Samantha Niblett Portrait

Samantha Niblett

Labour - South Derbyshire

4,168 (9.1%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024



Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Samantha Niblett has voted in 56 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Samantha Niblett Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Stephen Timms (Labour)
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
(4 debate interactions)
Lisa Nandy (Labour)
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
(2 debate interactions)
Liz Kendall (Labour)
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
(2 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Work and Pensions
(3 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(2 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(2 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Finance Bill 2024-26
(1,405 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Samantha Niblett's debates

South Derbyshire Petitions

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).

Petitions with highest South Derbyshire signature proportion
Open
178
of 76,033 signatures (0.23%)
Open
5,983
of 2,964,836 signatures (0.20%)
Open
235
of 128,405 signatures (0.18%)
Petitions with most South Derbyshire signatures
Open
5,984
of 2,964,836 signatures (0.20%)
Open
235
of 128,405 signatures (0.18%)
Open
178
of 76,033 signatures (0.23%)
Samantha Niblett has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Samantha Niblett

Samantha Niblett has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Samantha Niblett, 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.


Samantha Niblett has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Samantha Niblett has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

Samantha Niblett has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Samantha Niblett has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans he has to support (a) pubs and (b) the wider hospitality industry in (i) rural areas and (ii) South Derbyshire constituency.

Pubs and hospitality businesses, including those in rural areas and South Derbyshire, are at the heart of our communities and are vital for economic growth. That is why the Government is creating a fairer business rate system by introducing permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses from 2026-27 and extending the current relief for 1 year at 40%.

The government is also reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products, representing an overall reduction in duty bills of over £85m a year.

We will also transform the apprenticeship levy into a more flexible growth and skills levy to support business, including in the hospitality industry and boost opportunity.

Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government programmes supporting homeowners with reducing levels of carbon emissions.

To reach our Clean Power target by 2030 we need to decarbonise the way we heat and cool our homes and workplaces. After many years of stop-start settlements by previous governments, this government has provided an exceptional initial three-year settlement for home upgrades despite this only being a single-year fiscal event. This demonstrates our ambitions to deliver the Warm Homes Plan as effectively as possible.

The new Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) and Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) will support low-income homeowners and private tenants and social tenants in England with energy performance upgrades and cleaner heating, with delivery expected in 2025.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on support for female-led spin-out tech start-ups at UK Universities.

Innovate UK are currently running an all-women cohort of their Innovation to commercialisation of university research (ICURe) programme, which will identify and support women researchers to explore commercialisation pathways that can lead to spinouts.

Supporting female tech founders and spin-out companies from our universities are important issues that I and colleagues across government are working on.

I am pleased that over time there are more female-led spin-outs, with 32% of spin-outs in 2022 having a female founder, up from 25% in 2017. However, with 68% still having all-male founders, there is still room for improvement.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has plans to (a) identify and (b) support female-led spin-out tech start-ups in UK Universities.

Innovate UK are currently running an all-women cohort of their Innovation to commercialisation of university research (ICURe) programme, which will identify and support women researchers to explore commercialisation pathways that can lead to spinouts.

Supporting female tech founders and spin-out companies from our universities are important issues that I and colleagues across government are working on.

I am pleased that over time there are more female-led spin-outs, with 32% of spin-outs in 2022 having a female founder, up from 25% in 2017. However, with 68% still having all-male founders, there is still room for improvement.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of supporting Ukraine through the use of joint (a) technology, (b) funding and (c) research initiatives.

The Government recognises the key role that science, technology, and innovation will play in Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and future economy. The department fosters collaboration between researchers and innovators in both countries to our mutual benefit, working closely with other departments, such as Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Department for Business and Trade. For example, providing financial support to the UK-Ukraine Techbridge and supporting Ukrainian researchers through the Researchers at Risk Programme. We are continuing to work with partners to identify areas for future collaboration and support.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effectiveness of (a) artificial intelligence and (b) other digital innovation for tackling violence against women and girls.

