Bobby Dean
Liberal Democrat - Carshalton and Wallington
7,905 (16.9%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 4th July 2024
2 APPG Officer Positions (as of 9 Sep 2025)
Hong Kong, Tamils3 APPG Memberships
Water Pollution, British Hindus, Fair ElectionsDivision Voting information
Bobby Dean voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 38 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 415 Noes - 47
Bobby Dean voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 38 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 41
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
(7 debate interactions)
Vice Chamberlain (HM Household) (Whip, House of Commons)
(6 debate interactions)
(5 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(16 debate contributions)
(12 debate contributions)
(10 debate contributions)
(10 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(1,350 words contributed)
(871 words contributed)
(760 words contributed)
(702 words contributed)
Carshalton and Wallington Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 24,962 signatures (0.65%)
of 26,759 signatures (0.56%)
of 108,428 signatures (0.53%)
of 31,983 signatures (0.48%)
of 918,767 signatures (0.15%)
of 408,005 signatures (0.15%)
of 108,428 signatures (0.53%)
of 249,201 signatures (0.15%)
c. 818 added daily
109,206
(Estimated)
Keep 5-year ILR terms to Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas
Sign this petition Gov Responded - 11 Jul 2025 Debated on - 8 Sep 2025 View Bobby Dean's petition debate contributionscloses in 3 months
We urge the Government to exempt BN(O) visa for Hongkongers from the proposed immigration reforms. We think the current ILR terms must remain unchanged:
1. Five years of UK residency
2. B1 level English proficiency
3. Passing the Life in the UK Test
c. 1,284 added daily
173,313
(Estimated)
Keep the 5-Year ILR pathway for existing Skilled Worker visa holders
Sign this petition Gov Responded - 17 Jun 2025 Debated on - 8 Sep 2025 View Bobby Dean's petition debate contributionscloses in 2 months
Do not apply the proposed 10-year ILR rule to existing Skilled Worker visa holders. Keep the 5-year ILR route for those already in the UK on this visa. Apply any changes only to new applicants from the date of implementation.
Latest EDMs signed by Bobby Dean
Loan Charge and settlement terms offered to large companies and individuals
Tabled by: Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat - Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire)That this House is deeply concerned at the treatment of those facing the Loan Charge; notes that instead of commissioning a truly independent review of the Loan Charge, Ministers announced a highly restricted review, conducted by a former Assistant Director of HMRC, Ray McCann, only looking at settlement terms; expresses …
(Most recent: 8 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 50
Scottish National Party: 8
Conservative: 6
Green Party: 4
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Labour: 1
New Hospital Programme for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)That this House notes with serious concern that under current plans, funding from the New Hospital Programme for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is not due to be delivered until 2030, which is far too late to address the urgent and critical condition of the hospital buildings; …
(Most recent: 4 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 10
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Bobby Dean, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Bobby Dean has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Bobby Dean has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Bobby Dean has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Bobby Dean has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The National Security (Economic Security) committee existed under the previous administration. The Cabinet Committee list and membership is decided by the Prime Minister. GOV.UK is updated regularly with the list of Cabinet Committees, their terms of reference, and membership.
Since July 2024 the National Security Council itself considers economic security, as part of its broader strategic approach to national security including foreign policy, resilience, international relations, economic security, trade, development, defence and global issues.
Economic security is a priority for this Government, and we have taken a number of steps to coordinate economic security policy through the NSC and by embedding economic security into the Government’s Industrial Strategy to support long-term stability. Economic Security is a core concern of the Growth Mission Board and our work with international partners.
The Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy was a product of the previous government.
As part of our Growth Mission, this government is committed to assessing where supply chains critical to the UK's economic security and growth could be vulnerable to disruption and is working to build resilience. Our upcoming Industrial and Trade Strategies will set out further detail on the steps we are taking to ensure the UK’s growth is secure and resilient.
