Written questions by McMahon.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of ensuring that the social media and online platform income and donations by non-party political activists are published.

Political parties, candidates and third-party campaigners are subject to strict campaign spending limits and transparency requirements at UK elections. Registered third-party campaigners are required to report all forms of donations related to their campaign activity above the relevant thresholds in their spending returns to the Electoral Commission. Electoral law only covers donations given specifically for regulated campaign activity; it does not cover general income or revenue, whether from social media platforms or other sources. As set out in our Strategy for Modern Elections, we are taking forward a package of measures to strengthen the rules around political finance, some of which will apply to third-party campaigners.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of arts and culture programmes on reducing and preventing youth crime.

The Ministry of Justice recognises the important role that arts and culture can play in engaging children and supporting positive outcomes.Evidence from the 2025 publication by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, ‘The effects of arts and culture programmes on youth crime: A rapid review’ shows that, whilst the current evidence base is limited, arts and culture programmes can help improve young people’s wellbeing, confidence, relationships and engagement with services. These are all factors associated with a reduced risk of future offending.This year, the Government is providing more than £100 million of investment in Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) across England and Wales, including through the early intervention Turnaround programme. This gives YOTs the flexibility to use and commission arts and culture interventions where they judge this may be most effective in helping a child’s rehabilitation.

Whether her Department are considering introducing a requirement for users to (a) licence and (b) insure (1) e bikes and (2) e scooters.

There are no plans to require the licensing or insurance of e-bikes. A previous detailed review of licensing and insurance for all cyclists (including e-bike users) concluded that the cost and complexity of introducing such a system would far outweigh the benefits. Private e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. Rental e-scooters can only be used as part of the Government’s national rental e-scooter trials, in which e-scooters must be covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy, and users must have at least a provisional driving licence. The Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles, which is likely to include e-scooters, when parliamentary time allows. No decisions on future micromobility legislation have yet been made and we will use evidence from the trials to learn how to effectively and safely regulate them.

What assessment has been made of trends of junior bank account openings and levels of savings for young people since 2015.

Ensuring that individuals have access to appropriate financial services and products is a key Government priority. This is vital for supporting financial resilience and wellbeing and enables people, including young people, to fully participate in the economy. HM Treasury does not hold data on junior current account openings specifically. However, the Money and Pensions Service’s (MaPS) UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing 2020–2030 reports that one in ten 16- to 17-year-olds have no bank account at all. Of those who do have accounts, 30% have never deposited money. Through the Financial Inclusion Strategy, the Government is working with schools and the Money and Pensions Service to improve young people’s financial capability. As part of this, financial education will become compulsory in primary schools in England through a new statutory requirement to teach citizenship. In 2025–26, MaPS will also pilot its Talk, Learn, Do programme, which helps parents have money conversations with their children. The pilot will run through five family hubs and other organisations that support families in England, with the aim of achieving sustainable scale across the UK. The Government is also supportive of industry’s efforts to develop age-appropriate products and services for young people.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Indian and Pakistani counterparts on human rights violations in Kashmir and the potential impact of those violations on its diaspora in the UK.

The UK Government continues to monitor the human rights situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Indian-administered Kashmir. We raise concerns, where we have them, directly with the Governments of India and Pakistan. We have consistently emphasised that any alleged human rights violations should be fully investigated in line with international human rights law. Ministers have also acknowledged the importance of community cohesion in the UK and the sensitivities of diaspora communities affected by developments in the region.

Media and Sport, whether the government has accessed the potential merits of expanding uniformed groups such as scouts, cubs and brownies on levels of skills and confidence among young people and tackling online driven isolation.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport commissioned an independent provider (Ipsos) to conduct an evaluation covering the Uniformed Youth Fund from 2022 to 2025, which was published on 11th September 2025. The research found uniformed youth organisations (UYOs) contribute to the social and emotional development of young people by providing them with structured activities and supportive environments, enhancing young people’s cooperation skills, communication, and confidence.Whilst no assessment has been made of the role of uniformed groups in tackling online isolation, this Government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need. This is a key part of achieving wider government priorities including a healthier, more connected society and ensuring opportunities for all. Rather than treating loneliness as a stand alone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy.

What is being done to improve train driver availability and reduce train cancellations and delays that are caused by a lack of trained staff.

All train operating companies have been asked to complete a seven-point traincrew resourcing proposal as part of their annual business plan. These plans cover staffing levels, recruitment, training, overtime and planning efficiency in order to improve reliability.

What steps she is taking to improve platform advance notice, customer experience and waiting hall overcrowding at London Euston station.

