Written questions by Davies.

Innovation and Technology, with regard to her Department's consultation entitled National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system, what steps she is taking to ensure that the importance of digital infrastructure is recognised.

Digital infrastructure is a significant contributor to the UK economy, with the telecommunications services industry contributing around £37 billion in 2025 to the UK economy in “real” terms (1). It underpins growth across the wider economy, including by supporting the adoption of new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in all parts of the country.We regularly engage other government departments, including with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to underline the importance of digital infrastructure in unlocking economic growth and the role of the planning system in supporting network rollout. As part of this work, we launched a call for evidence, led jointly by DSIT and MHCLG, to assess whether existing permitted development rights should be expanded to better support digital infrastructure deployment. The call for evidence closed on Thursday, 26 February and subject to the evidence received, the Government will determine next steps, which may include consulting on proposed measures and, where appropriate, bringing forward legislation.The ‘National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes’ consultation, led by MHCLG, closed on 10 March. MHCLG is responsible for planning regulations, including the National Planning Policy Framework, and we are continuing to engage with MHCLG to ensure that the importance of digital infrastructure is appropriately reflected in national and local planning policy.

What the current average waiting time is for car driving tests in Wales; how many driving test centres in Wales have an average waiting time of (a) over 12 weeks, (b) over 18 weeks, and (c) over 24 weeks; and what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Wales on reducing driving test waiting times in Wales.

The average waiting time for a car practical driving test in Wales in February 2026 was 16.8 weeks. The table below shows the average waiting time in February 2026 for a car practical driving test at driving test centres in Wales: Driving Test CentreAverage waiting time in February 2026 (in weeks)Abergavenny24Aberystwyth (Park Avenue)15.75Bala14Bangor18.5Barry6.5Brecon10Bridgend12.25Cardiff (Llanishen)20.25Cardigan8.25Carmarthen15.25Llanelli9.75Llantrisant19.5Merthyr Tydfil19.75Monmouth5.75Newport (Gwent)24Newtown24Pembroke Dock18.5Pwllheli3.5Rhyl21Swansea17.25Wrexham11

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the role of mobile digital infrastructure in supporting local economic growth, productivity and investment in planning policy in Sussex.

Digital infrastructure is a significant contributor to the UK economy, with the telecommunications services industry contributing around £37 billion in 2025 to the UK economy in “real” terms (1). It underpins growth across the wider economy, including by supporting the adoption of new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in all parts of the country.We regularly engage other government departments, including with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to underline the importance of digital infrastructure in unlocking economic growth and the role of the planning system in supporting network rollout. As part of this work, we launched a call for evidence, led jointly by DSIT and MHCLG, to assess whether existing permitted development rights should be expanded to better support digital infrastructure deployment. The call for evidence closed on Thursday, 26 February and subject to the evidence received, the Government will determine next steps, which may include consulting on proposed measures and, where appropriate, bringing forward legislation.The ‘National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes’ consultation, led by MHCLG, closed on 10 March. MHCLG is responsible for planning regulations, including the National Planning Policy Framework, and we are continuing to engage with MHCLG to ensure that the importance of digital infrastructure is appropriately reflected in national and local planning policy.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the role of mobile digital infrastructure in supporting local economic growth, productivity and investment in planning policy in East Grinstead and Uckfield Constituency.

Digital infrastructure is a significant contributor to the UK economy, with the telecommunications services industry contributing around £37 billion in 2025 to the UK economy in “real” terms (1). It underpins growth across the wider economy, including by supporting the adoption of new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in all parts of the country.We regularly engage other government departments, including with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to underline the importance of digital infrastructure in unlocking economic growth and the role of the planning system in supporting network rollout. As part of this work, we launched a call for evidence, led jointly by DSIT and MHCLG, to assess whether existing permitted development rights should be expanded to better support digital infrastructure deployment. The call for evidence closed on Thursday, 26 February and subject to the evidence received, the Government will determine next steps, which may include consulting on proposed measures and, where appropriate, bringing forward legislation.The ‘National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes’ consultation, led by MHCLG, closed on 10 March. MHCLG is responsible for planning regulations, including the National Planning Policy Framework, and we are continuing to engage with MHCLG to ensure that the importance of digital infrastructure is appropriately reflected in national and local planning policy.

