Written questions by Bailey.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of homeless children growing up in temporary accommodation.

Funding for homelessness services is increasing by £233 million in 2025/26. This will help prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation, taking total spend to nearly £1 billion. Our £8 million Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots will target 20 local authorities with highest use of bed & breakfast accommodation for homeless families. We are working with ministers across government, alongside local leaders, to develop a long-term strategy to get back on track to ending homelessness.

Whether people given an offer through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme which they have not accepted will be able to apply directly to the new independent appeals system.

We are establishing an independent Horizon Shortfall Scheme appeal process to help ensure that all HSS claimants have the full opportunity to receive full and fair compensation. This will be run by my Department and we are expecting the submission of the first cases in spring.We continue to engage the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and claimant representatives on the scheme’s guidance and principles. This will include detailed information on who will be eligible for the process and will be published soon.

Whether people who have accepted an offer through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme are able to apply directly to the new independent appeals system for reconsideration.

We are establishing an independent Horizon Shortfall Scheme appeal process to help ensure that all HSS claimants have the full opportunity to receive full and fair compensation. This will be run by my Department and we are expecting the submission of the first cases in spring.We continue to engage the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and claimant representatives on the scheme’s guidance and principles. This will include detailed information on who will be eligible for the process and will be published soon.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 21609 on Migrant Workers: Civil Servants, how many civil servants are working on graduate visas; how many (a) current and (b) former civil service staff initially employed on graduate visas would not meet the salary threshold requirements for applying for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the salary threshold changes for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on civil service staff retention (i) since April 2024 and (ii) in the next three years.

The information requested is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

If he will publish information held in National Archives document reference DEFE13/1870/1 on nuclear testing veteran health studies.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK's security. As the hon. Member will be aware from our previous discussions, I am committed to looking into questions regarding medical records. That is why I have commissioned officials to look into what information the Department holds in relation to the medical testing of Service personnel who took part in the UK nuclear weapons tests. I am committed to regular engagement with individuals and families associated with the Nuclear Test Veteran community. As part of this engagement, I have already met with parliamentarians and representatives from Nuclear Test Veteran groups to discuss their concerns further and officials are also maintaining regular contact.

What progress his Department has made on establishing the new independent appeals process for postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme; and when the process will start accepting applications.

We are currently engaging with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and claimant representatives on a draft of the new appeals scheme’s principles and guidance, including the eligibility criteria. My statement of 30 January (HCWS399) announced that we are committed to covering postmasters’ reasonable legal costs. Clarity about the principles of the scheme and support for appellants’ legal costs will mean that legal representatives can begin to produce cases for appeal. We are expecting the submission of the first cases in the spring. I will provide a further update to the House nearer to that time.

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2024 to Question 13789 on Mental Health Services: Software, if his Department will commission a review into the quality of mental health support signposting provided by local NHS providers.

We are working with NHS England to explore solutions that would more effectively meet some of the objectives around an app library, including building awareness of evidenced digital health technologies tailored effectively to the needs of different audiences, including commissioners, clinicians, and patients.

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2024 to Question 13789 on Mental Health Services: Software, if his Department will commission a review into improving the centralised NHS signposting for mental health support; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reopening the NHS App Library.

We are working with NHS England to explore solutions that would more effectively meet some of the objectives around an app library, including building awareness of evidenced digital health technologies tailored effectively to the needs of different audiences, including commissioners, clinicians, and patients.

With reference to the Written Statement of 21 May 2024 entitled Nuclear Test Veterans: Atomic Weapons Establishment Records, HCWS45, when he plans to publish the results of the review into the historic files in the ES and AB series relating to the UK’s nuclear weapons programme.

Since the security review commenced in 2018, almost 70,000 of around 74,000 records withdrawn from public access have been released back to the National Archives. Updates on the progress of the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-nuclear-archive-records

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the number of households placed in temporary accommodation.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is developing a new 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, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping. This brings total spend to nearly £1 billion in 25/26.More widely, we are taking action to tackle the root causes of homelessness, including delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament. We are also abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, preventing private renters being exploited and discriminated against, and empowering people to challenge unreasonable rent increases.The Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG) is allocated to councils across England based on local homelessness pressures and is used to meet local needs. Slough will receive £2,538,151 for 2025-26 through the HPG.The legislation is clear that all temporary accommodation must be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review. Where an individual feels that the council has applied their statutory duties incorrectly, they can take action in the courts or bring their concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.The £1.2 billion Local Authority Housing Fund will provide capital funding directly to English councils and is expected to provide up to 7,000 homes by 2026. It will create a lasting asset for UK nationals by building a sustainable stock of affordable housing for local communities. The Local Authority Housing Fund will ease local homelessness pressures, reduce spending on unsuitable B&B accommodation, and provide safe and sustainable housing for those on Afghan resettlement and Ukrainian sponsorship schemes.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 December 2024 to Question 18945 on Ministry of Defence: Recruitment, how his Department measures the performance of those executive search firms.

For Senior Civil Servant (SCS) appointments using an Executive Search firm, performance is measured as described in the commercial agreement. Each commercial agreement (via the cross-Government Executive Search RM6290 framework) includes clear terms of business and expectations, and fees are only paid on completion of agreed deliverables. All SCS recruitment activity, including those managed by an Executive Search firm, is overseen by either a Civil Service Commissioner (SCS Pay Bands 2 to 4) or a Ministry of Defence Campaign Manager (SCS Pay Band 1), including regular meetings with appointed Executive Search firms throughout various operational stages to check in on process, candidate support and adherence to policy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of private equity acquisitions in the groceries retail sector on trends in the level of employment across the food supply chain.

