Written questions by Shannon.

What research his Department has undertaken on potential links between dementia and depression.

The Department delivers dementia research via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Recently completed NIHR-funded research has found that depression across the life course is associated with an increased risk of dementia, but that this is strongest in mid to late life. Further research is needed to determine whether the strength of this association is due to depression as a risk factor for dementia or the early presentation of neurodegenerative processes.The NIHR is funding the £2.9 million ENHANCE programme, which will develop an app intervention to address risk factors for dementia, including depression, and will test it to see the effects on cognition, risk, quality of life, and affordability. In the long-term, the research will examine health records to see if the app intervention has reduced rates of dementia. NIHR-funded research is also seeking to understand whether compassion focused therapy is an acceptable intervention for people with dementia and depression or anxiety.The NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including dementia. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality. Welcoming applications on dementia to all NIHR programmes enables maximum flexibility both in terms of the amount of research funding a particular area can be awarded, and the type of research that can be funded.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies on park homes of her Department's report entitled The impact of a change in the maximum park home sale commission, published on 16 June 2022.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 44299 on 16 April 2025.

What steps she is taking to improve the safety of pensions.

On State Pensions, we have made a commitment to the Triple Lock for the entirety of this Parliament which will mean the annual spend on people’s State Pensions is forecast to rise by around £31 billion. These rises are only possible because of the tough decisions made in the autumn statement 2024 to keep the public finances on a sustainable footing . Over 12 million pensioners will benefit (over the course of this parliament) with the full yearly rate of the new State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,900. The Pension Schemes Bill, introduced in Parliament on 5 June, will legislate to transform the £2 trillion workplace pensions landscape – with a smaller number of bigger, better governed, better value pension providers investing in a wider range of productive assets, ultimately improving outcomes for savers and our economy. The Bill will also legislate for wider changes, from putting in place a value for money regime for Defined Contribution pensions to the introduction of flexibilities for trustees of well-funded Defined Benefit pension schemes to release surplus back to employers where it is safe to do so, enabling benefits for scheme members. A bedrock of our reforms is the security of members’ benefits and protection of their best interests. The reforms to the existing regime will continue to maintain member protection, with appropriate and adequate safeguards in place underpinned by the role of regulators. This government will work closely with the Pension Protection Fund as the administrator of the Fraud Compensation Fund to ensure that the fraud compensation system is effective and that schemes which have experienced of pension fraud receive fair and timely compensation.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the UK aerospace sector.

The US has committed to reducing tariffs on UK aerospace goods such as engines and similar aircraft parts from the general 10% tariff being applied to all other countries, to 0% - which is expected to come into force by the end of the month. This means the UK is now the only country in the world to be exempt from the 10% on aerospace.This deal is a win for the UK’s world-class aerospace sector which was facing additional 10% tariffs, helping make companies more competitive and allowing them to continue to be at the cutting edge of innovation.

What progress she has made on expanding the use of solar power at train stations.

The government is committed to establishing Great British Energy and significantly increasing the amount of renewable energy generation in the UK by 2030.Network Rail has already installed assets for the generation of renewable energy on the rail estate, including at stations, and is continuing the roll out of new assets.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to incentivise local film makers to produce television in their own parts of the UK.

The Government incentivises television production across the UK through competitive tax reliefs, and generous support for studio infrastructure. Our public service broadcasters are also subject to regional production quotas, which encourage production activity in the nations and regions of the UK.In recognition of the importance of this issue, the Secretary of State has challenged broadcasters and other commissioners to commission and produce more television content outside of London and the South East, with local creatives and producers given more opportunities to tell local stories that reflect the full diversity of people, communities and experiences across the UK. This will ensure that more people see themselves reflected on screen and as part of our national story. We have been clear that broadcasters and producers alike should be providing opportunities to local creatives and members of the local production workforce.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure equal access to healthcare treatments in each English region.

The Department sets national priorities for the National Health Service in England through the 2025 mandate to NHS England, reflecting patients’ priorities to be met across all 42 integrated care boards (ICBs).ICBs are responsible for commissioning most health and care services in England and the National Health Service Act 2006, as amended by the Health Care Act 2022, places duties on ICBs to arrange healthcare services to meet the needs of their local population within available resources and reduce inequalities in access to, and outcomes from, healthcare services.ICBs and NHS providers are accountable to NHS England on the delivery of the mandate and provision healthcare treatments across their populations, with the Department holding NHS England to account on this.

