Select Committees
Panel of Chairs (since January 2020)Treasury Committee (since May 2020)
Treasury Sub-Committee on Financial Services Regulations (since June 2022)
Renters (Reform) Bill (since November 2023)
5 APPG memberships (as of 8 Apr 2024)
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Almshouses, Children who need Palliative Care, Hong Kong, Households in Temporary Accommodation14 Former APPG memberships
Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax, Breast Cancer, Cleaning and Hygiene, Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations UK, Data Poverty, Digital Skills, Human Microbiome, Media Literacy, Patient and Public Involvement in Health and Social Care, Shared Ownership Housing, Social Mobility, Tamils, Temporary Accommodation, UyghursDivision Voting information
Debates during the 2019 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
(13 debate interactions)
(13 debate interactions)
(12 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(70 debate contributions)
(52 debate contributions)
(43 debate contributions)
(39 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(6,959 words contributed)
(3,721 words contributed)
(3,020 words contributed)
(1,480 words contributed)
Mitcham and Morden 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).
of 74,647 signatures (0.18%)
of 200,549 signatures (0.05%)
of 74,647 signatures (0.18%)
of 200,549 signatures (0.05%)
of 103,505 signatures (0.10%)
of 45,621 signatures (0.21%)
of 12,447 signatures (0.64%)
Petition Closed
Do not sign any WHO Pandemic Treaty unless it is approved via public referendum
Gov Responded - 27 May 2022 Debated on - 17 Apr 2023 View Siobhain McDonagh's petition debate contributionsclosed 1 year, 5 months ago
We want the Government to commit to not signing any international treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness established by the World Health Organization (WHO), unless this is approved through a public referendum.
Petition Closed
Ban Driven Grouse Shooting
Wilful blindness is no longer an option
closed 4 years, 2 months ago
Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that intensive grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; grouse shooting is economically insignificant when contrasted with other real and potential uses of the UK’s uplands.
Petition Closed
Enforce the “50+1” Rule for professional football club ownership in the UK
Gov Responded - 24 May 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Siobhain McDonagh's petition debate contributionsclosed 2 years, 6 months ago
Bring in a law which enforces professional football clubs to have at least 51% fan ownership similar to how the Bundesliga operates this rule.
Petition Closed
Introduce an Independent Regulator for Football in England by December 2021
Gov Responded - 7 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Siobhain McDonagh's petition debate contributionsclosed 2 years, 5 months ago
The Government should use the recently established fan led review of football to introduce an Independent Football Regulator in England to put fans back at the heart of our national game. This should happen by December 2021.
Petition Closed
No prosecution for parents that remove child from school during a pandemic.
Gov Responded - 6 Apr 2020 Debated on - 2 Nov 2020 View Siobhain McDonagh's petition debate contributionsclosed 3 years, 7 months ago
Legislate to allow parents to have the option to remove their children from school if there is a pandemic e.g. Coronavirus or similar without negative action by schools or local authorities. They shouldn’t lose the child’s place in the school or face any kind of prosecution.
Petition Closed
Impose sanctions on China over its treatment of Uyghur Muslims
Gov Responded - 28 Jul 2020 Debated on - 12 Oct 2020 View Siobhain McDonagh's petition debate contributionsclosed 3 years, 7 months ago
The UK Government plans to introduce “Magnitsky law”, a law which targets people who commit gross human rights violations. Through this law or alternative means, this petition urges the UK Government to impose sanctions on China for their human rights violations on the Uyghur people.
Latest EDMs signed by Siobhain McDonagh
Alleged comments by Frank Hester
Tabled by: Dawn Butler (Labour - Brent Central)That this House expresses its shock regarding the alleged comments made by Frank Hester reported by The Guardian about the hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and all Black women; believes these alleged comments to be both racist and violent in nature; notes that Mr Hester is a …
(Most recent: 17 Apr 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 38
Scottish National Party: 15
Liberal Democrat: 10
Plaid Cymru: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Conservative: 1
Independent: 1
Alba Party: 1
Green Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Integrated Care Board funding for children’s hospices in England
Tabled by: Siobhain McDonagh (Labour - Mitcham and Morden)That this House notes with concern the huge variance in local NHS spending on children’s hospice and palliative care in England, as found in the recent freedom of information requests published by the charity Together for Short Lives; is concerned that the amounts spent by each NHS integrated care board …
(Most recent: 22 Jan 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Siobhain McDonagh, 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.
