Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
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).
Renationalise the NHS, scrap integrated care systems, and end PFI contracts
Gov Responded - 23 Dec 2021 Debated on - 31 Jan 2022 View Ian Byrne's petition debate contributionsWe demand the Government restore England’s publicly funded, publicly provided NHS by reversing all privatising legislation, ending ongoing PFI contracts, and scrapping plans for Integrated Care Systems and for-profit US-style ‘managed care’.
Increase funding for urgent research into devastating motor neurone disease
Gov Responded - 7 Apr 2021 Debated on - 12 Jul 2021 View Ian Byrne's petition debate contributionsWe ask Government to significantly increase targeted research funding for motor neurone disease (MND).
A new investment of £50m over 5 years could kickstart a pioneering MND Research Institute.
This would lead to better, faster and more definitive research outcomes and hope for those with MND.
Protect Retail Workers from Abuse, Threats and Violence.
Gov Responded - 15 Sep 2020 Debated on - 7 Jun 2021 View Ian Byrne's petition debate contributionsEnact 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.
End child food poverty – no child should be going hungry
Gov Responded - 11 Nov 2020 Debated on - 24 May 2021 View Ian Byrne's petition debate contributionsGovernment should support vulnerable children & #endchildfoodpoverty by implementing 3 recommendations from the National Food Strategy to expand access to Free School Meals, provide meals & activities during holidays to stop holiday hunger & increase the value of and expand the Healthy Start scheme
These initiatives were driven by Ian Byrne, 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.
Ian Byrne has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Ian Byrne has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Ian Byrne has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)
Working Time Regulations (Amendment) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Peter Dowd (Lab)
National Eye Health Strategy Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Marsha De Cordova (Lab)
Multi-storey car parks (safety) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Maria Eagle (Lab)
Lithium-ion Battery Storage (Fire Safety and Environmental Permits) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Maria Miller (Con)
Free School Meals (Primary Schools) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Zarah Sultana (Lab)
Clean Air Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)
Planning and Local Representation Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Rachel Hopkins (Lab)
Transport (Disabled Passenger Charter) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Charlotte Nichols (Lab)
Remote Participation in House of Commons Proceedings (Motion) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Dawn Butler (Lab)
Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021
Sponsor - Mary Kelly Foy (Lab)
Public Advocate (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Maria Eagle (Lab)
Pig Husbandry (Farrowing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - David Amess (Con)
Business Standards Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - John McDonnell (Lab)
National Minimum Wage Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Paula Barker (Lab)
Remote Participation in House of Commons Proceedings Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Dawn Butler (Lab)
It is important that those who experience substantial and longer-term menopausal effects should be adequately protected from discrimination in the workplace, and that employers are fully aware of the challenges and their current legal obligations, including under the Equality Act 2010 (the Act).
The government is strengthening guidance that will give a set of clear and simple ‘principles’ that employers would be expected to apply, to support disabled people and those with long term health conditions in the work environment. The guidance could also apply where workers are experiencing symptoms such as those that occur in the menopause. It will be published by the Health and Safety Executive in Autumn 2022.
Depending on circumstances, the Act provides protection from discrimination on grounds of sex and/or age and/or disability for employees experiencing the effects of the menopause. An employee may bring a discrimination claim under more than one of these grounds, which the courts can then consider sequentially, where appropriate.
Ultimately, it is for a person who feels that they have been discriminated against to make a claim against the employer through an Employment Tribunal. As part of this process they are required to make initial contact with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which provides free authoritative and impartial advice to employees/applicants and employers.
The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) also provides free bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination concerns, who feel that they may have suffered unlawful discrimination.
Existing disclosure rules pertain but this is a matter determined by each House of Parliament, not Government.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 7 December is attached.
As the coordinating department for severe weather events, the Cabinet Office undertakes a well-established programme of seasonal weather preparedness with departments and relevant agencies.
Preparation for Winter 2022-23 began in August with the revision of the relevant centrally-held cross-government severe weather response protocol, iterated in light of lessons learned from previous events (e.g. Storm Eunice) and other relevant developments (e.g. the formation of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)). The classified central protocol is co-owned by the Cabinet Office, the Met Office and UKHSA and aligns with the publicly available Cold Weather Plan for England (2022-23), published annually since 2011.
The relevant protocols are exercised every year and disseminated within the response community to ensure coordinated preparedness for winter weather risks and a coherent response should severe weather materialise.
