Written questions by McMurdock.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to prioritise the development of non-animal testing methods under the Replacing Animals in Science strategy.

The Government’s new strategy sets out our long-term vision for a world where the use of animals in science is eliminated in all but exceptional circumstances, achieved by creating a research and innovation system that drives the development and validation of alternative methods to using animals in science. The strategy sets out commitments to prioritise the development of non-animal testing methods, including creating a preclinical translational models hub and publishing areas of research interest for alternative methods.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 January to Question 102465, on North Africa: Refugees, when her Department last assessed the effectiveness of her Department's existing migration prevention work in North Africa.

All aspects of the Department's work are kept under continuous review, in all regions of the world, particularly on priority issues such as the fight against illegal migration.

Pursuant to her Department's press release entitled 'Government modernises exam records with new app' published on 8 January 2026, what estimate her Department has made of the cost of developing the Education Record app.

£5.5 million has been spent over the last two years. Prior to this, this was part of a wider project looking at options to improve data sharing with the further education sector, looking at cost and burden. One of the options that came from this research was the Education Record.

Pursuant to her Department's press release entitled Government modernises exam records with new app published on 8 January 2026, what estimate her Department has made of the ongoing costs of maintaining and hosting the Education Records app per year.

The department estimates running costs of approximately £1 million per year, based on staff, systems used to store and manage data, and software licences.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to her Department's press release entitled Technology Secretary statement on xAI's Grok image generation and editing tool published on 9 January 2026, what official communications has her Department received from X regarding image manipulation by its xAI Grok tool.

The government is clear that no one should have to go through the ordeal of these horrendous images online.Ofcom is the independent regulator for online safety and has confirmed that they have opened an investigation into X and have made relevant contact with representatives at X. They have our full backing to take any necessary enforcement action.This is not about restricting freedom of speech but upholding the law.

Pursuant to her Department's press release entitled Government modernises exam records with new app published on 8 January 2026, whether her Department has any plans to abolish physical result certificates.

Results certificates are provided by awarding organisations. The department currently has no plans to abolish physical results certificates.

Pursuant to her Department's press release entitled Government modernises exam records with new app published on 8 January 2026, what data protection guidance is given to students accessing their results via the Education Records app.

There is a full privacy statement included on the Education Record. This sets out what information the department collects, what they do with it and how it is shared. It also includes how analytics data are used and that personal data is only shared with education providers.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the relative costs of (a) publicly funding health infrastructure and (b) health infrastructure funded through Public Private Partnerships.

The Government has committed significant public capital funding to health infrastructure, with the overall annual capital budget increasing to £15.2 billion by the end of the Spending Review period for 2029/30. Over the five-year Spending Review period, this translates to £30 billion in day-to-day maintenance and repair of the National Health Service estate and over £6 billion of additional capital invested in diagnostic, elective, and urgent and emergency capacity in the NHS. In addition, we remain committed to delivering all schemes within the New Hospital Programme, which will continue through the Spending Review period, rising to a steady rate of £15 billion over five-year cycles.The 2025 Budget announced that the NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild Programme will deliver new neighbourhood health centres through upgrading and repurposing existing buildings and building new facilities through a combination of public sector investment and a new model of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Delivering new neighbourhood health centres through a combination of public investment and PPP will also allow the Government, for the first time, to build further evidence and compare different delivery models.The Department and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority are continuing to develop the new PPP model for neighbourhood health centres with further engagement this year. The new neighbourhood health centres PPP model will build on lessons from the past including the National Audit Office’s 2025 report on private finance and other models currently in use. Further information on the National Audit Office’s 2025 report on private finance is available at the following link:https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/lessons-learned-private-finance-for-infrastructure.pdfTo ensure fiscal transparency and sustainability, the Government will budget for these neighbourhood health centres as if they were on-balance sheet, to ensure that this expenditure is transparent, and fiscally sustainable.

What assessment she has made of levels of financial literacy in relation to pensions among the UK population.

