Written questions by Robertson.

What steps her Department is taking to provide support for UK mature students.

Data published by Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) on full-time undergraduate higher education (HE) applications for the 2025 admissions cycle shows the overall number of applicants to UK HE is slightly higher than last year, with demand remaining strong.UCAS data from the equal consideration deadline, which was in January, shows applications from mature UK applicants, those aged over 21, are down 6.4% on 2024, and down 21.3% on 2020. However, acceptances at end of cycle are not always reflective of these earlier trends.In 2024, UK domiciled mature applicants were down 15.8% on 2019 at the January deadline but were up 1.3% at end of cycle. Acceptances at end of cycle were up 2.2%. There has been long-term growth in the number of UK domiciled mature acceptances reported at end of cycle between 2006 and 2024. This is shown in the green line in the attachment.Eligible full-time and part-time undergraduate students, including mature students, qualify for up-front fee loans to meet the full costs of their tuition. Full-time students also qualify for partially means-tested loans as a contribution towards their living costs, which are paid at four different rates depending on where a student is living and studying. In addition, vulnerable groups of students who are eligible for benefits, such as lone parents, qualify for higher rates of loans for living costs. Full-time students aged 60 or over on the first day of the first academic year of their course qualify for a single rate fully means-tested loan for living costs.Full-time undergraduate students with adult or child dependants can apply for fully means-tested dependants’ grants.Part-time undergraduate students attending eligible courses also qualify for partially means-tested loans for living costs.Students undertaking postgraduate master’s or doctoral degree courses can apply for loans to help them with fee and course costs.Maximum loans and grants for living and other costs for undergraduates and postgraduates will increase by 3.1% for the 2025/26 academic year with the largest cash increases to means-tested support for students from low-income families.In terms of additional support available, all HE providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) that intend to charge higher level tuition fees must have an Access and Participation Plan (APP) approved by the OfS. APPs articulate how HE providers will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups, including mature students.There are many excellent examples of interventions that show a real commitment to widening access into HE for mature students, but we want the sector to go further. By summer, the department will set out our plan for HE reform and the part we expect providers to play in improving access and outcomes for all under-represented students.Finally, from January 2027, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will transform the student finance system in England. Under the LLE, new learners will be able to access a full entitlement equal to 4 years of full-time tuition. Returning learners who have previously received government support will have a reduced entitlement. This will depend on previous funding received. Learners will be able to use this new entitlement more flexibly than ever before to fund individual modules as well as full courses at levels 4 to 6, regardless of whether they are provided in colleges, universities or independent providers. The government expects to see the LLE being taken advantage of by mature students, those wishing to change career and retrain, or those wanting to move up in their existing career and upskill. Mature students may particularly benefit from the additional flexibility that LLE will bring as they frequently study part-time while combining paid work and other familial and financial commitments.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2025 to Question 28705 on Department for Work and Pensions: Muslim Council of Britain, whether the Minister for Social Security and Disability discussed policy on engaging with the Muslim Council of Britain prior to accepting the invitation to the dinner.

Policy on engaging with the Muslim Council of Britain was not discussed prior to attending this event. This engagement will not be recorded as a ministerial meeting. As the value of hospitality did not surpass the de minimis level, this event will not be recorded in hospitality returns.

What proportion of project licence applications under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were returned to the applicant with a request for additional information to address (a) errors and (b) the absence of essential information in each of the last four years.

The Regulator reports that project licence applications for the last four years had a mean number of 2.55 iterations before granting. The Regulator does not collect data on the number of applications withdrawn, but reports that such occurrences are rare.The Home Office Regulator for animals in science provides comprehensive guidance to project licence applicants and has a thorough and extensive application process; see Guidance at:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6700017e080bdf716392ee63/Guidance_on_the_operation_of_ASPA_-_December_2023.pdfApplicants may not apply for a licence unless they are doing so under an Establishment licence with all the associated requirements of the legislation, have demonstrable funding and can demonstrate appropriate availability of resources as well as having been through a rigorous process of local checks and balances. First time applications to the Regulator are therefore of general high conformity with legal requirements.