Secretary of State for Scotland
A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK’s economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. The Government will work hand in hand with industry to publish a new Critical Minerals Strategy this year. The Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure our supply chains for the long term and drive forward the green industries of the future.
DBT regularly engages with industry and academia to inform policy development, including through the Critical Minerals Expert Committee. DBT also plans to reconvene the independent Task and Finish Group members following their 2023 report, informing development of the new Strategy.
Minister of State (Home Office)
This Government is committed to tackling the climate and nature crises and has a well-developed legislative framework in place through the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Environment Act 2021. In July 2025, the DESNZ and Defra Secretaries of State held the first Climate and Nature Statement in Parliament. Our focus is on making rapid progress towards our climate and nature targets, which will be set out later this year in the Environmental Improvement Plan and an updated plan for meeting carbon budgets.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Climate and Nature Statement to Parliament took place on 14th July 2025 and is intended to be an annual statement. A Bill to enable ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement will be introduced by the end of the year. The UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be introduced on 1 January 2027. The Net Zero Public Participation Strategy will be published later this year.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The UK’s Data protection framework is technology-neutral. If domestic CCTV or other video recording devices capture someone else's property or communal space, then the UK’s data protection legislation applies as the images and voices of other people will be captured and this is classified as personal information.
The UK’s Data protection legislation is monitored and enforced independently of Government. The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued guidance on domestic use of surveillance equipment, including CCTV.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The UK’s Data protection framework is technology-neutral, with its principles, namely, transparency, accountability and fairness, applying to all technology which uses personal data, including CCTV. There are also general rules on how personal data should be processed and safeguarded.
If domestic CCTV captures someone else's property or communal space, then the UK’s data protection legislation applies as the images and voices of other people will be captured and this is classified as personal information.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued guidance on domestic and commercial use of surveillance equipment, including CCTV.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The 2023 International Technology Strategy set out an international approach guided by four principles: Open; Responsible; Secure; and Resilient. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology remains supportive of such principles and continues to prioritise the five critical technologies first outlined in the UK Science and Technology Framework. Collaborating with international partners on technology allows us to access global expertise, accelerate innovation and drive economic growth. For example, Oracle, the US based tech firm, recently announced £3.8 billion of investment in the UK to create jobs, grow the economy, and spur on cloud/ AI development. The forthcoming Industrial Strategy will include more detail on how we are leveraging international partnerships and trade to support this growth driving sector.
The Science and Technology Framework is the integrated, systems-level approach to science and technology (S&T) with a holistic set of ten critical levers that the government can use to drive growth and improve the lives of citizens.
The government is committed to the Framework and to applying these levers to ensure S&T is at the heart of delivering our core priorities including the Plan for Change, the Five National Missions and the Industrial Strategy.
The 2023 International Technology Strategy set out an international approach guided by four principles: Open; Responsible; Secure; and Resilient. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology remains supportive of such principles and continues to prioritise the five critical technologies first outlined in the UK Science and Technology Framework. Collaborating with international partners on technology allows us to access global expertise, accelerate innovation and drive economic growth. For example, Oracle, the US based tech firm, recently announced £3.8 billion of investment in the UK to create jobs, grow the economy, and spur on cloud/ AI development. The forthcoming Industrial Strategy will include more detail on how we are leveraging international partnerships and trade to support this growth driving sector.
I refer the hon. the Member for Carshalton and Wallington to the answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43513.
I refer the hon. the Member for Carshalton and Wallington to the answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43513.
The department will consider participation in the 2029 PISA financial literacy assessment in mid-2026 when more information on the study and its available options is provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This may include piloting the financial literacy assessment at the field trial stage to evaluate the feasibility of delivering this option, particularly the impact on securing school participation and the extent of the additional burden on schools and pupils.
Securing school and pupil participation in PISA can be challenging due to the study taking place in year 11, which is a busy GCSE year, and the increased burden of administering any additional options is an important consideration in this context.