The Cabinet Office remains in regular contact with UKHSA and the Met Office on possible deteriorating weather forecasts and to understand concurrent risks that may require adjustment of thresholds for a centrally-led government response.
UKHSA Cold Health Alerts and the Met Office National Severe Weather Warnings are issued for low temperatures and wintry hazards (respectively) - as is currently the case - sitting alongside targeted public communications outlined in the central protocol.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 31 March is attached.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 31 March is attached.
Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones. The Government remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that these families secure the opportunity to scrutinise the Government’s response to managing the pandemic that they deserve.
The Prime Minister made clear in his statement to this House on 12 May that bereaved families and others will be consulted on the inquiry’s terms of reference before they are finalised.
The Crown Commercial Service engaged with both suppliers prior to the merger to ensure that no unfair competitive advantage over other suppliers can be achieved under the Facilities Management (RM3830) framework agreement. . The Cabinet Office has recently issued guidance that sets out how Central government organisations should use a new Social Value model to take account of the additional social benefits that can be achieved in the delivery of its contracts. The guidance applies to in-scope procurements advertised after 1 January 2021.
Interserve and Mitie have announced a proposed merger of Interserve's Support Services division with Mitie. Interserve and Mitie are both strategic suppliers to the Government, and as such are monitored by the Cabinet Office. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the Competition and Markets Authority investigation of the proposed merger is ongoing.
Interserve and Mitie have announced a proposed merger of Interserve's Support Services division with Mitie. Interserve and Mitie are both strategic suppliers to the Government, and as such are monitored by the Cabinet Office. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the Competition and Markets Authority investigation of the proposed merger is ongoing.
Interserve and Mitie have announced a proposed merger of Interserve's Support Services division with Mitie. Interserve and Mitie are both strategic suppliers to the Government, and as such are monitored by the Cabinet Office. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the Competition and Markets Authority investigation of the proposed merger is ongoing.
The Department’s Impact Assessment, published in July 2023, shows that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could boost UK GDP by around £2.0 billion each and every year when compared to projected GDP in 2040. The Impact Assessment also includes assessments made relating to palm oil, deforestation and loss of habitats. The UK is committed to tackling illegal deforestation within our supply chains, and our agreement to join the CPTPP does not change that.
The report of the independent Trade and Agriculture Commission, published in December 2023, concluded that “it is unlikely that CPTPP will lead to an increase in palm oil being grown on deforested land”.
Decisions on the opening hours of Royal Mail’s customer service points are an operational matter for the business. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s operational or commercial decisions.
The Government does not plan to legislate on proposals relating to people undergoing fertility treatment. Most employers want to be supportive of those who need time off work to attend medical appointments – including IVF. The Government is pleased to note that a range of organisations have all signed the Workplace Fertility Pledge, supporting individuals and couples going through fertility treatment. The Acas guidance on managing pregnancy and maternity includes a section on IVF.
The Government does not plan to legislate on proposals relating to people undergoing fertility treatment. Most employers want to be supportive of those who need time off work to attend medical appointments – including IVF. The Government is pleased to note that a range of organisations have all signed the Workplace Fertility Pledge, supporting individuals and couples going through fertility treatment. The Acas guidance on managing pregnancy and maternity includes a section on IVF.
The Government does not plan to legislate on proposals relating to people undergoing fertility treatment. Most employers want to be supportive of those who need time off work to attend medical appointments – including IVF. The Government is pleased to note that a range of organisations have all signed the Workplace Fertility Pledge, supporting individuals and couples going through fertility treatment. The Acas guidance on managing pregnancy and maternity includes a section on IVF.
The Government does not plan to legislate on proposals relating to people undergoing fertility treatment. Most employers want to be supportive of those who need time off work to attend medical appointments – including IVF. The Government is pleased to note that a range of organisations have all signed the Workplace Fertility Pledge, supporting individuals and couples going through fertility treatment. The Acas guidance on managing pregnancy and maternity includes a section on IVF.
The Government does not plan to legislate on proposals relating to people undergoing fertility treatment. Most employers want to be supportive of those who need time off work to attend medical appointments – including IVF. The Government is pleased to note that a range of organisations have all signed the Workplace Fertility Pledge, supporting individuals and couples going through fertility treatment. The Acas guidance on managing pregnancy and maternity includes a section on IVF.
