Chris Elmore

The UK hands the COP Presidency to Egypt in a few days time, at COP27. To avoid and respond to the most catastrophic impacts of a changing climate, COP27 must build on commitments made at COP26.

Households in Great Britain should have automatically received the first instalment of the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) in October. There is no need for customers to claim the discount.

Prepayment meter customers should have received their first Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) discount voucher. These have been sent by SMS text, email or post.

Suppliers are reporting to BEIS on scheme delivery, including the redemption of prepayment meter vouchers. These figures will be published in due course.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) is delivering a £400 non-repayable government discount in instalments over six months from October to March to help 29 million households with energy bills over the winter. The first payment reached consumers in October. There is no need to apply for the discount under the Energy Support Scheme in Great in Britain.

Community energy schemes within Wales have access to support from the Welsh Government.

Ofgem supports community energy projects and welcomes applications from community interest groups, co-operative societies, and community benefit societies to the Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

The Government is enabling local areas to tackle net zero goals through UK-wide growth funding schemes. The Government also encourages community energy groups to work closely with their local authority to support the development of community energy projects within these schemes.

Given the level of support already available, the Government has no plans to take further steps to introduce financial incentives for community energy at this time.

Community energy schemes within Wales have access to support from the Welsh Government.

Ofgem supports community energy projects and welcomes applications from community interest groups, co-operative societies, and community benefit societies to the Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

The Government is enabling local areas to tackle net zero goals through UK-wide growth funding schemes. The Government also encourages community energy groups to work closely with their local authority to support the development of community energy projects within these schemes.

Given the level of support already available, the Government has no plans to take further steps to introduce financial incentives for community energy at this time.

The Government engages with industry leaders on a range of issues, including energy security and net zero. It is not Government policy to publish Ministerial correspondence.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has made no estimate of the number of small businesses which may have taken the decision to move their activities entirely online.

Every household in the Ogmore constituency on standard gas networks will be covered by the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee scheme, saving around £700 this winter. For those who use off-grid or alternative heating, the Alternative Fuel Payment will provide £100 to support households which do not use mains gas and electricity for heating.

The Department has set out a timetable for delivering the Government’s ambitions for these technologies as part of the British Energy Security Strategy. This builds on the funding commitments set out in the 2021 Spending Review. Future departmental expenditure limits will be agreed with HM Treasury at the next Spending Review.

Chapter 3 of the Government’s White Paper on ‘Restoring Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance’, published in March 2021, set out proposals for companies to report on their resilience planning, and invited views on whether the management of cyber risks (among other things) should form part of a company’s ‘Resilience Statement’. The Government has been carefully considering responses to the consultation on the White Paper and will publish its response in due course, including with regard to the proposed Resilience Statement.

As the administrator of the scheme, the Office of Gas and Energy Markets (Ofgem) undertakes enforcement action as appropriate where companies falsely use the Energy Company Obligation scheme or commit fraud. Ofgem has a dedicated fraud team to deal with such cases.

Simple Energy Advice (SEA) is a government-funded site which offers information for consumers on all BEIS schemes, including ECO. Information can be accessed on their website at www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk or by calling the Simple Energy Advice helpline on 0800 444202.

Information for energy suppliers can be found through delivery guidance published by Ofgem, the scheme administrator, and more information can be found at GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation. BEIS and Ofgem also meet regularly with obligated energy suppliers.

The Government has implemented the key recommendations of the independent Each Home Counts Review of consumer advice, protection, standards and enforcement for energy efficiency and renewable energy. This has included the launch of TrustMark as the government endorsed quality mark and the introduction of improved design and installation standards for domestic retrofit (PAS2035:2019 and PAS2030:2019).

All insulation measures under ECO must be carried out by TrustMark registered businesses which adhere to its framework operating requirements, code of conduct and consumer charter.

The Each Home Counts Review did not recommend that Ofgem should regulate installers.

The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) is expected to commission and support others to conduct research in pursuit of its highly ambitious goals, bringing together parties from public and private spheres. This may involve procuring R&D services and equipment to support research goals.

The Bill exempts ARIA from the Public Contracts Regulations, to enable ARIA to procure services, equipment and works relating to its research goals at speed, in a similar way to the private sector.

In addition to the statutory requirement for ARIA’s statement of accounts and annual report to be provided to my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and laid before Parliament, ARIA will report publicly on its procurement activities.

The terms of reference for the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/post-office-horizon-it-inquiry-2020/terms-of-reference.

The terms of reference explain that ‘Post Office Ltd’s prosecution function, matters of criminal law, the Horizon group damages settlement, the conduct of current or future litigation relating to Horizon and/or the engagement or findings of any other supervisory or complaints mechanisms, including in the public sector, are outside the Inquiry’s scope’. However, Sir Wyn Williams has explained to Ministers that – although the Inquiry will not discuss matters of substantive criminal law that should properly be decided by the criminal courts – he and his team will receive and consider information from affected postmasters as they give an account of their experiences including incidents relating to investigation, their prosecution and conviction or to look into and comment on aspects of this function as part of the organisation’s governance, leadership and culture.

The Government will continue to discuss the progress and approach to the Inquiry with Sir Wyn Williams.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, chaired by retired High Court judge, Sir Wyn Williams FLSW was set up to get the answers the affected postmasters are looking for in a timely manner. A non-statutory Inquiry should be as thorough and robust as a statutory Inquiry but giving the Chair greater flexibility to determine how it is run. Post Office, Fujitsu, UK Government Investment (UKGI), and BEIS are all cooperating fully with the Inquiry, but all options regarding the Inquiry remain on the table, as I said in the House of Commons on 27 April.

It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

The sector is leading the review of the UK content methodology and is responsible for the timelines associated for the review.

Any site, including expansions to existing sites, are eligible to apply for support under the scheme providing they meet the criteria set out in the scheme’s Guidance documentation.

The methodology used to measure the domestic content of offshore wind projects was set out in 2012. The Offshore Wind Sector Deal, which was announced in March 2019, included new commitments on measuring and reporting UK content, with the sector committing to updating its UK content methodology as well as a longer-term move towards increased transparency. As part of the update, the sector plans to develop a more holistic approach by reporting UK content and UK exports. The methodology is currently undergoing review, and the sector will resume publication of the estimates of UK content once the review is complete.

The Government is committed to ensuring that UK steel producers have the best possible chance of competing for and winning the contracts associated with our domestic infrastructure investment.

The publication of the annual steel pipeline on national infrastructure projects and steel data on public sector procurement is part of this commitment. This information serves both as testament to our ambitious plans for the use of UK-sourced steel within our pipeline of major public infrastructure projects, but also as an accountability mechanism, as we work in collaboration with the sector to achieve this shared aim.

In October 2020 we published data of the steel pipeline of offshore wind national infrastructure projects to enable UK steel manufacturers to better plan for these projects.

Going forward, the Government will consider whether to publish annual figures of UK steel used in past offshore wind projects, if it is in the public interest.

My Rt. Hon Friend Mr Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has recently spoken to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary regarding the unfortunate recent developments at Burntisland Fabrications Limited.

Recognising the impact of these developments on those who are employed at the firm and their families, the UK and Scottish governments have created a joint working group, which has already met twice. While the immediate future of the busines is a matter for the administrators, the working group will position both governments to stand ready to work with potential new investors, with a view to securing a strong future for the site.

The Government is eager to deliver supply chain investment and increase the share of UK manufacturing content in renewable energy projects supported by Contracts for Difference (CfD) contracts. We have confirmed our intention to align the Supply Chain Plan process with government priorities, and we are currently consulting¹ on proposals to introduce consequences for non-delivery of commitments that developers put forward in their Supply Chain Plans, which are approved before they enter the CfD Allocation Round. We are also strengthening the Supply Chain Plan monitoring process to support compliance.

These measures should be seen alongside my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s announcement on £160 million of new funding towards investment to upgrade ports and infrastructure and long-term ambitions to increase renewable energy capacity in the next CfD auction, which, together, will support new UK content, jobs and investment.

I have also convened offshore wind Industry roundtables to understand the supply chain and support investment to meet the industry’s commitment to deliver 60% UK content by 2030. The sector will explore what the future opportunities will be in high-value components for nacelle assembly, floating offshore wind and operations and maintenance and report back in March.

¹ https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/contracts-for-difference-cfd-changes-to-supply-chain-plans-and-the-cfd-contract - Closing date 18th January 2021

The Government’s Trade Credit Reinsurance Scheme will see the majority of Trade Credit Insurance coverage maintained for businesses across the UK. The Scheme operates as a reinsurance arrangement through trade credit insurers which will enable them to continue to write and maintain cover to business throughout the COVID-19 crisis. At present, insurers serving over 80% of the market have signed up to participate in the scheme. There is no need for underlying businesses to sign up to the scheme.

Postmasters are the backbone of the Post Office, and their branches are vital to communities across the country. That is why Government takes Post Office Ltd’s relationship with its postmasters very seriously.

The settlement agreed with the Post Office included all legal and other costs. In those circumstances the Government cannot accept any further request for payment.