Siobhain McDonagh has not been granted any Urgent Questions
4 Adjournment Debates led by Siobhain McDonagh
8 Bills introduced by Siobhain McDonagh
A Bill to set a target for the number of glioblastoma patients who take part in clinical trials each year; to require training for medical oncologists to include training relating to brain cancers; to provide that any drug that has been licensed for use on tumours must be trialled on people with brain tumours; to make provision in relation to neuro-oncology multidisciplinary teams in the NHS, including a requirement that each such team must include a medical oncologist; to require manufacturers of drugs licensed to treat tumours to make those drugs available in specified circumstances for clinical trials relating to brain tumours; to make provision about the application of funding caps on funding for multi-drug treatments for glioblastoma brain tumours; to make provision about the processes for funding of drugs intended for the treatment of glioblastoma; to make provision about the management of drug trial data, for the purpose of increasing the quality of data relating to glioblastoma patients; to make provision about reviewing the allocation of existing funding for brain tumour research by the National Institute for Health and Care Research; to make provision about the direct referral of patients by optometrists to accident and emergency departments for the purpose of diagnosing brain tumours; and for connected purposes.
Friday 21st June 2024
Order Paper number: 25
(Unlikely to be Debated - would require unanimous consent to progress)
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure that all children eligible for free school meals have a broadband connection and facilities to access the internet at home; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 1st November 2022
A Bill to set a target for the number of glioblastoma patients who take part in clinical trials each year; to require training for medical oncologists to include training relating to brain cancers; to provide that any drug that has been licensed for use on tumours must be trialled on people with brain tumours; to make provision in relation to neuro-oncology multidisciplinary teams in the NHS, including a requirement that each such team must include a medical oncologist; to require manufacturers of drugs licensed to treat tumours to make those drugs available in specified circumstances for clinical trials relating to brain tumours; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure that all children eligible for free school meals have a broadband connection and facilities to access the internet at home; and for connected purposes.
Monday 15th June 2020
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 to make provision about the welfare of women undergoing any medical, surgical or obstetric treatment services provided for the purpose of assisting such women to carry children; and for connected purposes
A Bill to impose certain duties upon Her Majesty’s Government to ensure the accuracy, completeness and utility of electoral registers; to make provision for the sharing of data for the purposes of electoral registration; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 3rd February 2016
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to introduce a requirement that electoral registration be a condition of access to public services; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 17th July 2013
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to introduce a requirement that electoral registration be a condition of access to public services; and for connected purposes
Tuesday 29th November 2011
11 Bills co-sponsored by Siobhain McDonagh
Fertility Treatment (Transparency) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Alex Davies-Jones (Lab)
Import of Products of Forced Labour from Xinjiang (Prohibition) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)
School Breakfast Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Emma Lewell-Buck (Lab)
Housing and Homelessness (Local Accommodation Duty) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Karen Buck (Lab)
Internet Access Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Darren Jones (Lab)
Automatic Electoral Registration Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Judith Cummins (Lab)
Compulsory Purchase and Planning Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Emma Hardy (Lab)
Ground Rents (Leasehold Properties) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Eddie Hughes (Con)
Immigration Detention of Victims of Torture and Other Vulnerable People (Safeguards) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Joan Ryan (TIG)
Unlawful Killing (Recovery of Remains) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Conor McGinn (Ind)
Improvement of Rail Passenger Services (Use of Disruption Payments) Bill 2015-16
Sponsor - Joan Ryan (TIG)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) continue to play a significant role in bringing fraudsters to justice. In 2021/2022, the CPS prosecuted 7,200 defendants, where Fraud and Forgery was the principal offence and the conviction rate was 84.1%.
