Written questions by Wrigley.

Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on using (a) nature-based solutions, (b) salt-marshes and (c) mussel-farming to help reduce pollution in estuaries.

Natural England (NE) has been working with partner organisations such as the Environment Agency (EA) on a range of projects using nature-based solutions to deliver restoration of our estuaries, coasts and inshore marine habitats, including developing guidance for how this could best be undertaken. The Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) initiative led by the EA has published a range of useful guidance reports and restoration handbooks on restoring saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster habitats in estuaries and coasts. The reports help explain the wider benefits that these nature-based approaches have both for nature recovery and healthy ecosystems. A recent report sets out our current knowledge on natural estuary and coastal flood management. These guides are supported by maps showing potential locations for restoration. The guides describe the wider benefits to local communities from restoring these habitats, including helping improve water quality. NE has also published evidence on where restoration would be possible for some of our most threatened and declining marine habitats through the Marine Restoration Potential (MaRePo) and MaRePo+ projects. In the Solent, we are aware of a project where oysters are being used as a nature-based solution to improve water quality. NE and Defra are part of a project which released 2000 oysters in 2024. There are some studies overseas that look at the use of mussels to help improve marine water quality although we are not aware of published guidance for UK waters. Defra published guidanceon how nature-based solutions may reduce flooding and provide the additional benefit of improving water quality. The EA published guidance on innovative permitting to water companies to enourage them to trial innovative wastewater treatment schemes using nature-based solutions.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with the Environment Agency to tackle the flow of pollution from the River Teign into (a) bathing waters and (b) high-priority nature sites.

For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas. The Water (Special Measures) Bill will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water also giving regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action on water companies not delivering for customers and the environment As part of the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, by 2035, water companies will improve all storm overflows discharging near every designated bathing water, as well as improving overflows On 12 November 2024, Defra, with the Welsh Government, announced a consultation on potential reforms to The Bathing Water Regulations 2013. We are currently analysing responses to the Consultation and will publish a response in due course. This year, six additional freshwater sites along the River Teign are being monitored by the Environment Agency for microbiological water quality during the bathing water season. Additional monitoring will also continue at Teignmouth Back Beach following a sewage misconnection to surface water drainage in this area. In addition, Shaldon is a priority bathing water with an Action Plan for 2025 In the next investment cycle (2025-2030) there are plans for investigations to reduce storm overflows and improve permitted discharges, and improvements, including to reduce storm overflows.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of reports of a recent increase in profit for private parking companies.

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on trends in the turnover of private car parking companies.

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on trends in the number of private car parking sites.

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of trends in the level of fines from the private parking regulator.

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the turnover of private parking companies who have a profit model based on parking charge notices given.

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the government code in due course.I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

If she will hold discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency on the potential implications for their policy on the provision of data to private parking companies of trends in the number of faulty private parking machines.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) would not be aware of appeals made by those in receipt of a private parking penalty or the reasons for them. Appeals are made to the parking operator with the reason/mitigation according to the circumstances and can be further referred for consideration by an independent appeals service. Therefore, the DVLA has no information on trends relating to faulty private parking machines. The law allows the DVLA to provide vehicle keeper data as a first point of contact to allow alleged parking breaches to be followed up.

Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of regulating private parking charge notices to help ensure they are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

What steps she is taking to tackle (a) age discrimination and (b) ageism in the workplace.

The Government recognises the need to recruit on merit, irrespective of a persons' age. The 2010 Equality Act provides strong protection against direct and indirect age discrimination in employment, rendering it unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on age.The Government acknowledges the key role employers play in helping older individuals to remain in or re-enter the workforce, and the importance of embracing policies conducive to this support. Age diversity within the workforce brings numerous benefits to businesses, in addition to broader advantages such as fresh perspectives and knowledge-sharing.The Department for Work and Pensions, (DWP) is therefore working across government, and through regular engagement with employers, to encourage positive attitudes towards older people.

What steps he is taking to monitor companies responsibilities and duties to their employees.

The Director of Labour Market Enforcement oversees and assesses the work of three enforcement bodies: HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Enforcement Team, DBT’s Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS), and Home Office’s Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). The DLME is required to report annually to both the Business Secretary and the Home Secretary on the scale and nature of labour market (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673236dc0d90eee304badb89/uk-labour-market-enforcement-strategy_2024-25-accessible.pdf) to address it.

What steps she plans to take to support (a) the right to work and (b) financial security for older people.

On 26 November 2024, the Government published the Get Britain Working White Paper which sets out fundamental reforms to employment support to help people into good work and create an inclusive labour market in which everyone can get into and on at work. Increasing the proportion of older people returning to work and staying in work reduces the risk of later life poverty as it increases pensions saving and improves physical and mental wellbeing. On an individual scale it ensures people can fulfil their potential into later life and save towards a financially resilient retirement. The Equality Act 2010 is very clear on the need for employers to recruit the best talent based on merit, irrespective of a person’s age. The Department for Work and Pensions therefore works across government, and through regular engagement with employers to encourage positive attitudes towards older workers. The Department already offers employment support through Jobcentres and tailored one-to-one engagement for eligible over 50s on Universal Credit. Midlife MOT reviews, delivered in Jobcentres across the UK and online also support older people to review their health, finances and skills.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to tackle the decline of wild bird populations.

