Written Ministerial Statements

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

Monday 12 December 2011

Green Investment Bank

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable)]

On 24 May 2011, I made an oral statement setting out the Government’s plans for a green investment bank (GIB). I explained that establishing an effective, enduring GIB would be a major undertaking and gave a commitment to update the House on further milestones in future.

The Government have made significant progress towards the establishment of an independent GIB, which will be a key component of the UK’s transition to a green economy. As I explained in May, the Government will need to ensure that the GIB complies with state-aid rules. We have had a constructive dialogue with the European Commission and are now in a position to formally notify our proposals. The Government will be seeking a broad remit for the GIB, including approval to make investments on commercial terms across the full spectrum of the green economy. Where we are seeking scope for the GIB to provide finance on state-aided terms, we have developed strong evidence that such aid is necessary in the particular sector concerned and that this will not unduly distort competition or interstate trade.

It will be important that GIB is in a position to be fully operational as soon as possible after state-aid approval. I therefore intend to form the company shortly and to begin the formal recruitment process for the board and senior management team next month, with a view to appointing the chair in spring 2012.

The bank will operate independently from Government, but will agree its strategic priorities with the Government for each spending review period. Subject to approval by the European Commission, we have identified the following priority sectors over the spending review period to 2015-16:

offshore wind power generation;

commercial and industrial waste processing and recycling;

energy from waste generation, including gasification, pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion for the production of heat and/or power;

non-domestic energy efficiency, including onsite renewable energy generation and heat; and

support for the green deal.

At least 80% of the funds committed by the bank over the spending review period will be invested in these priority sectors.

As I explained in May, the initial capitalisation of the GIB will be £3 billion. From 2015, the GIB will be given powers to borrow, subject to public sector net debt falling as a percentage of GDP. The GIB will work to a “double bottom line” of both achieving significant environmental impact and making financial returns. Potential investments will be assessed against the following objectives:

Green Impact—Accelerating investment to advance the UK’s transition towards a green economy, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions; improving resource efficiency; and protecting and enhancing the natural environment and biodiversity, which includes improving water and air quality, reducing noise pollution and improving land use amenity;

Sound Finances—Deploying capital and expertise as a responsible investor and managing risks to achieve positive portfolio returns and, in so doing, preserving and building its capital base as an institution with enduring green impact; and

Additionality—Operating alongside other market participants in response to market failures, leveraging their capabilities where appropriate, to introduce and mobilise additional investment and achieve green impact.

There has been considerable interest in the location of the GIB, with around 20 locations expressing interest to date. The Government welcome this, and are committed to an open and transparent process for deciding the location of the GIB. I have today published a document setting out details of the process that will be followed and the criteria which I will be taking into account in reaching my decision on location. The document also provides information about the likely structure of the GIB, and explains that it is expected to have between 50 and 70 staff in the period to 2015. Copies of the document have been placed in the House Libraries and will be available to download on the BIS website. I intend to announce my decision on the bank’s location in February 2012.

I announced in May that Sir Adrian Montague had agreed to chair an advisory group, comprising independent finance experts, to advise Government on the setting up and strategic direction of the new institution. I appointed nine other members in August, and the group has met three times. Its advice has greatly contributed to the progress made towards establishment of the GIB, particularly in relation to the detailed drafting of the GIB’s strategic priorities.

It is, however, clear that, in advance of state-aid approval for the GIB, we need to take immediate action to accelerate private sector investment in the UK’s transition to a green economy. I have therefore set up a new team within my Department to drive investment in the UK’s green infrastructure from April 2012. The team, which will be called UK Green Investments, will be staffed by finance professionals, whose track records are widely known and respected in the City.

Drawing on funding of £775 million for the next financial year, UKGI will invest up to £100 million in commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects and will stand ready to make major co-investments with private finance in offshore wind projects. UKGI is also seeking managers for up to £100 million to invest in waste projects and is now calling for expressions of interest from experienced fund managers in the waste infrastructure sector.

The Government will make investments during this period under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982. I have established an Investment Committee, including members of the Industrial Development Advisory Board, to advise me on investment proposals made by UKGI.

Accommodation

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Andrew Robathan)]

Following a review into support provided to senior officers, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has disestablished the status of “Official Service Residence” this financial year.

The MOD is committed to identifying efficiencies and savings where possible whilst maintaining essential operational capability. As part of this commitment a comprehensive review into the support provided to senior officers has been conducted and concluded that areas of the business could be improved by simplifying the management of service families accommodation and by harmonising the support provided to senior officers across defence.

