Claire Hazelgrove

The Government's Warm Homes Plan, published earlier this year, represents the biggest public investment in home upgrades in British history and includes an offer of support to every type of household.

Low-income households can access fully-funded grant support through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, delivered through local authorities, and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, delivered through social housing providers.

Universal grant support of up to £9,000 is available for heat pump installations through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and the WHP commits to a brand-new scheme offering low interest, government-backed consumer loans backed with £2 billion of public funding.

In terms of bill support, the Government recently cut VAT on electricity bills, meaning prices are around £45 per year lower than they would otherwise have been. That’s on top of the action at last year's Budget to take an average £150 of policy costs off bills, which be factored in for years to come. Additionally, 5.7 million households in Britain will have benefitted from our expanded £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, which we've confirmed will remain in place for the rest of the decade.

The Government is investing a record £58.5 billion in research and development between 2026/27 and 2029/30 to support growth and opportunity across the UK.

The Government has launched TechFirst, a £187 million programme that will reach one million students across every secondary school in the UK, providing education, skills and career opportunities in technology and AI. As part of this broader programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is delivering TechLocal and TechGrad programmes which will further strengthen regional tech capabilities and create jobs.

Innovate UK, part of UKRI, is also working with the Catapult Network to help ensure that the skills system understands the changing workforce requirements which emerge from the adoption of frontier tech. Specifically in the West of England, this includes working with the Catapults for High Value Manufacturing, Compound Semiconductors, Digital and Satellite Applications. The region also benefits from UKRI-supported Centres for Doctoral Training, helping to develop the next generation of researchers and innovators.

The Government is clear that fans should be kept at the heart of live events, and we are concerned to see vastly inflated prices excluding many fans from having the opportunity to enjoy their favourite musicians.

We have committed to introducing new protections for consumers on ticket resales, and we will launch a consultation in the autumn to seek views on potential options. Alongside the consultation we will publish a call for evidence on price transparency for live events tickets which will include dynamic pricing.

We recognise that this is a complex area, and will work with artists, industry and fans to create a fairer system that ends the scourge of touts, rip-off resales and ensures tickets are available at fair prices.

The government recognises that outcomes for too many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) remain below those of their peers, including in progressing into sustained education, employment and training after age 16.

The SEND reform consultation, ‘Putting Children and Young People First’, noted that the likelihood of young people with SEND sustaining participation in education, employment or training has not meaningfully improved, despite significant increases in SEND funding, and identified variation in the quality and consistency of support available across the system.

The government has therefore committed to strengthening support across the 0 to 25 system, including a stronger emphasis on employment outcomes, better use of vocational pathways, supported internships and apprenticeships, and improved identification of SEND at any age. The consultation proposes a new ‘Experts at Hand’ offer, giving mainstream early years, school and further education settings access to specialist support without requiring an education, health and care plan.

Special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) play a critical role in schools and will continue to do so in the proposed reformed special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. As set out in the SEND reform: putting children and young people first consultation, we want to ensure their expertise is used at a setting level to improve outcomes for all pupils with SEND.

We are considering how best to support SENCOs to carry out their role effectively and reduce existing burdens. We are exploring opportunities to streamline processes, including through digital improvements, set clearer expectations and share responsibility for SEND across the workforce. We anticipate that SENCOs will play a key role in the strategic leadership of SEND and inclusion, working alongside leaders to drive, deliver and embed inclusive practice.

The final shape of the role will be informed by consultation feedback and further work with the sector, and we will revise the mandatory SENCO national professional qualification to ensure that SENCOs are equipped for their new role.

Swimming is a vital life skill. Every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim before leaving primary school. Schools must provide core swimming lessons within the PE national curriculum in key stage 1 or key stage 2, teaching pupils to swim competently, confidently and proficiently over at least 25 metres.

Schools receive core funding for curriculum activities, including PE, which can be used for swimming lessons and transport.

