Written questions by Evans.

Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with local councils and building owners on steps to maintain Grade II listed to a robust standard.

The primary responsibility for the upkeep of a listed building rests with its owner. Where an owner fails to maintain a heritage asset, Local Planning Authorities have robust statutory powers to intervene. Our arms length body and statutory advisor for heritage, Historic England, has been in discussion with the Local Government Association regarding undertaking research that looks at both the barriers and opportunities surrounding the use of local authority powers to take action to secure the repair of Listed Buildings when they are being allowed to deteriorate. They also provide advice and guidance to help local authorities and owners with the care of listed buildings.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Urgent Works and Repair Notice process to ensure that the structures of Grade II listed rural public houses are maintained to a robust standard.

No such assessment has been made. Local planning authorities have powers to take action where a designated heritage asset has deteriorated to the extent that its preservation may be at risk. It is for Local Planning Authorities to determine use of their urgent works powers where appropriate. Historic England provides guidance and expert advice to local authorities to support them in using these statutory tools effectively to protect heritage assets at risk.

What conversations he is having with NHS leaders about [i] the future of the PASS system and [ii] the role of digital case management system to support efforts to tackle CVD.

We are aware of the need for robust digital case management systems to identify, monitor, and track individuals who are at risk or are living with cardiovascular disease, including opportunities systems such as the Pedigree and Cascade Screening System may present.To accelerate progress on the Government’s ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next ten years, a new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework will be published in spring. The framework will support consistent, high quality, and equitable care, whilst fostering innovation across the cardiovascular disease pathway.We are engaging with key stakeholders, including National Health Service leaders, on priorities for the modern service frameworks, to support efforts to tackle cardiovascular disease.

If he will assess the role of digital case management CVD prevention systems in supporting efforts to facilitate trends in [i] moving from hospital to community care and [ii] analogue to digital care.

The Government is aware of the need for robust digital case management systems to identify, monitor, and track individuals who are at risk or who are living with cardiovascular disease.As stated in the 10-Year Health Plan, to accelerate progress on the Government’s ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years, a new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework will be published in spring. The framework will support consistent, high quality, and equitable care, whilst fostering innovation across the cardiovascular disease pathway in line with the Government’s three key shifts, from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital.We are engaging with key stakeholders, including National Health Service leaders, on priorities for the modern service framework, such as the role digital case management systems could play to support efforts to tackle cardiovascular disease.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of digital case management systems on tackling CVD.

The Government is aware of the need for robust digital case management systems to identify, monitor, and track individuals who are at risk or who are living with cardiovascular disease.As stated in the 10-Year Health Plan, to accelerate progress on the Government’s ambition to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% in the next 10 years, a new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework will be published in spring. The framework will support consistent, high quality, and equitable care, whilst fostering innovation across the cardiovascular disease pathway in line with the Government’s three key shifts, from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital.We are engaging with key stakeholders, including National Health Service leaders, on priorities for the modern service framework, such as the role digital case management systems could play to support efforts to tackle cardiovascular disease.

What assessment he has made of the compatibility of NHS England's policy of mandatory Advice and Guidance and Elective Single Point of Access with NHS England's Patient Choice Guidance published December 2023.

The policy intention for Advice and Guidance (A&G) and the Elective Single Point of Access (SPoA) model is fully compatible with NHS England’s Patient Choice Guidance, published December 2023. Patients must continue to be offered a choice of provider at the appropriate point in the pathway, and local pathways should be designed to ensure that choice rights operate in practice.The purpose of A&G is to support decision‑making, reduce unnecessary referrals, and deliver more care closer to home. SPoA acts as a single ‘front door’ to support clinical triage to the most appropriate service or outcome, meaning timelier, more joined-up care for patients, without altering patients’ statutory right to choice.NHS England has published system guidance The Elective Single Point of Access: Technical Guidance for 2026/27, which specifies that patients must continue to be offered choice of provider and team at the appropriate point in the pathway when they can make an informed choice. An elective SPoA diagram showing touchpoints of choice is included in the technical guidance annex.

