Written questions by Brown-Fuller.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of resourcing of information sharing between police forces in stalking cases; and what steps he is taking to improve this process.

The Government is committed to tackling stalking as part of its mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade. While the handling and investigation of cases is an operational matter for policing, it is vital that they have effective information sharing protocols in place between forces. This is important in stalking cases where robustly managing perpetrators and supporting victims as early as possible is essential for reducing harm.To enable this, police forces have information sharing procedures in place underpinned by the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice on information sharing. This helps ensure the timely and lawful sharing of information in stalking cases.To improve the overall police response to violence against women and girls and child sexual abuse, the Home Office has invested £13.1 million funding to launch a new National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP). This funding includes an uplift of nearly £2 million to enable policing to better target these crimes, including through better information sharing.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of recounting experiences during police complaint procedures on (a) victims and (b) survivors of stalking.

This Government recognises the devastating impact stalking can have on victims and survivors, and that they may be retraumatised by recounting their experiences.In submitting a complaint, it can be necessary for a complainant to recount some of the episodes which gave rise to their complaints. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) sets the standards for the handling of police complaints and have issued guidance to support police in acting with sensitivity and using appropriate language when communicating with victims of violence against women and girls.We are committed to taking further action to tackle stalking. That is why we are legislating in the Crime and Policing Bill to issue multi-agency statutory guidance on stalking for agencies (including the police) and announced on 22 October that a specialist barrister has been appointed to lead a review of stalking legislation to ensure it is fit for purpose.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing AI solutions to minimise the need for the police to redact case files shared with the CPS.

Redaction is an important activity ensuring personal and sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. Any criminal justice process must ensure personal data is handled appropriately and lawfully, maintaining victim and witness confidence and public trust.However, we recognise the administrative burden this places on policing at the pre-charge stage, especially for those cases that do not proceed to charge. The Policing Productivity Review estimated that over 200,000 hours could be saved by not redacting cases that do not progress beyond the Crown Prosecution Service.Technology is key to reducing this burden, freeing up officer time for the frontline. For text redaction, automated tools are available on the market, which we understand that the majority of forces have now adopted, or are planning to implement.Audio visual redaction of material such as body worn video, CCTV and audio recordings remains a challenge, as tools rely on more complex AI models and the market is less mature. However, Home Office-funded engagement with forces and suppliers has shown that AI-enabled tools are now available which offer significant time savings on audio visual redaction, used as part of an efficient operational process. In FY 2025/26, the Home Office is funding an initiative to improve policing’s audio visual redaction technology and processes, and we have developed guidance for all forces on how to make audio visual redaction more efficient.We are also committed, working with criminal justice partners, to explore through process change how casefile redaction can be made as proportionate and efficient as possible, and will evaluate the impact of any changes.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of ending the requirement for police to redact casefiles that are passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on (a) response times and (b) victim outcomes.

Redaction is an important activity ensuring personal and sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. Any criminal justice process must ensure personal data is handled appropriately and lawfully, maintaining victim and witness confidence and public trust.However, we recognise the administrative burden this places on policing at the pre-charge stage, especially for those cases that do not proceed to charge. The Policing Productivity Review estimated that over 200,000 hours could be saved by not redacting cases that do not progress beyond the Crown Prosecution Service.Technology is key to reducing this burden, freeing up officer time for the frontline. For text redaction, automated tools are available on the market, which we understand that the majority of forces have now adopted, or are planning to implement.Audio visual redaction of material such as body worn video, CCTV and audio recordings remains a challenge, as tools rely on more complex AI models and the market is less mature. However, Home Office-funded engagement with forces and suppliers has shown that AI-enabled tools are now available which offer significant time savings on audio visual redaction, used as part of an efficient operational process. In FY 2025/26, the Home Office is funding an initiative to improve policing’s audio visual redaction technology and processes, and we have developed guidance for all forces on how to make audio visual redaction more efficient.We are also committed, working with criminal justice partners, to explore through process change how casefile redaction can be made as proportionate and efficient as possible, and will evaluate the impact of any changes.

If he will make it her policy to seek an agreement with the US Government on measures to minimise delays in UK probate cases where the deceased held assets in the US.

Applications for probate for the estate of an individual who died domiciled in England and Wales will normally be dealt with by reference to domestic laws.Where an estate involves foreign assets, the onus is on personal representatives to assess which laws would apply in an individual case, and whether probate would be required in other jurisdictions to administer a cross-border estate.Where it is necessary, private international law rules may need to be exercised to determine which law of succession should apply to the assets applies. These rules are well established and there are no plans to seek an international agreement with individual states.