The department has also confirmed £1 billion funding for PE and school sport over three years, building on £67 billion of core funding this year, ensuring schools have the resources they need to deliver for pupils.

Increasing access and improving attainment in swimming and water safety will be key priorities for the new PE and School Sport Partnerships network. The network will support access to swimming by bringing together schools, local clubs, and national governing bodies of sport, helping to identify and address barriers to participation so that funding and support are targeted where they are needed most. Furthermore, the network will support attainment by developing high quality support more consistently to schools, including swimming and water safety training, access to specialist coaching, links to local swimming clubs and greater access to competitions and national programmes.

We support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university, regardless of their background or where they live.

All English higher education (HE) providers that intend to charge higher level tuition fees must have an access and participation plan approved by the Office for Students which articulates how it will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups, supporting them to both access and succeed in HE.

We are introducing targeted, means-tested maintenance grants of up to £1,000 per year from the 2028/29 academic year, providing vital extra support for students from low-income households without increasing their debt, and are future-proofing maintenance loans by committing to increase them in line with forecast inflation every year.

As a further measure, we have convened an access and participation task and finish group to consider how to tackle regional disparities and the systemic barriers across the journey into HE for disadvantaged students. A final report will be published in January 2027.

Swimming is a vital life skill. Every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim before leaving primary school. Schools must provide core swimming lessons within the PE national curriculum in key stage 1 or key stage 2, teaching pupils to swim competently, confidently and proficiently over at least 25 metres.

Schools receive core funding for curriculum activities, including PE, which can be used for swimming lessons and transport.

The department has also confirmed £1 billion funding for PE and school sport over three years, building on £67 billion of core funding this year, ensuring schools have the resources they need to deliver for pupils.

Increasing access and improving attainment in swimming and water safety will be key priorities for the new PE and School Sport Partnerships network. The network will support access to swimming by bringing together schools, local clubs, and national governing bodies of sport, helping to identify and address barriers to participation so that funding and support are targeted where they are needed most. Furthermore, the network will support attainment by developing high quality support more consistently to schools, including swimming and water safety training, access to specialist coaching, links to local swimming clubs and greater access to competitions and national programmes.

The 2026 Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) annual progress report, published in July, sets out the progress made on biodiversity and habitat restoration in the previous 12 months. The report shows that over 85% of 308 actions in the EIP were underway as of March 2026. Recently completed EIP actions supporting biodiversity and habitat restoration include extending Countryside Stewardship to support farming and nature recovery (October 2025), designating the new Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve (March 2026) and announcing £47m of new funding to support peatland restoration (June 2026)

An Environment Act Habitat Target evidence report produced by Natural England shows that as of by March 2026, action has been taken to create or restore a cumulative total of 77,638 hectares likely to qualify for meeting habitat targets, an increase from 38,877 hectares as of May 2025.

The latest species abundance indicator, updated in April 2026, based on data until 2024, shows a declining trajectory. However, we are taking action targeted at species, including £60m allocated to projects via the species restoration fund for the period 2026 to 2029, and continued work to support species, including this summer the release of six White tailed Eagles to Exmoor.

This Government recognises the significant impact dog attacks can have on victims and their families.

Defra commissioned the Responsible Dog Ownership taskforce to review the available data on dog attacks and their consequences. The taskforce has produced a report, which will be published in due course.

Defra continues to work with the police, animal welfare organisations and other experts to review existing measures that promote responsible dog ownership and safety from dangerous dogs The Government has already acted to improve public safety, including by prohibiting XL Bully type dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. From 1 November 2026, a new child safety measure will also apply to exempted banned breed dogs.