Innovative technology solutions are key to improving online safety outcomes and delivering the government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade. The Online Safety Act and Ofcom’s codes of practice are designed to keep pace with emerging technologies, with Ofcom continuing to research, review and, if necessary, iterate their codes of practice to adapt to technological developments.

On 20th November the government published a draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for online safety. This sets out five priorities, including the expectation that services are safe by design to improve the safety of all users and tackle violence against women and girls, as well as the importance of innovation in online safety technologies.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help improve phone signal in (a) South Derbyshire constituency and (b) rural areas.

Although I am aware that official reports of mobile coverage often vary substantially from people’s experience on the ground, Ofcom reports that 95% of the pre-boundary change South Derbyshire constituency area has 4G geographic coverage from all four mobile operators, and that basic (non-standalone) 5G is available from at least one mobile operator outside 93% of premises.

This Government wants all areas of the UK to benefit from reliable and good quality mobile coverage. Our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural areas, to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030, and to increase 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by the end of 2025 through the Shared Rural Network programme. We are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework to support investment and competition.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help ensure benefits of technological development are felt by all demographics.

Digital inclusion is a priority for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. I know that digital exclusion disproportionately impacts certain demographics, including older people, those with disabilities and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, creating new inequalities and exacerbating existing ones. As we develop our approach on tackling this issue we will be working closely with the third and private sector and local authorities to ensure interventions are targeted to individual needs.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the digitisation of the NHS.

DSIT has pledged to create a National Data Library bringing together existing research programmes to help deliver data-driven public services, including transforming the NHS.

The Department for Health supports NHS digitisation by:

  1. Empowering patients through improvements to the NHS app
  2. Speeding up the implementation of the NHS Federated Data Platform

DSIT investment in the Data for R&D Programme helps ensure secure access to UK health data for research and development through a network of Secure Data Environments. UKRI has invested over £1billion in AI research. DSIT will continue to ensure safe deployment of AI to deliver service enhancements.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to increase investment in women-led start up technology businesses.

This Government is committed to strengthening diversity in the tech sector, including supporting female-led start-ups, and has made breaking down barriers to opportunity one of our five national missions.

Programmes like DSIT’s £12m Digital Growth Grant and Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards are supporting female-led businesses through grants and wider business support.

In September, the Chancellor announced Government support for the Invest in Women Taskforce. The Taskforce aims to establish a funding pool of more than £250 million for female-founded businesses through private capital, making it one of the world’s largest investment funding pools aimed solely at female founders.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on artificial intelligence and its role in economic growth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers great economic potential for the whole of the UK.

The UK’s AI Sector was valued at £72.3bn in 2024 - larger than any country in Europe. Forecasts suggest it could eventually be worth over £800 billion by 2035.The AI Opportunities Action Plan will outline recommendations for Government, to harness AI's potential, including boosting economic growth, productivity, and job quality through widespread AI adoption.

DSIT's Secretary of State collaborates closely with cabinet colleagues on AI-related matters.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to widen access to digital skills training.

Digital skills are a priority for the Government’s missions to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity. We are working across government departments to widen access to digital skills training as part of our wider approach to digital inclusion. We are also engaging with key industry partners through the Digital Skills Council to ensure the digital skills system is joined up and comprehensive, and that it meets the needs of both employers and individuals, across the UK.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing funding for digital connectivity in rural areas.

As outlined in the Autumn Budget, we are continuing to drive progress in improving broadband and mobile coverage across the country, including in rural areas, confirming over £500 million of funding for next year (in 2025‑26).

We are committed to Project Gigabit and its goal of achieving nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030. Through the Shared Rural Network, we will also improve 4G coverage to at least 95% of the UK by the end of 2025.

The government is continuing to consider alternative ways to improve connectivity for those not due to be covered by existing government programmes or commercial activity.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help improve digital connectivity in rural areas.

The Government is committed to the rollout of fast, reliable broadband to all parts of the UK. Through Project Gigabit, there are 36 contracts in place, set to connect over 1 million homes and businesses that would otherwise miss out, with more contracts to be awarded in the coming months.

