Written questions by Evans.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of alleged errors made by the NHS Business Service Authority on (a) doctors pensions saving statements and (b) the annual allowance.

The Department recognises that the service received by impacted individuals was not acceptable and will negatively impact their personal pension tax affairs. The Department became aware of a calculation error in 2023/24 Pension Savings Statements issued by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on 6 January 2025. NHSBSA is working with the Department and the British Medical Association to understand the impact on individuals, to rectify the issue and provide guidance and support with their next steps.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the British Medical Association on proposals to pay GPs £20 per request for undertaking advice and guidance with hospital specialists.

In the Elective Reform Plan, the Government has proposed a £20 payment to general practitioners (GPs) per advice and guidance request. We expect this to increase the usage of advice and guidance, and help patients receive the care they need in primary and community settings, instead of being added to the elective waiting list. This funding will help deliver up to four million advice requests from GPs in 2025/26, up from 2.4 million in 2023/24, which we expect could increase diversions from elective care from 1.2 million in 2023/24 to two million in 2025/26. We are consulting with the General Practitioners Committee in England, of the British Medical Association, on the 2025/26 GP Contract, and will consider a range of proposed policy changes, including advice and guidance. These will be announced in the usual way following the close of the consultation in 2025.

Whether he has had recent discussions with (a) NHS England and (b) social care providers on increasing opportunities for social prescribing.

The Department and NHS England work closely together to deliver the social prescribing work programme.I met with representatives of the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) on 13 January, a key stakeholder in this field. At the meeting, I confirmed that the Department recognises the value of social prescribing for addressing the wider determinants of health. The NASP shared reports on the evidence for social prescribing and future opportunities for the development of work that they have identified.

What recent discussions he has had with (a) NHS England and (b) social care providers on expanding opportunities for social prescribing.

The Department and NHS England work closely together to deliver the social prescribing work programme.I met with representatives of the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) on 13 January, a key stakeholder in this field. At the meeting, I confirmed that the Department recognises the value of social prescribing for addressing the wider determinants of health. The NASP shared reports on the evidence for social prescribing and future opportunities for the development of work that they have identified.

What estimate his Department has made of the size of the backlog of Remedial Pensions Savings Statements currently outstanding by the NHS Business Services Authority.

The Department understands that approximately 135,000 NHS Pension Scheme members may require a remedial pension savings statement as part of their remedy to the discrimination identified by the McCloud judgment. More than 70,000 statements have been issued to date, with approximately another 60,000 individuals still to be contacted. The Department understands the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) will issue the majority of these by the end of February 2025.The Department became aware of a calculation error in 2023/24 Pension Savings Statements issued by NHSBSA on 6 January 2025, and is working with the NHSBSA to ensure this is quickly rectified.

How many newly qualified GPs have been employed under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme since August 2024.

Information on the number of recently qualified general practitioners (GPs) for which primary care networks are claiming reimbursement via the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) is currently being collated. We are working to verify the data and establish its reliability, which is necessary before any dataset can be published.The Government has delivered an £82 million boost to the ARRS over 2024/25 to enable the recruitment of over 1,000 newly qualified GPs. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has confirmed that recently qualified GPs who are employed via the ARRS will continue to be supported through the scheme in 2025/26.

How many and what proportion of NHS staff have been vaccinated for flu (a) this year and (b) at this stage in the flu cycle in each of the last four years.

The UK Health Security Agency publishes monthly official statistics on flu vaccine coverage for frontline healthcare workers. The second monthly report of the 2024 to 2025 season was published on 19 December 2024, covering the period from 1 September to 30 November 2024, and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-and-covid-19-vaccine-uptake-in-frontline-healthcare-workers-monthly-data-2024-to-2025Data for the previous seasons is also available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/vaccine-uptake#seasonal-flu-vaccine-uptake:-figuresThe following table shows the percentage of seasonal flu vaccine uptake, the survey response rate, and the number of vaccinated people within those who answered the survey, rounded to the nearest hundred, from 2020/21 to 2024/25: 2024/252023/242022/232021/222020/21Percentage uptake32.2%38.5%41.8%52.5%70.6%Survey response rate79%79.8%90.4%82.3%96.1%Number of vaccinated survey responders333,100386,700461,000486,000750,800Notes:the data on the number of vaccinated survey responders is not extrapolated to represent a 100% response rate, as the number of vaccinated people is based on only those who have responded to the survey.the data for 2024/25 is not comparable to previous seasons due to this year’s programme starting four weeks later than previous seasons.the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether he has had recent discussions with NHS England on flu vaccine uptake among staff working in (a) the NHS and (b) social care settings.