Whether she has had discussions with West Sussex County Council on improving its road maintenance rating.

The Government has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This multi-year settlement gives authorities – including authorities across Sussex such as East Sussex and West Sussex – the certainty they need to plan ahead and shift away from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. As part of this investment, combined, East Sussex and West Sussex are eligible to receive a total of £243,263,000 over the next four years - East Sussex is eligible to receive a total of £105,736,000 for the next four years and West Sussex is eligible to receive £137,527,000 for the next four years. A portion of this funding is designated as incentive funding and is contingent on local highway authorities demonstrating that they have effective plans to fix and prevent potholes in their area. To support further improvement in the condition of local roads, the Department introduced a new traffic-light rating system for all local highway authorities in England. All authorities are assessed annually and receive a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their road, and whether they do so using best practice. East Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, spend and best practice. West Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice. Local authorities can improve their ratings by adopting more best practice in highways maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative maintenance to avoid potholes from forming in the first place, and by adopting innovative approaches such as those trialled through the Government's £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The programme has been extended by a year to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials that reduce costs, emissions and disruption while keeping roads in better condition for longer. Officials meet regularly with local authorities and their representative bodies to discuss a wide range of local transport issues. The Department also supports councils through its update to the Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will provide guidance to help authorities further strengthen their highways management practices.

Whether she has had discussions with East Sussex County Council on improving its road maintenance rating.

The Government has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This multi-year settlement gives authorities – including authorities across Sussex such as East Sussex and West Sussex – the certainty they need to plan ahead and shift away from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. As part of this investment, combined, East Sussex and West Sussex are eligible to receive a total of £243,263,000 over the next four years - East Sussex is eligible to receive a total of £105,736,000 for the next four years and West Sussex is eligible to receive £137,527,000 for the next four years. A portion of this funding is designated as incentive funding and is contingent on local highway authorities demonstrating that they have effective plans to fix and prevent potholes in their area. To support further improvement in the condition of local roads, the Department introduced a new traffic-light rating system for all local highway authorities in England. All authorities are assessed annually and receive a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their road, and whether they do so using best practice. East Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, spend and best practice. West Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice. Local authorities can improve their ratings by adopting more best practice in highways maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative maintenance to avoid potholes from forming in the first place, and by adopting innovative approaches such as those trialled through the Government's £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The programme has been extended by a year to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials that reduce costs, emissions and disruption while keeping roads in better condition for longer. Officials meet regularly with local authorities and their representative bodies to discuss a wide range of local transport issues. The Department also supports councils through its update to the Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will provide guidance to help authorities further strengthen their highways management practices.

What steps her Department is taking to help support the maintenance of highways in East Sussex.

The Government has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This multi-year settlement gives authorities – including authorities across Sussex such as East Sussex and West Sussex – the certainty they need to plan ahead and shift away from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. As part of this investment, combined, East Sussex and West Sussex are eligible to receive a total of £243,263,000 over the next four years - East Sussex is eligible to receive a total of £105,736,000 for the next four years and West Sussex is eligible to receive £137,527,000 for the next four years. A portion of this funding is designated as incentive funding and is contingent on local highway authorities demonstrating that they have effective plans to fix and prevent potholes in their area. To support further improvement in the condition of local roads, the Department introduced a new traffic-light rating system for all local highway authorities in England. All authorities are assessed annually and receive a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their road, and whether they do so using best practice. East Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, spend and best practice. West Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice. Local authorities can improve their ratings by adopting more best practice in highways maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative maintenance to avoid potholes from forming in the first place, and by adopting innovative approaches such as those trialled through the Government's £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The programme has been extended by a year to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials that reduce costs, emissions and disruption while keeping roads in better condition for longer. Officials meet regularly with local authorities and their representative bodies to discuss a wide range of local transport issues. The Department also supports councils through its update to the Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will provide guidance to help authorities further strengthen their highways management practices.