The Government wants to make sure lessons are learned from this case, so that such issues do not happen again, and it is of the upmost importance that the Post Office proceeds to undertake its dealings with postmasters openly and transparently. We will announce further details on this in due course.

While publicly owned and accountable to Government for its decisions, Post Office Ltd operates as an independent, commercial business and management of the roll-out of the Horizon accounting system falls within the scope of the Post Office’s responsibilities.

Since 2004, United Kingdom Government Investments, previously known as the Shareholder Executive, has acted as Shareholder Representative for BEIS, overseeing POL’s corporate governance, strategy, and the stewardship of POL’s financial resources on behalf of the shareholder. Prior to 2004, this role was carried out by the Department for Trade and Industry.

It is important that Government takes the Post Office’s relationship with postmasters very seriously and closely monitors the situation. The Post Office, through its new CEO has since accepted he got things wrong. He has apologised and said it aims at establishing a positive relationship with its postmasters. BEIS is working actively with the Post Office on this matter and will hold them to account on their progress.

Postmasters are key to the work of the Post Office, and their branches are vital to communities across the country. That is why Government takes POL's relationship with its postmasters very seriously.

While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business. As such, matters encompassed by this litigation, including the relationship between POL and its postmasters, is operational to Post Office Limited. I have asked Nick Read, the Group Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the Hon Member about this matter. A copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is developing a fact-based evidence base on the key issues that have been raised around fireworks. Key issues that have been raised include the regulation of age restrictions and restricting the sale of fireworks. The evidence base is considering data on noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals. This will build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order to identify whether, and what, further action is appropriate.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is developing a fact-based evidence base on the key issues that have been raised around fireworks. Key issues that have been raised include the regulation of age restrictions and restricting the sale of fireworks. The evidence base is considering data on noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals. This will build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order to identify whether, and what, further action is appropriate.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is developing a fact-based evidence base on the key issues that have been raised around fireworks. Key issues that have been raised include the regulation of age restrictions and restricting the sale of fireworks. The evidence base is considering data on noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals. This will build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order to identify whether, and what, further action is appropriate.

The Future of Compute review was launched on 13 June 2022. It will produce recommendations on the UK’s compute capability over the next decade, and report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The terms of reference can be found on gov.uk, and outline the objectives, outputs and themes that will be covered by the review.

Zoubin Ghahramani, Professor of Information Engineering at the University of Cambridge and Vice President of Research at Google, was appointed to lead the review. Professor Ghahramani was selected because of his strong credentials in both the applications and fundamentals of computer science, and experience of working in public and private sector capacities.

The lead reviewer will be supported by a panel of experts from across the computing field. These experts will help provide high level oversight and quality assurance of the evidence supporting the final recommendations, similar to the approach taken for previous reviews. Experts were selected to ensure broad expertise in compute applications, including simulation and modelling, and across diverse sections of industry and research communities.

The panellists are:

• Professor Anne Trefethen FREng, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Scientific Computing, University of Oxford.
• Dr Graham Spittle, CBE, Dean of Innovation at Edinburgh University.
• Shaheen Sayed, Senior Managing Director, Technology Lead, Accenture UK and Ireland.
• Sue Daley, Director of Technology & Innovation, TechUK.

The lead reviewer and panel members will not receive remuneration.

The Future of Compute review was launched on 13 June 2022. It will produce recommendations on the UK’s compute capability over the next decade, and report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The terms of reference can be found on gov.uk, and outline the objectives, outputs and themes that will be covered by the review.

Zoubin Ghahramani, Professor of Information Engineering at the University of Cambridge and Vice President of Research at Google, was appointed to lead the review. Professor Ghahramani was selected because of his strong credentials in both the applications and fundamentals of computer science, and experience of working in public and private sector capacities.

The lead reviewer will be supported by a panel of experts from across the computing field. These experts will help provide high level oversight and quality assurance of the evidence supporting the final recommendations, similar to the approach taken for previous reviews. Experts were selected to ensure broad expertise in compute applications, including simulation and modelling, and across diverse sections of industry and research communities.

The panellists are:

• Professor Anne Trefethen FREng, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Scientific Computing, University of Oxford.
• Dr Graham Spittle, CBE, Dean of Innovation at Edinburgh University.
• Shaheen Sayed, Senior Managing Director, Technology Lead, Accenture UK and Ireland.
• Sue Daley, Director of Technology & Innovation, TechUK.

The lead reviewer and panel members will not receive remuneration.

The Future of Compute review was launched on 13 June 2022. It will produce recommendations on the UK’s compute capability over the next decade, and report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The terms of reference can be found on gov.uk, and outline the objectives, outputs and themes that will be covered by the review.

Zoubin Ghahramani, Professor of Information Engineering at the University of Cambridge and Vice President of Research at Google, was appointed to lead the review. Professor Ghahramani was selected because of his strong credentials in both the applications and fundamentals of computer science, and experience of working in public and private sector capacities.

The lead reviewer will be supported by a panel of experts from across the computing field. These experts will help provide high level oversight and quality assurance of the evidence supporting the final recommendations, similar to the approach taken for previous reviews. Experts were selected to ensure broad expertise in compute applications, including simulation and modelling, and across diverse sections of industry and research communities.

The panellists are:

• Professor Anne Trefethen FREng, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Scientific Computing, University of Oxford.
• Dr Graham Spittle, CBE, Dean of Innovation at Edinburgh University.
• Shaheen Sayed, Senior Managing Director, Technology Lead, Accenture UK and Ireland.
• Sue Daley, Director of Technology & Innovation, TechUK.

The lead reviewer and panel members will not receive remuneration.

The Future of Compute review was launched on 13 June 2022. It will produce recommendations on the UK’s compute capability over the next decade, and report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The terms of reference can be found on gov.uk, and outline the objectives, outputs and themes that will be covered by the review.

Zoubin Ghahramani, Professor of Information Engineering at the University of Cambridge and Vice President of Research at Google, was appointed to lead the review. Professor Ghahramani was selected because of his strong credentials in both the applications and fundamentals of computer science, and experience of working in public and private sector capacities.

The lead reviewer will be supported by a panel of experts from across the computing field. These experts will help provide high level oversight and quality assurance of the evidence supporting the final recommendations, similar to the approach taken for previous reviews. Experts were selected to ensure broad expertise in compute applications, including simulation and modelling, and across diverse sections of industry and research communities.

The panellists are:

• Professor Anne Trefethen FREng, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Scientific Computing, University of Oxford.
• Dr Graham Spittle, CBE, Dean of Innovation at Edinburgh University.
• Shaheen Sayed, Senior Managing Director, Technology Lead, Accenture UK and Ireland.
• Sue Daley, Director of Technology & Innovation, TechUK.

The lead reviewer and panel members will not receive remuneration.

The creative industries are a vital part of the UK’s economy, worth approximately £116 billion in Gross Value Added and employing over 2 million people across the country. They were identified as one of four key sectors in the Plan for Growth to encourage recovery following the pandemic, and as a result we are developing a Creative Industries Sector Vision. The Sector Vision will set out our 2030 vision to promote inclusive growth, support the development of the creative workforce, maximise the wider impacts of the sector, and deliver on the government’s levelling up, Global Britain and net zero objectives.

We recognise the need for a network of flexible and accessible routes into the creative industries, from early years education to adult reskilling, for people of all backgrounds, and the Sector Vision will look closely at these issues. We also recognise the importance of job quality to ensure broad pathways into the creative industries, which is why we are working with the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre to deliver a Review into Job Quality and Working Practice in the Creative Industries. This will be published in the Autumn and has involved consultation with creative trade unions.

The Sector Vision is being developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Council (CIC). As our primary partner, the CIC membership includes representatives of the creative workforce and the CIC engages wider stakeholders through its working groups.

The creative industries are a vital part of the UK’s economy, worth approximately £116 billion in Gross Value Added and employing over 2 million people across the country. They were identified as one of four key sectors in the Plan for Growth to encourage recovery following the pandemic, and as a result we are developing a Creative Industries Sector Vision. The Sector Vision will set out our 2030 vision to promote inclusive growth, support the development of the creative workforce, maximise the wider impacts of the sector, and deliver on the government’s levelling up, Global Britain and net zero objectives.

We recognise the need for a network of flexible and accessible routes into the creative industries, from early years education to adult reskilling, for people of all backgrounds, and the Sector Vision will look closely at these issues. We also recognise the importance of job quality to ensure broad pathways into the creative industries, which is why we are working with the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre to deliver a Review into Job Quality and Working Practice in the Creative Industries. This will be published in the Autumn and has involved consultation with creative trade unions.

The Sector Vision is being developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Council (CIC). As our primary partner, the CIC membership includes representatives of the creative workforce and the CIC engages wider stakeholders through its working groups.

The creative industries are a vital part of the UK’s economy, worth approximately £116 billion in Gross Value Added and employing over 2 million people across the country. They were identified as one of four key sectors in the Plan for Growth to encourage recovery following the pandemic, and as a result we are developing a Creative Industries Sector Vision. The Sector Vision will set out our 2030 vision to promote inclusive growth, support the development of the creative workforce, maximise the wider impacts of the sector, and deliver on the government’s levelling up, Global Britain and net zero objectives.

