Jeff Smith

The Department has been engaging with stakeholders and suppliers to increase the uptake of traditional prepayment vouchers in GB and continues to work with the sector, as well as consumer groups, charities and local leaders to reach eligible customers with unused vouchers that have not yet benefitted from this support.

This includes ongoing government information campaigns to raise awareness via roaming advert vans, community radio, social media and national magazine titles.

The latest figures published in March indicate that in the first five months of the scheme 78% of issued vouchers were redeemed.

In December, the Secretary of State wrote to all relevant electricity suppliers and Ministers have chaired two roundtables with CEOs of suppliers providing traditional prepayment meters on 7 December and 25 January. I intend to host a further roundtable with these suppliers. The Department continues to work with stakeholders to ensure every effort is made to reach all eligible households.

The latest figures published in March indicate that in the first five months of the scheme, 78% of issued vouchers were redeemed.

Reporting to the three months to December 31st 2022 shows an estimated 8,170 Energy Bills Support Scheme traditional prepayment meter vouchers were issued to households in Manchester Withington, with 5,930 (73%) of these redeemed. October and November vouchers were valued at £66 and the December voucher at £67 meaning the 2,240 unredeemed vouchers have a value of approximately £150,000. Transparency data on Energy Bills Support Scheme GB payments made by electricity suppliers to customers is reported monthly and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-payments-made-by-electricity-suppliers-to-customers.

The Local Energy Programme launched in 2017 is supporting Local Authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the clean energy economy. BEIS has allocated £500k directly to Greater Manchester Combined Authority since 2017 to develop innovative business models?(for decarbonisation)?and public sector leadership (for climate change and zero carbon targets) in support of their 2038 target, which are then shared with other Local Authorities. We are currently working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority on innovative technologies and local energy market approaches to accelerate Manchester’s progress towards net-zero, and to make the city an international leader in the transition to clean energy systems

The regulatory price control for Distribution Network Operators is by law a matter for Ofgem, the independent energy regulator. Since the start of the last price control (RIIO ED1) in 2015, around £270m of innovation funding has been allocated to Distribution Network Operators, which is already supporting the move to net zero. In their Decarbonisation Action Plan (link to Plan here), Ofgem stated that they would be ‘reviewing the way our energy systems are managed to ensure they are fit for a net-zero future’. BEIS is working with Ofgem to ensure that Net Zero innovation and new technologies can assist network operators to meet increased consumer demand for low carbon energy sources.

The safety of all players participating in football matches is a priority for the government.

Prior to the start of the 2022/23 football season, the Premier League and English Football League publicised that any fan entering the pitch would be banned by the club they support for a minimum period of one year. These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in these activities. These measures are in addition to the existing Football Banning Order regime which can be imposed by a court for a football-related offence, including entering the pitch.

The government will continue to work with the police and football authorities to review all forms of fan disorder at football matches.

Since the UK’s exit from the European Union, the government’s priority has been for people from Europe and beyond to be able to visit and enjoy the UK and for the tourism industry to thrive.The continuing desirability of English language skills drives the UK’s soft power on the world stage.

The Tourism Recovery Plan recognises educational travel as an important part of the visitor economy and highlights the 2021 updates to the International Education Strategy, which sets out how we will promote English Language Training in the UK.

There were 35,700 UK jobs supported by English Language Training in 2018, and this industry provided £1.4 billion GVA to the UK economy.

Since the UK’s exit from the European Union, the government’s priority has been for people from Europe and beyond to be able to visit and enjoy the UK and for the tourism industry to thrive.The continuing desirability of English language skills drives the UK’s soft power on the world stage.

The Tourism Recovery Plan recognises educational travel as an important part of the visitor economy and highlights the 2021 updates to the International Education Strategy, which sets out how we will promote English Language Training in the UK.

There were 35,700 UK jobs supported by English Language Training in 2018, and this industry provided £1.4 billion GVA to the UK economy.

The Government has noted a growing market of partnerships between sports bodies and crypto asset businesses.

The variety of crypto asset products is wide and evolving. We have always encouraged innovation in sports markets but this must be done with the interests of fans in mind and must be transparent on risks.

The Government is committed to the recovery of the tourism industry in the UK and has been working towards the objectives set out in the Tourism Recovery Plan.

The Government will provide the DCMS Select Committee with an annual update on the progress of the Tourism Recovery Plan and the tourism industry more generally as it recovers.

The first annual report is forthcoming and we will update on all of the objectives set out in the Tourism Recovery Plan in due course.

The Government is committed to the recovery of the tourism industry in the UK and has been working towards the objectives set out in the Tourism Recovery Plan.

The Government will provide the DCMS Select Committee with an annual update on the progress of the Tourism Recovery Plan and the tourism industry more generally as it recovers.

The first annual report is forthcoming and we will update on all of the objectives set out in the Tourism Recovery Plan in due course.

As it is England’s National Tourist Board, with the statutory responsibility for growing tourism at an England level, VisitEngland will be responsible for administering and evaluating the funding model pilot in the chosen area. VisitEngland will work closely with the regional pilot to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of funded activities and the multi-year funding model.

