.Integrated care boards have started to recruit posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.

What steps she is taking to improve the number of (a) work experience and (b) apprenticeship opportunities in (i) existing and (ii) emerging sectors.

The department is committed to ensuring that all pupils are provided with at least two weeks' worth of work experience over the course of their secondary education, by the end of this Parliament. We are piloting the delivery of this guarantee through our delivery partner, the Careers and Enterprise Company. This includes exploring improving the supply of work experience opportunities in all, including emerging, sectors, such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital, ensuring equitable access to activities and placements. We are looking at ways to reduce the administrative burden on both employers and schools to encourage greater uptake of work experience amongst pupils. Piloting work began in October 2024, with end of pilot reporting in August 2025.Our levy-funded growth and skills offer, with apprenticeships at the heart, will deliver greater flexibility for learners and employers in England, aligned with our industrial strategy creating routes into good, skilled jobs in growing industries. As a first step, this will include shorter duration and foundation apprenticeships in targeted sectors. From August 2025, three trailblazers in the key priority sectors of green energy, healthcare and film/TV production will be among the first to pioneer, and benefit from, the flexibilities that new shorter duration apprenticeships offer. These will support more people to gain high-quality skills at work, fuelling innovation in businesses across the country.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of low NHS dental access in South Basildon and East Thurrock on levels of pressure on urgent care services.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term and increase access to NHS dental care, we will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The most common reason children aged five to nine years old are admitted to hospital is for tooth decay. We will work with local authorities and the NHS to introduce supervised tooth brushing for children aged between three and five years old in the most deprived communities. These programmes are proven to reduce tooth decay and to boost good practices at home.

What comparative assessment she has made of the employment rates between working-age non-graduates and young graduates.

The department produces an annual publication that uses the Labour Force Survey and compares the employment rates of postgraduates, graduates and non-graduates. The publication can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/graduate-labour-markets#dataBlock-3450d11e-68f3-4f34-9284-4a9dd67e861a-tables.The employment rates for graduates and non-graduates of working age (16 to 64) and for the young population (21 to 30) can be found in two of the tables provided in ‘Section 4. Employment rates time series (2007 – 2023)’ of the publication. These are highlighted below:Employment rates by working age population for 16- to 64-year-olds: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/fast-track/8c070fb0-8bb7-4278-a65f-08dc7b21f080#:~:text=https%3A//explore%2Deducation%2Dstatistics.service.gov.uk/data%2Dtables/permalink/dcb4226c%2Dc97e%2D4908%2Dd8c5%2D08dd4a33315d.Employment rates by young population for 21- to 30-year-olds: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/a671ed04-c746-435a-6d61-08dd48e2728c.The figures in the publication show that:Employment rates for young graduates are higher than those for working age non-graduates across all years of the time-series since 2007. The latest figures for 2023 show that employment rates for young graduates were 87.4% and were 68.7% for working age non graduates.The gap between employment rates for young graduates and working age non graduates has been growing recently, increasing from 16.0 percentage points in 2019 (pre-COVID pandemic) to 18.7 percentage points in 2023.Whilst employment rates have remained relatively stable for young graduates since 2019 (pre-COVID pandemic), employment rates have fallen by 3.2 percentage points for working age non graduates between 2019 and 2023.

What estimate he has made of the number of patients seeking emergency dental care in A&E in the South East of England.

In 2023/24, there were 11,360 accident and emergency attendances of patients resident in South East England where there was a primary diagnosis related to dental issues. The data is from the Emergency Care Data Set, collected by NHS England.

What assessment she has made of the factors contributing to the decline in mature student applications.

Data published by Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) on full-time undergraduate higher education (HE) applications for the 2025 admissions cycle shows the overall number of applicants to UK HE is slightly higher than last year, with demand remaining strong.UCAS data from the equal consideration deadline, which was in January, shows applications from mature UK applicants, those aged over 21, are down 6.4% on 2024, and down 21.3% on 2020. However, acceptances at end of cycle are not always reflective of these earlier trends.In 2024, UK domiciled mature applicants were down 15.8% on 2019 at the January deadline but were up 1.3% at end of cycle. Acceptances at end of cycle were up 2.2%. There has been long-term growth in the number of UK domiciled mature acceptances reported at end of cycle between 2006 and 2024. This is shown in the green line in the attachment.Eligible full-time and part-time undergraduate students, including mature students, qualify for up-front fee loans to meet the full costs of their tuition. Full-time students also qualify for partially means-tested loans as a contribution towards their living costs, which are paid at four different rates depending on where a student is living and studying. In addition, vulnerable groups of students who are eligible for benefits, such as lone parents, qualify for higher rates of loans for living costs. Full-time students aged 60 or over on the first day of the first academic year of their course qualify for a single rate fully means-tested loan for living costs.Full-time undergraduate students with adult or child dependants can apply for fully means-tested dependants’ grants.Part-time undergraduate students attending eligible courses also qualify for partially means-tested loans for living costs.Students undertaking postgraduate master’s or doctoral degree courses can apply for loans to help them with fee and course costs.Maximum loans and grants for living and other costs for undergraduates and postgraduates will increase by 3.1% for the 2025/26 academic year with the largest cash increases to means-tested support for students from low-income families.In terms of additional support available, all HE providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) that intend to charge higher level tuition fees must have an Access and Participation Plan (APP) approved by the OfS. APPs articulate how HE providers will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups, including mature students.There are many excellent examples of interventions that show a real commitment to widening access into HE for mature students, but we want the sector to go further. By summer, the department will set out our plan for HE reform and the part we expect providers to play in improving access and outcomes for all under-represented students.Finally, from January 2027, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will transform the student finance system in England. Under the LLE, new learners will be able to access a full entitlement equal to 4 years of full-time tuition. Returning learners who have previously received government support will have a reduced entitlement. This will depend on previous funding received. Learners will be able to use this new entitlement more flexibly than ever before to fund individual modules as well as full courses at levels 4 to 6, regardless of whether they are provided in colleges, universities or independent providers. The government expects to see the LLE being taken advantage of by mature students, those wishing to change career and retrain, or those wanting to move up in their existing career and upskill. Mature students may particularly benefit from the additional flexibility that LLE will bring as they frequently study part-time while combining paid work and other familial and financial commitments.

What assessment she has made of recent trends in the number of 18-24 year olds claiming unemployment benefits.

ONS data on 18-24 year-olds claiming unemployment-related benefits is available at: CLA02: Claimant Count by age group - Office for National Statistics