Written questions by Collins.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Section 106 obligations on developer funding for the (a) long-term maintenance or (b) adoption of sustainable drainage infrastructure where those assets fall outside the red line boundary of new housing developments.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that developments of all sizes should use sustainable drainage techniques where the development could have drainage impacts. This is supported by National Planning Guidance which sets out that local authorities should be satisfied that all Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) have maintenance and adoption arrangements in place for the lifetime of the development.It is the responsibility of local planning authorities to consider whether otherwise unacceptable development could be made acceptable through the use of conditions or planning obligations when determining applications. All section 106 contributions must comply with the three tests in regulation 122 of the CIL regulations (necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms, directly related to the development; and reasonable in scale and kind). Infrastructure such as SUDS, which can lie outside the red line boundary of new housing developments, can be capable of being funded by section 106 contributions where it meets the statutory tests.National design guidance, which is part of the Planning Practice Guidance, also explains that well-designed places are designed and planned for long-term stewardship, and well-managed and maintained by their users, owners and other stakeholders.

Communities and Local Government, whether he is taking steps to help tackle the practice of subdividing agricultural land into multiple small plots for onward sale without an accompanying (a) planning and (b) change of use application; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of such practices on (i) planning enforcement capacity and (ii) local communities.

It is for individual local planning authorities to take enforcement action where development, including change of use of land, is undertaken without planning permission.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of access to specialist psychological support for parents following pregnancy or baby loss in each region; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that all bereaved parents can access such support through the NHS regardless of where they live.

The Government is determined to ensure all women and babies receive the high-quality care they deserve, regardless of their background, location or ethnicity. That is why the Secretary of State has set up a rapid, national, independent Investigation into National Health Service maternity and neonatal services to understand the systemic issues behind why so many women, babies and families experience unacceptable care. The Investigation will deliver interim recommendations in December 2025, ahead of further findings in spring 2026. The Secretary of State will chair a Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce that will develop an action plan based on the Investigation recommendations and oversee implementation and improvement in outcomes. Bereavement services that are available seven days a week are also being set up in every area in England to support women and families who experience pregnancy loss or neonatal death.  These services are in place in 115 out of 120 trusts with maternity services in England. All NHS trusts in England are also signed up to the National Bereavement Care Pathway which is designed to improve the quality and consistency of bereavement care for parents and families experiencing pregnancy or baby loss.

Whether his Department plans to update information on the commissioning framework within the NHS England guidance entitled Prescribing Gluten Free Foods in Primary Care: Guidance for CCGs, published on 28 November 2018.

No recent assessment has been made by the Department. However, a review was undertaken in 2019, which confirmed that the position in England remains that gluten free (GF) bread and mixes can be provided to all eligible coeliac patients on a National Health Service prescription. A wide range of these items continues to be listed in Part XV of the Drug Tariff.NHS England developed guidance on Prescribing Gluten Free Foods in Primary Care in 2018 which states that NHS commissioners can restrict the prescribing of GF foods to bread and mixes only. Under the current legislation, integrated care boards may choose to further restrict product choice, or end prescribing of GF foods altogether, if they feel this is appropriate for their population, whilst taking account of their legal duties to advance equality and having regard to reducing health inequalities. NHS England currently has no plans to update the guidance.

What steps he is taking to help improve the financial security of people with a terminal diagnosis.

This Government is committed to providing a financial safety net for those who need it. The primary way the Department supports people nearing the end of life is through special benefit rules which are known as the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). These enable people who have 12 months or less to live to get faster, easier access to certain benefits, without needing to attend a medical assessment or serve waiting periods and, in most cases, receive the highest rate of benefit. The Special Rules apply across Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit. The rules are also used elsewhere, for example the Early Access to Financial Assistance Scheme, administered by the Pension Protection Fund.

Whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hospice and End of Life Care’s report entitled Inquiry into the financial impact of a terminal diagnosis, published on 9 September 2025; and what steps he will take in response to those recommendations.

