Written questions by Onn.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with North East Lincolnshire Council on the closure of Grimsby Central Library.

My Department has held no specific discussions with North East Lincolnshire Council regarding the closure of Grimsby Central Library. In November 2024, the Department agreed a project adjustment request to Grimsby’s Town Deal for the diversion of £3.7m of funding between the Green Energy Hub Project to be located within Grimsby’s central library, and the Freshney Place development. This request was supported by the Council and a quorum of the Towns Fund Board.

What assessment she has made of the consistency of training and professional standards required of security personnel who require a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence and those working in security roles that do not require SIA licensing.

The private security industry plays a crucial role in keeping the public safe and it is critical that there is a high standard of regulatory oversight of the industry. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) provides such oversight by operating the regulatory regime set up by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA).This oversight includes setting minimum standards for mandatory training for roles within scope of the regime, and ensuring individuals seeking to work in designated roles have completed the training required, as well as running criminal record and other checks to ensure that SIA licence holders are ‘fit and proper’ individuals who have the relevant skills and knowledge needed to perform their role.Businesses seeking to supply private security operatives under a contract for services must ensure all their partners, directors, managers and supervisors are licensed by the SIA, as well as any frontline staff who perform certain security roles specified in the PSIA Act 2001 (for example door supervisors and security guards).The SIA is currently conducting a 5-year review of training standards to ensure skills keep pace with emerging threats and will be working closely with experts and the industry on this. The SIA maintains regular engagement with the Home Office throughout this review.Furthermore, the Government remains committed to delivering the intended outcomes of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, including Monitored Recommendations 7 and 8 which relate to licensing of in-house operatives and security businesses. The Home Office launched a 12-week public consultation on 18 December 2025 to help better understand the impact of the proposals for change.The consultation aims to inform proposals that will ensure high quality oversight of the private security industry, while ensuring any new costs and regulatory burdens are proportionate and consider impact on business.

Communities and Local Government, if he take steps though the planned Elections Bill to ensure that individuals convicted of terrorist offences against the United Kingdom at home or abroad are disqualified from standing as candidates in any election.

There are several existing disqualification criteria for standing as a candidate in elections in the UK which relate to criminal offences. For example, the Elections Act 2022 introduced a disqualification order for those convicted of intimidation or abuse of candidates, campaigners or elected office holders. The effect of the disqualification order is a five-year ban from standing for, or holding, elective office, in addition to any standard punishment for the underlying criminal offence. The Government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill, which will extend the disqualification order to offences motivated by hostility towards electoral staff. The Representation of the People Act 1983 also defines corrupt and illegal election practices, for which a convicted person is disqualified for up to five years. Additionally, someone cannot be a Police and Crime Commissioner if they have ever been convicted of an imprisonable offence.

Whether HMRC plans to publish draft guidance for industry on the operation of the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism after spring 2026.

HMRC will publish detailed guidance ahead of 2027. The government recognises such guidance is essential for businesses to prepare for the introduction of the tax and meet the new requirements, effective from 1 January 2027. HMRC will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure the guidance is comprehensive and easy to understand in advance of publication.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of training provider capacity for the Fishmonger Apprenticeship Standard in meeting employer demand.

The Department actively monitors all registered apprenticeship training providers through compliance checks, performance reviews, and inspections to ensure quality standards are met. Where providers fail to meet these requirements, we take appropriate action, which can include applying conditions such as restricting delivery and even termination of agreements and removal from the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). There are currently 4 registered training providers offering the Fishmonger Level 2 apprenticeship standard. The Department manages entry to the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register to ensure that new providers meet a gap in apprenticeship training provision or meet our strategic priorities in areas where we want to grow apprenticeships. Where an employer has provided evidence of a gap in the current apprenticeship training provision through the employer-led gap in provision policy, new training providers may enter the market.

When she plans to update Parliament on future expansions of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, including whether refined petroleum products are under consideration for inclusion.

For the introduction of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in January 2027, the UK has focused on the sectors most at risk of carbon leakage within scope of the UK ETS, and where it is technically feasible to include products in scope.As announced at Budget 2025, the government is considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the CBAM in future.The sectoral scope of the CBAM will be kept under review beyond 2027 as new evidence comes to light to reflect methodological and technological advances.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of levels of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on patient health outcomes.