The Government will provide VisitEngland with additional funding to carry out this leadership role. The Government has allocated a budget of up to £4 million across the 2022-2025 Spending Review period. Any future funding will be considered as part of the next Spending Review.

The Government will choose a region based on the following criteria, which were published in the government response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs):

• DMOs in the region will have accredited national portfolio status;

• the region has a DMO landscape that lacks structures and has gaps in coverage;

• the region geographically offers coastal, urban and natural environments;

• the region is able to demonstrate a growing business and events offer;

• the region is able to demonstrate strong potential to support Levelling Up, through alignment with existing or planned Devolution Deals;

• the region is able to demonstrate close working across DMOs, local authorities and the private sector;

• the region is able to demonstrate evidence of visitor economy growth potential, this includes opportunities for improvement in tourism products such as attractions and transport links;

• the region is able to demonstrate product development opportunities; and

• the region is able to demonstrate potential to grow visitor numbers and spend.

In its response to the independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), the government has committed to pilot the proposed tiering model and the recommendation of multi-year core funding in a region of England.

The Government is currently working with VisitEngland to assess regions of England for the pilot based on the published criteria in its response to the DMO Review. The Government is aiming to announce the pilot area and launch the pilot this year.

The Independent Review of the Future of Women's Football will be supported by a Secretariat of officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Football Association, with use of additional resources as appropriate.

The Independent Chair of the Women’s Football Review will be supported by a Secretariat of officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Football Association.

A full report is expected to be published early next year, with the government formally responding shortly afterwards.

The themes of the Future of Women’s Football Review explore a range of opportunities within the women’s game. These were developed and informed by the findings of the Fan Led Review, conversations with industry experts, and in consultation with the Review Chair.

Women’s football has developed at pace in recent years, and the success of the Lionesses at the Euros highlighted that. As we celebrate that success, we must ensure that we use these foundations to secure a long lasting and sustainable future for the women’s game.

As noted in the Growth Plan 2022, the UK has world leading creative industries, and one of the UK’s structural economic strengths is the soft power that derives from our cultural exports. The Creative Industries Sector Vision will set out our ambition to stimulate the growth of creative businesses across the UK through to 2030. We will publish it in due course.

Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) have the power to drive investment for new visitor attractions, bring in more visitors from around the world, and boost the local visitor economy.

For DMOs to reach their full potential, however, we need to address long-running concerns about the structure, funding and fragmentation of England’s DMO landscape. This is why I asked Nick de Bois (Chair of VisitEngland’s Advisory Board) to conduct a detailed review of England’s DMO landscape last year.

Mr de Bois’ independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) review was published in September 2021. We aim to publish the official Government response to the review before the house rises for summer recess.

I am absolutely committed to supporting women's sport at every opportunity including raising its visibility in the media.

Earlier this year I wrote to sport rights holders and broadcasters about adding further women’s sports events to the listed events regime. I will be announcing the outcome of this re-consultation shortly.

We have been clear that we would speak with Chelsea to understand what is needed to allow upcoming games to be played to minimise the impact on the Leagues, other competitions, the wider football pyramid and fans. These conversations are ongoing. The continuance of activities at Stamford Bridge not covered by the licence would be for the stadium management to confirm.

We have been clear that we would speak with Chelsea to understand what is needed to allow upcoming games to be played to minimise the impact on the Leagues, other competitions, the wider football pyramid and fans. These conversations are ongoing. The continuance of activities at Stamford Bridge not covered by the licence would be for the stadium management to confirm.

The Government recognises the vital role that civil society plays in levelling up. Charities, social enterprises and volunteers are already working up and down the country, delivering real impact in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the UK.

The Levelling Up White Paper sets the government’s plans to level up communities, including a new Strategy for Community Spaces and Relationships jointly led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ (DLUHC). As part of this work, we are committed to listening to civil society organisations and engaging with the most disconnected communities. Officials in DCMS and DLUHC are increasing their engagement with civil society and community stakeholders to understand the best way to achieve this.

We regularly engage with sector representatives to understand challenges and opportunities facing the sector, as does the Fundraising Regulator and the Charity Commission. The Charity Commission also works with relevant partners, including government, the banking sector, and the charity sector to discuss a range of banking issues faced by charities.

To date, DCMS has not received representations about the immediate risk to the sector of branch closures. However, we are aware of the longer term pressures that a move towards a cashless society will create for some in the sector. The government is keen to engage on this issue with the sector and regulators.

Gambling operators advertising in the UK must abide by the advertising codes issued by the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP). A wide range of provisions in these codes are designed to protect children. For example, gambling adverts must not be targeted at children or feature content which appeals particularly to them. Further detail about the codes and their scope can be found at: https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/advertising-codes.html. The Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising requires that operators ensure their logos do not appear on commercial merchandise which is designed for children, which includes replica football shirts in children’s sizes.

The government launched its Review of the Gambling Act 2005 on 8th December with the publication of a Call for Evidence. This closed on 31 March and received approximately 16,000 submissions from a broad range of interested organisations and individuals. As part of the wide scope of that Review, we called for evidence on the benefits or harms of allowing operators to advertise and engage in sponsorship arrangements, with a specific focus on impacts on children and young people, and we are considering the evidence carefully.