What steps her Department is taking to help support the maintenance of highways in West Sussex.

The Government has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This multi-year settlement gives authorities – including authorities across Sussex such as East Sussex and West Sussex – the certainty they need to plan ahead and shift away from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. As part of this investment, combined, East Sussex and West Sussex are eligible to receive a total of £243,263,000 over the next four years - East Sussex is eligible to receive a total of £105,736,000 for the next four years and West Sussex is eligible to receive £137,527,000 for the next four years. A portion of this funding is designated as incentive funding and is contingent on local highway authorities demonstrating that they have effective plans to fix and prevent potholes in their area. To support further improvement in the condition of local roads, the Department introduced a new traffic-light rating system for all local highway authorities in England. All authorities are assessed annually and receive a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their road, and whether they do so using best practice. East Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, spend and best practice. West Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice. Local authorities can improve their ratings by adopting more best practice in highways maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative maintenance to avoid potholes from forming in the first place, and by adopting innovative approaches such as those trialled through the Government's £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The programme has been extended by a year to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials that reduce costs, emissions and disruption while keeping roads in better condition for longer. Officials meet regularly with local authorities and their representative bodies to discuss a wide range of local transport issues. The Department also supports councils through its update to the Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will provide guidance to help authorities further strengthen their highways management practices.

What steps she is taking to improve the condition of road networks in East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency.

The Government has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This multi-year settlement gives authorities – including authorities across Sussex such as East Sussex and West Sussex – the certainty they need to plan ahead and shift away from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. As part of this investment, combined, East Sussex and West Sussex are eligible to receive a total of £243,263,000 over the next four years - East Sussex is eligible to receive a total of £105,736,000 for the next four years and West Sussex is eligible to receive £137,527,000 for the next four years. A portion of this funding is designated as incentive funding and is contingent on local highway authorities demonstrating that they have effective plans to fix and prevent potholes in their area. To support further improvement in the condition of local roads, the Department introduced a new traffic-light rating system for all local highway authorities in England. All authorities are assessed annually and receive a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their road, and whether they do so using best practice. East Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, spend and best practice. West Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice. Local authorities can improve their ratings by adopting more best practice in highways maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative maintenance to avoid potholes from forming in the first place, and by adopting innovative approaches such as those trialled through the Government's £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The programme has been extended by a year to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials that reduce costs, emissions and disruption while keeping roads in better condition for longer. Officials meet regularly with local authorities and their representative bodies to discuss a wide range of local transport issues. The Department also supports councils through its update to the Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will provide guidance to help authorities further strengthen their highways management practices.

What steps she is taking to help ensure that local authorities repair potholes in Sussex.

The Government has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This multi-year settlement gives authorities – including authorities across Sussex such as East Sussex and West Sussex – the certainty they need to plan ahead and shift away from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. As part of this investment, combined, East Sussex and West Sussex are eligible to receive a total of £243,263,000 over the next four years - East Sussex is eligible to receive a total of £105,736,000 for the next four years and West Sussex is eligible to receive £137,527,000 for the next four years. A portion of this funding is designated as incentive funding and is contingent on local highway authorities demonstrating that they have effective plans to fix and prevent potholes in their area. To support further improvement in the condition of local roads, the Department introduced a new traffic-light rating system for all local highway authorities in England. All authorities are assessed annually and receive a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their road, and whether they do so using best practice. East Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, spend and best practice. West Sussex received an amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice. Local authorities can improve their ratings by adopting more best practice in highways maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative maintenance to avoid potholes from forming in the first place, and by adopting innovative approaches such as those trialled through the Government's £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The programme has been extended by a year to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials that reduce costs, emissions and disruption while keeping roads in better condition for longer. Officials meet regularly with local authorities and their representative bodies to discuss a wide range of local transport issues. The Department also supports councils through its update to the Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will provide guidance to help authorities further strengthen their highways management practices.

What steps she is taking to support the physical and mental health of lorry drivers.

