Independent Football Regulator
Debate between Lord Evans of Rainow and Baroness Lloyd of Effra(1 week, 2 days ago)
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Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)
My noble friend is right to highlight the engagement that the Independent Football Regulator has had, although I stress that the regulator remains independent and is taking operational decisions, as he makes clear.
Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
My Lords, I associate myself with the Minister’s comments on Harry Kane and congratulate him. From Leyton Orient on loan to the Ballon d’Or—what a player and what a role model for our young people.
During our debates on the Bill, noble Lords on this side of the House repeatedly raised concerns that this regulator would not be light touch, as the Government claimed, and that it would be captured by scope creep. Given the levy rate and the larger budget recently announced, does the Minister agree that these Benches were right and the Government were wrong?
Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)
I cannot agree with that. State of the Game underlines the need for reform, the parlous state of the financial sustainability, the governance failings and the systemic resilience of the game, and it underlines the need for action. The Independent Football Regulator has a tightly defined scope. It has three objectives and it needs the resources to operate as it does, but it will do so in the most efficient and expedient way.
Self-employed: Paternity Leave
Debate between Lord Evans of Rainow and Baroness Lloyd of Effra(5 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)
We are clear in the terms of reference for the review that it considers the needs of self-employed parents, including fathers and partners. We agree that more can be done to improve the system. We are taking evidence, looking at international comparisons and looking to build on what we have already done. For example, we are bringing 32,000 parents into scope for paternity leave and around 1.5 million for unpaid parental leave as a consequence of the Employment Rights Act.
Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
The Minister has said twice at the Dispatch Box that she will report back with a decision in early 2027. Will that be January or February 2027?
Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)
We are considering the extensive reports, as I mentioned, and all the evidence. We will conclude early in 2027.