Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Evennett and Lucy Frazer

Tuesday 7th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

May I advise my right hon. and learned Friend that the Government’s step in the Budget last month to cut business rates by 50% for retail, hospitality and leisure companies, which means that 90% of all eligible businesses will see a cut of at least 50%, has been warmly welcomed across my Borough of Bexley? It will help many business to not only survive, but flourish.

[Lucy Frazer]

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for mentioning that. We have business rates relief of almost £1.7 billion next year for retail, hospitality and leisure, which is part of a package of £7 billion over the next five years.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Evennett and Lucy Frazer

Tuesday 14th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

What steps his Department has taken to protect prison staff during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lucy Frazer)]

I take this opportunity to thank our prison staff and those who work in probation for the outstanding job they have done to keep our prisons and those in the community safe. We have taken a range of measures to protect staff from the virus, including reducing the risk of transmission in prisons, led by Public Health England guidance, and making personal protective equipment and testing available. The latest Public Health England advice indicates that the measures we have taken have had a positive impact on limiting the spread of the virus.

[Sir David Evennett [V]]

I thank my hon. and learned Friend for her response and join her in praising prison staff for all the work they have done during this difficult time. What is the plan to continue to protect prison staff as restrictions start to lift and life goes back to near-normal?

[Lucy Frazer]

As my right hon. Friend highlights, as restrictions are lifted in the community, so we need to lift restrictions in prisons, too, but we need to do so cautiously to ensure that we do not increase the risk of infection. Where prisons are starting to open up—for example, to introduce visits—adaptations are being made to ensure that the risk of infection to staff and prisoners is minimised.