Gambling operators advertising in the UK must abide by the advertising codes issued by the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP). A wide range of provisions in these codes are designed to protect children. For example, gambling adverts must not be targeted at children or feature content which appeals particularly to them. Further detail about the codes and their scope can be found at: https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/advertising-codes.html. The Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising requires that operators ensure their logos do not appear on commercial merchandise which is designed for children, which includes replica football shirts in children’s sizes.

The government launched its Review of the Gambling Act 2005 on 8th December with the publication of a Call for Evidence. This closed on 31 March and received approximately 16,000 submissions from a broad range of interested organisations and individuals. As part of the wide scope of that Review, we called for evidence on the benefits or harms of allowing operators to advertise and engage in sponsorship arrangements, with a specific focus on impacts on children and young people, and we are considering the evidence carefully.

Of the almost 2800 individual organisations that received funding through the Culture Recovery Fund recovery grant funding in round 1, we estimate over 1300 applied for and received funding as part of the second round.

The most up-to-date data available on the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund shows:

(a) 32 successful nightclub applicants

(b) 214 successful live music venue applicants

(c) 100 successful festivals applicants

(d) 230 supply chain applicants

A number of live music venues also offer club nights, but are only counted in the live music venue statistics. In addition, the data for successful supply chain applicants includes those working across the whole of the arts and creative sectors.

The government has committed to reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 to ensure that it is fit for the digital age. Further details will be announced in due course.

As set out in the answer to Question 118541, ministers have met with a range of stakeholders ahead of the Gambling Act Review. Details of ministerial meetings are published quarterly on the government’s website at: https://www.gov.uk/search/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases?content_store_document_type=transparency&organisations%5B%5D=department-for-digital-culture-media-sport.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport engages regularly with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the UK’s independent regulator of advertising, including on matters relating to gambling advertising. The ASA is currently consulting on proposed changes to the advertising codes aimed at further restricting the potential for gambling adverts to appeal to children or vulnerable people.

As part of our continued engagement with our sectors, myself and my officials have spoken to many organisations in the arts and culture sectors directly, as well as with our arms-length bodies and sector representatives.

Through this engagement we know that the capacity needed to make a profit varies not just between the sub-sectors, but also between individual organisations and on an even more granular level, depending on what those organisations programme. These considerations, as well as costs relating to staffing, fixed costs, maintenance, production costs, and loans, also impact upon the size of a possible finance gap an organisation may have when considering when and whether to reopen.

We are committed to getting the performing arts sector fully back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so. It is a priority of my department to work with the arts and cultural sectors to address the challenges of reopening. We have released guidance to support the performing arts sector resume activity in line with the roadmap announced by the Secretary of State for Culture last month.

We recognise that these are incredibly challenging times for the music industry and broader culture sector. As well as supporting them through an unprecedented package of Government support for businesses and individuals, DCMS has made available a £160m Emergency Funding Package via Arts Council England, made possible by Government funding.

We are working hard with the sectors to consider the additional support that may be needed to support the long-term recovery of the sector.

No such estimates have been made. However, we appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the Creative Industries which is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

To ensure we are assisting the sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the Creative Industries. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading media and Creative Industries.

No such estimates have been made. However, we appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the Creative Industries which is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

To ensure we are assisting the sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the Creative Industries. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading media and Creative Industries.

We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the arts, music and other festivals, which is why the government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

DCMS is engaging with a range of departments to support the economic response, and ensuring that the needs of its sectors, and those who work in them, are fully understood. DCMS will continue to work with these valuable sectors to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery.

No such estimates have been made. However, we appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the Creative Industries which is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

To ensure we are assisting the sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the Creative Industries. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading media and Creative Industries.

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. Businesses and workers may benefit from the range of support measures including:

• The Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme to support employers with 80% of workers’ salaries up to £2,500 a month.

• The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme which provides eligible freelance workers with up to £2,500 per month in grants for at least three months.

• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme provide significant access to cash for eligible businesses in need.

• The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is a fast-track finance scheme designed to support small businesses.

The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support

In addition to the support packages highlighted, DCMS has also worked with its arms-length bodies on a range of measures to help our sectors:

• Arts Council England is making £160 million of emergency funding available.

• Sport England have launched an economic package of £210m to support the grassroots and community sport sector.

• The National Lottery Heritage Fund announced a £50m Heritage Emergency Fund.

• Historic England have announced a £2million programme of grants to support smaller, specialist organisations and projects.

• Releasing emergency funding to help community radio stations continue to provide programming and outreach projects for the communities they serve. Relevant stations were invited to bid for emergency grants to help meet their core costs through a process administered by Ofcom.

The Government’s economic strategy will be closely coordinated with the public health strategy to ensure a safe return to economic activity. We will continue to monitor developments to understand the economic impacts of COVID-19, including on industries and sectors, and consider how the Government can best support their recovery.

The Government is committed to improving air quality in the UK and has provided £572 million to support the development and implementation of required measures by local authorities. This includes a Clean Air Fund that is aimed at mitigating the impact of local plans on individuals and businesses including sole traders.

