Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to update the Department for Education's guidance regarding the provision of advanced learner loan facility agreements to fully-accredited private sector ‘teaching English as a foreign language’ providers.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
A training provider may apply for an Advanced Learner Loans (ALLs) funding agreement, which may be granted if they meet the applicable criteria, including demonstrating historic delivery of adult skills fund or apprenticeships funding agreements. Further details are available in the published funding rules: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advanced-learner-loans-funding-rules-2024-to-2025/advanced-learner-loans-funding-rules-2024-to-2025.
Currently, two level 5 Certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language are eligible for ALLs. According to departmental records, private training providers have not delivered these qualifications.
Training providers with an ALLs funding agreement can deliver any qualification designated for ALLs funding. There are no plans to change the guidance on this.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government when the Education and Skills Funding Agency or the Department for Education last made an advanced learner loan facility agreement with a private sector ‘teaching English as a foreign language’ provider.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
A training provider may apply for an Advanced Learner Loans (ALLs) funding agreement, which may be granted if they meet the applicable criteria, including demonstrating historic delivery of adult skills fund or apprenticeships funding agreements. Further details are available in the published funding rules: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advanced-learner-loans-funding-rules-2024-to-2025/advanced-learner-loans-funding-rules-2024-to-2025.
Currently, two level 5 Certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language are eligible for ALLs. According to departmental records, private training providers have not delivered these qualifications.
Training providers with an ALLs funding agreement can deliver any qualification designated for ALLs funding. There are no plans to change the guidance on this.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many applications for a pre-tariff review of suitability for open conditions were received by the Public Protection Casework section (PPCS); and of those, how many were (1) referred to the Parole Board, (2) not referred to the Parole Board, and (3) remain outstanding in (a) the 12 months to 6 June 2022; and (b) since 6 June 2022.
Answered by Lord Bellamy
On 6 June the former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice introduced a new test for the consideration of suitability for those serving indeterminate sentences for transfer to open prison conditions, whether pre- or post-tariff. This allows for greater scrutiny of Parole Board recommendations on open prison moves.
The table below sets out details of information:
Applications for pre-tariff sift received in the 12 months to 6 June 2022: 253
Applications for pre-tariff sift received since 6 June 2022: 114
| Referred to the Parole Board | Not referred to the Parole Board | Outstanding |
12 Months to 6 June 2022 | 133 | 113 | 7 |
6 June 2022 to 30 September 2022 | 9 | 65 | 40 |
NB. These figures have been drawn from the Public Protection Unit Database held by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. As with any large-scale recording systems, the figures are subject to possible errors with data migration and processing.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 23 February (HL4837), what they estimate to have been the total cost to the Department for Work and Pensions and its associated agencies of the Balance of Competences Review.
Answered by Lord Freud
The Department for Work and Pensions contributed to two Balance of Competences Review reports, the Social and Employment Report, led by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Single Market: Free Movement of Persons Report, led by the Home Office. As such, the Department for Work and Pensions did not directly incur any costs. The Department did make a financial contribution to the Home Office in respect of their printing costs.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to HM Treasury and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.
Answered by Lord Deighton
As you will be aware, the Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with the EU ever undertaken. The Review involved a large number of Departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports. The Review was based on the evidence and views received through widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Across the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions. Departments held over 250 events, attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.
It was important that what is an unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with appropriate time and care. But the government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.
HMT produced four reports for the Balance of Competences Review: Taxation (semester 1), Financial Services and Free Movement of Capital, and EU Budget (semester 3), and Economic and Monetary Policy (semester 4).
Costs
Staff time
Work on the Review was allocated according to need to existing staff within the Department. Providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.
Printing costs
Her Majesty’s Treasury paid £16,776.27 for printing and publication of all four Balance of Competency reports.
Running of engagement events
A number of engagement events were conducted, as set out in the annexes of each report or internally at no cost to the Treasury. A total of £400 was incurred for one event for the Balance of Competences report on Economic and Monetary Policy.
Witness expenses
Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.00
.
Publicity of the reports
No expenses were incurred for publicity.
Any and all other associated costs
For the Balance of Competences Report on Financial Services and Free Movement of Capital, a cost of £8,000 was incurred in production of a literature review from an external academic. This was required to supplement the evidence on the free movement of capital and to allow for a separate, more in-depth analysis. The literature review was published alongside the report as evidence.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to HM Revenue and Customs and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.
