Rural Poverty

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Baroness Eaton

Tuesday 5th December 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I entirely agree that we need to advance on these subjects. That is why I am pleased to say that since 2010 we have 600,000 fewer people in absolute poverty—a record level—200,000 fewer children in absolute poverty, 300,000 fewer working-age adults in absolute poverty, 3 million more people in work and 954,000 fewer workless homes. That is the way in which we will ensure prosperity across the country and, in fact, it is why rural areas have lower unemployment. We are working extremely hard on a range of issues to ensure rural prosperity; the Government are doing all they can on that.

[Baroness Eaton (Con)]

My Lords, can my noble friend update your Lordships’ House on childcare policies and their impact on rural communities?

Film Industry

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Baroness Eaton

Monday 31st March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Eaton]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support and expand the British film industry.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con)]

My Lords, the Government are committed to encouraging film production through public funding and some of the most generous creative tax reliefs in the world. Skills development and measures to introduce larger audiences to the widest possible range of films are helping to nurture the next generation of film-makers and viewers, so that the UK film and allied industries, which generate nearly 117,000 jobs and contribute £4.6 billion to national GDP, continue to prosper.

[Baroness Eaton (Con)]

Coming from Bradford, I am delighted that film in the UK is thriving and is one of the main drivers for growth in the economy. What are Her Majesty’s Government doing to encourage skills development and training in the film industry?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I should first congratulate Bradford on being recognised as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. Skills for digital and creative industries are vital, which is why the Government have increased their match funding of the skills development fund and are investing in the National Film and Television School’s digital village. The BFI has launched Creative England, its new talent workshop, and the industry is also engaged with apprenticeships and the BAFTA scholarships.