Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Provide more funding for stalking advocates for victims of stalking
Gov Responded - 27 Aug 2021 Debated on - 31 Jan 2022 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsThe Government should provide more funding for stalking advocates for victims of stalking. This would help support victims, and should also help the police to investigate cases more thoroughly, potentially helping prevent threats to life.
Ban Water Companies discharging raw sewage into water courses.
Gov Responded - 5 May 2021 Debated on - 15 Nov 2021 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsEnsure Water companies treat the sewage they are responsible for. Not discharge it into rivers and water courses. After all what goes into the ocean comes back as the fish we eat.
Make it a legal requirement for nightclubs to thoroughly search guests on entry
Gov Responded - 4 Nov 2021 Debated on - 8 Nov 2021 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsI would like the UK Government to make it law that nightclubs must search guests on arrival to prevent harmful weapons and other items entering the establishment. This could be a pat down search or metal detector, but must involve measures being put in place to ensure the safety of the public.
FIONA'S LAW - Women should be allowed a yearly Cervical screening
Cervical screening needs to be every year.
This is because women are dying, mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters and sisters are dying.
Hold a public inquiry into Government contracts granted during Covid-19
Gov Responded - 5 Jan 2021 Debated on - 21 Jun 2021 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsThere should be a public inquiry into Government contracts granted during Covid-19. Many contracts have been granted without full and open procurement processes. A public inquiry would be able to ascertain whether contracts had been procured fairly and represent value for money for tax payers.
Prioritise teachers, school and childcare staff for Covid-19 vaccination
Gov Responded - 23 Feb 2021 Debated on - 11 Jan 2021 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsAdvice from the JCVI on the priority groups for a Covid-19 vaccine does not include school/childcare workers. This petition calls for these workers, who cannot distance or use PPE, to be kept safe at work by being put on the vaccine priority list when such a list is adopted into government policy.
Give government workers a fair pay rise
Gov Responded - 16 Oct 2020 Debated on - 14 Dec 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsDuring the pandemic government workers have delivered vital public services and kept our country safe and secure. After ten years in which the real value of civil service pay has fallen, many face hardship. The Government must start to restore the real value of their pay with a 10% increase in 2020.
Give all key workers a 100% tax and Nat. Ins. holiday through COVID-19 crisis
Gov Responded - 27 Apr 2020 Debated on - 14 Dec 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsThe government is helping private firms to protect jobs by paying up to 80% of staff wages through this crisis. If it can do this why can it not help key workers who will be putting themselves/their families at risk and working extra hard under extremely challenging and unprecedented circumstances.
Fund research for childhood cancers with the worst survival rates
Gov Responded - 24 Mar 2020 Debated on - 7 Dec 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributions12 kids in the UK are diagnosed with cancer daily. 1 in 5 will die within 5 years, often of the deadliest types like DIPG (brainstem cancer) - fatal on diagnosis & other cancers on relapse. Yet there has been little, or no, funding for research into these cancers and little, or no, progress.
Ban fireworks for general sale to the public.
Gov Responded - 5 Nov 2019 Debated on - 2 Nov 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsEvery year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It’s time something was fine to stop this. There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public!
Reduce curriculum content for year 10 & 12 students who will sit exams in 2021.
Gov Responded - 30 Jul 2020 Debated on - 12 Oct 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsA significant number of students will sit their final 2021 examinations. The outcome of which undoubtedly will be their passport, for many of their future life chances and successes. In order for this to be done fairly, it is imperative that the amount of content they are tested on is reduced.
Review the decision to use previous data to calculate exam grades
Gov Responded - 4 Sep 2020 Debated on - 12 Oct 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsWe want the Education Secretary and the Government to step in and review the exam board’s decision on how GCSE and A-Level grades will be calculated and awarded due to the current coronavirus crisis. We want a better solution than just using our previous data to be the basis of our grade.
Increase pay for NHS healthcare workers and recognise their work
Gov Responded - 4 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsI would like the government to review and increase the pay for healthcare workers to recognise the work that they do.
We would like the government to consider social care as equally important to NHS
Gov Responded - 20 Apr 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsWe would like the government to support and regard social care: financially, publicly and systematically on an equal par as NHS. We would like parliament to debate how to support social care during COVID-19 and beyond so that it automatically has the same access to operational and financial support.
Reduce or scrap the immigration health surcharge for overseas NHS Staff.
Gov Responded - 29 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsTo revoke the Immigration Health Surcharge increases for overseas NHS staff. The latest budget shows an increase of £220 a year for an overseas worker to live and work in the UK, at a time when the NHS, and UK economy, relies heavily on them.
Give non-British citizens who are NHS workers automatic citizenship
Gov Responded - 6 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Tonia Antoniazzi's petition debate contributionsGive NHS workers who are EU and other Nationals automatic UK citizenship if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis.