In the past, a number of service properties were granted official service residence status if the post held by the occupant involved significant official entertaining duties. This status conferred an enhanced package of furniture, fixtures and furnishings but it has now been discontinued, so service families accommodation is now all managed to the same standard. In addition, the support provided to more senior officers, such as domestic assistance for official hospitality, has been reduced and harmonised across the services. These changes are captured in a new tri-service policy which also revises the rules and regulations in relation to official hospitality.

These measures will ensure that the support provided is appropriate and driven by business need, and they will lead to savings in due course. The properties that were formerly classed as official service residences will no longer form a separate grouping for purposes of management information.

Pupil Premium 2012-13

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Education (Sarah Teather)]

I am today confirming the funding available for schools in England in 2012-13, through the pupil premium and what this means in terms of funding per pupil. The pupil premium targets additional money at pupils from the most deprived background to help them achieve their full potential.

In 2012-13 the amount available for the pupil premium will double from £625 million in 2011-12 to £1.25 billion. It will further rise to £2.5 billion by 2014-15.

The Government have decided that eligibility for the pupil premium in 2012-13 will be extended to pupils who have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years. Earlier this year we consulted on options for extending the coverage of the pupil premium. As a group, children who have been eligible for FSM at any point in time have consistently lower educational attainment than those who have never been eligible for FSM. Up to £50 million of the £1.25 billion will be used to support a summer school programme to help the most disadvantaged pupils make the transition from primary to secondary school. This approach received the highest support with 44% of those responding backing its introduction.

Increasing overall funding for the premium next year to £1.25 billion will enable the coverage of the premium to be extended to a further 500,000 million pupils, while at the same time increasing the level of the premium from £488 to £600 per pupil. This will ensure that a higher proportion of underachieving children are able to benefit from the extra funding provided through the premium.

Schools will have the freedom to spend the premium, which is additional to the underlying schools budget, in a way they think will best support the raising of attainment for the most vulnerable pupils.

We urge schools and local authorities to encourage parents to register their child as eligible for free school meals so that each school receives their maximum pupil premium entitlement.

To ensure transparency and accountability, schools will be required from September 2012 to publish online information about how they have used their pupil premium allocations. New measures will be included in the performance tables that will capture the attainment of pupils covered by the pupil premium.

We will continue to provide the pupil premium for children in care who have been looked after for more than six months, recognising that they need additional support to help them raise their educational achievement.

We will also continue to provide a premium for children of parents in the armed services, who face particular challenges. The level of this service child premium will be £250 in 2012-13, up from £200 in 2011-12.

Annex A

Accompanying documents

These products can be found online at:

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/financialmanagement/schoolsrevenuefunding

Example pupil premium allocations using the Ever 6 indicator applied to the January 2011 school census.

Review of Teachers' Standards

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove)]

Sally Coates is today submitting to me the second and final report of her independent review of teachers’ standards.

I established the review in March this year. Chaired by Mrs Coates, principal of Burlington Danes Academy, it brought together leading head teachers, teachers and other educational experts. The review was tasked with establishing new standards that are clear, unequivocal and easy to use, and which can support teachers’ professional development and performance management.

The review’s first report, submitted to me on 14 July 2011¹, recommended that a single new set of teachers’ standards should be established to replace the existing standards for qualified teacher status and the core professional standards. I accepted those recommendations, and the new teachers’ standards will come into effect in September 2012².

The Government welcomed Mrs Coates’s recommendations to establish streamlined new teachers’ standards that set out very clearly and concisely the elements of high-quality teaching that should be expected of every teacher. The new standards place a welcome emphasis on the importance of good subject knowledge, behaviour management, and meeting the needs of pupils of all abilities and aptitudes. We are committed to raising the quality of teaching in all our schools, so that pupils and their parents can be confident that they are receiving the highest quality education. Clear and rigorous standards play an important role in ensuring that high quality of teaching that all should expect.

The review’s second report is now recommending that the existing post-threshold, excellent teacher and advanced skills teacher standards should be discontinued as standards. Further, the review recommends that a new master teacher standard should be introduced to define the characteristics of the most effective classroom teachers.

We welcome the proposal to establish a new standard that identifies and recognises those teachers who are demonstrating excellent practice in the classroom, and who are making the most significant positive impact on their pupils. The proposal of a single master teacher standard has the potential to bring much greater simplicity and clarity to what is at present a complex and highly bureaucratic system of standards.