The Department supports people nearing the end of life through the Special Rules for End of Life. These enable people who are nearing the end of their lives to get faster, easier access to certain benefits, without needing to attend a medical assessment or serve waiting periods, and in most cases, receive the highest rate of benefit. The Universal Credit Act 2025, ensures that all Special Rules for End of Life claimants will receive the higher LCWRA rate, no matter when they make their claim. The Department values the insights and perspectives provided by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hospice and End of Life Care and has noted the recommendations made in the report.

Whether the Government intends to review the effectiveness of the special rules for end of life.

The primary way the Department supports people nearing the end of life is through special benefit rules which are known as the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). These enable people who are nearing the end of their lives to get faster, easier access to certain benefits, without needing to attend a medical assessment or serve waiting periods and in most cases, receive the highest rate of benefit. The system is kept under review to ensure it is meeting its objectives. The latest figures show new claims to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in Great Britain) under the Special Rules are being cleared in 3 working days on average. The Government is committed to ensuring that the fast-tracked access to benefits via SREL is maintained, while keeping under review how we can continue to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of the current system.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure children with Developmental Language Disorder receive appropriate support within the education system.

The government is committed to ensuring that every child has the best start in life. This includes all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including speech, language and communications needs such as Developmental Language Disorder.We know that continuing to build the pipeline of speech and language therapists (SaLT) is essential. The department is working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to improve access to community health services, including speech and language therapy, for children and young people with SEND.In addition to the undergraduate degree route, SaLTs can now also train via a degree apprenticeship. This route is entering its fourth year of delivery and offers an alternative pathway to the traditional degree route into a successful career as a SaLT.In partnership with NHS England, the department has extended the Early Language and Support for Every Child programme, trialling new ways of working to better identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs in early years settings and primary schools.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of recent (a) disability benefit and (b) social care policy changes on (i) polio survivors and (ii) people with post-polio syndrome.

Any changes to Personal Independence Payment eligibility will come after the Timms Review, an ambitious and inclusive review that aims to ensure we have a system that supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment.To ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work, the review will be co-produced by disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and other experts. We are committed to concluding the review by autumn 2026, when it will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for a final decision.Under Section 18 the 2014 Care Act, local authorities are required to meet the needs of adults in their area who meet the eligibility criteria, which would include polio survivors and people with post-polio syndrome with eligible needs. The Care Quality Commission is assessing how well local authorities are meeting their duties under Part 1 of the Care Act.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of reviewing the regional disparities of access to (a) therapy and (b) rehabilitation services for people living with (i) the long-term effects of polio and post-polio syndrome and (ii) the long-term effects of polio.

Although there is currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, a range of treatments and support is available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment will depend on the severity of a patient’s condition, but care may involve pain-relieving medication, physiotherapy, dietary and exercise advice, and/or counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. It is for commissioners, providers, and clinicians, supported by relevant clinical practice, to determine the best treatment for people with post-polio syndrome.Ongoing rehabilitation for polio survivors is commissioned at a local level by integrated care boards (ICBs) as it is unlikely they would require the complex rehabilitation services commissioned by NHS England.It is the responsibility of ICBs to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including services for people with polio and post-polio syndrome, as they are best placed to make decisions according to local need.The 10-Year Health Plan commits to a health system that is inclusive and equitable. While polio survivors are not named explicitly, the plan’s shift from hospital to community care is particularly relevant for polio survivors, many of whom require ongoing rehabilitation and support to live independently. The 10-Year Health Plan outlines the expansion of community-based services and neighbourhood health models, which will bring care closer to home and reduce reliance on hospital-based services, and investment in digital tools and assistive technologies, which can enhance independence and access to services for those with mobility challenges.While the Department has not made a specific assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the regional disparities of access to therapy and rehabilitation services for people living with the long-term effects of polio and post-polio syndrome, addressing healthcare inequity is a core focus of the 10-Year Health Plan, to ensure the National Health Service is there for anyone who needs it whenever they need it, including people with polio and post-polio syndrome.

What data her department holds on the number of pupils in England requiring gluten free meal provision in schools.