We are also working with the UK’s four mobile network operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network, improving 4G mobile broadband connectivity for people living, working and visiting the UK’s rural areas.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help support female-led tech start-ups.

This Government is committed to strengthening diversity in the tech sector, including supporting female-led start-ups, and has made breaking down barriers to opportunity one of our five national missions.

Programmes like DSIT’s £12m Digital Growth Grant and Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards are supporting female-led businesses through grants and wider business support.

In September, the Chancellor announced Government support for the Invest in Women Taskforce. The Taskforce aims to establish a funding pool of more than £250 million for female-founded businesses through private capital, making it one of the world’s largest investment funding pools aimed solely at female founders.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she is taking steps to increase the number of grassroots community (a) arts and (b) music venues in rural areas.

The Government recognises the value of the grassroots music and arts sectors - they provide the foundation for both industries, fostering creativity, innovation and cultural expression.

The Government response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee's report on grassroots music venues, published 14 November, sets out our commitment to working with the sector to support the sustainability of the entire music ecosystem. In particular, the Government is urging the live music industry to introduce a voluntary levy on tickets for stadium and arena shows, to help safeguard the future of the grassroots music sector.

Following the Autumn Budget, we are continuing to support Arts Council England’s (ACE’s) successful Supporting Grassroots Music Fund which provides grants to grassroots music venues, recording studios, promoters and festivals across England.

More generally, ACE plays an important role in supporting grassroots community arts venues through the National Portfolio and other funding schemes such as Creative People and Places and National Lottery Project Grants. ACE also has a national dialogue with rural stakeholders from across England, and uses this to inform their policy and work. ACE is committed to responding to the specific needs of rural areas, supporting artists working in rural areas, improving access for rural audiences and building partnerships for growth.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to increase tourism in rural areas.

The Government recognises the importance of tourism to rural constituencies, including its contribution to economic growth and pride in place of an area, and an integral part of the UK’s tourism offering. Britain’s coastline is a particular attraction to international visitors with 10% of all visits to the UK including the coast or a beach, rising to 34% amongst those visiting Wales.

DCMS continues to work with VisitBritain/VisitEngland to champion visits to the British countryside to a worldwide audience. Promoting rural areas, with a dedicated webpage on its consumer site which highlights rural areas to visit across the nations and regions of Britain that celebrate the UK’s diverse attractions. This is part of our commitment to spreading tourism’s benefits and creating an inclusive, regional growth model. DCMS, through VisitEngland, has also accredited 35 Local Visitor Economy Partnerships so far; which aims to drive investment and spend across the regions - including in rural areas.

The North East Destination Development Partnership (DDP) is in its third year of delivery and interim evaluation results have found that it has supported over 1,000 businesses, saw a 14% increase in the value of the visitor economy, a 5% increase in visitor numbers, as well as building a pipeline of £125 million of investment, and building the case for a new ferry route to Norway.

VisitBritain’s new GREAT-funded international marketing campaign will launch in early 2025. ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ will use the hook of Britain’s rich film and television history to encourage more international visitors to explore across Britain, including many rural destinations.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to help increase diversity in sports coaching.

The Government is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in sport at all levels. We will continue to work with the sport sector to help it be inclusive and welcoming to its spectators, participants and workforce. Coaches play a hugely important role in facilitating sporting activity and acting as a source of inspiration and encouragement for people to remain active.

Sport England’s ten year strategy, Uniting the Movement, reinforces their commitment to tackling inequalities faced in sport by underrepresented groups. Sport England is investing £120 million to increase participation in sport and boost diversity at the grassroots level to give more and better opportunities to all.

Additionally, the updated Code for Sports Governance requires sports that receive substantial public funding from either UK Sport or Sport England to have detailed and ambitious diversity and inclusion action plans in place, which are published and updated annually.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the safety of public spaces for runners.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regularly engages with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on a range of issues.

Sport and physical activity are incredibly important for our physical and mental health and this Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to and benefit from quality sport and physical activity opportunities in safe environments including open spaces such as parks and streets.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential economic contribution of community (a) arts and (b) literary festivals.