We are mindful of the challenges of delivering a clean air plan across Greater Manchester and the need to support individuals and businesses that may be affected by the resulting charging Clean Air Zone (CAZ). We have provided at this stage a first tranche of £36 million towards implementing the CAZ and intend to provide further funding, both for implementation and for mitigating the impacts of the CAZ, from the Clean Air Fund, once we have a clearer picture of the scale of need based on our assessment of additional evidence being provided by Greater Manchester.

The Government is committed to improving air quality. That is why £572 million is already available to support local authorities implement a range of clean air measures to deliver compliance with NO₂ levels, including Clean Air Zones. I am considering what future support is needed to deliver Government priorities via a range of clean air measures. I will discuss Defra’s Budget proposals with the Chancellor in due course.

Highways England was initially asked to look at 101 sections of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) based on the Government’s national air quality model, which had identified potential exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) limit values on those sections of the SRN.

Following completion of this work by Highways England, a number of links were confirmed as above the annual mean NO₂ limit value. Investigations of possible mitigation measures for these links identified four sections of motorway where reducing the speed limit to 60mph could help reduce levels of NO₂. Those sections were:

• M6 junctions 6 to 7 Witton
• M1 junctions 33 to 34 Rotherham
• M602 junctions 1 to 3 Eccles
• M5 junctions 1 to 2 Oldbury.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated reduced traffic flows, Highways England has temporarily removed the 60mph air quality speed limit trials that were already in place on the M6 and M1. Highways England will recommence the speed limit trials when traffic flows are above 85% of their pre-COVID lockdown levels.

Within the Greater Manchester area the government has provided funding of £14,390,042 to deliver electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure under the Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme, alongside £1,800,000 to Transport for Greater Manchester to deliver 30 rapid chargepoints dedicated for Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles.

Last week, the government announced we are going further and faster to decarbonise transport by phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, and, from 2035, all new cars and vans must be zero emissions at the tailpipe. This ambitious transition will be supported by an accompanying package of £2.8 billion, which includes £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure. Local authorities, businesses and motorists purchasing an eligible plug-in vehicle can apply for a grant to contribute towards the costs of the electric vehicle charging points. This is in addition to the £400 million Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, which leverages private sector funding to increase the number of chargepoints installed across the UK.

The government is going further and faster to decarbonise transport by phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, and, from 2035, all new cars and vans must be zero emissions at the tailpipe. This ambitious transition will be supported by an accompanying package of £2.8 billion. The government has committed up to £1 billion to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains, including developing gigafactories in the UK to produce the batteries needed at scale. The government will invest £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure, targeting support on rapid charge points on motorways and major roads to dash any anxiety around long journeys, and installing more on-street charge points near homes and workplaces to make charging as easy as refuelling a petrol or diesel car. While we expect the cost of electric vehicles to come down, the government will provide £582 million to extend the plug-in car, van, taxi and motorcycle grants to 2022–23 to reduce their up-front cost. The government has also ensured that a favourable tax regime has been put in place that rewards the cleanest vehicles on our roads.

The government has no plans to ban internal combustion engine vehicles. On 18 November, as part of his Ten Point Plan, the Prime Minister announced that we will end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, with all new cars and vans being fully zero emission from 2035.

This will not affect the second-hand car market.

The following depicts the profile of colleagues based at Manchester Chorlton Graeme House:

Age – 2.4% aged 16-24, 16.1% aged 25-34, 17.1% aged 35-44, 28.9% aged 45-54, 31.1% aged 55-64, 4.4% aged 65+.

Race – 22.2% of colleagues are from ethnic minorities

Gender – 45.5% male, 54.5% female

Disability – 16.6% of colleagues have declared a disability

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19^th January to question number 104377.

The Department is working across Government on proposals, including potential legislative options, following the evaluation. I remain committed to implementing the key areas identified in the evaluation, changing the 6-month wait, improving awareness and consistency.

Ministers and officials of both Departments hold regular discussions relating to the ongoing covid-19 outbreak including its impact on people with health conditions.

My Department has provided mental health training for staff who have direct contact with claimants, including all Work Coaches, to equip them to identify mental wellbeing issues or vulnerabilities, and to take appropriate action to support individuals. Work Coaches will tailor support to the needs of the individual and work closely with local organisations that provide additional specialist support.

Information on the average time to lapse an appeal is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

On 6 December 2021, the Government published a long-term drugs strategy, ‘From harm to hope’, in response to Dame Carol Black’s review. The strategy accepts all of the review’s recommendations, including improving research. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has identified a number of research projects which are being commissioned through the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). The first project began in August 2022, which will examine drug use within minority ethnic groups.

Additionally, the Office for Life Sciences are implementing an 'addiction healthcare mission', with an investment of £30 million over three years. The mission aims to enhance the United Kingdom’s research environment, encourage innovative treatments and technologies to support recovery and reduce the harm and deaths these addictions cause. The Department and the Joint Combating Drugs Unit have also launched a new £5 million innovation fund with the NIHR. This will develop and evaluate innovative pilot projects which aim to reduce recreational drug use and phase 1 projects are expected to commence in March 2023.

