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).
Suspend trade agreement with Faroe Islands until all whale & dolphin hunts end
Gov Responded - 26 Oct 2021 Debated on - 11 Jul 2022 View 's petition debate contributionsIn 2019 UK Government finalised a free trade agreement (FTA) with Faroe Islands which allows for £100 million of exports of wild caught and farmed fish to Britain per annum (20% of the Faroe Islands global trade). This FTA should be suspended until all whale & dolphin hunts on Faroe Islands end
Legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults
Gov Responded - 3 Feb 2022 Debated on - 4 Jul 2022 View 's petition debate contributionsThe Government should bring forward legislation to allow assisted dying for adults who are terminally ill and have mental capacity. It should be permitted subject to strict upfront safeguards, assessed by two doctors independently, and self-administered by the dying person.
Tougher sentences for hit and run drivers who cause death
Gov Responded - 28 Aug 2020 Debated on - 15 Nov 2021 View 's petition debate contributionsThe maximum penalty for failure to stop after an incident is points and a 6-month custodial sentence. Causing death by careless/dangerous driving is between 5-14 yrs. The sentence for failing to stop after a fatal collision must be increased.
Ryan's Law: Widen definition of 'death by dangerous driving'
Gov Responded - 24 Mar 2021 Debated on - 15 Nov 2021 View 's petition debate contributionsThe offence of causing 'death by dangerous driving' should be widened to include: failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives.
Grant an urgent Amnesty to Undocumented Migrants living in the UK
Gov Responded - 18 Mar 2021 Debated on - 19 Jul 2021 View 's petition debate contributionsUndocumented Migrants are suffering in silence, with no access to adequate Financial support, or any help. The Government should grant an urgent Amnesty of 5years to those with no criminal record so that they could live their lives as normal human beings and pay tax to help the UK economy.
Allow football fans to attend matches at all levels
Gov Responded - 21 Oct 2020 Debated on - 9 Nov 2020 View 's petition debate contributionsFootball is a powerful tool of which allows a range of benefits such as employment, and other important aspects of life. Football can be associated with passion, emotion, excitement and dedication across the community. With Fans attending football games a range of economic benefits are there too.
These initiatives were driven by Ruth Cadbury, 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.
Ruth Cadbury has not been granted any Urgent Questions
A bill to require HM Commissioners of Revenue and Customs to record income tax revenues where the payee self-certifies as holding a conscientious objection to public spending on defence purposes and report to Parliament thereon; to place a duty on HM Treasury to take account of the amount and proportion of such self-certified income tax income in preparing the supply estimates; and for connected purposes.
Children (Access to Treatment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Bambos Charalambous (LAB)
Dockless Bicycles (Regulation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Daniel Zeichner (LAB)
Kew Gardens (Leases) (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (CON)
Freedom of Information (Extension) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Andy Slaughter (LAB)
Short and Holiday-Let Accommodation (Notification of Local Authorities) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Karen Buck (LAB)
Statutory Nuisance (Aircraft Noise) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Tania Mathias (CON)
I announced the Community Champions scheme in my first quarterly report to the Prime Minister on progress to address disparities in risks and outcomes from COVID-19, published on 22 October, and provided an update in my second quarterly report published on 26 February. Officials in the Race Disparity Unit, who are supporting me in this work, continue to meet regularly with colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who are leading on the scheme.
To reveal the number of National Security Vetting (NSV) checks in progress is likely to prejudice national security. It would also impact the protective measures employed in safeguarding Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). Security checks are being processed in a timely manner with no current delays.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
The Cabinet Office is responsible for the Government Consultation Principles, which provide departments with guidance on conducting consultations. Individual departments are responsible for their own consultation practice. The Principles are published at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/691383/Consultation_Principles__1_.pdf
The Consultation Principles are clear that consultations should be targeted. This should include consideration of how to tailor consultation to the needs and preferences of particular groups affected by a policy. The Principles also state that in responding to a consultation the government should explain the responses that have been received, state how many responses have been received and how these have informed the policy. Decisions on the potential merits of publishing individual responses to consultations are for consulting departments.
The Cabinet Office is responsible for the Government Consultation Principles, which provide departments with guidance on conducting consultations. Individual departments are responsible for their own consultation practice. The Principles are published at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/691383/Consultation_Principles__1_.pdf
The Consultation Principles are clear that consultations should be targeted. This should include consideration of how to tailor consultation to the needs and preferences of particular groups affected by a policy. The Principles also state that in responding to a consultation the government should explain the responses that have been received, state how many responses have been received and how these have informed the policy. Decisions on the potential merits of publishing individual responses to consultations are for consulting departments.
The Government knows that there will be different considerations for consumers depending on their circumstances and the way in which they pay their energy bills.
All domestic electricity customers who have a direct relationship with a licensed electricity supplier will be automatically eligible for this Scheme. The Government continues to work closely with consumer groups and suppliers to deliver the Scheme in a convenient way to domestic energy customers, including those who receive their energy supply through a third party.
The Government is aware that not all households have electricity provided through a domestic electricity supply contract, such as houseboat residents. This was raised in the government’s technical consultation (Energy Bills Support Scheme – Managing the impact of the energy price shock on consumer bills) which closed on 23 May. Households without a domestic electricity supply contract are not eligible for the Scheme and the Government is exploring options for other ways in which they might receive similar support. Responses to the consultation are being analysed and the Government response will be published later in the summer.
The Government is aware that not all households have electricity provided through a domestic electricity supply contract, such as houseboat residents. This was raised in the government’s technical consultation (Energy Bills Support Scheme – Managing the impact of the energy price shock on consumer bills) which closed on 23 May. Households without a domestic electricity supply contract are not eligible for the Scheme and the Government is exploring options for other ways in which they might receive similar support. Responses to the consultation are being analysed and the Government response will be published later in the summer.
The Energy Charter Treaty already calls on Contracting Parties to minimise the environmental impacts of energy operations.
Contracting Parties to the Energy Charter Treaty are negotiating the modernisation of the Treaty to ensure it is aligned with common climate objectives. The Government supports the process to modernise the Treaty in a way that advances the global energy transition, such as the right for States to regulate to reach emissions reduction targets and ensuring a stronger focus on climate security.
The Energy Charter Treaty already calls on Contracting Parties to minimise the environmental impacts of energy operations.
Contracting Parties to the Energy Charter Treaty are negotiating the modernisation of the Treaty to ensure it is aligned with common climate objectives. The Government supports the process to modernise the Treaty in a way that advances the global energy transition, such as the right for States to regulate to reach emissions reduction targets and ensuring a stronger focus on climate security.
The Department publishes data on the number of operational gas meters.
Growth in the electrification of heat is likely to see an increasing number of households opt to remove their gas supply. Evidence from the Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project suggests that removing their gas supply was a motivating factor for some people when adopting a heat pump.
The cost to households of removing a gas meter will vary depending on the type of property, the location of the meter and its service pipe and where they connect to the mains gas infrastructure situated underground on public land outside the property. On safety grounds, the service pipe will be cut as close as possible to the mains gas, meaning the Local Authority may charge to allow the excavation of any pavement and/or road.
The Government regularly engages with energy suppliers and Meter Asset Providers to understand the costs incurred by suppliers associated with meter provision, rental and removal.
Suppliers are responsible for removing a gas meter and capping the incoming gas supply when this is requested by the customer, and may choose to charge for providing this service. The costs suppliers incur from a Meter Asset Provider for removing a gas meter will differ according to their individual contractual arrangements. Customers are normally required to pay a separate charge to their gas distribution company to disconnect their gas supply from the network.
The Government has delivered to Local Authorities over £700 million for grants to support businesses most impacted by Omicron, part of a £1 billion wider support package announced by the Chancellor on 21 December.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. For the purposes of this scheme, the definition of a leisure business excludes gyms and sports businesses where physical exercise or training is conducted on an individual basis or group basis. The funding supports sectors where social mixing is a primary motivation for consumers.
Alongside the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, more than £100 million worth of Additional Restrictions Grant discretionary funding has also been made available to Local Authorities in England to support other businesses severely impacted by Omicron. Gyms, yoga studios and other sports businesses may be eligible for this scheme. Local Authorities have discretion to allocate this funding to businesses most in need.
The Guidance for both OHLG and ARG schemes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities
On top of wider economic support, the Government announced a £100 million support fund for Local Authority leisure centres to ensure these important facilities remain available once public health restrictions are lifted.
Sport England has provided £270 million directly to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic, via a range of funds. This includes £8,991,129 on multisport projects which included yoga, and of which £108,573 was specifically to fund yoga.
The Government has delivered to Local Authorities over £700 million for grants to support businesses most impacted by Omicron, part of a £1 billion wider support package announced by the Chancellor on 21 December.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. For the purposes of this scheme, the definition of a leisure business excludes gyms and sports businesses where physical exercise or training is conducted on an individual basis or group basis. The funding supports sectors where social mixing is a primary motivation for consumers.
Alongside the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, more than £100 million worth of Additional Restrictions Grant discretionary funding has also been made available to Local Authorities in England to support other businesses severely impacted by Omicron. Gyms, yoga studios and other sports businesses may be eligible for this scheme. Local Authorities have discretion to allocate this funding to businesses most in need.
The Guidance for both OHLG and ARG schemes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities
On top of wider economic support, the Government announced a £100 million support fund for Local Authority leisure centres to ensure these important facilities remain available once public health restrictions are lifted.
Sport England has provided £270 million directly to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic, via a range of funds. This includes £8,991,129 on multisport projects which included yoga, and of which £108,573 was specifically to fund yoga.
The Government has delivered to Local Authorities over £700 million for grants to support businesses most impacted by Omicron, part of a £1 billion wider support package announced by the Chancellor on 21 December.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. For the purposes of this scheme, the definition of a leisure business excludes gyms and sports businesses where physical exercise or training is conducted on an individual basis or group basis. The funding supports sectors where social mixing is a primary motivation for consumers.
Alongside the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, more than £100 million worth of Additional Restrictions Grant discretionary funding has also been made available to Local Authorities in England to support other businesses severely impacted by Omicron. Gyms, yoga studios and other sports businesses may be eligible for this scheme. Local Authorities have discretion to allocate this funding to businesses most in need.
The Guidance for both OHLG and ARG schemes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities
On top of wider economic support, the Government announced a £100 million support fund for Local Authority leisure centres to ensure these important facilities remain available once public health restrictions are lifted.
Sport England has provided £270 million directly to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic, via a range of funds. This includes £8,991,129 on multisport projects which included yoga, and of which £108,573 was specifically to fund yoga.
The Government has delivered to Local Authorities over £700 million for grants to support businesses most impacted by Omicron, part of a £1 billion wider support package announced by the Chancellor on 21 December.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. For the purposes of this scheme, the definition of a leisure business excludes gyms and sports businesses where physical exercise or training is conducted on an individual basis or group basis. The funding supports sectors where social mixing is a primary motivation for consumers.
Alongside the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, more than £100 million worth of Additional Restrictions Grant discretionary funding has also been made available to Local Authorities in England to support other businesses severely impacted by Omicron. Gyms, yoga studios and other sports businesses may be eligible for this scheme. Local Authorities have discretion to allocate this funding to businesses most in need.
The Guidance for both OHLG and ARG schemes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities
On top of wider economic support, the Government announced a £100 million support fund for Local Authority leisure centres to ensure these important facilities remain available once public health restrictions are lifted.
Sport England has provided £270 million directly to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic, via a range of funds. This includes £8,991,129 on multisport projects which included yoga, and of which £108,573 was specifically to fund yoga.
The Government has delivered to Local Authorities over £700 million for grants to support businesses most impacted by Omicron, part of a £1 billion wider support package announced by the Chancellor on 21 December.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. For the purposes of this scheme, the definition of a leisure business excludes gyms and sports businesses where physical exercise or training is conducted on an individual basis or group basis. The funding supports sectors where social mixing is a primary motivation for consumers.
Alongside the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, more than £100 million worth of Additional Restrictions Grant discretionary funding has also been made available to Local Authorities in England to support other businesses severely impacted by Omicron. Gyms, yoga studios and other sports businesses may be eligible for this scheme. Local Authorities have discretion to allocate this funding to businesses most in need.
The Guidance for both OHLG and ARG schemes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities
On top of wider economic support, the Government announced a £100 million support fund for Local Authority leisure centres to ensure these important facilities remain available once public health restrictions are lifted.
Sport England has provided £270 million directly to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic, via a range of funds. This includes £8,991,129 on multisport projects which included yoga, and of which £108,573 was specifically to fund yoga.
The Government has introduced an unprecedented package of support for businesses that are required to close, or which are severely affected by the restrictions put in place to tackle Covid-19 and save lives.
Businesses that are mandated to close by law due to the current national restrictions can access grants of up to £4,500 per 6 weeks of closure through the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum: 5 January onwards. Furthermore, the Closed Business Lockdown Payment will provide each closed business with a one-off payment of up £9,000. This includes businesses who have been mandated to close but have adapted to operate takeaway, click and collect or online delivery services.
Those who provide takeaway as their main business prior to the restrictions will not be eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum: 5 January onwards but can still receive discretionary funding through the Additional Restrictions Grant.
The Government continues to enhance its engagement with a broad range of trade and representative bodies, in particular SME networks, to continue to understand the impact of Covid-19 on businesses and the concerns they have.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is open to most businesses, regardless of turnover, who meet the eligibility criteria and who were established on or before 1 March 2020.
The Scheme is targeted at supporting those businesses who need access to finance quickly and, therefore, requires lenders to offer a standard product. It is therefore the case that the Bounce Back Loan Scheme is not suitable for all businesses.
There are a wide range of other Government measures to support public services, people and businesses through this disruption. Full details on the support available for businesses can be found on the GOV.UK website, or through contacting our business support helpline.
The Government continues to enhance its engagement with a broad range of trade and representative bodies, in particular SME networks, to continue to understand the impact of Covid-19 on businesses and the concerns they have.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is open to most businesses, regardless of turnover, who meet the eligibility criteria and who were established on or before 1 March 2020.
The Scheme is targeted at supporting those businesses who need access to finance quickly and, therefore, requires lenders to offer a standard product. It is therefore the case that the Bounce Back Loan Scheme is not suitable for all businesses.
There are a wide range of other Government measures to support public services, people and businesses through this disruption. Full details on the support available for businesses can be found on the GOV.UK website, or through contacting our business support helpline.
As of 15 November, 1,397,475 loans have been approved under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, with a total value of £42.18 billion.
In total, the Bounce Bank Loan Scheme has received 1,766,768 applications. The applications figure includes: approved applications; applications that are still to be processed; applications that have been declined; and applications that may turn out not to be eligible or cases where customers have decided not to proceed.
The Government have always made clear to lenders that they should open to applications from new customers as soon as it is operationally possible for them to do so.
Businesses are free to approach any accredited lender for a Bounce Back Loan.
You can find a full list of accredited lenders on the British Business Bank website:
Accrediting lenders for the Bounce Back Loan Scheme has been a priority for the British Business Bank. The Bank therefore put in place substantial additional resources to support new lender accreditation as well as creating a streamlined process within the Bank to help onboard new lenders as quickly as possible.
The Bank has expanded the pool of delivery partners from seven at launch to 29 accredited lenders currently, substantially increasing access to the scheme for small businesses. The scheme remains open to new lenders to apply for accreditation and the Bank will continue to assess new applications while the scheme remains open.
Throughout this crisis, the Government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods across the UK, support businesses, and public services. The Government has spent over £280 billion to do so this year.
If a business is not able to access the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, the British Business Bank offers a range of other support including:
The support available through the British Business Bank is one part of an unprecedented range of measures to back business. Full details on the support available for businesses can be found on the GOV.UK website, or through contacting our business support helpline.
The Government remains committed to the ambition set out in both the Tourism Sector Deal, and more recently in the Tourism Recovery Plan, for the UK to be the most accessible tourism destination in Europe by 2025.
VisitEngland’s Inclusive Tourism Action Group comprises a range of leading accessible tourism stakeholders who share the vision for England to provide world-class accessible tourism experiences that every person with accessibility requirements can enjoy. The chair of the group, Ross Calladine, is the government's newly appointed Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism.
The group undertakes a range of activities to increase engagement of tourism destinations and businesses in the provision of access for all and to raise awareness of accessible tourism experiences amongst disabled people.
VisitEngland is currently undertaking a review of the National Accessible Scheme (NAS) that helps accommodation owners in England develop and promote their level of accessibility and helps people with accessibility requirements identify suitable accommodation more easily. It comprises a comprehensive set of standards and, for a fee, assessment by a trained independent assessor. The review of the NAS is being carried out within the wider context of VisitEngland’s work on accessible tourism, particularly the provision of the Accessibility Guides initiative and the comprehensive guidance on the Business Advice Hub.
The Government remains committed to the ambition set out in both the Tourism Sector Deal, and more recently in the Tourism Recovery Plan, for the UK to be the most accessible tourism destination in Europe by 2025.
VisitEngland’s Inclusive Tourism Action Group comprises a range of leading accessible tourism stakeholders who share the vision for England to provide world-class accessible tourism experiences that every person with accessibility requirements can enjoy. The chair of the group, Ross Calladine, is the government's newly appointed Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism.
The group undertakes a range of activities to increase engagement of tourism destinations and businesses in the provision of access for all and to raise awareness of accessible tourism experiences amongst disabled people.
VisitEngland is currently undertaking a review of the National Accessible Scheme (NAS) that helps accommodation owners in England develop and promote their level of accessibility and helps people with accessibility requirements identify suitable accommodation more easily. It comprises a comprehensive set of standards and, for a fee, assessment by a trained independent assessor. The review of the NAS is being carried out within the wider context of VisitEngland’s work on accessible tourism, particularly the provision of the Accessibility Guides initiative and the comprehensive guidance on the Business Advice Hub.
The Government remains committed to the ambition set out in both the Tourism Sector Deal, and more recently in the Tourism Recovery Plan, for the UK to be the most accessible tourism destination in Europe by 2025.
VisitEngland’s Inclusive Tourism Action Group comprises a range of leading accessible tourism stakeholders who share the vision for England to provide world-class accessible tourism experiences that every person with accessibility requirements can enjoy. The chair of the group, Ross Calladine, is the government's newly appointed Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism.
The group undertakes a range of activities to increase engagement of tourism destinations and businesses in the provision of access for all and to raise awareness of accessible tourism experiences amongst disabled people.
VisitEngland is currently undertaking a review of the National Accessible Scheme (NAS) that helps accommodation owners in England develop and promote their level of accessibility and helps people with accessibility requirements identify suitable accommodation more easily. It comprises a comprehensive set of standards and, for a fee, assessment by a trained independent assessor. The review of the NAS is being carried out within the wider context of VisitEngland’s work on accessible tourism, particularly the provision of the Accessibility Guides initiative and the comprehensive guidance on the Business Advice Hub.
The first piece of correspondence from the Gambling Commission alerting DCMS to the BetIndex Limited case was an email to officials on the 10th of March 2021.
Since then ministers and officials have had a number of meetings with the Gambling Commission on the case, the independent review, and lessons learnt. Records of ministerial meetings are published quarterly and are available on gov.uk.
Officials at the Advertising Standards Authority and DCMS have discussed the Betindex case periodically since the company’s collapse in March 2021, but there has been no written correspondence on it.
The first piece of correspondence from the Gambling Commission alerting DCMS to the BetIndex Limited case was an email to officials on the 10th of March 2021.
Since then ministers and officials have had a number of meetings with the Gambling Commission on the case, the independent review, and lessons learnt. Records of ministerial meetings are published quarterly and are available on gov.uk.
Officials at the Advertising Standards Authority and DCMS have discussed the Betindex case periodically since the company’s collapse in March 2021, but there has been no written correspondence on it.
The first piece of correspondence from the Gambling Commission alerting DCMS to the BetIndex Limited case was an email to officials on the 10th of March 2021.
Since then ministers and officials have had a number of meetings with the Gambling Commission on the case, the independent review, and lessons learnt. Records of ministerial meetings are published quarterly and are available on gov.uk.
Officials at the Advertising Standards Authority and DCMS have discussed the Betindex case periodically since the company’s collapse in March 2021, but there has been no written correspondence on it.
Officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport worked closely with their counterparts at the Treasury to discuss the collapse of BetIndex, the role of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in this case, the independent review conducted by Malcolm Sheehan QC and the lessons learnt that were identified by the review.
Following the publication of the review, the Gambling Commission updated its framework for risk based regulation so that product novelty is properly considered alongside other factors in determining the level of scrutiny an operator is placed under.
The review also clearly states that the FCA’s concluded position was that no part of Football Index fell within the FCA’s remit on legal grounds. Only one company is currently regulated by both the Gambling Commission and the FCA. The Commission continues to be vigilant about emerging products and operators and, under the terms of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FCA, identify and highlight the potential need for its involvement wherever necessary.
The FCA and the Gambling Commission strengthened their Memorandum of Understanding in response to Mr Sheehan’s recommendations in the independent review, including establishing new escalation routes and commitments on timeliness of responses to ensure regulatory impasses are identified and overcome quickly. The FCA has additionally nominated an Executive Director to oversee its relationship with the Commission.
Officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport worked closely with their counterparts at the Treasury to discuss the collapse of BetIndex, the role of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in this case, the independent review conducted by Malcolm Sheehan QC and the lessons learnt that were identified by the review.
Following the publication of the review, the Gambling Commission updated its framework for risk based regulation so that product novelty is properly considered alongside other factors in determining the level of scrutiny an operator is placed under.
The review also clearly states that the FCA’s concluded position was that no part of Football Index fell within the FCA’s remit on legal grounds. Only one company is currently regulated by both the Gambling Commission and the FCA. The Commission continues to be vigilant about emerging products and operators and, under the terms of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FCA, identify and highlight the potential need for its involvement wherever necessary.
The FCA and the Gambling Commission strengthened their Memorandum of Understanding in response to Mr Sheehan’s recommendations in the independent review, including establishing new escalation routes and commitments on timeliness of responses to ensure regulatory impasses are identified and overcome quickly. The FCA has additionally nominated an Executive Director to oversee its relationship with the Commission.
Officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport worked closely with their counterparts at the Treasury to discuss the collapse of BetIndex, the role of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in this case, the independent review conducted by Malcolm Sheehan QC and the lessons learnt that were identified by the review.
Following the publication of the review, the Gambling Commission updated its framework for risk based regulation so that product novelty is properly considered alongside other factors in determining the level of scrutiny an operator is placed under.