In 2022-23 the SFO have successfully prosecuted three fraud cases resulting in four criminals being sentenced to a total of 48 years in prison; and also secured the largest ever corporate confiscation order in the UK against Glencore Energy (UK) Ltd, at £93m.
Minister of State (Minister for Illegal Migration)
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
In the 2017 Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Strategy we committed to increasing transparency around our workforce composition by creating a D&I dashboard on GOV.UK, through which we publish quarterly updates on gender in the Civil Service.
The dashboard shows that overall, 53.9% of the Civil Service were women in 2019. This varies by grade from 45.0% in the Senior Civil Service (SCS), to 45.3% at G6, 47.5% at G7, 50% at HEO/SEO, 56.1% at EO and 57.2% at AA/AO level. The overall percentage of female civil servants has remained fairly stable since 2010 but for the SCS, the percentage of women has increased each year.
We currently publish individual department’s gender data on the D&I dashboard but this does not currently include a breakdown by Civil Service grade.
Our data shows that we continue to make steady and positive progress on representation of women across the grades, therefore we have not set Civil Service-wide targets on gender.
In the 2017 Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Strategy we committed to increasing transparency around our workforce composition by creating a D&I dashboard on GOV.UK, through which we publish quarterly updates on gender in the Civil Service.
The dashboard shows that overall, 53.9% of the Civil Service were women in 2019. This varies by grade from 45.0% in the Senior Civil Service (SCS), to 45.3% at G6, 47.5% at G7, 50% at HEO/SEO, 56.1% at EO and 57.2% at AA/AO level. The overall percentage of female civil servants has remained fairly stable since 2010 but for the SCS, the percentage of women has increased each year.
We currently publish individual department’s gender data on the D&I dashboard but this does not currently include a breakdown by Civil Service grade.
Our data shows that we continue to make steady and positive progress on representation of women across the grades, therefore we have not set Civil Service-wide targets on gender.
In the 2017 Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Strategy we committed to increasing transparency around our workforce composition by creating a D&I dashboard on GOV.UK, through which we publish quarterly updates on gender in the Civil Service.
The dashboard shows that overall, 53.9% of the Civil Service were women in 2019. This varies by grade from 45.0% in the Senior Civil Service (SCS), to 45.3% at G6, 47.5% at G7, 50% at HEO/SEO, 56.1% at EO and 57.2% at AA/AO level. The overall percentage of female civil servants has remained fairly stable since 2010 but for the SCS, the percentage of women has increased each year.
We currently publish individual department’s gender data on the D&I dashboard but this does not currently include a breakdown by Civil Service grade.
Our data shows that we continue to make steady and positive progress on representation of women across the grades, therefore we have not set Civil Service-wide targets on gender.
The National Living Wage (NLW) will increase to £11.44 on 1 April and be extended to workers over 21. It is reaching two-thirds of median earnings, meeting our commitment to end low hourly pay for those eligible.
The Government commends employers who are able to go beyond the legal minimum. However, the ability to do so varies across sector and region.