The department is committed to ensuring that all learners, including learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have access to a world-class education that sets them up for life and supports them to achieve positive outcomes.
We want to ensure that impartial, lifelong careers guidance is available to everyone when they need it, regardless of age, circumstance or background. This will allow everyone to develop skills, progress into work or the next stage of their career, and boost long term economic prosperity.
The department has published statutory guidance on careers guidance to set out what is expected of schools and colleges, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-provision-for-young-people-in-schools.
The National Careers Service offers free, up-to-date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market in England. It helps people to achieve and thrive and supports social mobility by working with individuals to motivate them and develop their understanding of the full range of options open to them, whatever their background or circumstances. More information is available on the National Careers Service website, which can be found here: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/.
Preparing all children and young people with SEND for adulthood is a key part of the SEND system and should begin from the earliest point.
A wide range of training programmes are available to suit the needs of the individual and their aspirations. This includes academic or vocational courses such as supported internships and apprenticeships which provide experience of workplace activities. For those with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, there must be a focus from year 9 onwards on preparing the young person for adulthood as part of their plan’s annual review. This focus must continue until the young person’s EHC plan ceases. Planning for the transition to adulthood should result in clear outcomes being agreed that are ambitious and stretching, and which are tailored to the needs and interests of the young person.
The department knows that with the right preparation and support, the overwhelming majority of young people with SEND are capable of sustained, paid employment. All professionals working with them should share that presumption and should provide the career advice and support that helps young people develop the skills and experience, and achieve the qualifications, that they need to succeed in their careers.
The department is committed to ensuring that all learners, including learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have access to a world-class education that sets them up for life and supports them to achieve positive outcomes.
Following the Autumn Budget 2024, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing total high needs funding for young people with complex SEND to £11.9 billion. High needs funding helps local authorities with the ongoing costs of post-16 education provision for students with education, health and care (EHC) plans.
Local authorities must publish a local offer of services and provision for children and young people with SEND and keep it under review, including the sufficiency of provision. This must be co-produced with parents, young people and a wide range of education providers, both within and beyond the local authority area. The local offer must include provision within the local authority’s area alongside provision outside the local area that the local authority expects is likely to be used by children and young people with SEND for whom they are responsible.
Local authorities’ duties include securing enough suitable education and training provision to meet the reasonable needs of all young people in their area who are over compulsory school age but under 19, or aged 19 or over and for whom an EHC plan is maintained. This is a duty under section 15ZA of the Education Act 1996. To fulfil this, local authorities should have a strategic overview of the provision available in their area and identify and resolve gaps in provision.
If a local authority places students at a special post-16 institution (SPI) and would like the SPI to be considered for Education and Skills Funding Agency funding, the department will take the SPI through the due diligence process and award a funding agreement if successful.
The department is committed to ensuring that all learners, including learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have access to a world-class education that sets them up for life and supports them to achieve positive outcomes.
Following the Autumn Budget 2024, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing total high needs funding for young people with complex SEND to £11.9 billion. High needs funding helps local authorities with the ongoing costs of post-16 education provision for students with education, health and care (EHC) plans.
Local authorities must publish a local offer of services and provision for children and young people with SEND and keep it under review, including the sufficiency of provision. This must be co-produced with parents, young people and a wide range of education providers, both within and beyond the local authority area. The local offer must include provision within the local authority’s area alongside provision outside the local area that the local authority expects is likely to be used by children and young people with SEND for whom they are responsible.
Local authorities’ duties include securing enough suitable education and training provision to meet the reasonable needs of all young people in their area who are over compulsory school age but under 19, or aged 19 or over and for whom an EHC plan is maintained. This is a duty under section 15ZA of the Education Act 1996. To fulfil this, local authorities should have a strategic overview of the provision available in their area and identify and resolve gaps in provision.