Defra does not hold any information on the impact of private equity acquisitions in the groceries retail sector on trends in the level of employment across the food supply chain. Any impact on competition as a result of private equity acquisitions are the responsibility of the Competition and Markets Authority. Levels of employment across the groceries retail sector are commercial decisions to be taken by retailers.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to APPG for Households in Temporary Accommodation's report entitled child mortality in temporary accommodation, published on 28 January 2025, what steps her Department is taking to stop child deaths in temporary accommodation.

These statistics are shocking. Homelessness levels are far too high and we are taking action to fix the current system that has left too many families without security or stability.The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under 2 if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. The legislation is clear that all temporary accommodation must be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review. Where an individual feels that the council has applied their statutory duties incorrectly, they can take action in the courts or bring their concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.The Deputy Prime Minister is leading cross-government work to deliver the long-term solutions we need to get us back on track to ending all forms of homelessness. This includes chairing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, bringing together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy.As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services has been increased by £233 million compared to last year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping. This brings total Homelessness spend to nearly £1 billion in 25/26, a record level of funding.In addition, the £1.2 billion Local Authority Housing Fund will provide capital funding directly to English councils and is expected to provide up to 7,000 homes by 2026. It will create a lasting asset for UK nationals by building a sustainable stock of affordable housing and better-quality temporary accommodation for local communities.The Government has also launched Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, backed by £5 million, to work with 20 local councils with the highest use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation for homeless families. This will support LAs to move families into more suitable accommodation.We are also taking action to improve standards across the housing sector, including temporary accommodation. The Renters’ Rights Bill will extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector which will set clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector must make homes safe where they contain serious hazards, including damp and mould. We plan to consult on how best to apply Awaab’s Law to temporary accommodation.Through the Renters’ Rights Bill the government has also introduced powers to apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. Included in that clause is a power to bring Temporary Accommodation into scope of the Decent Homes Standard. The government’s intention is that the Decent Homes Standard should apply to TA, subject to consultation on the detail of the new standard, including how applicable it is to TA.

Communities and Local Government, what steps the Department is taking to support local authorities with the cost of placing people in temporary accommodation.

These statistics are shocking. Homelessness levels are far too high and we are taking action to fix the current system that has left too many families without security or stability.The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under 2 if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. The legislation is clear that all temporary accommodation must be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review. Where an individual feels that the council has applied their statutory duties incorrectly, they can take action in the courts or bring their concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.The Deputy Prime Minister is leading cross-government work to deliver the long-term solutions we need to get us back on track to ending all forms of homelessness. This includes chairing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, bringing together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy.As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services has been increased by £233 million compared to last year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping. This brings total Homelessness spend to nearly £1 billion in 25/26, a record level of funding.In addition, the £1.2 billion Local Authority Housing Fund will provide capital funding directly to English councils and is expected to provide up to 7,000 homes by 2026. It will create a lasting asset for UK nationals by building a sustainable stock of affordable housing and better-quality temporary accommodation for local communities.The Government has also launched Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, backed by £5 million, to work with 20 local councils with the highest use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation for homeless families. This will support LAs to move families into more suitable accommodation.We are also taking action to improve standards across the housing sector, including temporary accommodation. The Renters’ Rights Bill will extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector which will set clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector must make homes safe where they contain serious hazards, including damp and mould. We plan to consult on how best to apply Awaab’s Law to temporary accommodation.Through the Renters’ Rights Bill the government has also introduced powers to apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. Included in that clause is a power to bring Temporary Accommodation into scope of the Decent Homes Standard. The government’s intention is that the Decent Homes Standard should apply to TA, subject to consultation on the detail of the new standard, including how applicable it is to TA.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship salary threshold requirements introduced in April 2024 on retention of civil service staff initially employed on graduate visas.

The graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a 2 or 3 year period after completing their studies. After this time, they must be able to meet the requirements of another immigration route to stay in the UK. These rules apply equally to the Civil Service as to all other UK workplaces.

If she will publish the number and proportion of 2006 Attitudes to Pension Survey participants who (a) were women, (b) were born in the 1950s and (c) reported awareness of the changes to the State Pensi

Our response to the PHSO report on the communication of changes to State Pension age was based on evidence of awareness of the change from two key reports. The Public Awareness of State Pension Age Equalisation, published in 2004, was conducted as part of...

How many and what proportion of the 2006 Attitudes to Pension Survey participants aged between 18 and 69 were women born in the 1950s.

Our response to the PHSO report on the communication of changes to State Pension age was based on evidence of awareness of the change from two key reports. The Public Awareness of State Pension Age Equalisation, published in 2004, was conducted as part of...

If she will publish the data her Department holds from the 2006 Attitudes to Pension Survey on the levels of awareness of the proposed increase in State Pension age for women born in the 1950s.

Our response to the PHSO report on the communication of changes to State Pension age was based on evidence of awareness of the change from two key reports. The Public Awareness of State Pension Age Equalisation, published in 2004, was conducted as part of...

How many and what proportion of 2006 Attitudes to Pension Survey participants were (a) in the 55-64 age group and (b) women born in the 1950s.

Our response to the PHSO report on the communication of changes to State Pension age was based on evidence of awareness of the change from two key reports. The Public Awareness of State Pension Age Equalisation, published in 2004, was conducted as part of...

How many and what proportion of 2006 Attitudes to Pension Survey participants were (a) in the 45-54 age group and (b) women born in the 1950s.

Our response to the PHSO report on the communication of changes to State Pension age was based on evidence of awareness of the change from two key reports. The Public Awareness of State Pension Age Equalisation, published in 2004, was conducted as part of...