What steps he is taking to improve night-time public transport to support the night-time economy.

The government knows that public transport is vital to keeping communities connected, including at night to support the nighttime economy. The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This funding can be used in whichever way local authorities wish to improve services for passengers, including improving nighttime bus services. Rail services are supported by requirements on train operators to plan services and design timetables to meet both current and future passenger demand, while also ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. The government commitment to public ownership through Great British Railways will also help to deliver a unified system that focuses on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient transport services, whilst also ensuring safety and accessibility. Under public ownership, passenger services can be operated in the interests of passengers, not shareholders, including by helping to improve access to night time services.

What steps she is taking to support cash transactions.

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules ensure cash continues to be a viable method of payment for the millions of people who depend on it and help businesses to continue to accept cash by providing reasonable access to cash deposit facilities. Under the FCA’s regime the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. Assessments are undertaken by LINK, the industry designated coordinating body responsible for conducting cash access assessments. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment to LINK. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website. In circumstances where LINK considers that a community requires additional cash services, the financial services sector will provide a suitable shared solution, such as an ATM, cash deposit service, or shared Banking Hub, for cash users in that community. To ensure appropriate cash access facilities are in place to support communities and businesses across the country, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. These hubs will provide small businesses and individuals with critical cash and in-person banking services. Over 225 banking hubs have been recommended to date and over 150 are already open.

What assessment her Department has made of the uptake of private health insurance over the last five years.

HM Treasury has not made an assessment of the uptake of private health insurance over the last five years. However, the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Lives 2024 survey, published in May 2025, estimated that in 2024, one in seven adults (14%) held private medical insurance, a 1 percentage point increase since 2022.

What steps his Department is taking to tackle the misuse of weight-loss medications; and what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland on this issue.

When prescribing weight-loss drugs, prescribers, whether National Health Service or private, are accountable for their prescribing decisions, and are expected to take account of appropriate national guidance. In addition to the duty of the prescriber, patients themselves must be honest when providing information to a prescriber so that they receive advice and medicines which are appropriate for themIn response to concerns of unsafe prescribing online, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) published updated guidance for online pharmacies. The GPhC, the Care Quality Commission, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have the powers to investigate and take action against rogue prescribers, products, and suppliers, and we are clear they have our full support to crack down on services that putting people in danger.We are committed to continuing to work with the devolved administrations to ensure that medicine regulation is keeping patients safe across the United Kingdom. No discussions specific to the misuse of weight loss drugs have been held between my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and his counterparts in the devolved administrations thus far.

What steps his Department is taking to provide support for older people to complete online job applications.

DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of Jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes. A dedicated offer for older jobseekers provides more tailored support for those affected by additional challenges such as out of date skills or qualifications or those who need help with CVs.Work Coaches and employers are supported by 50 plus Champions who provide a critical layer of support through Jobcentres, to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. Recent examples of personalised activity include 50 plus Job Fairs, Mentoring Circles, peer to peer support, digital awareness sessions and confidence building, including assisting customers with their perceived digital capabilities, from basic IT skills to more complex tasks.Employer and Partnership Teams in Jobcentres also work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers. The Government is reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them progress in their careers. This includes an enhanced focus on skills and careers advice.

What discussions he has had with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on waiting times for ADHD (a) medication and (b) treatment for children.

This Government is committed to working with the Executive to transform its public services and improve outcomes for people living in Northern Ireland, including children. That is why I and other UK Government Ministers regularly engage with Executive Ministers in Northern Ireland, including the Health Minister, to discuss plans to improve public services.However, I also recognise that health is devolved in Northern Ireland and directly tackling waiting lists is a matter for the NI Health Minister and his department. I welcome the recent steps he has taken to improve waiting times. Improving outcomes in Northern Ireland will take time and we will continue to be an active partner and work supportively with the Executive as best we can.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the (a) number and (b) cost of arms length bodies; and what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland on this issue.

The government is conducting a full line-by-line Spending Review which will cover the costs of proposed and existing ALBs to ensure value for money is being delivered for the taxpayer.On 6 April, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced a full review of all UK government arm’s length bodies to drive efficiency and reduce bureaucracy and duplication as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.The review is ongoing. I have not held any ministerial discussions with my devolved counterparts about this review.

