Lord Rooker

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

Dear Lord Rooker,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking what the average life expectancy in England (1) is currently, and (2) was in 2010 (HL6324).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the ‘National life tables; England’ dataset[1] on 25 September 2019. The latest available figures show that period life expectancy at birth for the years 2016 to 2018 was 83.18 years for females and 79.56 years for males. The corresponding figures for the years 2008 to 2010 are 82.33 for females and 78.31 for males.

Period life expectancy assumes mortality rates remain constant into the future. For further information, please see ‘Period and Cohort Life Expectancy Explained’[2].

The bulletin published with the national life tables contains further information about these tables[3].

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

[1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/datasets/nationallifetablesenglandreferencetables

[2]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/methodologies/periodandcohortlifeexpectancyexplained

[3]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/bulletins/nationallifetablesunitedkingdom/2016to2018

The Government has no plans to change the daylight-saving arrangements.

The Government believes that the current daylight-saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the UK.

HM Government have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We advise all businesses with Xinjiang supply chain links to conduct appropriate due diligence to satisfy themselves that their activities do not support any violations or abuses.

We have committed to introduce financial penalties for non-compliance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act, which asks large businesses to report on how they are tackling forced labour in their operations and supply chains. More widely we are committed to ongoing discussions on cotton and trade related matters at the WTO and continue to update Overseas Business Risk guidance.

The DWP has a Debt Market Integrator (DMI) Contract running from 01/04/15 and runs until 20/09/22. Under this contract, Indesser manages several agreements for the provision of debt collection, analytics and litigation services.

The contract was placed in 2015, which is a joint venture between HMT and TDX Group, an Equifax company.

The Framework was formed to provide a single point of access to a wide range of debt management and collection services for government departments and the wider public sector.

DMI presents opportunities to leverage economies of scale across Government giving high power to Government Purchasers. Currently Indesser works with nine government departments: HMRC, DWP, Home Office, DVLA, Student Loans Company, MOJ, Legal Aid Agency, Local Authorities.

Indesser hold direct contracts with debt collection agencies (DCA). Each are subject to the Framework standards. They are managed and monitored for performance by Indesser. Current and Historical DCA information and further details of DWP influence on selection/removal of DCAs are outlined below.

List of current DMI DCAs that provide services to DWP

• Advantis Credit Limited
• BPO Collections Limited
• CCS Collect – (full name Commercial Collection Services Limited)
• Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited
• Resolvecall Limited

Any previous DCA providers over the last 5 years

• Drydens Limited – DCA chose to exit the framework
• Akinika Limited – DCA chose to exit the consumer debt collection market
• Fredrickson International Limited – DCA chose to exit the consumer debt collection market

DWP influence on the selection of DCA providers

DWP does not directly influence the selection of DCA providers that provide services to them. The DWP panel was selected by TDX Group and Indesser based on the characteristics of the DWP debt and their suitability to collect the debt and the value for money offered by the DCA.

Whilst DWP do not directly influence the selection of the panel, any changes to the DCA panel will be managed through the Contract change control process therefore DWP would need to approve any changes.

DWP influence on the removal of any DCA providers

DWP do not influence the removal of DCA providers. The panel is closely monitored on a series of performance metrics and where a DCA fails to meet the framework standards they could be removed from a particular client’s panel.

Whilst DWP do not directly influence the removal of a DCA from their panel, the change would be managed through the Contract change control process therefore DWP would be required to approve the change.

The scientific contestation referred to is summarised in the paper Folic acid and neural tube defects: Discovery, debate and the need for policy change by Professor Nicholas Wald. Professor Wald asserts that the United Kingdom should pursue a higher level of fortification than would be permitted by the UK’s Tolerable Upper Level (TUL). A copy of the paper is attached.

The Government and its independent scientific advisory bodies have agreed that fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid, at a level informed by the guidance for supplemental intake of folic acid intake advised by the UK Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals, is a safe and effective measure to reduce the number of neural tube defects (NTDs).

This view is supported by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). In 2018 COT published Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: COT position paper on the current upper level for folic acid intake in response to a previous paper by Professor Wald, addressing the technical points raised in objection to the TUL and continuing to recommend its use. A copy of this paper is attached.

Deaths associated with high levels of folic acid refers to potential unintended harms which may arise following the fortification of flour with folic acid, such as an increase in the potential masking of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia where the deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage which can lead to death if untreated.