The Government is committed to supporting people to build their financial literacy. As part of the Financial Inclusion Strategy, the Government announced plans to make financial education compulsory in primary schools in England through a new statutory requirement to teach citizenship, alongside a renewed focus on the subject in secondary schools in the subjects of mathematics and citizenship. The Department for Education will be engaging with sector experts and young people to determine how best to reflect this in the updated curriculum, including appropriate content on pensions and long-term saving. There will be a period of public consultation in 2026 before it is finalised. The Financial Conduct Authority’s nationally representative Financial Lives Survey gathers insights into the financial behaviour, attitudes and experiences of adults aged 18 and over in the UK. It covers a wide range of topics, including financial capability and detailed information on how people engage with their pensions – such as their awareness, decision-making and approach to saving for retirement. Taken together, these findings provide an indication of financial literacy in the pensions context, although this is not measured as a standalone metric. Building on these insights, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), an arm’s length body of Government, provides free, impartial financial guidance for consumers to support them at every stage of their financial lives. Its MoneyHelper services – available online, via webchat and over the phone – offers information on a wide range of financial topics, including pensions, along with easy-to-use tools and calculators to support people in managing their finances.

What assessment he has made of the relationship between levels of pension financial literacy and vulnerability to pension fraud.

In 2023, the Behavioural Insights Team within the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) conducted a scams evidence review which found that victims of pension fraud do not fall into easily defined demographic groups and that anyone can be targeted. To mitigate this, a range of measures are in place to raise awareness and reduce risk. These include the Financial Conduct Authority’s ScamSmart tool which highlights areas of potential risk, and the detailed guidance provided by MaPS through MoneyHelper, which offers practical steps to identify and avoid pension scams. Additional safeguards are provided by the pension transfer regulations which empower trustees to pause or refuse a transfer where there are indicators of potential scam activity.

Which countries currently refuse to share criminal record data with UK immigration authorities as part of visa or refugee application processes.

The Home Office performs mandatory and case-by-case verification and security checks on individuals applying to enter or remain in the UK. To protect the integrity of the specific identity and security checking processes that are conducted, information about them is not disclosed publicly.We will deny the benefits of refugee status to those who commit serious crimes and are a danger to the community or those who are a threat to national security. Article 1F of the Refugee Convention and Section 72 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 allow us to exclude individuals from protection status where there are serious reasons to show they have committed a particularly serious crime or pose a danger to the community.In accordance with our obligations under the Refugee Convention and domestic law, we do not disclose information about an individual’s asylum claim to their home country or seek information in a way that could expose them, or any family who remain in that country, to serious risk.

What impact on applications for refugee status in the UK transpires when an applicant's home country refuses to share criminal activity data with UK authorities.

The Home Office performs mandatory and case-by-case verification and security checks on individuals applying to enter or remain in the UK. To protect the integrity of the specific identity and security checking processes that are conducted, information about them is not disclosed publicly.We will deny the benefits of refugee status to those who commit serious crimes and are a danger to the community or those who are a threat to national security. Article 1F of the Refugee Convention and Section 72 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 allow us to exclude individuals from protection status where there are serious reasons to show they have committed a particularly serious crime or pose a danger to the community.In accordance with our obligations under the Refugee Convention and domestic law, we do not disclose information about an individual’s asylum claim to their home country or seek information in a way that could expose them, or any family who remain in that country, to serious risk.

What steps he is taking to help people understand the risks associated with pension transfers.

Pension transfer regulations require trustees and scheme managers to carry out due diligence before processing a transfer request. Where a potential risk of a scam is identified, the transfer may be stopped. In cases where there are risk indicators but the transfer could still be genuine, the member must receive mandatory guidance from MoneyHelper before the transfer can proceed. In these cases, members must attend an appointment with the Money and Pensions Service, which helps them recognise scams, assess risks, and make an informed decision before proceeding. Additional resources are available through the Financial Conduct Authority’s ScamSmart tool and its Pension Scams Consumer Guide, offering practical advice on spotting warning signs, verifying investments, and reporting suspected scams.