The review also clearly states that the FCA’s concluded position was that no part of Football Index fell within the FCA’s remit on legal grounds. Only one company is currently regulated by both the Gambling Commission and the FCA. The Commission continues to be vigilant about emerging products and operators and, under the terms of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FCA, identify and highlight the potential need for its involvement wherever necessary.
The FCA and the Gambling Commission strengthened their Memorandum of Understanding in response to Mr Sheehan’s recommendations in the independent review, including establishing new escalation routes and commitments on timeliness of responses to ensure regulatory impasses are identified and overcome quickly. The FCA has additionally nominated an Executive Director to oversee its relationship with the Commission.
Officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport worked closely with their counterparts at the Treasury to discuss the collapse of BetIndex, the role of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in this case, the independent review conducted by Malcolm Sheehan QC and the lessons learnt that were identified by the review.
Following the publication of the review, the Gambling Commission updated its framework for risk based regulation so that product novelty is properly considered alongside other factors in determining the level of scrutiny an operator is placed under.
The review also clearly states that the FCA’s concluded position was that no part of Football Index fell within the FCA’s remit on legal grounds. Only one company is currently regulated by both the Gambling Commission and the FCA. The Commission continues to be vigilant about emerging products and operators and, under the terms of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FCA, identify and highlight the potential need for its involvement wherever necessary.
The FCA and the Gambling Commission strengthened their Memorandum of Understanding in response to Mr Sheehan’s recommendations in the independent review, including establishing new escalation routes and commitments on timeliness of responses to ensure regulatory impasses are identified and overcome quickly. The FCA has additionally nominated an Executive Director to oversee its relationship with the Commission.
The Gambling Commission has revoked the licence of Football Index’s operator, BetIndex. It has also referred it to the Insolvency Service to consider whether directors breached fraud or insolvency laws.
The Insolvency Service investigates allegations of Directors misconduct and they can conduct criminal investigations against those suspected of committing criminal offences.
Senior members of the company have also surrendered their Personal Management Licences.
The recent increase in online abuse towards school staff is unacceptable. Under the draft Online Safety Bill, companies in scope will need to minimise and remove illegal content including criminal online abuse.
Major platforms will also need to address legal but harmful content for adults. These companies will have to set out clearly what legal content is acceptable on their platforms and enforce their terms and conditions consistently and transparently.
If platforms fail in their duties under the Bill, they will face tough enforcement action including fines of up to 10% of global annual qualifying turnover.
Ministers have regular meetings and discussions with their ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including online abuse. Details of Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on the GOV.UK website.
The recent increase in online abuse towards school staff is unacceptable. Under the draft Online Safety Bill, companies in scope will need to minimise and remove illegal content including criminal online abuse.
Major platforms will also need to address legal but harmful content for adults. These companies will have to set out clearly what legal content is acceptable on their platforms and enforce their terms and conditions consistently and transparently.
If platforms fail in their duties under the Bill, they will face tough enforcement action including fines of up to 10% of global annual qualifying turnover.
Ministers have regular meetings and discussions with their ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including online abuse. Details of Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on the GOV.UK website.
The recent increase in online abuse towards school staff is unacceptable. Under the draft Online Safety Bill, companies in scope will need to minimise and remove illegal content including criminal online abuse.
Major platforms will also need to address legal but harmful content for adults. These companies will have to set out clearly what legal content is acceptable on their platforms and enforce their terms and conditions consistently and transparently.
If platforms fail in their duties under the Bill, they will face tough enforcement action including fines of up to 10% of global annual qualifying turnover.
Ministers have regular meetings and discussions with their ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including online abuse. Details of Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on the GOV.UK website.
Sports and physical activity providers and facilities are at the heart of our communities, and play a crucial role in supporting adults and children to be active.
Government has provided unprecedented support to businesses through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support, which many sport clubs have benefited from. An income scheme announced in July by the Secretary of State for Local Government, aims to support local authorities who have incurred irrecoverable loss of income from sales, fees and charge which they had reasonably budgeted for. On 22 October, the Government announced a £100m support fund for local authority leisure centres. In addition, Sport England have provided over £220million as a package of support to help the sport and physical activity sector through this crisis. Part of this figure is the Community Emergency Fund of £35 million specifically to help community clubs and local physical activity organisations through the pandemic.
We are continuing to work with organisations to understand what they need and how we may be able to support them.
Sport and physical activity are incredibly important for our physical and mental health, and are a vital weapon against coronavirus.
Sports and physical activity are incredibly important for our physical and mental health, and are a vital weapon against coronavirus. That’s why we made sure that people could exercise at least once a day even during the height of the first period of enhanced national restrictions and why we opened up grassroots sport and leisure facilities as soon as it was safe to do so.
Nobody wanted to be in the position of having to introduce further National Restrictions. However as the Prime Minister said, with the virus spreading faster than expected we cannot allow our health system to be overwhelmed. The National Restrictions are designed to get the R rate under control through limiting social contact and reducing transmissions. We have not introduced further exemptions because when you unpick at one activity the effectiveness of the whole package is compromised.
However, as the Prime Minister said on 23 November national restrictions will end on Wednesday 2 December and gyms and the wider leisure sector including golf courses and tennis clubs can reopen across all tiers.
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has not met with the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss this matter. However, National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK), an independent advisory body reporting to DCMS, responded to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's 2019 consultations on behalf of the sector, and discussed the potential impacts of the new requirements on vessels on the National Historic Ships Register, which it maintains. NHS-UK praised the Marine and Coastguard Agency’s inclusive approach.
Ministers consider changes to support arrangements for students in higher education (HE) on an annual basis. The department is currently reviewing options for uprating maximum grants and loans for the 2023/24 academic year.
Upfront loans are available as a contribution towards undergraduate students’ living costs while attending university, with the most support available for students from the lowest income backgrounds.
Maximum grants and loans for living costs were increased by 3.1% this academic year, 2021/22, and the department has announced that they will increase by a further 2.3% in the 2022/23 academic year. In addition, we are freezing maximum tuition fees for the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years. By the 2024/25 academic year, maximum fees will have been frozen for seven years.
In the department’s guidance to the Office for Students (OfS) on funding for the 2021/22 financial year, we made clear that the OfS should protect the £256 million allocation for the student premiums to support disadvantaged students and those that need additional help. The 2022/23 financial year guidance to the OfS confirms universities will continue to be able to support students in hardship through the student premium. Ministers’ Strategic Priorities Grant guidance letter to the OfS asks that the OfS looks to protect the student premium in cash terms for the 2022/23 financial year.
Alongside this, the government is also making available discretionary funding of £144 million to support to support those ineligible for council tax, including students, vulnerable people and individuals on low incomes.
The government has also announced that households will get £400 of support with their energy bills through an expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme. As well as doubling the £200 of support announced earlier this year, the full £400 payment will now be made as a grant, which will not be recovered through higher bills in future years.
The department has secured up to £75 million to deliver a National Scholarship Scheme which will support high-achieving, disadvantaged students to reach their full potential whilst studying in HE. This scholarship aims to address the ongoing financial barriers that can restrict high-achieving, disadvantaged students from achieving their full academic potential whilst studying in HE and is in addition to the significant sector interventions already in place.
Ministers consider changes to support arrangements for students in higher education (HE) on an annual basis. The department is currently reviewing options for uprating maximum grants and loans for the 2023/24 academic year.
Upfront loans are available as a contribution towards undergraduate students’ living costs while attending university, with the most support available for students from the lowest income backgrounds.
Maximum grants and loans for living costs were increased by 3.1% this academic year, 2021/22, and the department has announced that they will increase by a further 2.3% in the 2022/23 academic year. In addition, we are freezing maximum tuition fees for the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years. By the 2024/25 academic year, maximum fees will have been frozen for seven years.
In the department’s guidance to the Office for Students (OfS) on funding for the 2021/22 financial year, we made clear that the OfS should protect the £256 million allocation for the student premiums to support disadvantaged students and those that need additional help. The 2022/23 financial year guidance to the OfS confirms universities will continue to be able to support students in hardship through the student premium. Ministers’ Strategic Priorities Grant guidance letter to the OfS asks that the OfS looks to protect the student premium in cash terms for the 2022/23 financial year.
Alongside this, the government is also making available discretionary funding of £144 million to support to support those ineligible for council tax, including students, vulnerable people and individuals on low incomes.
The government has also announced that households will get £400 of support with their energy bills through an expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme. As well as doubling the £200 of support announced earlier this year, the full £400 payment will now be made as a grant, which will not be recovered through higher bills in future years.
The department has secured up to £75 million to deliver a National Scholarship Scheme which will support high-achieving, disadvantaged students to reach their full potential whilst studying in HE. This scholarship aims to address the ongoing financial barriers that can restrict high-achieving, disadvantaged students from achieving their full academic potential whilst studying in HE and is in addition to the significant sector interventions already in place.
Ministers consider changes to support arrangements for students in higher education (HE) on an annual basis. The department is currently reviewing options for uprating maximum grants and loans for the 2023/24 academic year.
Upfront loans are available as a contribution towards undergraduate students’ living costs while attending university, with the most support available for students from the lowest income backgrounds.
Maximum grants and loans for living costs were increased by 3.1% this academic year, 2021/22, and the department has announced that they will increase by a further 2.3% in the 2022/23 academic year. In addition, we are freezing maximum tuition fees for the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years. By the 2024/25 academic year, maximum fees will have been frozen for seven years.
In the department’s guidance to the Office for Students (OfS) on funding for the 2021/22 financial year, we made clear that the OfS should protect the £256 million allocation for the student premiums to support disadvantaged students and those that need additional help. The 2022/23 financial year guidance to the OfS confirms universities will continue to be able to support students in hardship through the student premium. Ministers’ Strategic Priorities Grant guidance letter to the OfS asks that the OfS looks to protect the student premium in cash terms for the 2022/23 financial year.
Alongside this, the government is also making available discretionary funding of £144 million to support to support those ineligible for council tax, including students, vulnerable people and individuals on low incomes.
The government has also announced that households will get £400 of support with their energy bills through an expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme. As well as doubling the £200 of support announced earlier this year, the full £400 payment will now be made as a grant, which will not be recovered through higher bills in future years.
The department has secured up to £75 million to deliver a National Scholarship Scheme which will support high-achieving, disadvantaged students to reach their full potential whilst studying in HE. This scholarship aims to address the ongoing financial barriers that can restrict high-achieving, disadvantaged students from achieving their full academic potential whilst studying in HE and is in addition to the significant sector interventions already in place.
Up-front loans are available as a contribution towards students’ living costs while attending university with the most support available for students from the lowest income backgrounds.
Maximum grants and loans for living costs were increased by 3.1% this academic year, and we have announced that they will increase by a further 2.3% next year, the largest ever amounts of support in cash terms. In addition, we are freezing maximum tuition fees for 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years. By 2024/25, maximum fees will have been frozen for seven years.
The government recognises many households will need support to deal with rising energy costs, which are being affected by global factors and has therefore announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth £9.1 billion in the 2022/23 financial year.
This includes a £200 discount on energy bills this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain which will be paid back automatically over the next five years and a £150 non-repayable Council Tax Rebate payment for all households that are liable for Council Tax in Bands A-D in England.
The government is also making available discretionary funding of £144 million to be provided to support vulnerable people and individuals on low incomes.
Many providers have hardship funds that students can apply to for assistance should individuals’ finances be affected in the 2021/22 academic year.
Grant funding to the Office for Students (OfS) for the 2021/22 financial year included an allocation of £5 million to HE providers in England in order to provide additional support for student hardship.
In our guidance to the OfS on funding for the 2021/22 financial year we made clear that the OfS should protect the £256 million allocation for the student premiums to support disadvantaged students and those that need additional help. The 2022/23 financial year guidance to the OfS confirms universities will continue to be able to support students in hardship through the student premium. Ministers’ Strategic Priorities Grant guidance letter to the OfS asks that the OfS looks to protect the student premium in cash terms for the 2022/23 financial year.
Advice is available from providers and from other sources online to help students manage their money while they are attending their courses.
All children resident in the UK are entitled to access education irrespective of their immigration status.
Working with local councils and other networks, all school-age children and young people who arrived during Operation Pitting have now been placed in schools. We continue to work closely with local councils where we have information of Afghan families being relocated.
Operation Warm Welcome is a cross-government effort to ensure Afghans arriving in the UK receive the vital support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education, and integrate into their local communities.
We are working hard across government on this coordinated effort to resettle Afghan families. Operation Warm Welcome has made £12 million available in extra education funding, which prioritises additional school places and covers school transport, extra English lessons, specialist teachers and more, so that Afghan children and young people get the best possible start in this country. This funding has been distributed by the department.
The Department for Education’s period product scheme launched in January 2020 and, by the end of 2020, 76% of secondary schools and 79% of post-16 organisations had ordered at least once. These organisations have older students and therefore are more likely to have a higher proportion of students in scope, compared to primary schools.
Further statistics regarding the first year of the scheme’s operation can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/979265/Period_Products_Scheme_January_2021_v2__.pdf. Take up of the scheme is monitored regularly by the department and our supplier, phs, and we will consider opportunities to publish further management information in the future.
All schools and colleges were provided with information on how to place orders for the scheme when it launched in 2020, and again in January 2021. We continue to work with our delivery partner phs to encourage engagement with the scheme. For example, in March 2021 the department ran a new social media communications campaign to raise the profile of the scheme amongst pupils, parents and schools. No one should be held back from accessing education due to their period, and we are considering what further work we can do, including with local authorities, to ensure that all organisations across England are aware of the scheme.
Organisations do not have to use this scheme to acquire period products if they prefer to use an alternative route to make them available.
The Department for Education’s period product scheme launched in January 2020 and, by the end of 2020, 76% of secondary schools and 79% of post-16 organisations had ordered at least once. These organisations have older students and therefore are more likely to have a higher proportion of students in scope, compared to primary schools.
Further statistics regarding the first year of the scheme’s operation can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/979265/Period_Products_Scheme_January_2021_v2__.pdf. Take up of the scheme is monitored regularly by the department and our supplier, phs, and we will consider opportunities to publish further management information in the future.
All schools and colleges were provided with information on how to place orders for the scheme when it launched in 2020, and again in January 2021. We continue to work with our delivery partner phs to encourage engagement with the scheme. For example, in March 2021 the department ran a new social media communications campaign to raise the profile of the scheme amongst pupils, parents and schools. No one should be held back from accessing education due to their period, and we are considering what further work we can do, including with local authorities, to ensure that all organisations across England are aware of the scheme.
Organisations do not have to use this scheme to acquire period products if they prefer to use an alternative route to make them available.
The Department for Education’s period product scheme launched in January 2020 and, by the end of 2020, 76% of secondary schools and 79% of post-16 organisations had ordered at least once. These organisations have older students and therefore are more likely to have a higher proportion of students in scope, compared to primary schools.
Further statistics regarding the first year of the scheme’s operation can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/979265/Period_Products_Scheme_January_2021_v2__.pdf. Take up of the scheme is monitored regularly by the department and our supplier, phs, and we will consider opportunities to publish further management information in the future.
All schools and colleges were provided with information on how to place orders for the scheme when it launched in 2020, and again in January 2021. We continue to work with our delivery partner phs to encourage engagement with the scheme. For example, in March 2021 the department ran a new social media communications campaign to raise the profile of the scheme amongst pupils, parents and schools. No one should be held back from accessing education due to their period, and we are considering what further work we can do, including with local authorities, to ensure that all organisations across England are aware of the scheme.
Organisations do not have to use this scheme to acquire period products if they prefer to use an alternative route to make them available.
The Department for Education’s period product scheme launched in January 2020 and, by the end of 2020, 76% of secondary schools and 79% of post-16 organisations had ordered at least once. These organisations have older students and therefore are more likely to have a higher proportion of students in scope, compared to primary schools.
Further statistics regarding the first year of the scheme’s operation can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/979265/Period_Products_Scheme_January_2021_v2__.pdf. Take up of the scheme is monitored regularly by the department and our supplier, phs, and we will consider opportunities to publish further management information in the future.
All schools and colleges were provided with information on how to place orders for the scheme when it launched in 2020, and again in January 2021. We continue to work with our delivery partner phs to encourage engagement with the scheme. For example, in March 2021 the department ran a new social media communications campaign to raise the profile of the scheme amongst pupils, parents and schools. No one should be held back from accessing education due to their period, and we are considering what further work we can do, including with local authorities, to ensure that all organisations across England are aware of the scheme.
Organisations do not have to use this scheme to acquire period products if they prefer to use an alternative route to make them available.
The Department for Education’s period product scheme launched in January 2020 and, by the end of 2020, 76% of secondary schools and 79% of post-16 organisations had ordered at least once. These organisations have older students and therefore are more likely to have a higher proportion of students in scope, compared to primary schools.
Further statistics regarding the first year of the scheme’s operation can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/979265/Period_Products_Scheme_January_2021_v2__.pdf. Take up of the scheme is monitored regularly by the department and our supplier, phs, and we will consider opportunities to publish further management information in the future.
All schools and colleges were provided with information on how to place orders for the scheme when it launched in 2020, and again in January 2021. We continue to work with our delivery partner phs to encourage engagement with the scheme. For example, in March 2021 the department ran a new social media communications campaign to raise the profile of the scheme amongst pupils, parents and schools. No one should be held back from accessing education due to their period, and we are considering what further work we can do, including with local authorities, to ensure that all organisations across England are aware of the scheme.
Organisations do not have to use this scheme to acquire period products if they prefer to use an alternative route to make them available.
The government is working closely with partners across the education sector, including universities and schools, to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the disruption it has caused to young people’s education, including for those who will be applying to university for the 2021 admissions cycle.
For students applying to enter university in 2021, the UCAS deadline for most courses was pushed back to 29 January 2021. We recognise that this is a difficult time for young people, and it is vital that students applying to university in 2021 had this extra time to carefully consider their applications and make the best choices for their future. 415,470 people in England applied to full-time undergraduate courses by this deadline, up 11% from the equivalent January deadline for 2020.
We encourage universities to be flexible when making offers to individual students and we continue to work closely with the sector to ensure that students are not further disadvantaged by the COVID-19 outbreak.
We will continue to make every effort to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on young people’s education, so that they are well placed to progress to the next stage of their lives, wherever they live and whatever choices they make.
Given the ongoing disruption to education caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department announced in January 2021 that GCSE, AS and A level exams will not go ahead as planned this summer. To make sure our approach was developed with the sector, the Department and Ofqual launched a joint consultation in January on how to award grades in 2021 so they are robust and fair. We received over 100,000 responses from students, parents, teachers, school leaders and other stakeholders. There was widespread support for our approach.
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, confirmed in his statement on 25 February that students will receive grades determined by their teachers, with pupils only assessed on what they have been taught. Fairness to young people is fundamental to the department and Ofqual’s decision making. We want to ensure all young people have the confidence that, despite exams not going ahead, they will receive a grade that reflects their ability and enables them to progress.
Full details on alternative arrangements to exams can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/teacher-assessed-grades-for-students.
The free school meal (FSM) provision has supported children to access a healthy, nutritious meal to help them learn, concentrate and achieve, while they are at school, for more than a century. This provision is ingrained in the fabric of everyday school life. Now that our schools are fully open, this support has returned as normal. Provision for FSM is ordinarily term time only and there is no requirement for schools to continue this provision during school holidays. Therefore the National Voucher scheme has closed.
School leaders have worked incredibly hard during the COVID-19 outbreak and it is not reasonable to also ask them to provide food when they are closed for the holidays. However, we recognise the current challenges, and that is why we have significantly strengthened the welfare safety net. The government has injected more than £9 billion into the welfare system, including an increase to Universal Credit of up to £1,040 (£20 a week) for this financial year, and putting an average of £600 into people’s pockets through increases to the Local Housing Allowance. These are in addition to income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters.
These welfare measures sit alongside our extensive support package, including income protection schemes which have so far protected 12 million jobs and people, at a cost of almost £53 billion. Further to this, we provided an extra £63 million for local authorities to provide discretionary financial help to those in need.
The free school meal (FSM) provision has supported children to access a healthy, nutritious meal to help them learn, concentrate and achieve, while they are at school, for more than a century. This provision is ingrained in the fabric of everyday school life. Now that our schools are fully open, this support has returned as normal. Provision for FSM is ordinarily term time only and there is no requirement for schools to continue this provision during school holidays. Therefore the National Voucher scheme has closed.
School leaders have worked incredibly hard during the COVID-19 outbreak and it is not reasonable to also ask them to provide food when they are closed for the holidays. However, we recognise the current challenges, and that is why we have significantly strengthened the welfare safety net. The government has injected more than £9 billion into the welfare system, including an increase to Universal Credit of up to £1,040 (£20 a week) for this financial year, and putting an average of £600 into people’s pockets through increases to the Local Housing Allowance. These are in addition to income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters.
These welfare measures sit alongside our extensive support package, including income protection schemes which have so far protected 12 million jobs and people, at a cost of almost £53 billion. Further to this, we provided an extra £63 million for local authorities to provide discretionary financial help to those in need.
On 20 January 2020, the department launched a new scheme which makes free period products available for state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in England. The scheme remained in operation during partial school and college closures, and these organisations are still able to order a range of period products and distribute them to learners.
This scheme is in place to ensure that no learner misses out on education due to their period, and we continue to work with our delivery partner, phs, to encourage engagement with the scheme. Schools and colleges should have period products available should learners need them, and they may choose to order products through this scheme or through an alternative route.
Each eligible organisation has been allocated a budget for the scheme in 2020 based on 35% of the number of learners whose legal gender is female and who, based on age, are likely to have started their period. 35% is an assumed take-up rate, reflecting the fact that not all learners will have a need for products all of the time. This mirrors the assumed take-up rate used in the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to free period products. The total amount spent through the scheme will depend on the value of period products ordered by schools and colleges.
We are continuing to monitor the scheme closely and we will make information available about any extensions or changes to the scheme in due course.
On 20 January 2020, the department launched a new scheme which makes free period products available for state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in England. The scheme remained in operation during partial school and college closures, and these organisations are still able to order a range of period products and distribute them to learners.
This scheme is in place to ensure that no learner misses out on education due to their period, and we continue to work with our delivery partner, phs, to encourage engagement with the scheme. Schools and colleges should have period products available should learners need them, and they may choose to order products through this scheme or through an alternative route.
