Chris Elmore Portrait

Chris Elmore

Labour - Ogmore

First elected: 5th May 2016

Opposition Whip (Commons)

(since October 2016)

National Security Bill
29th Jun 2022 - 18th Oct 2022
Shadow Minister (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Dec 2021 - 22nd Jul 2022
Public Order Bill
25th May 2022 - 21st Jun 2022
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill
2nd Mar 2022 - 22nd Mar 2022
Shadow Minister (Scotland)
10th Apr 2020 - 4th Dec 2021
Committee of Privileges
13th May 2020 - 9th Sep 2021
Committee on Standards
13th May 2020 - 9th Sep 2021
Consolidation Bills (Joint Committee)
9th Mar 2020 - 6th Jul 2020
Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee)
9th Mar 2020 - 6th Jul 2020
Foreign Affairs Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 11th May 2020
Consolidation Bills (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Procedure Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Procedure Committee
28th Feb 2017 - 3rd May 2017
Welsh Affairs Committee
18th Jul 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Justice Committee
13th Jun 2016 - 31st Oct 2016


Oral Question
Monday 4th December 2023
14:30
Oral Question No. 21
What recent discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission on administering free and fair elections.
Oral Question
Wednesday 6th December 2023
11:30
Wales Office
Oral Question No. 12
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of rail infrastructure in Wales.
Save to Calendar
Division Votes
Wednesday 29th November 2023
Data Protection and Digital Information Bill
voted Aye - in line with the party majority
One of 140 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 194 Noes - 275
Speeches
Thursday 30th November 2023
Business of the House
My constituent, Mr Jones, had his car written off by a third-party insurer in December 2022. Due to an insurance …
Written Answers
Wednesday 14th June 2023
Batteries: Research
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support …
Early Day Motions
Monday 12th September 2016
WELSH OLYMPIC SUCCESS
That this House congratulates the 23 Welsh athletes representing Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games for their fantastic …
Bills
None available
MP Financial Interests
Monday 18th September 2023
2. (b) Any other support not included in Category 2(a)
Name of donor: George Burns
Address of donor: private
Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: …
EDM signed
Monday 28th March 2022
P&O Ferries and DP World
That this House condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision of P&O Ferries to fire 800 staff without notice …
Supported Legislation
Tuesday 22nd February 2022
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Status) (No. 2) Bill 2021-22
A Bill to provide for corporate status of and for certain privileges and immunities to be accorded to the international …

Division Voting information

During the current Parliamentary Session, Chris Elmore has voted in 749 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

19 Oct 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Elmore voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 185 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 262
View All Chris Elmore Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(38 debate interactions)
Simon Hart (Conservative)
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip)
(30 debate interactions)
Julia Lopez (Conservative)
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
(25 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(50 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(49 debate contributions)
Wales Office
(32 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Chris Elmore's debates

Ogmore Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Ogmore signature proportion
Petitions with most Ogmore signatures
Petition Debates Contributed

Enact legislation to protect retail workers. This legislation must create a specific offence of abusing, threatening or assaulting a retail worker. The offence must carry a penalty that acts as a deterrent and makes clear that abuse of retail workers is unacceptable.


Latest EDMs signed by Chris Elmore

23rd March 2022
Chris Elmore signed this EDM on Monday 28th March 2022

P&O Ferries and DP World

Tabled by: Karl Turner (Labour - Kingston upon Hull East)
That this House condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision of P&O Ferries to fire 800 staff without notice or consultation with their trade unions, the RMT and Nautilus; demands the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers; condemns their replacement with agency workers earning as little as £1.80 per …
125 signatures
(Most recent: 27 Apr 2022)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 92
Scottish National Party: 12
Liberal Democrat: 7
Independent: 5
Plaid Cymru: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 3
Alba Party: 2
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
23rd September 2021
Chris Elmore signed this EDM on Wednesday 27th October 2021

Campaign to secure the future of the Covid Memorial Wall

Tabled by: Afzal Khan (Labour - Manchester, Gorton)
That this House welcomes the creation of the Covid Memorial Wall on Albert Embankment by Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice; notes that this memorial now includes over 150,000 hand-painted hearts to symbolise all those who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic; praises the work of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for …
139 signatures
(Most recent: 21 Feb 2022)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 96
Scottish National Party: 15
Liberal Democrat: 10
Conservative: 5
Democratic Unionist Party: 5
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 3
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
View All Chris Elmore's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Chris Elmore, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.



243 Written Questions in the current parliament

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
19th Apr 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department plans to collate current incident reports and threat information to help create a nationwide measurement of cyber threats.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issues strategic warnings, regular advisories and guidance to individuals, organisations and government. This includes a weekly threat report which is drawn from open source reporting and the NCSC Annual Review which includes details of the cyber threat to the UK and the NCSC’s actions to respond to and deter these threats.

As it responds to nationally significant cyber incidents, the NCSC constantly tracks the evolution in cyber threats and uses the most appropriate mechanism to share updates with stakeholders across the UK. It may be through:

This is part of a broader approach to Cyber resilience, as set out in the National Cyber Strategy, launched in December 2021, by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (HCWS484). The Strategy sets out how we will ensure the UK continues to be a leading, responsible and democratic cyber power and able to protect and promote our interests in the rapidly evolving online world. This includes our approach to making the UK more resilient to cyber attacks and countering cyber threats. The strategy is available at the following link:


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-cyber-strategy-2022/national-cyber-security-strategy-2022.

19th Apr 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when his Department intends to open the National Cyber Innovation Centre.

The National Cyber Innovation Centre is a commitment in the 2022 National Cyber Strategy which said: “We will transform the Cheltenham Innovation Centre, which includes the cyber accelerator ‘NCSC for Startups’, into a true international centre of innovation: the National Cyber Innovation Centre”. It is part of the "Golden Valley" development which is led by Cheltenham Borough Council, with support from the government and GCHQ/National Cyber Security Centre.

Funding for Golden Valley has been secured from the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (£22 million) and Cheltenham Borough Council. They announced their preferred development partners, Henry Boot PLC and Factory, last summer. Based on the developers’ plans, the Centre is set to open in 2025/26, subject to planning permission.

8th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support research-intensive companies in the battery sector.

Last year we announced a record £211m funding uplift for the Faraday Battery Challenge, which began in 2017 and supports world-class scientific technology development and manufacturing scale-up capability for batteries in the UK. This new funding brings the overall budget for the Challenge to £541m.

Projects funded so far are improving the lifespan, range, and charging rate of batteries, as well as battery reuse, remanufacture and recycling.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether people without a direct relationship with their electricity supplier will be paid the Alternative Fuel Payment in February 2023.

Households that need to apply for the Alternative Fuel Payment because they do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier will be able to do so through a GOV.UK portal. This portal will include an overview of eligibility and what applicants need to do to apply for support. Households will be able to do this by the end of February.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for the implementation of a portal for people who do not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier to claim the Alternative Fuel Payment.

Households that need to apply for the Alternative Fuel Payment because they do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier will be able to do so through a GOV.UK portal. This portal will include an overview of eligibility and what applicants need to do to apply for support. Households will be able to do this by the end of February.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of locating hydrogen plans in urban areas on the health of the local population.

The Department recognises that it is imperative that essential health and safety measures are in place to protect people and the environment. Officials are collaborating closely to ensure the planning system is optimised to support the development of a rapidly expanding UK hydrogen economy. This includes through the Department's Hydrogen Regulators Forum and bilateral engagement. The Government works with industry and regulators to identify, prioritise and implement any changes to the existing framework, including addressing any gaps, to support the growth of the hydrogen economy.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Health and Safety Executive will have a role in the consideration of applications for hydrogen plants.

The Department recognises that it is imperative that essential health and safety measures are in place to protect people and the environment. Officials are collaborating closely to ensure the planning system is optimised to support the development of a rapidly expanding UK hydrogen economy. This includes through the Department's Hydrogen Regulators Forum and bilateral engagement. The Government works with industry and regulators to identify, prioritise and implement any changes to the existing framework, including addressing any gaps, to support the growth of the hydrogen economy.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential risks of locating hydrogen plants within built-up urban areas.

The Department recognises that it is imperative that essential health and safety measures are in place to protect people and the environment. Officials are collaborating closely to ensure the planning system is optimised to support the development of a rapidly expanding UK hydrogen economy. This includes through the Department's Hydrogen Regulators Forum and bilateral engagement. The Government works with industry and regulators to identify, prioritise and implement any changes to the existing framework, including addressing any gaps, to support the growth of the hydrogen economy.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households in Ogmore constituency have non-smart prepayment meters installed as of 29 November 2022.

The Department does not collect this information.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many claims have been made for the first £400 instalment voucher of the Energy Bill Support Scheme by households with non-smart prepayment meters in Ogmore constituency as of 29 November 2022.

Customers with traditional prepayment meters should have received their first and second Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) discount vouchers. These have been sent by SMS text, email or post. There is no need to apply for the discount under the Energy Bills Support Scheme in Great Britain.