What assessment he made of the potential impact of the provision of funding for Sizewell C under the regulated asset base model on businesses.

The impact of Sizewell C RAB levies on consumers of the electricity system was considered as part of the business case process. To align with the approach taken for other renewable schemes and minimise distortions, eligible GB based Energy Intensive Industries are exempt from the nuclear RAB policy costs. Analysis shows Sizewell C could create savings of £2 billion a year across the future low-carbon electricity system once operational - leading to cheaper power for consumers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sizewell-c-value-for-money-assessment The Government remains committed to supporting businesses with electricity costs. This includes targeted reliefs and broader efforts to ensure prices remain fair, competitive, and reflective of a well-functioning energy market.

What steps he is taking to (a) increase the number of specialist training posts for UK doctors and (b) remove barriers to practice for UK-trained doctors returning from overseas.

The 10-Year Health Plan, published on 3 July, set out that over the next three years, we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is the greatest need. The plan also sets out that we will work across Government to prioritise United Kingdom medical graduates for foundation training, and to prioritise UK medical graduates and other doctors who have worked in the National Health Service for a significant period for specialty training. We will set out next steps in due course.All medical practitioners wishing to practise in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and must hold a licence to practise. The GMC is statutorily independent of the Government and sets the standards that must be met by domestic and international applicants wishing to be added to its register. This ensures that registrants are safe to practise and that patients receive a high standard of care. Information on the process for joining the GMC’s register and tailored support for international applicants can be found on its website.In 2023, the Department worked with the GMC to amend its legislation, including an updated standard for specialist registration, which has enabled improvements to expedite the process for specialist registration.

What steps he is taking to increase the capacity of NHS dental services in Chichester constituency.

The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Chichester constituency, this is the NHS Sussex ICB.We have asked ICBs to commission extra urgent dental appointments to make sure that patients with urgent dental needs can get the treatment they require. ICBs have been making extra appointments available from 1 April 2025. The NHS Sussex ICB is expected to deliver 26,546 additional urgent dental appointments as part of the scheme.ICBs are recruiting posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.We are committed to reforming the dental contract, with a focus on matching resources to need, improving access, promoting prevention, and rewarding dentists fairly, while enabling the whole dental team to work to the top of their capability. The Government is committed to achieving fundamental contract reform before the end of this Parliament.We recently held a full public consultation on a package of changes to improve access to, and the quality of, NHS dentistry, which will deliver better care for the diverse oral health needs of people across England. The consultation closed on 19 August. The Government is considering the outcomes of the consultation and will publish a response in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to provide additional funding for the Marine Management Organisation.

On 11 June 2025, the Chancellor announced the outcome of the Spending Review 2025. The Spending Review 2025 set departmental budgets until 2028-29 for day-to-day spending, and until 2029-30 for capital investment. Defra is currently conducting business planning, which will set budgets for Arms Length Bodies including the Marine Management Organisation. It is not possible to confirm additional funding for the Marine Management Organisation until this process has concluded.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Marine Management Organisation, (b) Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities and (c) Environment Agency in tackling (i) illegal fishing and (ii) unsustainable fishing practices.

Defra works closely with the Marine Management Organisation, Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities, and other organisations to make sure the appropriate arrangements to enforce fisheries regulations are in place to protect our waters. Building upon the vision for future technologies, outlined by the Government Office for Science, Defra is exploring continually how technology can innovate and enhance fisheries monitoring and surveillance methods to tackle illegal fishing and unsustainable fishing practices. A range of individual evaluations and policy documents regularly published online, such as at the .GOV.UK and IFCA websites, highlight each body's contributions, successes and challenges in these areas.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to cap companies' charges for (a) all customers and (b) the elderly (i) when customers are locked out of their homes, (ii) mechanical failures in the home and (iii) all other domestic emergencies.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, traders are required to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill, and within reasonable time. Traders must also charge a “reasonable price” for services.Otherwise, the prices businesses charge for a service are commercial decisions for them. This encourages businesses to compete, innovate and grow, creating an economy based on productive relationships and fairly won business reputations.Under the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024, traders must take reasonable steps to ensure consumer reviews on their sites are genuine. To help consumersidentify reliable traders, the government supports approved code schemes that provide high standards of customer service and defined routes for redress.

If he will take steps to bring the financial threshold for electing for trial by jury for theft in line with that for charges of criminal damage.

In Part I of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, published July 9, Sir Brian Leveson recommends reclassifying certain triable either-way offences, including theft offences. We will set out our response to this and other aspects of his report in due course.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing appropriately skilled professionals using a competency-based framework to undertake Initial Health Assessments.