This Government recognises the importance of community arts and literary festivals in bringing local communities together, providing them with high-quality culture, and stimulating local growth.

Data collection plays an integral role in how the Department for Culture, Media and Sport assesses the economic contribution of its sectors to the UK economy. DCMS publishes official statistics (DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates) including data on Gross Value Added, employment and business demographics, which are available at national and regional levels.These data can be found on the DCMS website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dcms-sectors-economic-estimates

DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates does not, however, provide data specific to community arts and literary festivals.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of changing and bathroom facilities for women at grassroots sporting venues.

We are dedicated to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, are able to participate in sport and physical activity.

Karen Carney OBE’s Review of Women’s Football included a recommendation on meaningful access to facilities. I recently met Karen to discuss implementation of her review which is relevant across women’s sport. I am clear that action is needed to drive all of the recommendations outlined in the Review. I look forward to convening the Implementation Group for Women’s Football before the end of this year to understand progress following Karen’s Review.

The Football Foundation, the charity funded by the Government, the Football Association and the Premier League, has committed to implementing recommendations from an independent review to ensure new minimum standards for women and girls at funded sites. This includes guaranteeing a share of priority slots to women’s and girls’ teams, setting up a new small grants programme, specifically targeted at creating female-friendly facilities off the pitch, and ensuring refreshed Local Football Facility Plans reflect the growth in women and girls' football.

Sport England’s ‘Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities’ guidance also supports grassroots sporting venues to provide well designed spaces for female users.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans she has to regulate Women's Football.

Karen Carney OBE led an independent review of domestic women’s football, which was published in July 2023. We agree with the recommendation that the women’s game should be given the opportunity to self-regulate rather than moving immediately to independent statutory regulation.

While the Independent Football Regulator will be focused on the men’s game, it will cooperate, coordinate and share information where it can with the relevant industry bodies in the women’s game to help deliver the shared goal of a successful, sustainable English game.

However, the Secretary of State will be keeping the scope of the Regulator under review, including whether additional competitions should be specified, such as women’s football competitions.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 9331 on Football: Women, when the implementation group will next meet; and if she will publish (a) minutes and (b) action points from previous meetings.

Minutes from previous meetings of the Implementation Group are publicly available on gov.uk at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/womens-football-review-implementation-group

I met Karen Carney to discuss the next phase of implementation of her recommendations.

I am clear that action is needed to drive all of the recommendations outlined in the Review.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the recent economic contribution of the art and cultural industries to (a) the East Midlands and (b) Derbyshire.

Derbyshire is a very important part of our cultural and artistic heritage, and this Government is committed to supporting these industries to thrive so they continue to bring good jobs and boost growth in all parts of the country.

DCMS publishes official statistics (DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates) including data on Gross Value Added, employment and business demographics, which are available at regional levels. DCMS Economic Estimates categorises the arts as a subsector of the cultural sector. Data can be found on the DCMS website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dcms-sectors-economic-estimates

Data from DCMS Official Statistics for the economic contribution of the arts and cultural sector in the East Midlands is listed below:

Cultural Sector

Employment: There were 17,000 filled jobs in the Cultural Sector in the East Midlands in 2023.

GVA: The cultural sector generated £701 million of GVA in East Midlands in 2022.

Business Demographics: There were 2,925 business sites in the cultural sector based in East Midlands in 2023

Arts Sector

Employment: There were 6,000 filled jobs in the Arts subsector, in the East Midlands in 2023

GVA: The arts sub sector generated £246 million of GVA in East Midlands in 2022

Business Demographics: The Arts sector had 1,050 business sites based in the East Midlands in 2023

DCMS does not currently publish economic estimates down to a county or local authority level, so we cannot provide an assessment of the level of economic activity in the Arts and Cultural Sector in Derbyshire

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
15th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent progress her Department has made on implementing the recommendations of the independent report entitled Raising the bar - reframing the opportunity in women's football, published on 13 July 2023.

We are dedicated to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, are able to participate in sport and physical activity.

Each of the recommendations outlined in the Carney Review is aligned with individual stakeholders to progress. This includes the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd, the FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to encourage more girls into STEM subjects.