Data for October indicates all vouchers have been dispatched by suppliers and over 60% of those eligible have claimed these. The Department will publish constituency data in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his objectives are for the remainder of the UK’s COP presidency.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many claims have been made for the first £400 instalment of the Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers by households in Ogmore.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households in Ogmore which are eligible for the first £400 instalment of the Energy Bill Support Scheme have not yet claimed it.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to introduce financial incentives to encourage community energy schemes during the cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department has taken to provide (a) financial and (b) other support to people running community energy schemes in Ogmore constituency in the last five years.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish his recent correspondence with industry leaders on the use of low-carbon generators.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the number of small businesses that have moved their businesses online because they were not able to afford their energy bills in the latest period for which data is available; and if he will make a statement.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households in Ogmore constituency will not be covered by the Government's energy price cap.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the plans on support for renewables and nuclear in the British energy security strategy, published in April 2022, if he will publish a timescale for spending in these areas.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans on including cyber risk management as a core part of the forthcoming corporate governance reforms.

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.

9th Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how businesses that falsely use Energy Company Obligation 3 are penalised.

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.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what comparative assessment he has made of the accessibility of information and advertisements on Energy Company Obligation 3 to consumers and energy suppliers.

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.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits for consumer protection of requiring installers of Energy Company Obligation 3 be approved and regulated by Ofgem.

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.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress he has made on updating procurement strategies for the Advanced Research and Invention Agency prior to projects beginning.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Post Office’s internal prosecutorial function was excluded from the 2020 inquiry into the Horizon Post Office scandal.

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.

11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to establish a judicial inquiry into the Horizon Post Office scandal.

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.

27th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to establish a judicial inquiry into the Horizon Post Office scandal.

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

20th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2021 to Question 130796 on Wind Power: Seas and Oceans, when the review of UK content measurement and reporting methodology will be completed.

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

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Offshore wind manufacturing investment support: request for information from potential manufacturing sites, published 02 October 2020, whether existing offshore wind manufacturing sites are eligible for support under the offshore wind manufacturing investment support scheme.

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.

16th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 14 February 2020 to Question 13544, on Wind Power: Seas and Oceans, for what reason the update to the estimates of UK content in offshore wind developments referred to in that Answer has not been published.

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.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Steel public procurement 2020: Compliance with the steel procurement guidance (PPN 11/16), published 09 October 2020, if he will make it his policy to include figures on the share of steel produced in the UK that is used in offshore wind developments that are supported by the public purse in future editions of that publication.

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.

16th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the potential closure of Burntisland Fabrications Limited.

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.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to increase the share of UK manufacturing content in renewable energy developments that are supported by the public purse.

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

21st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the timeframe is for the Trade Credit Reinsurance Scheme to start accepting applications from Scottish food and drink wholesale businesses.

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.

4th Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the Government providing compensation in addition to that recently awarded by the Post Office to sub-postmasters found to have been innocent of accusations of theft as a result of the Post Office's Horizon IT system fault.

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.

2nd Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's management of the Post Office since the roll-out of the Horizon accounting system in 2000.

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.

2nd Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the individual losses faced by sub-postmasters due to errors in the Horizon accounting system.

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.

3rd Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the enforcement of age restrictions by outlets on the sale of fireworks.

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.

3rd Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the regulation on age restrictions in relation to the sale of fireworks.

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.

3rd Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a licence for the purchase of fireworks.

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.

27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the potential lost revenue in TV licensing fines if non-payment prosecutions were paused during the cost-of-living crisis.

The BBC is responsible for the collection and enforcement of the licence fee, not the government. The Government is therefore not involved in TV Licensing operations. HM Courts & Tribunals Service is responsible for collecting and enforcing financial penalties imposed by the courts which includes fines imposed for the non-payment of a TV licence.

In 2021, 49,126 people were proceeded against by HM Courts & Tribunals Service for non-payment of the licence fee, and 44,364 were fined. The BBC has recently confirmed that no enforcement or prosecution action has been taken against over-75s who previously held a free licence and therefore no over-75s have been fined. The Department does not hold data on the amount collected from TV licensing fines and will engage with relevant departments to follow up with this information.

The Government is independent from the BBC, and any decision to suspend enforcement action by TV Licensing, or assessment of the impact of this decision, would be a matter for the BBC. Given the BBC’s independence it would not be appropriate for the government to seek to intervene in operational decisions on enforcement action. Nonetheless, the government expects the BBC to collect the licence fee in an efficient and proportionate manner, and to treat all vulnerable people with sensitivity in doing so.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much his Department collected in TV licensing fines in the last year; and what proportion of that money was from over 75s.

The BBC is responsible for the collection and enforcement of the licence fee, not the government. The Government is therefore not involved in TV Licensing operations. HM Courts & Tribunals Service is responsible for collecting and enforcing financial penalties imposed by the courts which includes fines imposed for the non-payment of a TV licence.

In 2021, 49,126 people were proceeded against by HM Courts & Tribunals Service for non-payment of the licence fee, and 44,364 were fined. The BBC has recently confirmed that no enforcement or prosecution action has been taken against over-75s who previously held a free licence and therefore no over-75s have been fined. The Department does not hold data on the amount collected from TV licensing fines and will engage with relevant departments to follow up with this information.

The Government is independent from the BBC, and any decision to suspend enforcement action by TV Licensing, or assessment of the impact of this decision, would be a matter for the BBC. Given the BBC’s independence it would not be appropriate for the government to seek to intervene in operational decisions on enforcement action. Nonetheless, the government expects the BBC to collect the licence fee in an efficient and proportionate manner, and to treat all vulnerable people with sensitivity in doing so.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing a statutory footing for Gaelic language broadcasting in the forthcoming Media Bill.

The Government recognises the incredibly valuable contribution MG ALBA makes to the lives and wellbeing of Gaelic speakers across Scotland and the UK as a whole, including through its partnership with the BBC in providing BBC ALBA. This contribution has been made since MG ALBA was originally established as the Gaelic Television Committee under the Broadcasting Act 1990. The current partnership between the BBC and MG ALBA must ensure high quality, diverse Gaelic language content continues to be readily available so that Gaelic culture is protected in the years to come.

As part of the changes described in our Broadcasting White Paper, Up Next, we intend, for the first time, to make the importance of programmes broadcast in the UK’s indigenous regional and minority languages – including the Gaelic language – clear in legislation, by including it in our new public service remit for television. This will enhance the statutory footing that already exists for the Gaelic language.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether members of the expert panel in respect of the Future of compute review 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.

21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many members there are of the expert panel for the future of compute review.

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.

21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when each member of the expert panel for the future of compute review was appointed.

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.

21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will publish the job description for the role of the expert panel member for the future of compute review.

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.

21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether members of the expert panel that are leading the future of compute review are receiving 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.

21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what process was used to appoint members of the expert panel that are leading the future of compute review.

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.

18th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has undertaken consultation with trade unions in the creative sector on her upcoming creative industries sector vision statement.

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.

18th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the upcoming creative industries sector vision statement will include a workforce plan on career pathways for creative freelancers from low-income backgrounds and marginalised 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.

18th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what her policy is on the Government's vision for the creative industries; and if she will make a statement.

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.

30th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her announcement of 27 June 2022 on the telecoms industry's agreement to a new cost-of-living plan, what data she used to determine that social tariffs are available across 99 per cent 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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the number of households that will be in receipt of her proposals to tackle the cost of living by providing support for broadband.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has a fixed time frame for the implementation of the cost of living proposals on tackling rising broadband costs.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how the Government defines a low-income household in the context of financial support for broadband costs.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
14th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for what reason the Government did not commit to the recommendation set out in the Digital Radio and Audio Review on introducing a set of rules to guarantee access to UK radio on smart speakers in the future.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
14th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for recent discussions she has had with Ofcom on (a) Openreach and (b) other network operators increasing network service prices in 2021.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
24th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Government has plans to bring forward legislative proposals to provide the Digital Markets Unit with statutory powers in the parliamentary session 2022-23.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when the Government plans to publish the responses in full to the consultation on a change of ownership of Channel 4 Television Corporation.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether a full impact assessment was carried out before the decision was made to privatise Channel 4.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
21st Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of Netflix’s loss of 200,000 subscribers and more than 35 per cent fall in market value in the first quarter of 2022 compared with Channel 4’s streaming growth of 23 per cent in 2021.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
19th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking with the Department for Education to promote early years cyber security education.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
30th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effect of the content produced by BBC Sounds on the quality of output of commercial radio.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
30th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether Ofcom will be allocated extra resources when the regulation of social media platforms becomes part of its remit.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
30th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when the Government will publish its response to the digital radio and audio review.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
30th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential economic impact of the privatisation of Channel 4.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
2nd Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to continue the £1 million-a-year of support it provides to the Audio Content Fund as part of the Government’s creative industries investment programme.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
11th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will publish documentation that sets out how proposals to maintain surcharge free mobile roaming were proposed by the Government and rejected by the EU Commission during the UK's EU-exit negotiations.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
8th Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will publish a timeframe for the implementation of the £5.5 billion investment in broadband infrastructure services announced in 2020.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
8th Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the press release of 3 December 2021 entitled Building Digital UK to become executive agency of DCMS, what assessment she has made of how that reform will improve the delivery of investment in broadband infrastructure.

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.