The Department works closely with the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England to encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccine. This is supported by a national Get Winter Strong marketing campaign to encourage uptake of the flu vaccine.For the autumn 2024 flu vaccination programme, NHS England has provided a range of resources and tools to support the vaccination offer to frontline health and social care workers. For example, National Health Service payslips were used to encourage eligible colleagues to get their vaccines, as were NHS social media channels, which included videos from spokespeople, including the Chief Nursing Officer for England, and resources and messages have been shared through established frontline health and care worker networks, including unions and representative bodies.There is also a comprehensive range of information leaflets, promotional materials, and other resources to inform members of the public and health care professionals. This includes leaflets translated into over 30 languages, and available in easy read and large print formats, braille, and British Sign Language. These are available at the following link: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.htmlIn addition, improved reporting via NHS England’s Federated Data Platform is providing more detailed regional and integrated care board (ICB) level uptake intelligence than has been possible in previous campaigns. ICBs are being encouraged to work with the highest performing trusts in their region to share best practice and lessons learned, and to provide additional support for those providers where uptake is low. The UKHSA publishes weekly data on flu vaccine uptake in eligible groups, which is available at the following link:www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2024-to-2025-season The following table shows the latest data covering vaccination from 2021/22 up to 5 January 2025, as a percentage and broken down by patient group, and the comparative periods in previous years: Patient group2024/252023/242022/232021/2265-year-olds and over73.8%77.1%78.7%82.5%At risk38.6%40.4%46.7%53.0%Pregnant women33.8%31.0%33.6%39.8%Two-year-olds40.9%43.2%40.4%48.7%Three-year-olds42.5%43.5%42.9%50.7%The data for school aged children and health care worker vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available, respectively, at the following two links: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-vaccine-uptake-in-children-of-school-age-monthly-data-2024-to-2025 www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-and-covid-19-vaccine-uptake-in-frontline-healthcare-workers-monthly-data-2024-to-2025The following table summarises the latest data on vaccination from 2021/22 up to 30 November 2024, for children in primary and secondary school and for health care workers:Cohort2024/252023/242022/232021/22Primary school49.1%48.1%48.0%39.5%Secondary school32.6%29.5%N/A26.2%Health care workers32.2%38.5%41.8%52.5% Adult social care setting vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/monthly-statistics-for-adult-social-care-england#latest-reportThis year there was less time to complete vaccinations as the campaign for all adults, apart from pregnant women, started in early October 2024 rather than in September, as in previous years. This was based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, that it is better to vaccinate closer to when flu circulates because of waning vaccine effectiveness.It should be noted that for most eligible groups, flu vaccination reached the highest levels of uptake ever achieved in the programme during the pandemic, but has dropped back since then in adults.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the level of uptake for the flu vaccine in each of the last four years for which data is available.

The Department works closely with the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England to encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccine. This is supported by a national Get Winter Strong marketing campaign to encourage uptake of the flu vaccine.For the autumn 2024 flu vaccination programme, NHS England has provided a range of resources and tools to support the vaccination offer to frontline health and social care workers. For example, National Health Service payslips were used to encourage eligible colleagues to get their vaccines, as were NHS social media channels, which included videos from spokespeople, including the Chief Nursing Officer for England, and resources and messages have been shared through established frontline health and care worker networks, including unions and representative bodies.There is also a comprehensive range of information leaflets, promotional materials, and other resources to inform members of the public and health care professionals. This includes leaflets translated into over 30 languages, and available in easy read and large print formats, braille, and British Sign Language. These are available at the following link: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.htmlIn addition, improved reporting via NHS England’s Federated Data Platform is providing more detailed regional and integrated care board (ICB) level uptake intelligence than has been possible in previous campaigns. ICBs are being encouraged to work with the highest performing trusts in their region to share best practice and lessons learned, and to provide additional support for those providers where uptake is low. The UKHSA publishes weekly data on flu vaccine uptake in eligible groups, which is available at the following link:www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2024-to-2025-season The following table shows the latest data covering vaccination from 2021/22 up to 5 January 2025, as a percentage and broken down by patient group, and the comparative periods in previous years: Patient group2024/252023/242022/232021/2265-year-olds and over73.8%77.1%78.7%82.5%At risk38.6%40.4%46.7%53.0%Pregnant women33.8%31.0%33.6%39.8%Two-year-olds40.9%43.2%40.4%48.7%Three-year-olds42.5%43.5%42.9%50.7%The data for school aged children and health care worker vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available, respectively, at the following two links: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-vaccine-uptake-in-children-of-school-age-monthly-data-2024-to-2025 www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-and-covid-19-vaccine-uptake-in-frontline-healthcare-workers-monthly-data-2024-to-2025The following table summarises the latest data on vaccination from 2021/22 up to 30 November 2024, for children in primary and secondary school and for health care workers:Cohort2024/252023/242022/232021/22Primary school49.1%48.1%48.0%39.5%Secondary school32.6%29.5%N/A26.2%Health care workers32.2%38.5%41.8%52.5% Adult social care setting vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/monthly-statistics-for-adult-social-care-england#latest-reportThis year there was less time to complete vaccinations as the campaign for all adults, apart from pregnant women, started in early October 2024 rather than in September, as in previous years. This was based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, that it is better to vaccinate closer to when flu circulates because of waning vaccine effectiveness.It should be noted that for most eligible groups, flu vaccination reached the highest levels of uptake ever achieved in the programme during the pandemic, but has dropped back since then in adults.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the levels of the uptake of the flu vaccine.