What steps she is taking to improve education on pensions and long-term saving.

The government is committed to strengthening pupils’ foundational understanding of financial education in mathematics and citizenship following publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review final report in November 2025. The department will be engaging with sector experts and young people in working out how best to reflect this in the updated curriculum. As part of this work, we will consider appropriate content on pensions and long-term saving.There will be a public consultation on the updated curriculum in 2026, to seek views on the content before it is finalised.

What assessment he has made of the decision not to introduce regulations of mandatory disclosure of payments to the healthcare sector under the Health and Care Act 2022.

The Government recognises the importance of transparency and trust in the health system and has outlined its reasons for introducing guidance, rather than legislative measures, in relation to payments made by industry to the healthcare sector. These reasons can be found in the Government’s consultation response document, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-disclosure-of-industry-payments-to-the-healthcare-sector/outcome/government-response-the-disclosure-of-industry-payments-to-the-healthcare-sectorThe Department will work closely with key stakeholders to develop the guidance over the coming months. Following publication of this guidance, the Department will monitor its uptake closely and retains the option to take additional regulatory or legislative action if required.

How much revenue HMRC has collected from self assessment late filing penalties in each tax year since 2020.

HMRC app users can choose to enable ‘push notifications’ to receive a variety of updates, including payment notifications. At present, this feature operates on an ‘all or nothing’ basis, meaning users cannot select only payment notifications. Since the app launched, over 5.3 million users have opted to enable push notifications, although some may have subsequently chosen to disable them. HMRC regularly shares guidance and updates to help taxpayers stay safe online and protect themselves from scams and fraudulent messages, particularly during the Self Assessment period. They include practical advice and links to relevant materials in their Self Assessment emails, social media content, radio broadcasts, press releases, GOV.UK guidance and through other communication products. For example, the following press releases regarding Self Assessment scams were published in August and December 2025 respectively: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scams-warning-as-self-assessment-customers-targeted https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4800-self-assessment-scams-reported HMRC’s guidance on phishing and scams can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-phishing-and-scams-detailed-information Alongside communications regarding avoiding scams, HMRC also uses a range of communication activity to support customers to file their Self Assessment return on time. This starts with the notice to file issued to all relevant customers in April and with reminders issued directly to customer’s Personal Tax Accounts (PTA) and HMRC app or by letter, email and text. HMRC also encourages customers to file on time through their annual multi channel communications campaign. A wide range of online help and support is available on GOV.UK. This includes guidance notes and help sheets, as well as online webinars and recorded videos on YouTube covering various Self Assessment scenarios. In addition, there is information on GOV.UK on how a customer can ask for the requirement to file a Self Assessment tax return to be withdrawn if they no longer meet the Self Assessment criteria. This can be done through HMRC’s digital services, via their PTA or by calling HMRC. Customers are also able to use the services of an agent to file their returns. In 2024/25, 59% of the Self Assessment population was represented. HMRC works closely with agent representative bodies to encourage the early filing of returns. HMRC monitors the effectiveness of their communications. Last year, over 90% of customers filed their Self Assessment return on time. The Self Assessment campaign tracking report 2024 to 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-assessment-campaign-tracking-2024-to-2025-report/self-assessment-campaign-tracking-report-2024-to-2025 Late filing penalties incentivise good filing behaviours. They are an important feature of tax administration to encourage taxpayers to meet their obligations and to provide sanctions for those who do not. All customers have the right to appeal against late filing penalties within 30 days of the date of the penalty notice. HMRC will cancel penalties where a customer can demonstrate that they had a reasonable excuse for the failure to file their return on time and the failure was remedied shortly after the reasonable excuse ceased. HMRC will also cancel any late filing penalties when a return is not required, such as where a customer has ceased self-employment or no longer meets the Self Assessment criteria. Penalty notices are issued automatically and therefore all customers who miss the filing deadline will receive a filing penalty. The tables below set out the number of fixed £100 penalties raised for late filing, the daily penalties issued for late filing and the values of late filing penalties paid for each tax year since 2020. Table 1: Fixed £100 penalties raised for late filing Tax YearFixed £100 penalties raised2019/20201,260,0002020/20211,350,0002021/20221,250,0002022/20231,220,0002023/20241,060,000 Table 2: Daily penalties issued for late filing Tax YearDaily penalties raised2019/2020700,0002020/2021770,0002021/2022730,0002022/2023700,0002023/2024660,000 The figures in tables 1 and 2 are rounded to the nearest 10,000, and are correct as of December 2025. Table 3 – Values of late filing penalties paid for each tax year since 2020 Tax year of late submissionValue of Late Filing Penalties Paid (£m)2019/201902020/212092021/221842022/231472023/2482 The figures in table 3 are rounded to the nearest £1m and are correct as of December 2025. Notes for tables 1 – 3:Tax year relates to the year associated with the return, not the year the penalty was issued, e.g. if someone submits their Self Assessment return for the year 2019/20 in 2021, the penalty would be associated with the 2019/20 tax year in the data above.Figures are not final as penalties continue to be charged and collected for previous years.Caution should be applied when comparing across years, as the sum of penalties collected will continue to rise as returns come in and the population grows.It is possible for an individual to receive multiple sets of penalties.Penalties in the tables above include penalties for individuals and for partnerships.Penalty data for the tax year 2024/25 is not yet available as the online return deadline for that tax year is 31 January 2026.