The department is committed to ensuring that anyone, regardless of their gender or background, can pursue an education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The government continues to fund and support the STEM Ambassadors programme, a nationwide network of over 28,000 registered volunteers from over 7,000 STEM and related employers. Over the last year, STEM Ambassadors have delivered 356,000 volunteer hours, serving as relatable role models to illustrate to young people that science, research, engineering and innovation is for everyone. Notably, 56% of STEM Ambassadors are under 35, 48% are women and 20% come from ethnic minority backgrounds. The programme has been active for over 20 years.

The department is a partner signatory to the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code pledging to work with the engineering community to improve the quality, targeting, inclusivity and reach of engineering inspiration activities.

In addition, the department funds the National Centre for Computing Education to improve the teaching of computing and increase participation in computer science qualifications. This support includes programmes designed to encourage greater participation by girls and industry-led career events that raise pupils’ awareness of careers in computing. the department also funds the Stimulating Physics Network, which provides tailored support to schools to increase rates of progression to physics A level the Maths Hubs programme, which has a focus on all pupils being given equal access to the curriculum and the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, which delivers high-quality teacher professional development for level 3 mathematics.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the provision of language support for refugee children in school whose first language is not English.

It is currently for schools to determine what support provision to put in place for all pupils, including refugees, whose first language is other than English, and who have English language development needs. Schools are able to draw on their overall budgets for this purpose, including funding allocated through the English as an additional language factor in the national funding formula. No recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of this approach, however the government will keep the matter under review.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase teacher retention.

High quality teaching is the factor that makes the biggest difference to a child’s education, which is why we are committed to tackling the crisis in teacher recruitment and retention this government inherited.

It is vital to retain our existing teachers to ensure a sufficient high quality workforce, and the department is committed to tackling retention challenges, making work pay and supporting teachers to stay in the profession and thrive. A key first step is to ensure teaching is once again a respected and attractive profession and that teachers get the pay they deserve, which is why this government has accepted in full the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendation of a 5.5% pay award for teachers and leaders in maintained schools from September this year.

Alongside teacher pay, new teachers of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing in the first five years of their careers can now also receive a targeted retention incentive of up to £6,000 after-tax if working in disadvantaged schools.

Helping teachers remain and thrive in the profession is not just about pay and financial reward, but also about workload and wellbeing. The department has made an early decision to remove the single headline Ofsted grade, which put unnecessary pressure on teachers and leaders. We have also made available a range of resources to help address teacher workload and wellbeing, including the ‘Improve workload and wellbeing for school staff’ service and the ‘education staff wellbeing charter’.

The department is also committed to supporting schools to implement flexible working practices, including undertaking planning, preparation and assessment time remotely, to improve recruitment and retention of teachers. In addition, the department has also developed an online toolkit of resources and is funding free webinar training and bespoke peer support provided by flexible working ambassador schools and multi-academy trusts.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
29th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of educational provision for children with Special Educational Needs in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire were inspected by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in September 2024 and are awaiting their inspection outcome, due to be published mid-November 2024.

The department has appointed a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) adviser to work collaboratively with an NHS England Adviser to challenge, support and work alongside the local area partnership to improve its services. The regional team will put in place systems to track progress against all improvements identified in the published report.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach in collaboration with local area partnerships to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the adequacy of digital skills training for women in rural communities.

Digital skills are crucial to the delivery of all five missions of government, particularly opportunity and growth, providing the pipeline of skilled workers needed to grow the economy.

To support the digital skills needs in the country, adults aged 19 and over with low digital skills are fully-funded through the digital statutory entitlement to study Essential Digital Skills qualifications or digital Functional Skills qualifications at entry level and level 1.

The department funds essential digital skills provision through the adult skills fund (ASF). Currently, approximately 60% of the ASF is devolved to nine Mayoral Combined Authorities and the Mayor of London, acting where appropriate through the Greater London Authority. These authorities are responsible for the provision of ASF-funded adult education for their residents. The Education and Skills Funding Agency is responsible for the remaining ASF in non-devolved areas where colleges and training providers have the freedom and flexibility to determine how they use their ASF to meet the needs of their communities.