If she will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the impact of business rate costs on the ability of the gym and leisure centre sector to provide services for the health and wellbeing of communities.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To respond to those who are seeing large increases, Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government published information on the effects of the changes to business rates made at Budget 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier#multipliers

What recent discussions she has had with the leisure centre and gym sector on the impact of business rates on the financial sustainability of that sector.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To respond to those who are seeing large increases, Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government published information on the effects of the changes to business rates made at Budget 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier#multipliers

If she will introduce updated guidance for the inclusion of community and independent gym and leisure facilities within RHL relief categories.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To respond to those who are seeing large increases, Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government published information on the effects of the changes to business rates made at Budget 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier#multipliers

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of business rates on the sustainability of the leisure centre and gym sector.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To respond to those who are seeing large increases, Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new tax rates are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government published information on the effects of the changes to business rates made at Budget 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier/effects-of-the-business-rates-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-multipliers-and-high-value-multiplier#multipliers

Innovation and Technology, what recent progress she has made on supporting the development of alternative methodologies to the use of animals in science.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25th November 2025 to Question UIN 91769 https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-17/91769

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the aviculture and caged bird sector on the impact of avian influenza- related restrictions on the operation of that sector.

Defra officials have engaged with the aviculture and caged bird sector, including regional bird clubs and other avicultural organisations, via stakeholder forums and individual discussions as appropriate to understand the impacts of the changes in bird gathering licences on their activities. The Great Britain wild bird and poultry risk levels are reviewed weekly. The avian influenza disease control and prevention measures are kept under regular review and informed by the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice. Defra Ministers regularly meet with APHA on a range of issues including the Government's response to exotic disease outbreaks.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the farming sector on the financial impact of changes in the costs of fertiliser due to the conflict in the Middle East on UK farmers.

Defra recognises the recent increase in fertiliser prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. We are in close contact with domestic fertiliser suppliers and farming unions and are monitoring overall supply to the UK. Defra will continue to engage with industry and farmers to understand potential pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the impact of avian influenza-related restrictions on the operation of the aviculture and caged bird sector will be considered at her next meeting with the APHA.

Defra officials have engaged with the aviculture and caged bird sector, including regional bird clubs and other avicultural organisations, via stakeholder forums and individual discussions as appropriate to understand the impacts of the changes in bird gathering licences on their activities. The Great Britain wild bird and poultry risk levels are reviewed weekly. The avian influenza disease control and prevention measures are kept under regular review and informed by the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice. Defra Ministers regularly meet with APHA on a range of issues including the Government's response to exotic disease outbreaks.

Food and Rural Affairs, what the frequency is of the review process for her Department and the APHA to monitor the impact of avian influenza-related restrictions on the aviculture and caged bird sector.

Defra officials have engaged with the aviculture and caged bird sector, including regional bird clubs and other avicultural organisations, via stakeholder forums and individual discussions as appropriate to understand the impacts of the changes in bird gathering licences on their activities. The Great Britain wild bird and poultry risk levels are reviewed weekly. The avian influenza disease control and prevention measures are kept under regular review and informed by the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice. Defra Ministers regularly meet with APHA on a range of issues including the Government's response to exotic disease outbreaks.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of mental health support for senior leaders in non-clinical NHS roles.