Heroin assisted treatment (HAT) or diamorphine assisted treatment (DAT) is a clinical intervention supported by the 2017 United Kingdom-wide drug treatment guidelines. Local authorities in England are responsible for commissioning drug treatment services, including whether to commission HAT services. Local authorities’ individual financial allocations and assessments of local need will determine if HAT is a viable intervention. The Government supports areas which pursue HAT where the relevant licences are obtained from the Home Office. In 2021, the former Public Health England provided additional guidance on commissioning and developing a HAT service if local authorities choose this approach.

The 10-year drug strategy is supported by a new investment of £780 million, including £532 million for local authorities to invest in treatment and recovery services in addition to the Public Health Grant. This allows local authorities to determine which interventions could augment current treatment systems. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities provides oversight of local delivery and continues to monitor implementation against the aims of the drug strategy.

Heroin assisted treatment (HAT) or diamorphine assisted treatment (DAT) is a clinical intervention supported by the 2017 United Kingdom-wide drug treatment guidelines. Local authorities in England are responsible for commissioning drug treatment services, including whether to commission HAT services. Local authorities’ individual financial allocations and assessments of local need will determine if HAT is a viable intervention. The Government supports areas which pursue HAT where the relevant licences are obtained from the Home Office. In 2021, the former Public Health England provided additional guidance on commissioning and developing a HAT service if local authorities choose this approach.

The 10-year drug strategy is supported by a new investment of £780 million, including £532 million for local authorities to invest in treatment and recovery services in addition to the Public Health Grant. This allows local authorities to determine which interventions could augment current treatment systems. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities provides oversight of local delivery and continues to monitor implementation against the aims of the drug strategy.

This information is not collected in the format requested. In the 12 months to August 2022, there were 15.07 million general practice appointments in the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care System area, excluding COVID-19 vaccinations. Of these, 59.6% were conducted face-to-face.

This information is not collected in the format requested. In the 12 months to August 2022, there were 15.07 million general practice appointments in the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care System area, excluding COVID-19 vaccinations. Of these, 59.6% were conducted face-to-face.

This information is not collected in the format requested.

This information is not collected in the format requested.

In September 2013, there were 20 practices registered in Manchester, Withington, with 13 practices registered in October 2022.

Practices close for a variety of reasons, including practice mergers or retirement. A reduction in practice numbers does not indicate a reduction in the quality of care. When a practice closes, patients are informed and advised to register at another local practice of their choice. Practices and commissioners must put in place appropriate measures to ensure that affected patients have access to general practitioner services.

The Department has commissioned NHS England to develop a long-term workforce plan. The plan will consider the number of staff and the roles required and will set out the actions and reforms needed to improve workforce supply and retention. The plan will review all National Health Service professions, including medicine, nursing and multi-disciplinary teams. The conclusions of the plan will be available in due course.

No specific assessment has been made.

We have launched a public call for evidence to support the development of a new, 10-year, cross-Government plan for mental health and wellbeing in England. We encourage those with lived experience to respond to the call for evidence, including those with Huntington’s disease. The call for evidence is open until 7 July 2022.

Patients with Huntington's Disease have access to a range of mental health support, through general practitioners, local mental health services, specialised neurology services and clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors through the clinical genomic service.

The clinical genomic service specification is currently being reviewed, which includes strengthening access to mental health support services. The revised specification will be subject to public consultation before final approval. NHS England’s neuroscience transformation programme is developing optimal pathways for neurology services, which include common principles regarding access to appropriate timely mental health support.

In addition, the neuropsychiatry service specification is in development, which will outline the multi-disciplinary approach to caring for patients with complex neurological conditions who require specialised assessment and mental health support.

The law requires that unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) be supplied under either the prescription or direction of a clinician on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Specialist Register. As with all areas of clinical practice, the GMC’s guidance states that all doctors must recognise and work within the limits of their competence. This is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guideline ‘Cannabis-based medicinal products’, which states that after the initial prescription, subsequent prescriptions of CBPMs may be issued by another prescriber as part of a shared care agreement under the direction of an initiating specialist prescriber, if:

- shared care is appropriate and in the person’s best interest;

- the person's clinical condition is stable; and

- the other prescriber is confident to make a fully informed prescribing decision about cannabis-based medicinal products.

If a general practitioner (GP) accepts ongoing shared care responsibilities and continues prescribing once a patient has been initiated and stabilised on CBPMs, they must be confident to accept the associated legal and professional responsibilities associated with doing so, which are increased in the case of an unlicensed product. This includes accountability for the quality of the product prescribed. Treatments initiated privately would not usually be prescribed by a GP under shared care unless the requested treatment is approved under existing National Health Service policies or there are exceptional circumstances. This remains the case even if that privately funded treatment has been shown to have clinical benefit for the individual patient. This applies to all treatments.

There are no specific plans to allocate funding to infrastructure for dementia clinical research. However, we will announce our strategy for dementia research in due course. Plans for delivering a dementia moonshot are subject to the forthcoming Spending Review settlements.

People with severe mental and their carers should receive an invitation from their general practitioner (GP) for their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. If someone is unsure if they have a severe mental illness which falls within the official definition, they are encouraged to contact their GP or mental health team. GP teams are encouraged to prioritise people with mental illness, applying a flexible approach to defining severe mental illness. For example, this could include people who are severely unwell with an eating disorder or a diagnosis of personality disorder.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Munira Wilson MP) on 22 February 2021 to Questions 151866 and 151867.

