Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his oral statement of 13 March 2025 on NHS England Update, Official Report, column 1300, what recent steps he has taken to streamline the business case approvals process for the New Hospitals Programme.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The New Hospital Programme is transforming the way that hospital infrastructure is constructed by using a national standardised approach, called Hospital 2.0. The average lifespan of new hospitals is expected to be in excess of 50 years, and is being designed in line with Hospital 2.0 principles, which will comply with regulatory building standards. This is the minimum expected lifespan, where some elements, such as the structure, will have a longer life expectancy, and other elements, such as internal doors, fixtures, and flooring, may need to be replaced after approximately 15 years. The lifespan of each individual hospital can vary based on external factors such as environmental conditions, maintenance, and usage.
The existing process for approving business cases has been agreed with the Department, NHS England, and HM Treasury, with the explicit purpose of clarifying roles and responsibilities, and where appropriate, delegating authority for faster approvals and for reducing duplication.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the average lifespan of hospitals that will be built under the New Hospitals Programme.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The New Hospital Programme is transforming the way that hospital infrastructure is constructed by using a national standardised approach, called Hospital 2.0. The average lifespan of new hospitals is expected to be in excess of 50 years, and is being designed in line with Hospital 2.0 principles, which will comply with regulatory building standards. This is the minimum expected lifespan, where some elements, such as the structure, will have a longer life expectancy, and other elements, such as internal doors, fixtures, and flooring, may need to be replaced after approximately 15 years. The lifespan of each individual hospital can vary based on external factors such as environmental conditions, maintenance, and usage.
The existing process for approving business cases has been agreed with the Department, NHS England, and HM Treasury, with the explicit purpose of clarifying roles and responsibilities, and where appropriate, delegating authority for faster approvals and for reducing duplication.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will publish each of the zero-based Departmental reviews undertaken by her Department.
Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Every department has undertaken a line-by-line review of its spending, committing to deliver at least 5% efficiencies and savings by the end of this Spending Review period. These efficiencies and savings are integral to department’s settlements. As part of the Spending Review, the OVFM have worked with departments to agree efficiency plans showing how almost £14bn of efficiencies will be delivered by 2028-29. These efficiencies contribute to the 5% and are set out in the Spending Review 2025 document.
These efficiencies and savings will now be delivered by departments as they plan and deliver their budgets for the years covered by the spending review.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 October 2025 to Question 6462, what the monthly average waiting time for a car practical driving test at each driving test centre has been for each month since October 2024.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.
On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.
Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK.
From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate.
DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.
The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025.
The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency.
Financial Year | Kings Lynn | Norwich (Peachman Way) | Total |
2020/21 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.1 |
2021/22 | 12.8 | 15.3 | 14.1 |
2022/23 | 12.4 | 9.5 | 11 |
2023/24 | 16.6 | 17.3 | 16.9 |
2024/25 | 16.5 | 18.9 | 17.7 |
The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency.
Financial Year | Kings Lynn | Norwich (Peachman Way) |
2020/21 | 16 | 18 |
2021/22 | 24 | 24 |
2022/23 | 24 | 24 |
2023/24 | 24 | 24 |
2024/25 | 22 | 24 |
The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.*
Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)
Financial year | Average wait time (Days) |
2021/22 (from Sept 2021) | 20.3 |
2022/23 | 17.6 |
2023/24 | 20.1 |
2024/25 | 26.4 |
The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days.
The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.*
North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)
Financial year | Average wait time (Days) |
2021/22 (from Sept 2021) | 16.9 |
2022/23 | 18.1 |
2023/24 | 20.7 |
2024/25 | 25.5 |
The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days.
*Please note, DVSA only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to (a) reduce waiting times for practical driving tests and (b) expand access to test centres in (i) Norfolk and (ii) North West Norfolk constituency.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.
On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.
Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK.
From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate.
DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.
The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025.
The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency.