The Government keeps under continual review the financial support it provides for the differing energy needs within different communities and prioritises support for the most vulnerable.
Last winter the government paid around half of the typical household's energy Bill. And going into this winter, The Government has in place multiple schemes to support households with energy costs. These include the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, Disability Cost of Living Payment and the Cost-of-Living Payment for those on means tested benefits which has increased from up to £650 in 2022/2023 to £900 in 2023/2024.
Additionally, the default tariff price cap and Energy Price Guarantee will continue work together to protect consumers as the EPG will remain in place as a safety net until March 2024 should wholesale prices increase significantly during this period.
As set out in the 2022 Autumn Statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms.
The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.
As set out in the 2022 Autumn Statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms.
The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.
I have had regular meetings with energy suppliers, charities – including disability charities - and other external organisations in recent months on a range of consumer and affordability issues, including the energy needs of households that include a disabled person.
We recognise the cost-of-living challenges families, including those with disabled family members, are facing and in response last winter we launched a package of support for households and businesses, spending £40 billion and paying around half a typical household’s energy bill last winter.
Since last winter, the outlook for energy prices has improved significantly. The Q4 2023 price cap of £1,834 has more than halved compared to the Q1 2023 price cap which stood at a high of £4,279, which is good news for households who have seen their energy bills come down. The Energy Price Guarantee will remain in place as a safety net until the end of March 2024, should energy prices increase significantly during this period.
Additionally, the Government is providing further cost of living support to vulnerable households, including a £900 payment for those on means-tested benefits and an extra £150 for people on an eligible disability benefit.
The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review, including with respect to the most vulnerable households.
In response to higher prices, we have put in place the Energy Price Guarantee and provided significant help to those who need it most through this winter and into 2023-24, including an additional Cost of Living Payment of up to £900 for households on eligible means-tested benefits split into 3 payments and payments through the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments.
The Autumn Statement set out a commitment to work with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach to consumer protection from April 2024, including options such as social tariffs, as part of wider retail market reforms.
Officials are considering the options and proactively discussing these with stakeholders. As part of this work, the Government is working with disability organisations, assessing the need for specific support for disabled people including families with disabled children. The Government will set out its position when this assessment is complete.
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, is responsible for the regulation of public call boxes (PCBs). Under the telephony universal service obligation (USO), providers such as BT and KCOM are required to provide telephony services throughout the UK, including PCBs. BT is required to ensure the adequate provision, repair and maintenance of PCBs. Ofcom’s rules and regulations regarding PCBs can be found on Ofcom’s website.
As Ofcom is responsible for monitoring this requirement of telecoms companies, DSIT has not had recent discussions on this matter.
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, is responsible for the regulation of public call boxes (PCBs). Under the telephony universal service obligation (USO), providers such as BT and KCOM are required to provide telephony services throughout the UK, including PCBs. BT is required to ensure the adequate provision, repair and maintenance of PCBs. Ofcom’s rules and regulations regarding PCBs can be found on Ofcom’s website.
As Ofcom is responsible for monitoring this requirement of telecoms companies, DSIT has not had recent discussions on this matter.
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, is responsible for the regulation of public call boxes (PCBs). Under the telephony universal service obligation (USO), providers such as BT and KCOM are required to provide telephony services throughout the UK, including PCBs. BT is required to ensure the adequate provision, repair and maintenance of PCBs. Ofcom’s rules and regulations regarding PCBs can be found on Ofcom’s website.
As Ofcom is responsible for monitoring this requirement of telecoms companies, DSIT has not had recent discussions on this matter.
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, is responsible for the regulation of public call boxes (PCBs). Under the telephony universal service obligation (USO), communication providers (CPs) such as BT and KCOM are required to provide telephony services throughout the UK, including PCBs. Ofcom have told us that they do not hold data on the number of PCBs removed by city or country.
In June 2022, Ofcom amended the rules regarding the removal of PCBs. Ofcom removed the local veto process and replaced it with a set of strengthened criteria which would ensure PCBs that are still needed are protected from removal. In this way, the removal of PCBs would become more efficient, while protecting the public’s needs. These criteria protect PCBs where:
If a public call box that is the last at a site does not meet any of these four criteria, CPs can consult with the relevant local authority on removing it. CPs must still take account of any views and evidence received from this consultation before deciding whether to remove the box.