The Department does not hold data on the level of suicides amongst the National Health Service workforce.Data relating to numbers of suicides in England and Wales is published regularly by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). ONS occasionally also publishes ad hoc analysis of suicide numbers by standard occupational classifications. Whilst this data does not allow identification of the employer, such as the NHS, it does present suicide numbers by broad occupation categories. The latest ad hoc publication can be found at the following link:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/adhocs/2726suicidebyoccupationinenglandandwales2023and2024provisionalThere is a wide range of mental health support for all NHS staff. Staff are able to access mental health support through their general practice but can also access support provided by their employer through employee assistance programmes or occupational health. NHS England also offers a range of health and wellbeing resources, including health and wellbeing apps and text support services, and NHS leaders can access the National Staff Mental Health Treatment Service which is available to both clinical and non-clinical staff and is in place to help those with more complex mental health needs. Further information on the National Staff Mental Health Treatment Service is available at the following link:https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/The service is designed to offer confidential support to NHS professionals, who cannot access confidential support locally.NHS England has also published a national suicide prevention toolkit and postvention toolkit to help organisations introduce prevention strategies and support their workforce, both of which are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/working-together-to-prevent-suicide-in-the-nhs/https://www.nhsconfed.org/system/files/2023-03/NHS-employee-suicide-postvention-toolkit.pdf

Whether assessments of trends in the level of provision of mental health support for (a) senior NHS England leaders and (b) wider staff teams as the closure of NHS England is taking place.

NHS England has robust people management infrastructure in place. This includes an annual appraisal process which incorporates risk assessments for all colleagues. There is a broad set of provisions for mental health support which includes an independent external Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Services, and the in-house provision of Mental Health First Aiders.This provision is supplemented by a bespoke well-being programme which was developed and implemented in response to the Government’s announcement regarding the closure of NHS England last year and includes webinars and workshops delivered by external and internal mental health experts, the provision of change management, and stress management interventions and toolkits, including Maximum and Able Futures workplace mental health services.Regular reports, including trend data and insights from the providers of mental health services, are regularly reviewed through routine reviews with the providers of the services and established governance arrangements, including the Health and Safety Committee, to ensure that the provision is meeting existing demand and forecast projections.

What assessment he has made of the trends in the level of (a) staff take-up and (b) trends in staff feedback to the mental health support offered to NHS England staff teams as the closure of NHS England takes place.

In addition to the routine review of mental health services, and specifically the employee assistance and occupational health services which highlight needs of colleagues that are mental health related, the engagement level for both services is tracked. Trends in the level of colleague uptake of services, by type and satisfaction levels, and trends in staff feedback to the mental health support offered to NHS England colleagues is monitored and reviewed through established governance arrangements, including feedback provided from trade union partnerships and staff networks, to ensure that the provision is meeting existing demand and forecast projections.An expert panel has been recently engaged to assess the trends, including the level of colleague uptake and feedback, to make recommendations within the context of the closure of NHS England and potential impact on colleagues. The panel will inform decisions on whether further support for colleagues should be put in place in 2026/27.

What is the frequency of the updates that he is receiving from the Fuel Distribution Association about challenges in the supply chain of heating oil for [i] domestic and [ii] business customers.

The Government is in frequent communication with the UK and Ireland Fuel Distribution Association (UKIFDA) to monitor heating oil supply and pricing. We are aware that some customers are experiencing delays or difficulties in receiving heating oil deliveries; this was due to an increase in demand. This has now reduced, and industry are reporting that demand has returned to the normal level expected for this time of year. The Prime Minister confirmed £53 million of immediate support for those most exposed to changing heating oil prices on Monday 16 March.

What discussions she has had with the road haulage sector on the financial impact of [i] forthcoming changes to fuel duty and [ii] changes in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East on road hauliers.

The Government recognises the key role the haulage sector plays in the UK economy. The Government is taking action to ensure that fuel at the pump remains affordable. At Budget 2025, the Government extended the 5p-per-litre cut for a further five months, until the end of August this year. The Government has also cancelled the increase in line with inflation for 2026/27; instead, rates will only gradually return to early 2022 levels by March 2027.The Government's action on fuel duty will save an average heavy goods vehicle more than £800 in 2026/27 compared to previous plans, and follows an extended period where freezes to fuel duty have resulted in substantial savings for the haulage industry.As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices low at the pump.As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review; and any changes are announced at fiscal events.