If a local authority places students at a special post-16 institution (SPI) and would like the SPI to be considered for Education and Skills Funding Agency funding, the department will take the SPI through the due diligence process and award a funding agreement if successful.
The government’s is committed to a Young Futures programme made up of Young Futures prevention partnerships and Young Futures Hubs.
Young Futures Hubs will bring together services to improve access to opportunities and support for young people at community level, promoting positive outcomes and enabling them to thrive.
To roll out Young Futures Hubs, the department will first establish early adopter hubs. These, and work with local areas, will inform the longer-term development of the programme, including how quickly we move to a greater number of hubs. Young Futures Hubs will build upon the successes of existing infrastructure and provision. We will set out more details in due course.
Young Futures Hubs are one part of delivering this within a much wider youth landscape. They will be designed to complement core services and wider initiatives spanning youth, education, employment, social care, mental health, youth justice and policing.
High-quality teaching is the in-school factor that makes the biggest difference to a child’s outcomes and is therefore essential to delivering the government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity for every child.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners, including learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have access to a world-class education that sets them up for life and supports them to achieve positive outcomes. We recognise the critical work SEND teachers do in achieving this.
A successful teacher recruitment strategy starts with a strong retention strategy. The targeted retention incentive is worth up to £6,000 after tax per year for early career teachers in key science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and technical subjects in disadvantaged schools and all further education (FE) colleges. It is targeted at key STEM and technical subject teachers because specialists in these subjects have high earning potential outside teaching and are often the most difficult to recruit and retain.
The targeted retention incentive is available to school teachers in both mainstream and special schools if they teach mathematics, physics, chemistry or computing and have completed either a degree or Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course in one of these subjects. The incentive is also available to eligible FE college teachers of those same subjects and also construction, digital, early years and engineering and manufacturing. This includes any eligible specialist SEND teachers in FE colleges teaching those subjects.
The department is receiving compensation in recognition of the increase in National Insurance contributions (NICs) paid by institutions it funds, including colleges, schools and other state-funded special education needs and disabilities provision. Work is in progress to determine how that funding will be distributed, and more information will be provided as soon as is practicable. This NICs funding will be in addition to the £300 million and £1 billion funding increases announced at the Autumn Budget 2024 for further education and young people with high needs respectively, in 2025/26.
The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) is currently reviewing the existing national curriculum and statutory assessment system in England, to ensure they are fit for purpose and that the curriculum is rich and broad, inclusive and innovative. The review group will publish an interim report early in 2025, setting out their interim findings and confirming the key areas for further work. The final report, with recommendations, will be published in autumn 2025.
Topics relating to climate change and the environment are currently included within geography, science and citizenship in the current national curriculum, with an environmental science A level also available. At a primary level, pupils are given a foundation of climate science which can be built on in secondary school. Teachers also have the flexibility to plan their own lessons, which enables them to adapt and consider new developments, societal changes, or topical issues. As a result, the department is seeing excellent work in climate education at all levels in many schools and multi-academy trusts.
The Government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing, and licensing, including Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This will take in to account long-standing DfT and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) plans, and the recent proposals suggested by the motorcycle industry.
DVSA does not hold precise data on the proportion of riders who complete CBT and subsequently progress to a full motorcycle licence within the two-year validity period of their CBT certificate. In the financial year 2023/24 180,425 certificates were sold to the motorcycle training industry, in the same period 39,935 riders passed their on road motorcycle test.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing, and licensing, including Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This will take in to account long-standing DfT and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) plans, and the recent proposals suggested by the motorcycle industry.