No recent discussions have taken place with countries which have implemented folic acid fortification on unintended consequences of the policy. However, evidence from a number of countries, including those which have implemented folic acid fortification policies, was considered by the SACN and COT to establish the safety and efficacy of fortifying food with folic acid. Analysis by COT and the SACN found that there was insufficient evidence to discount a number of potential risks at very levels of fortification.

While there is no specific scientific briefing relating to the debate between heliocentrism versus geocentrism, as I stated in the debate, we will routinely review the policy post-implementation to ensure it meets the objective of reducing NTDs while avoiding any unintended consequences. The forthcoming consultation will outline the proposed fortification levels with the supporting scientific rationale.

The scientific contestation referred to is summarised in the paper Folic acid and neural tube defects: Discovery, debate and the need for policy change by Professor Nicholas Wald. Professor Wald asserts that the United Kingdom should pursue a higher level of fortification than would be permitted by the UK’s Tolerable Upper Level (TUL). A copy of the paper is attached.

The Government and its independent scientific advisory bodies have agreed that fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid, at a level informed by the guidance for supplemental intake of folic acid intake advised by the UK Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals, is a safe and effective measure to reduce the number of neural tube defects (NTDs).

This view is supported by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). In 2018 COT published Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: COT position paper on the current upper level for folic acid intake in response to a previous paper by Professor Wald, addressing the technical points raised in objection to the TUL and continuing to recommend its use. A copy of this paper is attached.

Deaths associated with high levels of folic acid refers to potential unintended harms which may arise following the fortification of flour with folic acid, such as an increase in the potential masking of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia where the deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage which can lead to death if untreated.

No recent discussions have taken place with countries which have implemented folic acid fortification on unintended consequences of the policy. However, evidence from a number of countries, including those which have implemented folic acid fortification policies, was considered by the SACN and COT to establish the safety and efficacy of fortifying food with folic acid. Analysis by COT and the SACN found that there was insufficient evidence to discount a number of potential risks at very levels of fortification.

While there is no specific scientific briefing relating to the debate between heliocentrism versus geocentrism, as I stated in the debate, we will routinely review the policy post-implementation to ensure it meets the objective of reducing NTDs while avoiding any unintended consequences. The forthcoming consultation will outline the proposed fortification levels with the supporting scientific rationale.

The scientific contestation referred to is summarised in the paper Folic acid and neural tube defects: Discovery, debate and the need for policy change by Professor Nicholas Wald. Professor Wald asserts that the United Kingdom should pursue a higher level of fortification than would be permitted by the UK’s Tolerable Upper Level (TUL). A copy of the paper is attached.

The Government and its independent scientific advisory bodies have agreed that fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid, at a level informed by the guidance for supplemental intake of folic acid intake advised by the UK Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals, is a safe and effective measure to reduce the number of neural tube defects (NTDs).

This view is supported by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). In 2018 COT published Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: COT position paper on the current upper level for folic acid intake in response to a previous paper by Professor Wald, addressing the technical points raised in objection to the TUL and continuing to recommend its use. A copy of this paper is attached.

Deaths associated with high levels of folic acid refers to potential unintended harms which may arise following the fortification of flour with folic acid, such as an increase in the potential masking of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia where the deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage which can lead to death if untreated.

No recent discussions have taken place with countries which have implemented folic acid fortification on unintended consequences of the policy. However, evidence from a number of countries, including those which have implemented folic acid fortification policies, was considered by the SACN and COT to establish the safety and efficacy of fortifying food with folic acid. Analysis by COT and the SACN found that there was insufficient evidence to discount a number of potential risks at very levels of fortification.

While there is no specific scientific briefing relating to the debate between heliocentrism versus geocentrism, as I stated in the debate, we will routinely review the policy post-implementation to ensure it meets the objective of reducing NTDs while avoiding any unintended consequences. The forthcoming consultation will outline the proposed fortification levels with the supporting scientific rationale.

The scientific contestation referred to is summarised in the paper Folic acid and neural tube defects: Discovery, debate and the need for policy change by Professor Nicholas Wald. Professor Wald asserts that the United Kingdom should pursue a higher level of fortification than would be permitted by the UK’s Tolerable Upper Level (TUL). A copy of the paper is attached.

The Government and its independent scientific advisory bodies have agreed that fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid, at a level informed by the guidance for supplemental intake of folic acid intake advised by the UK Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals, is a safe and effective measure to reduce the number of neural tube defects (NTDs).