This Government remains committed to taking action to recover our threatened native species including wild birds. That is why, on the 30 July 2024 the Government announced a review of EIP 23 and the intention to develop a revised EIP to protect and restore the natural environment with delivery information to meet the Environment Act targets. This includes reversing the decline in species and reducing the risk of extinction. Government actions to restore and create more than 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by 2042 will support a wide range of native bird species. In addition, under ELM we have a number of offers to support the management, restoration and creation of grassland habitats that support a range of bird species.

If he will take steps to protect older people from (a) violence, (b) abuse and (c) neglect.

Any form of violence, abuse, or neglect is unacceptable. The Government makes it clear, in the statutory guidance of the Care Act 2014, that local authorities must ensure the adult social care services they commission are safe, effective, and of high quality.Since April 2023, the Care Quality Commission has had a duty to assess local authorities’ delivery of their duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014. The Home Office has provided funding to Hourglass to provide enhanced helpline support for older victims of abuse and a focus on reaching older victims across England and Wales by providing more training to staff in their organisation and external agencies.The Government is also launching an independent commission into adult social care as partof our critical first steps towards delivering a National Care Service. The commission willstart a national conversation about what working age adults, older people, and their families expect from adult social care.

What steps she plans to take to promote and support the active participation of older people in society.

The Government knows that work can help older people play active and fulfilling roles in society, improve physical and mental wellbeing and build towards a financially comfortable retirement. The Department already offers employment support through Jobcentres and tailored one-to-one engagement for eligible over 50s on Universal Credit. Midlife MOT reviews, delivered in Jobcentres across the UK and online also support older people to review their health, finances and skills. Getting more older people who are economically inactive but want to work into employment is crucial to meeting our long-term ambition of an 80 per cent employment rate. Our Get Britain Working White Paper sets out our approach to the employment support system to target and tackle the root causes of unemployment and inactivity and better join up health skills and employment support based on the needs for all, including older people. The Government has also launched an independent review into the role of UK employers in promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces which will run until Summer 2025.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department is taking steps to address funding shortfalls faced by local government in Devon, in the context of the local government reorganisation.

We are providing a significant boost to local authorities in England. The final Local Government Finance Settlement 2025-26, alongside funding announced at the Budget, will deliver over £5 billion of new funding for local services over and above council tax. This includes an additional £2 billion of grant through the Settlement.The final Settlement for 2025-26 therefore makes available over £69 billion for local government, which is a 6.8% cash terms increase on 2024-25. For Devon County Council, this makes available a total of up to £837.2 million in 2025-26. Spending decisions beyond 2025-26 are a matter for the upcoming Spending Review.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support nature-friendly farming.

The Government is supporting farmers to implement nature-friendly farming practices through a range of measures. These include habitat restoration and creation; activities to reduce the impact of invasive non-native species on sites or to address pressures on sensitive areas; improvements in water storage and management; and changes to limit emissions while maintaining agricultural profitability and increasing productivity. These measures will be delivered through the Government’s environmental land management schemes. This Government’s vision is a sector that recognises restoring nature is not in competition with sustainable food production but is essential to it. In the Budget announced in October 2024, the Government committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including £1.8 billion for environmental land management schemes in 2025/26. This is the largest ever budget directed at sustainable food production and nature’s recovery in our country’s history and enables us to keep momentum on the path to a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.

Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to tackle loneliness in rural communities.

This Government is committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural communities. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s current work to tackle loneliness includes supporting a range of organisations through the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online platform for professionals working to reduce loneliness (including those based in rural areas); working to improve the evidence base around loneliness; and providing advice through the Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign’s advice pages.

If she will take steps to tackle (a) violence, (b) abuse and (c) neglect against young people.

The Government is seeking to protect young people against a range of specific harms. We have committed to the creation of a new Young Futures Programme (YFP), which will establish a network of Young Futures Hubs and Young Futures Prevention Partnerships, to intervene earlier to ensure at-risk young people are identified and offered support in a more systematic way, as well as creating more opportunities for young people in their communities, through the provision of mental health and careers support.New Young Futures Prevention Partnerships will bring local partners together to identify vulnerable children at-risk of being drawn into crime, map local youth service provision, and ensure that evidence-based support is provided to those in need.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she plans to take to tackle youth homelessness in Devon.

Homelessness levels are far too high and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including young people. We will look at these issues carefully and will consider youth homelessness as we develop our long-term, cross-government strategy working with Mayors and councils across the country, to get us back on track to ending homelessness.As announced at the Budget on 30 October, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This brings total spend to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26. The Homelessness Prevention Grant is allocated to councils across England based on local homelessness pressures and is used to meet local needs. Councils across Devon will receive £5,731,182 for 2025/26 through the Homelessness Prevention Grant.