Written questions by Darling.

(a.) if she will review the scope of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement to ensure it does not create a ceiling at Levels 4–6; (b.) what consideration has been given to including Level 7 professional and postgraduate qualifications; and (c.) what steps she is taking to ensure that the Lifelong Learning Entitlement is learner-led, including by reducing regulatory duplication for providers and enabling professional bodies and Growth and Skills Levy registered providers to deliver LLE funded courses alongside Office for Students regulated institutions.

The lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) will transform the student finance system in England, broadening access to high-quality, flexible education and training.When launched, it will support individuals to learn, upskill and retrain across their working lives. It will create opportunities for both young people and adults to develop the skills needed to succeed in life, contributing to growth across the country.The LLE will fund all courses currently funded through the Higher Education Student Finance system, including Level 7 integrated master’s and postgraduate certificate in education courses.Beyond this, we will continue to deliver a tailored loans package for postgraduate study. Postgraduate master’s loans provide up to £12,858 for tuition fees and living costs, and the Disabled Students’ Allowance is available to support with the extra study-related costs that may arise for students who have a disability.Learners will be able to use the LLE to fund individual modules as well as full courses at Levels 4 to 6, regardless of whether they are provided in colleges, universities or independent providers.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of artificial intelligence on supporting lower energy consumption and access to lower tariffs for low-income households.

Recent analysis at global level, including by the International Energy Agency, has highlighted the extensive potential for AI applications in energy to cut costs and lower consumer bills. Government will publish an AI Strategy for Energy in Autumn this year, which will set out the actions it is taking to apply AI to the Clean Energy Superpower mission. The AI for Clean Energy Champion is also preparing a review of AI deployment in electricity networks, for publication in the summer.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of age restrictions on Level 7 apprenticeships on (i.) the future skills needs of employers; (ii.) on learners both currently and in the future who plan to stair case up levels of apprenticeships to complete a L7 apprenticeship; and (iii.) access to professional services jobs.

I refer the hon. Member for Torbay to the answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 115133.

Which NHS Trusts are currently seeking redundancies from clinical staff.

The Department does not hold a central list of real-time information on which National Health Service trusts are taking forward redundancies. Decisions about workforce change, including any redundancy proposals, are matters for individual NHS employers, who must follow employment law and nationally agreed contractual arrangements. This includes appropriate engagement with trade unions and staff affected. Where organisations are reducing their workforce numbers and costs, they should take all reasonable steps to avoid compulsory redundancies, including restricting recruitment, managing vacancies and considering suitable alternative employment, to ensure any changes do not compromise patient safety or access to services. NHS England continues to work with integrated care boards and NHS trusts to support safe staffing and the delivery of patient services.

Communities and Local Government, if he will provide guidance for combined county authorities on the next steps to transition to mayoral authorities.

The Government remains firmly committed to mayoral devolution and is forging ahead with it, including through the Devolution Priority Programme, but we have been clear that this model works best when built on firm foundations. That is why we have issued an invitation to all areas in England that do not have devolution to bring forward, with their neighbours, a proposal for a (non-mayoral) Foundation Strategic Authority. Existing non-mayoral Combined County Authorities will automatically be classed as Foundation Strategic Authorities on Royal Assent of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Foundation Strategic Authorities will have a strong remit for driving growth, as well as key tools to do so in areas such as skills and transport. They will also help build institutional capability and partnerships at the regional level, as a stepping stone towards mayoral devolution in the future. The process for an area moving from a Foundation Strategic Authority to a Mayoral Strategic Authority is being amended through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, subject to Royal Assent, and requires a proposal, a consultation, a decision on whether the necessary statutory tests have been met, and consent from the relevant authorities. Government will continue to work closely with areas as part of our ambition to widen and deepen devolution in England.

What progress he has made on the review into market access for small breweries announced in the Autumn Budget 2024.