This view is supported by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). In 2018 COT published Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: COT position paper on the current upper level for folic acid intake in response to a previous paper by Professor Wald, addressing the technical points raised in objection to the TUL and continuing to recommend its use. A copy of this paper is attached.

Deaths associated with high levels of folic acid refers to potential unintended harms which may arise following the fortification of flour with folic acid, such as an increase in the potential masking of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia where the deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage which can lead to death if untreated.

No recent discussions have taken place with countries which have implemented folic acid fortification on unintended consequences of the policy. However, evidence from a number of countries, including those which have implemented folic acid fortification policies, was considered by the SACN and COT to establish the safety and efficacy of fortifying food with folic acid. Analysis by COT and the SACN found that there was insufficient evidence to discount a number of potential risks at very levels of fortification.

While there is no specific scientific briefing relating to the debate between heliocentrism versus geocentrism, as I stated in the debate, we will routinely review the policy post-implementation to ensure it meets the objective of reducing NTDs while avoiding any unintended consequences. The forthcoming consultation will outline the proposed fortification levels with the supporting scientific rationale.

Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland are working to implement folic acid fortification, as part of the review on the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 and the Bread and Flour (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1998.

The UK Government and the devolved administrations have engaged industry on the decision to fortify non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid and are now developing draft legislation and an impact assessment for future consultation.

At Spring Statement 2022, the Government announced increases to the earnings thresholds from which Class 1 and Class 4 National Insurance is paid.

This change does not affect eligibility for contributory benefits entitlement as the Lower Earnings Limits and Small Profits Thresholds are unchanged.

Therefore, no change in the number of people claiming contributory benefits is expected.

HMRC does not have a direct relationship with debt collection agencies. It draws their services from a panel provided by a joint venture private and public sector framework contract, which is managed by the Cabinet Office.

In the last five years, seven debt collection agencies have ceased to provide a service to HMRC via the joint venture. They either withdrew voluntarily or they ceased providing services due to commercial reasons.

HMRC cannot provide more details, including the names of the agencies or specific reasons they ceased providing services, due to commercial interests.

Debt Collection agencies form an integral part of HMRC’s debt collection strategy.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number UK citizens permanently employed by INTERPOL. Currently seven UK officials are seconded to INTERPOL, four of which are law enforcement officers.

In the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA) acts as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL.

INTERPOL receives statutory contributions from member countries. In 2021, the UK’s financial contribution to INTERPOL was € 2,875,173 Euros

(approximately £2,461,205.59 GBP). Additional contributions to specific projects are agreed between UK Government Departments and INTERPOL on an ad hoc basis. Information on INTERPOL’s funding is published by the INTERPOL General Secretariat (IPSG) and can be accessed on the Interpol.int website.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number UK citizens permanently employed by INTERPOL. Currently seven UK officials are seconded to INTERPOL, four of which are law enforcement officers.

In the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA) acts as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL.

INTERPOL receives statutory contributions from member countries. In 2021, the UK’s financial contribution to INTERPOL was € 2,875,173 Euros

(approximately £2,461,205.59 GBP). Additional contributions to specific projects are agreed between UK Government Departments and INTERPOL on an ad hoc basis. Information on INTERPOL’s funding is published by the INTERPOL General Secretariat (IPSG) and can be accessed on the Interpol.int website.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number UK citizens permanently employed by INTERPOL. Currently seven UK officials are seconded to INTERPOL, four of which are law enforcement officers.

In the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA) acts as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL.

INTERPOL receives statutory contributions from member countries. In 2021, the UK’s financial contribution to INTERPOL was € 2,875,173 Euros

(approximately £2,461,205.59 GBP). Additional contributions to specific projects are agreed between UK Government Departments and INTERPOL on an ad hoc basis. Information on INTERPOL’s funding is published by the INTERPOL General Secretariat (IPSG) and can be accessed on the Interpol.int website.

The UK delegation to the General Assembly of INTERPOL, which will be held in Turkey from 23-25 November, will be led by Stephen Rodhouse, Director General of Operations in the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Proportionate due diligence is undertaken into individuals seeking election to the role of INTERPOL President. The decision on who to support will be based on a thorough assessment of the merits of each candidate.

The UK delegation to the General Assembly of INTERPOL, which will be held in Turkey from 23-25 November, will be led by Stephen Rodhouse, Director General of Operations in the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Proportionate due diligence is undertaken into individuals seeking election to the role of INTERPOL President. The decision on who to support will be based on a thorough assessment of the merits of each candidate.