Financial Year | Kings Lynn | Norwich (Peachman Way) | Total |
2020/21 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.1 |
2021/22 | 12.8 | 15.3 | 14.1 |
2022/23 | 12.4 | 9.5 | 11 |
2023/24 | 16.6 | 17.3 | 16.9 |
2024/25 | 16.5 | 18.9 | 17.7 |
The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency.
Financial Year | Kings Lynn | Norwich (Peachman Way) |
2020/21 | 16 | 18 |
2021/22 | 24 | 24 |
2022/23 | 24 | 24 |
2023/24 | 24 | 24 |
2024/25 | 22 | 24 |
The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.*
Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)
Financial year | Average wait time (Days) |
2021/22 (from Sept 2021) | 20.3 |
2022/23 | 17.6 |
2023/24 | 20.1 |
2024/25 | 26.4 |
The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days.
The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.*
North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)
Financial year | Average wait time (Days) |
2021/22 (from Sept 2021) | 16.9 |
2022/23 | 18.1 |
2023/24 | 20.7 |
2024/25 | 25.5 |
The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days.
*Please note, DVSA only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for a (i) practical and (ii) theory driving test by driving test centre in (A) Norfolk and (B) North West Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.
On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.
Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK.
From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate.
DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.
The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025.
The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency.
Financial Year | Kings Lynn | Norwich (Peachman Way) | Total |
2020/21 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.1 |
2021/22 | 12.8 | 15.3 | 14.1 |
2022/23 | 12.4 | 9.5 | 11 |
2023/24 | 16.6 | 17.3 | 16.9 |
2024/25 | 16.5 | 18.9 | 17.7 |
The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency.
Financial Year | Kings Lynn | Norwich (Peachman Way) |
2020/21 | 16 | 18 |
2021/22 | 24 | 24 |
2022/23 | 24 | 24 |
2023/24 | 24 | 24 |
2024/25 | 22 | 24 |
The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.*
Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)
Financial year | Average wait time (Days) |
2021/22 (from Sept 2021) | 20.3 |
2022/23 | 17.6 |
2023/24 | 20.1 |
2024/25 | 26.4 |
The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days.
The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.*
North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)
Financial year | Average wait time (Days) |
2021/22 (from Sept 2021) | 16.9 |
2022/23 | 18.1 |
2023/24 | 20.7 |
2024/25 | 25.5 |
The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days.
*Please note, DVSA only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the (a) UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, (b) UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, updated 19 May 2025 and (c) UK-EU security and defence partnership, published 19 May 2025, what his planned timetable is to agree arrangements for UK participation in EU electricity trading platforms.
Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
On 19 May, the Government published a renewed agenda for UK-EU cooperation. The Government agreed with the European Commission to proceed swiftly with the commitments and will keep Parliament updated on significant developments.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, when measures on taking pets on holiday to the EU will take effect.
Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
As announced at the UK-EU Leaders Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone to reduce delays and paperwork at the border. Taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper. Instead of getting an animal health certificate each time you travel, you will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU.
Our aim is to start talks straight away and we want to remove barriers as soon as possible.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, when (a) fresh sausages and burgers, (b) certain shellfish from domestic waters and (c) seed potatoes will be able to resume trade to the EU.
Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
As announced at the UK-EU Leaders Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone to reduce delays and paperwork at the border. British products that were banned under the last Government’s Brexit deal can resume trade to the EU once the common SPS area is in place. Trade in products such as fresh sausages and burgers, some shellfish from domestic waters, and seed potatoes will be able to resume, increasing markets for these goods and stimulating jobs.
Our aim is to start talks straight away and we want to remove barriers as soon as possible.
Asked by: James Wild (Conservative - North West Norfolk)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, when routine checks on (a) agri-foods and (b) imports from the EU of (i) milk, (ii) dairy, (iii) eggs and (iv) other products will end.
Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
As announced at the UK-EU Leaders Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone to reduce delays and paperwork at the border. Once the agreement is in place, routine SPS border checks for goods in scope will be eliminated, so fresh produce can hit supermarket shelves more quickly, with less paperwork and fewer costs.
Our aim is to start talks straight away and we want to remove barriers as soon as possible.