Written questions by Morrison.

How many times the Valuation Office Agency has refused a request to change the council tax banding of a flat where the resident has compared their home to a lower council tax banded house of greater value, in each of the last five years.

The Valuation Office Agency does not centrally aggregate and record the data in the form requested. When assessing a home for Council Tax banding purposes, the VOA will refer to relevant sales of comparable properties, look at the bands of other comparable properties in the locality and, when appropriate, consider any Valuation Tribunal decisions made on similar properties. If there are very few comparable properties in the immediate locality, the VOA will consider comparable properties from a wider area, or properties which are similar in character but have some differences. More information on how the VOA values and bands domestic properties can be found in the Council Tax manual which is published on GOV.UK. Statistics on Council Tax challenges and changes made to the England and Wales Council Tax valuation lists are published annually and can also be found on GOV.UK.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure a (a) consistent and (b) sustainable funding framework for community equipment provision across local authorities and NHS bodies.

At the 2024 Autumn Budget, the Government announced a £22.6 billion increase in day-to-day health spending and a £3.1 billion increase in the capital budget over 2024/2025 and 2025/2026. Departmental budgets beyond 2025/26 will be set through phase two of the Spending Review, which will conclude and be published in June 2025.Local authorities and National Health Service procuring authorities are responsible for discussing and agreeing contracts with community equipment suppliers, which will take into account the resources available to them. Economic growth is the Government’s number one mission and the Government supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. To support the growth mission, the Government is driving forward work to implement a modern Industrial Strategy, to reset trade relations, to support small business and deliver a new deal for working people.

If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of supporting public education campaigns to raise awareness of (a) the presence of toxic substances in period products and (b) safer alternatives to period products.

Period products are regulated by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which requires all products to be safe and for consumers to be provided with information on the potential risks of a product. Through the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, the Government has committed to consult on this matter to ensure that any changes to the safety provisions of these products are robust and consistent. Studies carried out in the EU on chemicals in period products found that the chemicals identified in these products were present only in low concentrations, with no evidence of significant risks to human health. If a product were identified as unsafe, the Office for Product Safety and Standards would seek to remove it from the market, rather than run a public awareness campaign. More widely, UK Health Security Agency is considering the information available to members of the public with respect to chemicals, and looking to publish a new website to give consumers access to more information on the chemicals they use in their everyday lives.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the protection of humanitarian personnel working in (a) Gaza and (b) other conflict zones; and if he will review the Government's (a) arms exports and (b) military cooperation with states found to be violating international humanitarian law.

Gaza remains the most dangerous place for humanitarians in the world, with over 400 killed since 7 October 2023. Humanitarian personnel must be protected and never targeted. At the UN Security Council meeting on 3 April, we urged Israel to respect deconfliction notifications from aid workers, to allow them to operate without coming under attack. Globally, the UK uses its bilateral relationships, and partnerships with humanitarian actors on the front line to encourage parties to consent to humanitarian relief operations, facilitate unimpeded access, and protect civilians including humanitarian aid workers. We provide direct investment to support the protective measures our partners require to work safely, the freedom to use different approaches to increase access to aid and reduce risks, and flexible funding to enable our partners to strengthen their risk mitigation strategies when required. The government is committed to maintaining a robust export control system. An export licence would not be granted if it was incompatible with any of the criteria, including respect for international humanitarian law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations the Government has made to (a) the UN Security Council and (b) other international partners on the reported targeting of humanitarian workers in Gaza; and if he will have discussions with international counterparts on stronger measures to hold people responsible to account.

We are appalled by the recent increase in strikes on aid workers. Gaza remains the most dangerous place for aid workers in the world. In partnership with France, we called a meeting of the Security Council on 28 March to advocate for greater protection for aid workers in Gaza. At the UN Security Council meeting on 3 April, we urged Israel to conduct thorough investigations into all incidents involving aid workers and medical personnel, and ensure accountability for those responsible. We continue to make representations to the Government of Israel to stress the importance of ensuring aid workers are protected, and to call for full investigations and accountability for the killing of humanitarian workers.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made a recent assessment of the Israeli military’s compliance with international humanitarian law, in the context of reports of targeted killings of humanitarian personnel in Gaza.