Public call boxes that are not the last at a site can be removed by BT and KCOM without consultation.
The setting of energy tariffs is a commercial matter for suppliers, within the confines of the energy price cap and the subsidy applied under the Energy Price Guarantee. The EPG is part of the significant package of support the Government has put in place to help all households, and in particular vulnerable households, with the cost of living.
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has not made an assessment of the likelihood of an increase in the uptake of log burning technology to heat households.
The Department has regular discussions with Royal Mail on a wide range of issues. Industrial relations are a matter for Royal Mail and its workforce and their representatives and the Government encourages Royal Mail and its unions to reach an amicable agreement and in order to avoid disruption to businesses and consumers.
His Majesty’s Government recognises that, while millions of people gamble online without experiencing problems, for some it becomes an addiction with serious consequences. The white paper, published in April this year, outlines a balanced and proportionate package of measures.
The white paper’s proposals are targeted to protect those most at risk of gambling addiction or suffering catastrophic losses, while having minimal impact on the freedoms of the large majority of gamblers. For example, financial risk checks will be frictionless checks and based on data sharing, and only apply to only the very highest spenders. Proposed changes to game design rules will only impact the most intense products and not how most people ordinarily play, and the proposed data sharing between operators is only for those showing strong indicators of harm. “Casual gamblers” will also benefit from a number of the reforms, such as the new ombudsman to provide redress when things go wrong, greater control over the gambling marketing they receive, and reforms to support the land-based sector. Where proposals have been subject to consultation, we and the Gambling Commission are considering all responses carefully, including from gamblers not suffering harm.
We are also taking strong action to tackle illegal gambling alongside our reforms to the licensed sector. The Gambling Commission has been engaging with internet search and service providers to delist illegal operators and restrict access, working with payment providers and financial institutions to cut illegal operators off from payments, and working with software providers to prevent access to popular products and games. Furthermore, as we committed in the white paper, we are legislating through the recently introduced Criminal Justice Bill to give the Gambling Commission tough new powers to tackle criminal gambling websites.
"DCMS recognise that these are extremely challenging times for freelancers, and understand the crucial role they play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. We are working hard to ensure that we help to provide financial support to freelancers during this period.
On 5 July, DCMS announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of sectors, including performing arts and theatres, museums and galleries, heritage sites, live music venues and independent cinema.
As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be more able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunities for freelancers. Each organisation that receives money will know what best they can do to support their workforce, including their freelance workforce.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has also been extended with applications opening in August for a second and final grant. The grant will operate in the same way as the existing scheme with self-employed workers eligible for a single payment covering three months, at a level of 70% of average monthly earnings up to a maximum of £6,570 (i.e. down from 80% and a maximum of £7,500).
Alongside this funding, ACE have announced £95m of additional support for individuals, which can include freelancers. This involves things such as an additional £75m in project grants. These will be focused on applications that maximise employment opportunities and those from under-represented groups and freelancers are eligible to apply to this directly. National Portfolio Organisations can also apply to create new work with bids that create employment opportunities prioritised. A further round of the ACE programme ‘Discover Your Creative Practice’ will also open in the autumn, which will make approximately £18m available for individuals looking to develop new creative skills that will help them to further develop their career. ACE will also be adding £2m into relevant benevolent funds to support those less well supported by the programmes outlined above, including stage managers and technicians
Currently, DCMS are working to aid sector reopening, and support organisations who are in need of financial support due to the coronavirus pandemic. We are tracking the public health situation and scientific guidance closely in order to ensure we are able to support sectors using clear guidelines. Should the scientific guidance change in the future, or the coronavirus situation worsen, we will continue to work through what guidance and support is necessary to support our vital arts and creative sectors.
From the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund we have held back £258m in reserve to provide us with flexibility to respond to the path of covid-19 and its impact. The Government will conduct a Spending Review this year and all decisions regarding funding for future financial years will be considered at that event.
DCMS recognise that these are extremely challenging times for freelancers, and understand the crucial role they play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. We are working hard to ensure that we help to provide financial support to freelancers during this period.
On 5 July, DCMS announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of sectors, including performing arts and theatres, museums and galleries, heritage sites, live music venues and independent cinema.