Communities and Local Government, how national housing targets are balanced against local transport constraints in rural areas.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that planning policies and decisions should be responsive to local circumstances in rural areas. To promote sustainable development, housing should be located where it will support and enhance the vitality of rural communities, especially where this will support local services. The Framework is also clear that significant development should be focused on locations which are, or can be made, sustainable, through limiting the need to travel and offering a genuine choice of transport modes. It also notes that opportunities to maximise sustainable transport solutions will vary between urban and rural areas, and this should be taken into account in both plan-making and decision-making. The Framework sets out that development should only be prevented or refused on highways grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network, following mitigation, would be severe, taking into account all reasonable future scenarios. The government is currently consulting on a new NPPF that includes clearer, ‘rules based’ policies for decision-making and plan-making. The consultation includes policies on housing and sustainable transport. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here and will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026.

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of HMRC’s reminders, app notifications and communications in reducing the level of last-minute self assessment tax return filings.

HMRC app users can choose to enable ‘push notifications’ to receive a variety of updates, including payment notifications. At present, this feature operates on an ‘all or nothing’ basis, meaning users cannot select only payment notifications. Since the app launched, over 5.3 million users have opted to enable push notifications, although some may have subsequently chosen to disable them. HMRC regularly shares guidance and updates to help taxpayers stay safe online and protect themselves from scams and fraudulent messages, particularly during the Self Assessment period. They include practical advice and links to relevant materials in their Self Assessment emails, social media content, radio broadcasts, press releases, GOV.UK guidance and through other communication products. For example, the following press releases regarding Self Assessment scams were published in August and December 2025 respectively: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scams-warning-as-self-assessment-customers-targeted https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4800-self-assessment-scams-reported HMRC’s guidance on phishing and scams can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-phishing-and-scams-detailed-information Alongside communications regarding avoiding scams, HMRC also uses a range of communication activity to support customers to file their Self Assessment return on time. This starts with the notice to file issued to all relevant customers in April and with reminders issued directly to customer’s Personal Tax Accounts (PTA) and HMRC app or by letter, email and text. HMRC also encourages customers to file on time through their annual multi channel communications campaign. A wide range of online help and support is available on GOV.UK. This includes guidance notes and help sheets, as well as online webinars and recorded videos on YouTube covering various Self Assessment scenarios. In addition, there is information on GOV.UK on how a customer can ask for the requirement to file a Self Assessment tax return to be withdrawn if they no longer meet the Self Assessment criteria. This can be done through HMRC’s digital services, via their PTA or by calling HMRC. Customers are also able to use the services of an agent to file their returns. In 2024/25, 59% of the Self Assessment population was represented. HMRC works closely with agent representative bodies to encourage the early filing of returns. HMRC monitors the effectiveness of their communications. Last year, over 90% of customers filed their Self Assessment return on time. The Self Assessment campaign tracking report 2024 to 