Each eligible organisation has been allocated a budget for the scheme in 2020 based on 35% of the number of learners whose legal gender is female and who, based on age, are likely to have started their period. 35% is an assumed take-up rate, reflecting the fact that not all learners will have a need for products all of the time. This mirrors the assumed take-up rate used in the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to free period products. The total amount spent through the scheme will depend on the value of period products ordered by schools and colleges.
We are continuing to monitor the scheme closely and we will make information available about any extensions or changes to the scheme in due course.
On 20 January 2020, the department launched a new scheme which makes free period products available for state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in England. The scheme remained in operation during partial school and college closures, and these organisations are still able to order a range of period products and distribute them to learners.
This scheme is in place to ensure that no learner misses out on education due to their period, and we continue to work with our delivery partner, phs, to encourage engagement with the scheme. Schools and colleges should have period products available should learners need them, and they may choose to order products through this scheme or through an alternative route.
Each eligible organisation has been allocated a budget for the scheme in 2020 based on 35% of the number of learners whose legal gender is female and who, based on age, are likely to have started their period. 35% is an assumed take-up rate, reflecting the fact that not all learners will have a need for products all of the time. This mirrors the assumed take-up rate used in the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to free period products. The total amount spent through the scheme will depend on the value of period products ordered by schools and colleges.
We are continuing to monitor the scheme closely and we will make information available about any extensions or changes to the scheme in due course.
On 20 January 2020, the department launched a new scheme which makes free period products available for state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in England. The scheme remained in operation during partial school and college closures, and these organisations are still able to order a range of period products and distribute them to learners.
This scheme is in place to ensure that no learner misses out on education due to their period, and we continue to work with our delivery partner, phs, to encourage engagement with the scheme. Schools and colleges should have period products available should learners need them, and they may choose to order products through this scheme or through an alternative route.
Each eligible organisation has been allocated a budget for the scheme in 2020 based on 35% of the number of learners whose legal gender is female and who, based on age, are likely to have started their period. 35% is an assumed take-up rate, reflecting the fact that not all learners will have a need for products all of the time. This mirrors the assumed take-up rate used in the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to free period products. The total amount spent through the scheme will depend on the value of period products ordered by schools and colleges.
We are continuing to monitor the scheme closely and we will make information available about any extensions or changes to the scheme in due course.
On 20 January 2020, the department launched a new scheme which makes free period products available for state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in England. The scheme remained in operation during partial school and college closures, and these organisations are still able to order a range of period products and distribute them to learners.
This scheme is in place to ensure that no learner misses out on education due to their period, and we continue to work with our delivery partner, phs, to encourage engagement with the scheme. Schools and colleges should have period products available should learners need them, and they may choose to order products through this scheme or through an alternative route.
Each eligible organisation has been allocated a budget for the scheme in 2020 based on 35% of the number of learners whose legal gender is female and who, based on age, are likely to have started their period. 35% is an assumed take-up rate, reflecting the fact that not all learners will have a need for products all of the time. This mirrors the assumed take-up rate used in the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to free period products. The total amount spent through the scheme will depend on the value of period products ordered by schools and colleges.
We are continuing to monitor the scheme closely and we will make information available about any extensions or changes to the scheme in due course.
On 20 January 2020, the department launched a new scheme which makes free period products available for state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in England. This is an important step to ensure that menstruation does not present a barrier to learning and that no-one is held back from reaching their potential.
The scheme remained in operation during partial school closures, and schools and colleges were still able to order a range of period products through the online portal and distribute them to students.
All eligible schools and colleges were automatically registered for the scheme and were sent a welcome email in January. There have since been further email campaigns to all eligible schools and colleges, encouraging them to engage with the scheme.
Our delivery partner, phs Group, reported that since the scheme launched, almost 40% of eligible organisations have placed orders for period products.
I meet the Ofqual Chief Regulator regularly as do our officials. Given the current unprecedented circumstances, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has also issued a direction to Ofqual to help shape its work in developing calculated grades for students in place of exam results, ensuring outcomes are as fair as possible.
We take our trade and international obligations for human health and the environment seriously and continue to monitor action in other countries and learn from their experiences.
The export of paraquat from Great Britain (GB) is regulated under the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regulatory regime for the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals. Companies intending to export any of these chemicals from the GB must notify the importing country via the exporter's Designated National Authority. For GB, the Designated National Authority is The Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Paraquat additionally requires the explicit consent of the importing country before export can take place. The exchange of information that PIC provides allows the importing countries to make informed decisions on the import of those chemicals and on how to handle and use them safely. This process is kept under review.
We believe it is essential that the use of active substances that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment should be subject to scientific risk assessment and regulatory protections. We accordingly support notification of the export of Paraquat under the PIC regulatory regime and support its listing as a hazardous substance under the Rotterdam convention.
Additionally, the UK is committed to working internationally to support other nations to safely manage pesticides - in particular through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, through the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and through the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). We also believe in evidence-based international policymaking through the use of scientific committees, such as the Chemical Review Committee, and support strengthening of the international 'science - policy interface' for chemicals and pesticides to enable more effective global decision-making.
The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan commits to a new strategy to tackle chemicals of national concern. Work is underway to develop a Chemicals Strategy and we will consult with a wide range of stakeholders as an important part of its development. We will set out next steps on the Chemicals Strategy in due course.
The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan commits to a new strategy to tackle chemicals of national concern. Work is underway to develop a Chemicals Strategy and we will consult with a wide range of stakeholders as an important part of its development. We will set out next steps on the Chemicals Strategy in due course.
Although veterinary workers providing emergency care in England in non-food chain related roles were removed from the critical workers list when the latest lockdown was announced this January, vets providing services in the food chain are still included as critical workers and have been able to send their children to school. This includes veterinary surgeons working in abattoirs and meat processing plants, at border control posts, and attending to livestock production. Schools in England are scheduled to reopen for all pupils from 8 March 2021. We are not aware of major animal welfare issues arising in relation to the provision of veterinary services during the lockdown.
Veterinary practices have been able to remain open and continue operating during the Covid-19 outbreak and are able to provide a range of services as those practices see fit. The Government has been working with the veterinary profession to develop guidance and protocols so that veterinary practice staff and customers alike can remain safe.
Veterinary surgeons working in food supply are classed as critical workers in England for the purposes of securing childcare in schools. This includes veterinary surgeons working in abattoirs and meat processing plants, at border control posts, and attending to livestock production.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the statutory regulator of the profession, under their code of professional conduct requires all veterinary surgeons to have provisions in place to allow customers to access 24-hour care. Even if a veterinary practice does not provide 24-hour care itself it must ensure a customer can be directed to a local practice that does provide such a service.
Veterinary practices have been able to remain open and continue operating during the Covid-19 outbreak and are able to provide a range of services as those practices see fit. The Government has been working with the veterinary profession to develop guidance and protocols so that veterinary practice staff and customers alike can remain safe.
Veterinary surgeons working in food supply are classed as critical workers in England for the purposes of securing childcare in schools. This includes veterinary surgeons working in abattoirs and meat processing plants, at border control posts, and attending to livestock production.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the statutory regulator of the profession, under their code of professional conduct requires all veterinary surgeons to have provisions in place to allow customers to access 24-hour care. Even if a veterinary practice does not provide 24-hour care itself it must ensure a customer can be directed to a local practice that does provide such a service.
The Air Quality Expert Group were commissioned to review the latest evidence on ultrafine particles (UFPs) and the report was published in 2018. Recommendations made in that report will continue to inform our evidence development and monitoring strategy.
The Government’s draft aviation strategy recognises the need to improve understanding of aviation’s impact on local air quality, including the contribution of UFPs. In addition, the Government continues to work to improve international standards on emissions from aircraft whilst engaging with airports and local authorities on measures to improve local air quality.
The total numbers of civil servants working in the Export Control Joint Unit within my department for each year since 2017 is set out in the table below.
Year Number
2017 93
2018 80
2019 80
2020 84
2021 93
2022 91
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) supply staff for ECJU also. The Hon. Lady will need to seek information from those departments directly.
The Government will not be ratifying the UK-Australia free trade agreement before 21 July 2022. The agreement is scheduled to complete its formal pre-ratification scrutiny period under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 on 20th July 2022.
The agreement cannot be ratified until the necessary domestic legislation is in place. The agreement therefore will not be ratified until the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill has received Royal Assent and all secondary legislation is in place.
The Government has been clear that the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement will be ratified once it has completed formal scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and all necessarily domestic legislative changes have been made.
The Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill will allow for changes to domestic primary legislation to implement the Procurement chapters of the Australia and New Zealand agreements. The Bill was introduced in May and is awaiting a date for Second Reading. The agreement cannot be ratified until the Bill has received Royal Assent and all required secondary legislation has been passed.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has spent a total of £9,900 on both flights and hotel accommodations from August 2021 to July 2022 for officials visiting the US state of Indiana.
The figure above relates to all bookings made through DIT’s Travel Management Company. DIT Ministerial travel is published on www.gov.uk -https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dit-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings.
In relation to questions 33803 and 33804, I refer the Hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth to the answer I gave on 5th July, UIN: 21213 and 21214.
In relation to question 33805, the Bilateral Trade Relations Directorate in the Department for International Trade has over 100 full time equivalent (FTE) staff working flexibly, together with our international network, on a range of trade issues as part of our drive to demolish bureaucratic barriers to international trade, opening up markets worth over £20 billion for businesses across the UK. Seeking Memorandum of Understandings to provide a framework to address barriers with US states is part of this agenda.
In relation to questions 33803 and 33804, I refer the Hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth to the answer I gave on 5th July, UIN: 21213 and 21214.
In relation to question 33805, the Bilateral Trade Relations Directorate in the Department for International Trade has over 100 full time equivalent (FTE) staff working flexibly, together with our international network, on a range of trade issues as part of our drive to demolish bureaucratic barriers to international trade, opening up markets worth over £20 billion for businesses across the UK. Seeking Memorandum of Understandings to provide a framework to address barriers with US states is part of this agenda.
In 2019, no money was spent on polling of this description.
In 2021, research of this description covered the USA at a cost of £72,109.
In 2022, research of this description covered India at £75,000, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations at £61,075. The total spend for 2022 has increased since the previous Question (UIN 3615) was asked as the second phase of GCC polling was completed.
To date the UK Government has secured trade agreements with 71 countries plus the EU, partners that accounted for 63.2% (£808bn) of UK bilateral trade in 2021. This includes agreements with Australia and New Zealand as well as the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which goes beyond continuity. We are continuing to work at pace to deliver our comprehensive free trade agreement programme. Recent developments include launching negotiations with Mexico and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Additionally, in June we concluded the fourth round of negotiations with India, as well as the second round of negotiations with Canada.
To date the UK Government has secured trade agreements with 71 countries plus the EU, partners that accounted for 63.2% (£808bn) of UK bilateral trade in 2021. This includes agreements with Australia and New Zealand as well as the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which goes beyond continuity. We are continuing to work at pace to deliver our comprehensive free trade agreement programme. Recent developments include launching negotiations with Mexico and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Additionally, in June we concluded the fourth round of negotiations with India, as well as the second round of negotiations with Canada.
On 23rd June, the Prime Minister announced that the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will be launched on 6th July 2022. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade will lead the launch.
HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.
On 23rd June, the Prime Minister announced that the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will be launched on 6th July 2022. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade will lead the launch.
HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UK and Indiana builds on the strong existing relationship we have with an economy worth around £306bn, and is the first such MOU to be signed with an individual US state.
This MOU will help us to bolster the over £1 billion worth of goods Indiana already buys from the UK by providing a framework to address market access barriers and increase opportunities for UK and Indiana businesses to invest and create jobs in a variety of sectors such aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and automotives. These sectors were worth a combined £36bn to the UK economy in 2021.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UK and Indiana builds on the strong existing relationship we have with an economy worth around £306bn, and is the first such MOU to be signed with an individual US state.
This MOU will help us to bolster the over £1 billion worth of goods Indiana already buys from the UK by providing a framework to address market access barriers and increase opportunities for UK and Indiana businesses to invest and create jobs in a variety of sectors such aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and automotives. These sectors were worth a combined £36bn to the UK economy in 2021.
I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave her on 14th June (UIN 15271).
The Department carries out such research for internal use to aid ongoing negotiations, and details are not released due to negotiation sensitivities.
The Department for International Trade and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy work in close collaboration in representing the United Kingdom at the negotiations to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). The United Kingdom is seeking to ensure the modernised ECT is aligned with her climate objectives and advances the British and global clean energy transition.
I refer the Hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth to the answer given by my Hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Minister for International Trade, on 9 June, UIN: 13147.
The United Kingdom is engaged in the process to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) to ensure it is aligned with her climate objectives and advances the British and global clean energy transition. Given the substantial investment required to support the energy transition, the ECT plays an important role in supporting these objectives by protecting British and global investments in clean energy.
The United Kingdom has investment agreements with Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions with over 90 trading partners, including within the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). There has never been a successful ISDS claim brought against the United Kingdom, nor has the threat of potential claims affected decisions taken by HM Government.
The United Kingdom is engaged in the process to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) to ensure it is aligned with her climate objectives and advances the British and global clean energy transition. Given the substantial investment required to support the energy transition, the ECT plays an important role in supporting these objectives by protecting British and global investments in clean energy.
The United Kingdom has investment agreements with Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions with over 90 trading partners, including within the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). There has never been a successful ISDS claim brought against the United Kingdom, nor has the threat of potential claims affected decisions taken by HM Government.
Between 20th May 2021 and 20th May 2022, the Department of International Trade’s Ministers have visited the following US States: Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee , Texas and Washington DC .
These visits were accompanied by officials. However, we don’t track centrally, all visits made by officials when not accompanying Ministers. Some officials will have travelled in that time for a variety of reasons including to begin new roles in posts, to visit their counterparts in US government, to support the Department's objectives to promote exports and investment in the US. Departmental travel guidance will have been followed to ensure value for money.
The Department carries out such research for internal use relevant to ongoing negotiations, and details are not released due to negotiation sensitivities.
We plan to publish this report in July, but no date has been agreed.
The UK Government engages regularly with states across the US, to identify the best approach to strengthening our economic relationships.
MoUs are one of a range of mechanisms to achieve this. We are therefore hoping to sign a number of MOUs by the end of the year. Our first will be with Indiana.
We will be making announcements in due course according to the pipeline of MOUs underway.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has spent a total of £251,625 on both flights and hotel accommodations from April 2021 to March 2022 for officials and Ministers visiting the United States of America.
The figure above relates to all bookings made through DIT’s Travel Management Company.
DIT Ministerial travel is published on www.gov.uk -https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dit-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings.
In 2020, no money was spent on polling of this description.
In 2021, the figure was £72,109.
In 2022, the figure to date is £108,625.
The information required to answer this question is not held centrally. This kind of research activity is commissioned by multiple teams including overseas posts and recorded on different systems. Projects may include multiple components of a), b) and c) which are not costed separately. This means that any information provided would not be fully accurate and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Research is being conducted by Ipsos Mori between February and May 2022. It covers member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This research will be used to inform negotiations.
The UK has Investor-State Dispute Settlement arrangements with 90 treaty partners and has never lost a case or even been taken to a tribunal under these provisions. UK firms have over £100 billion invested in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries, including pension funds. The CPTPP investment chapter offers protection for UK investments and businesses abroad. CPTPP protects countries right to regulate and will not undermine the UK’s net zero objectives.
The UK has never lost a tribunal under Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions despite having such arrangements in place with over 90 treaty partners. UK firms have over £100 billion invested in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries, which will be protected by CPTPP’s investment chapter.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Department for International Trade (DIT) officials in the UK and around the world regularly engage with a large number of companies. These engagements are focussed on export and inward investment opportunities, which is DIT's remit.
On 22nd June 2021 the Government published a Scoping Assessment which outlined the potential environmental impacts of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It indicates that UK membership is unlikely to have a significant effect on the domestic energy industry.
Acceding to CPTPP will not prevent the UK regulating in the public interest, including in relation to the UK's net zero ambitions. CPTPP explicitly reaffirms states' right to regulate under international law. It also protects this right through numerous safeguards, including procedural provisions to minimise the impacts of frivolous and unsuccessful investor-state dispute settlement claims faced by states.
On 22nd June 2021 the Government published a Scoping Assessment which outlined the potential environmental impacts of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It indicates that UK membership is unlikely to have a significant effect on the domestic energy industry.
Acceding to CPTPP will not prevent the UK regulating in the public interest, including in relation to the UK's net zero ambitions. CPTPP explicitly reaffirms states' right to regulate under international law. It also protects this right through numerous safeguards, including procedural provisions to minimise the impacts of frivolous and unsuccessful investor-state dispute settlement claims faced by states.
All legal work on Investor-state dispute settlement within the Department for International Trade has been undertaken internally. Nothing has been spent by the Department on external legal advice regarding investor-dispute settlement provisions within its work on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
All legal work on Investor-state dispute settlement within the Department for International Trade has been undertaken internally. Nothing has been spent by the Department on external legal advice regarding investor-dispute settlement provisions within its work on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Regular meetings take place between officials from the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership at all levels. DIT is in frequent contact with other government departments about issues pertinent to its programme of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This ensures close coordination on issues of shared interest and consistency in positions across Whitehall.
The Department regularly engages a range of interested individuals and organisations on our trade negotiations, including through our Strategic Trade Advisory Group and Thematic Working Groups. We received a range of written responses through our recent public consultation on a future trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council too.
The regular Public Attitudes to Trade Tracker asks the public about awareness of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and support for entering formal trade talks with the bloc, in some waves of the survey. Polling for this survey has been carried out in 2022. Findings are published regularly at the collections page: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-attitudes-to-trade-tracker . The Department also carries out research for internal use relevant to ongoing negotiations. Details of these are not released due to negotiation sensitivities.
The Department has commissioned research on public attitudes towards trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The regular Public Attitudes to Trade Tracker asks the public about awareness of the GCC, and support for entering formal trade talks with the bloc, in some waves of the survey. Findings are published regularly at the collections page: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-attitudes-to-trade-tracker . The Department also carries out research for internal use relevant to ongoing negotiations. Details of these are not released due to negotiation sensitivities.
The General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress is a member of the Department’s Trade Union Advisory Group (TUAG), and the Deputy General Secretary is a member of the Department’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group (STAG).
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World UK, is no longer a member of the Transport Services Trade Advisory Group (TAG).
Officials meet DP World regularly, to discuss trade policy and their investments in the United Kingdom. Departmental records show that there were four such meetings in Q4 of 2020, 19 in 2021, and two to date this year. Usually alongside other businesses, Ministers had two meetings with DP World in Q4 2020, four in 2021, and one to date this year.
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World UK, is no longer a member of the Transport Services Trade Advisory Group (TAG).
Officials meet DP World regularly, to discuss trade policy and their investments in the United Kingdom. Departmental records show that there were four such meetings in Q4 of 2020, 19 in 2021, and two to date this year. Usually alongside other businesses, Ministers had two meetings with DP World in Q4 2020, four in 2021, and one to date this year.
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World UK, is no longer a member of the Transport Services Trade Advisory Group (TAG).
Officials meet DP World regularly, to discuss trade policy and their investments in the United Kingdom. Departmental records show that there were four such meetings in Q4 of 2020, 19 in 2021, and two to date this year. Usually alongside other businesses, Ministers had two meetings with DP World in Q4 2020, four in 2021, and one to date this year.
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World UK, is no longer a member of the Transport Services Trade Advisory Group (TAG).
Officials meet DP World regularly, to discuss trade policy and their investments in the United Kingdom. Departmental records show that there were four such meetings in Q4 of 2020, 19 in 2021, and two to date this year. Usually alongside other businesses, Ministers had two meetings with DP World in Q4 2020, four in 2021, and one to date this year.
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World UK, is no longer a member of the Transport Services Trade Advisory Group (TAG).
Officials meet DP World regularly, to discuss trade policy and their investments in the United Kingdom. Departmental records show that there were four such meetings in Q4 of 2020, 19 in 2021, and two to date this year. Usually alongside other businesses, Ministers had two meetings with DP World in Q4 2020, four in 2021, and one to date this year.
No records of letters from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office about the export of pesticides are currently held with the Department for International Trade.
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has had no discussions with officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Health and Safety Executive on the export of pesticides banned for domestic use in the UK.
As of January 2022, the Department for International Trade had just over 600 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff working directly on trade negotiations.
The Department for International Trade operates a flexible resourcing model in order to maximise efficiency across our free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. The number of staff working on a FTA at any one time will change depending on the stage and scale of the negotiations. Staff will also often be working across multiple negotiations.
Ahead of launching negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) had just over 600 ‘full-time equivalent’ staff working directly on trade negotiations in January.
DIT operates a ‘flexible resourcing model’ in order to maximise efficiency across our trade negotiations. The number of staff working on a trade deal at any one time will change depending on the stage and scale of the negotiations. Staff often work across multiple negotiations.
All licences – to all markets – are kept under careful and continual review and we are able to suspend, refuse or revoke licences as circumstances require. An export licence will not be granted (or, if extant, it would be revoked) if it is incompatible with any of the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. This includes Criterion 2a, which assesses whether there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate internal repression.
HM Government cannot comment on the sensitive detail of live negotiations; however, accession will only take place on terms beneficial to the UK.
There has never been a successful investor state dispute settlement claim brought against the UK, nor has the threat of potential claims affected the Government’s legislative programme.
As part of one of the largest consultation exercises ever run by HM Government, consultations were held with individuals, businesses, business associations, NGOs and public sector bodies on the UK potentially seeking accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. HM Government issued its response to this consultation in June 2021.
HM Government cannot comment on the sensitive detail of live negotiations; however, accession will only take place on terms beneficial to the UK.
There has never been a successful investor state dispute settlement claim brought against the UK, nor has the threat of potential claims affected the Government’s legislative programme.
As part of one of the largest consultation exercises ever run by HM Government, consultations were held with individuals, businesses, business associations, NGOs and public sector bodies on the UK potentially seeking accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. HM Government issued its response to this consultation in June 2021.
HM Government cannot comment on the sensitive detail of live negotiations; however, accession will only take place on terms beneficial to the UK.
There has never been a successful investor state dispute settlement claim brought against the UK, nor has the threat of potential claims affected the Government’s legislative programme.
As part of one of the largest consultation exercises ever run by HM Government, consultations were held with individuals, businesses, business associations, NGOs and public sector bodies on the UK potentially seeking accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. HM Government issued its response to this consultation in June 2021.
HM Government cannot comment on the sensitive detail of live negotiations; however, accession will only take place on terms beneficial to the UK.