Unlike other voluntary rates of pay, the statutory NLW is based on the advice of the Low Pay Commission, which takes into account the impact on business and the wider economy, as well as the living standards of workers.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department is unable to provide information relating to loan amounts for individual companies as this information is commercially sensitive for both investors and investee businesses.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department is unable to provide information relating to loan amounts for individual companies as this information is commercially sensitive for both investors and investee businesses.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Global Britain Investment Fund (GBIF) was launched in April 2022 which brought together several pre-existing funds under one banner. Following the machinery of government change in February 2023, GBIF is now shared between the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
To date 110 businesses have received funding, with a total of £630m grant allocated and £169m so far claimed by recipients. As such, 72% of the £880m of funding for GBIF has been allocated and 19% has been paid to date.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
There is a robust legal framework in place to protect consumers and uphold trading standards. The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 provide additional bespoke protections for package holiday bookings. Traders, including travel agents, must comply with consumer protection law, which is enforced by Local Authority trading standards teams and the Competition and Markets Authority
The Department engages regularly with Trading Standards and the Competition and Markets Authority to discuss consumer and trading issues. The framework is kept under review to ensure it continues to provide effective consumer protection.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Questions
(View all Siobhain McDonagh's DESNZ questions)Financial Year | Total Combined Staff/Officer Headcount as at Feb (17257) |
2014/15 | 1533 |
2015/16 | 1586 |
2016/17 | 1623 |
2017/18 | 1589 |
2018/19 | 1598 |
2019/20 | 1545 |
2020/21 | 1638 |
2021/22 | 1620 |
2022/23 | 1602 |
2023/24 | 1624 |
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Year | Combined Staff/Officer Headcount as at Feb (17257) | Total Leavers in FY | % Leavers in FY | Total Leavers in FY | % Leavers in FY | % Leavers in FY |
2014/15 | 1533 | 86 | 6.7% | 38 | 15.3% | 8.1% |
2015/16 | 1586 | 79 | 6.0% | 26 | 9.6% | 6.6% |
2016/17 | 1623 | 112 | 8.6% | 43 | 13.1% | 9.6% |
2017/18 | 1589 | 149 | 11.5% | 27 | 9.2% | 11.1% |
2018/19 | 1598 | 109 | 8.4% | 28 | 9.5% | 8.6% |
2019/20 | 1545 | 188 | 14.9% | 45 | 15.7% | 15.1% |
2020/21 | 1638 | 99 | 7.5% | 25 | 7.8% | 7.6% |
2021/22 | 1620 | 90 | 7.0% | 24 | 7.3% | 7.0% |
2022/23 | 1602 | 116 | 9.1% | 35 | 10.8% | 9.4% |
2023/24 | 1624 | 132 | 10.3% | 37 | 10.6% | 10.4% |
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
There were no referrals.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I will write to the hon. Member on this matter, and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has carried out 1583 security inspections over the period January 2015 to end December 2023. The below table details the number of security inspections for each year over this period.
Year | Number of ONR Security Inspections |
2015 | 240 |
2016 | 197 |
2017 | 220 |
2018 | 146 |
2019 | 169 |
2020 | 144 |
2021 | 136 |
2022 | 178 |
2023 | 153 |
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Siobhain McDonagh's DSIT questions)There is no record of the organisation Digme Fitness applying for, or being awarded, grant funding from Innovate UK.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Study Hall Ltd has been awarded two grants through the Innovate UK SMART grant competition. These projects were awarded funding of £349,976 and £349,972 and started in 2022 and 2023 respectively. All Innovate UK funding decisions are made through a rigorous and competitive transparent process by independent experts. Details of these grants are published on UKRI’s website (https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10035378; https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10061813).
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Where individuals sell illegal drugs on their own website, they may be committing an offence. This may then be a matter for law enforcement and/or regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The Online Safety Act also puts duties on user-to-user and search service providers to tackle illegal third-party content accessed on or via their service. They must take proactive action against online offending such as illegal sale of drugs and must protect children from other legal content which could cause harm to them.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
11 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Questions
(View all Siobhain McDonagh's BEIS questions)Children’s hospice and palliative services are not listed as ‘Approved Designated Services’ as set out in section 5.2 of the Electricity Supply Emergency Code, and therefore do not qualify for Protected Site status unless they are located within a hospital.
The restrictive Protected Site criteria is essential as there are technical requirements under the Electricity Supply Emergency Code that limit the Protected Sites List to 10% of total demand. To keep many children’s hospice and palliative services connected would involve keeping all other properties in the area also connected and therefore the majority do not meet the criteria.
Sites are ultimately responsible for their own business continuity and should not rely on being on the Protected Sites List as their power resilience. The Electricity Supply Emergency Code only applies to certain scenarios and does not give sites complete coverage for all possible power disruption events.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
In the context of the sale of Bulb to Octopus Energy, the Government has assessed commercial aspects of Octopus. This review has not identified any areas for concern.