The Government recognises that local breweries and pubs make an important contribution to the UK's economy and communities, supporting jobs, innovation and diversity within the pub sector.I am currently considering the findings of this review alongside hearing evidence directly from industry stakeholders and representative bodies with whom I am meeting over the next month. This includes meeting with small brewery owners and representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to (a) continue and (b) expand data collection in the pollack fishery in the (i) commercial and (ii) recreational sectors.

The latest scientific advice from ICES indicates pollack remains vulnerable and recreational fishing accounts for a significant share of total removals. It is therefore important, and fair, that all fishers play their part in transitioning towards a sustainable fishery. The three‑fish recreational bag limit supports the long‑term recovery of the stock while continuing to allow recreational fishers to target and retain pollack. Defra continues to support the development of evidence. The recently re-launched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, can support partnership projects between fishers and scientists, which could include long-term data collection and research on pollack fisheries. Cefas is also working with the recreational sector to strengthen participation and governance of the Sea Angling Diaries to improve the evidence base. Defra has no plans to provide financial compensation. Social and economic impacts are considered as part of the impact assessment process for the Statutory Instrument introducing the measure, including impacts across all affected parts of the sector.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to provide financial compensation to the recreational charter boat sector following the implementation of the three-fish recreational pollack bag limit.

The latest scientific advice from ICES indicates pollack remains vulnerable and recreational fishing accounts for a significant share of total removals. It is therefore important, and fair, that all fishers play their part in transitioning towards a sustainable fishery. The three‑fish recreational bag limit supports the long‑term recovery of the stock while continuing to allow recreational fishers to target and retain pollack. Defra continues to support the development of evidence. The recently re-launched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, can support partnership projects between fishers and scientists, which could include long-term data collection and research on pollack fisheries. Cefas is also working with the recreational sector to strengthen participation and governance of the Sea Angling Diaries to improve the evidence base. Defra has no plans to provide financial compensation. Social and economic impacts are considered as part of the impact assessment process for the Statutory Instrument introducing the measure, including impacts across all affected parts of the sector.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to conduct a socio-economic impact assessment of the impact of the three-fish recreational pollack bag limit on the recreational charter boat sector.

The latest scientific advice from ICES indicates pollack remains vulnerable and recreational fishing accounts for a significant share of total removals. It is therefore important, and fair, that all fishers play their part in transitioning towards a sustainable fishery. The three‑fish recreational bag limit supports the long‑term recovery of the stock while continuing to allow recreational fishers to target and retain pollack. Defra continues to support the development of evidence. The recently re-launched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, can support partnership projects between fishers and scientists, which could include long-term data collection and research on pollack fisheries. Cefas is also working with the recreational sector to strengthen participation and governance of the Sea Angling Diaries to improve the evidence base. Defra has no plans to provide financial compensation. Social and economic impacts are considered as part of the impact assessment process for the Statutory Instrument introducing the measure, including impacts across all affected parts of the sector.

When her Department expects to publish the findings of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Higher Penalty Charge Notice trial; and whether she will make a statement on the timetable for reporting its outcomes.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) has published a report on its month‑long trial of higher PCNs. The Department is reviewing the findings of this trial which will be carefully considered before any decisions are taken.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the British Council in addressing identified financial pressures; and what further assistance is under consideration to ensure its long-term sustainability.

I refer the Hon Member to (a) the answer I provided on 28 October 2025 in response to question 906060, (b) the oral evidence provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 9 December 2025 by the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on 16 December 2025 by the Foreign Secretary, and (c) the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 March 2026 (Statement UIN HCWS1470), where these issues were addressed at length.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how the Government is assessing the financial sustainability of the British Council over the next 3 years; and what metrics or criteria are being used in that assessment.

I refer the Hon Member to (a) the answer I provided on 28 October 2025 in response to question 906060, (b) the oral evidence provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 9 December 2025 by the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on 16 December 2025 by the Foreign Secretary, and (c) the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 March 2026 (Statement UIN HCWS1470), where these issues were addressed at length.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the principal financial pressures facing the British Council; and what the main drivers of those pressures are.