The Department has made no formal assessment of the potential impact of levels of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) on health outcomes. However, the Department engages routinely with a range of representatives including local and regional pharmacy leads and patient charities to ensure that management strategies are improving access to PERT.The Department is aware of ongoing intermittent supply issues with PERT, including Creon capsules. Supplies of Creon and other licensed alternatives have improved in the past year, and specialist importers have sourced unlicensed stock to assist in covering the remaining gap in the market. We continue to work closely with the manufacturers to resolve the issues as soon as possible and to ensure patients have continuous access to medicines.We have widely disseminated comprehensive guidance to healthcare professionals about these supply issues, which provide advice on how to manage patients whilst there is disruption to supply. This includes serious shortage protocols to limit prescriptions to one month’s supply to ensure equitable distribution of available supplies and that Creon remains available for those patients who need it. The Department has issued additional management advice to healthcare professionals which directs clinicians to consider the unlicensed imports when licensed stock is unavailable and includes actions for integrated care boards to have local mitigation plans in place and implemented to ensure that no patient is left without PERT.

If she will make a comparative assessment of Vehicle Excise Duty rates for motorcycles with cars; and whether she has plans to review the Vehicle Excise Duty framework for motorcycles.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.VED for motorcycles is currently based on engine size. There are four engine size ranges, with the lowest rate applying to zero emission motorcycles and the smallest engines sized 150cc or less (currently £26, and increasing to £27 from 1 April 2026 in line with RPI).The highest rate applies to engines sized 600cc and above (currently £121, and increasing to £125 from 1 April 2026 in line with RPI).The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of digital connectivity for businesses operating in ports, docks and coastal industrial zones.

Network coverage data published by Ofcom does not include specific datasets for ports, docks or coastal industrial zones.The Government recognises that high quality digital connectivity is essential for businesses in the UK, including those operating in ports, docks and coastal industrial zones. This is why our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030, and we have a target to deliver nationwide (99%) gigabit broadband coverage by 2032.Through Project Gigabit, we are delivering fast, reliable broadband to UK premises not included in suppliers' commercial plans.We are also investing in projects across the UK through the 5G Innovation Regions Programme, which aims to increase investment in 5G networks and encourage the adoption of advanced connectivity services in key sectors, including ports and industrial zones.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the legal strength and enforceability of the TA6 seller’s property information form in residential property transactions.

The TA6 Property Information Form is designed and provided by the Law Society. The form itself is not prescribed in legislation, nor subject to regulatory oversight. There are wider requirements, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 for example, that any property information that would help a prospective homebuyer to make an informed decision is not hidden or omitted. Statements made in the TA6 in a conveyancing transaction can be caught by this legislation. Where inaccurate or misleading information is communicated by the seller to the buyer then the buyer may, depending on the circumstances, seek redress through the courts.

What discussions he has had with Evri and other delivery companies on the potential impact of unreliable parcel delivery on small businesses.

The proper functioning of postal services is vital for small businesses. Delivery companies must provide a good service to their customers and reduce the number of lost, delayed or improperly delivered parcels. However, Evri and other delivery companies are independent businesses, the government has no role in their operational decisions.Ofcom is the independent regulator of postal services. Ofcom publishes an annual report summarising its monitoring programme on its website: www.ofcom.org.uk/postal-services/information-for-the-postal-industry/monitoring_reports.

What guidance is currently issued to NHS trusts on post operative assessment following lower limb surgery, and whether this includes consideration of referral to podiatry or orthotics services.

It is recommended that all patients receiving surgery, including lower limb surgery, benefit from a structured perioperative care programme, which includes postoperative assessment as a key component. Our Elective Reform Plan commits to enhancing perioperative care, to reduce cancellations, shorten patients’ length of hospital stay, and minimise postoperative complications. The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, part of NHS England, works with stakeholders to develop standardised best practice pathways for routine surgical procedures. GIRFT, along with a cross-specialty, multidisciplinary working group, has developed guidance on early screening, triaging, risk assessment, and health optimisation in perioperative pathways. This is available on the NHS England website along with further guidance for trusts on perioperative care covering clinical and operational improvement guide. GIRFT has also produced best practice pathways for primary knee and hip replacements. Guidance is offered on best practice from patient presentation through to post-discharge care and follow-up. Podiatry and orthotics referrals are not currently included in the pathways provided. However, GIRFT regularly engages with trusts to help gain insight and understanding into care delivery across England. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, available on their website, include Perioperative Care in Adults guideline, reference code NG180, and orthopaedic standards including joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder guideline, reference code NG157.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of her Department's funding for grassroots football clubs in (a) England, (b) areas of high deprivation and (c) Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency.