What steps he is taking to ensure that funding allocated to the NHS in the Autumn Budget 2024 is being used to (a) boost productivity and (b) reduce waiting times.

My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer allocated an additional £25.7 billion to the National Health Service at the Autumn Statement over this year and the next, which includes over £2 billion for technological and digital transformation to improve productivity, and £1.8 billion to support elective recovery and activity to reduce waiting times.The investment in technology includes the continued expansion of the use of Electronic Patient Records across all NHS trusts to improve care coordination and streamline patient management, and the continued development of the NHS App to enable better patient access to services and information. Combined with a range of other actions, including spreading clinical and operational best practice and reducing temporary staffing, we have committed to delivering a 2% growth in productivity in 2025/26.The £1.8 billion investment will directly support elective recovery and activity in 2024/25. This funding will help the NHS to deliver two million additional operations, scans, and appointments in our first year in Government, the equivalent to 40,000 per week, as a first step towards ensuring that patients can expect to be treated within 18 weeks.Elective funding beyond 2024/25 is being considered and will be announced within the upcoming Spending Review.

What steps his Department is taking to improve discharge rates from mental health hospitals.

The Discharge from Mental Health Inpatient Settings statutory guidance, published in January 2024, provides clarity in relation to how health and care systems can work together to support safe and timely discharge from all mental health inpatient settings and ensure the right support in the community. It includes best practice on how patients and their carers should be involved in discharge planning. The Discharge from Mental Health Inpatient Settings statutory guidance is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/discharge-from-mental-health-inpatient-settings/discharge-from-mental-health-inpatient-settings Under the 2025/26 Planning Guidance, there has been a refocusing of mental health priorities into key areas, which includes improved patient flow through mental health crisis and acute pathways, thereby reducing the average length of stay in adult acute mental health beds. Systems have been asked to prioritise work on the 10 High Impact Actions to improve discharge. This includes a follow up to be carried out with the person by the Community Mental Health Team or Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team at the earliest opportunity and within a maximum of 72 hours of discharge, to ensure the right discharge support is in place.

What steps her Department are making to help reduce the number of businesses that breach visa employment rules.

I refer the Honourable Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I laid before the House on 28 November, titled 'Visa Sponsorship’.

What steps her Department is taking to support pensioners on low incomes in Isle of Wight East constituency.

The last Labour Government lifted over one million pensioners out of poverty, and this Government, despite having to make the tough decisions to deal with our fiscal inheritance, remains committed to giving pensioners the security they deserve in retirement.We are honouring our commitment to the Triple Lock with a 4.1% increase to the basic State Pension and the new State Pension, and we are also increasing the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit by 4.1%. The full yearly rate of the new State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,900 over the course of this parliament whilst the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,500.Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income. We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit. We want to ensure as many people as possible have access to this support and urge pensioners to check their eligibility. Pension Credit will passport them to receive other benefits – including Winter Fuel Payments, help with rent, council tax, fuel bills and a free TV licence for those over 75. That’s why Government is taking significant steps to raise awareness and maximise take-up.Low-income pensioners and others struggling with the cost of living should contact their local council to see what further support may be available to them. They may be able to receive support from energy support programmes or through the Household Support Fund, a scheme providing discretionary support to those most in need towards the cost of essentials, such as food, energy and water.The Government has extended the Household Support Fund in England by a further year, (until 31 March 2026) – with funding of £742 million provided to enable this extension in England, plus additional funding for the devolved Governments to be spent at their discretion, as usual.

What steps she is taking to reduce the proportion of pensioners in financial poverty in Isle of Wight East constituency.

The last Labour Government lifted over one million pensioners out of poverty, and this Government, despite having to make the tough decisions to deal with our fiscal inheritance, remains committed to giving pensioners the security they deserve in retirement.We are honouring our commitment to the Triple Lock with a 4.1% increase to the basic State Pension and the new State Pension, and we are also increasing the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit by 4.1%. The full yearly rate of the new State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,900 over the course of this parliament whilst the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,500.Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income. We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit. We want to ensure as many people as possible have access to this support and urge pensioners to check their eligibility. Pension Credit will passport them to receive other benefits – including Winter Fuel Payments, help with rent, council tax, fuel bills and a free TV licence for those over 75. That’s why Government is taking significant steps to raise awareness and maximise take-up.Low-income pensioners and others struggling with the cost of living should contact their local council to see what further support may be available to them. They may be able to receive support from energy support programmes or through the Household Support Fund, a scheme providing discretionary support to those most in need towards the cost of essentials, such as food, energy and water.The Government has extended the Household Support Fund in England by a further year, (until 31 March 2026) – with funding of £742 million provided to enable this extension in England, plus additional funding for the devolved Governments to be spent at their discretion, as usual.