How many children have attended state boarding schools in each of the last five years.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The number of children who have attended state boarding schools in each of the last five academic years in England, broken down by school phase type, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/719c18b6-84ce-419b-a84a-08dda25bd6a4.The department publishes information of schools, pupils and their characteristics annually. The latest data can be accessed at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics/2024-25.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the (a) national minimum wage and (b) national living wage for care workers.

Adult social care is a historically low paid sector, and most care workers are paid at or just above the National Living Wage. In 2023/24, approximately 70% of care workers in the independent sector earned within £1 of the National Living Wage.The Government is introducing the first ever Fair Pay Agreement to the adult social care sector so that care professionals are recognised and rewarded for the important work that they do. Fair Pay Agreements will empower worker representatives, employers, and others to negotiate pay, and terms and conditions in a responsible manner. This will help to address the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector, in turn supporting the delivery of high-quality care.

What assessment her Department has made of the number of people on long term sick leave due to stress over the last 12 months.

Data is not available for sickness absence specifically due to stress. The estimated number of people aged 16 to 64 in the UK who had a long-term (4 weeks or more) sickness absence from work due to stress, depression, anxiety and common mental health problems, between January and December 2024 (the latest data available) was 325,000. This represents around 22% of people who had a long-term sickness absence. Source: Annual Population Survey (APS) - unpublished

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of foreign aid since 4 July 2024.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to delivering effective programming. As we reorient our Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget following the decision to shift to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income, we will have an even greater focus on delivering impact - ensuring every pound delivers for the UK taxpayer and the people we support.Effectiveness and value for money are assessed on an ongoing basis as part of embedded processes, and we continue to improve the effectiveness of all UK aid. The FCDO's Programme Operating Framework maximises the impact of aid through consideration of various factors including effectiveness, while programmes undergo an annual review of effectiveness using a results framework. To assess value for money and inform decision-making throughout the programme lifecycle, we use a mix of quantitative data and qualitative information.These are published to the Development Tracker website, as part of our ODA transparency commitments, which further supports aid effectiveness by providing information to inform other donors' spending decisions. Monitoring and evaluation play an important role in understanding the outcomes and impact of our work and we publish a range of outcomes statistics on GOV.UK.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of drugs-related deaths; and what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland on this issue.

The Government is committed to ensuring that anyone with a drug or alcohol problem can access the help and support they need, and we recognise the need for evidenced-based, high-quality treatment, to reduce the number of drug related deaths. Local authorities are responsible for assessing the local need for drug and alcohol prevention and treatment in their area, and for commissioning services to meet those needs. In addition to the Public Health Grant, in 2025/26, the Department is providing a total of £310 million in additional targeted grants to improve drug and alcohol services and recovery support, which includes housing and employment.The Department has an action plan in place to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths, which is currently being reviewed to ensure that it is grounded in the latest understanding of the drivers of drug and alcohol related deaths, and is responding to these. In 2024, the Department published guidance for local authorities and their partnerships on how to review adult drug and alcohol-related deaths and near-fatal overdoses, to prevent future deaths.Alongside the funding allocations, the Department has a range of existing and forthcoming best practice resources and guidance that supports those working in the sector to tailor drug and alcohol treatment services to meet local needs, to improve treatment outcomes. The commissioning quality standard provides guidance to local authorities on how to ensure they have a shared understanding of local need, including the experiences of diverse populations. The commissioning quality standard is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-quality-standard-alcohol-and-drug-services The Department continues to work with all local areas to address unmet needs and drug and alcohol misuse deaths, and to drive improvements in the continuity of care. This includes the Unmet Need Toolkit, which can be used by local areas to assess local need and plan to meet it. As health is a devolved matter, each administration of the United Kingdom takes its own decisions on the provision of treatment and other action to address drug related deaths. Nonetheless, it is important that the four nations work together and share learning to tackle the health harms that drugs pose. This includes through our UK wide legislation to expand access to take home naloxone that has been developed in close partnership with devolved administrations. We will continue to work closely with colleagues in the devolved administrations, to share learning and align our approaches where appropriate.

What steps his Department is taking to help protect UK submarine cables from potential foreign threats.

Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and the Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing their security. This is a whole-of-Government effort including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners. The Strategic Defence Review 2025 underscores the UK's commitment to safeguarding its critical underwater infrastructure; the review designates the Royal Navy to take a leading role in protecting undersea infrastructure. RFA Proteus, the UK’s first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship, is now operational and its leading-edge technology can monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest