Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to review the operation of the Motability scheme, in the light of reports of increased levels of misuse of that scheme.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Motability Foundation is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Motability Scheme. The Scheme is delivered by Motability Operations which is an independent commercial company under contract to the charity. Any misuse of a scheme vehicle is a matter for Motability, and they will take action as appropriate.
The Department takes benefit fraud extremely seriously, as has been underlined by our campaign to warn people of the consequences of trying to defraud the benefits system. People who suspect benefit fraud can ring the National Benefit Fraud Hotline number on 0800 854 4400 to report in confidence any information which would help the Department’s officials in their investigations.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with European and other allies with a view to updating the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government remains committed to ensuring that all asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered in accordance with our international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This means that we do not remove anyone who faces persecution or serious harm on return to their country of origin.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what was the annual cost of the Motability scheme in each of the past five financial years.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Whilst the Department works closely with the Motability Foundation and is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme, the Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation that is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, along with oversight of Motability Operations.
Motability Operation’s Annual Report and Accounts are publicly available and can be found on their website.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what preparations they are making for the review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union due to take place in 2026.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We are committed to fulfilling the obligations set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement including, in due course, the 2026 review of implementation as per Article 776. The Government is committed to resetting relations with the European Union and enhancing our safety, security and prosperity.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with NATO or European allies concerning the provision of a nuclear umbrella to Ukraine or any other European country by the United Kingdom.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The conflict in Ukraine is not a nuclear matter for the United Kingdom. However, we have assigned our nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO since 1962.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many contractors they have engaged to assist with the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The asylum accommodation estate is provided by three providers under the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contracts, Serco, Mears and Clearsprings Ready Homes. Previously, the Bibby Stockholm which housed asylum seekers, was managed by CTM under the Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services contract.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that work visas will be issued to those with dog grooming skills.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Points Based Immigration System uses the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code system, owned by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), to classify job roles. These codes can be broad, covering a multitude of job roles, many of which visas are unlikely to be granted for.
There is more to obtaining a Skilled Worker visa than just having a role on the list of eligible occupations. Jobs must also meet the required salary thresholds, as well as applicants having to be sponsored by a licensed employer, and meet English language requirements.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the availability of adequate insurance capacity to enable them to achieve their target of building 1.5 million houses during this Parliament.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK’s insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a wide variety of insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a primary objective to ensure relevant markets are functioning well.
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Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what financial allowances their contractors are permitted to provide to asylum seekers per month for (1) food, (2) clothing, (3) mobile phones, (4) education, (5) leisure activities, (6) accommodation, and (7) transport.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office has a legal obligation to meet the essential living needs of asylum seekers or dependents who appear to be destitute or are likely to become destitute within a prescribed period, while their asylum claim is being considered.
Details of what is considered essential can be found in the annual asylum support rate review reports, published on gov.uk.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many contractors they have engaged to assist with the management of asylum seekers, and what fees those contractors have been paid in (1) the last financial year, and (2) the current financial year to date.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The requested data is not centrally held in an easily accessible form, and could only be collated and verified for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.