We are appalled by the recent increase in strikes on aid workers. Gaza remains the most dangerous place for humanitarians in the world. We have been clear that humanitarian and medical personnel must be protected and never targeted. We have urged Israel to conduct thorough investigations into all incidents involving aid workers and medical personnel, and ensure accountability for those responsible. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) assessments on Israel's compliance and commitment continue on a regular basis. Previous assessments have raised concerns about possible breaches of IHL in the areas of humanitarian access and in the treatment of detainees. Details of the assessment process are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-of-the-international-humanitarian-law-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account/summary-of-the-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account#:~:text=The%20assessment%20addresses%20Israel%E2%80%99s%20record%20of%20compliance%20in

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to (a) his Israeli counterpart and (b) international bodies on the discovery of aid workers handcuffed in a mass grave in Gaza in March 2025; and whether he plans to call for an independent investigation into these deaths.

We were outraged at the recent deaths of Palestine Red Crescent medics and other humanitarian workers. At the UN Security Council meeting on 3 April, we called for this incident to be investigated fully, transparently and for those responsible to be held to account. We continue to make representations to the Government of Israel to ensure aid workers are protected, to urgently restore deconfliction systems, and to call for full investigations and accountability for the killing of humanitarian workers, including regarding the Palestine Red Crescent Society incident.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government plans to support (a) international legal action and (b) referrals to the International Criminal Court against people responsible for (i) violations of international humanitarian law and (ii) the killing of aid workers in Gaza.

The UK is appalled at the recent killings of aid workers and health workers in Gaza. In our diplomatic engagement with the Government of Israel and at the UN Security Council we have called on Israel to conduct thorough investigations into all incidents involving aid workers and medical personnel and ensure accountability for those responsible. We have also urged Israel to cooperate fully with the UN fact-finding mission into the hit on a UN compound on 19 March. We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC); It is for the ICC Prosecutor, having reviewed the evidence from his investigations, to determine independently who should be prosecuted in accordance with his mandate under the Rome Statute. And it is for courts to rule on violations of international humanitarian law.

What mechanisms his Department has put in place to hold the British Acupuncture Council to account for (a) injuries and (b) illnesses from acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncturists are not statutorily regulated in the United Kingdom. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) operates a voluntary registers programme, which provides a proportionate means of assurance for unregulated professions and which sits between employer controls and statutory regulation by setting standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for unregulated health and social care occupations.The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) holds a register of acupuncturists, which is accredited by the PSA. To gain accreditation from the PSA, organisations must meet its nine Standards for Accredited Registers. These standards require organisations: to have a focus on public protection; to have processes for handling complaints against practitioners; to set appropriate levels of education and training for entry to the register; to require registrants to undertake continuing professional development; and to understand and monitor the risks associated with the practices of registrants.The BAcC is an independent, representative body and as such, does not fall under Government oversight. Therefore, any decisions about the practice requirements for the professions it represents are a matter for the organisation and its members.The Government would encourage anyone accessing acupuncture services to establish whether their practitioner is registered with a voluntary register accredited by the PSA, such as that held by the BAcC.

What (a) safeguards and (b) support her Department has put in place to help protect people who experience (i) injury and (ii) illness from acupuncture.

Acupuncturists are not statutorily regulated in the United Kingdom. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) operates a voluntary registers programme, which provides a proportionate means of assurance for unregulated professions and which sits between employer controls and statutory regulation by setting standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for unregulated health and social care occupations.The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) holds a register of acupuncturists, which is accredited by the PSA. To gain accreditation from the PSA, organisations must meet its nine Standards for Accredited Registers. These standards require organisations: to have a focus on public protection; to have processes for handling complaints against practitioners; to set appropriate levels of education and training for entry to the register; to require registrants to undertake continuing professional development; and to understand and monitor the risks associated with the practices of registrants.The BAcC is an independent, representative body and as such, does not fall under Government oversight. Therefore, any decisions about the practice requirements for the professions it represents are a matter for the organisation and its members.The Government would encourage anyone accessing acupuncture services to establish whether their practitioner is registered with a voluntary register accredited by the PSA, such as that held by the BAcC.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the end of the use of tax discs on (a) enforcement and (b) revenue from non-payment of vehicle tax.