There has never been a successful investor state dispute settlement claim brought against the UK, nor has the threat of potential claims affected the Government’s legislative programme.
As part of one of the largest consultation exercises ever run by HM Government, consultations were held with individuals, businesses, business associations, NGOs and public sector bodies on the UK potentially seeking accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. HM Government issued its response to this consultation in June 2021.
We have no plans to publish this internal assessment.
I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave her on 7th February (UIN: 115939).
It is not possible to predict the future number or value of applications for particular countries, as this is determined by industry submitting export licence applications, which will then be assessed on a case-by-case basis against our robust Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
It is not possible to predict the future number or value of applications for particular countries, as this is determined by industry submitting export licence applications, which will then be assessed on a case-by-case basis against our robust Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
It is not possible to predict the future number or value of applications for particular countries, as this is determined by industry submitting export licence applications, which will then be assessed on a case-by-case basis against our robust Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
HM Government publishes Official Statistics (on a quarterly and annual basis) on export licences granted, refused and revoked to all destinations on GOV.UK containing detailed information including the overall value, type (e.g. Military, Other) and a summary of the items covered by these licences.
The most recent publication was on 12th October 2021, covering the period 1st April – 30th June 2021. Information covering 1st July – 30th September 2021 will be published later this month and information covering 1st October 2020 – 31st December 2020 will be published in April.
The impact assessment was an internal scoping document that contains confidential and commercially sensitive information. It indicated that the regulatory impact is less than the £5 million threshold below which a full Regulatory Impact Assessment is not required.
The Department for International Trade does not have a definition of the threshold for minimal impact.
In the response I gave to the Hon. Member’s question, UIN:100568, we said “We do not expect the revised Strategic Export Licensing Criteria to have a significant impact on the level of arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates”
There is no special meaning to the phrase “significant impact” as used in our answer.
HM Government is satisfied that the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria announced in a Written Statement on 8th December 2021 (HCWS449) continue to provide a thorough risk assessment framework for assessing all export licence applications.
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade set out the reasons for introducing changes to the export control regime in her Written Statement, UIN HCWS449.
The non-Governmental organisations officials met on 18 January were:
We did not receive representations from human rights organisations; however, officials are meeting with representatives of non-governmental organisations to discuss the revised Criteria on 18 January.
We do not expect the revised Strategic Export Licensing Criteria to have a significant impact on the level of arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Risks in relation to human rights and international humanitarian law remain key parts of our assessment.
My Rt. Hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and the Secretary of State for Defence, were fully involved in the preparation of the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. The revised Criteria were agreed by all three Secretaries of State.
On the revised Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, no impact assessment was carried out as we do not expect the changes to have a significant impact on the level of arms exports.
An impact assessment was carried out on the proposed changes to the Military End-Use Control. The assessment concluded the changes would have a minimal impact on legitimate trade while allowing the Government to prevent exports of otherwise non-controlled items that pose threats to national security, international peace and security, and human rights in embargoed destinations.
The £500m Restoring Your Railway Fund is supporting over 45 promising schemes with the potential to level up areas and reconnect communities. We reopened the Dartmoor Line in November 2021. On 18 June 2022 we announced £15m of further development funding for nine schemes and published a Programme Update with an overview of all schemes, including Advanced Proposals and those which were part of the announcement.
The Brentford–Southall rail scheme bid was assessed as an Advanced Proposal as part of the Restoring Your Railway programme. I wrote to you, the co-sponsoring MP and the promoter with the outcome and feedback ahead of the announcement made on 18 June 2022.
To prevent the booking and re-selling of driving test appointments, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has:
Practical driving test appointments are only assigned to individuals wanting to take their driving test. There is no facility to allow the mass booking of driving tests, neither are practical car driving test slots allocated to, or reserved for, private companies.
As practical driving tests are booked against individuals, the DVSA does not hold data on how many were booked via a third-party.
To prevent the booking and re-selling of driving test appointments, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has:
Practical driving test appointments are only assigned to individuals wanting to take their driving test. There is no facility to allow the mass booking of driving tests, neither are practical car driving test slots allocated to, or reserved for, private companies.
As practical driving tests are booked against individuals, the DVSA does not hold data on how many were booked via a third-party.
To prevent the booking and re-selling of driving test appointments, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has:
Practical driving test appointments are only assigned to individuals wanting to take their driving test. There is no facility to allow the mass booking of driving tests, neither are practical car driving test slots allocated to, or reserved for, private companies.
As practical driving tests are booked against individuals, the DVSA does not hold data on how many were booked via a third-party.
We are not proposing any changes to the national security checks being undertaken by Government for staff entering airside areas at UK airports and there have been no discussions with trade unions. The travelling public must have confidence that appropriate security measures are in place at airports. They would expect nothing less of government.
National Security Vetting is led by the Cabinet Office. The security measures in place to protect airside locations at UK airports are carefully assessed by the appropriate authorities including the CAA and are kept under continual review. We regularly engage with other Government departments as part of our work on aviation security, including vetting.
As set out in my recently published Parliamentary Report, I have asked HS2 Ltd to explore the potential for the re-purposing of temporary construction routes into vehicle-free connections between rural communities that could connect with emerging local authority cycling and walking routes and provide a wider active travel network along the spine of HS2.
Data on commercial flight operations is collected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is currently complete and held by the Department until the end of September 2021.
In the last 12 months where data is available (October 2020 to September 2021), the number of passenger flights arriving at London Heathrow airport which carried freight and were operating with less than 20% of their available seats filled was 6,620. This figure includes international and domestic arrivals on scheduled and chartered passenger services. “Freight” excludes mail, and cargo-only services are not included.
Flights may operate with a low number of passengers for a range of reasons. For the period between October 2020 and September 2021 the normal slot regulations that require airlines to operate 80% of their slots in order to retain them for the following season were completely suspended. This means that airlines have not been required to operate empty or almost empty flights solely to retain their historic slots rights.
The Department holds the data on the number of flights with no or very few passengers based on figures collected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on commercial flight operations. The Department does not hold data on the purpose of these flights operated. Flights may operate with a low number of passengers for a range of reasons and we are not able to identify whether any of these were flown specifically to retain slots.
I previously provided an answer of 7 February 2022 to Question 119801 on number of empty or almost empty international departing passenger flights.
The Department does not hold statistical data on flights entering UK airspace. Data on commercial air services collected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) only covers flights departing and arriving at UK airports and therefore does not include flights that pass-through UK airspace without landing at a UK airport.
My officials and I regularly engage with Heathrow Airport and work constructively together on many of the cross-cutting issues.
A targeted consultation took place between 15 November to 13 December 2021 with airports, airlines and aviation industry bodies, including Heathrow Airport about alleviation from normal slot usage rules for the Summer 2022 season.
The Government received 7,891 responses to its consultation entitled Future of transport regulatory review: modernising vehicle standards.
The Government will consider all responses received and publish a consultation response summarising the responses and setting out the next steps.
The Department has made no recent assessment of this specific practice. The primary function of motorway services areas (MSAs) is to provide drivers with a safe area to take a short break from driving. In England, MSAs are operated by private companies who work within the requirements of Government policy as set out in Department for Transport (DfT) Circular 02/2013 "The Strategic Road Network and the Delivery of Sustainable Development". This requires MSA operators to provide 24/7 free short-term parking for up to two hours for all types of vehicle allowing people to take a break, use the facilities and/or eat a meal as required. After this period, operators are permitted to charge for parking as this helps to ensure a turnover of spaces.
The Government recognises the need to ensure hauliers have access to appropriate services and facilities.
This week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced we will be investing £32.5 million in roadside facilities for HGV drivers on the road.
The Department will continue to engage with key stakeholders to encourage the development of more safe, secure, and high-quality lorry parking to improve driver welfare.
Industry estimates suggest that women make up around 14% of the total logistics industry workforce. The Office for National Statistics Annual Population Survey suggests that around 4,000 HGV drivers are women but that the sample is too small for a reliable estimate of a percentage of the total workforce.
The Government is aware of the demographic imbalances in the HGV driver workforce including the lack of women drivers, under 25s and drivers from ethnic minorities. Addressing these issues and creating a workforce that will better reflect society will be key to permanently solving the driver shortage.
This will be for the industry to lead but the Government will continue to support where it can, such as through the investment of £32.5 million in roadside facilities for HGV drivers, announced in the Spending Review. In addition, the Department will continue to engage with key stakeholders regarding improving the accessibility of facilities for women drivers and increasing the provision of overnight lorry parking.
On 2nd August, the Department published the results of research into enforcement against excessive noise pollution from vehicles using acoustic cameras. This research has shown that the technology has the potential to identify excessively noisy vehicles, but that there are still difficulties in accurately measuring noise from individual vehicles in busier traffic conditions. Further research is being commissioned to address these challenges, which will include further roadside trials of selected technology.
The Department has not held formal discussions with police forces on the enforcement of vehicle noise, but commissioned research in 2018 to better understand existing enforcement strategies and identify ways of enabling more effective approaches using alternative technologies. This research included a survey of police forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police. A report of this research was published on 8th June 2019.
On 2nd August, the Department published the results of research into enforcement against excessive noise pollution from vehicles using acoustic cameras. This research has shown that the technology has the potential to identify excessively noisy vehicles, but that there are still difficulties in accurately measuring noise from individual vehicles in busier traffic conditions. Further research is being commissioned to address these challenges, which will include further roadside trials of selected technology.
The Department has not held formal discussions with police forces on the enforcement of vehicle noise, but commissioned research in 2018 to better understand existing enforcement strategies and identify ways of enabling more effective approaches using alternative technologies. This research included a survey of police forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police. A report of this research was published on 8th June 2019.
On 2nd August, the Department published the results of research into enforcement against excessive noise pollution from vehicles using acoustic cameras. This research has shown that the technology has the potential to identify excessively noisy vehicles, but that there are still difficulties in accurately measuring noise from individual vehicles in busier traffic conditions. Further research is being commissioned to address these challenges, which will include further roadside trials of selected technology.
The Department has not held formal discussions with police forces on the enforcement of vehicle noise, but commissioned research in 2018 to better understand existing enforcement strategies and identify ways of enabling more effective approaches using alternative technologies. This research included a survey of police forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police. A report of this research was published on 8th June 2019.
On 2nd August, the Department published the results of research into enforcement against excessive noise pollution from vehicles using acoustic cameras. This research has shown that the technology has the potential to identify excessively noisy vehicles, but that there are still difficulties in accurately measuring noise from individual vehicles in busier traffic conditions. Further research is being commissioned to address these challenges, which will include further roadside trials of selected technology.
The Department has not held formal discussions with police forces on the enforcement of vehicle noise, but commissioned research in 2018 to better understand existing enforcement strategies and identify ways of enabling more effective approaches using alternative technologies. This research included a survey of police forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police. A report of this research was published on 8th June 2019.
On 2nd August, the Department published the results of research into enforcement against excessive noise pollution from vehicles using acoustic cameras. This research has shown that the technology has the potential to identify excessively noisy vehicles, but that there are still difficulties in accurately measuring noise from individual vehicles in busier traffic conditions. Further research is being commissioned to address these challenges, which will include further roadside trials of selected technology.
The Department has not held formal discussions with police forces on the enforcement of vehicle noise, but commissioned research in 2018 to better understand existing enforcement strategies and identify ways of enabling more effective approaches using alternative technologies. This research included a survey of police forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police. A report of this research was published on 8th June 2019.
The Government is investing a record £2 billion to increase levels of active travel, a key part of the world-leading Transport Decarbonisation Plan we published this Summer.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) already has a number of environmental responsibilities, including certifying aircraft for noise and emissions standards and the obligation to take fully into account the Government’s objectives on noise, emissions and air quality when exercising its air navigation functions. It also has legal powers to provide information about the environmental impact of aviation where it would help passengers make more informed decisions. We do not currently plan to extend its legal duties on the environment, as these are deemed sufficient.
We have recently asked it to take on some of the noise advisory functions of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise from April 2022. The CAA also plans to establish a new Environment Panel to provide it with independent expert advice on a range of environmental issues including carbon, air quality and noise.
Section 70 (2)(d) of the Transport Act 2000 requires the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to take account of any guidance on environmental objectives given to it by the Secretary of State. These environmental objectives, including with respect to aircraft noise, are set out in the revised Air Navigation Guidance presented to the CAA in October 2017 and which followed an extensive public consultation. This Guidance is kept under review by the Department.
The Air Navigation Guidance requires airspace change sponsors to undertake noise impact assessments in accordance with the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance tool. These requirements are reflected in the CAA’s CAP1616 airspace change process and the CAA takes account of them when assessing an airspace change proposal.
An independent review of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise (ICCAN) conducted earlier this year, recommended improved consultation with Government to align work with policy needs and give greater clarity on priorities. ICCAN will be wound down later in September, followed by a transitional phase during which the Department for Transport will work with the CAA, which will take on the majority of ICCAN’s former functions no later than April 2022. The CAA has world-renowned expertise in noise and is well placed to advise the Government on aviation noise management.
The government is supportive of the need to protect communities from the adverse effects of aircraft noise. However, noise from general transport, including aircraft, is not included as a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as we believe it is not practical for local authorities to enforce these rules. Aviation noise is better managed through specific government policies tailored to individual noise sources, and we believe there are sufficient mechanisms in place to protect communities from the effects of aircraft noise.
The functions of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) evolve over time as Parliament sees fit to confer new functions on it. Recent examples have been the regulation of both remotely piloted aerial vehicles and space flight from the UK, and certain aspects of enforcing health protection operator liability regulations. Due to the significant impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had on both our aviation industry and the CAA, we do not consider it appropriate at this time to review the statutory duties of the CAA overall. However, we will consider changes to the CAA’s powers and duties where necessary.
Officials at the Department for Transport continue to work closely with colleagues at the Department of Health and Social Care to discuss how we can further reduce testing costs, while ensuring international travel is as safe as possible.
The price of tests has reduced significantly over recent weeks, bringing the UK in line with other countries, and several providers are offering Day 2 tests for green arrivals for under £50. The government is working with the travel industry and private testing providers to further reduce the cost of Covid-19 tests.
The Government supports various campaigns to encourage people to walk and cycle, all of which help to promote and unlock the benefits of active travel. They include the Big Bike Revival programme delivered by Cycling UK, the Walk to School Outreach programme delivered by Living Streets, and local programmes delivered by local authorities through the Department’s £20 million per annum Access Fund. There are no plans for a national communications campaign, but Government will continue to work with stakeholders to consider the best ways of promoting the benefits of active travel.
Work is underway on drafting the regulations needed to bring the Part 6 powers into force. It is not possible at this stage to say exactly when in 2021 the powers will be available to local authorities, but as set out in the previous answer, we expect it will take several months to complete the process.
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, as the bridge owner, took the decision to close Hammersmith Bridge to river traffic in August 2020, as advised within the Case for Continued Safe Operation. Public safety is the top priority and the Governments wants to see the bridge reopened to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic as soon as it is safe to do so.
As you may be aware the Government has established a Taskforce – led by Baroness Vere – to bring together both local Councils, Transport for London and the Port of London Authority to assess and determine next steps.
The Department for Transport and the Port of London Authority continue to hold constructive discussions with Hammersmith and Fulham on the possibility of revisiting the Case for Continued Safe Operation to allow controlled and limited river traffic; any changes will be dependent on expert engineers determining that any risks are adequately controlled.
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, as the bridge owner, took the decision to close Hammersmith Bridge to river traffic in August 2020, as advised within the Case for Continued Safe Operation. Public safety is the top priority and the Governments wants to see the bridge reopened to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic as soon as it is safe to do so.
As you may be aware the Government has established a Taskforce – led by Baroness Vere – to bring together both local Councils, Transport for London and the Port of London Authority to assess and determine next steps.
The Department for Transport and the Port of London Authority continue to hold constructive discussions with Hammersmith and Fulham on the possibility of revisiting the Case for Continued Safe Operation to allow controlled and limited river traffic; any changes will be dependent on expert engineers determining that any risks are adequately controlled.
The Government takes the impact of traffic noise on health, wellbeing and the natural environment seriously. Vehicles are required to meet strict noise limits before being placed on the market and police already have powers to act if they suspect an exhaust has been altered to increase noise.
The Department is continuing to research whether noise enforcement can be made more effective using acoustic camera technology. A review of the current vehicle noise legislation may need to be considered if acoustic camera systems prove to be a reliable and efficient enforcement method.
The Department for Transport has been in regular contact with airlines, airports, ground handlers and unions to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the companies and their workers. It would be inappropriate to comment on discussions held with individual companies.
The Department for Transport has been in regular contact with airlines, airports, ground handlers and unions to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the companies and their workers. It would be inappropriate to comment on discussions held with individual companies.
The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and companies can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures, including: schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. If airlines find themselves in trouble because of coronavirus, and have exhausted the measures already available to them, the Government is prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted all other options.??Any intervention would need to represent value for money for taxpayers.
The Department for Transport is in regular contact with HM Treasury regarding the challenges facing the aviation sector as a result of COVID-19. The sector is crucial to the UK’s economy and businesses across the industry are able to draw on the unprecedented package of economic measures we have put in place during this time.
This includes a Bank of England scheme for firms to raise capital and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme which facilitates access to finance for businesses affected by the outbreak. HMRC is also ready to help all businesses and self-employed individuals, experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to coronavirus.?You can access their “Time to Pay” arrangements, which eases restrictions with tax bills and VAT deferrals.
The Government is also ensuring financial support for employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme covering 80% of furloughed employees’ usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, alongside the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions.
The government recognises the challenging times facing the aviation sector as a result of COVID-19 and the unprecedented impact it has had on global travel, with flight numbers down significantly year on year throughout the crisis. The government is monitoring the impact of the pandemic on the UK aviation sector, including passenger airlines operating in the UK, and will continue to keep the impact on competition in the sector under review.
The Government wants to ensure step free access for as many passengers as possible. It remains committed to transforming our railways and building on Keith Williams’ evidence-based priorities, including to deliver improved accessibility. We want to create a railway that puts passengers first, delivers better value for money and supports the nation’s recovery from Covid-19.
Covid-19 struck when the Williams Rail Review was in its final stages. We believe the priorities that Keith set out remain the right ones and we are working with him now to consider how best to deliver reform in light of these unique challenges.
The Department regularly reviews the level of accessibility including data from Rail Delivery Group and passenger demand. We also require the industry to meet current accessibility standards whenever they install, replace or renew station infrastructure and to provide free alternative transport for anyone unable to use a particular station. By the end of 2024 more than 100 additional stations will also receive accessible routes under our Access for All programme.
The Department for Transport regularly engages with Network Rail on improving accessibility at stations. This includes frequent formal and ad hoc meetings as part of the governance of the Access for All programme and advising Network Rail on their legal obligation to meet accessibility standards whenever they install, replace or renew station infrastructure.
The DVLA's vehicle excise duty collection and enforcement activities are funded by the Department for Transport. The DVLA is required to cover all other operating costs through statutory fees and wider commercial (non-statutory) charges.
The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence is to do so online. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services continued to work as normal throughout the pandemic and there are no delays for applications made in this way.
While the DVLA has remained open throughout the pandemic, the 6,000 staff are based predominantly in one building in Swansea. This means the DVLA has had a greatly reduced number of staff on-site at any one time due to social distancing requirements in Wales and this has led to delays in dealing with paper applications as these have to be dealt with in person on site. The DVLA has implemented measures to increase the number of staff on-site so paper applications can be processed as quickly as possible, including reconfiguring its office space to safely accommodate more operational staff.
A well maintained transport system helps goods and people move around the country and contributes to economic performance. Whilst impacts vary from case to case, well planned maintenance and renewals work has been demonstrated to deliver very high value for money and amongst the highest returns for investment in transport. Data on the value for money of investments is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/percentage-of-dft-s-appraised-project-spending-that-is-assessed-as-good-or-very-good-value-for-money
The Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) provides guidance on the transport appraisal process that allows decision-makers to be presented with a comprehensive account of all relevant impacts of a proposed transport investment. A range of impacts relating to quality of life are typically considered in scheme appraisals including congestion/crowding relief, journey quality, housing availability, air quality, noise, landscape, safety, security, physical activity, accessibility, and affordability.
As set out in last year’s Appraisal and Modelling Strategy, the Department is also progressing work in several areas that collectively serve to highlight the relationship between transport investment and quality of life, including the potential role of wellbeing analysis in transport appraisal.
The Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) provides guidance on the transport appraisal which provides a comprehensive account of all relevant impacts of a proposed transport investment. There is no prior weighting applied to any specific impact or group of impacts, with their importance determined by their scale and evidence on how society values these impacts. Environmental impacts considered include noise, air quality, greenhouse gases, landscape, townscape, historic environment, biodiversity, and water environment. Social impacts considered include accidents, physical activity, security, severance, journey quality, option and non-use value, accessibility, and personal affordability.
TAG also recommends the use of distributional analysis – the impacts of a proposal on more vulnerable groups of society. Where these distributional impacts are relevant to the scheme, a qualitative assessment of the extent and the vulnerable groups affected should be reported.
London Heathrow Airport sought the views of the department on its proposal to move temporarily all of its operations to the northern runway before this took place on 13 July 2020. In view of the current air traffic demand and its reduced environmental impacts, and the long-term benefits to the airport from repairing its southern runway, the government endorsed the airport’s decision to operate solely for a limited period from the northern runway.
The Government expects London Heathrow Airport to assess the potential operational, safety and environmental consequences of any change to its operations before implementation. The specific format of any such assessment, and the level of detail to be included within it, are the responsibility of London Heathrow Airport and will need to be undertaken in compliance with its legal and regulatory obligations.
The government’s longstanding policy is that mixed mode operations at London Heathrow Airport on its two runways should not be undertaken other than in agreed circumstances such as when the airport operates in Tactically Enhanced Arrivals Mode (TEAM). Any proposal by London Heathrow Airport to operate both runways on a permanent mixed mode basis would need the government’s consent as well as satisfying all legal requirements.
London Heathrow Airport sought the views of the department on its proposal to move temporarily all of its operations to the northern runway before this took place on 13 July 2020. In view of the current air traffic demand and its reduced environmental impacts, and the long-term benefits to the airport from repairing its southern runway, the government endorsed the airport’s decision to operate solely for a limited period from the northern runway.
The Government expects London Heathrow Airport to assess the potential operational, safety and environmental consequences of any change to its operations before implementation. The specific format of any such assessment, and the level of detail to be included within it, are the responsibility of London Heathrow Airport and will need to be undertaken in compliance with its legal and regulatory obligations.