The Government is committed to supporting grassroots sport, including football, and ensuring everyone has access to quality sport. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK following the Spending Review.This is on top of an additional £100 million we’re providing through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme through to April 2026. Of the funding, 50% will go to the 30% most deprived local authority areas.Since 2022, grassroots clubs in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes received a total of £1,950,933 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, which funds projects such as goalposts and changing pavilions.The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport in England through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. This includes long term investment in the Football Association which will receive up to £37.9 million for seven years from 2022 to 2029 to support grassroots football clubs.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with packaging manufacturers and distributors on the financial sustainability of Extended Producer Responsibility, and what steps she is taking to reflect the concerns of business in her policy.

The Government has engaged extensively with packaging manufacturers, distributors and representative bodies as part of the development of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. This engagement has included public consultations, technical working groups, bilateral meetings, and ongoing discussions through industry forums. The Government has carefully considered the concerns raised by business. We are aware of industry concerns around producers being charged pEPR disposal fees for the management of packaging that is disposed of in commercial streams. At a roundtable with industry chaired by me on 10 June it was agreed to establish an industry led group to develop approaches to remove dual use packaging that is unlikely to end up in household waste stream from obligation. This work is now well advanced, and my department is carefully reviewing proposed approaches and will seek to balance sectoral ambitions against the operational integrity of the scheme.  We will continue to engage with industry during this process as we seek to establish a final approach.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the frequency of the cancellation of services on the Barton Line; and what steps are being taken to address this.

We recognise that recent performance on the Barton Line has been below what passengers rightly expect. The Department is aware that East Midlands Railway (EMR) is working to improve train performance on this route. To achieve this, EMR: Introduced a revised timetable in December 2025 to reduce the impact of service disruption and delays;is continuing with its major train refurbishments to improve reliability and performance;is continuing to work with Network Rail to address infrastructure and operational issues.

What consideration her Department has made of possible exemptions for health care workers on indefinite leave to remain rules to ensure sufficient staffing levels remain within the NHS.

The earned settlement model is currently subject to a public consultation, running until 12 February 2026. Details of the earned settlement scheme will be finalised following that consultation. The final model will also be subject to an economic impact assessment, which we have committed to publish in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of alterations to indefinite leave to remain rules on NHS staffing levels.

There have been no recent alterations to indefinite leave to remain rules. However, the Government has launched a consultation on proposals to reform the current settlement rules in favour of an “earned settlement” model, that considers factors such as contribution, integration, and conduct. The consultation, which runs until February 2026, seeks views on how these reforms should apply to different groups, including health and care workers. The consultation is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/earned-settlement

What assessment his Department has made of the potential savings to the NHS from reducing the number of failed or repeated prescriptions for the same item.

No specific assessment has been made.As part of providing National Health Service pharmaceutical services, pharmacy contractors are required to dispense all prescriptions reasonably promptly. If there is an issue with a prescription, such as an error on the prescription or duplicate prescriptions, pharmacy teams are expected to raise the issue with the patient and use their professional judgement on how to proceed. This may include referring back to the general practitioner (GP) if the prescription needs to be changed, for example if the product prescribed is not available and the GP needs to consider what alternative would be suitable. If a prescription is not dispensed to the patient, the pharmacy will not be paid for that prescription.Prescribers are responsible for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for monitoring, follow-up, and review of any prescription-only medicines. Prescribers, pharmacies, and patients share responsibility to ensure patients are only receiving the medication they require.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of delays to the renewal of vocational licenses by the DVLA on the finances of professional drivers.

Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days. Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity and automation, higher levels of digital functionality and digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication. The DVLA is also developing an online service for the renewal of vocational licences and this will enable more customers to transact online. Applicants renewing an existing l licence may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing they can meet specific criteria. More information can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that Integrated Care Boards can continue to provide consistent care and support to service users while restructuring processes are ongoing.

As part of our 10-Year Health Plan, integrated care boards (ICBs) will become strategic commissioners with responsibility for using multi-year budgets to enhance local population health while achieving efficiencies. This will help to support the delivery of the three shifts, from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention, that are needed to build a health service fit for the future.ICBs must continue to deliver their statutory responsibilities and will work with NHS England to ensure this is done effectively within the running costs allowance with savings reinvested in frontline services to deliver better care for patients.