DVSA does not hold precise data on the proportion of riders who complete CBT and subsequently progress to a full motorcycle licence within the two-year validity period of their CBT certificate. In the financial year 2023/24 180,425 certificates were sold to the motorcycle training industry, in the same period 39,935 riders passed their on road motorcycle test.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
Concessionary travel legislation for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme requires that applicants must have their sole or primary residence in the local area in which they apply for a bus pass, but it does not stipulate the types of evidence which are acceptable as proof. Whilst it is ultimately up to local authorities to ensure that they comply with the law, the Department for Transport would urge them to consider making alternative arrangements, where required, to ensure that otherwise eligible older or disabled people who only have non-standard proofs of residency are still able to access the statutory concession.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Employers have a duty to manage the safety of their employees, and their employees in turn have a responsibility to ride or drive appropriately and to comply with relevant laws. Guidance for companies employing people to drive including verifying their licence status is provided at: Employing people to drive - GOV.UK
The Department for Transport worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to update the joint DfT/HSE guidance on work related road safety. The revised guidance, published in September 2021 and called Driving and riding safely for work, clearly sets out what commercial organisations and their employees must do to manage work related road safety and what their obligations are under law. This includes how to assess risks while on the road, considerations for other road users and distractions from mobile devices.
The Minister for Local Transport wrote to the main food delivery companies in December 2024, to remind them of their obligations, and of the importance the Government places on the safety of all road users. Enforcement of road traffic legislation, including that relating to e-scooters, is a matter for the police.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Should a Child Maintenance (CM) claimant dispute a decision made by DWP, they can request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) to review the decision made. Subsequently, if they are still dissatisfied with the decision, they can appeal to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Once DWP are notified of the appeal, the Department has 42 days to prepare their appeal response or lapse the appeal if we can improve the decision.
To reduce the time taken to resolve Child Maintenance Service (CMS) disputes that have reached Appeal stage, the disputes service has taken the following actions:
- Recruited an additional team of CMS Appeal Writers in January 2025.
- Working to identify continuous improvement activity to improve the customer journey and reduce wait times.
- Utilising overtime to increase clearance volumes.
- Supporting a two-way data sharing agreement with HMCTS to identify pre-registration Appeal volumes.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Department for Work and Pensions has not had a recruitment freeze on any roles in the last 12 months. There are no current plans in place to implement a recruitment freeze in the next 12 months, and the Department will continue to manage overall resourcing and meeting priorities through workforce plans.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The information requested is published within the DWP Annual Reports and Accounts. Data for April 2024 to March 2025 will be published in the 2024/25 DWP Annual Reports and Accounts in or around July 2025.
The latest published data is for the period April 2023 to March 2024. In the period April 2023 to March 2024, DWP made 10,567 ex-gratia payments totalling £1.3 million for maladministration.
Please note that the total amount of ex-gratia payments for maladministration presented in the DWP Annual Reports and Accounts excludes financial redress paid for loss of statutory entitlement because it is not an extra cost arising from maladministration, but payment of benefit that should have been made anyway.
The average value of maladministration payments in the period April 2023 to March 2024 was £120. This value has been calculated based on the unrounded total payments and unrounded number of payments, rounded to the nearest £10.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The information requested is published within the DWP Annual Reports and Accounts. Data for April 2024 to March 2025 will be published in the 2024/25 DWP Annual Reports and Accounts in or around July 2025.
The latest published data is for the period April 2023 to March 2024. In the period April 2023 to March 2024, DWP made 10,567 ex-gratia payments totalling £1.3 million for maladministration.
Please note that the total amount of ex-gratia payments for maladministration presented in the DWP Annual Reports and Accounts excludes financial redress paid for loss of statutory entitlement because it is not an extra cost arising from maladministration, but payment of benefit that should have been made anyway.
The average value of maladministration payments in the period April 2023 to March 2024 was £120. This value has been calculated based on the unrounded total payments and unrounded number of payments, rounded to the nearest £10.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The information requested is published within the DWP Annual Reports and Accounts. Data for April 2024 to March 2025 will be published in the 2024/25 DWP Annual Reports and Accounts in or around July 2025.
The latest published data is for the period April 2023 to March 2024. In the period April 2023 to March 2024, DWP made 10,567 ex-gratia payments totalling £1.3 million for maladministration.