My Department will now take forward further work to explore the implications of discontinuing the current post-threshold, excellent teacher and advanced skills teacher standards. This will include asking the school teachers’ review body to consider the implications for teachers’ pay.

The first and final reports of the review are published on the Department for Education’s website:

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/reviewofstandards

Copies of both reports, and of my correspondence with Mrs Coates, have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

¹http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/r/first%20report%20-%2012%20july%202011.pdf

²http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/l/letter%20from%20michael%20gove%20to%20sally%20coates.pdf

Environment Council (19 December 2011)

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman)]

I will represent the UK at the Environment Council in Brussels on 19 December.

At this Council, the presidency will seek the adoption of Council conclusions on the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020: towards implementation; and on the road map to a resource efficient Europe.

Ministers will exchange views on the outcome of the 17th session of the conference of the parties to the United Nations framework convention on climate change and the 7th session of the meeting of the parties to the Kyoto protocol in Durban, 28 November to 9 December 2011.

Ministers will also hear progress reports on: a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the export and import of hazardous chemicals (recast); a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels; and a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances.

The following topics will be covered under “any other business”, either via a report or presentation from the Commission, presidency, or a member state:

Convention on migratory species;

Preparing a global legally binding instrument on mercury;

Preparatory meetings for Rio+20;

“Planning for biodiversity”;

EU eastern partnership countries’ co-operation in climate policy;

Restriction or prohibition of genetically modified organisms;

Protection and sustainable development of the Carpathians;

Priority substances in water policy;

Programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE);

Monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions relevant to climate change at a national and European Union-level;

Fuel quality directive;

Implementation of regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases;

EU steps to reduce plastic carrier bag usage;

Establishing a common European industrial risk sharing facility;

Solution for a green economy;

Emissions trading scheme/aviation;

Combating desertification;

Control of trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal;

REACH and the candidate list of substances of very high concern;

Annual growth survey;

Work programme of incoming presidency.

General Affairs Council (5 December 2011)

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

I attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 5 December.

The GAC was chaired by the EU presidency, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, Secretary of State for European Affairs of Poland. A provisional report of the meeting and all conclusions adopted can be found at:

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/126578.pdf.

The agenda items covered were as follows:

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)

In a public session, Ministers noted the presidency’s report on MFF which can be found at:

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/11/st17/st17448-re01.en11.pdf.

The incoming Danish presidency undertook to take forward this work with the aim of adopting the MFF by the end of 2012.

Preparation for the December European Council

Ministers discussed preparations for the December European Council with the President of the Council, Herman Van Rompuy.

On the eurozone, I and others stressed the need for increased transparency and full interaction between the 17 eurozone members and the 10 non-members.

During discussions on Council conclusions, I set out UK views on energy and made proposals for references to our shared concerns about the regime in Iran.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will report to Parliament after he has attended the European Council on 8-9 December.

Commission Work Programme for 2012

The Commissioner for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration, Maros Sefcovic, presented the Commission’s work programme for 2012 (see following link). The report cites restoring the EU’s economy as its top priority.

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/11/st17/st17394.en11.pdf.

Annual Growth Survey

Commissioner Sefcovic also outlined key elements of the 2012 annual growth survey (see following link). The incoming EU presidency, Denmark, added that they would hold a series of bilateral discussions with member states on the report in January 2012.

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/11/st17/st17229.en11.pdf.

Enlargement

In its conclusions (see link at the beginning of this statement) the Council reiterated the importance of the enlargement process in generating far-reaching political and economic reform and securing stability and democracy; and looked forward to developing a new approach towards those negotiating chapters dealing with judiciary and fundamental rights and justice, freedom and security, tackling them early in the enlargement process. The Council welcomed Turkey’s continued commitment to the negotiation process and the political reform agenda, and, with strong support from me, positively noted the Commission’s proposal for a positive agenda with Turkey in support of negotiations. The Council welcomed the successful completion of accession negotiations with Croatia, while also highlighting the need for continued efforts to reform further where necessary, and looked forward to the signature of the accession treaty in the margins of the December European Council.

On the western Balkans, I reiterated the UK’s strong commitment to the future of all countries of the western Balkans being in the EU once the required conditions are met. Discussion was particularly focused on Serbia and Kosovo. On Serbia, the Council agreed that progress on Serbia’s relationship with Kosovo was the key criterion for movement on their EU path. A decision on Serbia’s candidate status would be taken at the December European Council. The Council also agreed further tangible steps towards Kosovo’s EU future. The Council took note of the progress Montenegro has made towards opening accession negotiations, which would also be considered at the December European Council.