  1. 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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
8th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Online Safety Bill will include provisions to help ensure that social media platforms provide advertisers with appropriate controls to determine who can (a) view and (b) engage with their content.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
8th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Online Safety Bill will include specific guidance on what constitutes (a) content that is harmful to body image and (b) other harmful content.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
21st Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with representatives of (a) Facebook and (b) Instagram on recent reports of the harmful impact of their products on children and young people; and if she will make a statement.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of ensuring there is an effective child-use test to protect children from harmful content in the Online Safety Bill; and if she will make a statement.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to put in place formal advocacy arrangements for children, funded by an industry levy, in the Online Safety Bill; and if she will make a statement.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
15th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to set standards for age-assurance technologies to protect children from harmful or age-inappropriate content to meet legislative objectives set out in the draft Online Safety Bill; and if she will make a statement.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
15th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking in the draft Online Safety Bill to help tackle (a) online child abuse and (b) the cross-platform nature of risk; and if she will make a statement.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
14th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, ​whether racism that falls short of the standard of a racial hatred offence will be covered by the Online Safety Bill as a priority harm.

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.

20th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to include provisions to ensure cross-platform co-operation in combating online harms in the Online Safety Bill announced in the Queen's Speech 2021.

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.

20th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to include provisions that tackle harmful content shared across multiple platforms in the Online Safety Bill announced in the Queen's Speech 2021.

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.

20th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to support Ofcom to prepare for its role as the independent online safety regulator as announced in the Queen's Speech 2021.

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.

20th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish the timetable for the Online Safety Bill announced in the Queen's Speech 2021 including for (a) pre-legislative scrutiny, (b) the date on which relevant businesses will be obliged to report their risk assessments to Ofcom and (c) post-legislative scrutiny to assess whether the regime is working.

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.

11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the protection of children’s data online.

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.

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure the protection of children’s personal data online.

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.

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the barriers to (a) Disney+ and (b) other platforms to prevent them from using BBFC's best practice guidelines.

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.

12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will take steps to support the adoption of BBFC age-rating standards for content on video on demand platforms.

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.

12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department has made an assessment of the level of expectation among parents that VOD platforms should ensure that their film and TV content is age-rated in line with the BBFC's standards for content released in cinemas and on DVD.

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.

18th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the forthcoming Online Advertising Programme will be used to place an obligation on digital platform providers to monitor the adverts that they carry to tackle online financial scam advertising.

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.

17th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which video-on-demand platforms currently use British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) ratings; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of video-on-demand platforms that will adopt BBFC ratings in the next (a) year and (b) three years.

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.

17th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the Government will take to ensure children are prevented from accessing pornography on sites that (a) do not carry user-generated content and (b) are not subject to regulation by Ofcom under the Online Harms legislation.

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.

9th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Online Harms Bill will take a twin track approach to regulatory standards and enforcement of (a) illegal and (b) legal but harmful content; and if he will make a statement.

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.

3rd Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to progress funding for the UK Safer Internet Centre in 2021.

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.

3rd Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans the Government has to allocate funding to the UK Safer Internet Centre in 2021.

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.

4th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he plans to provide additional financial support for people working in the creative industries in response to the covid-19 lockdown.

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.

15th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to publish the Government’s response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s market study on Online Platforms and Digital Advertising.

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.

15th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the market study by the Competition and Markets Authority on Online Platforms and Digital Advertising, published in July 2020, whether the Government plans to implement a new pro-competition regulatory regime to tackle the market power of online platform companies.

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.

15th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the market study by the Competition and Markets Authority on Online Platforms and Digital Advertising, published in July 2020, whether the Government plans to set up a Digital Markets Unit to (a) enforce a code of conduct to ensure that online platforms with a position of market power do not engage in exploitative or exclusionary practices or those likely to reduce trust and transparency and (b) impose fines if necessary.

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.

1st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of where to report (a) illegal and (b) harmful content online; and what steps he is taking to improve the accuracy of reporting in each of those categories.

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.

1st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to improve accurate reporting of online harms.

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.

1st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department plans to allocate funding to the UK Safer Internet Centre to provide UK Safer Internet Day in 2021 and beyond.

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.

1st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the news story, Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities, published on 8 April 2020, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the six month deadline for charities to spend their proportion of funding in order to allocate that funding to where it will have the greatest effect.

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

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
20th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what data his Department holds on the amount of harmful online content which was removed in (a) April 2020 and (b) April 2019.

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.

20th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether further funding has been been allocated from the public purse to the reduction of online harms during the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

4th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he is putting in place to keep young people safe online during the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

12th Feb 2020
To ask the Minister of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Shared Rural Network, what proportion of the UK will have geographic coverage from all four operators by 2025.

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.

5th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when his Department plans to implement the Connect the Classroom pilot project.

Building on the £30 million investment for the Connect the Classroom pilot programme, the department is investing up to a further £150 million on Connect the Classroom to upgrade more schools that fall below our Wi-Fi connectivity standards in priority areas. The Connect the Classroom pilot started in 2021 and engagement with schools who qualify for the additional £150 million of investment began June 2022.

National connectivity data does not cover private business fibre connections procured by schools or the take-up of a high-speed internet service by a school. The previous analysis of publicly available data of access to infrastructure showed that 3,835 schools are in postcodes that do not have access to full fibre or are currently not in areas of proposed commercial build within the next five years. This covered schools which do not have access to gigabit infrastructure, but does not consider new activity planned since this time.

5th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the number of schools in England that do not have access to gigabit broadband.

Building on the £30 million investment for the Connect the Classroom pilot programme, the department is investing up to a further £150 million on Connect the Classroom to upgrade more schools that fall below our Wi-Fi connectivity standards in priority areas. The Connect the Classroom pilot started in 2021 and engagement with schools who qualify for the additional £150 million of investment began June 2022.

National connectivity data does not cover private business fibre connections procured by schools or the take-up of a high-speed internet service by a school. The previous analysis of publicly available data of access to infrastructure showed that 3,835 schools are in postcodes that do not have access to full fibre or are currently not in areas of proposed commercial build within the next five years. This covered schools which do not have access to gigabit infrastructure, but does not consider new activity planned since this time.

16th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he is able to provide a timescale for the publication of further detail on the policy announcement to provide gigabit-capable broadband to all schools by 2025.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department will work with commercial providers to accelerate gigabit capable broadband rollout to schools to enable all schools to have access to a high-speed connection by 2025. Commercial providers, including Altnets, will be central to delivering on this important commitment.

Schools who qualify for funding have been identified from national connectivity data as the most difficult to reach schools that would be least likely to be upgraded before 2026 without government action. The department has already started work with the market and will begin contacting qualifying schools in the autumn term.

16th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which Department will take the lead on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to all schools by 2025.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department will work with commercial providers to accelerate gigabit capable broadband rollout to schools to enable all schools to have access to a high-speed connection by 2025. Commercial providers, including Altnets, will be central to delivering on this important commitment.

Schools who qualify for funding have been identified from national connectivity data as the most difficult to reach schools that would be least likely to be upgraded before 2026 without government action. The department has already started work with the market and will begin contacting qualifying schools in the autumn term.

16th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Government plans to engage with Altnets as part of its discussions with commercial providers on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to all schools by 2025.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department will work with commercial providers to accelerate gigabit capable broadband rollout to schools to enable all schools to have access to a high-speed connection by 2025. Commercial providers, including Altnets, will be central to delivering on this important commitment.

Schools who qualify for funding have been identified from national connectivity data as the most difficult to reach schools that would be least likely to be upgraded before 2026 without government action. The department has already started work with the market and will begin contacting qualifying schools in the autumn term.

30th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether all schools will receive lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband by 2025.

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.

25th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his policy is on funding childcare infrastructure in the (a) short and (b) long term.

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.

3rd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of limits on the number of English students who can attend Scottish universities from 2020 on the higher education sector.

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.

Michelle Donelan
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
6th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to develop a strategy to reduce waste from single use nappies following the publication of her Department's assessment of the environmental impacts of disposable and reusable absorbent hygiene products.

Work on the environmental assessment of disposable and reusable nappies is nearly complete and peer review of the work is being finalised. No date has been set for publication. This work will help inform any future action by government and industry.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she will publish her Department's assessment of the environmental assessment of disposable and reusable absorbent hygiene products.

Work on the environmental assessment of disposable and reusable nappies is nearly complete and peer review of the work is being finalised. No date has been set for publication. This work will help inform any future action by government and industry.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will undertake a review of the adequacy of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and related breed specific and dog control legislation to increase protections for the public and animal welfare.

Defra commissioned Middlesex University to examine measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible ownership of all breeds of dogs. The research, which will be published shortly, considers different approaches and the effectiveness of current dog control measures.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to bring forward a green paper banning the importing and selling of animal fur in the UK.

Fur farming has been banned in England and Wales since 2000, and 2002 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Now we have left the EU, the Government is able to explore potential action in relation to animal fur.

We recently concluded a call for evidence on the fur trade in Great Britain which provided both stakeholders and the public the opportunity to provide evidence and views on this important matter, which received around 30,000 responses. A summary of responses setting out the key findings will be published in due course.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
22nd Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the change in the average age of potty training on the consumption of single-use nappies.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
22nd Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department’s life cycle assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products will take account of the results of the YouGov survey finding that the average age for potty training has increased from 2.5 to 3.5 years old.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent progress he has made on his assessment of the life cycle of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
17th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase the sustainability of fisheries.

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.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to increase the public's awareness of how to dispose of single-use nappies.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the introduction of reusable nappy incentive schemes in local authorities.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the level of waste from single-use nappies.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support small wine traders.

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.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
18th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of removing the requirement for VI-1 certification for wine on wine retailers and distributors.

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.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
21st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued to (a) food and drink wholesalers and (b) redistribution organisations to minimise the waste of food through the legal distribution of food that has passed its best before date.