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of rogue operators who do not observe visa employment rules in the social care sector.

We have seen unacceptable increases in unethical practices and exploitation of international recruits in the adult social care sector. The Code of Practice for International Recruitment sets out high ethical standards and best practice for recruiters and employers to follow to ensure people coming from overseas are treated fairly and provided with the appropriate support.The Department works closely with regulators, local authorities, other departments, and enforcement bodies to share concerns and intelligence about illegal or unethical practices in adult social care. The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority investigates reports of worker exploitation and illegal activity, such as human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, and other labour market offences. The Government is also delivering the legislation for a new flagship Fair Work Agency, ensuring fair and strong employment rights for all.The Home Office has also begun delivery of new measures meaning that any business found guilty of serious employment law breaches, such as failing to comply with National Minimum Wage, will have action taken against them – up to and including having their visa sponsorship licences refused or revoked. The changes will also prohibit sponsors of Skilled Workers from the unethical practice of charging or recovering costs from workers for the cost of sponsoring them.In addition, the Department of Health and Social Care has provided £16 million to regional partnerships this financial year to support them to prevent and respond to unethical practices. This includes support for international recruits to understand their rights and establishing operational processes with regional partnerships to support individuals to switch employers and remain working in the care sector when they have been impacted by their sponsor’s licence being revoked.

What proportion of project licences applied for under the Animal Welfare (Scientific Experiments) Act 1986 were refused in (a) 2021, (b) 2022 and (c) 2023.

Between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025, one application for a project licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 was refused.The Government publishes extensive guidance for the regulated sector on applying for project licences. Applications are internally reviewed by an establishment’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body before being submitted to the regulator for assessment. Home Office Inspectors in the Regulator will only review applications from establishments that fulfil all requirements of the legislation.Applications received by the regulator may be returned to the applicant for clarification and/or amendment before being re-assessed. Applicants may also amend or withdraw an application in response to feedback from the regulator.The structuring of the application process means that the number of applications refused is not an indicator of the robustness of the regulatory regime.

How many and what proportion of officials in her Department can allocate a proportion of their contracted working hours to diversity network activities; what the names of each of those networks are; and what the average time allocated to those activities was.

I refer the Hon Gentlemen to the answer provided by Lord Hanson to question HL1115 on 30 September 2024.

With reference to the Animals in Science Regulation Unit's annual report 2023, published on 17 December 2024, what steps her Department is taking to stop future instances of animals (a) dying and (b) being euthanised as a result of their cages flooding.

The Home Office Regulator expects all establishments licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 that use automatic watering systems for animals to have appropriate fail safes in place. The Regulator publishes standard conditions in the Regulation against which it assesses compliance through audit and reporting (Standard Condition 4: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-operation-of-the-animals-scientific-procedures-act-1986).The Home Office takes failures in these systems, that represent non-compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, seriously. The Home Office regulator reviews each non-compliance case and provides details in its annual report (www.gov.uk/government/publications/animals-in- science-regulation-unit-annual-report-2023). Sanctions are applied in cases of non-compliance to reduce the risk of future non-compliance. Data regarding non-compliances is used to inform the risk-based audit programme.

How many applications for project licences to conduct experiments on animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were refused permission between 30 September 2024 and 1 January 2025.

