Written questions by Robertson.

Whether Rule H1 was developed as part of the Government’s active travel or modal shift objectives; and what steps she took to consult motorcyclist and motorist organisations during drafting.

The previous Government updated the Highway Code in 2022 to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses including the introduction of a hierarchy of road users. This review of the Highway Code was announced as part of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy Safety Review in September 2017. When undertaking the review of The Highway Code the Department for Transport worked closely with representative organisations to seek their views and experiences, including motoring groups. The consultation on the proposed changes ran for 3 months and generated a huge response with nearly 21,000 replies received from a wide range of road users.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113161, whether (a) her Department and (b) the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency collects data on traffic, click-through rates and referral sources for driving examiner applications.

As with any customer who uses the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) services, their data will be retained on record for a period of time. There are, however, Data Protection rules regulating how this data can be used. As stated in the answer to Question 113159, DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. DVSA are aware, however, that driving examiner (DE) vacancies likely attract a significant proportion of approved driving instructors (ADI) via our regular advertising. All DE vacancies are publicly advertised on Civil Service Jobs on GOV.UK. DVSA also uses online jobsites and places posters in driving test centres to publicise roles. DVSA uses the Government Recruitment Service hosted applicant tracking system, through a contract with the Department for Transport. DVSA cannot get details of applicant referral sources from this service. DVSA can collect click-through rates for some areas, such as some forms of advertising.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113159, whether the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency holds contact details for individuals who have previously failed the Approved Driving Instructor Part 3 test; and whether it has assessed the potential merits of using that cohort as a potential recruitment pool for driving examiner vacancies.

As with any customer who uses the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) services, their data will be retained on record for a period of time. There are, however, Data Protection rules regulating how this data can be used. As stated in the answer to Question 113159, DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. DVSA are aware, however, that driving examiner (DE) vacancies likely attract a significant proportion of approved driving instructors (ADI) via our regular advertising. All DE vacancies are publicly advertised on Civil Service Jobs on GOV.UK. DVSA also uses online jobsites and places posters in driving test centres to publicise roles. DVSA uses the Government Recruitment Service hosted applicant tracking system, through a contract with the Department for Transport. DVSA cannot get details of applicant referral sources from this service. DVSA can collect click-through rates for some areas, such as some forms of advertising.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of novel treatments on the unpaid care costs associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that develops recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness. NICE is responsible for the methods and processes that it uses in the development of its recommendations. In developing its recommendations, NICE takes into account all health-related costs and benefits, including health-related benefits to carers, but does not consider wider costs and benefits.NICE is currently developing recommendations for the NHS on whether two new licensed medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease should be routinely funded by the NHS and has not yet published final guidance. NICE’s recommendations on the use of the treatments have been appealed and the appeals are being considered through the established process.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the suitability of the EQ-5D model for assessing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on carer quality of life.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that develops recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness. NICE is responsible for the methods and processes that it uses in the development of its recommendations. In developing its recommendations, NICE takes into account all health-related costs and benefits, including health-related benefits to carers, but does not consider wider costs and benefits.NICE is currently developing recommendations for the NHS on whether two new licensed medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease should be routinely funded by the NHS and has not yet published final guidance. NICE’s recommendations on the use of the treatments have been appealed and the appeals are being considered through the established process.

With reference to paragraph 4.3.17 in his Department's manual entitled National Institute for Health and Care Excellence health technology evaluations: the manual, what would constitute a substantial effect on a carer’s health-related quality of life.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that develops recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness. NICE is responsible for the methods and processes that it uses in the development of its recommendations. In developing its recommendations, NICE takes into account all health-related costs and benefits, including health-related benefits to carers, but does not consider wider costs and benefits.NICE is currently developing recommendations for the NHS on whether two new licensed medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease should be routinely funded by the NHS and has not yet published final guidance. NICE’s recommendations on the use of the treatments have been appealed and the appeals are being considered through the established process.

Whether local highway authorities are eligible for central government funding for bus stop schemes that do not incorporate floating bus stop designs.

The Department is providing all local transport authorities (LTAs) with multi-year consolidated funding settlements, delivering our commitment in the English Devolution White Paper to simplify funding. These consolidated local transport settlements will give LTAs greater freedom and flexibility to make the investment decisions that best impact their local areas. LTAs can therefore use this funding to introduce or upgrade bus stops in their areas if they wish to do so.On 20 November 2025 the Department wrote to local authorities requesting they put on hold certain designs of floating bus stop which require people to board or alight directly from or into a cycle track. This applies to new schemes at the design stage. Local authorities must have regard to the statutory guidance on floating bus stop provision and design published on 26 January and available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/floating-bus-stops-provision-and-design/floating-bus-stops-provision-and-design.

What discussions her Department has had with (a) the Royal National Institute of Blind People, (b) Guide Dogs, and (c) the National Federation of the Blind of the UK on the accessibility of floating bus stop designs.

The Department engages with a wide range of stakeholders in developing policy on street design. My officials and I have met with a range of groups in developing policy on floating bus stops including the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Guide Dogs and the National Federation of the Blind UK.

Whether her Department plans to introduce a single national definition of a fit and proper person for taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

Whether the Government will establish a national database of licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers accessible to licensing authorities.

Since 2023 all licensing authorities have been required to use a national licensing database to facilitate the sharing of information when a taxi or private hire vehicle driver has had a licence refused, suspended or revoked on the grounds of safeguarding, road safety or equality discrimination concerns. The Department for Transport is considering options to reform the regulation of the sector, and as part of this intends to have a national licensing database with the details of every driver, vehicle and private hire vehicle operator licence.