The Department for Transport has been raising awareness among road freight sector trade associations, businesses and unions of the driver health training module, developed by Loughborough University and approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. This is available as part of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence training for HGV drivers. As part of the Men’s Health Strategy, the Department for Health and Social Care is working with the road freight sector to increase uptake of free NHS Health Checks by HGV drivers. In addition, the Department for Transport, National Highways and industry are investing in improved facilities, additional parking spaces and security measures at lorry parks and truck stops which can contribute to the better physical and mental health of HGV drivers at work.

What steps she is taking to improve the safety and security of lorry driver roadside facilities.

Through the HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme, the Government and industry are delivering up to £35.7 million of joint investment to upgrade truck stops in 30 counties across England, improving both safety and working conditions for drivers. This funding is helping operators to deliver security improvements including enhanced CCTV coverage, perimeter fencing, improved lighting, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and new and upgraded security barriers. The scheme is also supporting better welfare and rest facilities, such as improved showers, rest areas, and increased HGV parking capacity. In addition, National Highways and industry are investing up to £30 million to enhance facilities on the Strategic Roads Network, including investment in security measures. The Department has developed the Road Transport Security Standards (RTSS) to support the commercial freight sector in improving the security of vehicles, drivers and operations. The RTSS provides a voluntary, industry‑led framework that promotes good practice to reduce risks such as vehicle theft, hijack and misuse, including risks that can arise when drivers are operating or resting away from base locations.

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, what her planned timeframe is for the expenditure of the funds allocated to the new Welsh rail stations; and by what financial year each tranche of funding will be spent.

Transport for Wales published the Wales Rail Board’s vision for rail enhancements on 18 February. Transport for Wales estimates that the total cost of schemes under consideration to be up to £14 billion, and the UK Government has endorsed this vision. This joint plan with the Welsh Government establishes a framework for a comprehensive pipeline of enhancements and confirms the UK Government and Welsh Government will work in partnership to deliver these schemes as quickly as possible. This is a generational commitment to modernise Welsh rail and further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.This commitment began at the Spending Review in June 2025, when the Chancellor announced that the UK Government will allocate at least £445 million to rail enhancements in Wales, the vast majority of which will be spent during this Spending Review period. This will mean new stations, more and faster trains on the key lines across North and South Wales, including five of the Burns Stations, connecting people with the new, well-paid jobs we are creating across Wales. With regard to Cardiff Parkway, the UK Government has agreed an approach with the Welsh Government and private investors to take the project forward, with additional UK Government funding made available to deliver the station. The exact funding contribution from each partner and timeline for the station’s delivery will depend on subsequent development work.UK and Welsh Government have worked with the North Wales Growth Deal, Ambition North Wales, who have agreed to co-fund the improvements to the main line arrangements into the Padeswood cement works freight facility. This will provide a seamless movement for freight trains off the main line and into the cement works rather than the time-consuming current movements.This funding will enable UK Government to use its existing funding agreed at the Spending Review to take forward further schemes on this line, including an additional station to service Deeside Industrial Park, and safety, capacity and line speed improvements at Buckley.Further information can be found on GOV.UK at: Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment - GOV.UK

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, how much her Department is contributing to the rail infrastructure projects in Wales by financial year.

The 2025 Spending Review allocated £302 million from the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) for rail enhancement investment in Wales, directly overseen by the Department for Transport. This forms part of the overall £445 million set aside for rail improvements in Wales as part of the Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy.The £302m RNEP funding will be distributed over financial years 2026/27 to 2029/30, with annual budgets currently being finalised in collaboration with the rail industry in Wales. Further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, what funding source is being used; and whether those funds are from existing Department for Transport allocations.

The Prime Minister has made a generational UK Government commitment to modernise Welsh rail. Following the 2025 Spending Review, this work is already underway supported by the following funding sources:DfT Rail Network Enhancements PipelineThe Levelling Up FundThe Cardiff Capital Region City DealThe North Wales Growth DealWelsh Government Transport BudgetsPrivate-sector funding contributions Further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews, leveraging further contributions from local partners and private sector investment, to deliver all the projects outlined in Transport for Wales’ vision for rail across Wales and the Borders as quickly as possible.

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, what the source of the funding is for the construction of the new railway stations; and what proportion is being provided by (a) the UK Government, (b) the Welsh Government, (c) Transport for Wales and (d) other bodies.

Transport for Wales published the Wales Rail Board’s vision for rail enhancements on 18 February. Transport for Wales estimates that the total cost of schemes under consideration to be up to £14 billion, and the UK Government has endorsed this vision. This joint plan with the Welsh Government establishes a framework for a comprehensive pipeline of enhancements and confirms the UK Government and Welsh Government will work in partnership to deliver these schemes as quickly as possible. This is a generational commitment to modernise Welsh rail and further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.This commitment began at the Spending Review in June 2025, when the Chancellor announced that the UK Government will allocate at least £445 million to rail enhancements in Wales, the vast majority of which will be spent during this Spending Review period. This will mean new stations, more and faster trains on the key lines across North and South Wales, including five of the Burns Stations - connecting people with the new, well-paid jobs we are creating across Wales. This includes £48 million for the Welsh Government to deliver upgrades on the Core Valley Lines.With regard to Cardiff Parkway, the UK Government has agreed an approach with the Welsh Government and private investors to take the project forward, with additional UK Government funding made available to deliver the station. The exact funding contribution from each partner and timeline for the station’s delivery will depend on subsequent development work.UK and Welsh Government have worked with the North Wales Growth Deal, Ambition North Wales, who have agreed to co-fund the improvements to the main line arrangements into the Padeswood cement works freight facility. This will provide a seamless movement for freight trains off the main line and into the cement works rather than the time-consuming current movements. This funding will enable UK Government to use its existing funding agreed at the Spending Review to take forward further schemes on this line, including an additional station to service Deeside Industrial Park, and safety, capacity and line speed improvements at Buckley.Further information can be found on GOV.UK at: Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment - GOV.UK

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, whether the funding for new Welsh rail stations will require additional Barnett consequentials for the Welsh Budget.

Heavy rail is reserved in Wales, so Barnett consequentials do not apply to its funding.The UK Government is working in partnership with the Welsh Government and industry stakeholders to fund and deliver improvements to rail in Wales as quickly as possible.Transport for Wales published the Wales Rail Board’s vision for rail enhancements on 18 February. Transport for Wales estimates that the total cost of schemes under consideration to be up to £14 billion, and the UK Government has endorsed this vision. This joint plan with the Welsh Government establishes a framework for a comprehensive pipeline of enhancements and confirms the UK Government and Welsh Government will work in partnership to deliver these schemes as quickly as possible. This is a generational commitment to modernise Welsh rail and further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.Further information can be found on GOV.UK at: Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment - GOV.UK

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, whether that announcement forms part of the transport funding from the Spending Review.

At least £445 million has been set aside for rail improvements in Wales as part of the 2025 Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy.This investment marks the beginning of a long-term UK Government commitment, announced by the Prime Minister, to modernise Welsh railways.The Prime Minister has pledged that the UK Government will collaborate with the Welsh Government to deliver all the projects outlined in Transport for Wales’ vision for rail across Wales and the Borders as quickly as possible.Further UK Government funding allocations beyond the £445m already announced, will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.

How many meetings have her (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants attended relating to the Crowborough Training Camp and the accommodation of asylum seekers that were facilitated by the leadership of Wealden District Council since October 2025.

The Home Office has engaged extensively with Wealden District Council in relation to the use of Crowborough Training Camp. This has included meetings attended by senior civil servants, as well as attendance at a meeting of the Wealden District Council Scrutiny and Performance Committee in November 2025.

Whether her Department has facilitated visits to the Crowborough Training Camp for Councillor Rachel Millward and Councillor James Partridge, the Leaders of Wealden District Council; and on what date any such visit took place.

Yes, the Home Office facilitated a visit on 9 February 2026.