Between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025, one application for a project licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 was refused.The Government publishes extensive guidance for the regulated sector on applying for project licences. Applications are internally reviewed by an establishment’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body before being submitted to the regulator for assessment. Home Office Inspectors in the Regulator will only review applications from establishments that fulfil all requirements of the legislation.Applications received by the regulator may be returned to the applicant for clarification and/or amendment before being re-assessed. Applicants may also amend or withdraw an application in response to feedback from the regulator.The structuring of the application process means that the number of applications refused is not an indicator of the robustness of the regulatory regime.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the re-introduction of wolves to the wild on biodiversity.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only. No, the Government does not have any plans to make an assessment of the potential impact of the reintroductions of wolves to the wild on biodiversity. Defra has not assessed the potential merits of reintroducing wolves in England and is not aware of any plans to reintroduce them. Wolves are listed on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which means local authorities must licence wolf keeping, and they cannot be released unless into a secure enclosure. Large predators present some significant challenges to the environment around them.These would need to be overcome and managed prior to the consideration of their reintroduction. More evidence is needed on the impact of doing so.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of planned increases in business rates for small retailers.

Against the current fiscal backdrop, the Government is clear that changes to the business rates system should be affordable and sustainable. It is not realistic to continue this support indefinitely. Without any Government intervention, Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief would have ended in April, creating a cliff-edge for businesses.We are providing support for retail, hospitality and leisure properties in the interim period leading up to the new permanent multiplier by providing 40% relief to RHL businesses on their business rates in 2025-26, up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.  For example, we are freezing the small business multiplier and protecting over a million properties from inflationary bill increases.HMT are conducting engagement on future business rate reform and are encouraging stakeholders to provide written evidence prior to March 2025. This will provide any sized retailer to share their concerns directly with HMT.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 12624 on Agriculture: Exports, what (a) trade shows, (b) missions and (c) events ministers have attended.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) offer a compelling programme of trade shows and events to support agriculture exporters to access new markets, build buyer connections and increase their marketing in target countries, all underpinned by our GREAT marketing programme. We also host outward missions of exporters and inward buyer missions, creating as many opportunities as possible for businesses to connect and secure tangible connections and contracts.Minister Jones recently attended 100+ Accelerator Demo Day and Sustainable Innovation Expo as well as the Food and Drink Federation Investment Summit

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2025 to Question 27757 on Department of Health and Social Care: Public Relations, what the purpose of the contract with Mullen Lowe was; which programmes were funded; whether there were key performance indicators; and if he will place a redacted copy of the contract in the House of Commons Library.

Mullen Lowe holds a contract with the Department for a range of marketing services to support the delivery of campaigns. This includes advertising, creative and production, digital partnerships, and public relations services, among others. In the current financial year, this has included delivery of smoking cessation, adult social care recruitment, vaccinations, and early years campaigns.Service level agreements and performance monitoring arrangements are detailed in the contract in pages 82 to 87. Regular performance review meetings are held with Mullen Lowe. A redacted version of the contract is stored on the publicly available contract finder and is available at the following link:https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/3a9662e5-85bd-40b9-83fb-e5a6615d7a05?origin=SearchResults&p=1

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the suspension of USAID on the UK's contribution to aid programmes.

We are currently working to assess the implications of the US funding pause across development sectors, geographic regions and multilateral organisations. We are gathering information and working with other donor partners to share analysis of the pause before making any decisions.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to create any new national parks.

Following the previous Government’s announcement on 29 November 2023, Natural England have undertaken early exploratory work to consider possible approaches to the designation of a new National Park in England. It is important to note that there is no formal application process for National Park or National Landscape (AONB) designation. Natural England takes an evidence-led approach, guided by government policy steers, and any future search will be England-wide.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 February 2025 to Question 25535 on Viral Diseases, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on the number of cases of (a) flu, (b) covid-19, (c) norovirus and (d) respiratory syncytial virus.

The Department has no current plans to undertake an assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on the number of flu, COVID-19, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus cases.The relationship between cold weather and respiratory illness in general, such as exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, is well established in scientific evidence. However, a link from cold snaps, or housing temperature, to respiratory infections does not have the same evidential base.Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/surveillance-of-influenza-and-other-seasonal-respiratory-viruses-in-the-uk-winter-2023-to-2024/surveillance-of-influenza-and-other-seasonal-respiratory-viruses-in-the-uk-winter-2023-to-2024