Communities and Local Government, how many meetings (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had with representatives of the hospitality and tourism industry and businesses likely to be impacted by an overnight visitor levy since the 2024 General Election; and how many such meetings took place (i) before the launch of the consultation on 26 November 2025 and (ii) since that date.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 118044 on 10 March 2026.

If she will review the evidential basis for the Colour Assessment Diagnosis test.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) keeps the evidential basis for colour vision testing under regular review. The Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test, developed with City University London, is currently the only advanced colour vision test accepted by the CAA because independent analysis has shown that it, along with anomaloscopes when used correctly, provides 100% sensitivity and specificity. The CAD test is also used by other aviation authorities including the United States’ Federal Aviation Authority, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand. We recognise the importance of this issue for the pilot community and will continue to monitor emerging evidence and international practice carefully. International bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), are also actively examining developments in this area. EASA has commissioned a major research programme on colour vision in aviation, expected to conclude in 2026, which may inform future policy. The Government’s priority remains maintaining the high level of aviation safety expected in the UK.

Whether (a) ministers, (b) advisors, and (c) officials in her Department have held conversations with the European Federation for Transport and Environment since 4 July 2024.

The Department has engaged with Transport and Environment as part of routine stakeholder engagement.

Whether (a) ministers, (b) advisors, and (c) officials in her Department have held conversations with Clean Cities Campaign since 4 July 2024.

The Department has engaged with Clean Cities Campaign as part of routine stakeholder engagement.

What steps her Department is taking to support further education colleges that have unresolved industrial disputes.

Further education colleges, rather than government, are responsible for setting and negotiating terms and conditions and managing their industrial relations.Based on engagement with the sector, we know colleges affected by recent strikes have generally implemented measures to ensure the impact on learners is minimised as far as possible. This has included rearranging classes, providing online learning where possible, and keeping libraries and learning centres open to allow the opportunity for independent study.We encourage colleges to continue to adopt these and other appropriate mitigations where that is necessary. We encourage colleges and unions to remain engaged in open and constructive dialogue for the best interests of staff and students.We all have a shared goal in ensuring our young people gain the best education during this critical transition period, advancing their opportunities and supporting economic growth.

What assessment she has made of the cost to the public purse of industrial disputes in further education colleges.

Further education colleges, rather than government, are responsible for setting and negotiating terms and conditions and managing their industrial relations.Based on engagement with the sector, we know colleges affected by recent strikes have generally implemented measures to ensure the impact on learners is minimised as far as possible. This has included rearranging classes, providing online learning where possible, and keeping libraries and learning centres open to allow the opportunity for independent study.We encourage colleges to continue to adopt these and other appropriate mitigations where that is necessary. We encourage colleges and unions to remain engaged in open and constructive dialogue for the best interests of staff and students.We all have a shared goal in ensuring our young people gain the best education during this critical transition period, advancing their opportunities and supporting economic growth.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of pay disparities between mainland further education colleges and those in island communities on staff recruitment and retention.

The department is taking actions to strengthen the recruitment and retention in further education (FE) colleges across the country, including coastal and island communities, as outlined in the recent Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.Across the spending review period we will provide £1.2 billion of additional investment per year in skills by 2028/2029. This will support colleges to recruit and retain excellent teachers. Delivery of this funding is weighted to account for levels of disadvantage.Our national recruitment campaign promotes careers in FE, and retention payments of up to £6,000 after tax are offered for early career teachers, with higher payments for providers with a higher proportion of disadvantaged learners. Bursaries of up to £31,000 are available for teacher training. With reference to pay, FE colleges, rather than the government, are responsible for setting pay.The department will continue to monitor workforce recruitment and retention trends through the FE Workforce Data Collection.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of (a) recruitment and (b) retention in further education colleges in (i) island and (ii) coastal communities.

The department is taking actions to strengthen the recruitment and retention in further education (FE) colleges across the country, including coastal and island communities, as outlined in the recent Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.Across the spending review period we will provide £1.2 billion of additional investment per year in skills by 2028/2029. This will support colleges to recruit and retain excellent teachers. Delivery of this funding is weighted to account for levels of disadvantage.Our national recruitment campaign promotes careers in FE, and retention payments of up to £6,000 after tax are offered for early career teachers, with higher payments for providers with a higher proportion of disadvantaged learners. Bursaries of up to £31,000 are available for teacher training. With reference to pay, FE colleges, rather than the government, are responsible for setting pay.The department will continue to monitor workforce recruitment and retention trends through the FE Workforce Data Collection.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the further education funding model on workforce planning.

We use the 16 to 19 funding formula to calculate an allocation of funding to each institution, each academic year for 16-19-year-olds. We calculate the basic funding for institutions using lagged student volumes and funding rates, which depend on the size of their students’ study programmes or T Levels.The department issues allocations to institutions each spring setting out how much 16 to 19 funding they will receive in the coming academic year, which can help with planning.The Adult Skills Fund engages adults aged 19 and above and provides the skills and learning they need to equip them for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. The recent move of adult skills to the Department for Work and Pensions provides an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the Adult Skills Fund and progression into the labour market and will help ensure that the skills and employment systems are more fully aligned.Further education providers are able to use this funding to support workforce and other costs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 108458, what measures within the Support for Rail Passenger Services budget line will generate £199 million; and if she will publish a breakdown of the individual initiatives and their estimated savings.

The £199 million efficiencies in the support for Rail Passenger Services line are expected to be delivered mostly from more efficient workforce management, economies of scale as private sector operating companies move into public ownership, and ticketing and retail reform including the creation of a single Great British Railways online retail offer.