Euston station was designed for a different era and we acknowledge that it needs major investment and modernisation. For the majority of the time the station works, however during times of major disruption, there simply isn’t enough room for passengers and we know this can make for an uncomfortable and unpleasant environment. Network Rail is developing plans for a major upgrade to London Euston station. Making the best use of tax-payer money, we will deliver a brand-new station concourse that’s fit for the future, and offers much better facilities to passengers. Network Rail continue to work with partners to ensure the upgraded station integrates with the new HS2 station, provides enhancements to wider local transport facilities and offers new homes, community, office and retail spaces. Ahead of this, the Journey to a Better Euston programme is helping to improve passenger experience, reduce congestion, and enhance the provision of travel information in the short term. Building on improvements delivered over the last 12 months, which included displaying train and customer information on the station's large screen and upgrading the toilets, further plans include:Establishing a Customer Information Hub to provide clearer and more timely updates to passengers.Upgrading the Assisted Travel Lounge and refurbishing mezzanine seating to improve comfort and accessibility.Implementing an enhanced retail strategy and introducing a new multi-faith room to create a more inclusive environment.Improving visibility and clarity of travel information screens, alongside concourse adjustments to maximise space for passengers.Launching the Team Euston Service Academy to strengthen staff capability and collaboration across industry partners.These measures are designed to improve advance notice of services, alleviate overcrowding, and deliver a better overall experience for all users of London Euston station.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of encouraging the use of school grounds by communities to increase access to sports; and what plans she has to provide funding for upgrades to facilities.

On 4 December, the department launched a new programme, ‘Maximising Value for Pupils’, which will support schools and trusts maximise value from the investment in the school system, so every pound is delivering for children. A key pillar of the programme will be to make the most of financial and physical assets and we have committed to engage schools and trusts to understand how we can best support them to do so.Many schools and trusts are already using their assets for community benefit, which may include making school grounds and facilities available for local sports clubs. We want to ensure this social value is maintained while also supporting opportunities to maximise value from their assets. We are investing almost £3 billion per year by 2034/35 in capital maintenance and renewal to improve the condition of school and college buildings and grounds, rising from £2.4 billion in 2025/26.

What assessment has been made of trends in complaints and compensation payments for unacceptable standards of maternity care since 2015.

As assessment has not been made of the trends in complaints for unacceptable standards of maternity care. The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England is, however, of great concern to the Government.A report published by the National Audit office (NAO) on 17 October 2025 stated that "over the last 20 years the cost of settling claims involving infants and children has increased significantly. Between 2006/07 and 2024/25, the total cost for obstetrics claims involving cerebral palsy or brain damage increased by over £1 billion in real terms, with average compensation for claims settled with damages growing by 305% (from £2.8 million to £11.2 million)”. The report can be viewed at the following link:https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/costs-of-clinical-negligence/#downloadsAs announced in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, David Lock KC is providing expert policy advice on the rising legal costs of clinical negligence and how we can improve patients’ experience of claims, which will inform future policy making in this area. No decisions on policy have been taken at this point, and the Government will provide an update on the work done and next steps in due course.Baroness Amos is leading a rapid, independent investigation into NHS Maternity and Neonatal services to help us understand the systemic issues behind why so many women, babies, and families experience unacceptable care. The investigation will look into the maternity and neonatal system nationally, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of recommendations. This will also include local investigations of maternity and neonatal services in selected trusts.On 9 December, Baroness Amos published reflections on what she has heard so far as part of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, following engagement with women and families. Baroness Amos’ reflections and initial findings can be found at the following link:https://www.matneoinv.org.uk/

If the government has made an assessment of the trends in the range and take up of lifelong learning and evening class courses since 2015.

The government recognises the importance of lifelong learning, funding a range of courses across further education (FE) and higher education (HE) for adult learners.We do not collect data on delivery mechanisms in FE. Part-time and full-time data for HE is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/higher-level-learners-in-england/2023-24.We allow providers the flexibility to decide how to offer provision, including when and how courses should be offered. Provision can be offered in a range of different ways to meet the needs of learners, for example Tailored Learning, primarily non-qualification-based provision tailored to the needs of learners, and which may be delivered in evenings.The Adult Skills Fund fully funds or co-funds courses for eligible adults aged 19 and over from pre-entry to level 3 and supports four statutory entitlements to full funding.We are also introducing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, which will provide greater flexibility for individuals of all ages to study on terms that suit their needs.

What discussions her Department have had with police forces about effective detection and enforcement of crimes where electric bikes are used as a means of offence and escape.

This Government is determined to crack down on snatch theft and other crimes, including those facilitated by mopeds and e-bikes, that make people feel unsafe in our communities.The police have a suite of powers available to them to tackle the illegal use of vehicles including e-bikes and the Government expects police to deploy them appropriately.The Crime and Policing Bill will give police greater powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour involving vehicles including e-bikes, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizure. This will allow police to put an immediate stop to offending.

What estimate her Department has made of the number of (a) police officers (b) PCSOs and (c) support staff remaining on restrictive duties pending an investigation for misconduct in England.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number of police officers and staff currently on restricted duties pending an investigation for misconduct.

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of public service response to support for missing from home dementia patients.