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.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
8th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on food and drink wholesalers in Scotland.

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.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
8th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the (a) resilience of food and drink wholesalers during the covid-19 outbreak and (b) the importance of such wholesalers to tourism and other sectors.

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.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
22nd Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the compatibility of the proposed UK-US trade deal with the UK Government's proposed legislation on online harms; and if she will make a statement.

HM Government is committed to making the United Kingdom the safest place in the world to be online and the best place to start and grow a digital business. The Department for International Trade is working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to carefully consider any interaction between trade policy and Online Harms policy in future trade agreements. I can confirm that HM Government stands by our Online Harms commitment, and nothing in the US trade deal will affect that.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what meetings she has had with representatives from (a) Facebook and (b) the Internet Association in which Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act 1996 was discussed; and if she will make a statement.

The Secretary of State has had no meetings with representatives from Facebook and the Internet Association.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
20th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help deliver the National Cyber Strategy 2022 commitment to a Connected and Automated Vehicles Process for Assuring Safety and Security.

The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) is leading the CAVPASS programme which is developing and putting in place all the elements required to ensure safety and cyber resilience of self-driving vehicles on GB roads. By 2025 the full scheme will be in place that will cover all vehicle types.

Within CAVPASS, there is a specific workstream dealing with Cyber that has direct input from DfT’s cyber security experts and from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). CAVPASS commissions both R&D projects on Cyber and practical trials to test out solutions and enhance learning, for example using the Angoka cyber solutions as featured in the National Cyber Strategy document.

CAVPASS is working with industry to ensure internationally agreed regulations relating to cyber are implemented appropriately, including UNECE regulation 155 (Cyber Security and Cyber Security Management Systems) and regulation 157 (Software updates and software updates management systems).

CAVPASS also focuses on improving cyber skills within the motoring agencies that will ultimately have responsibility for implementing the new approval scheme, with a number of staff in the Vehicle Certification Agency already having gone through specific cyber training.

Trudy Harrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the removal of restriction 101 on D1 licences in relation to tackling driver shortages.

I am not aware of any discussions with stakeholders over this issue. The restriction is in place to ensure professional drivers meet the higher standards required of those who drive for a living.

Trudy Harrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the 101 restriction on D1 licences prohibits qualified minibus drivers from driving in a paid capacity.

The 101 “not for hire or reward” restriction code on a driving licence shows the driver has acquired rights to drive minibuses but has not passed the test to drive professionally. These drivers have not undergone a medical examination or passed all the theory and practical tests required to be a professional driver.

Ensuring professional drivers have the right licence, and skills to drive their vehicles, and that they are medically fit to do so, is key to maintaining road safety.

Trudy Harrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has of the scale of (a) backlogs and (b) processing delays within the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to make an application. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their documents within a few days. However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application and the DVLA receives 60,000 items of mail every day. The latest information on turnaround times for paper applications can be found here.

The DVLA has introduced additional online services, recruited more staff, increased overtime working and has secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham to help reduce waiting times while providing future resilience and business continuity.

These measures are having a positive impact. In particular, the focus on vocational driving licence applications to support dealing with the HGV driver shortage has been successful with routine vocational applications now back to normal turnaround times. Backlogs are also reducing in other areas.

Trudy Harrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the 101 restriction on D1 licences can be provisionally removed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

The restriction code 101 on driving licences is a long-standing legal requirement which is applied where the category B (car) driving test was taken before 1 January 1997. The code allows these drivers to drive minibuses up to 16 seats, if not being driven for hire or reward. Drivers who want to drive minibuses on a professional basis are required to take the relevant driving test (category D1) and meet the higher health requirements that apply to the issuing of licences to drive larger vehicles.

There is a provision which allows non-profit-making organisations to employ drivers with a car licence to provide minibus transport for their own members or for the local community. Further information is available on GOV.UK here.

Trudy Harrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that social distancing measures are implemented in aviation travel.

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.

4th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure travel operators are providing cash refunds for cancelled (a) flights and (b) package holidays.

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.

10th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Heathrow Airport Ltd’s Initial Business Plan, published in December 2019, committing funding to new rail links to that airport, if the Government will confirm (a) funding from the public purse to and (b) approve the Western Rail Link to Heathrow Airport.

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.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
10th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timescales are for the progress of rail access projects to Heathrow Airport.

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.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
10th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to deliver the Western Rail Link to Heathrow Airport.

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.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
16th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of the length of the M5 has reflective studs.

The full length of the M5 has reflective studs installed.

16th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the reflective studs on the M5 were last renewed.

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.

16th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the M5 last had its road markings repainted.

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.

8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the participation rate is in Ogmore constituency for private sector employees in the Automatic Enrolment pension scheme over the last five tax years.

For private sector employees eligible for automatic enrolment in the Ogmore constituency over the last 5 years, the workplace pension participation rate is shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Participation rate for eligible private sector employees in the Ogmore constituency

Participation rate

2017

(73%)

2018

(85%)

2019

(91%)

2020

(93%)

2021

(84%)

Source:

DWP estimates derived from ONS ASHE.

Statistical notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest percentage point.
  2. Figures in brackets are those with a relatively high degree of uncertainty owing to the low sample size (fewer than 500 respondents).
  3. Figures that are different at the 0.05 level of significance are marked *. Results would be statistically significant if there is less than a 1 in 20 chance of any changes being by chance if there is no actual change in the population. The ONS have more guidance here https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/methodologytopicsandstatisticalconcepts/uncertaintyandhowwemeasureit#statistical-significance
Laura Trott
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of the £6.4 million allocated to support disabled people at work will be apportioned to Wales.

The figure of £6.4m relates to a three-year programme of work to design, develop, and maintain the Support with Employee Health and Disability digital service which is a GB-wide service. This will provide online advice to help employers across GB to:

  • Manage absences;
  • Have inclusive conversations with employees about health and disability;
  • Discuss and make changes at work to help disabled employees or employees with health conditions stay in work.

The Department for Work and Pensions are liaising with the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland during the service development, which is on-going.

Tom Pursglove
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of the total Disability Cost of Living Payments due to people in Ogmore constituency have been paid as of 8 November 2022.

In line with the code of practice, the number of Cost of Living Payments made to recipients of a specific constituency is the subject of an upcoming statistical release, and cannot be released before that publication is ready, subject to usual quality assurance.

It is not possible to determine how many people are due a Cost of Living Payment, as entitlement may not have been established at the time the payments were made. We will periodically make payments to people who have later been found to be eligible and have not yet received a payment. The payments will continue to be made automatically in the same way the qualifying benefit or tax credit is paid.

The timetable for when Cost of Living Payments are made is published here: Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK.

The Department for Work and Pensions has published management information on the total number of Disability Cost of Living Payments made. As of 30 September 2022, 6,000,000 Disability Cost of Living payments had been made.

The information which will be updated as new payments are made can be found here: Cost of Living Payment management information - GOV.UK.

Tom Pursglove
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many £150 Disability Cost of Living Payments have been paid in Ogmore constituency as of 8 November 2022.

In line with the code of practice, the number of Cost of Living Payments made to recipients of a specific constituency is the subject of an upcoming statistical release, and cannot be released before that publication is ready, subject to usual quality assurance.

The Department for Work and Pensions has published management information on the total number of Disability Cost of Living Payments made. As of 30 September 2022, 6,000,000 Disability Cost of Living Payments had been made.

The information which will be updated as new payments are made can be found here: Cost of Living Payment management information - GOV.UK.

Tom Pursglove
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have claimed (a) Widowed Parent's Allowance and (b) the Bereavement Support Payment since the eligibility of those payments was extended to surviving cohabiting partners with dependent children who were not in a legal union with the deceased on the date of death.

We cannot currently accept claims for Widowed Parent’s Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment from those who were not in a legal union with their deceased partner. This is because the draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order, which proposes to extend eligibility for these benefits to surviving cohabiting partners with dependent children, has not yet become law. We laid the draft Order in Parliament on 13 October 2022. It will lay in Parliament for a 60-day period, and will need to be debated and voted upon in both Houses of Parliament before it can become law.

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
19th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to increase pension credit uptake.

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.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has responded to the Canadian Government’s request for a reciprocal social security arrangement covering uprating; and if she will make a statement.

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

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she last discussed a reciprocal social security agreement with the Government of Canada.

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

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Government of Australia has made representations to the Government on negotiating a reciprocal social security agreement that includes the uprating of pensions.

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

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) universal credit and (b) the policy of payment of costs in arrears in helping parents meet childcare costs.

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.

26th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Government of Canada has made representations to the Government on negotiating a reciprocal social security agreement that covers the uprating of pensions.

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.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
26th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for International Trade on the policy not to uprate the UK state pensions of UK pensioners living in (a) Canada and (b) Australia; and if she will a statement.

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.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
26th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Government of Australia has made representations to the Government on negotiating a reciprocal social security agreement that covers the uprating of pensions.

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.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
25th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the longer term potential merits of suspending the Benefit Cap.

No Assessment has been made.

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
25th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support single parents to (a) stay in work, (b) return to work and (c) retrain.

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.

25th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of childcare costs that can be claimed under universal credit.

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.

12th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether provisions are in place for universal credit claimants who go into arrears as a result of having to pay upfront fees when moving home before their universal credit has been paid.

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.

