Every parliamentary written question tabled by Tom Hayes this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 161–180 of 545 · this parliament
Communities and Local Government, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme on housing affordability in Bournemouth.
I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 2 July 2025 (HCWS771).
With reference to the Institute for Fiscal Studies report entitled, The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children’s outcomes, published in May 2025, what assessment she has made of the impact of Sure Start children's centres on long term potential earnings.
The Government shares the IFS’s assessment that Sure Start made a positive impact on children’s outcomes. To this end, the government recently announced over £500 million investment by the end of 2028 to roll out Family Hubs to every local authority in England over the Spending Review period. The programme aims to reach children in the most disadvantaged areas and draws on the legacy of Sure Start to ensure all children have the best start in life.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the uplift to the basic standard allowance of Universal Credit on the incomes of low income households in Bournemouth East constituency.
The department does not have constituency level estimates of the forecasts available. The latest published data on UC, in November 2024, shows that, in Bournemouth East, there were approximately 10,225 households on UC that were not subject to the benefit cap. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill was introduced to Parliament on 18 June 2025 and, subject to parliamentary approval, it will increase the Universal Credit Standard Allowance above inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30. Based on current forecasts, the increase to the Standard Allowance in Universal Credit is estimated to be worth £725 a year by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over, which is around £250 more a year than if it were only uprated by inflation.
Communities and Local Government, how many new social homes will be delivered in Bournemouth as a result of the 10 year Social and Affordable Homes Programme.
I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 2 July 2025 (HCWS771).
What steps his Department is taking to increase retention rates for domestically trained NHS (a) doctors and (b) other clinical staff.
As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. We will publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan this autumn setting out how we will ensure staff are better treated, have better training, more fulfilling roles, and have hope for the future, so they can achieve more. We will work with the Social Partnership Forum to introduce a new set of staff standards for modern employment, covering issues such as access to healthy meals, support to work healthily and flexibly, and tackling violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the workplace. We have made significant progress over the past year in improving the working lives of resident doctors. This includes agreeing to an improved exception reporting system which will ensure doctors are compensated fairly for the additional work that they do, and reviewing how resident doctors rotate through their training.NHS England is leading work nationally through its retention programme to drive a consistent, system-wide approach to staff retention across NHS trusts.
What assessment he has made of the potential suitability of locations in Dorset for a new Small Modular Nuclear Reactor.
Earlier this year we published the draft of a refreshed planning framework for new nuclear, EN-7, that enables developers to identify their own sites for nuclear development, including accommodating small and advanced modular reactors. Developers are encouraged to identify potentially suitable sites and technologies using the framework as EN-7 moves towards designation. Great British Energy - Nuclear owns sites at Wylfa (Ynys Mon/ Anglesey) and Oldbury-on-Severn (Gloucestershire), although no decisions have yet been taken on any projects to be deployed at sites. We will set out our plans in due course
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on proposals for a Dorset Clean Energy Supercluster.
Regional growth is one of the three sub-objectives of our Industrial Strategy. The growth potential of clean energy innovation, supply chain scale-up, and deployment mean that there are opportunities across the whole UK. The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, published as part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy on 23rd June, introduces policies that will support industries such as offshore wind and nuclear to capitalise on growth opportunities across the country, including in the Southwest. Additionally, ministers have also engaged in discussions regarding strategic regional investment sites, including in the Southwest of England. The Sector Plan outlines several national initiatives, including a £1 billion Clean Energy Supply Chains Fund, of which £300 million is dedicated to strengthening offshore wind supply chains; a £544 million Clean Industry Bonus for offshore wind, and the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator, offering grants to manufacturers. Furthermore, over £2.5 billion has been allocated to support Small Modular Reactors, with a further £2.5 billion committed to fusion energy over the next five years.
What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Institute for Fiscal Studies' report entitled The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children’s outcomes, published in May 2025.
We are committed to giving every child the best start in life and recognise the importance of early years services as essential for future health and education outcomes. The findings of the Institute for Fiscal Studies' report showed that Sure Start generated widespread, long-lasting benefits on children’s outcomes.Building on lessons from Sure Start, the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme provides joined-up support for babies, children, and families. As a first step, the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme has been extended in 2025/26, with £126 million being made available for families to deliver on the Plan for Change.We will consider the findings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies as we continue to develop our approach to the future of support for babies, children, and their families.
What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Institute for Fiscal Studies' report entitled The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children’s outcomes, published in May 2025.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies' report offers interesting insight into parental employment support provided through Sure Start. We will consider the findings and reflect on learning as part of DWPs key strategic aims. The Department is actively engaged in supporting families including through the work of the child poverty taskforce. The value evidence and analysis as part of this policy making process. The taskforce will consider this report and others in this work.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the implementation of the Cass Review on trans people under the age of 18.