We recognise the need for a network of flexible and accessible routes into the creative industries, from early years education to adult reskilling, for people of all backgrounds, and the Sector Vision will look closely at these issues. We also recognise the importance of job quality to ensure broad pathways into the creative industries, which is why we are working with the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre to deliver a Review into Job Quality and Working Practice in the Creative Industries. This will be published in the Autumn and has involved consultation with creative trade unions.

The Sector Vision is being developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Council (CIC). As our primary partner, the CIC membership includes representatives of the creative workforce and the CIC engages wider stakeholders through its working groups.

On Monday 27 June, 2022, leaders of the UK’s major fixed broadband, landline and mobile operators agreed with the government a set of commitments designed to support households through the global rise in the cost-of-living.

Social tariffs are available to those claiming Universal Credit, and a number of providers also accept those in receipt of other means-tested benefits. The commitments also offer help to any household struggling with their bills. Ofcom’s Affordability report from February 2022 showed that one in five UK households have an affordability issue with their communication service (landline, broadband, mobile and Pay TV), and we hope that the commitments we reached with industry will help all households who may be struggling with their costs during this difficult time.

We anticipate a period of transition as staff are trained and processes put in place, but the measures agreed with industry are available now, so people should feel confident in contacting their operator if they require assistance. The Government has also committed to work with providers to assist them raise awareness of social tariffs. To support the sector, the government is also developing eligibility checking software which will allow a faster, more efficient application process. We expect these workstrands to conclude over the summer.

Social Tariffs are available from BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, Now Broadband, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Country Connect, Broadband for the Rural North, G Networks, Air Broadband, and KCOM - the government has determined that social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK.

On Monday 27 June, 2022, leaders of the UK’s major fixed broadband, landline and mobile operators agreed with the government a set of commitments designed to support households through the global rise in the cost-of-living.

Social tariffs are available to those claiming Universal Credit, and a number of providers also accept those in receipt of other means-tested benefits. The commitments also offer help to any household struggling with their bills. Ofcom’s Affordability report from February 2022 showed that one in five UK households have an affordability issue with their communication service (landline, broadband, mobile and Pay TV), and we hope that the commitments we reached with industry will help all households who may be struggling with their costs during this difficult time.

We anticipate a period of transition as staff are trained and processes put in place, but the measures agreed with industry are available now, so people should feel confident in contacting their operator if they require assistance. The Government has also committed to work with providers to assist them raise awareness of social tariffs. To support the sector, the government is also developing eligibility checking software which will allow a faster, more efficient application process. We expect these workstrands to conclude over the summer.

Social Tariffs are available from BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, Now Broadband, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Country Connect, Broadband for the Rural North, G Networks, Air Broadband, and KCOM - the government has determined that social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK.

On Monday 27 June, 2022, leaders of the UK’s major fixed broadband, landline and mobile operators agreed with the government a set of commitments designed to support households through the global rise in the cost-of-living.

Social tariffs are available to those claiming Universal Credit, and a number of providers also accept those in receipt of other means-tested benefits. The commitments also offer help to any household struggling with their bills. Ofcom’s Affordability report from February 2022 showed that one in five UK households have an affordability issue with their communication service (landline, broadband, mobile and Pay TV), and we hope that the commitments we reached with industry will help all households who may be struggling with their costs during this difficult time.

We anticipate a period of transition as staff are trained and processes put in place, but the measures agreed with industry are available now, so people should feel confident in contacting their operator if they require assistance. The Government has also committed to work with providers to assist them raise awareness of social tariffs. To support the sector, the government is also developing eligibility checking software which will allow a faster, more efficient application process. We expect these workstrands to conclude over the summer.

Social Tariffs are available from BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, Now Broadband, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Country Connect, Broadband for the Rural North, G Networks, Air Broadband, and KCOM - the government has determined that social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK.

On Monday 27 June, 2022, leaders of the UK’s major fixed broadband, landline and mobile operators agreed with the government a set of commitments designed to support households through the global rise in the cost-of-living.

Social tariffs are available to those claiming Universal Credit, and a number of providers also accept those in receipt of other means-tested benefits. The commitments also offer help to any household struggling with their bills. Ofcom’s Affordability report from February 2022 showed that one in five UK households have an affordability issue with their communication service (landline, broadband, mobile and Pay TV), and we hope that the commitments we reached with industry will help all households who may be struggling with their costs during this difficult time.

We anticipate a period of transition as staff are trained and processes put in place, but the measures agreed with industry are available now, so people should feel confident in contacting their operator if they require assistance. The Government has also committed to work with providers to assist them raise awareness of social tariffs. To support the sector, the government is also developing eligibility checking software which will allow a faster, more efficient application process. We expect these workstrands to conclude over the summer.

Social Tariffs are available from BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, Now Broadband, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Country Connect, Broadband for the Rural North, G Networks, Air Broadband, and KCOM - the government has determined that social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK.

As set out in the government’s response to the Digital Radio and Audio Review, published alongside the broadcasting white paper on 28 April 2022, we agree that the case has been made for taking action to protect radio’s long term position in the context of the rapid growth in usage of smart speakers. We are looking at appropriate legislative vehicles through which to take this forward.

Ofcom is an independent regulator and the government has no say over its regulatory decisions.

However, in the Statement of Strategic Priorities, the government has set out a priority for Ofcom to seek stable and long-term regulation that incentivises network investment and ensures fair and effective competition between new and existing network operators.

With regard to network prices, in the Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review published in 2021, Ofcom set out pricing remedies on Openreach in light of its market position. In doing so, it noted that its regulation was designed to give regulatory certainty and allow companies to make a fair return whilst ensuring consumers continue to have access to affordable broadband as new networks are rolled out. Volume 4 of the Review sets out Ofcom’s reasoning for its approach to price remedies by area in more detail.

With regard to retail prices, Ofcom’s 2021 Pricing Trends report showed that the telecoms market generally delivers good value for money for consumers. Low-cost broadband social tariffs are also available for households in receipt of Universal Credit and certain means-tested benefits.

We will legislate to put the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) on a statutory footing as soon as parliamentary time allows. The Draft Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill was announced as part of the Queen’s Speech in May this year. This draft legislation will set out new competition rules for digital markets and the largest digital firms.

The Government consulted extensively on a change of ownership of Channel 4, and the views and evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders has informed the government’s assessment of any potential impact of a change of ownership.

The Government will publish a sale impact analysis shortly. It will also publish its response to the consultation. This will include a summary of the responses received.

The Government consulted extensively on a change of ownership of Channel 4, and the views and evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders has informed the government’s assessment of any potential impact of a change of ownership.

The Government will publish a sale impact analysis shortly. It will also publish its response to the consultation. This will include a summary of the responses received.

Netflix’s first quarter results for 2022 saw overall subscriber numbers decline for the first time in many years. The company put this down to a number of factors including increased competition from new streaming services.

These results highlight the ever more competitive environment that even well-funded global players face.

Though Channel 4 has been reporting strong digital growth, its current ownership and operating model constrain its ability to respond to these market dynamics. The Government believes that having greater access to capital under private ownership and the ability to produce and sell its own content will give Channel 4 the best range of tools to succeed for decades to come.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has consulted with Cabinet colleagues on their decision to pursue a change of Channel 4’s ownership model. The Government will set out the future plan for Channel 4 in a White Paper shortly.

DCMS works closely with the Department for Education and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that children across the UK can freely access cyber security learning and resources. This includes the ‘CyberSprinters’ online game for 7-11 year olds, developed by NCSC, and ‘Cyber Explorers’, our recently launched online learning platform for 11 -14 year olds. Cyber Explorers supports teachers by complementing the school curriculum whilst widening the diversity of pupils who may be open to considering a future career in cyber security. We are not currently offering cyber security education to children under 7 years of age though online safety is taught to pupils from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4 (age 5 – 16) as part of the computing curriculum. The curriculum covers the principles of e-safety with progression in content to reflect the different and escalating risks that young people face in life. The e-safety content focuses on the underpinning knowledge and behaviours that can help pupils to navigate the online world safely and confidently, regardless of device, platform or app.

The Government has received representations from the commercial radio sector about the impact of BBC radio and audio services, including new services being launched on BBC Sounds. It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator, to assess whether particular BBC services have an impact on the provision of commercial radio and audio services.

The Mid-Term Review of the BBC’s Royal Charter offers an opportunity for the government to consider whether current governance and regulatory arrangements for the BBC are working effectively. We will be publishing more details about the Mid-Term Review shortly.

The positive funding outcome secured through the 2021 Spending Review enables us to deliver against the government’s commitment to make the UK the safest place to be online. Ofcom will receive a total of £88.64m for the financial years 2022/23 and 2023/24. In 2024/25 Ofcom should be self-funding its online safety work through an annual fee on industry.

This funding will ensure that Ofcom has the resources it needs to establish its online safety functions for the successful implementation of the Online Safety legislation which has now been introduced in Parliament.