The department does not hold data on requirements for gluten-free meal provision in schools. The government sets out required minimum standards for school food in the School Food Standards. Headteachers, governors and their caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies that take into account local circumstances and pupil needs, including the provision of gluten-free meals.Additionally, Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on governing bodies of maintained schools, proprietors of academies and management committees of pupil referral units to make arrangements for supporting pupils at their school with medical conditions, which may be food-related. Schools must therefore take appropriate action in supporting such pupils to access food provision.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that post-polio syndrome is (a) recognised, (b) diagnosed, and (c) treated though (i) access to specialist neuromuscular clinics, (ii) appropriate care pathways and (iii) other means.

Although there is currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, a range of treatments and support is available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment will depend on the severity of a patient’s condition, but care may involve pain-relieving medication, physiotherapy, dietary and exercise advice, and/or counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. It is for commissioners, providers, and clinicians, supported by relevant clinical practice, to determine the best treatment for people with post-polio syndrome.Ongoing rehabilitation for polio survivors is commissioned at a local level by integrated care boards (ICBs) as it is unlikely they would require the complex rehabilitation services commissioned by NHS England.It is the responsibility of ICBs to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including services for people with polio and post-polio syndrome, as they are best placed to make decisions according to local need.The 10-Year Health Plan commits to a health system that is inclusive and equitable. While polio survivors are not named explicitly, the plan’s shift from hospital to community care is particularly relevant for polio survivors, many of whom require ongoing rehabilitation and support to live independently. The 10-Year Health Plan outlines the expansion of community-based services and neighbourhood health models, which will bring care closer to home and reduce reliance on hospital-based services, and investment in digital tools and assistive technologies, which can enhance independence and access to services for those with mobility challenges.While the Department has not made a specific assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the regional disparities of access to therapy and rehabilitation services for people living with the long-term effects of polio and post-polio syndrome, addressing healthcare inequity is a core focus of the 10-Year Health Plan, to ensure the National Health Service is there for anyone who needs it whenever they need it, including people with polio and post-polio syndrome.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) polio survivors with post-polio syndrome and (b) other polio survivors have equitable access to specialist treatment centres providing (i) physiotherapy, (ii) hydrotherapy, (iii) pain management and (iv) rehabilitation across the country.

Although there is currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, a range of treatments and support is available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment will depend on the severity of a patient’s condition, but care may involve pain-relieving medication, physiotherapy, dietary and exercise advice, and/or counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. It is for commissioners, providers, and clinicians, supported by relevant clinical practice, to determine the best treatment for people with post-polio syndrome.Ongoing rehabilitation for polio survivors is commissioned at a local level by integrated care boards (ICBs) as it is unlikely they would require the complex rehabilitation services commissioned by NHS England.It is the responsibility of ICBs to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including services for people with polio and post-polio syndrome, as they are best placed to make decisions according to local need.The 10-Year Health Plan commits to a health system that is inclusive and equitable. While polio survivors are not named explicitly, the plan’s shift from hospital to community care is particularly relevant for polio survivors, many of whom require ongoing rehabilitation and support to live independently. The 10-Year Health Plan outlines the expansion of community-based services and neighbourhood health models, which will bring care closer to home and reduce reliance on hospital-based services, and investment in digital tools and assistive technologies, which can enhance independence and access to services for those with mobility challenges.While the Department has not made a specific assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the regional disparities of access to therapy and rehabilitation services for people living with the long-term effects of polio and post-polio syndrome, addressing healthcare inequity is a core focus of the 10-Year Health Plan, to ensure the National Health Service is there for anyone who needs it whenever they need it, including people with polio and post-polio syndrome.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that SEND reforms under development (a) take account of the needs of children with (i) coeliac disease and (ii) other medical conditions and (b) ensure that pupils with dietary requirements are supported in school.