The Department works closely with the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England to encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccine. This is supported by a national Get Winter Strong marketing campaign to encourage uptake of the flu vaccine.For the autumn 2024 flu vaccination programme, NHS England has provided a range of resources and tools to support the vaccination offer to frontline health and social care workers. For example, National Health Service payslips were used to encourage eligible colleagues to get their vaccines, as were NHS social media channels, which included videos from spokespeople, including the Chief Nursing Officer for England, and resources and messages have been shared through established frontline health and care worker networks, including unions and representative bodies.There is also a comprehensive range of information leaflets, promotional materials, and other resources to inform members of the public and health care professionals. This includes leaflets translated into over 30 languages, and available in easy read and large print formats, braille, and British Sign Language. These are available at the following link: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.htmlIn addition, improved reporting via NHS England’s Federated Data Platform is providing more detailed regional and integrated care board (ICB) level uptake intelligence than has been possible in previous campaigns. ICBs are being encouraged to work with the highest performing trusts in their region to share best practice and lessons learned, and to provide additional support for those providers where uptake is low. The UKHSA publishes weekly data on flu vaccine uptake in eligible groups, which is available at the following link:www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2024-to-2025-season The following table shows the latest data covering vaccination from 2021/22 up to 5 January 2025, as a percentage and broken down by patient group, and the comparative periods in previous years: Patient group2024/252023/242022/232021/2265-year-olds and over73.8%77.1%78.7%82.5%At risk38.6%40.4%46.7%53.0%Pregnant women33.8%31.0%33.6%39.8%Two-year-olds40.9%43.2%40.4%48.7%Three-year-olds42.5%43.5%42.9%50.7%The data for school aged children and health care worker vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available, respectively, at the following two links: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-vaccine-uptake-in-children-of-school-age-monthly-data-2024-to-2025 www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-and-covid-19-vaccine-uptake-in-frontline-healthcare-workers-monthly-data-2024-to-2025The following table summarises the latest data on vaccination from 2021/22 up to 30 November 2024, for children in primary and secondary school and for health care workers:Cohort2024/252023/242022/232021/22Primary school49.1%48.1%48.0%39.5%Secondary school32.6%29.5%N/A26.2%Health care workers32.2%38.5%41.8%52.5% Adult social care setting vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/monthly-statistics-for-adult-social-care-england#latest-reportThis year there was less time to complete vaccinations as the campaign for all adults, apart from pregnant women, started in early October 2024 rather than in September, as in previous years. This was based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, that it is better to vaccinate closer to when flu circulates because of waning vaccine effectiveness.It should be noted that for most eligible groups, flu vaccination reached the highest levels of uptake ever achieved in the programme during the pandemic, but has dropped back since then in adults.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the level of flu vaccine uptake.