The Government expects to publish its response to the Digital Radio and Audio Review within the coming weeks.

The Government consulted extensively on a change of ownership of Channel 4, and the views and evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders has informed the Government’s assessment and wider policy-making.

Following this consultation, the Secretary of State has come to a decision that, although Channel 4 as a business is currently performing well, public ownership is holding it back in the face of a rapidly-changing and competitive media landscape. The Secretary of State has consulted with Cabinet colleagues on that decision.

The Government will set out its plan for Channel 4 in a White Paper shortly. The Government will also publish a response to its consultation.

The three-year pilot phase of the Audio Content Fund is due to end in March 2022. There will be a full evaluation of the pilot to determine its impact on the provision and plurality of public service content on commercial and community radio, and any future action in this area will be informed by that evaluation.

The Government is committed to ensuring that audiences benefit from a modern system of public service broadcasting that remains relevant and can continue to meet the needs of UK audiences in the future. The potential of further investment of public funding will be assessed against the Fund evaluation and alongside future public service broadcasting needs.

UK negotiators did raise with EU negotiators the issue of reciprocal arrangements to ensure ongoing surcharge-free roaming post-Transition Period. This was in the early stages of UK-EU negotiations.

EU negotiators stated they had no mandate to discuss roaming with the UK. We listened to this before putting forward our 2020 policy paper 'Our approach to the Future Relationship with the EU'. We instead tabled a review clause as an attempt to compromise. This clause stated that the UK and EU would assess the need for the regulation of roaming charges three years after the agreement was signed. The EU also did not accept this suggestion.

The Government has committed £5 billion to support the delivery of Project Gigabit. Our objectives are for gigabit-capable broadband to be available to at least 85% of premises by 2025 and for coverage to reach almost all premises as soon as possible thereafter. We are on track to meet these objectives and gigabit coverage is now at 63%, up from 9% in 2019. We will continue to publish regular updates on the Project Gigabit delivery plan.

Building Digital UK (BDUK) has historically delivered spending commitments as a directorate within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

However, the government’s agenda for broadband infrastructure has scaled up dramatically, to include the ambitious £5bn Project Gigabit investment. Establishing BDUK as an Executive Agency will drive further effective delivery through:

1. Governance and accountability: As an Executive Agency, the BDUK Board will be formalised and chaired by a Non Executive and comprise a Non Executive majority. This will ensure BDUK receives expert independent challenge and advice. Accountability will remain within the central department; DCMS will robustly challenge and hold BDUK to account.

2. Operational autonomy: BDUK will have pre-defined operational autonomy to focus on the capabilities and processes essential to the delivery of its commitments, whilst DCMS will provide an appropriate level of oversight and second line assurance.

Furthermore, this transition will enable BDUK to expand its operations to create new jobs, boost economic growth and level up communities that are most in need.

The intention is for BDUK to be established as an Executive Agency in April 2022, at the start of the new financial year, ahead of a significant ramp up in programme delivery planned in 2022/23. Following the launch of the Executive Agency in April 2022, BDUK and DCMS will follow a ‘glide path’ or transitioning period through the first half of 2022/23 to embed ‘end state’ ways of working.

The draft Online Safety Bill has been designed to tackle harm facilitated through user-generated content. The Bill must be targeted and proportionate for businesses and Ofcom.

Harms associated with paid-for advertising will be addressed through the Online Advertising Programme. In 2020, DCMS launched a call for evidence and we will be launching a public consultation on the Online Advertising Programme in the coming months. The draft Bill is currently in pre-legislative scrutiny and the Department will carefully consider all recommendations made by the Joint Committee.

The Online Safety Bill defines harmful content that is in scope of regulation. For content that is legal-but-harmful to children or adults, this is defined as content that the service provider has reasonable grounds to believe may have a significant adverse physical or psychological impact on children or adults. Further categories of priority content will be set out in secondary legislation. Where content that harms body image falls within these definitions, it will be in scope of the Bill.

Ofcom will issue guidance to companies on how they should conduct a proper risk assessment for this type of content. It will also publish codes of practice that will set out the recommended steps that companies can take to fulfil their duties to protect users.

Protecting children is at the heart of our plans to transform the online experience for people in the UK, and the strongest protections in the Online Safety Bill will be for children. All companies in scope of the Online Safety Bill will need to seriously consider the risks they may pose to children and take action to mitigate these risks.

The recent reports about the impact of Facebook’s products on children and young people are highly pertinent to the forthcoming online safety legislation. The impact of harmful content and behaviour on young people’s mental health has been a key consideration during the development of legislation.

Ministers and officials have met with a wide range of stakeholders, including Facebook (representing various products including Instagram) several times as the legislation has been developed.

The Online Safety Bill protects children from harmful and inappropriate content on any service in scope which children are likely to access. Such services will need to protect children from both illegal content and content which is harmful or inappropriate for children.

Services who do not consider they need to implement the higher level of protection for children will need to provide robust evidence to the regulator that children are not accessing their service, and keep this under review. Ofcom may take enforcement action where providers do not carry out an assessment on children’s access and keep it up to date.

Protecting children is at the heart of our plans to transform the online experience for people in the UK and the strongest protections in the online safety framework will be for children. Under these new laws, Ofcom will have a statutory duty to establish mechanisms for user advocacy. This is to ensure Ofcom understands the experiences of users, including children, and is able to detect and address issues early on.

The costs incurred by Ofcom in carrying out its functions under the Online Safety Bill, will be met by proportionate fees charged to industry.

Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill by Parliament is underway, and the Joint Committee is expected to report with their recommendations by 10th December.

Age assurance technologies are an important child safety tool. Their use will be essential for supporting compliance with the draft Online Safety Bill’s higher protection for children. It is important that these technologies are robust, effective, secure and inclusive. This is needed to ensure children are appropriately protected online and so that the public has trust in these solutions. DCMS is leading a detailed programme of work on age assurance technologies. This includes working with the British Standards Institute and the International Organization for Standardization to develop relevant standards, including an international standard that will set consistent expectations on key considerations including user privacy, confidence levels, security, and inclusion.

All companies in scope of the Online Safety Bill will need to remove and limit the spread of illegal content, including child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Services which are likely to be accessed by children will also be required to protect children from other harmful or inappropriate content.

In addition, companies will have duties to protect children from encountering harmful content by means of their service, which could include protecting them from being directed to harmful content or activity on other sites. The regulator will undertake research and horizon-scanning to identify any cross-platform emerging issues, backed up by robust information-gathering powers.

Racism online is completely unacceptable and has no place in an open and tolerant society. All companies whose services are likely to be used by children will have to protect them from racist content that falls short of the criminal threshold. Companies providing high-risk, high-reach services, such as the main social media services will also need to address legal content of this type that is harmful to adults. Racist abuse falls within the definition of harmful content that companies must address.

The government will set out priority harms for both children and adults in secondary legislation following consultation with Ofcom. Racist abuse that does not meet the threshold of a criminal offence will likely be a priority harm.

The Online Safety Bill will address harmful content shared across multiple services in several ways. Ofcom will have a duty to publish a risk assessment identifying risks to individuals on regulated services. This will cover risks associated with the cross platform nature of harms.

Companies will need to assess whether these harms are likely to appear on their services and mitigate the risks of them doing so. Ofcom will set out details on how this can be achieved in codes of practice. Where appropriate, these will include measures to address cross-platform harms and could include cooperation between platforms.

Ofcom will also undertake research and horizon-scanning to spot any cross-platform emerging issues, backed up by robust information gathering powers. It will have a role in sharing best practice on mitigation amongst service providers. This will drive improvements in the ways service providers identify and tackle these issues.

In addition, the super-complaints process will enable organisations to submit evidence of systemic issues that are causing harm to certain groups across multiple services, which Ofcom will review.

The Online Safety Bill will address harmful content shared across multiple services in several ways. Ofcom will have a duty to publish a risk assessment identifying risks to individuals on regulated services. This will cover risks associated with the cross platform nature of harms.

Companies will need to assess whether these harms are likely to appear on their services and mitigate the risks of them doing so. Ofcom will set out details on how this can be achieved in codes of practice. Where appropriate, these will include measures to address cross-platform harms and could include cooperation between platforms.

Ofcom will also undertake research and horizon-scanning to spot any cross-platform emerging issues, backed up by robust information gathering powers. It will have a role in sharing best practice on mitigation amongst service providers. This will drive improvements in the ways service providers identify and tackle these issues.

In addition, the super-complaints process will enable organisations to submit evidence of systemic issues that are causing harm to certain groups across multiple services, which Ofcom will review.

The new Online Safety regulatory remit will entail a significant expansion of Ofcom’s existing responsibilities. We are working closely with Ofcom to ensure it is prepared for its new role, and to ensure the legislation is effectively implemented. This includes work to ensure it has the resources, skills and capabilities it needs to prepare to take on its new functions.

The Online Safety Bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny in this session. It is for Parliament to determine when the Bill will be scrutinised but I hope that the process will be able to start shortly now that the draft Bill has been published. This is a priority for my Department and for the Home Office, however the timetable for introduction is dependent on the wider parliamentary timetable.