For those who are not ready for formal digital qualifications, many local areas use tailored learning within the ASF to deliver flexible courses that help adults to get online and equip them with the essential digital skills they need for life, work and further learning.

The department also funds Skills Bootcamps, which are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills, with an offer of a job interview with an employer on completion. Training is designed and delivered in partnership with employers, ensuring we deliver the skills needed by employers in priority sectors.

Evaluation of Skills Bootcamps delivery shows that female representation was higher in Skills Bootcamps in Digital (42%) than the national gender composition of the digital workforce (29%).

Developed in partnership with employers, there are currently 33 apprenticeship standards spanning levels 3 to 7 in digital occupations, including at degree level and in areas like cyber and artificial intelligence (AI). The department’s reformed growth and skills levy will deliver greater flexibility for learners and employers and is aligned with its industrial strategy to create routes into good, skilled jobs in growing industries, including in digital.

Across government, the new Industrial Strategy will channel support to eight growth-driving sectors in which the UK excels today and will propel it forwards tomorrow. Digital technologies have been identified as one of the eight growth-driving sectors and the department is currently consulting on the barriers to growth, including skills, in this sector.

Furthermore, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology has commissioned an AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will set out the essential role that equipping the UK’s workforce with the right skills and attracting top talent will play in supporting the growth of the AI sector.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) small and (b) medium farms on the economy of (i) Derbyshire and (ii) the UK.

Defra does not produce estimates of the economic contribution of farming by farm size. Total income from farming in the UK in 2023 was £7.2 billion.

Regional estimates are produced at international territorial levels (ITL) 1, 2 and 3, with ITL3 being the most granular geographical breakdown. In 2023, total income from farming for the three Derbyshire ITL3 regions was £0.13 million for Derby, £11.84 million for East Derbyshire and £36.69 million for South and West Derbyshire.

Full details are available here: Total income from farming in the UK - GOV.UK

Total income from farming for the regions of England - GOV.UK.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) flood risk and (b) storm preparedness in Derbyshire.

Communities in Derbyshire are at risk of flooding from a variety of sources including main rivers, ordinary watercourses, and surface water. During last winter, over 1,600 properties were sadly flooded internally throughout Derbyshire.

The Environment Agency (EA) are responsible for main rivers and maintain a range of flood defences throughout Derbyshire. These protected over 14,000 properties across the county during last winter's storms. Following the floods, defences have been inspected and routine operational checks and maintenance activities have been carried out.

The EA continue to work with Derbyshire County Council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, to reduce flood risk and identify future opportunities for investment in flood defences.

The EA monitors river levels, issuing flood warnings 24/7, 365 days a year when required to inform the public and businesses of flood risk. They work closely with Local Resilience Forum partners to plan for, respond to, and recover from flood incidents.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that animals are declared correctly as rescued at UK borders; and how many animals have been (a) accepted and (b) rejected at the border in the last five years.

Where the purpose of the movement of an animal is relating to the sale or any other form of transfer of ownership of the animal, including rescue animals, the commercial importation rules should be used.

Animals which are imported under the incorrect regime or without the correct documentation may be detained or returned to the country of dispatch.

The table below shows the number of all animals (including but not limited to dogs, cats, ferrets, bovines and equines) entering Great Britain from the EU that have been declared as rescue in the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS).

Year

Number of animals recorded as rescue in IPAFFS

2021

61,884

2022

30,624

2023

30,077

2024 (Up to 31 October 2024)

20,801

The Department does not hold data on the number of consignments or animals that have been rejected at the border.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the economic contribution of farming to (a) Derbyshire and (b) South Derbyshire constituency.

Defra does not produce constituency level estimates of the economic contribution of farming. Regional estimates are produced at international territorial levels (ITL) 1, 2 and 3, with ITL3 being the most granular geographical breakdown.

