Written questions by Perteghella.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) introducing a fee waiver for applications for British citizenship for children and (b) reducing the level of fees for such applications.

Where changes to fee legislation are made, Impact Assessments are produced which identify potential impacts resulting from the changes. The most recent Equality Impact Assessment which includes considerations in respect of citizenship fees for children is published here:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2026/44/pdfs/ukia_20260044_en.pdf.Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. From 08 April 2026, the fee for an application to register as a British citizen for individuals under the age of 18 was reduced from £1,214 to £1,000. The reduction aligns with the Government’s commitment to lower financial barriers for children and young adults who are rooted in the UK and who may otherwise face challenges in accessing British nationality.Children seeking to register as a British citizen will have the fee waived if they are able to credibly demonstrate that they cannot afford the fee. In addition, where an application has been made by or on behalf of a child who is looked after by a Local Authority, no fee is payable and it is not necessary for the child’s financial circumstances to be evidenced.Information on eligibility for under-18 Fee Waiver applications can be found on GOV.UK at the link below:Get a citizenship application fee waiver if you’re under 18 - GOV.UK.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a reduced-cost pathway to British citizenship for children who (a) were born in the UK, (b) have resided in the UK for 10 years or more and (c) are in full-time education.

No recent assessment has been made of potential cost reductions for specific cohorts of children applying to register as British citizens.Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. From 08 April 2026, the fee for an application to register as a British citizen for individuals under the age of 18 was reduced from £1,214 to £1,000. The reduction aligns with the Government’s commitment to consider measures to reduce the financial barriers to young adults, who have lived here through their childhood, from accessing British nationality.Children seeking to register as a British citizen will have the fee waived if they are able to credibly demonstrate that they cannot afford the fee. In addition, where an application has been made by or on behalf of a child who is looked after by a Local Authority, no fee is payable and it is not necessary for the child’s financial circumstances to be evidenced.Information on eligibility for under-18 Fee Waiver applications can be found on GOV.UK at the link below:Get a citizenship application fee waiver if you’re under 18 - GOV.UK.

Whether she has made an assessment of the impact of the level of fees for child citizenship registration on access to British citizenship for children (a) born in the UK and (b) raised in the UK to parents with EU settled status.

Where changes to fee legislation are made, Impact Assessments are produced which identify potential impacts resulting from the changes. The most recent Equality Impact Assessment which includes considerations in respect of citizenship fees for children is published here:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2026/44/pdfs/ukia_20260044_en.pdf.Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. From 08 April 2026, the fee for an application to register as a British citizen for individuals under the age of 18 was reduced from £1,214 to £1,000. The reduction aligns with the Government’s commitment to lower financial barriers for children and young adults who are rooted in the UK and who may otherwise face challenges in accessing British nationality.Children seeking to register as a British citizen will have the fee waived if they are able to credibly demonstrate that they cannot afford the fee. In addition, where an application has been made by or on behalf of a child who is looked after by a Local Authority, no fee is payable and it is not necessary for the child’s financial circumstances to be evidenced.Information on eligibility for under-18 Fee Waiver applications can be found on GOV.UK at the link below:Get a citizenship application fee waiver if you’re under 18 - GOV.UK.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of SATs on Y6 pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

Awaiting answer.

What guidance exists for local authorities making permanent school closure decisions during the period before Local Government Reorganisation.

Awaiting answer.

What plans his Department has for a successor to the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4), including (a) a timetable for its introduction and (b) arrangements for the transition between schemes.

The Government has decided not to replace ECO4 when it ends this year. While the scheme has played an important role, it has faced significant challenges, particularly around poor-quality installations. This does not mean reducing support for low-income households. The Warm Homes Plan will provide targeted assistance through public funding and support the workforce to access new opportunities through £15bn of investment. The Government also announced at the Budget an additional £1.5bn in grant-funding for low-income families. To support this transition, ECO4 has been extended until the end of 2026 to enable remediation and minimise disruption to the supply chain.

Communities and Local Government, what legislative measures are being considered to regulate the operation of vape shops within grade-listed or historically significant buildings, including any statutory powers local councils may exercise to prevent occupancy by high-risk commercial tenants.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 120420 on 19 March 2026.

Whether the Modern Service Framework for Palliative and End of Life Care will be supported by a) national accountability mechanisms and (b) sustainable funding to ensure equitable access to high-quality palliative care services.

The Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care will provide a clinically led, evidence-based framework to support sustained improvement in patient and carer outcomes, including reducing both inequality and unwarranted variation. Areas of action will be identified for those commissioning and delivering services with associated performance and outcome metrics to support system accountability. The MSF will seek to embed palliative care and end-of-life care within a strategic commissioning model that is centred on population need.NHS England is working closely with integrated care boards (ICBs) to support more strategic, data‑driven commissioning of palliative care and end-of-life care services. We are asking ICBs to have clear and transparent contractual arrangements in place for commissioned activity across all providers of palliative care, including hospices, to meet population health needs.

What the status is of Warwickshire County Council's request to her Department, submitted on 25 February 2026, for revocation of the Direct Academy Order on Great Alne Primary School; and when her Department plans to respond.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What estimate his Department has made of the cost of missed appointments in (i) Warwickshire and (ii) nationally; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of missed appointments.

The Department has made no formal estimate of the cost of missed appointments in Warwickshire or nationally.However, we’re clear that reducing missed appointments is an important part of improving elective care and making best use of National Health Service capacity to cut waiting times. The Government has committed, in the Elective Reform Plan, to focussed action to reduce missed appointments, including enhancing two-way communication between hospitals and patients, and to use artificial intelligence to predict who will miss appointments, to save up to one million missed appointments. NHS England continues to support the validation of waiting lists, as part of the Government's plans for a more productive and improved approach to elective care which is better for patients. Effective validation helps trusts to understand the true size of their waiting list for better planning and can help avoid missed appointments to reduce overall waiting times.Locally, trusts are also using data‑led approaches to prioritise proactive appointment reminders, making greater use of the NHS App and patient portals, and targeting specialties with higher non‑attendance rates through outpatient improvement work.

What guidance exists for local authorities making permanent school closure decisions during the period before Local Government Reorganisation.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

If he will use the Autumn Budget 2026 to provide long‑term, recurring revenue funding for hospices.

As with all fiscal matters, we cannot pre‑empt the Autumn Budget. Decisions on future funding will be taken through the usual Budget process and will be taken in the context of the wider public finances. The Government recognises the vital role that hospices play in supporting people at the end of life and their families.Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission, including hospice services. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative care and end-of-life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.In addition, the Government has provided significant financial support for the hospice sector, including £125 million of capital funding to improve adult and children and young people’s hospice facilities and £80 million of revenue funding for children and young people’s hospices for three years, from 2026/27 to 2028/29.The Government is developing a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care for England, with a planned publication date of Autumn 2026. Through our MSF, we will closely monitor the shift towards the strategic commissioning of palliative care and end-of-life care services to ensure that services reduce variation in access and quality. We will also consider contracting and commissioning arrangements as part of our MSF.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the British Council in promoting UK soft power through the global dissemination of Shakespeare and related cultural programming.

The British Council plays a crucial role supporting the UK's interests around the world, supported by its work on UK education, as well as its work to promote UK arts and culture, and the English language, including a love of the works of Shakespeare. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing a non-Official Development Assistance uplift of £40 million across the Spending Review period to the British Council, which underlines our continued support for their important work.

Media and Sport, what support is provided, including through the British Council, to UK theatre companies touring Shakespeare productions internationally; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those productions on the UK’s creative exports.

The government provides support for international touring theatre, including Shakespeare productions, primarily through strategic funding delivered by Arts Council England (ACE).ACE's core investment strengthens theatre resilience across England via the National Portfolio Investment Programme. In 2025/26, ACE provided over £112 million to nearly 200 theatres, while total funding to theatre organisations across all programmes reached £276.9 million, helping organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company remain globally competitive.Recent sector analysis shows that theatre contributes around £2.39 billion in GVA and supports over 200,000 jobs, with international activity forming a key part of this footprint. Evidence from Arts Council England’s State of Touring demonstrates that while domestic touring is often loss-making, international touring can generate surplus income, supported by higher fees and guarantees overseas, which helps subsidise UK-based work.Additional touring support includes the Incentivising Touring programme, which offers repayable grants, as well as National Lottery Project Grants for international partnerships.My Department also seeks to address practical barriers for touring professionals through ongoing engagement with international partners.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking with the British Council to expand access to Shakespeare for young people in the UK and overseas, particularly through digital and outreach initiatives.