As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be more able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunities for freelancers. Each organisation that receives money will know what best they can do to support their workforce, including their freelance workforce.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has also been extended with applications opening in August for a second and final grant. The grant will operate in the same way as the existing scheme with self-employed workers eligible for a single payment covering three months, at a level of 70% of average monthly earnings up to a maximum of £6,570 (i.e. down from 80% and a maximum of £7,500).
Alongside this funding, ACE have announced £95m of additional support for individuals, which can include freelancers. This involves things such as an additional £75m in project grants. These will be focused on applications that maximise employment opportunities and those from under-represented groups and freelancers are eligible to apply to this directly. National Portfolio Organisations can also apply to create new work with bids that create employment opportunities prioritised. A further round of the ACE programme ‘Discover Your Creative Practice’ will also open in the autumn, which will make approximately £18m available for individuals looking to develop new creative skills that will help them to further develop their career. ACE will also be adding £2m into relevant benevolent funds to support those less well supported by the programmes outlined above, including stage managers and technicians.
DCMS recognise that these are extremely challenging times for freelancers, and understand the crucial role they play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. We are working hard to ensure that we help to provide financial support to freelancers during this period.
On 5 July, DCMS announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of sectors, including performing arts and theatres, museums and galleries, heritage sites, live music venues and independent cinema.
As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be more able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunities for freelancers. Each organisation that receives money will know what best they can do to support their workforce, including their freelance workforce.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has also been extended with applications opening in August for a second and final grant. The grant will operate in the same way as the existing scheme with self-employed workers eligible for a single payment covering three months, at a level of 70% of average monthly earnings up to a maximum of £6,570 (i.e. down from 80% and a maximum of £7,500).
Alongside this funding, ACE have announced £95m of additional support for individuals, which can include freelancers. This involves things such as an additional £75m in project grants. These will be focused on applications that maximise employment opportunities and those from under-represented groups and freelancers are eligible to apply to this directly. National Portfolio Organisations can also apply to create new work with bids that create employment opportunities prioritised. A further round of the ACE programme ‘Discover Your Creative Practice’ will also open in the autumn, which will make approximately £18m available for individuals looking to develop new creative skills that will help them to further develop their career. ACE will also be adding £2m into relevant benevolent funds to support those less well supported by the programmes outlined above, including stage managers and technicians.
Organisations in receipt of funding will be expected to demonstrate progress in diversity and outreach over the coming years in return for this investment into their futures.
All successful applicants will be required to participate in a post-programme evaluation and to comply with proportionate progress reporting and monitoring arrangements.
On 5 July, the Government announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. In order to receive support, organisations will need to demonstrate that they are at risk in this financial year and have done all they can to exhaust other options. Guidance published by Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund sets out further details on eligibility requirements for the package.
While we would like this investment to go as far as it can in spreading support across the country, funding will not be available for every organisation. As such, the delivery bodies will be prioritising institutions of national and international significance and those that are crucial to levelling up places and communities and economic growth across the country. As part of that, we are ensuring that funding is distributed fairly, and that smaller organisations and cultural venues that are at the centre of their communities are protected.
On 5 July, the Government announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. Guidance has been published by Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for applicants to the Culture Recovery Grants application rounds, and by Arts Council England for applicants to the Repayable Finance Scheme. Further details on eligibility and application processes are available in the published guidance.
This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of sectors, with one of our core objectives being to support the cultural organisations that are crucial to places across the whole country. We will ensure that funding is distributed fairly, and that smaller organisations and cultural venues that are at the centre of their communities are protected.
We also recognise the crucial role that individuals play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be more able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunities for freelancers.
On 5 July, the Government announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. Guidance has been published by Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for applicants to the Culture Recovery Grants application rounds, and by Arts Council England for applicants to the Repayable Finance Scheme. Further details on eligibility and application processes are available in the published guidance.
This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of sectors, with one of our core objectives being to support the cultural organisations that are crucial to places across the whole country. We will ensure that funding is distributed fairly, and that smaller organisations and cultural venues that are at the centre of their communities are protected.
We also recognise the crucial role that individuals play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be more able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunities for freelancers.
This government has extended Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility several times and to more groups of children than any other government over the past half a century. Around 2 million pupils are currently eligible for benefits-related FSM. Close to 1.3 million additional infants receive free and nutritious meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy. Taken together, over one third of pupils are receiving free meals.