The Online Safety Bill will place a duty on Ofcom to carry out a risk assessment of the sector and, as soon as is reasonably practicable, to issue guidance to companies about risk assessments. Companies will then have three months to carry out their risk assessments, unless they agree a longer timetable with Ofcom.

In order to assess the effectiveness of the regulatory framework, the Online Safety Bill provides for a review to be undertaken by the Secretary of State, to be published and laid before Parliament, between 2 and 5 years after the duties on services are commenced.

The Government is committed to making sure that we have high data protection standards and that people of all ages are confident that their personal data will be protected and used in an appropriate way.

All organisations in the UK that process personal data have to comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). Any use of children’s data must be lawful, fair and transparent. Children should be given clear information about how their data will be used and they have the same rights as adults to access their data; request rectification; object to its processing or have it erased. Organisations offering online services directly to children must seek parental consent to process the personal data of children under the age of 13.

The DPA requires the Information Commissioner, the independent data protection regulator, to publish an Age Appropriate Design Code. The Code sets out standards of age appropriate design that companies will need to implement to ensure their services appropriately safeguard children’s personal data and process children’s personal data fairly. The Code came into force in September 2020 with a 12 month transition period for industry. It will play a key role in delivering protections for children ahead of and alongside the government’s new online safety regulatory framework. Organisations will need to conform by 2nd September 2021.

The ICO has committed to providing a package of support to organisations during the transition period to support conformance to the Code, with all guidance contained in a Children’s Code Hub on the ICO’s website at https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/childrens-code-hub/. The ICO is ensuring they engage with experts, children and parents when developing guidance, and has recently launched a Children’s Advisory Panel to support the implementation of the Code.

The ICO has also advertised for transparency champions to submit privacy information designs so that children can easily understand how, when and why services use their data.

Discussions about data protection and online safety are held regularly across government.

The Government is committed to making sure that we have high data protection standards and that people of all ages are confident that their personal data will be protected and used in an appropriate way.

All organisations in the UK that process personal data have to comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). Any use of children’s data must be lawful, fair and transparent. Children should be given clear information about how their data will be used and they have the same rights as adults to access their data; request rectification; object to its processing or have it erased. Organisations offering online services directly to children must seek parental consent to process the personal data of children under the age of 13.

The DPA requires the Information Commissioner, the independent data protection regulator, to publish an Age Appropriate Design Code. The Code sets out standards of age appropriate design that companies will need to implement to ensure their services appropriately safeguard children’s personal data and process children’s personal data fairly. The Code came into force in September 2020 with a 12 month transition period for industry. It will play a key role in delivering protections for children ahead of and alongside the government’s new online safety regulatory framework. Organisations will need to conform by 2nd September 2021.

The ICO has committed to providing a package of support to organisations during the transition period to support conformance to the Code, with all guidance contained in a Children’s Code Hub on the ICO’s website at https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/childrens-code-hub/. The ICO is ensuring they engage with experts, children and parents when developing guidance, and has recently launched a Children’s Advisory Panel to support the implementation of the Code.

The ICO has also advertised for transparency champions to submit privacy information designs so that children can easily understand how, when and why services use their data.

Discussions about data protection and online safety are held regularly across government.

As the designated body for age classification of film content, the Government has great trust in the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) best practice age ratings and continues to support the adoption of BBFC ratings for content on video on demand platforms.

While adoption of the BBFC’s age ratings by such platforms is currently voluntary, we welcome their usage and were particularly pleased to see Netflix announce on 1 December 2020 that they have become the first platform to achieve complete coverage of their content under the BBFC’s ratings.

The Government has not made any specific assessment regarding parents’ expectations of video-on-demand platforms’ content being classified in line with the BBFC's standards, or the barriers that platforms face to adopting the ratings. We note, however, that the BBFC regularly consults with the public and publishes its research online. The Government continues to engage with platforms to adopt the BBFC’s ratings across all of their content, and will keep the evidence for legislation in this area under review.

As the designated body for age classification of film content, the Government has great trust in the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) best practice age ratings and continues to support the adoption of BBFC ratings for content on video on demand platforms.

While adoption of the BBFC’s age ratings by such platforms is currently voluntary, we welcome their usage and were particularly pleased to see Netflix announce on 1 December 2020 that they have become the first platform to achieve complete coverage of their content under the BBFC’s ratings.

The Government has not made any specific assessment regarding parents’ expectations of video-on-demand platforms’ content being classified in line with the BBFC's standards, or the barriers that platforms face to adopting the ratings. We note, however, that the BBFC regularly consults with the public and publishes its research online. The Government continues to engage with platforms to adopt the BBFC’s ratings across all of their content, and will keep the evidence for legislation in this area under review.

As the designated body for age classification of film content, the Government has great trust in the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) best practice age ratings and continues to support the adoption of BBFC ratings for content on video on demand platforms.

While adoption of the BBFC’s age ratings by such platforms is currently voluntary, we welcome their usage and were particularly pleased to see Netflix announce on 1 December 2020 that they have become the first platform to achieve complete coverage of their content under the BBFC’s ratings.

The Government has not made any specific assessment regarding parents’ expectations of video-on-demand platforms’ content being classified in line with the BBFC's standards, or the barriers that platforms face to adopting the ratings. We note, however, that the BBFC regularly consults with the public and publishes its research online. The Government continues to engage with platforms to adopt the BBFC’s ratings across all of their content, and will keep the evidence for legislation in this area under review.

Fraudulent online financial advertising is illegal. Respondents to the Online Advertising Programme call for evidence highlighted that online fraud is among the top online harms in online advertising. We will consult this year on measures to address this and other harms identified.

As the designated body for age classification of film content, the Government has great trust in the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) best practice age ratings.

While adoption of the BBFC’s age ratings by online platforms is currently voluntary, we welcome their usage by Video on Demand platforms. We were particularly pleased to see Netflix announce on 1 December 2020 that they have become the first platform to achieve complete coverage of their content under the BBFC’s ratings

A number of other Video on Demand platforms use BBFC ratings for some of their content, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Curzon Home Cinema and BFI Player.

We will continue to engage with industry to encourage other platforms to adopt the BBFC’s ratings across all of their content, and will keep the evidence for legislation in this area under review in the coming years.

The strongest protections in our online harms proposals are for children. All companies in scope, regardless of their size, will be required to assess whether children are likely to access their services, and if so, provide additional protections for children using them.

Where pornography sites host user generated content or facilitate online user interaction (including video and image sharing, commenting and live streaming), they will be subject to the duty of care. The online harms regime will capture both the most visited pornography sites and pornography on social media, therefore covering the vast majority of sites where children are most likely to be exposed to pornography. Taken together we expect this to bring into scope more online pornography that children can currently access than the narrower scope of the Digital Economy Act. We will continue to review our proposals to ensure we deliver the most comprehensive protections for children online.

Under our proposals, we expect companies to use age assurance or age verification technologies to prevent children from accessing services which pose the highest risk of harm to children, such as online pornography. We are working closely with stakeholders across industry to establish the right conditions for the market to deliver age assurance and age verification technical solutions ahead of the legislative requirements coming into force. We would encourage companies to take steps ahead of the legislation to protect children from harmful and age inappropriate content online.

Our online harms legislation will take a risk-based and proportionate approach to ensuring companies protect their users from harmful content and improve their safety. Regulation will establish differentiated expectations on companies for illegal and legal but harmful content and activity. Importantly, it will also require companies to ensure a higher level of protection for children.

In scope services will need to ensure that illegal content is removed expeditiously and that the risk of it appearing is minimised by effective systems. For legal but harmful content accessed by adults, companies will be required to explicitly state what content and behaviour they deem to be acceptable on their sites and enforce this consistently and transparently. For children, companies will need to use a proportionate range of tools including age assurance, and age verification technologies to prevent them from accessing age-inappropriate content and to protect them from other harms. Further detail will be provided in the Full Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper which will be published this year.

The government is committed to ensuring children are protected online and this remains at the heart of our online harms agenda, and wider government priorities. The government recognises the important role the UK Safer Internet Centre plays in improving online safety in the UK, particularly for children.

Officials engage regularly with the Centre, including on its funding position following the UK’s exit from the EU. The government has also written a letter in support of the Centre's application for further EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility programme for 2021. We understand the Centre will know the outcome of this application shortly.

The government is committed to ensuring children are protected online and this remains at the heart of our online harms agenda, and wider government priorities. The government recognises the important role the UK Safer Internet Centre plays in improving online safety in the UK, particularly for children.

Officials engage regularly with the Centre, including on its funding position following the UK’s exit from the EU. The government has also written a letter in support of the Centre's application for further EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility programme for 2021. We understand the Centre will know the outcome of this application shortly.

We recognise that the new national restrictions will have a significant impact on individuals working in the creative industries sector.

The Secretary of State announced an unprecedented £1.57 billion support package for the cultural sector which will benefit the creative industries by providing support to venues and many other cultural organisations to stay open and continue operating. So far, over £500m has been announced from the Culture Recovery Fund for over 2,000 organisations across England including venues, festivals and theatres. The Cultural Recovery Fund is devolved, Wales has received £59 million from the Fund under the Barnett formula.