The Government published its white paper, ‘Reforming the Mental Health Act’ on 13 January. At the same time, we launched a formal 14-week consultation, which will run until April 2021.

The white paper contains a full response to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act and considers each of the Review’s recommendations in turn. The Government welcomed the Independent Review’s final report and accepts the vast majority of these recommendations.

We will publish a response to this consultation this year and, for those changes which require legislation, our ambition is to share a draft Mental Health Bill around this time next year for pre-legislative scrutiny.

The Government published its white paper, ‘Reforming the Mental Health Act’ on 13 January. At the same time, we launched a formal 14-week consultation, which will run until April 2021.

The white paper contains a full response to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act and considers each of the Review’s recommendations in turn. The Government welcomed the Independent Review’s final report and accepts the vast majority of these recommendations.

We will publish a response to this consultation this year and, for those changes which require legislation, our ambition is to share a draft Mental Health Bill around this time next year for pre-legislative scrutiny.

We remain committed to publishing our white paper which will set out the Government’s response to Sir Simon Wessely’s Independent Review of the Mental Health Act 1983 and pave the way for reform of the Act.

We will publish our white paper very shortly.

We remain committed to levelling up health outcomes so everyone can enjoy a long, healthy life whoever they are, wherever they live and whatever their social circumstances.

The Minister for Equalities (Kemi Badenoch MP) is already leading work across Government to tackle the disparities highlighted by Public Health England in June. This includes reviewing the effectiveness and impact of current actions, actions to modify existing policy and policy in development to address these disparities. Over the last six months, Ministers have commissioned urgent work across Departments to ensure the response to COVID-19 is fully cognisant of and mitigating, the risk to those groups disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and its accompanying restrictions.

NHS England and NHS Improvement still intend to roll-out mental health support for rough sleepers in at least 20 targeted areas with high levels of rough sleeping by 2023/24.

We know that there is the potential for an increase in demand for mental health services. Ministers in the Department are engaging regularly with their counterparts across Whitehall on how best the Government can prevent and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing.

We are also working with the National Health Service, Public Health England and other key partners to gather evidence and assess the potential longer-term mental health impacts and plan for how to support mental health and wellbeing throughout the ‘recovery’ phase.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing local needs and commissioning drug prevention, treatment and harm reduction services to meet these needs. This includes making sure people in this high-risk population are screened for hepatitis C virus and identified for treatment when they access these services.

Public Health England (PHE) provides a range of drug and alcohol treatment data to local authorities which monitors national and local activity in drug treatment settings and can inform local commissioning of services. This includes the number of people in drug treatment who have been tested for hepatitis C.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have an Elimination Programme Partnership with the Pharmaceutical Industry and work closely with Gilead Sciences, who have hepatitis C Testing projects with the six largest groups of National Health Service and independent sector treatment providers in England covering approximately 95% of the available addiction services. Their plan is that ‘everybody tests, and everybody is tested’; all staff can carry out tests and they target 100% of their population. Those in contact with drug treatment services in secure and detained settings are engaged through reception in a programme of ‘opt out’ blood borne virus testing covering hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus. Those already within the prison are targeted through a rolling programme of ‘whole population’ testing.

Local authorities are also responsible for commissioning needle and syringe programmes in their areas. The number of needle and syringe programmes in England is not recorded centrally.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing local needs and commissioning drug prevention, treatment and harm reduction services to meet these needs. This includes making sure people in this high-risk population are screened for hepatitis C virus and identified for treatment when they access these services.

Public Health England (PHE) provides a range of drug and alcohol treatment data to local authorities which monitors national and local activity in drug treatment settings and can inform local commissioning of services. This includes the number of people in drug treatment who have been tested for hepatitis C.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have an Elimination Programme Partnership with the Pharmaceutical Industry and work closely with Gilead Sciences, who have hepatitis C Testing projects with the six largest groups of National Health Service and independent sector treatment providers in England covering approximately 95% of the available addiction services. Their plan is that ‘everybody tests, and everybody is tested’; all staff can carry out tests and they target 100% of their population. Those in contact with drug treatment services in secure and detained settings are engaged through reception in a programme of ‘opt out’ blood borne virus testing covering hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus. Those already within the prison are targeted through a rolling programme of ‘whole population’ testing.

Local authorities are also responsible for commissioning needle and syringe programmes in their areas. The number of needle and syringe programmes in England is not recorded centrally.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing local needs and commissioning drug prevention, treatment and harm reduction services to meet these needs. This includes making sure people in this high-risk population are screened for hepatitis C virus and identified for treatment when they access these services.

