Asked by: Anna Dixon (Labour - Shipley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to encourage businesses to use pin pads that are accessible to people with sight impairments.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The government expects people who provide goods, services, and facilities to members of the public, to anticipate the requirements of disabled customers and the adjustments that may have to be made for them, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
In April, the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury jointly wrote to UK Finance, the leading trade association for the UK banking sector, to urge further progress on ensuring touchscreen card terminals remain accessible for blind and partially sighted consumers. As well, the British Standards Institution has developed and published a British Standard that provides guidelines for the adoption of an inclusive approach to the design of products.
Asked by: Anna Dixon (Labour - Shipley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to increase statute of limitations to 20 years for faulty medical devices.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Consumer Protection Act, which contains our product liability legislation, has been in place since 1987 and my department is indeed undertaking a review of it, during which we will consider all aspects, including those claim limits my Honourable friend mentions. Following this review, should we believe changes are needed, we will bring forward the necessary primary legislation to ensure our laws remain up to date and fit for the future.
Asked by: Anna Dixon (Labour - Shipley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the New Deal For Working People, what plans he has to change the employment status of foster carers.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
I pay tribute to the vital efforts of foster carers, who carry out a challenging role that requires skill, dedication and love. The government will ensure more children can receive loving care in foster families.
We will work with councils and fostering services to ensure foster carers receive the support they need and deserve, but there are no plans to give worker status to foster carers.
Asked by: Anna Dixon (Labour - Shipley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support small businesses in villages and rural areas in Shipley constituency.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government is investing £1.14 billion over 30 years (£38 million annually) towards West Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s local economic priorities, including business support. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund also provides £83 million for West Yorkshire, including support for rural businesses in Shipley.
For small businesses across the country, we will deliver on commitments to boost exports, improve access to finance, stamp out late payment practices and open up competition for public procurement contracts. The department also provides support through Help to Grow Management, the Business Support Service and network of Growth Hubs – including the West Yorkshire Business Support Service.