The government’s longstanding policy is that mixed mode operations at London Heathrow Airport on its two runways should not be undertaken other than in agreed circumstances such as when the airport operates in Tactically Enhanced Arrivals Mode (TEAM). Any proposal by London Heathrow Airport to operate both runways on a permanent mixed mode basis would need the government’s consent as well as satisfying all legal requirements.
London Heathrow Airport sought the views of the department on its proposal to move temporarily all of its operations to the northern runway before this took place on 13 July 2020. In view of the current air traffic demand and its reduced environmental impacts, and the long-term benefits to the airport from repairing its southern runway, the government endorsed the airport’s decision to operate solely for a limited period from the northern runway.
The Government expects London Heathrow Airport to assess the potential operational, safety and environmental consequences of any change to its operations before implementation. The specific format of any such assessment, and the level of detail to be included within it, are the responsibility of London Heathrow Airport and will need to be undertaken in compliance with its legal and regulatory obligations.
The government’s longstanding policy is that mixed mode operations at London Heathrow Airport on its two runways should not be undertaken other than in agreed circumstances such as when the airport operates in Tactically Enhanced Arrivals Mode (TEAM). Any proposal by London Heathrow Airport to operate both runways on a permanent mixed mode basis would need the government’s consent as well as satisfying all legal requirements.
The Government’s recognises that night flights have material value to the economy, and that the aviation industry connects people and UK businesses with the world. In particular, we recognised the importance of early morning arrivals from long-haul routes such as the Far East and America, volume of onward connections supported in this early morning period, and the contribution flights in the shoulder periods make to delivery of essential freight, both dedicated and belly-hold.
The economic value of night flights at Heathrow is considered in the Department's decisions relating to night flight restrictions at the airport. The last impact assessment was published in July 2017 to inform the current night flight restrictions, which run until October 2022.
The Department has made no assessment of the adequacy of the protected cycleways designed and built between 1934 and 1941. Local Authorities are responsible for assessing and identifying investment priorities for local transport infrastructure, including for cycling and walking. The Government intends to publish the updated version of the Department’s cycle infrastructure design guidance imminently.
On the 9th May the Government announced a £2 billion package of funding for cycling and walking over the next five years. £225 million will be available to local authorities this financial year. for immediate measures including new cycle lanes, wider pavements and safer junctions. Decisions on the remainder will be for the Spending Review in due course.
The Department has been working with interested groups to conduct a review of The Highway Code focused on improving safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse-riders. We are hoping to consult on the proposed changes shortly.
The Government is committed to delivering the aims and ambitions set out in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, which was published in April 2017. This includes ensuring that there are appropriate staff resources in place to deliver the Strategy, as well as the new commitments on active travel that have been announced recently. Around twenty officials in the Department for Transport now work on cycling and walking issues, and this will be kept under review.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will resume its statutory obligations to survey and inspect domestic passenger boats in the UK, including those operating on the Thames, on 20 July and will use a risk-based approach.
The details of the plans for resumption of these activities were made available to the maritime industry on 6 July.
The MCA has no plans to (a) reduce or (b) remove the fees for statutory inspections and surveys that their Marine Surveyors perform on passenger boats.
The Government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures worth £350 billion to support companies of all sizes through the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department’s officials and I have been working closely with a wide range of operators, including passenger ferry operators, to understand how these measures can be applied and have continued to offer our support to them during this difficult time.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will resume its statutory obligations to survey and inspect domestic passenger boats in the UK, including those operating on the Thames, on 20 July and will use a risk-based approach.
The details of the plans for resumption of these activities were made available to the maritime industry on 6 July.
The MCA has no plans to (a) reduce or (b) remove the fees for statutory inspections and surveys that their Marine Surveyors perform on passenger boats.
The Government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures worth £350 billion to support companies of all sizes through the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department’s officials and I have been working closely with a wide range of operators, including passenger ferry operators, to understand how these measures can be applied and have continued to offer our support to them during this difficult time.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will resume its statutory obligations to survey and inspect domestic passenger boats in the UK, including those operating on the Thames, on 20 July and will use a risk-based approach.
The details of the plans for resumption of these activities were made available to the maritime industry on 6 July.
The MCA has no plans to (a) reduce or (b) remove the fees for statutory inspections and surveys that their Marine Surveyors perform on passenger boats.
The Government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures worth £350 billion to support companies of all sizes through the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department’s officials and I have been working closely with a wide range of operators, including passenger ferry operators, to understand how these measures can be applied and have continued to offer our support to them during this difficult time.
On 9 May the Government announced a £2bn package of funding for cycling and walking over the next five years. The Government intends to publish the updated version of the Department’s cycle infrastructure design guidance in the summer, and will make clear its expectation that the guidance must followed for all cycling schemes supported by Government funding.
On the 7th February the Department published the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy Active Travel Investment Model structure and evidence base research paper and accompanying appendices. Publication of the cycling and walking insights part of the research has been delayed by other pressures, but the Department intends to publish it shortly.
On the 9th May the Government announced a £2bn package of funding for cycling and walking over the next five years. This includes £250m in the current financial year for quick-win measures to help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe, as well as vouchers for cycle repairs and greater provision for bike fixing facilities.
The funding for cycling and walking infrastructure will be provided directly to local authorities, who are best placed to determine and prioritise where it should be spent. Initial funding allocations will be published shortly.
A total of around £1.2 billion was invested in cycling and walking over those three years, with roughly a quarter of this ring-fenced and three quarters non-ring-fenced. Details of this investment, including a year by year breakdown, were published on 7th February alongside the first report to Parliament on progress made towards delivering the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS). Most of the investment benefits both cycling and walking, although some initiatives are focused more on one than on the other: further details are provided in the report.
Further details on all of these matters will be provided as part of the forthcoming Budget and Spending Review.
Our airports are national assets and their expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity. This in turn will drive economic growth for all parts of this country, connecting our nations and regions to international markets, levelling up our economy and supporting a truly Global Britain.
The Court of Appeal ruled on 27 February that when designating the Airports National Policy Statement, which was backed by Parliament, the previous Government did not take account of the Paris Agreement, non-CO2 emissions and emissions post 2050. We have always been clear that Heathrow expansion is a private sector project which must meet strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed, affordable, and delivered in the best interest of consumers. The Government has taken the decision not to appeal this judgment. The promoters of the scheme will be able to seek permission from the Supreme Court to appeal if they wish.
As part of its judgment, the Court has declared that the Airports National Policy Statement is of no legal effect unless and until the government carries out a review under the Planning Act 2008. The Court’s judgment is complex and requires careful consideration. We will set out our next steps in due course.
Our airports are national assets and their expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity. This in turn will drive economic growth for all parts of this country, connecting our nations and regions to international markets, levelling up our economy and supporting a truly Global Britain.
The Court of Appeal ruled on 27 February that when designating the Airports National Policy Statement, which was backed by Parliament, the previous Government did not take account of the Paris Agreement, non-CO2 emissions and emissions post 2050. We have always been clear that Heathrow expansion is a private sector project which must meet strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed, affordable, and delivered in the best interest of consumers. The Government has taken the decision not to appeal this judgment. The promoters of the scheme will be able to seek permission from the Supreme Court to appeal if they wish.
As part of its judgment, the Court has declared that the Airports National Policy Statement is of no legal effect unless and until the government carries out a review under the Planning Act 2008. The Court’s judgment is complex and requires careful consideration. We will set out our next steps in due course.
Our airports are national assets and their expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity. This in turn will drive economic growth for all parts of this country, connecting our nations and regions to international markets, levelling up our economy and supporting a truly Global Britain.
The Court of Appeal ruled on 27 February that when designating the Airports National Policy Statement, which was backed by Parliament, the previous Government did not take account of the Paris Agreement, non-CO2 emissions and emissions post 2050. We have always been clear that Heathrow expansion is a private sector project which must meet strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed, affordable, and delivered in the best interest of consumers. The Government has taken the decision not to appeal this judgment. The promoters of the scheme will be able to seek permission from the Supreme Court to appeal if they wish.
As part of its judgment, the Court has declared that the Airports National Policy Statement is of no legal effect unless and until the government carries out a review under the Planning Act 2008. The Court’s judgment is complex and requires careful consideration. We will set out our next steps in due course.
Our airports are national assets and their expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity. This in turn will drive economic growth for all parts of this country, connecting our nations and regions to international markets, levelling up our economy and supporting a truly Global Britain.
The Court of Appeal ruled on 27 February that when designating the Airports National Policy Statement, which was backed by Parliament, the previous Government did not take account of the Paris Agreement, non-CO2 emissions and emissions post 2050. We have always been clear that Heathrow expansion is a private sector project which must meet strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed, affordable, and delivered in the best interest of consumers. The Government has taken the decision not to appeal this judgment. The promoters of the scheme will be able to seek permission from the Supreme Court to appeal if they wish.
As part of its judgment, the Court has declared that the Airports National Policy Statement is of no legal effect unless and until the government carries out a review under the Planning Act 2008. The Court’s judgment is complex and requires careful consideration. We will set out our next steps in due course.
The Government is committed to meeting the aim of doubling cycling by 2025, as set out in the statutory 2017 Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and to ensuring that sufficient funding is available for this. A significant proportion of the £5 billion will therefore be allocated to cycling and walking, with further details to be announced at the forthcoming Budget and Spending Review.
The research has been completed and the Department is planning to publish the technical report, which summarises the key evidence considered, alongside the first report on progress made towards delivering the aims and ambitions set out in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS). The levels of investment for cycling and walking in future years will be matters for the forthcoming Budget and Spending Review, further details of which will be announced in due course.
The Airports National Policy Statement sets out that there is a need to increase airport capacity in the South East of England by 2030 by constructing one new runway and that this need is best met by the Northwest Runway scheme at Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) have confirmed that they intend to submit an application for development consent in 2020 which, if approved by the Secretary of State, following a report from the Planning Inspectorate, would allow for the construction and the opening of a third runway between early 2028 and late 2029.
Given that the delivery of any major infrastructure scheme is subject to uncertainty, prior to the designation of the Airports National Policy Statement, the Department for Transport undertook scenario and sensitivity testing which included an assessment of the impacts of a two-year delay on the delivery of the three schemes shortlisted by the Airports Commission, this was from 2025 in the case of Gatwick Airport and 2026 in the case of the two Heathrow schemes. The case for the Northwest Runway was not materially changed by such a delay. Furthermore, such a delay would serve to similarly reduce the schemes’ disbenefits, partially offsetting the reduction in direct economic benefits.
The Airports National Policy Statement was designated, following a vote in the House of Commons, in accordance with the Planning Act 2008 (the Act). The Act recognises that once a national policy statement has been designated, there may be a change in circumstances on the basis of which the policy was decided.
Section 6 of the Act imposes a duty on the Secretary of State to review each national policy statement whenever they think it appropriate to do so. Under the Act, in considering whether or not to review a national policy statement the Secretary of State must consider: 1) whether there has been a ‘significant change’ in any circumstances on the basis of which any of the policy set out in the national policy statement was decided; 2) whether this change was not anticipated; and, 3) whether the policy would have been materially different if that change had been anticipated (“section 6 considerations”). After review, a Secretary of State must either: 1) amend, 2) withdraw, or 3) leave the national policy statement as it is.
Ultimately, the decision on when, if ever, to review is a matter of judgement for the Secretary of State, who will consider any changes in the evidence base as part of the section 6 considerations.
Expansion at Heathrow is conditional on the implementation of a robust set of noise mitigations. These requirements are set out in the Airports National Policy Statement, which was designated following a vote in the House of Commons and include: minimising noise impacts so they are no greater than 2013 levels, a noise envelope, more predictable periods of respite and an expected ban of 6.5 hours on scheduled night flights.
It is now for an applicant for development consent to demonstrate to the Planning Inspectorate, with input from statutory consultees, that it can meet these requirements through a detailed assessment of all environmental impacts of their scheme, including demonstrating that noise mitigation measures will be effective.
The government continues to keep evidence on noise impacts under review through its expert group, the Interdepartmental Group on Costs and Benefits of Noise (IGCB(N)), and will consider carefully any recommendations from this process.
The Airports National Policy Statement sets out that it is for an applicant to demonstrate how it will improve surface access and mitigate the impacts of expansion at Heathrow. The expansion of Heathrow Airport will be fully funded and delivered by the private sector.
The proposed western rail link and southern access schemes to Heathrow are separate projects, which are subject to their own business cases. Where there are significant non-airport public user benefits from changes and enhancements to the infrastructure and services, the Government has made clear it would consider making a funding contribution to reflect these.
Transport in London is devolved and the responsibility of the Mayor and Transport for London. Decisions relating to River Thames operations and transport services are for the Mayor to take. The Department is always keen to see proposals for improved use of the Thames for passengers and freight traffic.
In accordance with the Cabinet Office guidance on consultation principles, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) conducted two public consultations on the implementation of the review of standards for older passenger ships from 6 November 2018 to 29 January 2019 and 29 May 2019 to 10 July 2019, and received 75 and 52 responses respectively. The consultations were published on gov.uk and notified extensively to stakeholders.
In addition, the MCA engaged widely with stakeholders through the Domestic Passenger Ship Steering Group, and held five workshops with industry on the proposals, three during 2016, another in 2018 and a further one in 2019.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the navigation authority for the tidal Thames. The Department for Transport therefore does not hold data on vessel movements on the Thames or intermodal connections.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the navigation authority for the tidal Thames. Vessel speed and frequency do not fall under the remit of the Department for Transport therefore no such assessments have been made.
Requests from exemptions against safety standards are considered on a case by case basis. Under proposed legislation for older passenger vessels, no new damage stability requirements are expected to be applied to older domestic passenger vessels which operate exclusively on non-tidal Category C Waters.
On tidal Category C waters, owners will be able to apply for exemptions against any new damage stability requirements if they can produce a risk assessment which demonstrates that their area of operation is one of low operational risk. These will also be considered on a case by case basis.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) administers the Great Britain (GB) Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime, which regulates the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals from or to GB.
Businesses exporting or importing from or to GB are required to provide HSE with data on the export of banned or severely restricted substances on the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) list. This can include substances used as Plant Protection Products (pesticides), Biocidal Products (biocides) or industrial chemicals.
A report containing information on the PIC substances exported in 2020 (including pesticides on the PIC list), the destination countries and quantities will be published by HSE shortly. However, it should be noted that many substances have multiple uses and that some substances banned for use as pesticides and/or biocides in GB have legitimate other industrial uses both domestically and in destination countries. HSE will publish a report containing information on the PIC substances exported in 2021 later this year.
Guidance for businesses wishing to comply with their legal requirements under GB PIC is available on HSE’s website at https://www.hse.gov.uk/pic/.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will publish a report on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) activity in Great Britain for 2020 shortly and will also publish a report for 2021 later this year.
Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) no longer has access to data to give a UK specific figure for the export of paraquat in 2019.
However, the European Chemicals Agency provides EU data for 2019 covering an aggregated volume for paraquat and some chloroform, which is available here: Report on exports and imports in 2017 of chemicals listed in Annex I to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation (europa.eu).
HSE’s data, collected annually since 2020, shows that in 2020, exports of paraquat from Great Britain (GB) totalled just over 10 thousand tonnes. The total export of paraquat from GB in 2021 will be published by HSE later this year.
Under GB PIC, HSE does not approve the export of paraquat (or any other substance on the PIC list) but administers a system for the notification of exports of chemicals on the PIC list, including paraquat. HSE should be notified of the planned export of paraquat and seek the consent of the importing country.
HSE’s data shows that the countries who have given consent to the import of paraquat include Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Japan, Paraguay and the United States.
Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) no longer has access to data to give a UK specific figure for the export of paraquat in 2019.
However, the European Chemicals Agency provides EU data for 2019 covering an aggregated volume for paraquat and some chloroform, which is available here: Report on exports and imports in 2017 of chemicals listed in Annex I to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation (europa.eu).
HSE’s data, collected annually since 2020, shows that in 2020, exports of paraquat from Great Britain (GB) totalled just over 10 thousand tonnes. The total export of paraquat from GB in 2021 will be published by HSE later this year.
Under GB PIC, HSE does not approve the export of paraquat (or any other substance on the PIC list) but administers a system for the notification of exports of chemicals on the PIC list, including paraquat. HSE should be notified of the planned export of paraquat and seek the consent of the importing country.
HSE’s data shows that the countries who have given consent to the import of paraquat include Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Japan, Paraguay and the United States.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) administers the Great Britain (GB) Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime, which regulates the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals from or to GB.
Businesses exporting or importing from or to GB are required to provide HSE with data on the export of banned or severely restricted substances on the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) list. This can include substances used as Plant Protection Products (pesticides), Biocidal Products (biocides) or industrial chemicals.
A report containing information on the PIC substances exported in 2020 (including pesticides on the PIC list), the destination countries and quantities will be published by HSE shortly. However, it should be noted that many substances have multiple uses and that some substances banned for use as pesticides and/or biocides in GB have legitimate other industrial uses both domestically and in destination countries. HSE will publish a report containing information on the PIC substances exported in 2021 later this year.
Guidance for businesses wishing to comply with their legal requirements under GB PIC is available on HSE’s website at https://www.hse.gov.uk/pic/.
When applying for a National Insurance number (NINo), Turkish Businessperson Visa holders were previously required to attend a face to face appointment with DWP where they were asked to provide documentary evidence of their self-employment/business.
From 9 June 2021, Turkish Businessperson Visa holders are able to apply on-line for a NINo and are no longer required to attend a face to face appointment with DWP to provide additional evidence of their self-employment. DWP will instead accept the BRP as evidence of their self-employment, meaning they no longer need to prove to DWP they are gainfully self-employed in order to be allocated a NINo.
In respect of immigration applications, Turkish Businesspersons are initially granted 12 months’ visa, during which time they should establish their business and register for tax and national insurance. Self-employed business people are legally required to register for the payment of income tax and national insurance contributions.
As part of Turkish Business person extension applications, applicants are asked to provide documentary evidence to confirm that their business is active and that they are genuinely self-employed. Evidence may include tax returns, national insurance returns, and evidence of public liability insurance.
It is not mandatory for Turkish Businesspersons to provide a National Insurance Number (NINo) as part of their immigration application and the Home Office will ensure they are not penalised for any previous delays in issuing one.
DWP and the Home Office have no plans to issue NINo’s to Turkish Businesspersons when their initial visa is approved.
The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
The Court of Appeal judgment affects a small minority of claimants in very specific circumstances, those who receive two calendar monthly payments of earnings in one assessment period and lose out on the work allowance. We recognise the impact that having double earnings in an assessment period can have on individual claimants and their ability to manage their finances.
While the court judgment does not require us to fix this issue by a particular date, we are currently working on ways to resolve this for claimants as soon as possible. We will keep the House updated as progress is made.
Any payment of capital from the Windrush Compensation Scheme or the Windrush Exceptional Payments Scheme will be disregarded indefinitely for the calculation of capital in Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits.
Where a claimant has capital over £16,000 we will contact them to understand their circumstances and determine eligibility. If this money is to be used for business or tax purposes, it will not be counted towards their capital, but they may be asked to prove that the money is for these purposes.
We are not aware of any supply issues with Movicol and other macrogol medicines. The Department works closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS England and NHS Improvement and others operating in the supply chain, to prevent shortages and expedite resupply where possible, to ensure that any risks to patients are minimised.
We are not aware of any supply issues with Movicol and other macrogol medicines. The Department works closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS England and NHS Improvement and others operating in the supply chain, to prevent shortages and expedite resupply where possible, to ensure that any risks to patients are minimised.
On 19 May 2022, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published interim advice on an autumn COVID-19 booster programme. The JCVI advised that a COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to residents and staff in care homes for older adults; frontline health and social care workers; all those aged 65 years old and over; and adults aged 16 to 64 years old in clinical risk groups. The JCVI will continue to review the vaccination programme and the epidemiological situation, particularly in relation to the timing and value of doses for less vulnerable older adults and those in clinical risk groups before autumn 2022. The Government will consider the JCVI’s final recommendations later this year.
We are working with the NHS Business Services Authority to implement a new hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescription prepayment certificate as soon as possible. By April 2023, the annual cost for all HRT products will be the cost of two prescription charges, which is currently £18.70.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Those at higher risk of serious illness and who are eligible for treatment continue to have access to free lateral flow device (LFD) testing. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a pack of LFD tests to all potentially eligible patients for use if they become symptomatic. These patients can re-order free tests via GOV.UK or 119.
The priority polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test channel is no longer used to access treatments. Patients in the COVID Medicines Delivery Unit cohort are asked to use LFD testing to access treatment as quickly as possible following symptom onset, when it is most likely to be effective. Individuals with a priority PCR kit at home should retain it as they may be asked to use a PCR test if they receive a COVID-19 treatment. The National Health Service team arranging the patient’s treatment will advise how to obtain a PCR test if required and when it should be used.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits are now being used to support disease surveillance efforts rather than for diagnostic and treatment access. Patients who are prescribed a treatment will be asked to voluntarily take a PCR test before and after their treatment. COVID Medicines Delivery Units will provide instructions to patients on testing and how to receive a PCR test kit.
Patients at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and who are eligible for community treatments will continue to have access to free lateral flow device (LFD) tests. These patients have been issued with a pack of LFD tests should they become symptomatic, to ensure these patients receive treatments as soon as possible after symptom onset, when it is most likely to be effective. Individuals who may be eligible for a LFD test kit should contact 119 for advice. Patients who have already received a kit will be advised how to reorder further tests through GOV.UK or 119.
The Department funds clinical trials via the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Since April 2019, 37 children consented to take part in trials for the treatment of brain cancer and 1,294 children consented to take part in trials regarding treatment for leukaemia. The NIHR also supports the delivery of trials funded by other research funders such as other public funders, charities, and industry. Of these trials, between 2019 to 2022 2,605 children consented to take part in trials for the treatment of brain cancer and 706 children consented to take part in trials for the treatment of leukaemia.
The information is not held in the format requested. The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR does not record the age of participants in clinical trial therefore the number of adults in these trials is not held.
However, the following table shows all participants in clinical trials for treatments for brain, breast and prostate cancers either supported or funded by the NIHR since April 2019. Information on trials for leukaemia treatments is not available in the format requested.