The government sets out required minimum standards for school food in the School Food Standards. Headteachers, governors, and their caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies that take into account local circumstances and pupil needs.Additionally, Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on governing bodies of maintained schools, proprietors of academies and management committees of pupil referral units to make arrangements for supporting pupils at their school with medical conditions, which includes coeliac disease and other food-related conditions. Schools must therefore take appropriate action in supporting such pupils to access food provision.In doing so, schools must have regard to the 'Supporting pupils with medical conditions at school' statutory guidance issued by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education. This guidance can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions--3.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the processing times for disability benefit (a) applications, (b) reviews and (c) mandatory reconsideration requests.

Managing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department and we are working constantly to improve our service.Our aim is to make an award decision, including on an award review decision, as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all the available evidence, including that from the claimant, and ensuring that the decision is robust.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle regional inequalities in access to gluten free prescriptions for patients with coeliac disease.

Decisions about the commissioning and funding of local health services are the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop local services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.NHS England guidance on Prescribing Gluten-Free foods in Primary Care states that commissioners should restrict the prescribing of gluten-free (GF) foods to bread and mixes only. Under the current legislation, ICBs may choose to further restrict product choice, or end prescribing of GF foods altogether, if they feel that this is appropriate for their population, whilst taking account of their legal duties to advance equality and having regard to reducing health inequalities.The national prescribing position in England remains that GF bread and mixes can be provided to coeliac patients on an NHS prescription, and a wide range of these items continue to be listed in Part XV of the Drug Tariff. This means that prescribers can issue NHS prescriptions, based on a shared decision between prescriber and patient, while also being mindful of local and national guidance. Health is largely a devolved matter and local health arrangements for GF prescribing in Scotland and Wales are a matter for the devolved administrations.

Whether her Department has issued guidance on the rights of consumers to access property-specific risk data held by (a) insurers and (b) third-party providers that are used in insurance premium calculations.

The Treasury has not issued guidance on the rights of consumers to access property-specific risk data held by insurers or third-party providers. Consumers have rights to access their personal data under the UK's data protection legislation (the UK General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 2018). Under the legislation, organisations are required to process personal data lawfully, fairly, transparently and securely, unless certain limited exemptions apply. However, property-specific risk data may not always fall within the scope of personal data and therefore may not be subject to the same access rights. The Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK's independent regulator for data protection, publishes a range of guidance for both organisations and members of the public.

What steps her Department is taking to support Palestinian students from Gaza who have been accepted onto UK university courses with (a) access to secure (i) English language testing (ii) visa processing and (b) other (A) administrative, (B) financial and (C) logistical travel requirements.

The Government has outlined plans to support the departure from Gaza of a group of Chevening Scholars so they can take up university places in the UK in the Autumn for the 2025/26 academic year. We are extending this support to students in Gaza with full scholarships, meaning students who have their course fees and living costs fully funded by an official sponsor, as specified in the Immigration Rules.For further information, please see the policy papers published by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department for Education, on 14 September 2025 and 15 September 2025 respectively, on GOV.UK.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent tax changes on employment levels in the hospitality sector.

The Government recognises that the nature and rate of taxes on business is important to the hospitality sector, and the success and competitiveness of the UK. Given the difficult fiscal conditions we inherited, the Government asked all businesses to help contribute to fixing the foundations. The UK hospitality sector is largely made up of small businesses. The Government has protected the smallest businesses from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. This means that 865,000 employers will pay no employer NICs at all this year. A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer National Insurance contributions (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. The Government is committed to supporting the hospitality sector and local businesses across the UK, and we frequently engage with the sector to understand their concerns.

What steps his Department is taking to support entry-level employment opportunities for young people in the hospitality sector.

I recognise that the hospitality sector offers significant entry-level opportunities for young people. My department is working closely with UKHospitality, the trade body for the sector, to deliver Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to 26 areas across the country. These SWAPs offer training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview to those ready to start a job, and participants that complete the programme gain the Hospitality Skills Passport which provides proof that a person is qualified to perform their job effectively and safely, giving them a universal entry standard into the sector. A number of these SWAPs have already been delivered, most notably in coastal areas with high levels of deprivation such as Blackpool and Margate. From April 2021 to June 2025 DWP delivered a total of 30,180 Hospitality SWAP starts across the country.