The Good Food Cycle, published in July 2025, set out the Government’s long-term vision for the UK food system, defining shared outcomes for a more resilient, affordable, healthy and sustainable future. Delivery against these outcomes is already underway across government. This includes action to improve access to healthier and more affordable food, support sector growth, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The Government is committed to delivering positive environmental outcomes alongside the housing and infrastructure our communities urgently need. Local Nature Recovery Strategies are being prepared across England, to enable communities to set priorities for biodiversity and environmental improvement and propose where action is most needed. Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain requires developments to achieve a 10% improvement in biodiversity. The Nature Restoration Fund will accelerate housing and infrastructure alongside delivering improved environmental outcomes for habitats and species. The Government is also working with local stakeholders to deliver at least 20 Protected Site Strategies by 2030 to tackle pollution and habitat degradation.

The Environment Agency regularly inspects combined sewer overflows in the Filton and Bradley Stoke area, and is carrying out enforcement work following a serious pollution incident of the Hortham and Patchway Brook. It is also investigating silt pollution in the Hazel Brook, where various potential source sites have been inspected including close examination of site drainage, discharge points and pollution prevention methods.

The Government has made a firm commitment to pursue legislative reform for micromobility vehicles such as e-scooters when parliamentary time allows.

The Government will consult on detailed proposals for e-scooters in the next year and will be using the findings of the e-scooter trials to ensure that we understand how best to regulate e-scooters when the time comes, including on permitted speed and identification of riders and vehicles.

We know that convenient, reliable and affordable transport is essential for giving people the access to education, training and employment that they need to succeed. We are providing significant investment to improve local transport across England and are reforming public transport through the Railways Bill and the Bus Services Act 2025. This includes protections from bus routes being scrapped at short notice.

Gloucestershire County Council has been allocated £25.2 million from 2026/27 to 2028/29 in Local Authority Bus Grant funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, including expanding services and improving reliability.

The UK already has laws in place to protect air passengers during disruption, including refunds or re-routing for cancellations due to geopolitical instability. Air passenger rights is a priority for the Department for Transport, and we continue to look for opportunities to ensure air passengers have the best possible protections.

Consumers who have purchased a package holiday have additional protections, including assistance and refunds in specified circumstances.

Passengers should have insurance that is suitable for their plans and needs. Travel insurance coverage will vary between polices and the level of cover taken out by the individual. Passengers should contact their policy provider for confirmation of what is and is not covered.

The Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters, by creating the Low-speed Zero Emission Vehicles category when parliamentary time allows.

This will create safe, legal routes for people to use new transport technology, and help the police to crack down on those who use them in an irresponsible or anti-social way.

E-bikes are already regulated, and when an e-bike does not fully comply with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle requirements, it is treated as a motor vehicle in law under the Road Traffic Act 1988, making most of them effectively illegal to use on the road. There are no plans to change this, though we will continue to ensure the police have the powers they need to enforce the law.

There is existing legislation in place to ensure consumers are protected when air travel is disrupted

Where UK law applies, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (“Regulation 261”) sets out the rights of air passengers in the event of flight disruptions, such as cancellations, long delays and denied boarding, including circumstances where travel is disrupted by wider events beyond the airline’s control.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s independent aviation regulator, is responsible for monitoring industry compliance with this legislation.

It is important that passengers are aware of their rights during any disruption and that is why the Government provides guidance through its Air Passenger Travel Guide. In addition to this general guidance, the Government and the Civil Aviation Authority have published targeted information, including the “Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know” page and the CAA’s summer travel advice.

The Government is investing £2.5 billion by 2029 through the Youth Guarantee and the additional funding for the Growth and Skills Levy, creating opportunities for young people to access work, training and apprenticeships.

We are now fully funding apprenticeships for all eligible young people aged under 25. and introducing a £2,000 hiring payment for non-levy paying employers (typically SMEs) that recruit apprentices under 25 from October, as we support up to 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship starts by region and age group, including 16-24 year olds, are published in the Apprenticeships statistics publication on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed at: Release home - Apprenticeships - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK

The information is in the table.