Tackling this issue requires a multi-agency response and co-ordination across a range of policies and operational partners including the health care sector, local authorities and the police.The provision of specific dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). We expect ICBs to commission services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.Many police forces are now participating in the Herbert Protocol, with partner agencies, to assist in locating missing vulnerable people living with dementia. The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme by police forces in partnership with other agencies which encourages carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person, living with dementia, going missing. Carers, family members and friends can complete in advance, a form recording vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc. In the event of a person going missing this information can then easily be provided to the police to assist them in searching for the person, saving valuable time.The Government is harnessing digital technology to transform adult social care, helping people to stay independent in their homes, joining up services and improving the quality of care provided.In January, ministers announced immediate steps the Department is taking to improve adult social care. These reforms build upon progress over the last four years to drive adoption of digital social care records by registered care providers to 80%, from a start point of 41% in December 2021, and to test, scale and evaluate innovative care technologies.In the next year, the Government will set new national standards for care technologies and produce trusted guidance, so that people can confidently buy and use technology which supports them or the people they care for.

Whether she has had discussions with banks on maintaining high street branches to 2030.

The Chancellor and Treasury Ministers regularly engage with banks on a range of issues, including access to banking services. Banking is changing, with many customers benefiting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to high streets and communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. The financial services industry is committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 190 are already open. Government is working closely with industry on this commitment. While decisions on branch provision are commercial decisions for banks themselves, Financial Conduct Authority guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. In the case of closures, firms must show they have considered customer needs and identified potential reasonable alternatives. The FCA also expects engagement with stakeholders at least 12 weeks before closure and firms must ensure that any replacement services are in place before a branch closes. These measures aim to ensure closures are implemented fairly and transparently. As well as bank branches, alternative non-digital options to access everyday banking services include telephone banking and the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers of participating banks to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at thousands of Post Office branches across the UK. Some banks also provide points of access through initiatives such as pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports initiatives which give customers access to in-person banking, as well as digital access.

Whether she plans to further regulate business lending where (a) a private residence is used as security (b) personal guarantees are required as a condition of the loan.

The Government has set out its plans in this area in its small business strategy, ‘Backing Your Business’, published this summer, and in the Government’s reply to the Call for Evidence on SME Finance, published earlier this month. As set out in the Government’s small business strategy, the Government is committed to working with lenders to ensure the appropriate use of personal guarantees. This includes the introduction of a mandatory Code of Conduct for accredited lenders that use the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme, to ensure that personal guarantees under the Scheme are used fairly and transparently. The Government is also working with UK Finance to build on its existing lender commitments to use personal guarantees responsibly, and with the business finance community to help businesses access the right finance on the right terms, including where personal guarantees are involved. More widely, personal guarantees can play a necessary role in business lending, where they may help enable SMEs to access lending that might otherwise not be advanced, or where the price of lending would deter SMEs from accessing finance. This includes cases where a business has limited or no trading history, nor assets for use as collateral to access debt finance. While personal guarantees may be called upon, this does not automatically result in enforcement action, and property repossessions linked to personal guarantees remain rare. The Government will continue to keep the issues relating to personal guarantees under review and promote further transparency around their use.

What assessment has been made of the potential impact on in-patients of charging in hospitals for TV, WiFi and telephone services.

No assessment has been made centrally of the potential impact on in-patients of charging in hospitals for television, WiFi, and telephone services.National Health Service providers are locally responsible for the provision of bedside television and similar services, including the charges for them. If patients do not wish to or are unable to afford the cost of the bedside television, they should still be able to watch the free to view television via their own devices and local hospital Wi-Fi, or in the hospital day rooms or communal areas.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of electoral law governing crypto digital currency donations to UK political parties.

The rules around political donations must be abided by regardless of the type of donation made, which includes cryptoasset donations. Political donations can only be accepted from permissible sources, and the recipients of the donations must make an honest assessment of the value of the donation at the time they receive it. Those who receive political donations from an impermissible or unidentifiable source must return them.The Electoral Commission provides guidance on donations, including for non-standard donations such as those made in cryptocurrencies.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of the UK and Ireland sharing data on revoked British passports to prevent the misuse of the common travel area by travellers transiting to the UK via Ireland.

The UK and Ireland have a close and collaborative working relationship on a range of issues, including migration and border security. That collaboration includes a joint commitment to protect the Common Travel Area from abuse, while preserving the rights of British and Irish citizens.

Whether the Government has considered the potential merits of a national bulk buying energy contract for GP practices in England.

General practices (GPs) are run by independent contractors and are commissioned by integrated care boards to provide National Health Services primary medical services. Decisions around energy contracts are devolved to individual practices.Practices’ arrangements for utilities. such as gas and electricity, vary depending on the basis or terms of each practice’s occupation of its premises. For example, some GPs have flexibility to choose energy contracts, whereas others lease premises inclusive of utilities, or pay a service charge including energy costs, where the landlord or property manager determines the energy suppliers.Where GPs occupy NHS owned estate, GPs may benefit from any centralised energy purchasing initiatives the Government has put in place, such as Supply of Energy 2.