European Court of Justice

The presidency made a short presentation on the state of play regarding proposals to improve the efficiency of the Court.

Justice and Home Affairs Pre-Council Statement

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May)]

The Justice and Home Affairs Council is due to be held on the 13 and 14 December in Brussels. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Justice, the Scottish Solicitor-General, (Lesley Thomson) and I will attend on behalf of the United Kingdom. As the provisional agenda stands, the following items will be discussed.

The Council will begin in mixed Committee with Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (non-EU Schengen states). There will be an update, supported by a written report, on the Commission-led project to implement the central element of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II); the UK will continue to reiterate its support for the continuation of the current SIS II project.

There will also be a state of play on certain issues regarding the draft regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 which lists the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement. The UK is not bound by this regulation as we do not participate in the migration aspects of the Schengen acquis.

The presidency will invite an exchange of views by member states on the EU response to increased migration pressures. This item builds on discussions at the last two Councils; it will include combating illegal migration in the context of migration flows from the south-east (including the Greek-Turkish border) and the southern Mediterranean. The UK supports increased efforts to combat illegal flows across the external border and within the EU, including closer co-operation between Frontex, the European Asylum Support Office and Europol. We believe this should be linked to further work “upstream” in countries of origin and transit, using the tools of the EU’s global approach to migration, as well as joint efforts to combat the abuse of free movement.

Over lunch the presidency will seek a steer from Ministers on the key issues blocking negotiations regarding Schengen governance, namely the choice of legal base for the Schengen evaluation mechanism and the role the Commission should play in taking decisions to reintroduce border controls.

In both mixed Committee and main Committee there will be a presentation by the Commission and first exchange of views on proposals for new JHA funding programmes under the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020. The package includes a communication and proposals for four regulations establishing a new internal security fund and the asylum migration fund (AMF). While the Government welcome the flexibility and potential efficiency that will be offered from merging the six existing funding programmes into two programmes, we are concerned about the size of the overall budget proposed by the Commission. We will also need to consider our participation under the JHA opt-in arrangements.

The presidency will seek support for its proposal on a process for early warning, preparedness and management of asylum crises. Instead of a clause allowing transfers under the Dublin regulation to be suspended, the proposal would envisage a provision in the Dublin regulation requiring member states to provide data about their asylum system to the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and for action plans to be drawn up if it appears that their systems may be facing difficulties. The Government can support this in principle provided the action plans are drawn up by the member states themselves, acting through EASO, and not by the Commission.

The Commission will then present its proposals on the global approach to migration and mobility. The current global approach provides the overarching framework for much of the EU’s work with third-country partners on migration. The UK welcomes the Commission’s proposals for a renewed global approach, which should provide additional opportunities to work in conjunction with EU and international partners on migration, including combating illegal immigration. While we welcome a more comprehensive global approach, it is essential that it remains non-binding, and allows member states to decide on participation in various initiatives on a case-by-case basis. The Government will continue to ensure that any participation is compatible with the UK’s immigration policy.

The presidency may attempt to secure agreement on the date for the removal of controls on Bulgaria and Romania’s sea and air borders with countries in the Schengen area. This is dependent on the outcome of discussions at the European Council on 9 December. The UK will not have a vote at this Council on this issue as it concerns borders elements in which we do not participate.

The Council will be presented with a package of counter-terrorism (CT) items covering the EU action plan on combating terrorism, the EU CT strategy and the report on the implementation of the strategy on terrorist financing. The UK welcomes the work that is being done at an EU-level to mitigate the terrorist threat, in particular the work around data-sharing and aligning internal and external CT activities. It will be important moving forward that the member states stay focused on the implementation of the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) and air cargo security action plans.

The presidency will want to adopt the Council decision and to sign the EU-US passenger name records (PNR) agreement, which was published on 24 November. The agreement will provide an unequivocal basis in EU law for the transfer of PNR data by EU-based carriers to the US Department of Homeland Security. The Government support this proposal and have agreed to waive our treaty rights to three months consideration of opt in so that the Council can proceed without us. However, the text remains subject to scrutiny in Parliament and we have therefore not exercised our opt-in in order to give the Committees an opportunity to consider the agreement.