Local authorities are responsible for making sure a health assessment of physical, emotional and mental health needs is carried out for every child they look after, regardless of where that child lives. Integrated care boards (ICBs) commission a health provider to undertake initial health assessments (IHAs). The service specification for this service is aligned to the current Children Act 1989 regulations. The regulations for health assessments are set out in the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, the Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations colume 2: care planning, placement and case review and supported within the statutory guidance Promoting the health and wellbeing of looked-after children. Regulation 7(3) of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 states that IHAs are required to be undertaken within twenty days of a child coming into the care of the local authority. The current regulations for the Children Act 1989 state that the IHA should be undertaken by a registered medical practitioner. This is different to a review health assessment, which may be carried out by a registered medical practitioner, or by a registered nurse or registered midwife, under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner, as stated in regulation 7(3). No assessment has been made on the potential merits of allowing additional appropriately skilled professionals using a competency-based framework to undertake IHAs. If IHAs are not happening on time, ICBs are the first line of statutory safeguarding assurance, which includes identifying early warning signs and responding to risks at local levels. NHS England, through ICBs, also undertake annual checks on how safeguarding, and other statutory commitments, are working in practice and across the system. NHS England is working with ICBs to improve the timeliness of IHAs and review health assessments.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take (a) legislative and (b) other steps to reduce levels of (i) environmental planning conditions and (ii) biodiversity net gain requirements to help support horticulture businesses.

The Government has stated its intention to consult on changes to the planning policy framework later this year. On BNG, the Government recently consulted on options to improve the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development. Responses are being analysed, including from Horticulture stakeholders, and the outcome of the consultation will be published in due course.

If he will expand the remit of the Pensions Regulator to include employees whose employers have not made statutory contributions to pensions.

Under the Pensions Act 2008, every employer in the UK must automatically enrol eligible workers into a qualifying workplace pension scheme and pay the correct contributions. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is responsible for maximising employer compliance with the automatic enrolment obligations. Where an employer fails to meet their duties, for example if the employer has not made statutory pension contributions, TPR can investigate, issue compliance and penalty notices, and, in serious cases, pursue criminal prosecution. If an employee has concerns regarding their workplace pension, such as unpaid contributions, they should raise this with their employer in the first instance. An individual can report their employer to TPR if it is not complying with the law and/or make a complaint to The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) who can investigate the complaint and provide a remedy if the employer is found to be at fault. TPO, in collaboration with MoneyHelper and TPR, has published a factsheet for customers about this: Workplace pensions – unpaid pension contributions | The Pensions Ombudsman

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Certificate of Professional Competence scheme.

The Department for Transport, along with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, keep the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) under review to ensure it meets the requirements of drivers and their employers. In December 2024, reforms to the DCPC for drivers operating in the UK only reduced the minimum course length from 7 to 3.5 hours and allowed for more on-line training, providing more flexibility in how and when the training is delivered. In February 2025, the Department introduced the Return to Driving course which makes it easier for some with a valid licence to return to the profession by taking an initial 7-hour course and completing a further 28 hours of training within the next 12 months.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Lifetime ISA price threshold on prospective first-time buyers in Chichester constituency.

Data from the latest UK House Price Index shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values. HMRC commits to publishing all research in their Annual Report and Accounts. The findings from all strands of research on the LISA will be published in due course. The Government keeps all aspects of savings tax policy under review.

Whether she plans to scrap the Certificate of Professional Competence scheme.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) is designed to support road safety and the ensure professionalism of vocational drivers. It is a requirement for UK and EU freight and passenger vehicle licence holders operating within the UK and those travelling to, from or within the European Union, including the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, the Government has no plans to scrap the DCPC.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to improve data processing at the Marine Management Organisation.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is working with Defra and the Government data community to improve the overall data management and governance of all data it holds. This work is guided by the Data Maturity Assessment for Government Framework and underpins the efficiency and quality of data processing by the MMO. More specifically, MMO is currently reviewing its Fisheries data and IT estate, and defining a longer-term strategic vision in order to drive investment in improving services for our customers, and the underpinning data quality which is vital in order to manage fisheries sustainably.

What support his Department provides to bereaved families awaiting coroner's inquests.

The Government is committed to supporting an inquest process which is swift as possible and puts the bereaved at the heart of the process. We recognise the impact of delays on bereaved families and wider systems. However, as coroner services are locally funded and administered, operational issues are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.We will continue to work closely with the Chief Coroner, local authorities and other key partners to reform and deliver a framework for the future development of coroner services across the 74 coroner areas in England and Wales. This work will also take into account the implications of the recently introduced Public Office (Accountability) Bill for the delivery of coroner services and the experience of the bereaved at inquest.