Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he will take to avoid disruption to successful programmes previously supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

While the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) ended in March 2026, funding for 2025-26 can still be used to support investment in activities up to 30 September 2026, to allow local authorities and partners time to maximise spend of their existing allocations.

The Government’s new approach emphasises more stable, longer-term funding and clearer planning horizons through the Local Government Finance Settlement, alongside targeted interventions that support growth and strengthen communities, including the Local Growth Fund and the Pride in Place Programme.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure continued funding for astronomical and space science research.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. This includes £38.6 billion allocated to UKRI.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) within UKRI is maintaining its budget across this period and is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its portfolio in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). The impacts of different modelled scenarios across the broad and diverse range of STFC-funded facilities and programmes will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions.

The UK will also continue to invest in collaborative space science through the UK Space Agency, which has been allocated £2.8 billion over the next 4 years.

DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its specific investment decisions are informed by meaningful consultation with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability, research institutions and international standing.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how the government will ensure rural counties are not disadvantaged in future allocations for economic growth and place-based investment.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Our flagship Pride in Place programme provides up to £5.8 billion over ten years to 284 neighbourhoods facing the greatest social and economic challenges, using a robust, published methodology that targets need wherever it occurs, including in rural areas. This methodology draws on established datasets such as the Index of Multiple Deprivation and the Community Needs Index, and has identified rural communities in areas including Wiltshire, East Lindsey and Somerset, amongst others.

A constituency cap ensures geographic spread across all parts of the country. Beyond Pride in Place, all areas will benefit from the powers and opportunities included in our wider Pride in Place strategy.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has considered including guidance on autistic burnout in future SEND Code of Practice revisions.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

In February, the government published the ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ Schools White Paper and consultation on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform. This included a commitment to update the SEND Code of Practice to clarify the responsibilities of education settings and local partners, as well as making the guidance easier to use and navigate. The update will place a stronger emphasis on an evidence-based approach and early intervention as part of a whole-setting commitment to inclusion.

Furthermore, the development of the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages will provide a clear framework for how children are best supported. Educators will be able to draw on these to put in place evidence-based support as needs are identified, including for autistic children and young people.

We will undertake a separate, full public consultation on the proposed changes to the Code.