Written questions by Wrigley.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35024 on Overseas Trade: Russia, if the Department will publish the licenses issued on trade insurances by UK-based companies with a final destination of Russia.

Between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, the latest period covered by statistic publications covering licensing decisions for Professional and Business Services (PBS) and Individual Financial Services, no licences were issued for insurance services, and 9 licences were issued for PBS. The PBS licences also cover IT consultancy and design services. The Russia Sanctions statutory guidance sets out specific PBS activities which DBT deems likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions and may consider licensing. Pensions and Travel Services are not directly caught under the Russia sanctions. The Russia Sanctions Statutory Guidance outline what goods and services are sanctioned: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on services licences linked to trade sanctions on an annual basis as part of the United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls Annual Report which includes PBS and Individual Financial Services licences. The 2023 Report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-controls-annual-report-2023. The 2024 Annual Report is due to be published before Summer Recess.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce teaching to the test in primary schools to improve pupils' (a) engagement and (b) learning outcomes.

Key stage 2 assessments are essential to check all pupils’ progress in mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. They are also essential to identify any children who may need extra support and prepare them to achieve and thrive at secondary school. The assessments help teachers identify where pupils need more support in comparison to national expectations. They also allow the department to hold schools to account to ensure they support all pupils, regardless of background or prior attainment, to achieve sufficient progress and attainment, helping secure high and rising standards.It is important that schools encourage their pupils to do their best in the tests, however, the department does not recommend that pupils in primary school devote excessive preparation time for the assessment and not at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.Our independent Curriculum and Assessment Review panel have been clear that SATs assessments are an important part of assessing children’s progress throughout primary school, and that the system of primary assessment is currently working well. As the Review moves into its second phase, it will consider how to build on effective systems to support the attainment of all children.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of mandatory SATs on pupil wellbeing and teacher workload; and whether her Department has considered adopting moderated teacher assessments as an alternative.

Key stage 2 assessments are essential to check all pupils’ progress in mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. They are also essential to identify any children who may need extra support and prepare them to achieve and thrive at secondary school. The assessments help teachers identify where pupils need more support in comparison to national expectations. They also allow the department to hold schools to account to ensure they support all pupils, regardless of background or prior attainment, to achieve sufficient progress and attainment, helping secure high and rising standards.It is important that schools encourage their pupils to do their best in the tests, however, the department does not recommend that pupils in primary school devote excessive preparation time for the assessment and not at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.Our independent Curriculum and Assessment Review panel have been clear that SATs assessments are an important part of assessing children’s progress throughout primary school, and that the system of primary assessment is currently working well. As the Review moves into its second phase, it will consider how to build on effective systems to support the attainment of all children.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of including (a) pupil wellbeing and (b) staff retention data in school performance tables.

The department currently publishes school and college performance data on its compare school and college performance service. This service can be accessed at: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/.The department continues to keep the performance measures published on compare school and college performance under review. We draw on a range of data, including school censuses and Individualised Learner Records, and data submitted directly by Awarding Organisations. We carry out extensive validation and quality assurance checks on the data as well as the resulting performance measures.The department is currently consulting on school accountability reform. This includes a proposal to introduce school profiles, an accessible one-stop shop for information on schools, incorporating new Ofsted report cards but also presenting a range of up-to-date performance data and other information that matters to parents, all in one place. We are inviting views on which information we should include on school profiles, which could include, for example, school workforce information or information about pupil wellbeing. The consultation on school accountability reform is inviting responses until 28 April 2025 and can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-accountability-reform.

If he will make an estimate of the potential impact of the EU General Product Safety Regulation on costs to UK businesses (a) before and (b) after the UK left the EU.

The Government is not required to make an assessment of the costs to businesses of the EU GPSR. The UK already enjoys a high level of product safety. The updated GPSR therefore largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating across the UK, and UK businesses will often already be going further than many of these requirements.

What research her Department has conducted on the effectiveness of lighter-touch testing compared to mandatory SATs in assessing pupil progress.

