Written questions by McMurdock.

Whether her Department plans to reform sentencing guidelines for child sexual offences.

Sentencing guidelines are developed by the independent Sentencing Council for England and Wales, in fulfilment of its statutory duty to do so.The Council is independent of Parliament and Government. As an independent body, the Council decides on its own priorities and work plan for producing and reviewing guidelines. The Lord Chancellor or the Court of Appeal can ask the Council to consider reviewing or producing guidelines in a particular area, but the Council is not required to agree to any such requests.The Council monitors and evaluates all definitive guidelines, as per its statutory duty to do so. The assessment covers the operation and effect of the guideline. A report on the evaluation findings is published online. A variety of different methods of data collection and analysis may be used, as necessary: analysis of existing data on sentencing trends over time, collections of data from sentencers on factors that influence their sentencing of different offences, interviews and focus groups, analysis of Crown Court sentencing transcripts and media reports.Sentencing guidelines for child sexual offences were first published in 2013. Following consultation, revised guidelines were published and came into force in May 2022.

What the average length of sentences for child sexual offences was in (a) 1994, (b) 2004, (c) 2014 and (d) 2024.

The Ministry of Justice publishes data on the sentencing outcomes of criminal offences in England and Wales between the year ending June 2010 and year ending June 2024, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool, that can be downloaded from the Criminal Justice Statistics page here: Criminal Justice Statistics.Although child sex offences are not a defined category within the tool, you can filter offences using the HO Offence codes listed in the attachment linked above.The proportion of convictions for child sexual offences resulted in custodial sentences is listed below. A list of specific offences that comprise the data below can be found in the accompanying attachment. We advise caution when comparing the 1994 data with more recent data included in the time series. This is due to differences in the way child sexual offences were defined.Year Proportion1994 48%2004 65%2014 72%2024 (January-June) 59% The average length of sentences for child sexual offences is as follows:Year Average Custodial Sentence Length (Months) 1994 23.62004 40.22014 66.12024 (January-June) 75.3

What proportion of convictions for child sexual offences resulted in custodial sentences in (a) 2024, (b) 2014, (b) 2004 and (d) 1994.

The Ministry of Justice publishes data on the sentencing outcomes of criminal offences in England and Wales between the year ending June 2010 and year ending June 2024, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool, that can be downloaded from the Criminal Justice Statistics page here: Criminal Justice Statistics.Although child sex offences are not a defined category within the tool, you can filter offences using the HO Offence codes listed in the attachment linked above.The proportion of convictions for child sexual offences resulted in custodial sentences is listed below. A list of specific offences that comprise the data below can be found in the accompanying attachment. We advise caution when comparing the 1994 data with more recent data included in the time series. This is due to differences in the way child sexual offences were defined.Year Proportion1994 48%2004 65%2014 72%2024 (January-June) 59% The average length of sentences for child sexual offences is as follows:Year Average Custodial Sentence Length (Months) 1994 23.62004 40.22014 66.12024 (January-June) 75.3

Whether her Department has consulted victims' groups and charities on potential reforms to sentencing guidelines for child sexual offences.

Sentencing guidelines are developed by the independent Sentencing Council for England and Wales, in fulfilment of its statutory duty to do so.The Council is independent of Parliament and Government. As an independent body, the Council decides on its own priorities and work plan for producing and reviewing guidelines. The Lord Chancellor or the Court of Appeal can ask the Council to consider reviewing or producing guidelines in a particular area, but the Council is not required to agree to any such requests.The Council monitors and evaluates all definitive guidelines, as per its statutory duty to do so. The assessment covers the operation and effect of the guideline. A report on the evaluation findings is published online. A variety of different methods of data collection and analysis may be used, as necessary: analysis of existing data on sentencing trends over time, collections of data from sentencers on factors that influence their sentencing of different offences, interviews and focus groups, analysis of Crown Court sentencing transcripts and media reports.Sentencing guidelines for child sexual offences were first published in 2013. Following consultation, revised guidelines were published and came into force in May 2022.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to tackle (a) homelessness (b) rough sleeping in (i) Essex (ii) the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Government is also tackling the root causes of homelessness, including the delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.There is £1.2 billion committed through the Homelessness Prevention Grant from 2022 to 2025, of which Chesire East, Cheshire West and Chester received a combined total of £6,442,462.48. Basildon received £3,743,552.85 and Thurrock £3,340,472.94. And, as announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping.The budget committed nearly £1 billion total spend on homelessness services in 2025/26 and is the first step to getting us back on track to ending homelessness. We expect to publish allocations for funding for 2025/26 alongside the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the support provided via the NHS England Recovery Support Programme (RSP) to the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is in segment four of the NHS Oversight Framework. This means that the trust is in receipt of national mandated support via NHS England’s Recovery Support Programme (RSP), led by senior and multidisciplinary teams to help embed sustainable quality and financial improvements.RSP governance and oversight is well established, and Department officials meet with NHS England and the Care Quality Commission monthly to assess the progress and developments within the programme. This helps to ensure effective lines of communication and enables us to continue to assure that organisations are receiving appropriate support.