12th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of the timing of universal credit payments on the (a) assistance that people receive and (b) costs that people incur when moving home.

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.

12th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions she has had with with housing associations on the effect on universal credit claimants of upfront fees when moving home.

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.

23rd Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the evidence given by Andrew Latto, Deputy Director; Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance Policy, to the Scottish Social Security Committee on 23 January 2020, if she will publish the calculations supporting the Deputy Director's statement that, in the UK, 16 per cent of pensioners are in poverty [and] if all those pensioners claimed pension credit, housing benefit and the council tax reduction, especially the council tax reduction, that would reduce the 16 per cent to almost zero.

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.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
12th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that paying parents do not delay settlement of their child maintenance liabilities.

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.

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
12th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many of the Child Maintenance Service’s deduction from earnings orders for child maintenance were not complied with in 2018.

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”).

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
12th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that employers are complying with the seven day deadline of deduction from earnings orders, to ensure child maintenance is deducted from the parents pay.

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.
Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
12th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many non-resident parents were fined for non-payment of child maintenance in 2018.

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

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will increase funding allocated to research into (a) endometriosis and (b) polycystic ovary syndrome.

The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has invested £8.4 million into endometriosis research and £3.9 million into polycystic ovary syndrome research. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. While it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions, the NIHR’s funding is available through open competition and we encourage researchers to submit applications in these areas.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
17th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether a UK resident is allowed to quarantine in their motor home on return to the UK from Spain.

If someone has not been in a red-list country they must quarantine at home and book and take mandatory COVID-19 tests on day two and day eight of their quarantine. They must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) two days before they travel with details of where they will quarantine when they arrive. Individuals must provide a registered United Kingdom address on the PLF. For someone quarantining in a motor home, this would mean they need to remain parked in the same location for the duration of the 10 days quarantine.

22nd Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle misinformation on vaccines online, and if he will make a statement.

We take the issue of vaccine misinformation extremely seriously and are working across Government to tackle this.

We continue to work with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, media, social media and technology companies to limit misinformation and promote positive messages about vaccination.

The Department works closely with Public Health England and NHS England and NHS Improvement to promote vaccinations and raise awareness of their benefits and the diseases they prevent.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
22nd Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his recent meeting with Facebook’s Vice-President for Global Affairs and Communications, whether Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act 1996 was discussed at that meeting; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care held a wide-ranging discussion on the role that social media companies, including Facebook, can play to tackle the spread of vaccine misinformation online.

We continue to work with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, media, social media and technology companies, including Facebook, to limit the impact and spread of misinformation and promote positive messages about vaccination.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
22nd Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his recent meeting with Facebook’s Vice-President for Global Affairs and Communications, what the outcomes of that meeting were; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s recent meeting with Facebook’s Vice-President for Global Affairs and Communications included discussion on the actions that Facebook is taking to minimise the reach and influence of vaccine misinformation online and promote positive messages about vaccination.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
17th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisers on the potential effect of the reduction in the Official Development Assistance budget on the UK’s scientific activities and collaborations at an international level.

Government Chief Scientific Advisers play an important role in providing Ministers with advice on the breadth of science and technology policy. ODA research and development is an important part of UK's official development assistance, delivering benefit to hundreds of millions of people. The Government Chief Scientific Advisers were closely involved in providing advice to the government on this issue, drawing on their individual expertise and wider networks.

This advice has informed the government's commitment to invest in ODA science and technology as a substantial force for good to tackle major challenges, develop international partnerships and deliver development impact.

20th Oct 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including fiscal easing measures for pubs in the Autumn 2021 Budget.

The Government keeps all taxes under review, and changes are announced in the usual way at budgets and fiscal events.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
1st Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has met with representatives from the aviation industry to assess what financial support they need to survive the covid-19 outbreak.

The Chancellor speaks to industry representatives on a regular basis about a range of matters, including support for the aviation industry.

The Government recognises the challenging circumstances facing the aviation industry as a result of Covid-19 and firms experiencing difficulties can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital and flexibilities with tax bills. In addition to economy-wide measures such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the aerospace sector and its aviation customers are being supported with almost £11 billion made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility and grants for research and development. This includes £8bn of guarantees provided by UK Export Finance.

In addition, the renewed Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme that the Chancellor announced in his Budget will provide support for eligible businesses with their fixed costs for a further six months, up to the equivalent of their business rates liabilities for the first half of the 2021-22 financial year, subject to certain conditions and a cap per claimant of £4m.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
3rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the benefits of an industry-wide commitment to membership of LINK and the Post Office Banking Framework ahead of the introduction of legislation protecting access to cash.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK and has committed to protecting access to cash for those that need it. The Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October 2020 seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. The Call for Evidence closed on the 25 November 2020. The Government is considering responses and will set out next steps in due course.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Treasury has been working closely with regulators and industry to ensure customers continue to have access to essential banking services, while also protecting the safety of staff and customers. This has meant the vast majority of people have been able to access cash through the pandemic.

The Government continues to be fully supportive of the Post Office Banking Framework Agreement. The agreement allows 95% of business and 99% of personal banking customers to carry out their everyday banking at 11,500 Post Office branches in the UK until December 2022. The terms of future Banking Framework Agreements are commercial decisions between industry and the Post Office. The Government will continue to engage with industry and the Post Office to ensure that that all customers, wherever they live, continue to have access to over the counter banking services.

Since 1998, all the major UK banks and building societies have participated in LINK, enabling their ATMs to be used by customers of the other members of the network. Presently, ATMs are the most commonly used means of withdrawing cash. Membership of LINK is a commercial decision.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
3rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing short term measures to protect the cash system following the national covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK and has committed to protecting access to cash for those that need it. The Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October 2020 seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. The Call for Evidence closed on the 25 November 2020. The Government is considering responses and will set out next steps in due course.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Treasury has been working closely with regulators and industry to ensure customers continue to have access to essential banking services, while also protecting the safety of staff and customers. This has meant the vast majority of people have been able to access cash through the pandemic.

The Government continues to be fully supportive of the Post Office Banking Framework Agreement. The agreement allows 95% of business and 99% of personal banking customers to carry out their everyday banking at 11,500 Post Office branches in the UK until December 2022. The terms of future Banking Framework Agreements are commercial decisions between industry and the Post Office. The Government will continue to engage with industry and the Post Office to ensure that that all customers, wherever they live, continue to have access to over the counter banking services.

Since 1998, all the major UK banks and building societies have participated in LINK, enabling their ATMs to be used by customers of the other members of the network. Presently, ATMs are the most commonly used means of withdrawing cash. Membership of LINK is a commercial decision.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
3rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight system on wine importers; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional support to wine importers to help tackle issues relating to that system.

The Government recognises that businesses must get to grips with new customs procedures and is providing support.

The Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system continues to work well. In practice, most businesses do not connect to CHIEF, using the services of a customs intermediary instead or, if they do their own customs administration, commercial software that interacts with CHIEF.

HMRC have engaged extensively with excise trade associations through the Joint Alcohol and Tobacco Consultation Group (JATCG) which has included regular meetings with the Wines and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA). HMRC will continue that support and help to trade associations and individual businesses.

21st Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the March 2020 Budget, what his timetable is for bringing forward legislative proposals for protecting people’s ability to access cash.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK and has committed to protecting access to cash. The Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October 2020 seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system.

The Government will ensure that regulators have the right responsibilities and powers to oversee the cash system. As set out in the Call for Evidence, effective coordination between the financial authorities will continue to be critical, but the Government considers that there may also be benefit in giving a single authority overall responsibility for ensuring the retail cash system meets the needs of consumers and businesses. The Government’s view is that the FCA may be well positioned to take on the function through legislation. The Call for Evidence closed on the 25 November 2020. The Government is considering responses and will set out next steps in due course.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. It is important to wash your hands regularly. To work safely, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. It remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
30th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support is available for people who are employed in the coach tourism industry whose work has been adversely affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

The Government appreciates this is a difficult time for many businesses, including coach tourism companies. With the resurgence of the virus and tightening of restrictions to protect people's health, we have taken further steps to protect jobs and businesses.

People who are employed in the coach industry can benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which will remain open until 2 December, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500.

Self-employed individuals in the coach industry can benefit from the Government’s recent announcement of more generous support for the self-employed, who will now receive 80% of average trading profits in November. As SEISS grants are calculated over 3 months, this increases the total level of the grant to 55% of trading profits for November to January and the maximum grant will increase to £5,160. We will also be paying this out more quickly by bringing forward the SEISS 3 claims window from 14 December to 30 November.

To support businesses with their cashflow, on 2 November the Chancellor also announced that the application deadline for the government-backed loan schemes have been further extended until 31 January 2021.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
21st Jul 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government is taking to monitor the economic effect of its covid-19 business support packages; and what the timeframe is for the introduction of the proposed business rates relief support scheme to bring the food and drink wholesale sector into line with their customers in the hospitality, tourism and retail sector.

The Government is keeping the support measures, including their effect on businesses and the economy, under constant review.

The Government has provided enhanced support through business rates relief to businesses occupying properties used for retail, hospitality and leisure given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors.

A range of other measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as wholesalers, has also been made available. On 8 July the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support jobs across the UK, including a Job Retention Bonus to help firms keep furloughed workers and a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people.