The department invests over £1 billion in support of these policies. Schools are currently funded at £480 per eligible pupil per year as a factor value within the National Funding Formula. This is increasing to £490 in 2024/25. For UIFSM, schools receive £2.53 per meal per child. This was uplifted from £2.41 for the current academic year. Further Education institutions have received the same uplift.
In setting an income threshold for FSM, the government’s judgement is that the current level enables the most disadvantaged children to benefit while remaining affordable and deliverable for schools and the taxpayer. It is right that provision is aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, those out of work, or those on the lowest incomes. The department does not have any plans to further extend provision at this time. The department will keep FSM eligibility under review to ensure that these meals are supporting those who need them most. The department facilitates this by working with other government departments to monitor the cost of living and impact on disadvantaged families and considering a wide range of evidence, including findings produced by the Child Poverty Action Group. In addition to this, the department regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders including school leaders, pupils and catering organisations.
This government has extended Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility several times and to more groups of children than any other government over the past half a century. Around 2 million pupils are currently eligible for benefits-related FSM. Close to 1.3 million additional infants receive free and nutritious meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy. Taken together, over one third of pupils are receiving free meals.
The department invests over £1 billion in support of these policies. Schools are currently funded at £480 per eligible pupil per year as a factor value within the National Funding Formula. This is increasing to £490 in 2024/25. For UIFSM, schools receive £2.53 per meal per child. This was uplifted from £2.41 for the current academic year. Further Education institutions have received the same uplift.
In setting an income threshold for FSM, the government’s judgement is that the current level enables the most disadvantaged children to benefit while remaining affordable and deliverable for schools and the taxpayer. It is right that provision is aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, those out of work, or those on the lowest incomes. The department does not have any plans to further extend provision at this time. The department will keep FSM eligibility under review to ensure that these meals are supporting those who need them most. The department facilitates this by working with other government departments to monitor the cost of living and impact on disadvantaged families and considering a wide range of evidence, including findings produced by the Child Poverty Action Group. In addition to this, the department regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders including school leaders, pupils and catering organisations.
This government has extended Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility several times and to more groups of children than any other government over the past half a century. Around 2 million pupils are currently eligible for benefits-related FSM. Close to 1.3 million additional infants receive free and nutritious meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy. Taken together, over one third of pupils are receiving free meals.
The department invests over £1 billion in support of these policies. Schools are currently funded at £480 per eligible pupil per year as a factor value within the National Funding Formula. This is increasing to £490 in 2024/25. For UIFSM, schools receive £2.53 per meal per child. This was uplifted from £2.41 for the current academic year. Further Education institutions have received the same uplift.
In setting an income threshold for FSM, the government’s judgement is that the current level enables the most disadvantaged children to benefit while remaining affordable and deliverable for schools and the taxpayer. It is right that provision is aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, those out of work, or those on the lowest incomes. The department does not have any plans to further extend provision at this time. The department will keep FSM eligibility under review to ensure that these meals are supporting those who need them most. The department facilitates this by working with other government departments to monitor the cost of living and impact on disadvantaged families and considering a wide range of evidence, including findings produced by the Child Poverty Action Group. In addition to this, the department regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders including school leaders, pupils and catering organisations.
This government has extended Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility several times and to more groups of children than any other government over the past half a century. Around 2 million pupils are currently eligible for benefits-related FSM. Close to 1.3 million additional infants receive free and nutritious meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy. Taken together, over one third of pupils are receiving free meals.
The department invests over £1 billion in support of these policies. Schools are currently funded at £480 per eligible pupil per year as a factor value within the National Funding Formula. This is increasing to £490 in 2024/25. For UIFSM, schools receive £2.53 per meal per child. This was uplifted from £2.41 for the current academic year. Further Education institutions have received the same uplift.
In setting an income threshold for FSM, the government’s judgement is that the current level enables the most disadvantaged children to benefit while remaining affordable and deliverable for schools and the taxpayer. It is right that provision is aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, those out of work, or those on the lowest incomes. The department does not have any plans to further extend provision at this time. The department will keep FSM eligibility under review to ensure that these meals are supporting those who need them most. The department facilitates this by working with other government departments to monitor the cost of living and impact on disadvantaged families and considering a wide range of evidence, including findings produced by the Child Poverty Action Group. In addition to this, the department regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders including school leaders, pupils and catering organisations.