There will be a discussion on cross-border itinerant criminality. The issue of “mobile itinerant organised crime groups” was identified as one of the eight EU crime priorities for 2012-13 and is being addressed as one of eight projects under the EU policy cycle (on tackling organised crime), being overseen by the Standing Committee on operational co-operation on internal security (COSI). The UK has decided not to participate in this project at this time as the UK does not focus on itinerant criminals as a distinct group (“itinerant groups” do not feature in the UK threat assessment as we consider all organised crime by crime-type and threat area).

The Justice day will begin with the presidency seeking to obtain general agreement on the provisions of the proposed regulation on succession and wills. As the UK has not opted in to this proposal it will not participate in any vote on these guidelines.

The presidency will also be looking to reach agreement on certain elements of the proposal to modify the regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters (Brussels I). The regulation lays down rules governing the jurisdiction of courts and the recognition and enforcement of cross-border judgments in civil and commercial matters in the member states. The Government opted-in to the proposal in March.

Next there will be a debate of specific issues of the regulation on a EU common sales law. This proposal was presented at the October JHA Council where the Commission confirmed it would offer an alternative contract law regime that would form part of the law of each member state but would not harmonise national contract law systems.

The Council will discuss the European Investigation Order (EIO). The EIO is a draft directive aimed at streamlining the process of mutual legal assistance between participating EU countries. The UK has opted in. The presidency will be seeking to reach a general approach (agreement) on the EIO. A partial general approach to articles 1-18 was achieved at the June JHA Council. There have been significant improvements to the original draft of the EIO and we are considering our position in relation to the current text. The EIO also remains subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

There will then be a debate on the draft directive on establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. The presidency will be looking to agree a general approach and a scrutiny waiver has been granted by both Houses.

The presidency will then provide an update regarding the draft directive on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and on the right to communicate upon arrest. This is the third proposal on the EU’s criminal procedural rights road map which sets minimum standards for the rights of the defence. This presidency also gave an update on this directive at the October JHA Council.

Next, the Commission will present proposals for two new funding programmes in the area of justice, rights and citizenship for the period 2014-2020. These are to replace the existing funding programmes in the current fundamental rights and justice framework. The overall objectives of the proposed justice programme are to promote judicial co-operation in civil and criminal matters, facilitate access to justice and to prevent and reduce drug supply and demand, while the objective of the rights and citizenship programme is to contribute to the creation of an area where the rights set out in the treaty on the functioning of the European Union, and in the charter of fundamental rights are promoted and protected.

Finally, the presidency will be providing a state of play update to Council on the negotiations on EU accession to ECHR. The negotiating mandate was agreed at the JHA Council in June 2010, and a draft version of an accession agreement was produced by experts with knowledge of the convention system in June 2011. This is now subject to further consideration.

Bereavement Benefit (Public Consultation)

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb)]

One of the key tasks that the Government have faced over the past year and a half has been to fundamentally reassess the role the welfare system should play in the 21st century.

We recognise that spousal bereavement is a life-changing event. Emotionally, socially, economically, bereaved people face the task of re-establishing themselves and adjusting to their new circumstances. We know that this journey varies considerably according to personal circumstance, with people drawing on a wide range of support mechanisms to get them through. Bereavement benefits form an important part of the state safety net at this time.

But these benefits have fallen outside the recent reviews of the wider welfare system. Indeed, they have rarely undergone any kind of critical scrutiny to establish whether they provide effective support after the loss of a spouse or civil partner.

To address this we are today publishing a consultation paper on the future of bereavement benefits. We are seeking views on how in the future these payments should support those of working age who suffer the loss of a husband, wife or civil partner. We are aware we need to strike a balance between providing appropriate support at a critical time, while encouraging those of working age to support themselves and their families through employment when they feel able to do so.

Payments made under the war pensions scheme or armed forces compensation scheme will not be affected by this review. The review will not impact those already in receipt of bereavement benefits at the point at which a new scheme is introduced.

A copy of the document will be available in the Vote Office later today.

Further details will be available on the Department for Work and Pensions website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/bereavement-benefit.shtml.

Social Security Benefits Uprating

Monday 12th December 2011 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb)]

I am pleased to announce the proposed social security benefits rates for 2012, which are set out in the table below. The annual up-rating of benefits will take place for state pensions and most other benefits in the first full week of the tax year. In 2012, this will be the week beginning 9 April. A corresponding provision will be made in Northern Ireland.