The Government’s priority is to ensure continued energy supply to Bulb’s customers at the lowest practicable cost.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 20th October 2022 to Questions UIN 60918, UIN 60919 and UIN 60920.
The smart metering system has been designed in consultation with industry experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ), with a comprehensive security model at its heart. Smart meters only respond to communications that are sent securely by authorised organisations such as energy suppliers, rather than meter manufacturers.
Security risk assessment reviews are conducted on a regular basis and consider the range of certified devices used within smart metering, including the system resilience benefits that diversity of devices bring.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 20th October 2022 to Questions UIN 60918, UIN 60919 and UIN 60920.
The smart metering system has been designed in consultation with industry experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ), with a comprehensive security model at its heart. Smart meters only respond to communications that are sent securely by authorised organisations such as energy suppliers, rather than meter manufacturers.
Security risk assessment reviews are conducted on a regular basis and consider the range of certified devices used within smart metering, including the system resilience benefits that diversity of devices bring.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 20th October 2022 to Questions UIN 60918, UIN 60919 and UIN 60920.
The smart metering system has been designed in consultation with industry experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ), with a comprehensive security model at its heart. Smart meters only respond to communications that are sent securely by authorised organisations such as energy suppliers, rather than meter manufacturers.
Security risk assessment reviews are conducted on a regular basis and consider the range of certified devices used within smart metering, including the system resilience benefits that diversity of devices bring.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Smart metering infrastructure in Great Britain has been developed in close coordination with industry security experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure the most robust security controls are in place.
The system includes rigorous safeguards that are resilient to the global nature of supply chains. This includes a requirement that certain key smart metering system security controls are provided and maintained within the UK.
Smart meters require certification under the NCSC’s Commercial Product Assurance Scheme (CPA) prior to being installed by energy suppliers.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Smart metering infrastructure in Great Britain has been developed in close coordination with industry security experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure the most robust security controls are in place.
The system includes rigorous safeguards that are resilient to the global nature of supply chains. This includes a requirement that certain key smart metering system security controls are provided and maintained within the UK.
Smart meters require certification under the NCSC’s Commercial Product Assurance Scheme (CPA) prior to being installed by energy suppliers.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The table below sets out the number of HR 1 forms received in October and November 2020, and the number of proposed dismissals indicated on those forms:
Month | Number of HR1 forms received | Number of proposed dismissals on HR1s |
Oct 20 | 844 | 51,351 |
Nov 20 | 552 | 36,686 |
Employers are only required to file a Form HR1 where they are “proposing” to dismiss 20 or more employees at a single “establishment”.
“Propose” and “establishment” have distinct meanings in this context.
The aggregate number could include proposed dismissals due to insolvency, restructuring of a solvent/continuing business, or proposed relocation of employees, for example.
It should be noted that a proposal to make a given number of dismissals does not necessarily result in all or any of the proposed dismissals occurring.
Forms received from all employers where there are proposals to dismiss 20 or more employees at an establishment, over the last 12 months, are set out in the following table:
Month | Number of HR1 Forms received from all employers | Number of proposed dismissals on HR1s |
Sep 19 | 303 | 26,716 |
Oct 19 | 343 | 23,882 |
Nov 19 | 305 | 27,820 |
Dec 19 | 196 | 16,733 |
Jan 20 | 372 | 29,884 |
Feb 20 | 329 | 28,674 |
Mar 20 | 485 | 44,465 |
Apr 20 | 447 | 62,443 |
May 20 | 871 | 73,331 |
Jun 20 | 1,888 | 155,739 |
Jul 20 | 1,784 | 149,688 |
Aug 20 | 966 | 58,056 |
Sep 20 | 1,734 | 82,029 |
Please note that employers are only required to file a Form HR1 where they are “proposing” to dismiss 20 or more employees at a single “establishment”.
“Propose” and “establishment” have distinct meanings in this context.
The aggregate number could include proposed dismissals due to insolvency, restructuring of a solvent/continuing business, changes to terms and conditions, or proposed relocation of employees, for example.