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-assessment-campaign-tracking-2024-to-2025-report/self-assessment-campaign-tracking-report-2024-to-2025 Late filing penalties incentivise good filing behaviours. They are an important feature of tax administration to encourage taxpayers to meet their obligations and to provide sanctions for those who do not. All customers have the right to appeal against late filing penalties within 30 days of the date of the penalty notice. HMRC will cancel penalties where a customer can demonstrate that they had a reasonable excuse for the failure to file their return on time and the failure was remedied shortly after the reasonable excuse ceased. HMRC will also cancel any late filing penalties when a return is not required, such as where a customer has ceased self-employment or no longer meets the Self Assessment criteria. Penalty notices are issued automatically and therefore all customers who miss the filing deadline will receive a filing penalty. The tables below set out the number of fixed £100 penalties raised for late filing, the daily penalties issued for late filing and the values of late filing penalties paid for each tax year since 2020. Table 1: Fixed £100 penalties raised for late filing Tax YearFixed £100 penalties raised2019/20201,260,0002020/20211,350,0002021/20221,250,0002022/20231,220,0002023/20241,060,000 Table 2: Daily penalties issued for late filing Tax YearDaily penalties raised2019/2020700,0002020/2021770,0002021/2022730,0002022/2023700,0002023/2024660,000 The figures in tables 1 and 2 are rounded to the nearest 10,000, and are correct as of December 2025. Table 3 – Values of late filing penalties paid for each tax year since 2020 Tax year of late submissionValue of Late Filing Penalties Paid (£m)2019/201902020/212092021/221842022/231472023/2482 The figures in table 3 are rounded to the nearest £1m and are correct as of December 2025. Notes for tables 1 – 3:Tax year relates to the year associated with the return, not the year the penalty was issued, e.g. if someone submits their Self Assessment return for the year 2019/20 in 2021, the penalty would be associated with the 2019/20 tax year in the data above.Figures are not final as penalties continue to be charged and collected for previous years.Caution should be applied when comparing across years, as the sum of penalties collected will continue to rise as returns come in and the population grows.It is possible for an individual to receive multiple sets of penalties.Penalties in the tables above include penalties for individuals and for partnerships.Penalty data for the tax year 2024/25 is not yet available as the online return deadline for that tax year is 31 January 2026.

What steps she is taking to ensure that the National Year of Reading leads to improvements in reading enjoyment beyond the campaign period.

The department, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, is leading the National Year of Reading 2026 to tackle declining reading enjoyment. This UK-wide campaign combines a marketing initiative with events in schools, libraries and communities, prioritising boys aged 10 to 16, early years children and families from disadvantaged communities.Grounded in evidence, the campaign uses the “Go All In” branding to help make reading appealing and relevant, particularly for the priority audiences. The campaign’s message, “If you’re into it, read into it”, encourages individuals to explore reading through their passions, whether music, sport, baking, family time, films, sci-fi, or anything else.Activities will take place across the year and includes national events, alongside resources for schools and early years, and library engagement through initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge. The campaign aims for lasting impact by engaging new audiences, making reading relevant, transforming practice, and building infrastructure. An independent evaluation in 2027 will assess its impact and sustainability beyond the campaign year and will assess its influence on reading behaviours and wider impact on the literacy sector.

What recent guidance HMRC has provided to taxpayers on steps to protect themselves from fake or fraudulent messages when submitting the self assessment tax return.