The majority of cultural organisations applied to the Culture Recovery Fund setting out plans to deliver some activity before March 2021. Whilst most of that activity has been disrupted, we know many hope to restart this once the national restrictions end.

We have confirmed that there will be a full package of financial support in place, with the Job Retention Scheme extended until March 2021. Businesses can continue to apply for government-backed loans, and self-employed individuals can access the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, which has been extended until April 2021. The CJRS and SEISS support has been made more generous, with individuals able to receive 80% of their current salary for hours not worked/average trading profits respectively.

We are continuing to meet with creative industries stakeholders to provide support and guidance for the sector during this time.

Dynamic and competitive digital markets are key to creating a world-leading digital economy that works for businesses, consumers and society as a whole. The Government is grateful to the Competition and Markets Authority for their market study and is carefully considering their recommendations. A response will be published in due course. The Government has accepted, in principle, the six strategic recommendations from the Furman Review for unlocking competition in digital markets.

Dynamic and competitive digital markets are key to creating a world-leading digital economy that works for businesses, consumers and society as a whole. The Government is grateful to the Competition and Markets Authority for their market study and is carefully considering their recommendations. A response will be published in due course. The Government has accepted, in principle, the six strategic recommendations from the Furman Review for unlocking competition in digital markets.

Dynamic and competitive digital markets are key to creating a world-leading digital economy that works for businesses, consumers and society as a whole. The Government is grateful to the Competition and Markets Authority for their market study and is carefully considering their recommendations. A response will be published in due course. The Government has accepted, in principle, the six strategic recommendations from the Furman Review for unlocking competition in digital markets.

The government is committed to ensuring all internet users are empowered to report illegal and harmful content. DCMS has published comprehensive guidance on staying safe online, which contains information about reporting harmful content to platforms and charities. Our guidance for parents includes information on reporting harms such as child sexual abuse and cyberbullying.

Under the new online harms regulatory framework, companies, where appropriate, will need to have effective and easily accessible mechanisms for users to report harmful and illegal content. We will publish a Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation later this year, setting out further detail about the new regulatory requirements. Online harms legislation will be ready in this session.

We are also developing an online media literacy strategy, to equip all users with the skills to critically appraise information and take steps to keep themselves and others safe online. This will be published later this year.

The government is committed to ensuring all internet users are empowered to report illegal and harmful content. DCMS has published comprehensive guidance on staying safe online, which contains information about reporting harmful content to platforms and charities. Our guidance for parents includes information on reporting harms such as child sexual abuse and cyberbullying.

Under the new online harms regulatory framework, companies, where appropriate, will need to have effective and easily accessible mechanisms for users to report harmful and illegal content. We will publish a Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation later this year, setting out further detail about the new regulatory requirements. Online harms legislation will be ready in this session.

We are also developing an online media literacy strategy, to equip all users with the skills to critically appraise information and take steps to keep themselves and others safe online. This will be published later this year.

The government recognises the work the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) delivers on online safety. UKSIC currently receives funding from European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility programme. Officials regularly engage with the Centre, including on its funding position following the UK’s exit from the EU.

Government is not planning to extend the timeframes for this funding to be spent based on the fact that this package is intended to provide short term funding in response to the immediate impacts of Covid-19.

Of the £750m, £200m has been allocated to the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, which is being distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund in England. This funding will help to maintain and enhance services for vulnerable people affected by the current crisis, where delivery organisations are experiencing income disruption and/or increased demand for their services.

How to apply: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/covid-19/learn-about-applying-for-emergency-funding-in-england

We have published clear and comprehensive guidance on the £750 million and how organisations can apply for it on Gov.uk. This guidance will be updated frequently: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-support-for-voluntary-community-and-social-enterprise-vcse-organisations-to-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19

The Department for State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport does not own, or store, any data relating to the removal of harmful online content.

Many tech companies publish transparency reports on their websites, which may contain this data. These reports are published on a voluntary basis.

The Online Harms White Paper set out our plans for a world leading regulatory framework, addressing a comprehensive spectrum of online harms in a single and coherent way. Developing a culture of transparency, trust and accountability will be a critical element of the new regulatory framework. The regulator will have the power to require annual transparency reports from companies in scope, outlining the prevalence of harmful content on their platforms and what measures they are taking to address this. These reports will be published online by the regulator, so that users and parents can make informed decisions about internet use.

The Government is committed to making the UK the safest place to be online and, earlier this year, dedicated resources to responding to online harms as a result of Covid-19. This included standing up the DCMS-led Cross-Whitehall Counter Disinformation Unit. In response to the current situation, we have trebled the size of this coordination team at DCMS. Both the disinformation cell and the online harms Covid-19 team have been resourced through existing headcount.

In addition, the Government has pledged £750 million to ensure charities can continue their vital work during the Covid-19 outbreak. Many of these organisations are providing support for online harms during this period. This includes £7.8 million which has been allocated to the Home Office in emergency support for charities helping vulnerable children who have been impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak. We have been working closely with the Home Office on the online harms element of this work.

The internet presents many benefits during this period. It can help young people stay connected and access educational resources. However this period may place some young people at greater risk of experiencing harm online.

On 23rd April, DCMS published new online safety advice on how to stay safe online during the Covid-19 outbreak, with a particular focus on supporting parents and carers to protect children.

The Government is firmly committed to making the UK the safest place to be online, and we are working at pace to introduce Online Harms legislation.

The Government’s in-principle support for the Mobile Network Operators’ Shared Rural Network proposal remains subject to detailed negotiations, but our ambition is that by the end of 2025, 4G geographic coverage from all four operators will be significantly higher than the 66% it is today. I continue to work with the sector to conclude those negotiations and will be in a position to provide an update to this question later this spring.

As announced by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, at the March 2022 Bett show, the government will work with commercial providers to accelerate gigabit capable broadband rollout to schools. This will enable all schools to have access to a high-speed connection by 2025. This is the latest step in cross-government plans to roll out gigabit broadband across the UK. The department will be providing further detail in the future.

The government continues to support families with their childcare costs. My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced on 25 November an extra £44 million in the 2021-22 financial year for local authorities in England to increase hourly rates paid to childcare providers for the government’s free childcare entitlement offers. This is an above inflation average hourly funding rate uplift for 3-4 year-olds and 2 year-olds, compared to the 2020-21 financial year. Further information on how this will be distributed will be made available as soon as possible.

Funding beyond the 2021-22 financial year will be considered in the round at future Spending Reviews.

Education in Wales is a matter for the devolved administration.

Student number controls for English-domiciled students in Scotland are a direct response to the financial threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and they form a key part of the package of measures to stabilise the admissions system.

These controls are a temporary measure and will be in place for one academic year only. Student number controls for institutions in Scotland only apply to the number of English-domiciled entrants who will be supported with their tuition fees through the Student Loans Company. They are set at a level which will allow every institution to take more first year English students than they took last year. The funding of English-domiciled students is not a devolved matter, and it is right and fair that this policy should apply as consistently as possible wherever they are studying in the UK.

Ministers will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations on strengthening and stabilising the higher education system following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The independent analysts carrying out the environmental assessment of disposable and reusable absorbent hygiene products have taken into consideration the recent YouGov survey to establish current ages for potty training.  The sources of the information used in the study, as well as an explanation of the methodology and assumptions made, will be included in the final report which will be published later this year following peer review.

Work on the environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products is still in progress. It has taken longer than originally anticipated to enable relevant data to be collected. We intend to publish the final peer reviewed report later this year.

The Fisheries Act’s objectives, together with the strong legal framework of the Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Management Plans, set out our commitment to achieving sustainable fishing and protecting the marine environment. We will also work closely with neighbouring countries to ensure our seas are managed sustainably, to secure a fair share of quota for UK fishers, and to enable a thriving industry for current and future generations. Our ambition remains to have world-class fisheries management that delivers sustainable fisheries, safeguards stocks and the environment for the long-term.

We would advise members of the public to carefully read and follow the disposal instructions provided by the manufacturers of single use nappies. Used nappies should be disposed of in the residual waste bin and not placed in recycling bins where they can contaminate other material.

In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, and our Resources and Waste Strategy, we are considering the best approach to minimise the environmental impact of a range of products, including nappies, taking on board the environmental and social impacts of the options available. Potential additional policy measures include standards, consumer information and encouraging voluntary action by business. We are seeking powers, through the Environment Bill, that will enable us to, where appropriate and subject to consultation, introduce ecodesign and consumer information requirements. This could include labelling schemes that provide accurate information to consumers, to drive the market towards more sustainable products.

The decision on whether to support local reusable nappy schemes is one for local authorities. To help them better understand the merits of doing so, as well as for our understanding, we are funding an environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products with the primary focus on nappies. This is looking at the waste and energy impacts of washable and disposable products, disposal to landfill or incineration, and recycling options. Information is being gathered from industry to help with this. I have recently met representatives of the Nappy Alliance and will be meeting disposable nappy business representatives shortly. The research will be published in the summer, following peer review, and will help inform possible future action on nappies by the Government and industry.