Table 1: Clearance times (weeks) for PIP award reviews

Notes:

• Clearance times refer to the time between a review is registered to when it’s cleared.
• Includes normal rules claims under DWP policy ownership (England, Wales, and abroad).

All claims remain in payment whilst award reviews are in progress and award increases identified during a planned review will be backdated as appropriate. Should customers report a change of circumstance and trigger an unplanned review, their claim will be prioritised alongside new claims.

We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal BIndependence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner. Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service, which is kept under constant review.

We always aim to make an award review decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to assess all available evidence, including that from the claimant. Most award review decisions are now made without the need for an assessment by a Healthcare Professional, where we have sufficient information, which helps to reduce the time taken to process many cases.

The department is taking a number of steps to support the training and upskilling of staff involved in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments, while ensuring that all clinical training materials are of the highest quality, evidence-based, and free from bias.

Since September 2024, following the commencement of the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) contracts, the DWP Clinical Team has taken ownership of all clinical core training and guidance materials (CTGM). These materials are now developed and assured independently of charities and other stakeholder organisations to ensure consistency, impartiality and alignment with best clinical practice. The CTGM is aligned with national guidance, including that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which draws on the best available evidence and incorporates input from clinical experts, people with lived experience, carers and the public.

Senior clinicians from charities and stakeholder groups are invited to contribute to a monthly education programme delivered to DWP-employed clinicians. All contributions are subject to prior review to ensure they are evidence-based, clinically focused and free from bias.

In addition, the department facilitates ongoing engagement through quarterly stakeholder information sessions. These provide an opportunity for charities and other organisations to raise questions, offer feedback, and highlight concerns regarding clinical training materials. Feedback can also be submitted in advance of these sessions for discussion.

Through this approach, the department ensures that training remains robust, evidence-based and informed by wider expertise, while maintaining appropriate independence and clinical integrity in the development of guidance for PIP assessments.

On 9 September 2024, DWP assumed responsibility for the Core Training and Guidance Materials (CTGM) used within the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS), provided by DWP to the HAAS assessment suppliers. Following the transfer of responsibilities to DWP, all training and guidance materials are currently being comprehensively reviewed and updated. A newly established team is leading this work, ensuring that all materials are aligned with national best practice standards. To support this, independent clinical experts are being engaged to provide external quality assurance, helping to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and consistency of the content. Once the review and update is complete, external organisations, including charities representing people with specific health conditions such as Parkinson’s, will be invited to comment.

Legislation was amended in 2022 to widen the list of professionals eligible to issue a fit note to include pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and registered nurses, alongside doctors.

The changes were made following extensive consultation with a wide range of healthcare professionals and their professional bodies. The aim of the changes was to ease the burden on GPs, streamline the interface between primary and secondary care, and enable fit notes to be issued by the clinician closest to the patient at the time they needed a fit note.

While paramedics are not able to issue fit notes, they and other Allied Health Professionals can contribute to decisions on sickness certification through completion of an AHP Work and Health Report. This may be considered by eligible professionals when issuing a fit note.

In May, the government launched pilot programmes across 4 Integrated Care Board areas in England to reform the fit note process. The pilots will test a fundamentally different approach, exploring replacing the traditional GP-led fit note process with newly designed plans that provide better support to people who fall ill at work. The long-term aim is for fundamental reform of the fit note process, and the pilots are not intended to revisit or reopen questions around paramedics issuing fit notes.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to making Child Maintenance Service (CMS) decisions clear, accessible and transparent.

Whenever a decision is made that affects a child maintenance calculation or payment arrangements, DWP issues notifications to customers explaining the outcome. Where the maintenance calculation changes, customers are provided with information setting out how the new calculation has been reached.

DWP is taking steps to improve communications with parents by simplifying content and retiring outdated letters. In addition, the online My Child Maintenance Case service enables parents to view their case details, track changes, check their current position and view digital copies of notifications at any time. DWP continues to develop this service to provide even more information to customers.