Shakespeare has no equal for global recognition and influence in English literature and continues to be a source of inspiration for new productions and creations across all artforms and media which the British Council supports and champions globally.The UK Government provides support to the British Council through the grant-in-aid for its arts and culture work, supporting organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. In addition, many Shakespeare organisations receive support through Arts Council England (ACE).The British Council has a number of digital resources available on their website following the major year-long global programme of events on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016, where more than 140 countries took part in the festivities, with people experiencing Shakespeare through film screenings, exhibitions, performances and in schools, alongside a programme of unique online collaborations.

What assessment he has made of the potential strategic risk of UK reliance on foreign technologies for critical defence systems.

The UK recognises the importance of ensuring resilience and choice across our most critical of military capabilities. This reflects the approach to long term national security set out in the Strategic Defence Review: ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design, but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed. The UK continues to invest in sovereign capabilities where they are operationally essential. For example, we are renewing our secure, sovereign satellite communications capability through the SKYNET 6 programme. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will also deliver a sixth-generation combat air capability in partnership with Italy and Japan. The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, including where targeted investments are required to strengthen strategic autonomy. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity.

What steps he is taking to ensure the UK develops sovereign capability in defence systems.

The UK recognises the importance of ensuring resilience and choice across our most critical of military capabilities. This reflects the approach to long term national security set out in the Strategic Defence Review: ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design, but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed. The UK continues to invest in sovereign capabilities where they are operationally essential. For example, we are renewing our secure, sovereign satellite communications capability through the SKYNET 6 programme. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will also deliver a sixth-generation combat air capability in partnership with Italy and Japan. The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, including where targeted investments are required to strengthen strategic autonomy. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity.

What steps he is taking to improve the early diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers.

Improving the early diagnosis of rare cancers, including neuroendocrine cancers, is a priority for the Government. In February, the Government published the first ever National Cancer Plan with a dedicated chapter on rare cancers.The Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners.Neuroendocrine cancers benefit from system‑wide early diagnosis initiatives, including non‑specific symptoms pathways, and expanded diagnostic capacity through community diagnostic centres. NHS England has rolled out non‑specific symptom pathways nationally, designed to support patients whose symptoms do not clearly align with a single urgent cancer referral route, which particularly benefits rarer cancers such as neuroendocrine cancers.NHS England recognises that cross sectional imaging, such as CT and/or MRI scanning in particular, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers. Whilst there is still more work to do, NHS England continues to prioritise and support access to CT/MRI scanning services through targeted capital investment which over the last five years has contributed to a 37% increase in CT scanners and a 33% increase in MRI scanners across the country.In addition to imaging, the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer relies on a combination of biochemical tests, including blood and urine markers, and histopathological confirmation, typically obtained via biopsy. As part of broader efforts to strengthen diagnostic services, NHS England is investing in histopathology modernisation, including automation and digital pathology, to support improvements in diagnostic accuracy, timeliness, and equitable access to high-quality care.The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence's (NICE’s) guideline makes recommendations by site of the suspected cancer that clinicians should use to guide referral for specialist opinion.We will increase access to the best innovative cancer treatments for all. The Cancer Drugs Fund has helped to ensure that, according to industry data, patients in England receive new cancer treatments 50% faster than the European Union average, and it will continue to provide earlier access to promising new treatments. By April 2026, a joint process between NICE and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will boost the speed of decisions on the licensing and appraisal of medicines, so that recommendations for the NHS to fund new drugs can be made faster.Patients with rare cancers will benefit from a move to specialist, multi-disciplinary teams, that cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. The Department is exploring novel procurement routes for diagnostics and treatments for rare cancers, such as advanced market commitments, to stimulate innovation in cancer treatments.Where appropriate, every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. This includes provision of information, empowering people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer. Personalised care ensures that each person’s care is planned holistically, covering mental and physical health as well as any practical or financial concerns. NHS England is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients get access to these interventions ensuring care is focused on what matters most to each person.Cancer Alliances play a key role in transforming care and support for patients, working closely with the wider health and care system.

What steps he is taking to ensure neuroendocrine cancer patients receive appropriate psychological, nutritional, and long‑term follow‑up support.