Communities and Local Government, what the average length of time was that families stayed in temporary accommodation in (a) England and (b) Essex in (i) 2023 and (ii) 2024.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking with local authorities to help ensure the suitability of temporary accommodation.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of children living in temporary accommodation in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) mental and (b) physical health of families in temporary accommodation.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage investment in high streets in (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. This means addressing anti-social behaviour and crime, working with the banking industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, stamping out late payments, empowering communities to make the most of the vacant properties, strengthening the Post Office network, reforming the apprenticeship levy, and business rates.Furthermore, the Government is investing in local growth with local allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2025-26 now announced, which places may choose to invest in rejuvenating high streets. Basildon has been allocated £419,361; and Thurrock £402,853. The Long Term Plan for Towns has funded several towns in Essex, including Canvey Island, Harlow and Clacton-on-Sea, which will also support local growth.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support available to families living with children in temporary accommodation.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, how many care homes were referred to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex in each of the last five years; and how many were (i) privately-owned and (ii) local authority-owned.

The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) records complaints by the individual local authority or care provider, and not by geographical area. The LGSCO received 93 complaints about Essex County Council’s adult social care services in the 2019-20 financial year, 44 in 2020-21, 45 in 2021-22, 58 in 2022-23 and 36 in 2023-24.

Communities and Local Government, how many affordable homes were (a) started and (b) completed in Essex in 2023-24.

Data on new affordable housing starts and completions by upper tier local authority, including Essex, is available on the affordable housing supply open data published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-affordable-housing-supply.The number of completions is available since 1991-92. The department started publishing the number of starts in 2015-16. However, starts not reported via Homes England or the Greater London Authority only started being collected in 2016-17 and are collected on a voluntary basis. This means 2015-16 data does not include these data and subsequent years may still be under reporting it. The published open data file includes the figures for 2023-24.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) grants and (b) subsidies available to farmers for (i) adopting new technologies and (ii) improving farm infrastructure.

Within the Farming Innovation Programme Defra has supported over 260 projects with over £130 million of Government investment awarded in contracts. Within the Farming Investment Fund schemes Defra has paid out over £164 million to date in capital grants to support farmers and horticultural businesses to invest in infrastructure and equipment. Regarding future capital grant support, Defra is currently assessing next year’s (2025) Capital Grants offer and will provide an update in early 2025. We plan to simplify and rationalise our grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature. We will confirm any future grant rounds in due course.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of inheritance tax changes on the long-term sustainability of family farms in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex.

I refer the Honourable Member to the PQ referenced 12250 published on 11th November 2024 at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-11-01/12250. The Chancellor also recently wrote to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee on this issue, and her letter may be of interest: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/45691/documents/226235/default/

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to improve collaboration with foreign authorities in investigating deaths of British nationals overseas.

FCDO consular staff offer tailored support to families bereaved through the death of British nationals overseas. The FCDO is not an investigative body, though can support families to engage with the relevant foreign authority investigating the death of a British national. FCDO staff can register interest in the death with local authorities, request information and signpost families on how to seek independent legal advice.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the condition of train stations in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

The Annual Business Planning round for 2025/26 is currently underway where the adequacy of funding for c2c will be considered. This includes the budget for assets, which covers the condition of train stations in the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and all across the c2c network.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of granting Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioners the authority to independently determine the level of council tax precept increases for police and fire services in their areas.

The Government is committed to keeping taxes on working people as low as possible.Following consultation on the provisional local government settlement the final set of referendum principles will be put before the House of Commons for approval in the New Year.It is for Police and Fire Authorities to decide at what level they set their council tax.

Whether her Department is taking steps to address funding shortfalls faced by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service in the context of the redistribution of the (a) Funding Guarantee Scheme and (b) Services Grant.

Funding allocations for 2025/26 will be set out at the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement in December 2024. The Government has guaranteed that no local authority will see a reduction in their Core Spending Power in 2025-26 after taking account of any increase in council tax levels by applying a funding floor. This will provide the protections required for authorities to sustain their services between years, whilst recognising that we must begin the process of redirecting as much funding as possible towards the services and places that need it most.