22nd Jun 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that travel insurance companies are (a) communicating clearly to their consumers and (b) treating them fairly.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector to understand and influence its contribution to handling this unprecedented situation.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed. In addition, the FCA has said that, in light of COVID-19, insurers must consider very carefully the needs of their customers and show flexibility in their treatment of them. The Government is working closely with the FCA to ensure that the rules are being upheld during this crisis and fully supports the regulator in its role.

The FCA have also issued guidance for travel insurance customers, which can be found on their website.

We have discussed with insurers the importance of insurance cover for Covid-19 in restoring consumer confidence to travel again. Firms assure us that they will look to offer cover again where and when they can. They are monitoring announcements by Government and reviewing their position as the situation evolves. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
18th Jun 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support is available for self-employed people who have become self-employed in the last 12 months.

The newly self-employed are eligible for many elements of the unprecedented financial support provided by the Government. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support,?increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

20th May 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Wales on using the Shared Prosperity Fund to support Wales in responding to the covid-19 outbreak.

The Chancellor discusses matters of importance to the Welsh economy with the Secretary of State for Wales and Cabinet on a regular basis.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be used to bind together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations. It will replace the overly bureaucratic EU Structural Funds, and not only be better targeted at the UK’s specific needs, but will match the size of those funds in each nation.

Steve Barclay
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
11th May 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on long-term support for businesses who have been detrimentally affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. We have taken steps to give businesses access to cash to pay rent, salaries or suppliers, alongside a commitment to pay 80% of the regular monthly wages, up to £2,500, of furloughed workers via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

On 12 May the Chancellor announced that the CJRS would be extended for a further three months until October. The Government will continue to monitor developments to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on business.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
11th May 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the length of time employers can claim for employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

The Government has extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until October 2020. Extending the scheme in its current form until July will provide workers, businesses and the economy with clarity on this support. After July, the Government will introduce more flexibility to the furlough scheme in a measured way that protects people’s incomes and helps support furloughed employees as they return to work. From August through to the end of October, employers currently using the scheme will have more flexibility to bring their furloughed employees back to work part-time while still receiving support from the scheme. Employers using the scheme will start contributing some of the costs of their workers’ salaries, substituting in part the contribution that the Government is currently making. The Government will outline more details of how this will work by the end of May.

11th May 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the Self-Employment Income Support scheme beyond the single instalment covering three months and capped at £7,500.

The UK has one of the most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme opened on 13 May, ahead of schedule, and it provides support worth up to £7,500 each to millions of individuals. Recipients will have the grants in their bank accounts by end of this month.

The Chancellor will keep the scheme under review.

20th Apr 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to maintain free access to cash withdrawals during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government recognises the importance of cash to the daily lives of millions of people across the UK, particularly to those in vulnerable groups and individuals who may be self-isolating.

The Government is working closely with the cash industry and regulators to ensure that people can continue to access their cash. Customers can continue to use ATMs or cash machines as normal for cash withdrawals and balance enquiries.

LINK, the scheme that runs the UK’s largest ATM network, has existing arrangements in place to protect free-to-use ATMs that do not have another free-to-use ATM or Post Office counter within 1 kilometre. LINK is also supporting the viability of remote ATMs with premium fees paid to ATM deployers.

The Financial Conduct Authority is monitoring the situation closely to ensure that regulated firms are providing clear information about the solutions that they offer to help customers make payments.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
20th Apr 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support the ATM industry during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, workers and businesses to protect against the current economic emergency. The Government is monitoring the impact measures are having and keeps all policies under review.

To ensure that people continue to be able to access their cash during the Covid-19 outbreak, the Government continues to work closely with the cash industry and regulators.

LINK has existing commitments to protect free-to-use ATMs that are 1 kilometre or further from the next free-to-use ATM or Post Office, and several of its members have recently pledged to replace these protected ATMs should they close in the next 12 months.

The Government-established Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is closely monitoring developments in ATM provision. The PSR regulates LINK, the scheme which runs the UK’s ATM network, and has used its powers to hold LINK to account over LINK’s commitments to preserve the broad geographic spread of the ATM network.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
20th Apr 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support his Department is providing during the covid-19 outbreak to people that are paid through dividends rather than a salary.

Those who pay themselves a salary through their own company may be eligible to claim for 80% of usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS is available to employers, including personal service companies, and individuals paying themselves a salary through a PAYE scheme are eligible.

Income from dividends is a return on investment in the company, rather than wages, and is not eligible for support. Under current reporting mechanisms it is not possible for HM Revenue and Customs to distinguish between dividends derived from an individual’s own company and dividends from other sources, and between dividends in lieu of employment income and as returns from other corporate activity. Expanding the scope would require HMRC to collect and verify new information. This would take longer to deliver and put at risk the other schemes which the Government is committed to delivering as quickly as possible.

Individuals who are not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme might be able to access the other support Government is providing, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at?www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

20th Apr 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support is available during the covid-19 outbreak to individuals who are a sole-person limited company.

Those who pay themselves a salary through their own company may be eligible to claim for 80% of usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS is available to employers, including personal service companies, and individuals paying themselves a salary through a PAYE scheme are eligible.

Income from dividends is a return on investment in the company, rather than wages, and is not eligible for support. Under current reporting mechanisms it is not possible for HM Revenue and Customs to distinguish between dividends derived from an individual’s own company and dividends from other sources, and between dividends in lieu of employment income and as returns from other corporate activity. Expanding the scope would require HMRC to collect and verify new information. This would take longer to deliver and put at risk the other schemes which the Government is committed to delivering as quickly as possible.

Individuals who are not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme might be able to access the other support Government is providing, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at?www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

20th Apr 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of allowing employers to include a proportion of employees wages which are earned through bonuses or commission in claims to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

The objective of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is to enable employers to continue to keep people in employment. To achieve this, the grants compensate employers for the payments that they are contractually obliged to make, in order to avoid the need for redundancies. Covering discretionary payments would go beyond the objectives of the scheme. Full guidance on how to calculate 80% of wages can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-80-of-your-employees-wages-to-claim-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

For some employees, the pay in scope for the grant will be less than the overall sum they usually receive. The Government is also supporting those on low incomes who need to rely on the welfare system through a significant package of temporary welfare measures. This includes a £20 per week increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance and Working Tax Credit basic element, and a nearly £1 billion increase in support for renters through increases to the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants. These changes will benefit all new and existing claimants. Anyone can check their eligibility and apply for Universal Credit by visiting www.gov.uk/universal-credit.

1st Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the number of cyberflashing images that were reported to law enforcement in England and Wales in the last five years.

Official estimates on the number of cyberflashing images that were reported to law enforcement in England and Wales have not been made. However, a YouGov survey in 2017 estimated that around four in ten (41%) of young women (aged 18 to 36 years) had experience of having been sent an unsolicited obscene images of men.

This level of prevalence is why the Government is considering making unsolicited sending of obscene images, for example via wi-fi or Bluetooth, a specific criminal offence.

Damian Hinds
Minister of State (Education)
9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to update the Immigration Rules Appendix K: Shortage Occupation List before the end of the transition period.

In March, the Government commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise on the composition of the Shortage Occupation Lists (SOL) in light of the expanded skills threshold of the new Skilled Worker route, which will come into effect on 1 December.

The MAC published its findings and recommendations on 29 September. The Government welcomes the MAC’s comprehensive advice; however, we do not consider changes to the SOLs should be made at this time, before assessing how the UK labour market develops post-Covid 19 and in response to the introduction of the new Points-Based Immigration System on 1 January 2021.

As published on 22 October, the Immigration Rules for the new Points-Based Immigration System include an Appendix Shortage Occupation Lists. This replaces the existing lists under Appendix K. The contents are the same.

9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of including (a) coded welders, (b) steel fabricators, (c) mechanical fitters and (d) pipe fitters on the Immigration Rules Appendix K: Shortage Occupation List.

In March, the Government commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise on the composition of the Shortage Occupation Lists (SOL) in light of the expanded skills threshold of the new Skilled Worker route, which will come into effect on 1 December.

The MAC published its findings and recommendations on 29 September. The Government welcomes the MAC’s comprehensive advice; however, we do not consider changes to the SOLs should be made at this time, before assessing how the UK labour market develops post-Covid 19 and in response to the introduction of the new Points-Based Immigration System on 1 January 2021.

As published on 22 October, the Immigration Rules for the new Points-Based Immigration System include an Appendix Shortage Occupation Lists. This replaces the existing lists under Appendix K. The contents are the same.

9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what visa options are available to the ship building industry for the use of non-UK labour for the delivery of shipbuilding projects.

The UK’s new Points-Based Immigration System will come into effect from 1 January 2021; however, to provide certainty for UK-based employers and individual migrants, a number of new routes – including the new Skilled Worker route – will open on 1 December 2020.

Occupations such as boat and ship builders and repairers will be eligible for the Skilled Worker route subject to meeting the wider criteria, including the relevant salary threshold and English Language requirements.

20th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has of the adequacy of the response times of Action Fraud.

Victims in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are encouraged to report these crimes directly to Action Fraud, the centralised reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Those in Scotland should report directly to Police Scotland, via the 101 service.

It is vital that victims of fraud have the confidence to come forward and know that their case will be dealt with.

