Written questions by McMurdock.

What steps his Department is taking with housing developers to support (a) the installation of automated external defibrillators and (b) other public health initiatives.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of integrating new automated external defibrillators into existing national databases to help increase (a) the accessibility and (b) awareness of those devices.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What plans his Department has to ensure access to defibrillators in (a) rural areas and (b) areas where ambulance response times are longer.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What steps he is taking to ensure the (a) long-term maintenance and (b) functionality of publicly accessible defibrillators.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of (a) mandating and (b) incentivising the inclusion of defibrillators in (i) existing housing estates and (ii) urban developments.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What discussions she has had with (a) Mossbourne Federation and (b) Ortu Federation on academy schools in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Departmental officials have held regular meetings with both the Mossbourne Federation and the Ortu Federation. Discussions have focused on ensuring the successful transfer of the three Ortu Federation academies to the Mossbourne Federation. We are confident that the Mossbourne Federation is well placed to provide the support these schools need.The transfer is scheduled to take place on 1 January 2025.

If she will meet with the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock to discuss academy schools in that constituency.

As the Minister responsible for academies, I will happily consider a meeting with the hon. member for South Basildon and East Thurrock. In addition, the Regional Director for the East of England offers regular meetings with Members of Parliament to discuss matters of interest. He has been asked to contact you to discuss academy schools in your constituency.Regional Directors work locally across children’s social care, special educational needs and disabilities, schools and area-based programmes to improve outcomes for children, families and learners. They offer support and intervene where necessary to deliver rapid improvement.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of post office closures on high streets.

Government fully appreciates the impact a Post Office branch closure can have on a community, particularly for communities who don’t have nearby alternatives.Although Post Office has the freedom to make commercial decisions regarding the composition of its network, Government protects the Post Office network and high street post offices by setting minimum access criteria. These include the requirements which ensure for example that in urban areas, 95% of the total population across the UK live within 1 mile of their nearest post office and in urban deprived areas 99% live within 1 mile of their nearest post office. The Government-set access criteria ensures that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of post office closures on (a) high-streets and (b) consumers in Essex.

Government fully appreciates the impact a Post Office branch closure can have on a community. It knows it can be disruptive, particularly for communities who don’t have nearby alternatives.Although Post Office has the freedom to make commercial decisions regarding the composition of its network, Government protects the Post Office network and high street post offices by setting minimum access criteria. These include the requirements which ensure for example that in urban areas, 95% of the total population across the UK live within 1 mile of their nearest post office and in urban deprived areas 99% live within 1 mile of their nearest post office. The Government-set access criteria ensures that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

With reference to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services entitled PEEL 2021/22 – An inspection of Essex Police, published on 14 October 2022, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the performance of Essex Police.

It is the responsibility of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to assess the operational performance of forces in England and Wales. We work closely with the Inspectorate to monitor individual forces’ performance.Roger Hirst, as the directly elected Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex, is responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of Essex Police.To drive up performance and standards across forces, ensuring communities can have confidence in their local police force, the Home Secretary announced on 19 November that she intends to create a new Performance Unit in the Home Office. This will harness national data to monitor performance and direct improvements, building on the existing work of the College of Policing, HMICFRS, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and PCCs.

With reference to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services entitled PEEL 2021/22 – An inspection of Essex Police, published on 14 October 2022, what steps her Department plans to take to help improve Essex constabulary's response time to calls from the public.

It is the responsibility of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to assess the operational performance of forces in England and Wales. We work closely with the Inspectorate to monitor individual forces’ performance.Roger Hirst, as the directly elected Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex, is responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of Essex Police.To drive up performance and standards across forces, ensuring communities can have confidence in their local police force, the Home Secretary announced on 19 November that she intends to create a new Performance Unit in the Home Office. This will harness national data to monitor performance and direct improvements, building on the existing work of the College of Policing, HMICFRS, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and PCCs.

Innovation and Technology, if his Department will launch an inquiry into social media harms for young people.

The government is aware of concerns of the impact that being on smartphones and social media from a young age is having on children. This month, the government has commissioned a feasibility study into future research to understand the ongoing impact of smartphones and social media on children, to enhance the evidence base in this area. The Online Safety Act requires online services in scope of the regime to tackle content that is harmful to children. Ofcom, the independent regulator for online safety, is due to finalise its Code of Practice for protecting children in Spring 2025 with the duties then expected to be in effect by Summer 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for changes to the exceptional financial support framework for local authorities.

On Monday 21 October, I wrote to all MPs to confirm that we will continue to operate a process to support councils in the most difficult positions. As I set out in that letter, while Government expects councils to make sure they are doing all they can locally to deliver for residents, this process will be collaborative and supportive of councils. We will treat all discussions in confidence, with respect and determination to find a solution together.My letter also confirmed that we would not look to replicate conditions under the previous government’s framework, that make borrowing more expensive where councils have no other choice.

What estimate she has made of the number of farms that will be affected by changes to agricultural property relief in Essex in each of the next five years.

I refer the Honourable Member to the PQ referenced 12861 published on 15th November 2024 at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-11-05/12861. The Chancellor also recently wrote to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, and her letter may be of interest: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/45691/documents/226235/default/.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of levels of local authority compliance with her Department's Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities, published on 22 February 2018, in each of the last five years.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is responsible for setting the national framework for housing, including the legislation and Homelessness Code of Guidance to which councils must have regard.Compliance with legislation, guidance, and the statutory homelessness duties rests with local councils. It is the responsibility of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to investigate individual complaints and take action where they consider councils have not applied their duties correctly.The Government recognises that homelessness levels are far too high and we will develop a long-term, cross government strategy to put us on track to end homelessness for good.

If she will set out a timeline for the publication of guidance on Relationship, Sex and Health Education.

The department is currently reviewing the RSHE statutory guidance. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has been clear that children’s wellbeing must be at the heart of this guidance for schools and, as such, the government will look carefully at the consultation responses, discuss with stakeholders and consider the relevant evidence, including the Cass Review which has since been published, before setting out next steps.We expect the results of the consultation and our response to be published on GOV.UK in 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, (a) how many and (b) what value of grants were awarded to farmers for net zero projects in the last 12 months.

Defra group (including the core department, Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency) has not awarded any net zero grants to farmers. However, while there may not be specific net zero actions, much of Defra’s work and the grants awarded to farmer will contribute towards achieving net zero. Labour believes that the farming sector must have food production at its core, but that restoring nature is not in competition with sustainable food production; instead it is essential to it.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure equal access to funding for special educational needs and disabilities services in Essex.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.The department is providing an increase of almost £1 billion for local authorities’ high needs budgets in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to £11.9 billion.The department is now in the process of calculating indicative high needs funding allocations for local authorities next year through the national funding formula, which the department expects to publish shortly.It is for the local authorities to decide how they manage their spending within the resources available to secure the best possible outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

How much was spent by police forces in Essex on celebrating Pride Month in June 2024.

The Home Office does not hold information relating to how much money was spent by police forces on pride month for 2024.

Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to prevent false accusations being made about people online.

Under the Online Safety Act, companies will be forced to take action against illegal content and abuse online including illegal misinformation and disinformation. The false communications offence was also introduced by the Act in January this year. The offence captures communications where the sender knows information to be false but sends it intending to cause harm, without reasonable excuse. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 51 weeks’ imprisonment, or a fine (or both).