Please note that the total amount of ex-gratia payments for maladministration presented in the DWP Annual Reports and Accounts excludes financial redress paid for loss of statutory entitlement because it is not an extra cost arising from maladministration, but payment of benefit that should have been made anyway.
The average value of maladministration payments in the period April 2023 to March 2024 was £120. This value has been calculated based on the unrounded total payments and unrounded number of payments, rounded to the nearest £10.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
There are currently no plans to make such an assessment.
The lower rate of Universal Credit for those aged under 25 reflects the fact that the majority of young people live in someone else’s household and are therefore likely to have lower living costs.
Younger workers also typically earn less as they are earlier in their careers, with the lower rate maintaining the incentive for younger people to find and progress in work.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We understand the challenges care leavers face and that is why the department continues to provide additional dedicated support through a series of safeguards and easements aimed at simplifying their interaction with the benefit system.
This includes, for example, single care leavers being exempt from the lower, Shared Accommodation Rate and qualifying for the more generous one-bedroom Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate until their 25th birthday; an advanced claims process where Local Authorities’ Leaving Care teams can assist care leavers to prepare their claim for Universal Credit up to 28 days before and including their 18th birthday; and for those aged 18-21, access to Universal Credit and housing support if they wish to take up full-time study in non-advanced education.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
There are currently no plans to pay the higher rate of Universal Credit to those aged under 25. The lower rate of Universal Credit for those aged under 25 reflects the fact that the majority of young people live in someone else’s household and are therefore likely to have lower living costs.
Younger workers also typically earn less as they are earlier in their careers, with the lower rate maintaining the incentive for younger people to find and progress in work.
Support is available to help those who live independently or have additional living costs. Depending on their circumstances, they may also be eligible for additional Universal Credit elements, including for housing, children, and disability.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
A consultation on proposed reforms to the Child Maintenance System (CMS) was published by the previous Government on 8 May 2024. These proposed reforms included removing Direct Pay and managing all CMS cases in one service to allow the CMS to tackle non-compliance faster, as well as exploring how victims and survivors of domestic abuse can be better supported. This consultation followed the Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Act which received royal assent in July 2023.
The consultation was extended by this Government at the end of July and ran until 30 September 2024. We are currently analysing the responses we have received, and the Government will publish a response in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) takes the issue of domestic and economic abuse extremely seriously and is committed to ensuring that victims of abuse get the help and support they need.
CMS Staff receive training to ensure they are able to respond appropriately to parents experiencing domestic abuse. The current Domestic Abuse training package was updated with input from external stakeholders. It includes an understanding of different types of abuse, including economic, and covers post separation abuse. It has been reviewed to ensure it reflects the Home Office’s updated statutory guidance on coercive and controlling behaviour, published in April 2023, to ensure CMS staff are equipped to recognise this form of domestic abuse and signpost parents appropriately.
The recent consultation on proposed reforms to CMS included managing all CMS cases in one service to allow the CMS to tackle non-compliance faster and explore how victims and survivors of domestic abuse can be better supported. This proposal would also reduce the ability for perpetrators of domestic abuse to inflict economic control and coercion through withholding child maintenance payments. The consultation closed on 30 September 2024, and the Government will publish a response in due course.
Where a parent fails to pay on time or in full, the CMS will consider enforcement action as quickly as possible to get money flowing and collect any unpaid amounts that have accrued.
The CMS has a range of strong enforcement powers to ensure children get the financial support they deserve. These powers include the ability to deduct directly from the paying parent’s earnings or bank accounts and disqualifications from holding or obtaining driving licenses and passports.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Between 2019/20 and 2023/24, the NIHR and the Medical Research Council (MRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, have jointly invested over £57 million into long COVID research with the aim of improving diagnosis and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disease, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies and interventions, and clinical care.