The Government is committed to implementing the Cass Review in full to ensure that children and young people get the safe and holistic care they need.NHS England closed the Gender Identity Development Service on 31 March 2024 and opened new, regional southern and northern services on 1 April 2024, operating under a new delivery model headed up by a multi-disciplinary team. A third clinic opened in Bristol on 4 November 2024. These services have started taking patients off the national waiting list. NHS England has committed to a further three services by 2026.
With reference to the Institute for Fiscal Studies report entitled, The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children’s outcomes, published in May 2025, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of Sure Start children's centres on children's levels of attainment.
The report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies entitled ‘The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children's outcomes’ highlights the powerful, long-term impact of strengthened early years support and shows the difference that integrated, evidence-based services can make to children’s lives. The research showed that access to Sure Start in early life generated widespread, long-lasting benefits, improving children’s health and educational outcomes and reducing the prevalence of identified special education needs and disabilities (SEND). As our new publication ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, published 7 July 2025, sets out, we are making a significant investment of over half a billion pounds over the 2026/29 spending review period that will build back crucial family services and provide high-quality support to parents and children from pregnancy to age five. Proposals include:A new Best Start Family Hub programme that will take the best of the Sure Start and Family Hub and Start for Life programme approaches to create Best Start Family Hubs, bringing together the trusted advice and guidance all parents need in one place and linking families to their local services.Funding for Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority, so these services will reach the children and families who will benefit most from this support, including those from lower-income families and with additional vulnerabilities. More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of Sure Start children's centres on the proportion of children receiving SEND support from an early age.
The report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies entitled ‘The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children's outcomes’ highlights the powerful, long-term impact of strengthened early years support and shows the difference that integrated, evidence-based services can make to children’s lives. The research showed that access to Sure Start in early life generated widespread, long-lasting benefits, improving children’s health and educational outcomes and reducing the prevalence of identified special education needs and disabilities (SEND). As our new publication ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, published 7 July 2025, sets out, we are making a significant investment of over half a billion pounds over the 2026/29 spending review period that will build back crucial family services and provide high-quality support to parents and children from pregnancy to age five. Proposals include:A new Best Start Family Hub programme that will take the best of the Sure Start and Family Hub and Start for Life programme approaches to create Best Start Family Hubs, bringing together the trusted advice and guidance all parents need in one place and linking families to their local services.Funding for Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority, so these services will reach the children and families who will benefit most from this support, including those from lower-income families and with additional vulnerabilities. More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.
What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies entitled The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children’s outcomes, published on 22 May 2025.
The report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies entitled ‘The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children's outcomes’ highlights the powerful, long-term impact of strengthened early years support and shows the difference that integrated, evidence-based services can make to children’s lives. The research showed that access to Sure Start in early life generated widespread, long-lasting benefits, improving children’s health and educational outcomes and reducing the prevalence of identified special education needs and disabilities (SEND). As our new publication ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, published 7 July 2025, sets out, we are making a significant investment of over half a billion pounds over the 2026/29 spending review period that will build back crucial family services and provide high-quality support to parents and children from pregnancy to age five. Proposals include:A new Best Start Family Hub programme that will take the best of the Sure Start and Family Hub and Start for Life programme approaches to create Best Start Family Hubs, bringing together the trusted advice and guidance all parents need in one place and linking families to their local services.Funding for Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority, so these services will reach the children and families who will benefit most from this support, including those from lower-income families and with additional vulnerabilities. More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.
What estimate he has made of the potential impact of the play industry on the economy.
The Government recognises that play is vital for children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, while also strengthening community bonds and promoting inclusive, healthy environments. The Department for Business and Trade has not published a specific estimate of the economic impact of the play industry.However, the Department continues to engage with retailers and manufacturers of sporting goods, to understand the sector’s potential and to support growth and export opportunities.
What steps she is taking to improve support for young trans people under the age of 18.
It is crucial that all trans people, regardless of age, are safe, included and protected from discrimination.There are strong protections in place for young trans people to live free from discrimination and harassment. In addition to this, work is already underway to fulfil the commitments set out in the Government’s manifesto, advancing the rights and protections afforded to young trans people. This includes delivering a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices and equalising all existing strands of hate crime to make them aggravated offences.
How many veteran ID cards have been issued to veterans who were discharged before December 2018, by council area.