Answered by Lord Deighton
As you will be aware, the Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with EU ever undertaken. The Review involved a large number of Departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports. The Review was based on the evidence and views received through widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Across the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions. Departments held over 250 events, attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.
It was important that what is an unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with appropriate time and care. But the government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.
HMT produced four reports for the Balance of Competences Review: Taxation (semester 1), Financial Services and Free Movement of Capital, and EU Budget (semester 3), and Economic and Monetary Policy (Semester 4).
Costs
Staff Time
Work on the Review was allocated according to need to existing staff within the Department. Providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.
Printing costs
Her Majesty’s Treasury paid £16,776.27 for printing and publication of all four Balance of Competency reports.
Running of engagement events
A number of engagementevents were conducted, as set out in the annexes of each report or internally at no cost to the Treasury. A total of £400 was incurred for one event for the Balance of Competences report on Economic and Monetary Policy.
Witness expenses
Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.00.
Publicity of the reports
No expenses were incurred for publicity.
Any of all other associated costs
For the balance of Competences Reports on Financial Services and Free Movement of Capital, a cost of £8,000 was incurred in production of a literature review from an external academic. This was required to supplement the evidence on the free movement of capital and to allow for a separate, more in-depth analysis. The literature review was published alongside the report as evidence.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Northern Ireland Office and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.
Answered by Baroness Randerson
As the Noble Baroness will be aware, the Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. The Review involved a large number of Departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports. The Review was based on the evidence and views received through consultation with interested parties. Across the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions. Departments held over 250 events, attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.
It was important that this examination of EU membership was done with appropriate time and care. But the government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.
Between 2012 and 2014, work on the Balance of Competences within the Department was staffed by the equivalent of one Grade B (salary range £35,188-£44,964). As many lead departments liaised direct with the Northern Ireland Executive, under 1% of the official’s time was spent on the Review. The Northern Ireland Office did not incur printing costs; costs for running engagement events; publicity costs or other associated costs. Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,225.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Department for Work and Pensions and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.
Answered by Lord Freud
As you will be aware, the Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with the EU ever undertaken. The Review involved a large number of Departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports. The Review was based on the evidence and views received through widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Across the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions. Departments held over 250 events, attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.
It was important that what is an unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with appropriate time and care. But the government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.
Work on the Review was allocated according to need to existing staff within the Department. Providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.
The Department for Work and Pensions contributed to two reports, the Social and Employment Report, led by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Single Market: Free Movement of Persons Report, led by the Home Office. As such, the Department for Work and Pensions did not directly incur any costs. The Department did make a financial contribution to the Home Office in respect of their printing costs.
Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.00
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Department for International Development and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.
Answered by Baroness Northover
The Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with the EU that has ever been undertaken. The review involved a large number of departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports and was based on evidence and views received through a widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Throughout the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions and held over 250 events, which were attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.
It was important that this unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with the appropriate time and care, however the Government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.
Costs
1) Staff costs
Work on the Review was allocated according to need using existing departmental staff. Providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.
2) Printing Costs
The Department for International Development paid £3,878 for printing and publication of the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Report.
3) Running engagement events
There were no additional costs for the running of engagement events beyond normal staff costs; there was no expenditure on hiring venues or meeting any expenses of participants.
4) Witness expenses
Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.
5) Publicity
There were no costs associated with the publicity of the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid report.
6) All other associated costs
There were no other associated costs.
Asked by: Baroness Prashar (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Department for Education and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.
Answered by Lord Nash
As you will be aware, the Balance of Competences Review concluded in December 2014. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with the EU ever undertaken. The Review involved a large number of Departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports. The Review was based on the evidence and views received through widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Across the whole review, Departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions. The involved Departments also held over 250 events, attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.
It was important that what is an unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with appropriate time and care. But the Government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.
Costs
Staff costs
Between May 2015 to December 2015, the Balance of Competence Review Team in the Department was staffed by the equivalent of one Grade 7 (salary range £49,739 - £58,373). All other work on the Review was allocated, according to need, to existing staff within the Department. Therefore, providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.
Printing costs
The printing and publication for the Education, Training and Youth report was coordinated centrally, but paid for by the Department. Printing costs for the report were £3,071.16.
Running engagement events
Engagement events in Edinburgh and Brussels cost a total of £1,670.51.
Witness expenses
Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.
Publicity
There was no publicity cost.
All other associated costs
There were no other associated costs.