Written questions by Franklin.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are not required to bear additional financial or procedural burdens in order to progress divorce proceedings when the other party fails to engage.

It is a matter of concern that perpetrators of domestic abuse may fail to engage with divorce proceedings. The courts have powers to deal with parties who fail to engage, including to make orders confirming a perpetrator has received a divorce application when they have refused to acknowledge it. In September this year, the process of asking the court to make orders about sending applications became easier, when His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service extended the online application system for litigants-in-person.

What factors determined the timing between the publication of the consultation on the SEND white paper on 2 December 2025 and the first engagement event on 3 December 2025; and whether that notice period aligns with her Department’s standards for effective public consultation.

The department has undertaken extensive engagement over the past year, holding more than 100 events with children, young people, parents and other stakeholders to inform our work on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).The SEND national conversation, launched on 2 December, is not a formal consultation but an expansion of this ongoing engagement, designed to broaden participation and ensure parents’ voices are heard. The first events were scheduled promptly to maintain momentum and provide early opportunities for families to contribute. The Council for Disabled Children has promoted the regional engagement sessions, which are now fully subscribed, and further online events run by the department remain open for sign‑up.A formal consultation will take place following publication of the Schools White Paper next year, in line with the department’s standards for effective public consultation, to continue the conversation on reform and gather views on specific proposals.

If she will suspend financial penalties and other enforcement action for non-compliance with Companies House filing requirements while the online Director Identification Number service remains subject to operational faults.

Over two million individuals have successfully used the new systems. It is recognised that issues have arisen impacting some users. Companies House is working continuously to iterate services based on user feedback and experience. Any enforcement action we take will be in line with our compliance and enforcement framework. Companies in default will have an opportunity to make representations. Where non-compliance can be attributed to technical issues outside of their control, then we will usually pause enforcement for a period of time.

What assessment she has made of the reliability of the Companies House online service for issuing Director Identification Numbers; and what steps are being taken to address technical issues that prevent users from obtaining the required credentials.

Companies House is committed to providing robust digital services to its customers. Since April 2025, over two million individuals have successfully proven their identity and successfully received personal codes (referred to as Director Identification Numbers in this correspondence).A small number of users have been impacted by technical issues. Companies House has worked closely to iterate services based on user feedback and experience. If the individual is continuing to experience issues, we would advise they contact Companies House directly so that their issues can investigated and supported accordingly.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that people with mental health conditions receive reasonable adjustments under Access to Work on an equal basis with those whose disabilities arise from physical health conditions.

Access to Work supports workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer through their duty to provide reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, including for mental health conditions. As set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we are reforming Access to Work to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people and people with health conditions, including mental health conditions, into and on in work.

With reference to the Loan Charge review, what steps her Department are taking to ensure consistency and fairness for individuals who have already settled their cases, compared to the concessions and reliefs now available to others who did not.

The purpose of the Independent Review of the Loan Charge was to bring the matter to a close for people who have not settled and paid their loan charge liabilities. The review identified affordability as a key barrier preventing those individuals from settling and made recommendations to remove this barrier, of which the Government has accepted all but one. To support those on the lowest incomes, the Government has gone further by providing an additional £5000 deduction for those in scope of the review, removing approximately 10,000 individuals from the charge entirely. This will come at a substantial Exchequer cost over the next five years. The Government will legislate to give HMRC the power to administer a new settlement scheme. There is no plan to alter liabilities or refund tax paid by individuals who have settled and fully paid their liabilities under the loan charge.

What steps he is taking to support private-sector employers implement reasonable adjustments recommended through Access to Work for staff with mental health conditions.

Access to Work supports workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer through their duty to provide reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, including for mental health conditions. As set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we are reforming Access to Work to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people and people with health conditions, including mental health conditions, into and on in work.

What steps he is taking to ensure that reasonable adjustments for people with mental health conditions recommended through Access to Work are delivered in a timely manner; and what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for support.

Access to Work supports workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer through their duty to provide reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, including for mental health conditions. As set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we are reforming Access to Work to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people and people with health conditions, including mental health conditions, into and on in work.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of information-sharing arrangements between the National Crime Agency, Action Fraud, the Police and relevant professional regulators; and what plans she has to improve interoperability and avoid administrative duplication.

The Government has recognised the challenges facing the Action Fraud service, and, working with City of London Police, are pleased that the new Report Fraud service launched on 4 December.This new service replaces Action Fraud and includes the provision of improved reporting tools, victim services, and analysis and dissemination of viable investigative cases to police forces. Report Fraud’s new National Crime Analysis Service (N-CAS) will replace the backend system used previously by Action Fraud to analyse reports. This will significantly improve the speed and quality of information provided to law enforcement and other operational partners, boosting their chances of successful prosecution. It will also block and disrupt crime through providing real time information to those institutions and organisations who can deter and disrupt fraudulent websites, bank accounts, and other activities which are enabling criminality

Communities and Local Government, whether he will commit to laying before the House of Commons the Structural Change Order for local government reorganisation in Surrey.

