Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendation in the report The Voices of Supported Lodgings: Strong foundations for our future, published by Homes for Good and Safe Families on 16 October, that the Government should introduce a 'supported lodgings lead' within every regional care co-operative with responsibility for supported lodgings provision.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The department welcomes the report from Homes for Good and Safe Families on supported lodgings and appreciate the work they do in the sector to raise awareness of fostering, adoption and supported lodgings.

The department is considering the recommendations made in the report, and how we can support the supported lodgings sector to continue to grow, so that all children have the chance to thrive in safe, loving homes.

The department is working with local authorities and partners to co-design and set up the first Regional Care Co-operatives through two pathfinders in Greater Manchester and the South East. It will be for each Regional Care Co-operative to decide its staffing structure, including whether to have a supported lodgings lead, depending on their regional needs and priorities.

The department will continue to consider opportunities to promote and grow the supported lodgings sector, as every child growing up in care should have a stable, secure environment where they feel supported, and we need more good quality options for children and young people.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the changes to the system for reclaiming VAT on listed places of worship on projects which have already signed a contract and where the work has begun, such as St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Based on the Department’s analysis of previous data, 94% of applications between 2022-2024 have been under £25,000, and most of these claims were for under £5,000. We believe that the modifications were necessary and adequate given the tight fiscal challenges we inherited from the previous government.

We expect the cap will be applied to all claims received on or after 1 April 2025. We will provide published guidance on scheme applications and eligibility in due course.

Found: THE LORD BISHOP OF SOUTHWELL AND NOTTINGHAM 20★_ Schedule 4, page 164, line 15, at end insert