Asked by: Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op) - Manchester Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech of 15 August 2011 calling for a family test applied to all domestic policy, which policies of his Department have been so assessed to date.
Answered by Steve Webb
On 18 August 2014 the Prime Minister announced that the family test was being formalised as part of the impact assessment for all domestic policies. From October 2014, every new domestic policy will be examined for its impact on the family.
Asked by: Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op) - Manchester Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people whose main disability is cystic fibrosis are in receipt of the mobility award for personal independence payment at the (a) standard and (b) enhanced rate.
Answered by Mike Penning
The information requested to the level of detail asked for is not currently available. We intend to publish more detailed data on medical conditions in the future.
Information on the numbers of successful new claimants is available against a range of conditions, including respiratory conditions which will include those who have cystic fibrosis. The information is published and can be found at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk. Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at: https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat-Xplore_User_Guide.htm.
Asked by: Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op) - Manchester Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people whose main disability is cystic fibrosis are in receipt of the daily living award for personal independence payment at the (a) standard and (b) enhanced rate.
Answered by Mike Penning
The information requested to the level of detail asked for is not currently available. We intend to publish more detailed data on medical conditions in the future.
Information on the numbers of successful new claimants is available against a range of conditions, including respiratory conditions which will include those who have cystic fibrosis. The information is published and can be found at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk. Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at: https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat-Xplore_User_Guide.htm.
Asked by: Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op) - Manchester Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2014, Official Report, column 26W, on nurseries, for what reasons his Department is reviewing provision of workplace nurseries; when that review will be complete; how many families access his Department's workplace nursery provision; how much workplace nursery provision by his Department costs each year; and whether his Department claims tax relief on workplace nurseries.
Answered by Mike Penning
There are currently seven workplace nurseries in operation, by third parties, on DWP premises.
The Department's current contracts with its nursery providers are soon expiring. Therefore, it is appropriate to review future nursery provision in general and consider whether it is appropriate and cost effective to continue to contract for on site services.
In addition, as part of its remuneration package, the Department supports employees through a salary sacrifice scheme where employees can give up part of their salary in return for childcare vouchers, which allows for significant savings through tax relief. This gives parents support in order to make their own choices for childcare. Consequently, as suitable alternatives exist, it is no longer appropriate to continue to contract for workplace nursery provision.
There are currently 361 families who access DWP's workplace nurseries.
The cost of nursery provision:
2013/14 YTD (Feb): £29,112
2012/13: £50,693
2011/12: £80,811
2010/11: £88,494
The Department doesn't claim tax relief on workplace nurseries
No information is held on Executive agencies and non-departmental bodies. There would be a disproportionate cost to source that information.
Asked by: Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op) - Manchester Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of workplace nurseries available to staff in (a) his Department and (b) his Department's executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies in (i) 2010, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15.
Answered by Mike Penning
There were 7 workplace nurseries operated by third parties, including some provision for subsidised places, on DWP premises on 5 May 2010; all of which were still in operation on 5 February 2014.
DWP does not directly operate any workplace nurseries. The department is reviewing the position of all on site nursery provision, and until the review is complete, it cannot confirm whether any nursery will close.
No information is held on executive agencies and non-departmental bodies. There would be a disproportionate cost to source that information