In 2023/24, the DVLA collected £7.8 billion in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on behalf of HM Treasury, the highest amount ever collected in one year. The Department for Transport carries out a roadside survey every two years to estimate the rate of vehicle excise duty evasion among vehicles seen on UK roads. The most recent survey carried out in 2023, estimated the rate of VED compliance to be 98.7 per cent. This demonstrates that the vast majority of motorists comply with their legal obligations to tax their vehicles.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of carrying out bone density scans for early onset osteoporosis in women who have gone through the menopause.

One in three women and one in five men will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Never again will women’s health be neglected, and we will prioritise women’s health as we build a National Health Service fit for the future.Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are a globally recognised care model that can reduce the risk of refracture for people at risk of osteoporosis by up to 40%. They can play a vital role in improving quality of life and increasing the number of years that can be lived in good health. We remain committed to rolling out FLS across every part of the country by 2030.DEXA scans are a vital component of the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. We are investing in high-tech DEXA scanners, which are expected to provide an extra 29,000 scans per year, to ensure that people with bone conditions get diagnosed earlier.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring drivers to display proof of (a) insurance and (b) MOT in vehicles.

We have no plans to require drivers to display evidence of insurance in their vehicles, as it would only demonstrate insurance cover at one point in time, which may have since been cancelled. Uninsured driving is tackled by Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), which allows uninsured vehicles to be identified from a comparison of the DVLA’s vehicle register and the Motor Insurance Database of insurance policies managed by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This and police enforcement on the road are the most effective tools to tackle uninsured driving. Although the MOT status of a vehicle is not required to be physically displayed, it can easily be discovered for free by entering the vehicle registration at https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history. This service can be used by both the wider public and enforcement bodies. It will immediately show the due date for the vehicle’s next MOT as well as other relevant information, such as previous MOT certificates. In 2023, the Department for Transport and DVSA published a call for evidence asking for views on the future of the MOT and this was not identified as an issue. As such, we have no current plans to require the MOT status to be physically displayed on the vehicle.

How many NHS prescription penalty charges were overturned in each of the last five years; how many appeals were rejected; and how many successful appeals were categorised as you think you have an exceptional reason not to pay, and can show that you did not act wrongfully or with any lack of care.

The following table shows the number of penalty charges overturned in the last five years, from 2019/20 to 2024/25: Financial yearExemption confirmed and penalty charge cancelled2019/20361,9702021/224,0692022/23150,3512023/2492,5492024/2568,128Notes:the data provided does not include easements applied where a valid exemption for maternity or medical certificates is awarded within 60 days of a Penalty Charge Notice being issued. This enables patients who are entitled to an exemption, for example through pregnancy, to make the appropriate claim for an exemption certificate if they have not already done so;2021/22 saw a reduced number of penalty charges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; andthe data is a snapshot as of 1 April 2025 and therefore figures may increase if the extract is repeated.The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) does not categorise or collect data on unsuccessful appeals, or the reason given when a patient has attempted to challenge a penalty charge. Therefore, the NHSBSA does not hold data on how many appeals were rejected, or how many successful appeals were categorised as ‘you think you have an exceptional reason not to pay, and can show that you did not act wrongfully or with any lack of care’.

What data she plans to collect on the impact of changes to the winter fuel allowance.