It should also be noted that a proposal to make a given number of dismissals does not necessarily result in all or any of the proposed dismissals occurring.
Employers are required to file an HR1 Form with the Redundancy Payments Service where they are proposing to dismiss 20 or more employees at a single establishment. The Redundancy Payments Service is not notified where less than 20 dismissals may be proposed.
The HR1 Form does not detail actual redundancies made, only the numbers of dismissals proposed. The HR1 data includes proposed dismissals due to the restructuring of a solvent/continuing business and proposed dismissals where the employer is insolvent. A proposal does not necessarily result in all or any redundancies occurring.
The Redundancy Payments Service is responsible for processing redundancy payments where actual redundancies result from the insolvency of an employer or, in a small number of cases, where a solvent employer cannot or will not pay the statutory redundancy. The number of claims received by the Redundancy Payments Service in respect of employees of insolvent employers (including a small number for solvent employers), and total HR1 Forms received from all employers where there are proposals to dismiss 20 or more employees at an establishment, over the last 12 months, are set out in the following table:
Month | Number of individuals claiming redundancy payments from the Redundancy Payments Service | Number of HR1 Forms received from all employers |
Sep 19 | 9,619 | 303 |
Oct 19 | 9,265 | 343 |
Nov 19 | 5,874 | 305 |
Dec 19 | 5,367 | 196 |
Jan 20 | 7,855 | 372 |
Feb 20 | 7,855 | 329 |
Mar 20 | 14,931 | 485 |
Apr 20 | 8,745 | 447 |
May 20 | 8,745 | 871 |
Jun 20 | 12,045 | 1,888 |
Jul 20 | 9,551 | 1,784 |
Aug 20 | 11,894 | 966 |
6 Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Questions
(View all Siobhain McDonagh's DCMS questions)The Government is committed to the future of the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform (better known as “Freeview”) which remains popular with UK audiences and which plays an important role in supporting the delivery of public service broadcasting. It is our expectation that DTT will continue to be an important content distribution channel at least into the early 2030s. In recognition of this, the government has facilitated the long term renewal of DTT licences until 2034.
As set out in the Broadcasting White Paper, the government will ask Ofcom to undertake a review of market changes that may affect the future of content distribution before the end of 2025. Next steps in relation to this will be set out in due course.
The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from the government, and decisions over its spending and services are a matter for the BBC. We recognise the BBC, just like individual households, businesses and other organisations across the UK, is having to make difficult financial decisions.
However, the government is clear that the BBC must continue to deliver its Mission and Public Purposes, which includes providing high quality, distinctive content and services. The BBC must also comply with the requirements in their Operating Licence, as set and regulated independently by Ofcom. This includes ensuring an amount of children's television is shown prominently on television.
We note that Ofcom is currently conducting a public consultation on a new Operating Licence to give the BBC greater flexibility to deliver its Mission and Public Purposes rather than having to meet specific quantitative quotas. We will continue to discuss Ofcom’s proposals with them as the consultation progresses.
The Government is supportive of a modern system of public service broadcasting that remains relevant and can continue to meet the needs of UK audiences in the future. In particular, the government believes that television audiences should continue to have access to a wide range of public service content on a free-to-air basis.
The rapid growth in the take-up of superfast broadband and the proliferation of devices capable of connecting to the internet is changing the way we access audiovisual content. For example, 79% of households with a TV set now choose to connect it to the internet, giving them access to a wide array of additional services. These include both free-to-air and subscription-based video-on-demand services.
As set out in our Broadcasting White Paper, the government is taking steps to support public service broadcasting and to protect audiences who cannot (or choose not to) access these additional services. In particular, we facilitated the extension of the DTT (“Freeview”) platform until 2034, in recognition of the important role it will continue to play as a means of watching both public service and commercial television. This includes programmes intended to contribute to the learning and development of young people.