All studies supported by the NIHR |
| NIHR-funded studies | ||
Brain cancer | 7,801 |
| Brain cancer | 5,647 |
Breast cancer | 52,569 |
| Breast cancer | 16,681 |
Prostate cancer | 26,873 |
| Prostate cancer | 8,310 |
National Health Service-commissioned general practices are required to provide services which are free at the point of use to meet the reasonable needs of patients. If a practice also chooses to provide private paid-for services which are permitted under the terms of their contract, they may decide how much to charge patients. The British Medical Association provides guidance for practices on which services they may charge patients for, including how much practices may wish to charge for completing specified medical certificates not included in the general practitioner contract.
We continue to procure stock to meet ongoing demand, including in Hounslow, through national and local delivery channels. We have significantly increased distribution capacity to meet the demand for tests to be delivered to homes. Lateral flow devices can also be collected from local pharmacies and some community sites. We expect to deliver 90 million tests a week across the United Kingdom. In England, this includes approximately 12 million tests a week through pharmacies and seven million a day through GOV.UK.
Since 9 December, those recognised as fully vaccinated under the United Kingdom’s travel policy have also been treated as fully vaccinated for the purposes of self-isolation. They are exempt from self-isolation if they have been in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case. However, anyone aged five years old and over living in the same household as someone with COVID-19 and who is not legally required to self-isolate is now strongly advised to take a lateral flow test (LFD) test every day for seven days. If a LFD test is positive, they should self-isolate in order to protect other people. The public health advice for people with symptoms of or a positive test result for COVID-19 remains the same.
Many of those who received an approved COVID-19 vaccination outside the United Kingdom will be able to receive a third vaccination or booster dose when they become eligible.
Everyone aged 16 years old and over, those aged 12 to 15 years old in a clinical risk group, or a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed or severely immunosuppressed themselves and received a third primary dose, are eligible for a booster vaccine three months after their primary course.
Many of those who received an approved COVID-19 vaccination outside the United Kingdom will be able to receive a third vaccination or booster dose when they become eligible.
Everyone aged 16 years old and over, those aged 12 to 15 years old in a clinical risk group, or a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed or severely immunosuppressed themselves and received a third primary dose, are eligible for a booster vaccine three months after their primary course.
The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) has evaluated the evidence linking exposure of ambient air pollution to cognitive decline and dementia risk in adults. A COMEAP sub-group has undertaken a review of the relevant epidemiological evidence and examined aspects of the evidence related to possible mechanisms by which ambient air pollutants could cause or contribute to these effects. This evidence has been discussed by the main Committee. Work to finalise the report for publication is currently on-going.
No formal assessment has been made.
However, the National Diabetes Audit provides data on completion of key care processes for diabetic patients, including blood tests. It shows that between 2016 and 2020 we saw significant improvement in the completion of these processes. As a result of the pandemic, we have seen a reduction in face to face checks. However, we are providing £2 billion to address the backlog in all services.
To increase the volume of diagnostic activity such as blood tests and reduce patient waiting times, we have committed £2.3 billion for diagnostics over the next three years. This will fund the establishment of at least 100 community diagnostic centres by 2024-25, helping clear the backlog of patients waiting for clinical tests. This is in addition to the £325 million allocated this year for improving National Health Service diagnostics.
A pilot scheme to enable some United Kingdom residents vaccinated overseas to demonstrate their vaccination status through the NHS COVID Pass will be launched in England from the end of September. Further development will be undertaken once the pilot is underway.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova MP) on 14 June to Question 10629.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova MP) on 14 June to Question 10629.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.
We have been clear that learning disability should never be a reason for a Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision and that blanket DNACPR decisions are completely inappropriate.
NHS England and NHS Improvement have issued a number of joint statements to health and care providers reiterating that DNACPR decisions must not be applied in a blanket fashion to any group. The 2020/21 General Medical Services Contract Quality and Outcomes Framework now includes a requirement for all DNACPR decisions for people with a learning disability to be reviewed. We continue to monitor the situation and have asked organisations representing people with learning disabilities to inform us where cases of inappropriate DNACPR practice are identified so that these can be investigated.
In October 2020 the Department asked the Care Quality Commission to review how Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions were used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and whether they had been inappropriately applied. Interim findings were published on 3 December 2020, with a final report due shortly.
The review will consider how these decisions were made across all health and care settings and will inform national learning and good practice development as the nation continues to respond to the pandemic.
While tests are not labelled as ‘missing’, the Test and Trace team within the Department collects the number of tests which have been booked but not processed. This includes home test kits which have not been returned; test site appointments which were booked but not attended; and other reasons.
The latest data for void/unknown results for tests conducted from 28 May 2020 to 17 February 2021 is available at the following link:
We do not publish data in the format requested.
Weekly data on the number of results unsuccessfully or not yet communicated after repeat attempts is available at the following link:
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) consists of independent experts who advise the Government on which vaccine/s the United Kingdom should use and provide advice on prioritisation at a population level. The JCVI has advised that the vaccine should be given to care home residents and staff, followed by people over 80 years old and health and social care workers.
We recognise the vital role unpaid carers play in caring for vulnerable individuals. The JCVI recommends that carers who are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer contracted COVID-19, should be included in Priority group 6 alongside people with underlying health conditions.
We have sufficient vaccine for over 30 million people to be vaccinated in England this winter, this includes additional stock procured by the Department to increase uptake in existing groups and extend the programme to new cohorts including those aged 50 to 64 years.
General practitioners and pharmacists are directly responsible for ordering flu vaccine from suppliers which are used to deliver the national flu programme to adults, with deliveries phased through the season. Priority should be given to those who are most at risk to the effects of flu, including those aged over 65, and health and social care workers. The seasonal flu programme will be extended to those aged 50 to 64 years later in the season, following prioritisation of those in higher risk groups. There will be further communication on extending the programme later in the season.
We have sufficient vaccine for over 30 million people to be vaccinated in England this winter, this includes additional stock procured by the Department to increase uptake in existing groups and extend the programme to new cohorts including those aged 50 to 64 years.
General practitioners and pharmacists are directly responsible for ordering flu vaccine from suppliers which are used to deliver the national flu programme to adults, with deliveries phased through the season. Priority should be given to those who are most at risk to the effects of flu, including those aged over 65, and health and social care workers. The seasonal flu programme will be extended to those aged 50 to 64 years later in the season, following prioritisation of those in higher risk groups. There will be further communication on extending the programme later in the season.
Regional NHS England and NHS Improvement teams involve all relevant local stakeholders in the planning and delivery of the flu programme each season including representatives from local authorities. The Directors of Public Health and their teams in each local authority, are included in discussions about the annual flu programme and receive regular updates and assurance in relation to flu vaccination uptake for their local population.
The National Health Service and the wider scientific community are currently working to better understand the disease course of COVID-19 infection, including the prevalence, severity and duration of symptoms, and how best to support recovery.
The NHS is working to expand access to COVID-19 rehabilitation treatments for those who have survived the virus but still have problems with breathing, mental health problems or other longer-term complications. As part of this, in July the NHS launched the Your COVID Recovery service, a personalised programme to support the recovery of people who have been in hospital or suffered at home with the virus. The Seacole Centre in Surrey has also recently opened to provide rehabilitative care to those recovering from the virus.
A major United Kingdom research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients has been launched, which will inform future NHS service design and provision.
The National Health Service and the wider scientific community are currently working to better understand the disease course of COVID-19 infection, including the prevalence, severity and duration of symptoms, and how best to support recovery.
The NHS is working to expand access to COVID-19 rehabilitation treatments for those who have survived the virus but still have problems with breathing, mental health problems or other longer-term complications. As part of this, in July the NHS launched the Your COVID Recovery service, a personalised programme to support the recovery of people who have been in hospital or suffered at home with the virus. The Seacole Centre in Surrey has also recently opened to provide rehabilitative care to those recovering from the virus.
A major United Kingdom research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients has been launched, which will inform future NHS service design and provision.
We do not publish data by test site. We publish data in relation to overall COVID-19 testing on a daily basis. This can be found at GOV.UK.
Those who have not received a result within 72 hours can call the 119 Coronavirus Testing Contact Centre where operators can take their details and lodge a results investigation on their behalf.
Public Health England (PHE) does not record data on the number of COVID-19 test results that have been lost under either pillar 1 or the Government’s wider testing programme. PHE laboratories have processes in place to ensure that any results entered onto PHE systems with incorrect details for either the requestor (such as a clinician in a hospital) or the patient are identified and dealt with.
Public Health England has made no assessment of the effect of ultrafine particles (UFP) from aircraft on the health of the population of London and the Home Counties.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Air Quality Expert Group published a report in 2018, which included a brief overview of the health concerns related to ambient UFP, but not specifically deriving from aircraft. The overview, which draws upon evidence reviewed by the World Health Organization and the Health Effects Institute concluded that there is currently limited evidence on the effects on health of UFP. The report can be viewed at the following link:
The Secretary of State for International Trade is responsible for the UK's unilateral preferences scheme, including the design of the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The detailed proposals for the DCTS will be published in 2022.
HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.
The Secretary of State for International Trade is responsible for the UK's unilateral preferences scheme, including the design of the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The detailed proposals for the DCTS will be published in 2022.
HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.
UK Ministers and senior officials regularly raise human rights issues with the Colombian Government. Most recently, Lord Ahmad discussed our concerns with President Duque during the United Nations Security Council meeting on Colombia earlier this month. The Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Vicky Ford MP, also raised these same human rights concerns in her call to Vice President Ramirez in February.
Through our Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) programme, which has provided £69 million in support of peace agreement implementation, security, and stability in Colombia since 2015, we will continue to prioritise funding interventions to protect human rights defenders, including trade unionists and social leaders.
Colombia is a UK 'Human Rights Priority Country,' and we consistently raise our concerns regarding violence against human rights defenders and social leaders at the UN Security Council. We look to the Colombian Government to expand its presence in conflict-affected areas, and strengthen the institutions that can improve the security of citizens and investigate and prosecute the criminal actors responsible for violence. We will continue to raise our concerns with the relevant state actors in Colombia.
The Government takes its strategic export control responsibilities very seriously. We examine every application on a case-by-case basis against strict criteria. Risks around human rights violations and abuses are a key part of our assessment. The Government will not grant a licence for items where we determine there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate internal repression, or where we determine there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. We can and do respond quickly and flexibly to changing or fluid international situations. All licences are kept under careful and continual review as standard.
The FCDO publishes the costs related to overseas visits, incoming visits and events hosted by the Foreign Secretary as part of the Quarterly Transparency Return https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/minister-data#2020. We will release the costs for this event in due course as per the usual timeline.
To help address the disruption caused to education provision by COVID-19, UK programming will this year reach approximately 300,000 children to maintain access and learning through radio lessons, community led literacy and numeracy classes, bursaries, teacher support, and support to children with disabilities. A further 100,000 children in refugee hosting districts will be supported with home learning, accelerated education programmes, and reducing barriers for girls through menstrual hygiene management.
The UK is also one of the leading funders of the Global Partnership for Education and World Bank, which provide further support including to reform policy and financing and improve education systems.
The UK is committed to rapid, equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. We are supporting the COVAX Facility as the best mechanism to deliver this and have committed £548 million to its Advance Market Commitment to support its work, making the UK one of its largest donors. To date, Uganda has received 1,139,200 vaccines through the COVAX scheme, with further deliveries expected in the coming months.
Our G7 Presidency in June championed equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, confirming that the UK will share 100 million doses within the next year. 30 million of these will be shared by the end of 2021, with 5 million by the end of September.
The UK is committed to supporting global access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and has played a leading role in driving international support for the COVAX Facility as an effective multilateral mechanism to deliver this. The UK was one of the earliest and largest donors to COVAX, committing £548 million to COVAX's Advance Market Commitment which, through match funding, leveraged $1 billion from other donors in 2020. Our early funding has been key to helping COVAX secure deals with manufacturers to supply up to 1.8 billion doses of safe and effective vaccines for up to 92 low- and middle-income countries by early 2022. The Prime Minister also announced at the G7 that the UK will donate 100 million doses within the next year, 80% of which will go to COVAX to further support countries in need.
This matter is the responsibility of the Kenyan authorities. However, the British High Commission in Nairobi has written to the Kenyan Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Head of the Department for Pensions in the Kenyan National Treasury seeking an explanation for non-payment of pensions to former Kenyan civil servants and the lack of increase in line with inflation. Officials from the British High Commission in Nairobi will continue to push Kenyan Treasury officials directly on this issue as and when the COVID-19 situation in Kenya allows.
HMRC has issued 1 compound settlement from 1 May 2022 to date for breaches of the UK arms export regime. The value of this settlement was £105,000.
Information on HMRC enforcement outcomes is published in the Strategic Export Controls Annual Reports available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/united-kingdom-strategic-export-controls-annual-report.
The Government recognises the actions of the financial services industry to help tackle APP fraud, including the creation of the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code. The Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) is a voluntary code which sets out reimbursement standards for signatory Payment Service Providers (PSPs).
With nine of the UK’s largest banks signatory to the Code, the CRM has had some beneficial impacts since its introduction in May 2019. However, while improving matters, the Code comes with limitations, including disparity in how different payment service providers are interpreting their obligations under it, as well as its lack of comprehensive cover across providers.
The Government therefore welcomed the PSR’s recent consultation on APP scams, which set out various potential measures that could improve scam prevention and outcomes, including proposals to introduce mandatory requirements to reimburse victims. The Government has confirmed it intends to legislate to address any barriers regarding regulatory action on mandatory reimbursement when parliamentary time allows, as part of the Financial Services & Markets Bill. Treasury Officials also undertake regular engagement with financial services firms, the Lending Standards Board (who oversee the CRM Code) and other stakeholders, to understand what further action can be taken to protect consumers from APP fraud.
The Government recognises the actions of the financial services industry to help tackle APP fraud, including the creation of the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code. The Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) is a voluntary code which sets out reimbursement standards for signatory Payment Service Providers (PSPs).
With nine of the UK’s largest banks signatory to the Code, the CRM has had some beneficial impacts since its introduction in May 2019. However, while improving matters, the Code comes with limitations, including disparity in how different payment service providers are interpreting their obligations under it, as well as its lack of comprehensive cover across providers.
The Government therefore welcomed the PSR’s recent consultation on APP scams, which set out various potential measures that could improve scam prevention and outcomes, including proposals to introduce mandatory requirements to reimburse victims. The Government has confirmed it intends to legislate to address any barriers regarding regulatory action on mandatory reimbursement when parliamentary time allows, as part of the Financial Services & Markets Bill. Treasury Officials also undertake regular engagement with financial services firms, the Lending Standards Board (who oversee the CRM Code) and other stakeholders, to understand what further action can be taken to protect consumers from APP fraud.
HMRC has issued 6 compound settlements from January 2022 to date for breaches of the UK arms export regime. The value for each of those settlements are as follows: £1,000, £1,500, £3,200, £4,300, £60,000 and circa £2.7million.
Information on HMRC enforcement outcomes is published in the Strategic Export Controls Annual Reports which are available on the GOV.UK website.
Information on HMRC enforcement outcomes is published in the Strategic Export Controls Annual Reports. In line with the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005, HMRC cannot list the items that were exported, because to do so would disclose information about an identifiable ‘person’. However, HMRC can confirm that the items were either military rated or dual use goods.
HMRC have to balance processing repayment claims quickly with protecting the public purse from incorrect or fraudulent claims. In order to do this they undertake a number of automated and manual checks. Currently, owing to the effects of COVID-19 and the introduction of various Government schemes to support taxpayers, HMRC are seeing an increase in the number of repayment claims within the Self-Assessment system. HMRC aim to provide a fair and consistent service to all taxpayers while prioritising the most vulnerable where appropriate. HMRC deploy their resources based on customer demand, business requirements, and key business events, in order to provide the best possible service.
HMRC publish their performance data regularly at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-monthly-performance-reports and https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates.
HMRC have to balance processing repayment claims quickly with protecting the public purse from incorrect or fraudulent claims. In order to do this they undertake a number of automated and manual checks. Currently, owing to the effects of COVID-19 and the introduction of various Government schemes to support taxpayers, HMRC are seeing an increase in the number of repayment claims within the Self-Assessment system. HMRC aim to provide a fair and consistent service to all taxpayers while prioritising the most vulnerable where appropriate. HMRC deploy their resources based on customer demand, business requirements, and key business events, in order to provide the best possible service.
HMRC publish their performance data regularly at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-monthly-performance-reports and https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates.
HMT officials are in regular contact with HMRC on a range of important issues, including matters relating to Self Assessment. The Government is committed to processing Self Assessment repayment requests promptly, while ensuring that the necessary checks are completed to guard against fraud.
HM Treasury ministers have responsibility for tax policy.
Ahead of the end of the transition period, the Government has announced the VAT and excise duty treatment of goods purchased by individuals for personal use and carried in their luggage arriving from or going overseas (passengers). The following rules will apply from 1 January 2021:
- Passengers travelling from Great Britain to any destination outside the United Kingdom (UK) will be able to purchase duty-free excise goods once they have passed security controls at ports, airports, and international rail stations.
- Personal allowances will apply to passengers entering Great Britain from a destination outside of the UK, with alcohol allowances significantly increased.
- The VAT Retail Export Scheme (RES) in Great Britain will not be extended to EU residents and will be withdrawn for all passengers.
- The concessionary treatment on tax-free sales for non-excise goods will be removed across the UK.
The Government published a consultation which ran from 11 March to 20 May. During this time the Government held a number of virtual meetings with industry stakeholders to hear their views and received 73 responses to the consultation. The Government is also continuing to meet and discuss the changes with a variety of stakeholders, including other Government departments, following the announcement of these policies.
The detailed rationale for these changes are included in the written ministerial statement and summary of responses to the recent consultation: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-09-11/hcws448 and https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-duty-free-and-tax-free-goods-carried-by-passengers. A technical note has also been issued to stakeholders to expand on this document and to respond to issues raised by stakeholders.
The concessionary treatment on tax-free airside sales currently affects airports that fly to non-EU destinations. The extension of duty-free sales to EU bound passengers will be a significant boost to all airports in England, Scotland and Wales, including smaller regional airports which have not been able to offer duty-free to the EU before.
On 25 November the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) set out their assessment of the fiscal impact of the withdrawal of the tax-free schemes.
Factoring in a higher-than-usual elasticity of 1.9 to account for spending on luxury goods, the OBR estimate that the withdrawal of the VAT RES will result in a significant direct Exchequer saving of around £400 million per year, once passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Based on the 1.2 million users of the scheme who received a refund in 2019, this includes an assumption that approximately 20,000 – 30,000 fewer tourists visit Great Britain a year. That is 0.07% of the 40 million visitors to the UK in 2019.
The OBR estimate that the withdrawal of tax-free airside sales will raise approximately £170 million per year for the Exchequer, after behavioural responses are taken into account and passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
The OBR also looked at this package in the round when assessing the indirect impact on the economy – including the effects of extending duty-free sales – alongside the substantial support provided to the economy and retail industry.
The Government also recognises the challenges the aviation sector is facing as it recovers from the impacts of Covid-19 and has supported the sector throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
HM Treasury ministers have responsibility for tax policy.
Ahead of the end of the transition period, the Government has announced the VAT and excise duty treatment of goods purchased by individuals for personal use and carried in their luggage arriving from or going overseas (passengers). The following rules will apply from 1 January 2021:
- Passengers travelling from Great Britain to any destination outside the United Kingdom (UK) will be able to purchase duty-free excise goods once they have passed security controls at ports, airports, and international rail stations.
- Personal allowances will apply to passengers entering Great Britain from a destination outside of the UK, with alcohol allowances significantly increased.
- The VAT Retail Export Scheme (RES) in Great Britain will not be extended to EU residents and will be withdrawn for all passengers.
- The concessionary treatment on tax-free sales for non-excise goods will be removed across the UK.
The Government published a consultation which ran from 11 March to 20 May. During this time the Government held a number of virtual meetings with industry stakeholders to hear their views and received 73 responses to the consultation. The Government is also continuing to meet and discuss the changes with a variety of stakeholders, including other Government departments, following the announcement of these policies.
The detailed rationale for these changes are included in the written ministerial statement and summary of responses to the recent consultation: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-09-11/hcws448 and https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-duty-free-and-tax-free-goods-carried-by-passengers. A technical note has also been issued to stakeholders to expand on this document and to respond to issues raised by stakeholders.
The concessionary treatment on tax-free airside sales currently affects airports that fly to non-EU destinations. The extension of duty-free sales to EU bound passengers will be a significant boost to all airports in England, Scotland and Wales, including smaller regional airports which have not been able to offer duty-free to the EU before.
On 25 November the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) set out their assessment of the fiscal impact of the withdrawal of the tax-free schemes.
Factoring in a higher-than-usual elasticity of 1.9 to account for spending on luxury goods, the OBR estimate that the withdrawal of the VAT RES will result in a significant direct Exchequer saving of around £400 million per year, once passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Based on the 1.2 million users of the scheme who received a refund in 2019, this includes an assumption that approximately 20,000 – 30,000 fewer tourists visit Great Britain a year. That is 0.07% of the 40 million visitors to the UK in 2019.
The OBR estimate that the withdrawal of tax-free airside sales will raise approximately £170 million per year for the Exchequer, after behavioural responses are taken into account and passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
The OBR also looked at this package in the round when assessing the indirect impact on the economy – including the effects of extending duty-free sales – alongside the substantial support provided to the economy and retail industry.
The Government also recognises the challenges the aviation sector is facing as it recovers from the impacts of Covid-19 and has supported the sector throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
HM Treasury ministers have responsibility for tax policy.
Ahead of the end of the transition period, the Government has announced the VAT and excise duty treatment of goods purchased by individuals for personal use and carried in their luggage arriving from or going overseas (passengers). The following rules will apply from 1 January 2021:
- Passengers travelling from Great Britain to any destination outside the United Kingdom (UK) will be able to purchase duty-free excise goods once they have passed security controls at ports, airports, and international rail stations.
- Personal allowances will apply to passengers entering Great Britain from a destination outside of the UK, with alcohol allowances significantly increased.
- The VAT Retail Export Scheme (RES) in Great Britain will not be extended to EU residents and will be withdrawn for all passengers.
- The concessionary treatment on tax-free sales for non-excise goods will be removed across the UK.
The Government published a consultation which ran from 11 March to 20 May. During this time the Government held a number of virtual meetings with industry stakeholders to hear their views and received 73 responses to the consultation. The Government is also continuing to meet and discuss the changes with a variety of stakeholders, including other Government departments, following the announcement of these policies.