In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, and our Resources and Waste Strategy, we are considering the best approach to minimise the environmental impact of a range of products, including nappies, taking on board the environmental and social impacts of the options available. Potential additional policy measures include standards, consumer information and encouraging voluntary action by business. We are seeking powers, through the Environment Bill, that will enable us to, where appropriate and subject to consultation, introduce ecodesign and consumer information requirements. This could include labelling schemes that provide accurate information to consumers, to drive the market towards more sustainable products.

The decision on whether to support local reusable nappy schemes is one for local authorities. To help them better understand the merits of doing so, as well as for our understanding, we are funding an environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products with the primary focus on nappies. This is looking at the waste and energy impacts of washable and disposable products, disposal to landfill or incineration, and recycling options. Information is being gathered from industry to help with this. I have recently met representatives of the Nappy Alliance and will be meeting disposable nappy business representatives shortly. The research will be published in the summer, following peer review, and will help inform possible future action on nappies by the Government and industry.

The Government recognises our trade in wine with the EU is economically important to UK business and jobs they support. We listened to the concerns raised by MPs and the industry during the negotiations that the introduction of VI1 certification arrangements would damage this trade and perhaps especially our smaller more specialised traders. That is why in the new UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement we successfully negotiated a significant simplification to the usual VI1 certificate process. This allows producers or traders to self-certify certificates used in the movement of wine products made in the UK or the EU and moving to the other territory. Importantly, these certificates will not require any form of analysis above providing details of the alcoholic content; addressing another significant concern of the industry.

Moreover, in order to address any trade uncertainty that new certification arrangements would introduce, we provided the safeguard of an easement in certification requirements until 1 July 2021. This allows any wine imported from the EU to continue to arrive on commercial documentation, as it did when the UK was subject to EU rules.

As we look to develop our own domestic wine policy, we will continue to look to introduce simpler arrangements in our trade in wine with the EU and with other countries that supply wine to us. Scope exists to allow existing and simplified VI1 certification to be transmitted electronically, which will reduce paper and courier costs. We will look to see how this could be rolled out, but perhaps more fundamentally, we first need to consider whether there is any value in retaining the wine specific certification requirements at all.

Further to the answer I gave to the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark on 1 September [78691], no assessment has been made of the impact of delaying the introduction of UK import certification on wine to 1 July 2021. This easement has been introduced to allow businesses time to make the necessary adaptations to meet the requirement. Additionally, Defra officials are working closely with UK industry to ensure we have the capability to meet the equivalent EU requirement being introduced on 1 January 2021.

Following the decision taken to implement the lockdown at the end of March, in order to protect the NHS and save lives, thousands of cafes, restaurants, work canteens and school kitchens shut down immediately. Food that was already in kitchens, freezers, wholesalers’ warehouses, or in transit to the food service sector, could not be used. Some of this food is now beginning to reach its ‘best before’ date, and we need to ensure that it is not wasted.

Our food surplus and waste champion has written to the food industry, to ask that all surplus food that is safe and suitable to eat is made available and redistributed.

Working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), and others, Defra has made information available to businesses, trading standards officers and food hygiene officers about the rules on use-by and best before dates. This information makes it clear that 'Best Before' is an indication of quality, not safety, and that food approaching or even past this date may still be used, sold or redistributed. Only food beyond its 'Use By' date should not be used.

Our food industry has already shown itself to be resilient, agile and innovative in shifting direction at a moment's notice to deal with Covid-19 and keep the nation fed. Now that restrictions are being relaxed, Defra urges businesses to, wherever possible, prioritise stock which needs to be used most urgently, before moving to goods with later 'Best Before' dates. In doing so, they can be confident that their trading standards and food hygiene officials will provide support and, as long as the food is safe to use, that there is no legal restriction in doing so.

The wholesale sector is hugely important within the food and drink supply chain and to the economy of the country through servicing tourism and other financially important sectors. To ensure its ongoing viability in difficult circumstances, the UK Government has provided a range of support. This includes the announcement of a host of measures to help businesses in this period, with over £300 billion worth of Government backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses across the UK.

Food and drink wholesalers are eligible for a number of schemes, including: the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help keep millions of people in employment and the Discretionary Grant Fund for small and micro businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is also available to small businesses from 4 May. This will apply to wholesalers who will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 with a 100% Government-backed guarantee for lenders.

The Secretary of State speaks to his counterparts in the Scottish Government, including through the Defra multilateral Inter Ministerial Group, on a regular basis when they discuss a range of issues. Discussions also take place regularly at official level and these cover sharing of sectoral information and updates on Government activities.

Food supply is a devolved matter. It is therefore for the Scottish Government to decide what discussions they have with their sectors and what support to provide beyond that delivered at UK level in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The wholesale sector is hugely important within the food and drink supply chain and to the economy of the country through servicing tourism and other financially important sectors. To ensure its ongoing viability in difficult circumstances, the UK Government has provided a range of support. This includes the announcement of a host of measures to help businesses in this period, with over £300 billion worth of Government backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses across the UK.

Food and drink wholesalers are eligible for a number of schemes, including: the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help keep millions of people in employment and the Discretionary Grant Fund for small and micro businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is also available to small businesses from 4 May. This will apply to wholesalers who will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 with a 100% Government-backed guarantee for lenders.

The Secretary of State speaks to his counterparts in the Scottish Government, including through the Defra multilateral Inter Ministerial Group, on a regular basis when they discuss a range of issues. Discussions also take place regularly at official level and these cover sharing of sectoral information and updates on Government activities.

Food supply is a devolved matter. It is therefore for the Scottish Government to decide what discussions they have with their sectors and what support to provide beyond that delivered at UK level in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement in relation to the next phase of the pandemic, the Department for Transport is looking to introduce new measures specific to the aviation sector as part of the Government’s overall efforts.

Further, the Department is working closely with the aviation sector to co-produce agreed common standards on health measures that could be deployed throughout the aviation customer journey. These measures will help to restart the sector and provide passengers and staff with the confidence they need to start flying again. The Department is working internationally to aim to ensure any UK measures are recognised globally given the international nature of the sector.

The Government recognises the challenges businesses and consumers are experiencing regarding refunds for cancelled holidays and flights. Airlines are working hard to answer the high call volumes and to process the very large number of applications for refunds.

We appreciate the frustration consumers may be experiencing. We are clear that refunds must be paid when asked for by the consumer. The Department for Transport is in regular conversation with UK airlines and wider membership bodies. The department is working closely with the sector, the regulator and consumer groups to help ensure airlines deliver on their commitments.

It is helpful that Heathrow Airport has been clear in its Initial Business Plan that it sees the Western Rail Link being delivered in all scenarios. Government has always been clear that its support for the development of the scheme is subject to the successful agreement of terms with the Heathrow Aviation industry.

Network Rail is finalising work on the Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH) Development Consent Order and will be prepared to submit to the Planning Inspectorate following the agreement of terms between the Government and the Heathrow Aviation industry on an appropriate financial contribution to the project. Network Rail has been advised to expect to submit the application for Development Consent no later than summer 2020, which will mark the next major milestone for the project.

On Southern Access to Heathrow (SAtH), my Department has been working to develop an appropriate ‘market involved’ commercial model. Following Ministerial approval and alignment to the upcoming HM Treasury Infrastructure Finance Review, the Department intends to provide further guidance regarding the commercial approach later this year.

My officials are working closely with Heathrow Airport Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority to reach agreement on acceptable terms, which are essential to the delivery of the scheme. Subject to a successful conclusion of these negotiations, Network Rail will submit the scheme’s application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate.

The full length of the M5 has reflective studs installed.

Highways England have a rolling programme of asset renewal, with reflective studs typically being replaced every 3-5 years. Highways Inspectors also carry out frequent inspections of the whole M5 carriageway and will assess and record any defects found.

Where studs are missing or damaged, Highways England arrange for their replacement as part of scheduled work schemes. In mid January 2020 overnight works took place on the M5 southbound carriageway between 11A and 12. 1446 studs were replaced.

Highways England have a rolling programme of asset renewal, with road markings typically being repainted every 3-5 years. Highways Inspectors also carry out frequent inspections of the whole M5 carriageway and will assess and record any defects found. In mid January 2020 overnight works took place on the M5 southbound carriageway between 11A and 12 and 7134 linear metres of lining was repainted.

DWP continues to use available channels to promote Pension Credit and reach potential recipients, and their family and friends. This includes using proactive press activity and planned social media posts to encourage older people to check if they are eligible by visiting the gov.uk website or calling the Freephone claim line 0800 99 1234.

The Department is currently sending letters to over 11 million pensioners informing them about the increase in their State Pension from April. In order to better promote Pension Credit and encourage eligible pensioners to make a claim, the accompanying leaflet includes specific information about Pension Credit, highlighting that an award of Pension Credit can mean being eligible for other benefits such as Housing Benefit or a free over-75 TV licence.