I refer the Hon Member to (a) the answer I provided on 28 October 2025 in response to question 906060, (b) the oral evidence provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 9 December 2025 by the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on 16 December 2025 by the Foreign Secretary, and (c) the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 March 2026 (Statement UIN HCWS1470), where these issues were addressed at length.

What steps his Department is taking to help support prisoners with long term dependency on drugs or alcohol with the management of withdrawal of drugs and alcohol.

NHS England commissions prison health care services into every prison in England to the equivalence of the community. Access to drug or alcohol withdrawal support is available in all prisons at any stage of a person’s sentence, beginning at the point of entry.NHS England commissions first night reception screening to review patients’ medical history by a registered nurse/practitioner, the purpose is to address immediate health needs and risks, with specific consideration of intoxication and withdrawal risks, including delayed withdrawal symptoms, ensure medication is made available as soon as possible and onward referrals to onsite healthcare teams, including drug and alcohol services for psychosocial interventions and primary care for ongoing pharmacological interventions, for both urgent face to face appointments, and routine face to face appointments are made.Outside of reception screening, people in prison can be referred or self-refer to drug and alcohol or primary care health services at any time for support with withdrawal. The current national integrated substance misuse service specification includes specific focus on clinical stabilisation and detoxification for patients withdrawing from drugs and/or alcohol, ensuring that interventions are safe, risk aware, clinically led, evidence based and follow national guidance - including the recently published clinical guidance for alcohol treatment.

When he will respond to the referral from Torbay Council of the likely decision by Torbay Hospital to end the Integrated Care Organisation joint health and social care arrangements.

The Department has received the request from Torbay Council, and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will respond in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 95517 on Access to Work Programme, what data his Department has used to determine that there should be a focus on ensuring consistency in decision-making; and if he will publish that data.

The Department routinely focuses on strengthening case manager learning, ensuring colleagues have the skills and expertise required to apply Access to Work policy and guidance fairly and consistently. This approach has been driven by our commitment to continuous improvement rather than by specific data sources.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 December 2025 to Question 95517, whether the Department has conducted a review or internal audit the consistency of decision-making applied within Access to Work since January 2020.

We hold regular consistency meetings with all Service Assurance Managers, during which cases are reviewed collectively and discuss any instances where inconsistencies may arise. This ensures that all managers apply processes and guidance correctly and uniformly, helping to support a fairer process. We are also reviewing all aspects of Access to Work as we develop plans for reform following the conclusion of the consultation.

What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the report entitled Evaluation of pupil attainment and progression in Maths Schools, published in October 2025 by The Observatory for Mathematical Education.

When forming maths policy, the department considers a broad range of evidence. The department is aware of this report and will consider it alongside evidence from a range of other stakeholders, as well as internal analysis, when designing future policy.The government recognises the valuable contribution that maths schools make towards high-quality maths and further maths provision across the country, including in the Torbay constituency which is served by the Exeter Maths School. The department will open new maths schools in Durham and Nottingham, ensuring talented students in every region gain a chance to pursue advanced mathematics.

Between 1 January 2026 and 28 February 2026, how many licences have been granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for projects that use a) cats b) dogs c) horses and d) non-human primates.

Between 1 January 2026 and 28 February 2026, one project licence was granted which authorised the use of dogs, and one was granted that authorised the use of non-human primates under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. No project licences were granted within this period that authorised the use of cats or horses.Official statistics are published on an annual basis and are available here: www.gov.uk/government/collections/animals-in-science-statistics

With regard to the Animals in Science Regulation Unit Annual Report 2024, published in December 2025, how many unannounced audits were there in 2024; and whether she plans to increase the number of unannounced audits by inspectors.

There were 10 unannounced audits in 2024, as reported in the published Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) 2024 Annual Report.ASRU will increase the number of unannounced audits as part of its programme of regulatory strengthening. The inspectorate is being expanded from an average of 14.5 inspectors in 2023 to 22 by March 2026, enabling a greater volume of risk‑based audits across the system.Both announced and unannounced audits play an important role in providing regulatory assurance. The number of audits alone should not be taken as a measure of regulatory impact: audit quality, depth and scope are central to assessing compliance effectively.