Over 192,000 HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards have been issued to eligible veterans discharged before December 2018. Due to the data collected, it can only be accurately mapped to region and postcode area, rather than council areas. The tables below include all Veteran Cards posted since January 2024, excluding cards automatically issued to those leaving service after December 2018. The data is rounded to the nearest hundred to allow for:A small number of duplicate cards posted, for example replacements;Any inaccuracies in mapping postcodes on area boundaries;Address changes since postage; andDisclosure protection for areas with low numbers. The Veterans Data Dashboard also provides more robust population data, including by local authorities, using census and other open government data - https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/office.for.veterans.affairs/viz/2024-07-29VeteransDataDashboardv2final/Story1 Posted Veteran Cards by RegionChannel Islands200East England4,600East Midlands18,200East of England13,000Greater London8,300Isle of Man100North East19,300North West22,300Northern Ireland3,700Scotland16,400South East29,900South West30,700Wales11,300West Midlands14,100 Total 192,100 Posted Veteran Cards by Postcode AreaAberdeen1,400Bath2,600Belfast3,700Birmingham2,400Blackburn1,100Blackpool1,300Bolton800Bournemouth2,200Bradford1,000Brighton2,000Bristol2,500Bromley300Cambridge900Canterbury1,900Cardiff3,100Carlisle1,300Chelmsford1,200Chester2,500Cleveland2,300Colchester1,600Comhairle nan Eilean Siar100Coventry2,000Crewe1,100Croydon400Darlington2,500Dartford700Derby2,000Doncaster3,400Dorchester1,700Dudley700Dumfries600Dundee1,100Durham1,200Edinburgh2,200Enfield300Exeter2,500Falkirk900Galashiels500Glasgow2,300Gloucester3,000Guernsey100Guilford3,400Halifax400Harrogate600Harrow300Hemel1,200Hereford1,000Huddersfield600Hull1,900Ilford100Inverness1,600Ipswich2,500Isle of Man100Jersey100Kilmarnock1,200Kingston700Kirkaldy1,900Kirkwall200Lancaster1,200Leeds1,300Leicester2,400Lincoln2,800Liverpool2,100Llandrindod300Llandudno2,100London3,000Luton500Manchester1,800Medway1,900Milton Keynes1,300Motherwell900Newcastle4,400Newport1,800Northampton2,100Norwich2,700Nottingham4,300Oldham1,000Oxford2,200Paisley900Perth600Peterborough4,600Plymouth5,000Portsmouth7,600Preston1,900Reading2,700Redhill1,500Romford600Salisbury2,800Sheffield3,300Shetland100Shrewsbury1,500Slough600Southall400Southampton2,700Southend1,000St. Albans300Stevenage1,000Stockport1,300Stoke on Trent2,000Sunderland1,000Sutton400Swansea2,500Swindon3,600Taunton1,700Telford1,300Tonbridge2,000Torquay1,400Truro1,700Twickenham700Wakefield1,300Walsall900Warrington1,900Watford300Wigan900Wolverhampton700Worcester1,100York2,600Total191,700
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposals by the French Government to allow the interception of small boats up to 300 metres from shore on the number of small boats crossing the Channel.
The Government acknowledges France’s commitment to review its maritime strategy and it will continue to engage with French counterparts to support any changes arising from that review with the intention of reducing the number of dangerous small boat crossings.
What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the potential impact of early years support on long-term mental health barriers to employment.
DfE published statistics estimated that in 2024 over 1 in 6 young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) had a mental health condition compared with 1 in 13 in 20122. As part of our mission driven Government, regular cross-Government collaboration takes place at both Ministerial and official level. The Government has an ambitious goal of an 80% employment rate: we do not want to just support people who are closest to the labour market nearer towards it, but focus on the people who, and the places that are, furthest away from the labour market. A crucial part of this is improving the support that we offer to those with mental health conditions. Current measures include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres and Access to Work grants, as well as joining up health and employment support around the individual through Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care and WorkWell. Building on our WorkWell, Employment Advisers in Talking Therapies and Connect to Work programmes, we will ensure people with a health condition have access to the holistic support they need. In the Government’s Pathways to Work green paper, we further committed to developing a support guarantee, so that disabled people and those with a health condition, including those with mental health conditions get the work, health and skills support they need to access and thrive in employment. We will further pilot the integration of employment advisers and work coaches into the neighbourhood health service, so that working age people with long term health conditions have an integrated public service offer. A patient’s employment goals will be part of care plans, to support more joined up service provision. 1 Is work good for your health and well-being? An independent review - GOV.UK2 NEET age 16 to 24, Calendar year 2024 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK
What steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels in (a) Bournemouth and (b) the UK.
The Home Office continues to work with a range of stakeholders to fulfil our statutory obligations and deliver our commitment to reduce the overall cost of asylum accommodation, including ending the use of hotels by the end of this Parliament.
When she plans to publish her Department's White Paper on reforms to the SEND system.
This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.We are clear that the current system is difficult for parents, carers and young people to navigate and simply not delivering the outcomes we want to see for our children.Details of the government's intended approach to SEND reform will be set out in a Schools White Paper in the autumn.