Public Health England (PHE) provides a range of drug and alcohol treatment data to local authorities which monitors national and local activity in drug treatment settings and can inform local commissioning of services. This includes the number of people in drug treatment who have been tested for hepatitis C.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have an Elimination Programme Partnership with the Pharmaceutical Industry and work closely with Gilead Sciences, who have hepatitis C Testing projects with the six largest groups of National Health Service and independent sector treatment providers in England covering approximately 95% of the available addiction services. Their plan is that ‘everybody tests, and everybody is tested’; all staff can carry out tests and they target 100% of their population. Those in contact with drug treatment services in secure and detained settings are engaged through reception in a programme of ‘opt out’ blood borne virus testing covering hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus. Those already within the prison are targeted through a rolling programme of ‘whole population’ testing.

Local authorities are also responsible for commissioning needle and syringe programmes in their areas. The number of needle and syringe programmes in England is not recorded centrally.

The Temane gas project is a project developed and invested in by Globeleq, an experienced developer of power projects across Africa, of which British International Investment is the majority shareholder.

Prior to investing in Temane, Globeleq undertook due diligence and an evaluation of the commercial terms negotiated and agreed with the state-owned company 'Source Energia and Electricidade de Moçambique' (EDM). The power purchase agreement signed between the project company and EDM is commercially confidential.

The UK agrees with the IPCC that global action to adapt to the changing climate has been insufficient. We recognise how urgent and important it is to ensure countries most vulnerable to climate change are able to respond to the risks they face.

We are providing £11 billion of international climate finance over five years, with an extra £1 billion in 2024-2025 if the economy grows as forecast. Recent UK commitments on adaptation include significant support to developing countries, with £274 million to help countries across Asia and the Pacific to build resilience, £143.5 million to support African countries to adapt and almost £50 million to help Small Island Developing States.

The UK has put action on climate change and debt at the top of its international agenda with our COP26 Presidency in 2021/22. We have increased the level of quality climate financing, which means offering financing to countries on terms that are suitable to their economic situation and consistent with their path to a more sustainable debt situation. This includes the provision of grants for countries at highest risk of debt distress.

We are working to ensure that countries get effective and timely debt treatments that put them on a more fiscally sustainable path and allow them to channel future funds to productive investments that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change adaptation. In November 2020, the UK, along with the G20 and Paris Club, agreed the Common Framework to help deliver a long-term sustainable approach for supporting lower income countries to tackle their debt vulnerabilities.

The UN IPCC's Working Group II report on the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change provides a stark assessment on the impacts of climate change. Findings show that impacts are worse than previously predicted and current efforts to adapt are insufficient.

The UK is committed to supporting countries' efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including through our International Climate Finance (ICF), which will total at least £11.6 billion between 2021-2026. As COP26 President, the UK will work with the incoming Egyptian Presidency for COP27 and others to progress the actions set out in the COP26 Decision text. This includes the Glasgow Dialogue which will discuss the arrangements for the funding of activities to avert, minimise and address loss and damage. We are also supporting the process to operationalise the Santiago Network. Decisions on UK funding for the Santiago Network will be taken as this work progresses. Between 2016 and 2019, the UK spent £2 billion of ICF on adaptation and investments in areas needed to address loss and damage.

The UK is committed to supporting efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including through our International Climate Finance (ICF), which will total at least £11.6 billion between 2021-2026. As COP26 President, the UK will work with the incoming Egyptian Presidency for COP27 and others to progress the actions set out in the COP26 Decision text. This includes the Glasgow Dialogue which will discuss the arrangements for the funding of activities to avert, minimise and address loss and damage. We are also supporting the process to operationalise the Santiago Network. Decisions on UK funding for the Santiago Network will be taken as this work progresses.

Negotiations continue on the Santiago Network's organizational structure. The focus of the Santiago Network's support will be developed and agreed once the Network is operational. Current FCDO Agriculture Research programmes continue to support climate resilient crops and food systems. These includes our major joint research initiatives with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supporting work at the Crop Science Centre in Cambridge to sustainably increase yields for small-holder farmers in Africa, and Edinburgh-based research on livestock health.

We have no record of receiving this item of correspondence. My officials have contacted your office and have obtained a copy. We will work to expedite a response.

The Government is committed to proving support to the charitable sector worth over £5 billion per year. Gift Aid - a key part of this - is one of the most generous tax reliefs available – worth £1.4 billion per year to charities and £500 million to their donors (through higher rate relief).

In March 2018 HM Revenue and Customs published research on charitable giving and Gift Aid and the key findings were that, for the 12-month period up to January 2016, £560m of Gift Aid was not claimed where it could have been and £180m of Gift Aid was incorrectly claimed. However, as neither charities nor their donors are required to tell the Government about donations on which Gift Aid is eligible but not claimed, there is no administrative data to publish. Therefore, the 2018 figures have not been updated.

HM Revenue and Customs works closely with the charity sector to help ensure donors are aware of Gift Aid and are able to make informed decisions about whether or not they qualify for the relief but ultimately it is a choice for the donor. The Government is always open to new ideas to improve eligible Gift Aid take-up and to ensure that Gift Aid is fit for the future.

The Government is committed to proving support to the charitable sector worth over £5 billion per year. Gift Aid - a key part of this - is one of the most generous tax reliefs available – worth £1.4 billion per year to charities and £500 million to their donors (through higher rate relief).