I am happy to repeat the commitment from the Written Ministerial Statement made on 28 October (HCWS998) that we will bring to the House, for approval, a Structural Changes Order to implement the proposal for two new unitary councils – East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the cost to councils in the mayoral areas of Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton for election preparations which have now been cancelled; and if he will reimburse these costs in full.

We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all Devolution Priority Programme areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent and Sussex and Brighton will receive a third of their annual investment funds in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of using scanning machines in probation offices to detect weapons; and what steps he is taking to ensure the safety of probation officers in the workplace.

The safety of probation staff is our priority, and we are committed to taking action to protect them. Following a comprehensive review of health, safety, and security across all probation premises, we are urgently implementing measures to strengthen protection for staff and improve overall safety.We have completed a comprehensive nationwide review of local safety arrangements and are currently installing visitor lockers outside all probation contact areas with the aim of preventing the ingress of weapons and rolling out bleed control kits and defibrillators in every office to provide critical emergency support.We are also planning to pilot enhanced security measures in seven probation offices. The proposed pilots include archway scanners, handheld wands, body-worn cameras, and advanced safety training focused on de-escalation and aggression management. The aim is to prevent weapon ingress, improve staff safety, and assess the effectiveness of the proposed interventions.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of uniform changes proposed in the Children and Wellbeing Bill on parents who wish to buy branded uniform items for convenience.

Whilst uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities, too many schools still require high numbers of branded items. This is why we have introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require, giving parents more choice in where to purchase uniform and allowing them the flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.Schools may continue to offer optional branded items, provided these are kept to a minimum and a generic alternative is available.Parents should have choice over where they shop, so they can control the cost of uniforms. Our data suggest that where parents can buy items from a range of suppliers the average cost of uniform is significantly lower.

Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing the same protections to historic villages as is provided to historic towns in the National Planning Policy Framework; and what assessment he has made of the potential effect of grey belt designation on the distinct identity of village communities, like those in Guildford constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 39868 on 26 March 2025.

What steps the Department is taking to ensure that the Child Maintenance Service has effective mechanisms to prevent high earners from reducing their maintenance liabilities through the diversion of income into pension contributions.

The paying parent's (PP) gross income, after occupational or personal pension scheme contributions are deducted, is taken directly from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the latest tax year available. This is because either pension contributions themselves or the earnings from which they are paid qualify for income tax relief. Either parent can ask the CMS to consider where they believe a paying parent is deliberately making excessive contributions into a private pension in order to reduce the calculation. This is called a diversion of income variation. If the CMS considers that the deduction in the gross weekly income is unreasonable then the maintenance calculation can be adjusted.

What measures are in place to prevent delays to child maintenance proceedings arising from the non-submission of required documents by a paying parent; and how the Department ensures that such delays do not impede or postpone court-related processes.

Under the Child Support Information Regulations 2008, paying parents have a duty to provide the Department with any evidence or information needed for the i) determination of an application ; ii) making of a decision; or iii) collection and enforcement of child maintenance. Paying parents are expected to meet that obligation within specified timescales and are warned of the consequences of failing to do so. Where a paying parent fails to provide the required information within the time allowed, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will take immediate action and is committed to using its wide-ranging enforcement powers proportionally, and in the best interests of children and separated families. To support timely document submission, CMS offer a 24/7 online customer portal, My Child Maintenance Case, allowing parents to upload documents at their convenience any time of the day. In addition, data-sharing arrangements with other government departments, principally HMRC, reduce the need for customers to supply information directly, particularly earnings-related data.If court action becomes necessary and customer information is not provided, the court may treat this as wilful refusal or culpable neglect when considering enforcement or sanctions for non-payment of child maintenanceThe Department is committed to minimising delays in child maintenance proceedings and ensuring children receive the financial support they are entitled to.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential environmental and administrative implications of relying on paper-based postal order payments for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency services.

There are no Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) services for which only a postal order is accepted as payment. Trade licensing applications can also be paid for by cheque. The DVLA is currently developing improvements to its trade licensing service and this includes exploring the introduction of alternative payment methods. The DVLA offers nearly 50 main customer facing services, with the majority of these being available online with a range of payment options. Only seven transactions currently require a manual payment by either postal order or cheque.

For what reason the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency requires postal orders as the sole means of payment for trade plate applications.

There are no Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) services for which only a postal order is accepted as payment. Trade licensing applications can also be paid for by cheque. The DVLA is currently developing improvements to its trade licensing service and this includes exploring the introduction of alternative payment methods. The DVLA offers nearly 50 main customer facing services, with the majority of these being available online with a range of payment options. Only seven transactions currently require a manual payment by either postal order or cheque.

Whether she plans to introduce alternative payment methods for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency trade plate applications.

There are no Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) services for which only a postal order is accepted as payment. Trade licensing applications can also be paid for by cheque. The DVLA is currently developing improvements to its trade licensing service and this includes exploring the introduction of alternative payment methods. The DVLA offers nearly 50 main customer facing services, with the majority of these being available online with a range of payment options. Only seven transactions currently require a manual payment by either postal order or cheque.

Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to introduce requirements for the installation of swift bricks in new housing developments.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 62367 on 2 July 2025.