Key stage 2 assessments are essential to check all pupils’ progress in mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. They are also essential to identify any children who may need extra support and prepare them to achieve and thrive at secondary school. The assessments help teachers identify where pupils need more support in comparison to national expectations. They also allow the department to hold schools to account to ensure they support all pupils, regardless of background or prior attainment, to achieve sufficient progress and attainment, helping secure high and rising standards.It is important that schools encourage their pupils to do their best in the tests, however, the department does not recommend that pupils in primary school devote excessive preparation time for the assessment and not at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.Our independent Curriculum and Assessment Review panel have been clear that SATs assessments are an important part of assessing children’s progress throughout primary school, and that the system of primary assessment is currently working well. As the Review moves into its second phase, it will consider how to build on effective systems to support the attainment of all children.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35862 on Beer: Excise Duties, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of variations in (a) beer and (b) other alcohol taxation policy in the (i) UK and (ii) Europe.

A Tax Information and Impact Note was published alongside the changes to alcohol duty announced at Autumn Budget. This is available here: Alcohol Duty uprating - GOV.UKAs with all taxes, the Government keeps alcohol duty rates under review during its Budget process.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 35451 on USA: Defence, what information his Department holds on (a) spending on the procurement of defence-related (i) items and (ii) services from the US and (b) projected defence spending on US (A) goods, (B) services and (C) land rents in the next five years.

The Department does hold information relating to contract duration, spend to date, and total contract value, which could allow for basic modelling. However, information to identify projected spending over the next five years with US suppliers is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Whether her Department has considered replacing Ofsted with a new HM Inspector of Schools with a (a) revised inspection framework and (b) assessments of (i) staff and (ii) pupil wellbeing.

In 2024, Ofsted conducted its Big Listen, which was the largest consultation in its history, receiving more than 20,000 responses. It listened to the views of a wide range of parents, teachers, school leaders and others about the impact of inspection and where change was needed. Ofsted published its ‘Big Listen action monitoring report’ in December 2024 to show what progress it has made in responding to feedback from parents, pupils and education staff and an updated report was published earlier this month. It can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/big-listen-action-monitoring-reports.In February 2025, the department and Ofsted launched public consultations on proposals for a better accountability system. Ofsted’s consultation includes proposals for a revised school inspection framework, with the outcomes of inspection presented in a report card. The report card will cover key areas, including the school’s curriculum and pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Ofsted has proposed a new role of ‘Nominee’, a member of staff who works closely with the inspection team, with the intention of making the inspection event more of a professional dialogue.

What steps her Department is taking to improve the \(a) accuracy and (b) breadth of school performance indicators to ensure they reflect (i) pupil wellbeing and (ii) teacher satisfaction alongside academic outcomes.

The department currently publishes school and college performance data on its compare school and college performance service. This service can be accessed at: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/.The department continues to keep the performance measures published on compare school and college performance under review. We draw on a range of data, including school censuses and Individualised Learner Records, and data submitted directly by Awarding Organisations. We carry out extensive validation and quality assurance checks on the data as well as the resulting performance measures.The department is currently consulting on school accountability reform. This includes a proposal to introduce school profiles, an accessible one-stop shop for information on schools, incorporating new Ofsted report cards but also presenting a range of up-to-date performance data and other information that matters to parents, all in one place. We are inviting views on which information we should include on school profiles, which could include, for example, school workforce information or information about pupil wellbeing. The consultation on school accountability reform is inviting responses until 28 April 2025 and can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-accountability-reform.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the impact of Ofsted inspections on teacher (a) wellbeing and (b) retention in the past five years.

In 2024, Ofsted conducted its Big Listen, which was the largest consultation in its history, receiving more than 20,000 responses. It listened to the views of a wide range of parents, teachers, school leaders and others about the impact of inspection and where change was needed. Ofsted published its ‘Big Listen action monitoring report’ in December 2024 to show what progress it has made in responding to feedback from parents, pupils and education staff and an updated report was published earlier this month. It can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/big-listen-action-monitoring-reports.In February 2025, the department and Ofsted launched public consultations on proposals for a better accountability system. Ofsted’s consultation includes proposals for a revised school inspection framework, with the outcomes of inspection presented in a report card. The report card will cover key areas, including the school’s curriculum and pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Ofsted has proposed a new role of ‘Nominee’, a member of staff who works closely with the inspection team, with the intention of making the inspection event more of a professional dialogue.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure Ofsted inspections place greater emphasis on (a) pupil wellbeing, (b) creative subjects and (c) social development.