Following the decision to target Winter Fuel Payments at pensioners on the lowest incomes, the Government took immediate action to maximise the take-up of Pension Credit. The latest Pension Credit applications and awards statistics were published on 27 February. Details can be found at: Pension Credit applications and awards: February 2025 - GOV.UK. The statistics show that the Department received 235,000 Pension Credit applications in the 30 weeks since the Winter Fuel Payment announcement – an 81% increase on the comparable period in 2023/24 and made 117,800 new Pension Credit awards – a 64% increase or 45,800 extra awards on the comparable period 2023/24. Winter Fuel Payment statistics are published annually. The next release of Winter Fuel Payment statistics covering winter 2024 to 2025 will be published on 16 September 2025 and will report on recipients and beneficiaries of Winter Fuel Payment. The statistics will also include a measure of the proportion of the pensioner population who are beneficiaries of the Winter Fuel Payment.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on increasing provision of sanitary bins for men suffering from incontinence.

I have not discussed increasing provision of sanitary bins for men suffering from incontinence with Cabinet colleagues. In 2024, officials met with campaigners and discussed the provision of sanitary bins in public and workplace toilets with other relevant departments. The Government oversees policy and legislation with respect to the safe management of waste and litter as well as the protection of drains and sewers in England. This however does not extend to compelling local authorities regarding types of waste receptacles or their placement. These decisions are for local authorities to make. The Building Regulations for England were updated in 2024 with the addition of a new ‘Part T’ which sets out toilet requirements in new non-domestic buildings in England.  Part T is supported by statutory guidance which includes space for disposal bins in the design layouts. However, the Building Regulations are limited to the provision and design of toilet facilities and do not extend to the management and use of disposal bins. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reviewing the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 regarding provision of disposal facilities in workplace toilets. This work is included within the Government’s wider plans under Make Work Pay, and HSE will hold appropriate consultation in due course.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the closure of the Education and Skills Funding Agency on (a) academy trusts and (b) their capability to provide effective pastoral support.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency closed on 31 March 2025 and its functions transferred to the department. The chief executive officer of the Agency, at its closure, issued an accounting officer letter to the sector on 19 March 2025 confirming the transfer of functions to the department. This letter is available on GOV.UK at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d95fceb1857deda3da016d/Letter_to_accounting_officers_-_19_March_2025.pdf.Moving the agency functions into the department allows for more joined-up delivery, both in the regulatory space and in the services it provides to the sector. It enables a single, joined-up approach to funding and regulation to improve accountability, provides a unified voice to schools and ensures that financial improvement is central to school improvement.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in employers National Insurance contributions on sole directors of limited companies who pay employers National Insurance.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.Estimates of the number of sole director companies liable to pay employer National Insurance contributions are not available.

If she will consider mandating that all new school buildings incorporate solar panels as standard.

In November 2021, the department launched a new set of construction standards addressing sustainability, energy and climate change. These revised standards mandate that all new department funded school buildings include roof mounted photovoltaic panels.The department’s full specification can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/school-design-and-construction#output-specification.

What (a) financial incentives and (b) grants are available to encourage schools to utilise solar energy.

The department recently announced, in partnership with GB Energy, an £80 million (£40 million from the department and £40 million from GB Energy) initiative to install solar and other technologies such as electric vehicle chargers in 200 schools and colleges, prioritising those in areas of deprivation, to start in 2025/26.This is one element of our strategy to ensure that the school estate is sustainable. We are providing support for all schools and colleges to start on their journey towards net zero via our new online sustainability support for education platform and our climate ambassador programme. Where schools are considering the purchase of solar panels or other sustainable systems, our ‘Get help for buying’ service provides support to ensure that schemes procured are of high-quality and value to the sector. More information can be found here: https://gethelpbuyingforschools.campaign.gov.uk/.Details of other government funding available to public bodies for sustainability, can be found at this website, prepared by the Crown Commercial Service: https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/social-value/carbon-net-zero/funding-and-grants.Capital funding allocated to the school sector each year can also be used for projects that improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of school buildings, as well as improving the condition of the estate to keep schools safe and operational. Decisions on which projects to prioritise can be primarily taken at a local level.The department has allocated £2.1 billion in condition funding for the 2025/26 financial year, which is £300 million more than the previous year.