In March 2018 HM Revenue and Customs published research on charitable giving and Gift Aid and the key findings were that, for the 12-month period up to January 2016, £560m of Gift Aid was not claimed where it could have been and £180m of Gift Aid was incorrectly claimed. However, as neither charities nor their donors are required to tell the Government about donations on which Gift Aid is eligible but not claimed, there is no administrative data to publish. Therefore, the 2018 figures have not been updated.

HM Revenue and Customs works closely with the charity sector to help ensure donors are aware of Gift Aid and are able to make informed decisions about whether or not they qualify for the relief but ultimately it is a choice for the donor. The Government is always open to new ideas to improve eligible Gift Aid take-up and to ensure that Gift Aid is fit for the future.

The UK authorities have taken the appropriate actions to mitigate risks of disruption to cross-border financial services at the end of the Transition Period (TP), including confirming that the Temporary Permissions Regime will apply from the end of the TP. This will allow EEA firms currently providing services in the UK via a financial services ‘passport’ to continue operating after the TP while they apply for full UK authorisation.

However, the issue of whether UK firms can service EEA-based retail customers remains a matter of local law and regulation in each country. It may also be impacted by how firms are set up and what steps they have taken to continue to service customers. We expect banks to act lawfully and in accordance with local regulators’ expectations.

We also expect that banks work to ensure good outcomes for their customers and provide timely communications to enable them to make appropriate decisions. UK banking providers are expected to contact impacted customers if they need to make any changes to their product or the way it is provided.

We encourage customers with questions or concerns to speak to their service provider. There is also further guidance for impacted customers on the Money Advice Service website, which can be found here: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/brexit-banking-insurance-finance

The Government has committed to introducing the Digital Services Tax from April 2020. This is expected to raise around £1.5bn over four years. These funds will not be directly hypothecated to any particular spending area.

However, the Government recognises the impact that harmful online content and activity can have on users, and that there are growing concerns about the potential impact on users’ mental health and wellbeing. The Online Harms White Paper, published in April 2019, set out plans for world-leading legislation to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online.

There is evidence from the UK and other countries that supervised injections of diamorphine in a medical environment as part of a structured treatment plan can assist in keeping patients in treatment and out of criminal behaviour, leading to a reduction in drug-related crime. The Government supports local authorities that choose to commission DAT as part of their drug treatment services, providing the relevant licences are obtained from the Home Office.

Our 10-year Drug Strategy sets out three core priorities for tackling drug misuse: cutting off drug supply, creating a world class treatment and recovery system and achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs. It is underpinned by an investment of nearly £900 million in additional funding, including a record £780 million of new investment in drug treatment and recovery services across England.

Calculating an average length of time does not take into account the numerous factors that contribute to the decision-making process. Nor does it consider our prioritisation of children and the most vulnerable.

We are working to improve the speed of decisions and reduce the number of outstanding claims; but there will always be complex cases, and it is right we take time to work through them carefully, not rush to meet an arbitrary deadline.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

A response to the Honourable Member was issued on 4th February.

I am sorry for the delay in responding. The Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts responded on 18 January 2021.

The measures put in place to increase capacity for processing passport applications have successfully helped to reduce turnaround times.

This includes rolling out a new system which increases the ability to process applications from home, and which is now processing almost 60 per cent of UK digital applications.

On 23 September, the median processing time for passport applications received from the UK was 8 working days.

The Summit will be an opportunity for dialogue between partners from all parts of the UK on the challenges of, and potential solutions to tackling the harms of, drug misuse. There will be representation at the Summit from all parts of the UK, including contributions from Glasgow, from public health leads of all four nations, and from UK Government Ministers as well as Ministers from each of the devolved administrations.

The Summit will bring together different perspectives across healthcare, law enforcement, prevention and recovery. As part of this there will be discussion of the forthcoming findings of the independent Review of Drugs, hearing from Professor Dame Carol Black about the demand and supply landscape and the nature of drug misuse. Dame Carol’s work will make an important contribution to the evidence base that can be used take action to tackle drug misuse and the harms it causes.

The full list of invitees is being finalised, taking account of suggestions from the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as from a range of UK Government departments and others. Invitations that have so far been issued include those to the chief medical officers for each part of the UK and chief scientists in relevant departments and in the devolved administrations. Further invitations will be issued over the coming days. Attendance at the Summit is by invitation only and it is not possible to apply to be invited. There will not be scope to receive further evidence in addition to the evidence that will be discussed by attendees, as is usual for events of this nature.

The Department does not make a distinction between renewals and new schemes when processing selective licensing applications.

There are three schemes currently under consideration.

The Government has responded to the pressures councils are facing. The settlement provides access to an estimated 4.4 per cent increase in core spending power; the largest year on year increase in a decade, with a further £1.5 billion to fund adult and children’s social care.

The Government is looking to standardise the enfranchisement process and asked the Law Commission to review current arrangements to make them easier, faster, fairer and cheaper. The Law Commission has now published its first report to Government, on the valuation aspects of enfranchisement. The report, which follows a consultation by the Law Commission, sets out a number of options relating to valuation, including purchasing a freehold and extending the lease of a house or flat. The Law Commission will report on the remaining aspects of enfranchisement later in the spring.??The Government will carefully consider the?proposals outlined in the Law Commission’s report and set out?its?preferred way forward in due course.