The NIHR has awarded funding to a number of projects and programmes investigating treatments for long COVID. These have included clinical trials to test and compare different treatments such as antihistamines, anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medicines. The Rehabilitation Exercise and psycholoGical support After COVID-19 InfectioN (REGAIN) trial, funded by NIHR, provided the first high-quality evidence confirming the sustained clinical benefit and lack of harm with rehabilitation programmes for long COVID. The NIHR has also provided £1.1 million in funding towards the Listen trial, which found that participants who received the Listen self-management tool intervention had greater capacity for daily activities, improved mental health, reduced fatigue impact and increased self-efficacy. However, there is more work to be done to find the most promising treatments and interventions, and we are actively exploring next steps for long COVID research.
Together with MRC, we have created a new funding opportunity for a development award focussed on evaluating repurposed pharmaceutical inventions for post-acute infection syndromes and associated conditions, including long COVID. We are also planning a showcase event, hosted by NIHR and MRC, for the research of post-acute infection conditions, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, later this year to stimulate further research in this field.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
While no specific assessment has been made, there is targeted advice for healthcare professionals to manage long COVID. Patients should be managed according to current clinical guidance such as that published and updated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This is available at the following link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG188
NICE is responsible for keeping its published guidelines up to date and under active surveillance to ensure that they reflect developments in the evidence base and its recommendations on new medicines.
Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning specialist services that meet the needs of their population, subject to local prioritisation and funding. In the commissioning of services, commissioners should take account of NICE guidance and other best practice.
NHS England has published commissioning guidance for post-COVID (long COVID) services, which sets out the commissioning, service requirements and oversight of post-COVID services by ICBs in England for adults and children and young people. It outlines the elements that post-COVID services should include and the principles of care for long COVID. The commissioning guidance is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/commissioning-guidance-for-post-covid-services-for-adults-children-and-young-people/.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Aggregated historical data remains accessible via the long COVID dashboard on the NHS National Data Platform (Foundry). This dashboard continues to support commissioners and service providers by enabling the monitoring of service activity, evaluation of equity in access and healthcare utilisation, and benchmarking of performance across services.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The St George’s, Epsom and St Helier NHS Foundation Trust’s chronic fatigue service had a waiting list of 350 patients waiting 25 weeks or more for their first appointment. To manage this, the trust temporarily paused new referrals from June. During the temporary pause, the service will continue to care for existing patients. Any new patients who were referred before the pause will still be offered an appointment within 25 weeks.
The St George’s, Epsom and St Helier NHS Foundation Trust continues to keep this under review. Patients needing help should still visit their general practice if they are experiencing long COVID symptoms.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
We published the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Final Delivery Plan on 22 July 2025. The plan focuses on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.
Within the ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan’s actions, NHS England will co-design resources, including a template specification for systems to improve services for mild and moderate ME/CFS. Additionally, the Department of Health and Social Care, with NHS England, will explore whether a specialised service should be prescribed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care for very severe ME/CFS.
The template specification for mild and moderate ME/CFS will be developed nationally through engagement with stakeholders, drawing on local expertise and models, and existing evidence.
In order to improve awareness and understanding of ME/CFS amongst healthcare professionals, the Department is working with NHS England to develop an e-learning programme on ME/CFS, with the aim of supporting staff to be able to provide better care and improve patient outcomes.
Commissioning of post-viral services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs) and the output of the above engagement aims to support ICBs with their local commissioning decisions based on their local population needs.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care outlines the necessity and frequency of NHS Continuing Healthcare reviews. A review should be undertaken within three months of the eligibility decision being made, and then on at least an annual basis. Reviews should primarily focus on whether the care plan or arrangements remain appropriate to meet the individual’s needs. It is expected that, in the majority of cases, there will be no need to reassess for eligibility. The frequency, format and attendance at reviews should be proportionate to the situation in question.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
NHS England published a range of documents to support the commissioning of sight testing in special educational settings on 25 March 2025, and integrated care boards will now be in the process of planning to procure local services. The scale of the roll out will be dependent on educational establishments choosing to host a service.