HMRC app users can choose to enable ‘push notifications’ to receive a variety of updates, including payment notifications. At present, this feature operates on an ‘all or nothing’ basis, meaning users cannot select only payment notifications. Since the app launched, over 5.3 million users have opted to enable push notifications, although some may have subsequently chosen to disable them. HMRC regularly shares guidance and updates to help taxpayers stay safe online and protect themselves from scams and fraudulent messages, particularly during the Self Assessment period. They include practical advice and links to relevant materials in their Self Assessment emails, social media content, radio broadcasts, press releases, GOV.UK guidance and through other communication products. For example, the following press releases regarding Self Assessment scams were published in August and December 2025 respectively: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scams-warning-as-self-assessment-customers-targeted https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4800-self-assessment-scams-reported HMRC’s guidance on phishing and scams can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-phishing-and-scams-detailed-information Alongside communications regarding avoiding scams, HMRC also uses a range of communication activity to support customers to file their Self Assessment return on time. This starts with the notice to file issued to all relevant customers in April and with reminders issued directly to customer’s Personal Tax Accounts (PTA) and HMRC app or by letter, email and text. HMRC also encourages customers to file on time through their annual multi channel communications campaign. A wide range of online help and support is available on GOV.UK. This includes guidance notes and help sheets, as well as online webinars and recorded videos on YouTube covering various Self Assessment scenarios. In addition, there is information on GOV.UK on how a customer can ask for the requirement to file a Self Assessment tax return to be withdrawn if they no longer meet the Self Assessment criteria. This can be done through HMRC’s digital services, via their PTA or by calling HMRC. Customers are also able to use the services of an agent to file their returns. In 2024/25, 59% of the Self Assessment population was represented. HMRC works closely with agent representative bodies to encourage the early filing of returns. HMRC monitors the effectiveness of their communications. Last year, over 90% of customers filed their Self Assessment return on time. The Self Assessment campaign tracking report 2024 to 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-assessment-campaign-tracking-2024-to-2025-report/self-assessment-campaign-tracking-report-2024-to-2025 Late filing penalties incentivise good filing behaviours. They are an important feature of tax administration to encourage taxpayers to meet their obligations and to provide sanctions for those who do not. All customers have the right to appeal against late filing penalties within 30 days of the date of the penalty notice. HMRC will cancel penalties where a customer can demonstrate that they had a reasonable excuse for the failure to file their return on time and the failure was remedied shortly after the reasonable excuse ceased. HMRC will also cancel any late filing penalties when a return is not required, such as where a customer has ceased self-employment or no longer meets the Self Assessment criteria. Penalty notices are issued automatically and therefore all customers who miss the filing deadline will receive a filing penalty. The tables below set out the number of fixed £100 penalties raised for late filing, the daily penalties issued for late filing and the values of late filing penalties paid for each tax year since 2020. Table 1: Fixed £100 penalties raised for late filing Tax YearFixed £100 penalties raised2019/20201,260,0002020/20211,350,0002021/20221,250,0002022/20231,220,0002023/20241,060,000 Table 2: Daily penalties issued for late filing Tax YearDaily penalties raised2019/2020700,0002020/2021770,0002021/2022730,0002022/2023700,0002023/2024660,000 The figures in tables 1 and 2 are rounded to the nearest 10,000, and are correct as of December 2025. Table 3 – Values of late filing penalties paid for each tax year since 2020 Tax year of late submissionValue of Late Filing Penalties Paid (£m)2019/201902020/212092021/221842022/231472023/2482 The figures in table 3 are rounded to the nearest £1m and are correct as of December 2025. Notes for tables 1 – 3:Tax year relates to the year associated with the return, not the year the penalty was issued, e.g. if someone submits their Self Assessment return for the year 2019/20 in 2021, the penalty would be associated with the 2019/20 tax year in the data above.Figures are not final as penalties continue to be charged and collected for previous years.Caution should be applied when comparing across years, as the sum of penalties collected will continue to rise as returns come in and the population grows.It is possible for an individual to receive multiple sets of penalties.Penalties in the tables above include penalties for individuals and for partnerships.Penalty data for the tax year 2024/25 is not yet available as the online return deadline for that tax year is 31 January 2026.