As part of an internal review of communication products, we have also identified improvements in our Pension Credit messaging at other key customer “touchpoints” and are updating the products used to claim Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance accordingly.

We also continue to liaise regularly with stakeholders about ways to encourage take-up of Pension Credit, and working with the BBC on their messaging around free TV licences and Pension Credit.

The Department for Work and Pensions has not had any recent discussions on this issue with the Government of Canada. The Department plans to respond shortly to the request from Canada for a reciprocal social security agreement

The Department for Work and Pensions has not had any recent discussions on this issue with the Government of Canada. The Department plans to respond shortly to the request from Canada for a reciprocal social security agreement

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 3 December 2020, PQ UIN 121330.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-11-26/121330

In Universal Credit, working families can claim up to 85%, increased from 70% in legacy benefits, of their eligible registered childcare costs each month. This equates to a maximum support of £646.35 per month for one child and £1,108.04 per month for two or more children.

The current childcare offer is comprehensive, broad ranging and reflects different family circumstances, covering children over a range of ages. We believe that helping parents with their childcare costs is one of the best ways to help people into work, support families with the cost of living, and ensure every child has the opportunity of a high quality early education.

The UC childcare policy aligns with the wider government childcare offer, which includes 15 hours per week free childcare for disadvantaged 2 year olds and 3 & 4 year olds. This doubles to 30 hours per week free childcare for working parents of 3 & 4 year olds.

The Department has recently received representations from the Government of Canada to negotiate a reciprocal social security agreement covering the uprating of pensions.

We have not received any recent similar representations from Australia on this issue.

The Government has no plans to change its policy on overseas pension uprating. This is a longstanding policy which has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years.

The Department has recently received representations from the Government of Canada to negotiate a reciprocal social security agreement covering the uprating of pensions.

We have not received any recent similar representations from Australia on this issue.

No Assessment has been made.

We are committed to helping parents into work. Childcare is essential in enabling parents to work, although we recognise that this can cause additional financial difficulty. Universal Credit claimants are able to claim up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs, compared to 70 per cent on the legacy system. Work allowances for working parents and people with disabilities were increased by £1000 from April 2019. 2.4 million households will be up to £630 better off (per year), in a package worth £1.7bn by 2023/24.

Universal Credit Work Coaches have flexibility and autonomy to build individual support packages to help the individual into work and help those with low incomes. Work Coaches utilise additional packages to support individuals such as Self-Employment, New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) and funding from the Flexible Support Fund to help individuals overcome their barriers to enter employment.

The UC childcare policy aligns with the wider government childcare offer, which includes 15 hours per week free childcare for disadvantaged 2 year olds and 3 & 4 year olds. This doubles to 30 hours per week free childcare for working parents of 3 & 4 year olds.

In Universal Credit, working families can claim up to 85%, increased from 70% in legacy benefits, of their eligible registered childcare costs each month. This equates to a maximum support of £646.35 per month for one child and £1,108.04 per month for two or more children.

The current childcare offer is comprehensive, broad ranging and reflects different family circumstances, covering children over a range of ages. We believe that helping parents with their childcare costs is one of the best ways to help people into work, support families with the cost of living, and ensure every child has the opportunity of a high quality early education.

The UC childcare policy aligns with the wider government childcare offer, which includes 15 hours per week free childcare for disadvantaged 2 year olds and 3 & 4 year olds. This doubles to 30 hours per week free childcare for working parents of 3 & 4 year olds.

Universal Credit is assessed and paid monthly, which reflects how the majority of the UK workforce is paid and helps prepare households to budget on a monthly basis, which will ease the transition into work. It also helps households to take advantage of cheaper tariffs for essential costs such as utility bills.

A Universal Credit Change of Circumstances Advance can be made available to existing claimants that experience a change of circumstance which results in a significant increase in entitlement, where the claimant cannot wait until the end of the assessment period to receive the increase.

For those individuals who require additional support, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available. DHPs can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. The payments are awarded at the discretion of the Local Authority and can provide help with on-going housing costs, or one-off expenses such as rent in advance, deposits or removal costs.

We have provided £180m in DHP funding to local authorities to support vulnerable claimants with housing costs in the private and social rented sector in England and Wales for 2020/21. This includes an extra £40m as announced last year at the spending round.

Universal Credit is assessed and paid monthly, which reflects how the majority of the UK workforce is paid and helps prepare households to budget on a monthly basis, which will ease the transition into work. It also helps households to take advantage of cheaper tariffs for essential costs such as utility bills.

A Universal Credit Change of Circumstances Advance can be made available to existing claimants that experience a change of circumstance which results in a significant increase in entitlement, where the claimant cannot wait until the end of the assessment period to receive the increase.

For those individuals who require additional support, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available. DHPs can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. The payments are awarded at the discretion of the Local Authority and can provide help with on-going housing costs, or one-off expenses such as rent in advance, deposits or removal costs.

We have provided £180m in DHP funding to local authorities to support vulnerable claimants with housing costs in the private and social rented sector in England and Wales for 2020/21. This includes an extra £40m as announced last year at the spending round.

Universal Credit is assessed and paid monthly, which reflects how the majority of the UK workforce is paid and helps prepare households to budget on a monthly basis, which will ease the transition into work. It also helps households to take advantage of cheaper tariffs for essential costs such as utility bills.

A Universal Credit Change of Circumstances Advance can be made available to existing claimants that experience a change of circumstance which results in a significant increase in entitlement, where the claimant cannot wait until the end of the assessment period to receive the increase.

For those individuals who require additional support, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available. DHPs can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. The payments are awarded at the discretion of the Local Authority and can provide help with on-going housing costs, or one-off expenses such as rent in advance, deposits or removal costs.

We have provided £180m in DHP funding to local authorities to support vulnerable claimants with housing costs in the private and social rented sector in England and Wales for 2020/21. This includes an extra £40m as announced last year at the spending round.

Since 2009/10, material deprivation for pensioners has fallen from 10% to 6% in 2018/19.

There are 100 thousand fewer pensioners in absolute poverty (before and after housing costs) than in 2009/10.

Average pensioner incomes have grown significantly in real terms over the last two decades (average weekly income in 1994/95 was £165 a week After Housing Costs, in 2018/19 prices, compared to £320 a week in 2018/19).

For 2020/21 we are forecast to spend over £126 billion a year on pensioners – including £102 billion on the State Pension.

In 2017/18 it was estimated that 1.6 million pensioners (14%) were in Absolute Poverty (After Housing Costs) and 2.0 million pensioners (16%) were in Relative Poverty (After Housing Costs).

The latest figures for 2017/18 estimate that 1.1 million pensioner households who were eligible for Pension Credit did not claim this benefit. 0.2 million pensioner households who were eligible for Housing Benefit did not claim.

Estimate for take-up for Council Tax reduction schemes by pensioner households are not available due to the localised nature of these schemes.

The Government want to ensure that older people receive the support they are entitled to. Although more than 1.5 million older people across Great Britain already receive extra financial help through Pension Credit, research suggests there are still a significant number of older people who are missing out. That is why, earlier this year, the Department ran a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit and highlight that even a small award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits, including Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction schemes.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) continues to take steps to improve compliance, and deal with non-compliance before enforcement action is needed. Where compliance cannot be achieved and the parent is employed, we will attempt to deduct their maintenance and any arrears directly from their earnings. The CMS can also deduct directly from bank accounts as a lump sum or regular amount. We have a range of other strong enforcement powers, including the use of Enforcement Agents to take control of goods, forcing the sale of property, disqualification from holding a UK passport or commitment to prison.

Information relating to the number of Deduction from Earnings Orders / Requests being used to collect child maintenance each quarter, and their compliance is published online as part of the quarterly Child Maintenance Service statistics. The latest publication includes information to September 2019. This is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/child-maintenance-service-statistics-data-to-september-2019-experimental

The requested information is published in the National Tables, Table 12 (“Enforcement Actions”).

To ensure that employers meet their obligations to deduct child maintenance from earnings, the Child Maintenance Group (CMG) has taken the following steps:

• new employers are issued with a comprehensive welcome pack detailing their role and responsibilities;
• the CMG has a dedicated Employer Payment Team (EPT) to assist and support employers with this process;
• EPT call every employer new to CMG within seven days and talk them through our welcome pack;
• we have enhanced specific procedures and training for Deduction from Earnings Orders (DEO) to ensure they are implemented promptly and accurately;
• we have established DEO ambassadors to assist caseworkers across our organisation; and
• we ensure Enforcement action where an employer is deemed non-compliant.

The Child Maintenance Service does not fine Paying Parents for not paying their child maintenance. They do however recover the unpaid child maintenance through the use of enforcements actions such as deductions from earrings orders, deduction orders and civil enforcement. In cases where the Child Maintenance Service believe the Paying Parent can pay, but are refusing to do so they can apply to the courts to send the Paying Parents to prison, disqualifying them from holding or obtaining a passport or driving licence. The figures described can be found in the quarterly National Tables for the Child Maintenance Service statistics (data to September 2019), Table 12 (“Enforcement Actions”). This is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/child-maintenance-service-statistics-data-to-september-2019-experimental