In 2024, Ofsted conducted its Big Listen, which was the largest consultation in its history, receiving more than 20,000 responses. It listened to the views of a wide range of parents, teachers, school leaders and others about the impact of inspection and where change was needed. Ofsted published its ‘Big Listen action monitoring report’ in December 2024 to show what progress it has made in responding to feedback from parents, pupils and education staff and an updated report was published earlier this month. It can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/big-listen-action-monitoring-reports.In February 2025, the department and Ofsted launched public consultations on proposals for a better accountability system. Ofsted’s consultation includes proposals for a revised school inspection framework, with the outcomes of inspection presented in a report card. The report card will cover key areas, including the school’s curriculum and pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Ofsted has proposed a new role of ‘Nominee’, a member of staff who works closely with the inspection team, with the intention of making the inspection event more of a professional dialogue.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that independent schools are subject to the same inspection standards as state-funded schools.

The regulatory regime for private schools, as set out in the 2008 Education and Skills Act, is based on compliance with the independent school standards, and failure can lead to a notice to improve, restrictions being placed on school operations or, following long-term or very serious failures, deregistration which requires closure. Private schools do not receive public funding, so are regulated to ensure that they provide a safe and suitable education as required by the independent school standards, whilst being able to operate as independent private businesses.

Food and Rural Affairs, how long a period of notice was given to stakeholders before the closure of SFI.

To ensure fair access, and to avoid the risk of overspend, we could not give any advance notice to avoid creating a sudden increase in the level of demand. Whilst we aim to give notice where possible (and we are aware the application service mentioned this intention of 6 weeks’ notice), there was no requirement in the scheme rules for SFI24 for us to give any notice before we closed applications.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to open capital grants in summer 2025.

The Environmental Land Management standalone Capital Grant will re-open in the summer. Other grant schemes, including Higher Tier Capital Grants and Protection and infrastructure grants are open now.

What estimate he has made of levels of funding available to GPs following (a) the new GP contract for 2025-26 and (b) changes to employer National Insurance contributions.

We have made necessary decisions to fix the foundations of the public finances in the Autumn Budget. Resource spending for the Department will be £22.6 billion more in 2025/26 than in 2023/24, as part of the Spending Review settlement. The employers’ National Insurance rise will be implemented in April 2025. Primary care providers, including general practices, are valued independent contractors who provide almost £20 billion worth of services in the National Health Service. Each year, we consult with each sector both about what services they provide, and the money providers are entitled to in return under their contract. We are investing an additional £889 million in general practice (GP) to reinforce the front door of the NHS, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. We are pleased that the England general practitioners committee of the British Medical Association is supportive of the contract changes.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on the new GP contract.

We have made necessary decisions to fix the foundations of the public finances in the Autumn Budget. Resource spending for the Department will be £22.6 billion more in 2025/26 than in 2023/24, as part of the Spending Review settlement. The employers’ National Insurance rise will be implemented in April 2025. Primary care providers, including general practices, are valued independent contractors who provide almost £20 billion worth of services in the National Health Service. Each year, we consult with each sector both about what services they provide, and the money providers are entitled to in return under their contract. We are investing an additional £889 million in general practice (GP) to reinforce the front door of the NHS, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. We are pleased that the England general practitioners committee of the British Medical Association is supportive of the contract changes.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will report on the (a) financial, (b) environmental and (c) social impact of coastal natural capital resources in Devon.

Defra has not undertaken specific regional surveys on coastal natural capital resources and, therefore, does not hold information on the financial, environmental and social impacts specific to Devon. Defra’s £38 million marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme has explored the state of England’s marine and coastal natural capital resources and the environmental, societal, and economic value they hold. It has delivered evidence, tools and guidance to inform place-based and system-wide decision making. The programme completes at the end of March 2025, with data and reports available later this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's new policy on the Sustainable Farming Incentive, whether he has made an assessment of the availability of private funding to deliver public goods for nature.

The Government is committed to significantly increasing private investment in nature’s recovery. This will not only help meet our environmental targets but will also create opportunities for farmers and land managers to diversify their business revenues through the sale of nature services. Nature markets in the UK are small but growing. We will be consulting on what additional action is needed to strengthen these markets in the coming weeks. Alongside this, in the recent Land Use Framework publication, we announced a Call For Evidence which will seek views on how we can better incentivise private investment in nature from sectors who impact and depend upon our shared natural capital. This will be published later this year.

Communities and Local Government, if she will list the stated legal reasons her predecessor Department withdrew the private parking code of practice in 2022.

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.The previous government introduced the Private Parking Code of Practice in February 2022 but chose to temporarily withdraw the Code following legal challenges brought by the parking industry to review its decisions to cap the levels of parking charges and debt recovery fees.