There are currently 22 proof-of-concept contractors continuing to deliver the sight testing and dispensing service in 83 day and residential special schools. Data on the number of practitioners delivering the National Health Service special schools eye care service within those contracts is not held centrally.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
NHS England published a range of documents to support the commissioning of sight testing in special educational settings on 25 March 2025, and integrated care boards will now be in the process of planning to procure local services. The scale of the roll out will be dependent on educational establishments choosing to host a service.
There are currently 22 proof-of-concept contractors continuing to deliver the sight testing and dispensing service in 83 day and residential special schools. Data on the number of practitioners delivering the National Health Service special schools eye care service within those contracts is not held centrally.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
We know that too many people are not receiving the mental health care they need, and that waits for mental health services across England are too long.
As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future, we will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers to cut wait times and provide faster treatment.
Despite the challenging fiscal environment, the Government has chosen to prioritise funding to deliver expansions of NHS Talking Therapies and Individual Placement and Support schemes, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the root cause of mental health issues, and providing support for people with severe mental illness to contribute to the economy by remaining in or returning to work.
We have also committed £26 million in capital investment to open new mental health crisis centres, reducing pressure on busy emergency mental health and accident and emergency services, and ensuring that people have the support they need when they need it.
People of all ages in England who are experiencing a mental health crisis can now speak to a trained NHS professional at any time of the day through the mental health option on NHS 111. Trained NHS staff assess patients over the phone and guide them through next steps, such organising face-to-face community support, or facilitating access to alternative services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
It is unacceptable that too many people are not receiving the mental health care they need, and we know that waits for mental health services are far too long. We are determined to change that. Our mission is to improve mental health care across the spectrum. We are focusing on ensuring the National Health Service is providing the right support to the right people, at the right time.
We are working to address the impacts of mental ill health on economic inactivity and are committed to supporting people into work, recognising that good work is good for mental health. Despite the challenging fiscal environment, we have chosen to prioritise funding to deliver expansions of NHS Talking Therapies and Individual Placement and Support schemes, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the root cause of mental health issues, and providing support for people to contribute to the economy by remaining in or returning to work.
As part of our mission to build an NHS that is fit for the future, we will recruit 8,500 more mental health workers to cut wait times and provide faster treatment.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government is determined to make it easier for everyone to see a general practitioner (GP) when they need to, by improving access to appointments. We will bring back the family doctor, train thousands more GPs, guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one, and end the 8:00am scramble for appointments by delivering a modern booking system.
We have invested £82 million into ARRS (Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme) which has enabled the recruitment of over 1,500 recently qualified GPs across England since October 2024 which will increase the number of appointments available, benefitting thousands of patients that are struggling to access care.
We’ve also just delivered the biggest boost to GP funding in years, with an £889 million uplift to the GP Contract for 2025/26, with GPs now receiving a growing share of National Health Service resources. For the first time in four years, the General Practitioners Committee England backed the new contract, which includes key reforms to improve access, for instance by making sure patients can request appointments online throughout core hours.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government is determined to make it easier for everyone to see a general practitioner (GP) when they need to, by improving access to appointments. We will bring back the family doctor, train thousands more GPs, guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one, and end the 8:00am scramble for appointments by delivering a modern booking system.
We have invested £82 million into ARRS (Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme) which has enabled the recruitment of over 1,500 recently qualified GPs across England since October 2024 which will increase the number of appointments available, benefitting thousands of patients that are struggling to access care.
We’ve also just delivered the biggest boost to GP funding in years, with an £889 million uplift to the GP Contract for 2025/26, with GPs now receiving a growing share of National Health Service resources. For the first time in four years, the General Practitioners Committee England backed the new contract, which includes key reforms to improve access, for instance by making sure patients can request appointments online throughout core hours.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)