The City of London Corporation (as the Police Authority for the City of London Police) commissioned an independent review by Sir Craig Mackey QPM into the standards, culture and management of Action Fraud. The findings and recommendations of that review were published on 24th January on the City of London Police Authority’s website, currently available at https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/About-us/action-fraud-report.pdf

The review highlights the need to improve the victim experience, with a focus on answering times, the time callers spend waiting in queues and the percentage of calls that are answered. The City of London Police are addressing Sir Craig’s recommendations regarding Action Fraud and the NFIB, working with the City of London Corporation, the National Crime Agency and the Home Office.

City of London Police transparently publish their response times. These are currently available at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud-stats. We monitor these stats closely, working with City of London Police to understand any monthly drops in response times.

15th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve the identification of children who are sexually abused and are (a) aged under 10, (b) LGBTQ+, (c) disabled and (d) BAME.

We are committed to tackling all forms of child sexual abuse.

The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse provides practical support to commissioners and frontline professionals across local authorities, police, health services and the voluntary sector; embedding what works to prevent and tackle child sexual abuse, for all groups of children, into practice. This includes looking into additional barriers to identification, such as age, disability, sexuality or ethnicity.

We have worked with the College of Policing, providing £1.9m of funding to develop a more comprehensive package of training for first responders, so they are better able to identify signs of vulnerability and provide support to victims. We have also funded the police’s own Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice Programme to develop policing best practice in response to vulnerability as a whole. We are also working with the police to strengthen their response to vulnerability through multi-agency safeguarding partnerships. The partnerships will lead to better protection for all vulnerable children and young people, through clearer strategic decision-making and sharing of expertise across safeguarding agencies.

We are determined that all children who experience sexual abuse, regardless of age, background, or disability can access the support they need to help them in their recovery. We have recently launched a CSA support service transformation fund which will promote best practice and improve the quality of support to children from diverse backgrounds. We have also published guidance for commissioners of CSA support services which underlines the importance of commissioning services that meet the needs of all children in the local community who have experienced sexual abuse.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
1st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the level of threat related to online child sexual abuse during the covid-19 outbreak.

Based on reporting from law enforcement partners and expert opinion, our assessment suggests the risk of online abuse has increased. We continue to develop our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on child sexual abuse, gathering input from law enforcement, safeguarding leads, charities, international partners and other colleagues. We are working with all our partners to strengthen this assessment and deliver a whole system response.

The Government is committed to tackling online child sexual exploitation and abuse and recognises that whilst there are huge benefits to being online in order to stay connected to family and friends during this period, many parents may feel concerned about the activities and content their children are accessing. We have published Guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-parents-and-carers-to-keep-children-safe-online) for parents and children outlining resources to help keep children safe from different risks online, including online grooming, and where to go to receive support and advice.

In May, the Government pledged more than £76?million?extra funding to support the most vulnerable in society during pandemic. The funding has been made available for charities to support?survivors of abuse, including child sexual abuse.

Recognising the impact of the current situation, the Prime Minister hosted the government’s first Hidden Harms virtual summit. It was attended by over 70 representatives from across government, the NHS, law enforcement, charities and frontline services, as well as survivors of hidden harms. The summit was an opportunity to share emerging best practice at the local and national level and identify areas to go further over the coming months.

Home Office Ministers have met the Internet Watch Foundation, children charities, the tech industry and other parties on the threat during the pandemic, including writing to industry partners on countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the pandemic.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
20th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the covid-19 lockdown, what assessment she has made of when people will be able to register births, marriages and civil partnerships.

The local registration service in England has been advised that birth registrations can recommence where these can be safely delivered in line with Public Health and local authority guidelines. The restrictions in Wales have not yet been lifted. The Government is further considering the options for how marriages and civil partnerships can be registered while respecting prevailing public health guidance and regulations to slow the spread of Covid-19.

4th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of precautionary plans in place at UK borders for people travelling into the UK during the covid-19 pandemic.

Our approach to tackling coronavirus has been driven by the latest scientific and medical advice provided by SAGE and Public Health England. In line with that advice, to date, no changes have been required at the UK border.

Any decision to implement additional restrictions on international travel to the UK or on arrival at ports/airports will be made by Ministers.

We are continuously reviewing the most appropriate response at the UK border to the changing situation in relation to CV-19, both in the UK and across the international community.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
20th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether an individual who is on a spousal visa will be penalised if their employer places them on the furloughed workers scheme.

The Home Office has put in place a range of measures to support those affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

These concessions are set out for customers on GOV.UK and are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents.

We continue to monitor the situation closely and take the current exceptional circumstances into account.

To ensure a spouse or partner applying for entry clearance, leave to remain or indefinite leave are not unduly affected by circumstances beyond their control, for the purpose of the minimum income requirement an applicant or sponsor furloughed under the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be deemed as earning 100% of their salary.

20th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what financial support her Department is providing during the covid-19 outbreak to people that hold visas that restrict their access to public funds.

The Government has put in place a range of measures to support people affected by the covid-19 outbreak and we will continue to review the situation to consider if more can be done.

The Home Office is working closely with other government departments to support people, including migrants with no recourse to public funds, through this crisis. We are taking a compassionate and pragmatic approach to an unprecedented situation.

Migrants with leave under the Family and Human Rights routes can apply to have the restriction lifted by making a ‘change of conditions’ application if there has been a change in their financial circumstances. The Home Office has recently digitised the application form to make sure it is accessible for those who need to remain at home, and I can assure you that the applications are being dealt with swiftly and compassionately.

The Coronavirus job retention scheme, self-employment income support and statutory sick pay are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Contribution-based benefits are also not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Additionally, measures we have brought forward such as rent and mortgage protections are not considered public funds and can be accessed by migrants with leave to remain.

The Government has made in excess of £3.2bn of funding available to local authorities in England to assist them in managing the pressures arising out of the pandemic.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
12th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the quality of housing accommodation for armed forces personnel.

We continually strive to improve the quality of accommodation for our personnel.

We have invested more than £936 million in Service Family Accommodation in the last seven years

As of 12 July 2022, 96% of Service Family Accommodation has been assessed as meeting or exceeding the Decent Homes Standard.

Housing below this standard is not allocated to Service Families.

Leo Docherty
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when veterans who left service more than 2 years ago are planned to receive their Veteran ID card.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 November 2020 to Question 115709 to the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Justin Madders).

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-11-16/115709

Johnny Mercer
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
7th Dec 2020
What recent discussions he has had with military charities on improving support for veterans throughout the UK.

MOD officials and I have regular discussions with the Service charities on a range of subjects including support for veterans. This Government has been proactive in providing support to the charity sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MOD and the OVA provided £6million in funding for the Armed Forces community, through the COVID Impact Fund, working in partnership with Service charities to deliver support for the most vulnerable. Over 100 Service charities benefited from this funding.

Johnny Mercer
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of changes to UK immigration policy on the shipbuilding industry who employ non-UK labour on projects relevant to the UK's national security.

In my role as Shipbuilding Tsar, I am committed to developing this sector and recognise the importance of access to skills.

I am working closely with colleagues across Government to deliver the pipeline of skilled workers that the industry needs to successfully deliver the ships required for our national security and prosperity.

In future, any EU citizen wishing to come to live and work in the UK will need to apply under the UK's future immigration system, which we are now capable of setting in the national interest.

1st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on plans for regeneration of coalfield communities in the next five years.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal discussions are not normally disclosed. This Government is, however, committed to levelling up the UK by spreading opportunity more equally across the country, investing in places that need it most, including coalfield communities. Several former coalfield communities are benefiting from our Towns Fund, including Goldthorpe and Mansfield which have Town Deals running until 2025/26. Through our Community Ownership Fund, coalfield communities can apply for funding to save assets like local pubs, shops and sports clubs from closure - like the CANA resource and training centre in Rhondda Cynon Taf which received funding in Round 1.

23rd Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans his Department has to use the methodology for the determination of priority places for the UK Community Renewal Fund to inform the determination of similar areas under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Community Renewal Fund will help inform the design of the UK Shared Prosperity through funding of one year pilots, but the funds are distinct in regard to design, eligibility and duration. Successful UK Community Renewal Fund bids will be for 2021/22 only.

The UK Community Renewal Fund aims to support our communities to pilot programmes and new approaches, aligning national and local provision. We want to use the UK Community Renewal Fund to test greater integration of types of interventions and greater flexibility between investment themes than under EU structural funds.

A big part of testing and trialling means evaluating what works well and what does not so that it can feed into the development of both the places and people portions of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Spending Review 2020 set out the main strategic elements of the UKSPF in the Heads of Terms.  The Government will publish a UK-wide investment framework later this year and confirm its funding profile at the next Spending Review

21st Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Legatum Institute's UK Prosperity Index 2021 area rankings will inform the design of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to level up and create opportunity across the UK in places most in need, such as ex-industrial areas, deprived towns and rural and coastal communities, and for people who face labour market barriers.

Spending Review 2020 set out the main strategic elements of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in the Heads of Terms. We will ramp up funding so that total domestic UK-wide funding will at least match EU receipts, on average reaching around £1.5 billion a year. In addition, the UK Government is providing an additional £220 million funding in 2021/22 through the UK Community Renewal Fund to help local areas prepare for the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Government will publish a UK-wide investment framework later this year and confirm its funding profile at the next Spending Review.

21st Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies of the Legatum Institute's UK Prosperity Index 2021 area rankings.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to level up and create opportunity across the UK in places most in need, such as ex-industrial areas, deprived towns and rural and coastal communities, and for people who face labour market barriers.