In addition, support is available for low-income households to access affordable broadband. A range of low-cost, broadband social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK. BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, and other providers offer broadband social tariffs starting at £15 per month for households in receipt of Universal Credit and other means tested benefits. In addition, on 27 June, all the UK’s major broadband and mobile operators agreed a set of public commitments to support households with their connectivity costs.
For these reasons, the government has not undertaken an assessment of the effect on the learning and development of young people of TV channels only being available over the internet to those families who can afford to pay for those services.
The Government is supportive of a modern system of public service broadcasting that remains relevant and can continue to meet the needs of UK audiences in the future. In particular, the government believes that television audiences should continue to have access to a wide range of public service content on a free-to-air basis.
The rapid growth in the take-up of superfast broadband and the proliferation of devices capable of connecting to the internet is changing the way we access audiovisual content. For example, 79% of households with a TV set now choose to connect it to the internet, giving them access to a wide array of additional services. These include both free-to-air and subscription-based video-on-demand services.
As set out in our Broadcasting White Paper, the government is taking steps to support public service broadcasting and to protect audiences who cannot (or choose not to) access these additional services. In particular, we facilitated the extension of the DTT (“Freeview”) platform until 2034, in recognition of the important role it will continue to play as a means of watching both public service and commercial television. This includes programmes intended to contribute to the learning and development of young people.
In addition, support is available for low-income households to access affordable broadband. A range of low-cost, broadband social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK. BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, and other providers offer broadband social tariffs starting at £15 per month for households in receipt of Universal Credit and other means tested benefits. In addition, on 27 June, all the UK’s major broadband and mobile operators agreed a set of public commitments to support households with their connectivity costs.
For these reasons, the government has not undertaken an assessment of the effect on the learning and development of young people of TV channels only being available over the internet to those families who can afford to pay for those services.
In September 2021, Ofcom launched a review of how its net neutrality guidelines are functioning, noting that there have been significant changes since the rules were first introduced. The review takes into account the views of a variety of stakeholders, including broadcasters and content distributors, with a consultation on proposals expected later this year. We look forward to their findings.
The Government recognises that the future of digital and telecoms infrastructure in the UK, including issues around net neutrality, is linked to the future of TV distribution. In the Broadcasting White Paper, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the future of the Digital Terrestrial Television platform (Freeview) at least until the early 2030s. It also stated that before the end of 2025, it will ask Ofcom to undertake a review on market changes that may affect the future of content distribution before the end of 2025. Next steps will be set out in due course.
The latest information on the number of children looked after in England on 31 March 2023 can be found in the annual statistical release ‘Children looked after in England including adoptions’, which is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
On 9 November 2023, the department published a statistical release, which shows we exceeded our target, with a total of 40,040 Skills Bootcamps learner starts for the 2022/23 financial year. A start is an instance of training, not the number of individuals trained.
This data release only covers the number of Skills Bootcamps starts. Further breakdowns by region will be provided in the evaluation report, which will be published next year. A further release will be published later next year covering completions and outcomes data for this cohort.
In 2021/22, there were a total of 16,120 Skills Bootcamps learner starts. A data release will be published in early 2024 covering completions and outcomes information for the 2021/22 financial year.
On 9 November 2023, the department published a statistical release, which shows we exceeded our target, with a total of 40,040 Skills Bootcamps learner starts for the 2022/23 financial year. A start is an instance of training, not the number of individuals trained.
This data release only covers the number of Skills Bootcamps starts. Further breakdowns by region will be provided in the evaluation report, which will be published next year. A further release will be published later next year covering completions and outcomes data for this cohort.
In 2021/22, there were a total of 16,120 Skills Bootcamps learner starts. A data release will be published in early 2024 covering completions and outcomes information for the 2021/22 financial year.
We recognise the importance of securing appropriate support for care leavers. All care leavers are allocated a Personal Advisor to support them to make a successful transition from care to independent living. This includes helping them to access services and support from wider agencies such as health and housing, and to provide practical and emotional support.
However, we know that better support is needed. The department’s response to the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, ‘Stable Homes, Built on Love’, sets out six key missions to improve the lives of children in care and care leavers, including a commitment to reduce the disparities in long-term mental and physical health outcomes and improve wellbeing for care-experienced people.