In 2023, total income from farming for the three Derbyshire ITL3 regions was £0.13 million for Derby, £11.84 million for East Derbyshire and £36.69 million for South and West Derbyshire. Full details are available here.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the economic contribution of farming in Derbyshire.

Defra does not produce county level estimates of the economic contribution of farming so no estimates are available for Derbyshire. Estimates are only available at regional level.

The total income from farming for the East Midlands region (which includes Derbyshire) in 2023 was £835 million. Full details are available here: Total Income from Farming in the regions of England in 2023 - GOV.UK.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help reduce road traffic incidents in South Derbyshire constituency.

Since the general election, the Department has begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. The Department will share more details in due course.

Local government is the main delivery agent of road safety. The responsibility to implement, fund, deliver, promote and enforce local road safety initiatives remains with the Local Authorities under the 1988 Road Traffic Act.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve access to public transport in rural communities in (a) Derbyshire and (b) the UK.

Good local bus services are an essential part of prosperous and sustainable communities. As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a Buses Bill later this parliamentary session, which will put decision-making into the hands of local leaders across England, including in rural areas. This will allow local areas to determine how best to design their bus services so that they have control over routes and schedules.

In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities. East Midlands Combined County Authority has been allocated £40.5 million.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to increase the number of people signing up for pension credit in South Derbyshire constituency.

Our nationwide communications campaign to promote Pension Credit has been running since September. The latest phase of the campaign takes a new approach targeting friends and family - asking them to tell people they know about Pension Credit, encourage them to check their eligibility, as well as help them make a claim. It is running on TV, radio, social media such as Facebook and Instagram, on YouTube and on advertising screens, including on GP and Post Office screens.

The campaign is featured on Greatest Hits Radio East Midlands, Hits Radio East Midlands, and Smooth Radio East Midlands as well as in the Derby Evening Telegraph and across a dozen Post Office and Pharmacy screens in the Derbyshire area.

In order to get the message out through as many channels as possible, we have also engaged with key stakeholders and partners, including other government departments, local councils, housing associations, community groups, local libraries and service providers as well as charities and third sector organisations.

We have also directly targeted 120,000 pensioner households – including over 600 in the Derbyshire area – who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and whom we have identified as being potentially entitled to, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit. We have invited these pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the number of pensioners signed up to receive pension credit in South Derbyshire constituency.

Our nationwide communications campaign to promote Pension Credit has been running since September. The latest phase of the campaign takes a new approach targeting friends and family - asking them to tell people they know about Pension Credit, encourage them to check their eligibility, as well as help them make a claim. It is running on TV, radio, social media such as Facebook and Instagram, on YouTube and on advertising screens, including on GP and Post Office screens.

As part of our wider stakeholder outreach campaign and in order to get the message out through as many channels as possible, we have also engaged with key stakeholders and partners, including other government departments, local councils, housing associations, community groups, local libraries and service providers as well as charities and third sector organisations.

We have also directly targeted 120,000 pensioner households – including over 600 in the Derbyshire area – who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and whom we have identified as being potentially entitled to, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit. We have invited these pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans she has to widen access to (a) educational and (b) career opportunities for people with disabilities in Derbyshire.

Too many people across our country do not get the chance to succeed. We want to ensure people of all ages and backgrounds can undertake activities which provide them with the skills and learning which will support them into work and offer excellent career development and progression opportunities.

Our Disability Employment Adviser’s (DEA) across Derbyshire provide a range of specialist support for individuals to help them move closer to, secure and stay in work, ensuring customers are confident with their Health Adjustment Passports, are accessing Access to Work support, as well as ensuring those working with Work and Health Programme are fully engaged and gaining the most from the programme.

The Jobcentre network works closely with a range of external providers offering a wealth of individual outreach support which includes monthly meetings at P3 individual living (local housing charity), Collective Community Hub and Sharps pottery. The DEA’s are also able to attend to provide more personalised support by offering group or one to one sessions in a safe space for our customers.

Our teams also collaborate with the local NHS teams to refer to and deliver NHS Talking Therapies and link with Individual Placement and Support Organisations in Primary and Secondary Care as well as the Social Prescribers Network.