Spending Review 2020 set out the main strategic elements of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in the Heads of Terms. We will ramp up funding so that total domestic UK-wide funding will at least match EU receipts, on average reaching around £1.5 billion a year. In addition, the UK Government is providing an additional £220 million funding in 2021/22 through the UK Community Renewal Fund to help local areas prepare for the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Government will publish a UK-wide investment framework later this year and confirm its funding profile at the next Spending Review.

21st Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he plans to take to engage and consult representatives of local authorities in Wales on the design of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Government has been engaging with stakeholders on the design and priorities of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund since 2016, including holding a series of engagement events.

Over 500 stakeholders attended these events across a variety of sectors, including businesses, public bodies (such as Local Enterprise Partnerships, Mayoral Combined Authorities, local governments), higher education institutions, voluntary and charity sector and rural partnership groups.

Our engagement events have taken place across the UK including in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Government officials will continue to work closely with interested parties as we develop the Fund.

19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason Bridgend County Borough Council did not meet the criteria to be a priority place for the UK Community Renewal Fund.

To ensure that the UK Community Renewal Fund reaches those most in need, we have identified 100 priority places based on an index of economic resilience across Great Britain which measures productivity, household income, unemployment, skills and population density. This has been developed based on a consistent approach to identifying need across Great Britain. We are committed to transparency and a methodological note explaining how the 100 priority places were determined has been published alongside further guidance for applicants and lead authorities.

19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Wales regarding the UK Community Renewal Fund.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has worked collaboratively with multiple departments on the UK Community Renewal Fund, the Secretary of State and his Ministerial team have met with counterparts from other government departments including the Secretary of State for Wales. Departmental officials have also regularly met with colleagues from other government departments.

19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has reviewed the eligibility criteria for the allocation of priority places for the UK Community Renewal Fund.

To ensure the UK Community Renewal Fund funding reaches the most in need, we have identified 100 priority places based on an index of economic resilience across Great Britain which measures productivity, household income, unemployment, skills, and population density.

We are committed to transparency and a methodological note has been published explaining how the 100 priority places were selected.

19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with local authorities in Wales on the UK Community Renewal Fund.

As set out in the UK Community Renewal Fund prospectus, the UK Government will work directly with local partners and communities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, who are best placed to understand the needs of their local areas and more closely aligned to the local economic geographies to deliver quickly on the ground.

Following the launch of the Fund, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and officials held webinar events with all local authorities, including those in Wales, to provide details on the design of the new fund.

UK Government officials have been in touch with local authorities in Wales to assist them further in their understanding of the UK Community Renewal Fund, including how to apply.

1st Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to introduce a new offence of cyberflashing in England and Wales.

The Government remains firmly committed to the protection of people from abuse and harm online.

This disturbing behaviour may already be captured by existing offences.

However, we are keenly aware of concerns that have been expressed over the changes in technology, including the misuse of, communications, social media, imagery, and the opportunities to abuse and upset others that such developments can bring.

That is why we asked Law Commission to review the law on Harmful Online Communications to ensure that the law is up to date and fully equipped to protect victims.

The Law Commission has completed that review and made a number of recommendations, including the creation of a new criminal offence to capture specifically the practice known as cyberflashing.

I can assure you that the Government is now actively and carefully considering that recommendation.

It is important that any changes to the criminal law are thoroughly assessed and fully evidenced.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
9th Mar 2022
What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of resources for women's services in Northern Ireland.

It is the Northern Ireland Executive that has failed to deliver adequate funding for women’s services. The Government supports any work undertaken in Northern Ireland to empower women and tackle issues which disproportionately affect women. Women and girls in Northern Ireland must have the same access to healthcare as those in the rest of the UK, and I am considering all options available to the Government to achieve this.

18th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on trends in the level of unemployment in Scotland in the last three years.

I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on a range of matters, including trends in the level of unemployment in Scotland.

The UK Government recognises that this is a challenging time for Scotland. This is why the Chancellor has committed an unprecedented package of support. This includes a range of loan schemes and grants and, in particular, the Job Retention and Self-Employment Support Schemes which have protected the incomes of almost 800,000 people in Scotland – more than a quarter of the workforce. I am delighted that the Job Retention Scheme has now been extended to October.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor for the Exchequer on support for the wholesale food and drink sector in Scotland.

I am in regular contact with the Chancellor for the Exchequer and all members of the Cabinet to discuss how best the UK Government can support sectors of the Scottish economy, including the wholesale food and drink sector.

At the last budget delivered in March I was pleased to see the Scotch whisky industry getting a welcome boost, with a freeze on spirits and a commitment to a review of alcohol duty, and £10 million help to develop green technology. I was also extremely happy to see £1 million investment in promoting Scottish produce to overseas markets.

The wholesale food and drink sector in Scotland has also been considered as part of the UK Government’s broader Covid-19 support. This included the support offered through the Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme which have protected the incomes of almost 800,000 people in Scotland – more than a quarter of the workforce. This is in addition to the various loans and guarantees to help UK businesses survive the economic fallout from coronavirus. However, our response to Covid-19 must be UK-wide and that’s why we have announced over £7 billion of additional funding to the devolved administrations to support people, business and public services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This means £3.8 billion for the Scottish Government, £2.2 billion for the Welsh Government and £1.2 billion for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
3rd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what support the Government has offered to Rolls Royce in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to supporting companies through the COVID-19 crisis and has worked with many businesses across the economy to understand how best to do so, including Rolls-Royce.

The UK Government has been in close discussions with Rolls-Royce on the various business support schemes available to the business and its suppliers. Through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, the company has also fed into the UK Government’s dialogue with the wider aerospace sector about business support.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
3rd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on support for Rolls Royce in Scotland.

I have regular discussions with the Scottish Government on a number of policy issues. The UK Government regularly speaks with Rolls-Royce and has worked closely with the company in response to COVID-19.

We have discussed with Rolls-Royce the various UK Government business support schemes available to the company and its suppliers. Rolls-Royce has also been part of the Department’s regular engagements with the wider aerospace sector about business support during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
3rd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what consultation the Government undertook with relevant stakeholders prior to the decision that student number controls will be applied to Scottish universities’ recruitment of English students for 2020.

Funding decisions affecting students domiciled in England are for the Department of Education to determine, however the Minister of State for Universities Michelle Donelan discussed the matter with Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochead on several occasions prior to the announcement.

This measure, which applies across the whole of the UK, will avoid harmful over-recruitment among providers which could go against the interests of both students and universities.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
15th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps his Department is taking to support people that live in areas of higher deprivation in Scotland during the covid-19 outbreak.

I am committed to ensuring that those people living in Scotland who are affected by Covid-19 receive the support that they need. I have regular conversations with my Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions where I champion the interests of Scotland.

The UK Government is ensuring that people continue to receive their benefits and we continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish Government to support those who need us the most.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
15th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what support his Department is providing to the Scottish tourism industry during the covid-19 pandemic.

Ministers and officials in the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland are in regular contact with Scottish businesses and their representative organisations, including those in the tourism sector.

The UK Government recognises that this is a challenging time for the sector. This is why the Chancellor has committed an unprecedented package of business support. This includes a range of loan schemes, grants, self-employment support and the Job Retention Scheme. Business representative organisations I have talked with have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of the Job Retention Scheme’s extension to October.

In addition, we will continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish Government to support the tourism industry in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
15th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how much funding for covid-19 testing has been allocated from the public purse to Scotland.

Funding for Covid-19 testing is UK-wide. This means Devolved Administrations do not receive a Barnett Consequential on this expenditure, but receive a share of the testing equipment that DHSC procure for the UK. At present, DHSC are providing five testing sites and thirteen mobile testing units in Scotland, which complement the testing activities of NHS Scotland.

Alister Jack
Secretary of State for Scotland
27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will publish all correspondence with Mark Drakeford on a joint and cooperative plan of action to tackle the cost of living crisis in Wales.

It would be inappropriate to publish correspondence between my Department and the First Minister’s Office.

My predecessor had multiple exchanges with the First Minister on the cost of living challenge, and I will ensure that such exchanges will continue.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps he will take what Cabinet colleagues to support people made redundant by the closure of Jehu Group.

I am sorry to hear that the Jehu Group, based in Bridgend with a long history in South Wales, has gone into liquidation. An Official Receiver has been appointed to oversee the winding up of the business.

We offered immediate support for the 106 people who have been made redundant to date through the Department of Work and Pensions Rapid Response Service. A team from the Bridgend Job Centre, working alongside Careers Wales, visited the company the day the closure was announced, and they have offered one-to-one advice and support to all those affected.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on steps to promote the integration of minority communities in Wales.

I was appointed Secretary of State for Wales on Tuesday 25 October. I intend to have a series of meetings with Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities to discuss a variety of issues that are of importance to both Wales and the UK.

As Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, I was delighted to visit the Butetown community centre in Cardiff and saw first-hand the great work they are doing with the funding received from the Windrush Community Fund.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
20th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the registration of births, marriages or civil partnerships during the covid-19 lockdown.

The UK Government meets regularly with the Welsh Government on a wide range of issues. We are all doing whatever it takes to help the UK defeat Coronavirus. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of 23 March regarding measures to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, the Local Registration Service in England and Wales deferred birth registration appointments and notifications of marriages and other ceremonies in line with social distancing guidelines. Plans to reopen these services will be discussed with the Welsh Government.

Simon Hart
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip)