Written questions by Ryan.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending eligibility requirements for the NHS Health Check to adults aged between 25 to 39.

The NHS Health Check, a core component of England’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme, assesses the risk factors for CVD in people aged 40 to 74 years old, provides advice on how to reduce the risk of developing CVD, and refers people to behaviour support programmes, clinical assessment, and treatment where appropriate.Data shows that the older a person is, the more likely it is they will attend their NHS Health Check, with the highest uptake in the 70 to 74 year old age group.We are undertaking a review of the evidence for expanding eligibility to people under 40 years of age. This work will inform the ongoing policy for the NHS Health Check programme.

What steps she is taking to ensure children in (a) key stage 1 and (b) key stage 2 have sufficient access to (i) high-quality play provision and (ii) adequate time for play at school.

Play is essential to development and learning for young children. This is recognised in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, and schools, governing bodies and academy trusts are responsible for ensuring the school day includes opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and enrichment activities.Government guidance sets out the expectation that a school week is a minimum of 32.5 hours inclusive of breaks, providing lots of opportunity for schools to incorporate time for play and other activities.

What steps he is taking to support jobs in the defence sector.

Defence is not just the cornerstone of national security, but it is also an engine for growth. The Defence Industrial Strategy will deliver good jobs and rewarding careers in Defence, that support communities across our nations. I am also working with my Ministerial colleagues as part of a cross-Government effort to identify and grow the skills the UK defence sector will need for the future.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the classification of ketamine as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits o

No recent assessment has been made. Ketamine was moved from Class C to Class B in 2014, in accordance with advice provided by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The ACMD’s recommendation was based on evidence of ketamine’s potential for h...

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 November 2024 to Question 10959 on British Nationality: Assessments, what her planned timescale is for reviewing the Life in the UK handbook; and if she will take steps to

The Life in the UK handbook is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains up to date and correct. The current impression of the handbook, published in 2023, was reviewed earlier this year. We aim to publish the next impression, with amendments, before the...

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of support available to businesses developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

The Government policies supporting businesses to develop technologies to reduce carbon emissions adhere with the Department's published monitoring and evaluation framework, which sets out our commitment to robust and proportionate monitoring and evaluatio...

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) updating the Life in the UK (i) handbook and (ii) citizenship test and (b) introducing integration classes to help people adjust to life i

The Life in the UK test is important for anyone applying to settle permanently in the UK to ensure they have an understanding of the democratic principles underlying British society and aspects of our culture and traditions. The handbook and questions are...

If she will make an assessment of the (a) adequacy of safeguards against the misuse of online application forms for Lasting Power of Attorney and (b) potential merits of only providing forms following discussions

Under the current system, the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a prescribed paper form, which to be used must be made validly and registered by Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The form can be completed online but must then be printed, signed, and s...

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help tackle Islamophobia.

Islamophobia, and all forms of religious and racial hatred, have absolutely no place in our society. No one should be targeted because of the colour of their skin, or their faith. This Government is clear that perpetrators of such hate crimes will face th...

Pursuant to the Answer of 26 July 2024 to question 726 on Emergency Services: Medals, if she will take steps to introduce a medal for seriously injured and medically retired emergency service personne

It is only right that we recognise the sacrifices made by the emergency services, and the Home Office is happy to consider proposals for new medals for members of the emergency services.Any official policing medal is a gift from the Government, on behalf ...

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities, published on 22 February 2018, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the guidance on (a) pr

Homelessness legislation and guidance makes clear people who are vulnerable have priority need. This includes a duty to provide the household with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.Homelessness levels are far too high. We are ...

If she will take steps to improve the (a) process and (b) tools used to diagnose SEND in children.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department want...

What steps she is taking to reduce the time taken for Access to Work benefit applications to be approved.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to reducing waiting times for new applications for Access to Work, as well as renewals. We are considering the best way to deliver that for customers. We have increased the number of staff processing Acces...

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of ambulance response times.

We have been clear our assessment is that ambulance response times have been wholly inadequate in recent years. Patients with serious conditions such as suspected strokes waited over 34 minutes on average last month for an ambulance to arrive – nearly twice as long as the 18-minute standard.  This Government is committed to returning the NHS to the Constitution’s standards.