The detailed rationale for these changes are included in the written ministerial statement and summary of responses to the recent consultation: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-09-11/hcws448 and https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-duty-free-and-tax-free-goods-carried-by-passengers. A technical note has also been issued to stakeholders to expand on this document and to respond to issues raised by stakeholders.
The concessionary treatment on tax-free airside sales currently affects airports that fly to non-EU destinations. The extension of duty-free sales to EU bound passengers will be a significant boost to all airports in England, Scotland and Wales, including smaller regional airports which have not been able to offer duty-free to the EU before.
On 25 November the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) set out their assessment of the fiscal impact of the withdrawal of the tax-free schemes.
Factoring in a higher-than-usual elasticity of 1.9 to account for spending on luxury goods, the OBR estimate that the withdrawal of the VAT RES will result in a significant direct Exchequer saving of around £400 million per year, once passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Based on the 1.2 million users of the scheme who received a refund in 2019, this includes an assumption that approximately 20,000 – 30,000 fewer tourists visit Great Britain a year. That is 0.07% of the 40 million visitors to the UK in 2019.
The OBR estimate that the withdrawal of tax-free airside sales will raise approximately £170 million per year for the Exchequer, after behavioural responses are taken into account and passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
The OBR also looked at this package in the round when assessing the indirect impact on the economy – including the effects of extending duty-free sales – alongside the substantial support provided to the economy and retail industry.
The Government also recognises the challenges the aviation sector is facing as it recovers from the impacts of Covid-19 and has supported the sector throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
HM Treasury ministers have responsibility for tax policy.
Ahead of the end of the transition period, the Government has announced the VAT and excise duty treatment of goods purchased by individuals for personal use and carried in their luggage arriving from or going overseas (passengers). The following rules will apply from 1 January 2021:
- Passengers travelling from Great Britain to any destination outside the United Kingdom (UK) will be able to purchase duty-free excise goods once they have passed security controls at ports, airports, and international rail stations.
- Personal allowances will apply to passengers entering Great Britain from a destination outside of the UK, with alcohol allowances significantly increased.
- The VAT Retail Export Scheme (RES) in Great Britain will not be extended to EU residents and will be withdrawn for all passengers.
- The concessionary treatment on tax-free sales for non-excise goods will be removed across the UK.
The Government published a consultation which ran from 11 March to 20 May. During this time the Government held a number of virtual meetings with industry stakeholders to hear their views and received 73 responses to the consultation. The Government is also continuing to meet and discuss the changes with a variety of stakeholders, including other Government departments, following the announcement of these policies.
The detailed rationale for these changes are included in the written ministerial statement and summary of responses to the recent consultation: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-09-11/hcws448 and https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-duty-free-and-tax-free-goods-carried-by-passengers. A technical note has also been issued to stakeholders to expand on this document and to respond to issues raised by stakeholders.
The concessionary treatment on tax-free airside sales currently affects airports that fly to non-EU destinations. The extension of duty-free sales to EU bound passengers will be a significant boost to all airports in England, Scotland and Wales, including smaller regional airports which have not been able to offer duty-free to the EU before.
On 25 November the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) set out their assessment of the fiscal impact of the withdrawal of the tax-free schemes.
Factoring in a higher-than-usual elasticity of 1.9 to account for spending on luxury goods, the OBR estimate that the withdrawal of the VAT RES will result in a significant direct Exchequer saving of around £400 million per year, once passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Based on the 1.2 million users of the scheme who received a refund in 2019, this includes an assumption that approximately 20,000 – 30,000 fewer tourists visit Great Britain a year. That is 0.07% of the 40 million visitors to the UK in 2019.
The OBR estimate that the withdrawal of tax-free airside sales will raise approximately £170 million per year for the Exchequer, after behavioural responses are taken into account and passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
The OBR also looked at this package in the round when assessing the indirect impact on the economy – including the effects of extending duty-free sales – alongside the substantial support provided to the economy and retail industry.
The Government also recognises the challenges the aviation sector is facing as it recovers from the impacts of Covid-19 and has supported the sector throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
HM Treasury ministers have responsibility for tax policy.
Ahead of the end of the transition period, the Government has announced the VAT and excise duty treatment of goods purchased by individuals for personal use and carried in their luggage arriving from or going overseas (passengers). The following rules will apply from 1 January 2021:
- Passengers travelling from Great Britain to any destination outside the United Kingdom (UK) will be able to purchase duty-free excise goods once they have passed security controls at ports, airports, and international rail stations.
- Personal allowances will apply to passengers entering Great Britain from a destination outside of the UK, with alcohol allowances significantly increased.
- The VAT Retail Export Scheme (RES) in Great Britain will not be extended to EU residents and will be withdrawn for all passengers.
- The concessionary treatment on tax-free sales for non-excise goods will be removed across the UK.
The Government published a consultation which ran from 11 March to 20 May. During this time the Government held a number of virtual meetings with industry stakeholders to hear their views and received 73 responses to the consultation. The Government is also continuing to meet and discuss the changes with a variety of stakeholders, including other Government departments, following the announcement of these policies.
The detailed rationale for these changes are included in the written ministerial statement and summary of responses to the recent consultation: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-09-11/hcws448 and https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-duty-free-and-tax-free-goods-carried-by-passengers. A technical note has also been issued to stakeholders to expand on this document and to respond to issues raised by stakeholders.
The concessionary treatment on tax-free airside sales currently affects airports that fly to non-EU destinations. The extension of duty-free sales to EU bound passengers will be a significant boost to all airports in England, Scotland and Wales, including smaller regional airports which have not been able to offer duty-free to the EU before.
On 25 November the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) set out their assessment of the fiscal impact of the withdrawal of the tax-free schemes.
Factoring in a higher-than-usual elasticity of 1.9 to account for spending on luxury goods, the OBR estimate that the withdrawal of the VAT RES will result in a significant direct Exchequer saving of around £400 million per year, once passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Based on the 1.2 million users of the scheme who received a refund in 2019, this includes an assumption that approximately 20,000 – 30,000 fewer tourists visit Great Britain a year. That is 0.07% of the 40 million visitors to the UK in 2019.
The OBR estimate that the withdrawal of tax-free airside sales will raise approximately £170 million per year for the Exchequer, after behavioural responses are taken into account and passenger numbers recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
The OBR also looked at this package in the round when assessing the indirect impact on the economy – including the effects of extending duty-free sales – alongside the substantial support provided to the economy and retail industry.
The Government also recognises the challenges the aviation sector is facing as it recovers from the impacts of Covid-19 and has supported the sector throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
Treasury Ministers and officials meet with a wide range of stakeholders across sectors as part of ongoing policy development and implementation.
Ministers and officials from the Department for Transport are in regular contact with airlines, airports and unions to understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector and its workers.
Due to commercial sensitivity, the Government cannot comment on individual companies.
The Government recognises the challenging times facing the aviation industry as a result of COVID-19. Firms experiencing difficulties as a result of COVID-19 can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. The aerospace sector and its aviation customers are being supported with over £8.5 billion support through the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility, grants for research and development, loan guarantees and support for aerospace exports.
To ensure that firms are encouraged to keep employees as demand returns, the Chancellor announced the Job Retention Bonus in the Plan for Jobs on 8 July.
Alongside other conditions, to be eligible, the employees for which the employer will receive the grant will need to have been continuously employed until 31 January 2021 and still be employed by the same employer as of 31 January 2021. Employees cannot be serving a contractual or statutory notice period, that started before 1 February 2021, for the employer making a claim.
Full guidance about the Job Retention Bonus will be published at the end of September.
The Government is currently reviewing the Green Book - the government’s core guidance on how to develop and appraise schemes against government objectives – to ensure it is consistent with the Government’s ambition to level-up opportunity across the United Kingdom.
The economic case within the Green Book is concerned with social value. It requires all impacts – social, environmental, economic, financial etc. – to be assessed relative to what would have taken place in absence of intervention, referred to in the Green Book as business as usual. The relevant costs and benefits are those for UK society overall, not just to the public sector or originating institution.
As part of the review, the Chancellor set out at the Budget earlier this year that the government is keen to ensure that government spending is not just narrowly focused on where it will bring the highest immediate return, but also on where it may unlock the productive potential of an area and achieve broader long-term benefits.
The review is looking to enhance the strategic development and assessment of projects, consider how to assess and present local impacts, and looking to develop new analytical methods for place-based interventions.
An updated Green Book will be published later in the year, and early findings will inform the Spending Review in Autumn.
To ensure that the firms are encouraged to keep employees as demand returns, the Chancellor announced the Job Retention Bonus in the Plan for Jobs on 8 July.
To be eligible, the employees for which the employer will receive the grant will need to:
Further detail on the Job Retention Bonus will be available at the end of the month and full guidance will be available in the Autumn.
To ensure that the firms are encouraged to keep employees as demand returns, the Chancellor announced the Job Retention Bonus in the Plan for Jobs on 8 July.
To be eligible, the employees for which the employer will receive the grant will need to:
Further detail on the Job Retention Bonus will be available at the end of the month and full guidance will be available in the Autumn.
Employment status is straightforward for the vast majority of people. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) developed the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool in 2017 in conjunction with tax specialists, contractors, and other stakeholders, to support businesses in applying the off-payroll working rules correctly. CEST was further enhanced in November 2019.
In the vast majority of uses, CEST will determine whether the engagement is employed or self-employed for tax purposes. For those more complex or finely balanced cases where CEST produces an undetermined outcome, HMRC provide detailed guidance and dedicated support, including in the Employment Status Manual: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-status-manual. HMRC will stand by CEST’s results provided accurate and correct information is used, in accordance with HMRC's guidance.
HMRC developed the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) online tool to help organisations and individuals determine employment status for tax and decide whether the off-payroll working rules apply.
The CEST service was developed in conjunction with tax specialists, contractors and other stakeholders. It was rigorously tested against established case law and settled cases to ensure it provides accurate results in line with current binding judgments. In the vast majority of uses, CEST will determine whether the engagement is employed or self-employed for tax purposes. HMRC will stand by CEST’s results provided accurate and correct information is used, in accordance with HMRC’s guidance.
In November 2019, HMRC launched an enhanced version of CEST, having worked with over 300 stakeholders to identify improvements. The tool’s enhancements included making questions and the results clearer, increasing the number of questions to provide a more thorough assessment, and building in features to reduce user errors.
Since launch, HMRC have monitored customer feedback and have updated the tool’s language where this improves the customer experience. This includes providing additional help text and links to off-payroll guidance in HMRC’s Employment Status Manual. HMRC are continuing to monitor feedback with a view to making future usability updates.
HMRC developed the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) online tool to help organisations and individuals determine employment status for tax and decide whether the off-payroll working rules apply.
The CEST service was developed in conjunction with tax specialists, contractors and other stakeholders. It was rigorously tested against established case law and settled cases to ensure it provides accurate results in line with current binding judgments. In the vast majority of uses, CEST will determine whether the engagement is employed or self-employed for tax purposes. HMRC will stand by CEST’s results provided accurate and correct information is used, in accordance with HMRC’s guidance.
In November 2019, HMRC launched an enhanced version of CEST, having worked with over 300 stakeholders to identify improvements. The tool’s enhancements included making questions and the results clearer, increasing the number of questions to provide a more thorough assessment, and building in features to reduce user errors.
Since launch, HMRC have monitored customer feedback and have updated the tool’s language where this improves the customer experience. This includes providing additional help text and links to off-payroll guidance in HMRC’s Employment Status Manual. HMRC are continuing to monitor feedback with a view to making future usability updates.
HMRC developed the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) online tool to help organisations and individuals determine employment status for tax and decide whether the off-payroll working rules apply.
The CEST service was developed in conjunction with tax specialists, contractors and other stakeholders. It was rigorously tested against established case law and settled cases to ensure it provides accurate results in line with current binding judgments. In the vast majority of uses, CEST will determine whether the engagement is employed or self-employed for tax purposes. HMRC will stand by CEST’s results provided accurate and correct information is used, in accordance with HMRC’s guidance.
In November 2019, HMRC launched an enhanced version of CEST, having worked with over 300 stakeholders to identify improvements. The tool’s enhancements included making questions and the results clearer, increasing the number of questions to provide a more thorough assessment, and building in features to reduce user errors.
Since launch, HMRC have monitored customer feedback and have updated the tool’s language where this improves the customer experience. This includes providing additional help text and links to off-payroll guidance in HMRC’s Employment Status Manual. HMRC are continuing to monitor feedback with a view to making future usability updates.
HMRC developed the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) online tool to help organisations and individuals determine employment status for tax and decide whether the off-payroll working rules apply.
The CEST service was developed in conjunction with tax specialists, contractors and other stakeholders. It was rigorously tested against established case law and settled cases to ensure it provides accurate results in line with current binding judgments. In the vast majority of uses, CEST will determine whether the engagement is employed or self-employed for tax purposes. HMRC will stand by CEST’s results provided accurate and correct information is used, in accordance with HMRC’s guidance.
In November 2019, HMRC launched an enhanced version of CEST, having worked with over 300 stakeholders to identify improvements. The tool’s enhancements included making questions and the results clearer, increasing the number of questions to provide a more thorough assessment, and building in features to reduce user errors.
Since launch, HMRC have monitored customer feedback and have updated the tool’s language where this improves the customer experience. This includes providing additional help text and links to off-payroll guidance in HMRC’s Employment Status Manual. HMRC are continuing to monitor feedback with a view to making future usability updates.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 12 July 2022.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 12 July 2022.
Tackling fraud requires a unified and co-ordinated response from government, law enforcement and the private sector. The Government is working with industry, including the banking and tech sectors to ensure that victims are protected from these crimes in the first place and are not left out of pocket due to Authorised Push Payment (APP) frauds.
Since 2016, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) and the payments industry have worked together to both prevent payments fraud, and to develop better mechanisms for reimbursing victims of APP fraud. This has included introducing the voluntary Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code in 2019. Under the Code, signatory payment service providers voluntarily reimburse APP victims. The government recognised and welcomed these developments. However, reimbursement to victims of APP scams remains inconsistent. In the Queens Speech, government announced its intention to enable PSR regulatory action by amending Regulation 90 of the Payment Services Regulations, to clarify that the PSR may use its existing regulatory powers to require mandatory reimbursement in cases of APP scams in designated payment systems.
Data on the number of offences by location is not currently recorded by fraud type. However, UK Finance publish figures on the number of incidents of APP fraud for the UK each year. In 2020 UK Finance recorded 149,946 incidents of APP fraud (up 22% on 2019). Currently data is not held for the number of victims this relates to, and there may be victims who are targeted more than once. Additionally, please note UK Finance figures are for the UK and include personal and non-personal account reports.
The Home Office has not provided guidance to the National Police Chiefs Council on reducing authorised push payment fraud. Reducing this kind of fraud is a complex issue, which involves a number of different sectors to work together. That is why, the Home Office relaunched the Joint Fraud Taskforce in Oct 2021. The Joint Fraud Taskforce is a partnership between the private sector, Government and law enforcement to tackle fraud collectively and to focus on issues that have been considered too difficult for a single organisation to manage alone and to drive action to design out Fraud.
Tackling fraud requires a unified and co-ordinated response from government, law enforcement and the private sector. The Government is working with industry, including the banking and tech sectors to ensure that victims are protected from these crimes in the first place and are not left out of pocket due to Authorised Push Payment (APP) frauds.
Since 2016, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) and the payments industry have worked together to both prevent payments fraud, and to develop better mechanisms for reimbursing victims of APP fraud. This has included introducing the voluntary Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code in 2019. Under the Code, signatory payment service providers voluntarily reimburse APP victims. The government recognised and welcomed these developments. However, reimbursement to victims of APP scams remains inconsistent. In the Queens Speech, government announced its intention to enable PSR regulatory action by amending Regulation 90 of the Payment Services Regulations, to clarify that the PSR may use its existing regulatory powers to require mandatory reimbursement in cases of APP scams in designated payment systems.
Data on the number of offences by location is not currently recorded by fraud type. However, UK Finance publish figures on the number of incidents of APP fraud for the UK each year. In 2020 UK Finance recorded 149,946 incidents of APP fraud (up 22% on 2019). Currently data is not held for the number of victims this relates to, and there may be victims who are targeted more than once. Additionally, please note UK Finance figures are for the UK and include personal and non-personal account reports.
The Home Office has not provided guidance to the National Police Chiefs Council on reducing authorised push payment fraud. Reducing this kind of fraud is a complex issue, which involves a number of different sectors to work together. That is why, the Home Office relaunched the Joint Fraud Taskforce in Oct 2021. The Joint Fraud Taskforce is a partnership between the private sector, Government and law enforcement to tackle fraud collectively and to focus on issues that have been considered too difficult for a single organisation to manage alone and to drive action to design out Fraud.
Tackling fraud requires a unified and co-ordinated response from government, law enforcement and the private sector. The Government is working with industry, including the banking and tech sectors to ensure that victims are protected from these crimes in the first place and are not left out of pocket due to Authorised Push Payment (APP) frauds.
Since 2016, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) and the payments industry have worked together to both prevent payments fraud, and to develop better mechanisms for reimbursing victims of APP fraud. This has included introducing the voluntary Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code in 2019. Under the Code, signatory payment service providers voluntarily reimburse APP victims. The government recognised and welcomed these developments. However, reimbursement to victims of APP scams remains inconsistent. In the Queens Speech, government announced its intention to enable PSR regulatory action by amending Regulation 90 of the Payment Services Regulations, to clarify that the PSR may use its existing regulatory powers to require mandatory reimbursement in cases of APP scams in designated payment systems.
Data on the number of offences by location is not currently recorded by fraud type. However, UK Finance publish figures on the number of incidents of APP fraud for the UK each year. In 2020 UK Finance recorded 149,946 incidents of APP fraud (up 22% on 2019). Currently data is not held for the number of victims this relates to, and there may be victims who are targeted more than once. Additionally, please note UK Finance figures are for the UK and include personal and non-personal account reports.
The Home Office has not provided guidance to the National Police Chiefs Council on reducing authorised push payment fraud. Reducing this kind of fraud is a complex issue, which involves a number of different sectors to work together. That is why, the Home Office relaunched the Joint Fraud Taskforce in Oct 2021. The Joint Fraud Taskforce is a partnership between the private sector, Government and law enforcement to tackle fraud collectively and to focus on issues that have been considered too difficult for a single organisation to manage alone and to drive action to design out Fraud.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 23 June 2022.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 24 June 2022.
The Home Office responded to the Hon. Member’s correspondence on 17 June 2022.
The Home Office responded to the Hon. Member’s correspondence on 7 June 2022.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 12 May 2022.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 31 January 2022.
The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 12 May 2022.
As set out in the Home Secretary’s statement to the House on 1 March, a fee free, bespoke Ukraine Family Scheme has been introduced. The route allows both the immediate (spouse, civil partner, durable partner, minor children) and extended (parent, grandparent, adult children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws and their immediate family) family members to join their relatives in the UK. The UK-based sponsoring relative must be a British citizen, a person who is present and settled in the UK (including those with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme), a person in the UK with refugee leave or with humanitarian protection or a person in the UK with limited leave under Appendix EU (pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme). This route was launched on 4 March.
Tier 2 visa applicants who have not obtained settlement are not permitted to sponsor under the Ukraine Family Scheme. However, they may wish to consider sponsoring a relative under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. This bespoke scheme will offer a route to those who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It will enable individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members, forced to escape their homeland.
Further information on the process and how to apply to sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme can be found here:
https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
We are setting no limit on the numbers of people who can come here. We will be glad to welcome as many Ukrainians as wish to come.
The complexity of an application can vary from case to case due to a range of factors which may include the various checks which must be carried out in the course of assessment.
The Home Office routinely conducts checks with other government departments and external agencies. This may mean we hold an application for longer than normal, but in some cases it is essential we do so.
If an application is deemed complex and expected to take longer than the standard processing timescale, UKVI will write to the customer within the standard processing time and explain what will happen next.
Data on our performance against published Service Level Agreement (SLA), which also includes visa renewals, can be found within our transparency data: Migration transparency data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The complexity of an application can vary from case to case due to a range of factors which may include the various checks which must be carried out in the course of assessment.
The Home Office routinely conducts checks with other government departments and external agencies. This may mean we hold an application for longer than normal, but in some cases it is essential we do so.
If an application is deemed complex and expected to take longer than the standard processing timescale, UKVI will write to the customer within the standard processing time and explain what will happen next.
Data on our performance against published Service Level Agreement (SLA), which also includes visa renewals, can be found within our transparency data: Migration transparency data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Those who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK who are currently in Afghanistan should make themselves known to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The UK is working with international partners to secure safe routes out of Afghanistan as soon as they become available.
The Home Office holds no data on the number of Afghan’s with indefinite leave to remain who remain in Afghanistan.
Those who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK who currently in Afghanistan should make themselves known to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The UK is working with international partners to secure safe routes out of Afghanistan as soon as they become available.
There are no application routes to apply for indefinite leave to remain from overseas. For those who were not called forward as part of Op Pitting, or who are not offered resettlement under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, they will need to apply to come to the UK under the existing economic or family migration rules. They will be expected to meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen route, which includes paying relevant fees and charges, and providing biometrics. However, there is currently no option to give biometrics in Afghanistan.
Individuals who are in third countries have the option of applying for a visa to the UK. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
For Afghan refugees in the UK, their close family members are free to apply for Family Reunion, but we recognise those in Afghanistan will face the same challenges in providing biometrics and so we do not recommend making applications at this time. Those in third countries are open to submit an application. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website:https://www.gov.uk/settlement-refugee-or-humanitarian-protection/family-reunion
The UK is working with international partners to secure safe routes out of Afghanistan as soon as they become available, but while the security situation remains extremely volatile, we recommend people in Afghanistan do not make applications and pay application fees at this time as they will not be considered until biometrics are provided.
The Home Office holds no data on the number of Afghan’s with indefinite leave to remain who remain in Afghanistan. Those who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK who are currently in Afghanistan should make themselves known to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Those who entered were granted limited leave to enter with access to public funds and employment. This status is not a bar to them being permanently housed or to starting their life in the UK, including taking employment.
The Home Office has started the process to support those currently in the UK with 6 months leave to apply for and be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. Our aim is to conclude this process before individuals’ leave to remain expires.
Communications have been issued advising individuals of next steps to progress permanent residence in the UK. They also provide links to guidance and information on how prospective employers and landlords can contact the Home Office to confirm individuals’ right to take employment and rented accommodation.
The Home Office has established a dedicated caseworking team, which is working jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ministry of Defence. This team will contact all those who arrived to discuss their leave arrangements and ensure they get the right form of leave.