The department is also providing over £230 million this spending review to support young people leaving care, including increasing the leaving care allowance from £2,000 to £3,000 and tripling the bursary that care leaver apprentices receive.
I am content to meet with the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden as part of my MP surgery to discuss the constituent’s personal case.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
The department wants children to develop the habit of reading widely and often, both for pleasure and information. Research suggests that reading for pleasure is more important for children’s educational development than their parents’ level of education. The national curriculum states that teachers are expected to encourage pupils to develop the habit of reading widely. It emphasises the importance of pupils listening to, discussing, and reading a wide range of stories, poems, plays and information books for themselves as their fluency increases.
The department has not undertaken research on the specific contribution or role of audiobooks. However, we welcome their use alongside other formats of books.
On 28 March 2022, we published our Schools White Paper, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/opportunity-for-all-strong-schools-with-great-teachers-for-your-child. This sets out our long-term vision for a school system that helps every child to fulfil their potential, by ensuring that they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time. At its heart is the government’s levelling up mission that by 2030, 90% of children will leave primary school having achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. As part of this, the department is committed to continuing to raise literacy standards, ensuring all children can read fluently and with understanding.
The government is committed to continuing support for school breakfast clubs and the department is investing up to £24 million to continue our national programme until the end of the summer term in 2023. This funding will support around 2,500 schools in disadvantaged areas meaning that thousands of children from low-income families will be offered free nutritious breakfasts to better support their attainment, wellbeing, and readiness to learn. The focus of the programme is to target the most disadvantaged areas of the country, including the department’s opportunity areas.
The enrolment process for schools joining the programme is currently ongoing, and the department has seen a strong interest so far from eligible schools since we invited the expressions of interest.
Throughout the current contract the department will be working with our provider, Family Action, to monitor different aspects of the current programme, including data on pupil uptake. The department will consider the best opportunities to share information on the programme as it progresses.
The government is committed to continuing support for school breakfast clubs and we are investing up to £24 million to continue our national programme for the next two years. This funding will support around 2,500 schools in disadvantaged areas meaning that thousands of children from low-income families will be offered free nutritious breakfasts to better support their attainment, wellbeing and readiness to learn.
The focus of the programme is to target the most disadvantaged areas of the country, including the Department for Education’s Opportunity Areas. Schools’ eligibility for the programme is based on the Income deprivation affecting children index (IDACI) – a nationally recognised indicator of need – to ensure provision is directed where it is most needed. Schools will be eligible for the programme if they have 50% or more pupils within bands A-F of the IDACI scale.
The enrolment process for schools joining the programme is currently ongoing, and we have seen a strong interest so far from eligible schools since we invited the expressions of interest. Schools are currently still able to apply to join the programme. As we are still registering schools for the programme, it is too early to publish a list of participating schools. However, we will consider the best opportunities to share information on the programme as it progresses.
The government is committed to continuing support for breakfast clubs and we are funding up to a further £24 million to continue our programme over the next two years. This funding will support around 2,500 schools in disadvantaged areas meaning that thousands of children in low income families will be offered nutritious breakfasts.
The focus of the programme is to target the most disadvantaged areas of the country, including the Department for Education’s Opportunity Areas. Schools will be eligible for the programme if they have 50% or more pupils within bands A-F of the Income deprivation affecting children index (IDACI) scale. When schools join the programme, they will sign a partnership agreement that requires them to identify and target those children that are most in need of support. Our provider, Family Action, will monitor attendance data at each participating school, and will support those schools with their targeting where needed. This will ensure that the programme benefits the children who are most in need of support.
The enrolment process for schools joining the programme is currently ongoing, and we have seen a strong interest so far from eligible schools since we invited the expressions of interest. Schools are currently still able to apply to join the programme. As we are still registering schools for the programme, it is too early to publish a list of participating schools. However, we will consider the best opportunities to share information on the programme as it progresses.