Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Liz McInnes Excerpts
Monday 11th September 2017

(7 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Gibb Portrait Nick Gibb
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There are limits to the influence and voting proportion that local authorities can have in multi-academy trusts. This is about a new independence for academies. I have been discussing with my hon. Friend the particular multi-academy trust about which he is concerned, and I am happy to continue to have those discussions with him and with my noble Friend Lord Nash.

Liz McInnes Portrait Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab)
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Flammable cladding has been found on university halls of residence and privately provided student accommodation throughout the country. With students returning to that accommodation in the coming weeks, what will the Secretary of State do to ensure their safety?

Lord Johnson of Marylebone Portrait Joseph Johnson
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The higher education sector has taken this issue very seriously indeed. The Department has had a positive and comprehensive response from all 238 HEFCE-funded providers and designated alternative providers. When issues have been identified, providers have been quick to respond to protect student safety. Officials will continue to work closely with those in the Department for Communities and Local Government who are reviewing private student accommodation.