Those who are here with limited leave under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy can apply to convert this to indefinite leave to remain at any time before their limited leave expires. This application is a free application and can be applied for online.
Details of the type of leave to be granted to those arriving from Afghanistan, and how they will be supported in obtaining that leave, can be found in the Afghanistan Resettlement and Immigration policy statement.
The policy statement can be viewed here:
Further information regarding Locally employed staff, can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-locally-engaged-staff
The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on asylum applications awaiting an initial decision, by nationality, are published in table ASY_D03 of the ‘asylum and resettlement detailed datasets’. The latest data relates to the end of September 2021.
Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.
All children and young people evacuated to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) with limited leave, will have access to education.
As of 6 January 2022, all school aged children and young people evacuated during Operation Pitting, are now enrolled into schools. Those children who have joined us since then are either in school, or being placed in schools, as quickly as possible.
We are also taking the availability of school places in each local authority into account, as new families arrive and are settled into the country.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have obtained pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme only hold a digital status and are not issued with physical documentation.
Carriers are not required to check this status although holders of EU Settlement Scheme status can use the online ‘View and Prove’ service to demonstrate their status. If passengers wish to share their status with a carrier, they need to log onto the service and generate a ‘share code’, which can be given to the carrier. The carrier can then use the ‘share code’ (and the individual’s date of birth) to enable them to check the passenger’s status information, using the’ Check someone's immigration status’ service.
Non-EEA nationals who have obtained pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will hold physical evidence in the form of a UK-issued Biometric Residence Card, EUSS Family Permit or EUSS Travel Permit.
The usual obligations to check the validity of passengers’ documentation remain in place, and standard carrier removal obligations continue to apply.
We are reinforcing this message in our communications with carriers.
Guidance for applicants about UK residence cards is set out on gov.uk:
This explains applications for UK residence cards made by 31 December 2020 will still be considered.
As residence cards are no longer issued, this webpage also makes clear to continue living in the UK, individuals need another type of permission to stay, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Applicants are notified of this in writing with their residence card decision. The written decision sets out either their application would have succeeded but residence cards are no longer issued, or their application has been unsuccessful and informs them of any right of appeal.
The decision notice for successful applicants explains where an EUSS applicant requires a ‘relevant document’ (such as a residence card) to be eligible for EUSS status, the Home Office has implemented a concession to ensure no one who made a valid residence card application by 31 December is disadvantaged by not having such a document.
The terms of the concession are at page 30 of the ‘EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members’ guidance to UKVI caseworkers which was published on 11 November 2021:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-caseworker-guidance
All unexpired biometric residence cards held by any non-EEA nationals with pre settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, are valid for travel to and entry into the UK when presented with a valid passport.
Individuals issued with cards which have expired can apply to replace them free of charge.
Visa nationals who travel outside the UK will need a document, such as an unexpired biometric residence card, for travel purposes before returning to the UK.
Individuals will not be required to prove they hold pre settled or settled status at the UK border. However, anyone who has been issued with a biometric residence card should present it if they are required to see a Border Force Officer in order to avoid delays.
All unexpired biometric residence cards held by any non-EEA nationals with pre settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, are valid for travel to and entry into the UK when presented with a valid passport.
Individuals issued with cards which have expired can apply to replace them free of charge.
Visa nationals who travel outside the UK will need a document, such as an unexpired biometric residence card, for travel purposes before returning to the UK.
Individuals will not be required to prove they hold pre settled or settled status at the UK border. However, anyone who has been issued with a biometric residence card should present it if they are required to see a Border Force Officer in order to avoid delays.
The Home Office have provided a funding offer to support all local authorities who have bridging accommodation in their areas. For example, to provide enrolment in schools, integration into the community, handling of donations and registering with GPs.
Frequent and regular engagement is continuing between Home Office officials and Local Authorities with bridging hotels.
The Home Office worked closely with Voluntary Sectors Communities Emergency Partnership to provide crisis support in the first few weeks supporting Afghans just arriving into the UK and settling into local communities.
We are grateful for the continued support of Local Authorities, voluntary organisations and all those involved in the joint efforts as we work in partnership to fulfil our moral duty to those who have fled Afghanistan, many of whom have stood shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and now seek a new life in the UK but ask local authorities who are able to consider what additional support they can provide so that all evacuated Afghans can be resettled.
The most recent meeting of the National Vehicle Crime Working Group took place on 20 September 2021. The Working Group is chaired by the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime, ACC Jenny Sims.
The Government is committed to tackling the theft of catalytic converters, working closely with police and motor manufacturers through the National Vehicle Crime Working Group, established by the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime and overseen by the Government’s Crime and Justice Taskforce, to determine what more can be done. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is represented on the Working Group, and discussions between the Home Office and MPS are ongoing about local policing operations.
In December 2017, the Home Office published a review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. The review took into account views from a range of interested parties and found the measures in the 2013 Act had been effective in addressing metal theft and should be retained. A copy of the review is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-scrap-metal-dealers-act-2013.
Enforcement of the 2013 Act is key to tackling this crime. The Government funded the set-up of the National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership (NICRP), which ensures national co-ordination of policing and law enforcement partners to tackle metal theft, including the theft of catalytic converters. The partnership has provided training to law enforcement and other partner agencies, shares intelligence to target offenders, and implements crime prevention measures. The British Transport Police, through the NICRP, has conducted two national weeks of actions, which resulted in 64 arrests, over 1,400 stopped vehicles and over 1,000 catalytic converters and other items of stolen property were recovered.
The Government is committed to tackling the theft of catalytic converters, working closely with police and motor manufacturers through the National Vehicle Crime Working Group, established by the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime and overseen by the Government’s Crime and Justice Taskforce, to determine what more can be done. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is represented on the Working Group, and discussions between the Home Office and MPS are ongoing about local policing operations.
In December 2017, the Home Office published a review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. The review took into account views from a range of interested parties and found the measures in the 2013 Act had been effective in addressing metal theft and should be retained. A copy of the review is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-scrap-metal-dealers-act-2013.
Enforcement of the 2013 Act is key to tackling this crime. The Government funded the set-up of the National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership (NICRP), which ensures national co-ordination of policing and law enforcement partners to tackle metal theft, including the theft of catalytic converters. The partnership has provided training to law enforcement and other partner agencies, shares intelligence to target offenders, and implements crime prevention measures. The British Transport Police, through the NICRP, has conducted two national weeks of actions, which resulted in 64 arrests, over 1,400 stopped vehicles and over 1,000 catalytic converters and other items of stolen property were recovered.
The Government is committed to tackling the theft of catalytic converters, working closely with police and motor manufacturers through the National Vehicle Crime Working Group, established by the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime and overseen by the Government’s Crime and Justice Taskforce, to determine what more can be done. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is represented on the Working Group, and discussions between the Home Office and MPS are ongoing about local policing operations.
In December 2017, the Home Office published a review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. The review took into account views from a range of interested parties and found the measures in the 2013 Act had been effective in addressing metal theft and should be retained. A copy of the review is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-scrap-metal-dealers-act-2013.
Enforcement of the 2013 Act is key to tackling this crime. The Government funded the set-up of the National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership (NICRP), which ensures national co-ordination of policing and law enforcement partners to tackle metal theft, including the theft of catalytic converters. The partnership has provided training to law enforcement and other partner agencies, shares intelligence to target offenders, and implements crime prevention measures. The British Transport Police, through the NICRP, has conducted two national weeks of actions, which resulted in 64 arrests, over 1,400 stopped vehicles and over 1,000 catalytic converters and other items of stolen property were recovered.
The Home Office keeps fees for immigration and nationality applications under review and ensure they are within the parameters agreed with HM Treasury and Parliament, as set out in Section 68 (9) of the Immigration Act 2014 which can be viewed via the following link:
The Home Office does not hold the information in the format requested. We do not have a separate code or field for fees collected for naturalisation as British Citizens.
Immigration statistic, with volumes of applicants, are available at
Immigration statistics data tables, year ending December 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Total visa and immigration income data is published annually in the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts. See page 152 of the Home Office 2019-20 Annual Report and Accounts for the most recent disclosure of visa and immigration income.
Home Office annual report and accounts 2019 - 2020 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
The global travel and health restrictions in the first lockdown impacted our application processes, especially the temporary closure of our biometric collection centres in the UK.
Subsequently, biometric capture services reopened in a phased and socially-distanced way and alongside this UKVI began reusing existing fingerprint biometrics for individuals where possible.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office is increasing capacity for processing passport applications, while continuing to operate in line with public health advice and social distancing guidelines.
This includes the development of a new system which substantially increases the ability to process applications from home and occupying additional government office space to increase the number able to come into work.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office has continued to operate throughout the coronavirus pandemic, however it had to scale back its work as a result of changed working practices designed to keep both customers and staff safe.
During this difficult time HM Passport Office has prioritised urgent and compassionate cases and is now working hard to get back to full capacity as soon as it is able to do so in line with public health guidance.
I refer the Hon Member to the answers given to Question UIN 65447 on 2 November 2021 and Question UIN 64643 on 1 November 2021 regarding the details of the funding.
We aim to publish a full Regulatory Impact Assessment on the measures in due course and in accordance with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.
An analysis of the implication of the changes in the policy for Article 4 directions, in order to comply with the public sector equality duty, as required by s149 of the Equality Act 2010, was undertaken. A summary of this analysis is included in the Government Response to the National Planning Policy Framework and National Model Design Code: Consultation Proposals which was published on 20 July 2021. [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/national-planning-policy-framework-and-national-model-design-code-consultation-proposals/outcome/government-response-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-national-model-design-code-consultation-proposals]
I refer the Hon Member to the answers given to question UIN 65447 on 2 November 2021 and question UIN 64643 on 1 November 2021 regarding the details of the funding.
The £1.8 billion investment announced at Spending Review will help to regenerate communities and level up the country through unlocking new homes. The funding will deliver more than just homes, providing the investment in infrastructure required to regenerate communities and support local jobs.
The Government and our local authority partners have extensive experience of brownfield development, through our existing funds such as the Brownfield Housing Fund and Brownfield Land Release Fund. I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave to question UIN 64643 on 1 November on the details of the Fund.
The £400 million Brownfield Fund will help unlock 26,000 homes by bringing under-utilised brownfield land back into use and contribute to levelling-up our country.
Table 1 displays the allocation of the £400 million Brownfield Fund.
Table 1
Mayoral Combined Authority | Allocation | Proportion |
Greater Manchester | £96,999,805 | 24.25% |
Liverpool City Region | £44,643,420 | 11.16% |
North of Tyne | £23,853,618 | 5.96% |
South Yorkshire | £40,340,322 | 10.09% |
Tees Valley | £19,352,315 | 4.84% |
West Midlands | £108,031,802 | 27.01% |
West Yorkshire | £66,778,719 | 16.69% |
Total | £400,000,001 | 100.00% |
Total of £400,000,001 is due to rounding
The £400 million Brownfield Fund will help unlock 26,000 homes by bringing under-utilised brownfield land back into use and contribute to levelling-up our country.
Table 1 displays the allocation of the £400 million Brownfield Fund.
Table 1
Mayoral Combined Authority | Allocation | Proportion |
Greater Manchester | £96,999,805 | 24.25% |
Liverpool City Region | £44,643,420 | 11.16% |
North of Tyne | £23,853,618 | 5.96% |
South Yorkshire | £40,340,322 | 10.09% |
Tees Valley | £19,352,315 | 4.84% |
West Midlands | £108,031,802 | 27.01% |
West Yorkshire | £66,778,719 | 16.69% |
Total | £400,000,001 | 100.00% |
Total of £400,000,001 is due to rounding
We received bids from 79 councils across England, of whom 53 have so far received BLRF funding to deliver 110 projects. We will be making further allocations shortly.
We received bids from 79 councils across England, of whom 53 have so far received BLRF funding to deliver 110 projects. We will be making further allocations shortly.
Available records indicate that 56 local authorities have submitted to the Secretary of State article 4 directions removing permitted development rights in respect of Houses of Multiple Occupancy in accordance with Schedule 3 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
The Department has not refused any article 4 directions in the periods specified. The Secretary of State is not required to approve directions made by local authorities.
184 article 4 directions have been submitted to the Secretary of State by local authorities in accordance with Schedule 3 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 in the last year.
My officials maintain contact with bodies representing media organisations and other stakeholders following on from proposals to reform the planning system
Government is mindful of the potential impact that any changes to the existing publicity requirements for statutory notices might have on transparency and local democracy, as well as the potential effect on the sustainability of the local news sector as a whole. We also recognise the continued importance of print local newspapers to the communities they serve.
The Secretary of State is taking time to review departmental programmes and engage with key stakeholders. An announcement on our proposed way forward will be made.
We have consulted on introducing a new infrastructure levy to replace section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy as part of the ‘Planning for the Future’ consultation. The Government’s consultation response will be published.
Under a national permitted development right, a private house is able to change use to a House in Multiple Occupation for up to six people sharing facilities without the need for a planning application. Change of use to a larger House in Multiple Occupation requires an application for planning permission.
Where there is sufficient evidence of the need to protect local amenities or the well-being of the area, a local planning authority may withdraw a permitted development right using an Article 4 direction. This would mean any change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation would require an application for planning permission.
We believe this strikes the right balance between allowing individuals to decide how best to use their property, with appropriate safeguards to address localised concerns.
In developing the proposals we undertook assessments of any potential impacts on people who share a protected characteristic as required under the public sector equality duty.
Permitted development rights provide greater flexibility for businesses to change use, responding quickly to changing market demands without the need for a planning application. Where a local authority considers that a specific permitted development right is not appropriate in a particular location, and that a planning application should be required, it may introduce an Article 4 direction to remove that permitted development right. From 1 July, our policy requires that all Article 4 directions should be targeted, based on robust evidence and apply to the smallest geographical area possible. This provides a balance between protecting core high streets and town centres without unnecessarily restricting the flexibilities provided by permitted development rights.
On 12 October 2021, DLUHC announced (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-new-homes-to-be-built-and-derelict-land-transformed) £57,822,243 of funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) to support 110 projects to release land for more than 5,600 homes by March 2024. This grant funding will be allocated to 53 local authorities shortly. Further, DLUHC has announced a second bidding opportunity for local authorities to bid for the remaining £20 million self and custom build funding, with more successful BLRF projects to be announced before the end of the financial year.
This Government seeks to unite and level up the country, ensuring opportunity is available for all, and our plans to modernise the planning system are an important part of this.
We are continuing to reflect on the 43,000 consultation responses and engage with stakeholders across the system.
The new Class MA permitted development right for the change of use from commercial, business and service uses, including retail and office premises, came into effect from 1 August 2021. The right will bring vacant commercial buildings into productive use. There are no current plans to introduce a requirement for outside space.
We have consulted on introducing a new infrastructure levy to replace section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy. We are currently analysing the 44,000 responses to the 'Planning for the Future' consultation and will publish our response in due course.
We have consulted on introducing a new infrastructure levy to replace section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy. We are currently analysing the 44,000 responses to the 'Planning for the Future' consultation and will publish our response in due course.
The permitted development right for the change of use from the Commercial, Business and Service use class allows local planning authorities to consider the effect on future residents of residential use in an area of heavy industry, storage and distribution, waste management or a mix of such uses.
In addition it allows for consideration of the implications of noise from commercial premises for the intended occupiers, and in conservation areas allows for consideration of the effect of the change of use of the ground floor to residential on the character or sustainability of that area. The authority may refuse prior approval if these are unacceptable.
Under the permitted development rights the developer must apply to the local planning authority for prior approval as to the provision of adequate natural light in all habitable rooms of each new dwellinghouse. The legislation requires the local planning authority to refuse prior approval if adequate natural light is not provided. We do not hold information on how that light is provided as it is a local authority matter.
We introduced this change with effect from 1 August 2020 and will continue to keep all permitted development rights under review.
The new Commercial, Business and Service use class (E) came into effect from 1 September 2020 to provide greater flexibility for business and service uses. An application for change of use within the Use Class is not required. We do not have data on changes between uses within E class.
The new Commercial, Business and Service use class (E) came into effect from 1 September 2020 to provide greater flexibility for business and service uses. An application for change of use within the Use Class is not required. We do not have data on changes between uses within E class.
We have introduced a fee of £100 per dwellinghouse in respect of this right. We have not included a £5,000 cap on fees as originally proposed.
The information is not held in the format requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The information is not held in the format requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The new policy in relation to Article 4 directions came into immediate effect on 1 July 2021. The National Planning Policy Framework was updated with the new wording on 20 July 2021.
The Department does not hold information on the information requested.
It is for each local authority to consider how best the land in its area should be used, and to plan accordingly, and to identify and publish in its Brownfield Register those sites it finds suitable for housing-led redevelopment.
My Department did not hold any direct discussions with the Local Government Association on the proposed changes to Article 4 direction policy. The Local Government Association responded to our consultation on proposed changes. Following publication of the new Article 4 direction policy, officials have engaged with the Planning Advisory Service and with individual local authorities on the implementation of the new policy.
My Department carried out an analysis of the implications of the changes in the policy for Article 4 directions, in order to comply with the public sector equality duty, as required by s149 of the Equality Act 2010.
We have today published the response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Model Design Code consultation. The updated NPPF has been published at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework and the response to the consultation is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/national-planning-policy-framework-and-national-model-design-code-consultation-proposals.
We received more than 44,000 responses to our consultation on the Planning for the Future While Paper. It is important that we safeguard personal data, and while we do not intend to publish individual responses, we will produce a summary of the views received when we respond in full to the consultation later this year.
We will be publishing a full response to the Planning for the Future White Paper.
The Department is committed to seeking and listening to people's views. Consultations are an important part of how we do this. Thousands of people have responded to our consultations in the past year, including more than 44,000 responses to the Planning for the Future consultation.
Like other Departments that have invested in making it easier for citizens to play a part in policy-making, such as the Ministry of Justice, from January 2021 we began using the Citizen Space platform for consultation activities. Citizen Space makes public participation easier and simpler for respondents. We are also publishing our responses online and Citizen Space will make this even easier. People expect excellent digital services from government. Using Citizen Space is helping us to ensure this is true of participating in consultations.
The Government remains fully committed to the reform of environmental assessment as a key aspect of the upcoming changes to the planning system which it is taking forward following the Planning for the Future White paper, and the National Infrastructure Strategy.
The 'Planning for the Future' White Paper received a very high level of engagement and we are now in the process of analysing the feedback received. We are taking forward the work to develop a new environment assessment framework as part of that process. Further updates will be provided shortly.
The reformed approach to environmental assessment will be more accessible, easier to understand, simpler to execute and with fewer unnecessary delays. At the same time, the Government has been clear that this reformed system will maximise environmental benefits, recognising the importance of our domestic and international obligations for environmental protection.
Responses to the consultation recognised the need for local authorities to consider any implications of the permitted development right by way of a prior approval application. This will require local planning authority resources and should therefore be subject to an appropriate fee.
We aim to publish an Impact Assessment on the measures as soon as possible in accordance with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. It will be a full regulatory Impact Assessment.
Responses to the consultation recognised the need for local authorities to consider any implications of the permitted development right by way of a prior approval application. This will require local planning authority resources and should therefore be subject to an appropriate fee.
We aim to publish an Impact Assessment on the measures as soon as possible in accordance with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. It will be a full regulatory Impact Assessment.
Responses to the consultation recognised the need for local authorities to consider any implications of the permitted development right by way of a prior approval application. This will require local planning authority resources and should therefore be subject to an appropriate fee.
We aim to publish an Impact Assessment on the measures as soon as possible in accordance with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. It will be a full regulatory Impact Assessment.
Responses to the consultation recognised the need for local authorities to consider any implications of the permitted development right by way of a prior approval application. This will require local planning authority resources and should therefore be subject to an appropriate fee.
We aim to publish an Impact Assessment on the measures as soon as possible in accordance with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. It will be a full regulatory Impact Assessment.
The Department does not collect data on numbers of dwellings granted planning permission by local authority. Numbers of residential planning applications granted and numbers of housing completions at local authority level are publicly available on Gov.uk.
The Department does not collect data on numbers of dwellings granted planning permission by local authority. Numbers of residential planning applications granted and numbers of housing completions at local authority level are publicly available on Gov.uk.
The Department does not collect data on numbers of dwellings granted planning permission by local authority. Numbers of residential planning applications granted and numbers of housing completions at local authority level are publicly available on Gov.uk.
The Department does not collect data on numbers of dwellings granted planning permission by local authority. Numbers of residential planning applications granted and numbers of housing completions at local authority level are publicly available on Gov.uk.
The Department does not collect data on numbers of dwellings granted planning permission by local authority. Numbers of residential planning applications granted and numbers of housing completions at local authority level are publicly available on Gov.uk.
The consultation on the Planning for the Future White Paper closed in October 2020, and received around 44,000 responses – demonstrating just how important this is to people.
Given the number of responses, we are taking time to carefully consider the valuable feedback we received. We will publish the Government response to the White Paper ahead of introducing the Planning Bill to Parliament.
On 25 January we announced £23.75 million funding through the Community Champions Scheme to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England - to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19.
Participating local authorities will be providing monitoring monthly reporting from March 2021, which will be used to assess the scope and reach of the Community Champions programme.
We will learn from the current scheme and assess the case for any further funding.
My officials undertook a series of stakeholder engagement events to test design and methodology and continue to work with the local authorities to ensure sharing of learning.
Conversations were held with a group of chief executives and senior level council leaders, including representatives from councils in London, and we have spoken to the sector including the Local Government Association. We also spoke with wider representative across London and Manchester, including the Combined Authority, and a range of officers across England in local authorities.
London Borough of Hounslow Council were invited to apply for funding through the Community Champions scheme. No application was received.
On 25 January we confirmed £23.75 million funding - allocated to 60 councils and further voluntary groups across England - to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19 and to boost vaccine take up through the Community Champions scheme. This is part of over £7.9 billion Government funding provided to councils to help them support their communities during the pandemic. The scheme is specifically targeted at areas where challenges may be greatest due to the local combination of disproportionately impacted groups.
The list of local authorities who were invited to take part in the scheme drew upon a wide range of data sources, including Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England long-term data on COVID-19 incidence; data on social integration; and evidence on the prevalence and specific support needs of disabled people in an area.
All English local authorities will be reimbursed via local NHS partners (or by DHSC) for unfunded and additional costs needed to support Covid vaccination, including those related to increasing uptake in the BAME or other low uptake cohorts.