Improving the early diagnosis of rare cancers, including neuroendocrine cancers, is a priority for the Government. In February, the Government published the first ever National Cancer Plan with a dedicated chapter on rare cancers.The Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners.Neuroendocrine cancers benefit from system‑wide early diagnosis initiatives, including non‑specific symptoms pathways, and expanded diagnostic capacity through community diagnostic centres. NHS England has rolled out non‑specific symptom pathways nationally, designed to support patients whose symptoms do not clearly align with a single urgent cancer referral route, which particularly benefits rarer cancers such as neuroendocrine cancers.NHS England recognises that cross sectional imaging, such as CT and/or MRI scanning in particular, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers. Whilst there is still more work to do, NHS England continues to prioritise and support access to CT/MRI scanning services through targeted capital investment which over the last five years has contributed to a 37% increase in CT scanners and a 33% increase in MRI scanners across the country.In addition to imaging, the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer relies on a combination of biochemical tests, including blood and urine markers, and histopathological confirmation, typically obtained via biopsy. As part of broader efforts to strengthen diagnostic services, NHS England is investing in histopathology modernisation, including automation and digital pathology, to support improvements in diagnostic accuracy, timeliness, and equitable access to high-quality care.The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence's (NICE’s) guideline makes recommendations by site of the suspected cancer that clinicians should use to guide referral for specialist opinion.We will increase access to the best innovative cancer treatments for all. The Cancer Drugs Fund has helped to ensure that, according to industry data, patients in England receive new cancer treatments 50% faster than the European Union average, and it will continue to provide earlier access to promising new treatments. By April 2026, a joint process between NICE and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will boost the speed of decisions on the licensing and appraisal of medicines, so that recommendations for the NHS to fund new drugs can be made faster.Patients with rare cancers will benefit from a move to specialist, multi-disciplinary teams, that cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. The Department is exploring novel procurement routes for diagnostics and treatments for rare cancers, such as advanced market commitments, to stimulate innovation in cancer treatments.Where appropriate, every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. This includes provision of information, empowering people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer. Personalised care ensures that each person’s care is planned holistically, covering mental and physical health as well as any practical or financial concerns. NHS England is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients get access to these interventions ensuring care is focused on what matters most to each person.Cancer Alliances play a key role in transforming care and support for patients, working closely with the wider health and care system.

What steps he is taking to ensure timely patient access to innovative treatments for rare cancers, including neuroendocrine cancers.

Improving the early diagnosis of rare cancers, including neuroendocrine cancers, is a priority for the Government. In February, the Government published the first ever National Cancer Plan with a dedicated chapter on rare cancers.The Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners.Neuroendocrine cancers benefit from system‑wide early diagnosis initiatives, including non‑specific symptoms pathways, and expanded diagnostic capacity through community diagnostic centres. NHS England has rolled out non‑specific symptom pathways nationally, designed to support patients whose symptoms do not clearly align with a single urgent cancer referral route, which particularly benefits rarer cancers such as neuroendocrine cancers.NHS England recognises that cross sectional imaging, such as CT and/or MRI scanning in particular, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers. Whilst there is still more work to do, NHS England continues to prioritise and support access to CT/MRI scanning services through targeted capital investment which over the last five years has contributed to a 37% increase in CT scanners and a 33% increase in MRI scanners across the country.In addition to imaging, the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer relies on a combination of biochemical tests, including blood and urine markers, and histopathological confirmation, typically obtained via biopsy. As part of broader efforts to strengthen diagnostic services, NHS England is investing in histopathology modernisation, including automation and digital pathology, to support improvements in diagnostic accuracy, timeliness, and equitable access to high-quality care.The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence's (NICE’s) guideline makes recommendations by site of the suspected cancer that clinicians should use to guide referral for specialist opinion.We will increase access to the best innovative cancer treatments for all. The Cancer Drugs Fund has helped to ensure that, according to industry data, patients in England receive new cancer treatments 50% faster than the European Union average, and it will continue to provide earlier access to promising new treatments. By April 2026, a joint process between NICE and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will boost the speed of decisions on the licensing and appraisal of medicines, so that recommendations for the NHS to fund new drugs can be made faster.Patients with rare cancers will benefit from a move to specialist, multi-disciplinary teams, that cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. The Department is exploring novel procurement routes for diagnostics and treatments for rare cancers, such as advanced market commitments, to stimulate innovation in cancer treatments.Where appropriate, every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. This includes provision of information, empowering people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer. Personalised care ensures that each person’s care is planned holistically, covering mental and physical health as well as any practical or financial concerns. NHS England is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients get access to these interventions ensuring care is focused on what matters most to each person.Cancer Alliances play a key role in transforming care and support for patients, working closely with the wider health and care system.