Sarah Smith MP: written questions

Written questions

• Visas: Reciprocal ArrangementsCabinet OfficeTabled 23 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 12575More

  Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of an equitable mobility arrangement, separate to the Freedom of Movement arrangement, between the UK and the EU.

  Answer: This Government is committed to ensuring opportunities for young British citizens to live, work, study, and travel across the European Union. That is why at the 2025 UK-EU Summit, we agreed to negotiate a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU, prov...

  Answered 17 Jul 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Civil Servants: Workplace PensionsCabinet OfficeTabled 23 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 12574More

  Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to reduce delays and service issues with the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

  Answer: The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme is the responsibility of the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office awarded Capita the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme in November 2023 under the previous government. The current d...

  Answered 3 Jul 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Special Educational Needs: Respite CareDepartment for EducationTabled 23 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 12573More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to make Breaktime Plus more accessible to people; and if she will publish guidance on the running of Breaktime Plus.

  Answer: Breaktime Plus is a short breaks programme run by Lancashire County Council. Local authorities have a duty to publish their own short breaks offer, and the government has supported them in this by publishing the lessons learned from the Short Breaks Innov...

  Answered 1 Jul 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Universal Credit: ComplaintsDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 23 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 12572More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to universal credit migration, what steps the Department is taking to ensure complaints are resolved within the 25-working-day statutory timeframe, particularly where claimant health is a

  Answer: The Department is committed to resolving complaints relating to Move to Universal Credit as quickly and effectively as possible, particularly where a claimant's health or wellbeing may be at risk. Cases involving vulnerability, safeguarding concerns or he...

  Answered 7 Jul 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Public Sector: Workplace PensionsTreasuryTabled 23 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 12570More

  Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support people waiting for correct Remediable Service Statement and payment.

  Answer: Scheme managers of the individual public service pension schemes are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the McCloud remedy and for supporting their scheme’s members. I have written to scheme managers to remind them of their responsibilitie...

  Answered 30 Jun 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Teachers: Workplace PensionsDepartment for EducationTabled 23 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 12569More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps are being taken in response to delays and service issues in respect of the Teachers Pension Scheme.

  Answer: Providing a good quality of service for members is a key aim for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.The department consistently monitors the scheme administrator’s performance and maintains strong oversight through contract management processes and an independe...

  Answered 1 Jul 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Extracurricular Activities: HyndburnDepartment for EducationTabled 16 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 900543More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department plans to take to help increase enrichment activities for children and young people in educational settings in Hyndburn.

  Answer: The department is committed to ensuring all young people across England can access a wide range of enrichment opportunities at school and college, as part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and ensure all children deserve a childhood wit...

  Answered 23 Jun 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Schools: NursesDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 19 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 906541More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the role of school nurses in tackling health inequalities.

  Answer: School nurses are crucial in tackling health inequalities but we know we can do more to support them. That is why we are updating the Healthy Child Programme guidance, informed by the Department for Education, which will strengthen school nurses’ impact.A...

  Answered 25 Nov 2025

  Original Parliament record