The Department works closely with the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England to encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccine. This is supported by a national Get Winter Strong marketing campaign to encourage uptake of the flu vaccine.For the autumn 2024 flu vaccination programme, NHS England has provided a range of resources and tools to support the vaccination offer to frontline health and social care workers. For example, National Health Service payslips were used to encourage eligible colleagues to get their vaccines, as were NHS social media channels, which included videos from spokespeople, including the Chief Nursing Officer for England, and resources and messages have been shared through established frontline health and care worker networks, including unions and representative bodies.There is also a comprehensive range of information leaflets, promotional materials, and other resources to inform members of the public and health care professionals. This includes leaflets translated into over 30 languages, and available in easy read and large print formats, braille, and British Sign Language. These are available at the following link: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.htmlIn addition, improved reporting via NHS England’s Federated Data Platform is providing more detailed regional and integrated care board (ICB) level uptake intelligence than has been possible in previous campaigns. ICBs are being encouraged to work with the highest performing trusts in their region to share best practice and lessons learned, and to provide additional support for those providers where uptake is low. The UKHSA publishes weekly data on flu vaccine uptake in eligible groups, which is available at the following link:www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2024-to-2025-season The following table shows the latest data covering vaccination from 2021/22 up to 5 January 2025, as a percentage and broken down by patient group, and the comparative periods in previous years: Patient group2024/252023/242022/232021/2265-year-olds and over73.8%77.1%78.7%82.5%At risk38.6%40.4%46.7%53.0%Pregnant women33.8%31.0%33.6%39.8%Two-year-olds40.9%43.2%40.4%48.7%Three-year-olds42.5%43.5%42.9%50.7%The data for school aged children and health care worker vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available, respectively, at the following two links: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-vaccine-uptake-in-children-of-school-age-monthly-data-2024-to-2025 www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seasonal-influenza-and-covid-19-vaccine-uptake-in-frontline-healthcare-workers-monthly-data-2024-to-2025The following table summarises the latest data on vaccination from 2021/22 up to 30 November 2024, for children in primary and secondary school and for health care workers:Cohort2024/252023/242022/232021/22Primary school49.1%48.1%48.0%39.5%Secondary school32.6%29.5%N/A26.2%Health care workers32.2%38.5%41.8%52.5% Adult social care setting vaccine uptake is published monthly, and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/monthly-statistics-for-adult-social-care-england#latest-reportThis year there was less time to complete vaccinations as the campaign for all adults, apart from pregnant women, started in early October 2024 rather than in September, as in previous years. This was based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, that it is better to vaccinate closer to when flu circulates because of waning vaccine effectiveness.It should be noted that for most eligible groups, flu vaccination reached the highest levels of uptake ever achieved in the programme during the pandemic, but has dropped back since then in adults.

What estimate his Department has made of the percentage of funding announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 that will be allocated by NHS bodies to fund increases in National Insurance Contributions.

We have taken necessary decisions to fix the foundations in the public finances at the Autumn Budget, and this enabled the Spending Review settlement of a £22.6 billion increase in resource spending for the Department, from 2023/24 outturn to 2025/26.The Budget announced the increase to the National Insurance contribution, but additional funding will be agreed with HM Treasury for 2025/26 separately, which is not included in the £22.6 billion increase.The Employer National Insurance rise will be implemented in April 2025, with the Department setting out further details on allocation of funding in due course, including through planning guidance.

Whether he plans to continue to support the TRANSFORM prostate cancer screening trial.

Research is crucial in tackling cancer, and the Government is strongly committed to supporting research into cancer. The Department spends £1.5 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with cancer being the largest area of spend, at over £121.8 million in 2022/23. The NIHR spends more on cancer than any other disease group, reflecting its high priority.The TRANSFORM trial is an important example of prostate cancer research, as a £42 million screening trial which aims to find ways of detecting prostate cancer earlier. Prostate Cancer UK is leading the development of the trial, with the Government contributing £16 million through the NIHR. The TRANSFORM trial will also aim to address some of the inequalities that exist in prostate cancer diagnosis today, ensuring that at least 10% of the men who are invited to participate in the trial are black, to inform a targeted approach for earlier diagnosis.The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including prostate cancer. 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.

What steps his Department plans to take to support (a) hospices, (b) GPs and (c) care homes, in the context of proposed changes to employer National Insurance contributions.

We have taken necessary decisions to fix the foundations in the public finances at the Autumn Budget, which enabled the Spending Review settlement of a £22.6 billion increase in resource spending for the Department from 2023/24 outturn to 2025/26. The employer National Insurance rise will be implemented April 2025, and the Department will set out further details on the allocation of funding for the next year in due course.