The DEAs have a close working relationship with our Employer Advisers which continues to build a strong Disability Confident employer network to offer advice, resource and guidance onto employers to enhance their support for disabled customers in their workplace.

Jobcentres across Derbyshire hold monthly group sessions on site. These are site specific sessions depending on the needs of the customer base at the time. Sessions include Mental Health awareness, access to work support and volunteering opportunities.

All education and training providers, and other related service providers, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, so they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students. This includes people with a learning difficulty. This duty is set out under section 20 of the Equality Act 2010. We also want providers to play a stronger role in expanding access and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students, making sure they are delivering strong and ambitious Access and Participation Plans.

It is critical that all students should be supported with good advice, quality options and fair and transparent processes which ensure there are no barriers to them accessing high-quality courses suited to their ability, interests and aspirations.

Through grant arrangements with Disability Rights UK, the Department for Education (DfE) provides advice and guidance activities which increase awareness, access to and participation in DfE programmes and services for disabled young people. These activities help DfE identify and overcome barriers faced by disabled people in accessing and progressing through their post-16 pathway on their route towards employment

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
28th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of mental health services for (a) young and (b) older people in rural areas.

The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the research and development of femtech solutions; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of femtech solutions on women's health outcomes.

While no explicit discussions have been held or assessments made, supporting patients’ equitable access to innovative technologies, and empowering their decision-making in care are key priorities for the Department and NHS England. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the research delivery arm of the Department, has funded and continues to fund research relevant to FemTech. For example, a recent study used new technology to analyse magnetic resonance images using artificial intelligence software to aid the diagnosis of endometriosis. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including FemTech solutions.

Andrew Gwynne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) face-to-face meetings and (b) phone appointments for maternity care on patient outcomes.

We are working with the National Health Service as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to ensure that care is always delivered in a personalised way. This includes telephone care, which has a place as part of some personalised pathways that also include face-to-face care.

The NHS in England continues to monitor evidence of the impact of face-to-face and phone appointments in maternity care, to ensure all women receive safe and compassionate care which best meets their individual needs.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the availability of appropriate SEND educational placements with care support.

As announced by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in last week’s budget, this Government are committed to reforming special educational needs provision, and we recognise the importance of improving outcomes for our most vulnerable children.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regularly engages in conversations with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the people of Ukraine through (a) medical and (b) educational aid.

The UK's non-military commitments to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion amount to £5 billion. This includes programmes with FCDO partners to provide medical aid. We have committed £5.5 million to the World Health Organisation this year to support capacity building and system strengthening of Ukraine's rehabilitation sector. The FCDO also supports the Red Cross Movement, which has rehabilitated bomb shelters in schools and hospitals to enable the continued operation of these vital services. In Moldova, the UK has been supporting UNICEF's EduTech Labs, which provide a safe space for Ukrainian refugee children to continue their online learning in a physical school environment.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to take steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Australia on matters relating to the (a) sports and (b) cultural sectors.

The UK maintains a strong and modern partnership with Australia across sporting and cultural fields, fostering mutual understanding and people-to-people ties. Over the next year, significant sporting events, including the England Women's Cricket and British Lions tours to Australia, will showcase our enduring sporting links. The British Council collaborates closely with Australian institutions as exemplified by the 2022 UK-Australia Season of Culture. We remain committed to deepening these connections, including when looking ahead to Australia's hosting of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. There are several major UK contemporary visual arts and museum exhibitions touring to Australia in 2025.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to support Afghan women (a) in Afghanistan and (b) living as refugees (i) in the UK and (ii) around the world.

The UK remains one of the most significant donors to Afghanistan. The FCDO is planning £161 million in aid this financial year (2024-25) with 50 per cent targeted towards women and girls. In the first year after the Taliban takeover, the UK provided £17 million to support Afghan people in neighbouring countries, primarily Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan. We have repeatedly condemned Taliban restrictions on women and girls' rights, including through UN Security Council and Human Rights Council resolutions. The Home Office is responsible for the support of refugees in the UK.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)