These initiatives were driven by Tonia Antoniazzi, 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.
Tonia Antoniazzi has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Tonia Antoniazzi has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Tonia Antoniazzi has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Vagrancy (Repeal) Bill 2019-21 - Private Members' Bill (Presentation Bill)
Sponsor - Layla Moran (LDEM)
Counsellors and Psychotherapists (Regulation) and Conversion Therapy Bill 2017-19 - Private Members' Bill (Presentation Bill)
Sponsor - Karen Lee (LAB)
Gender-based Pricing (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19 - Private Members' Bill (Presentation Bill)
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LDEM)
We will publish the new cross-government Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy this year. We are currently analysing over 180,000 responses to the first-ever Violence Against Women and Girls Call for Evidence we ran, which will help inform the Strategy.
This was a significant response and we are working closely with all government departments to ensure the development of the Strategy takes into account those views.
Our schools and teachers are committed to supporting all pupils to thrive and reach their potential in a safe and respectful environment.
The Department for Education is also rolling out new inclusive statutory Relationships Education in all primary schools and Relationships and Sex Education in all secondary schools, so that children leave school prepared for life in modern, diverse, Britain.
As the Equality and Human Rights Commission is a non-departmental public body, it is for them to comment on any guidance they plan to publish. We are not able to provide further information on this.
Covid-19 is particularly challenging for those in vulnerable groups, including pregnant women.
Pregnant women can be furloughed if the employer and employee agree to this. Where this happens, the Government has amended the law to ensure they do not lose out on maternity and parental pay.
Employers should review their risk assessments for pregnant women, considering also the risk of severe illness for the shielding group. In some circumstances, medically suspending the woman may be appropriate.
The next Quinquennial Review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, due to commence in 2022, will review the process in place for Veterans UK Advisors.
Post Office Ltd has admitted it got things wrong in relation to Horizon and has apologised. I have announced an Independent Inquiry to ensure that we understand fully what went wrong and that this situation will never be repeated.
Officials within BEIS have regular engagement with National Grid to discuss issues around the increased uptake of electric vehicles, most recently in the context of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ (OLEV) recent consultation on the phase out of internal combustion engine cars and vans.
BEIS officials also engage with National Grid over their production of the annual Future Energy Scenarios (FES), looking ahead to 2050 to show what the future of energy in GB might look like. The latest FES includes projections of increase in annual electricity demand due to a combination of emerging technologies, including electric vehicles, and highlights the key impact of flexibility services associated with electric vehicles in meeting this future required demand.
Ministers have had no direct discussions with UK Athletics since October 2021. This relationship is managed by UK Sport who keep the government closely sighted on issues through Board meetings and regular engagement with Ministers and officials.
The Department is confident that fair and proper processes are in place to ensure the best candidates possible are appointed to leadership roles in National Governing Bodies which are funded by UK Sport.
The government is clear that there is no place for discrimination or intimidation in any sport, at any level. The Sports Councils Equality Group (SCEG) transgender inclusion guidance is intended to help provide support and clarity for National Governing Bodies operating in a complex environment. The review was carried out in recognition that the previous guidance was outdated and that sport at every level required more practical advice and support.
With reference to the answer provided on 18th October 2021 to questions 56575-56576, the SCEG guidance provides a decision making framework and a variety of different approaches for the National Governing Bodies of each sport to define the best options for their sport, subject to their assessment of inclusion, fairness and safety.
Sports governing bodies each have their own rules on transgender issues and it is appropriate that they can determine the right position for their own sport.
The Sports Councils are not regulators of sport, and the SCEG document serves as guidance that is independent from funding. The expectations for sporting organisations that receive public funding are set out in the Code for Sport Governance.
The government will continue to work through our arm’s length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, to support National Governing Bodies in reviewing their policies for their sport.
The government is clear that there is no place for discrimination or intimidation in any sport, at any level. The Sports Councils Equality Group (SCEG) transgender inclusion guidance is intended to help provide support and clarity for National Governing Bodies operating in a complex environment. The review was carried out in recognition that the previous guidance was outdated and that sport at every level required more practical advice and support.
With reference to the answer provided on 18th October 2021 to questions 56575-56576, the SCEG guidance provides a decision making framework and a variety of different approaches for the National Governing Bodies of each sport to define the best options for their sport, subject to their assessment of inclusion, fairness and safety.
Sports governing bodies each have their own rules on transgender issues and it is appropriate that they can determine the right position for their own sport.
The Sports Councils are not regulators of sport, and the SCEG document serves as guidance that is independent from funding. The expectations for sporting organisations that receive public funding are set out in the Code for Sport Governance.
The government will continue to work through our arm’s length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, to support National Governing Bodies in reviewing their policies for their sport.
The government is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as safety and fairness across all levels of sport. This is at the heart of our strategy ‘Sporting Future’. Sports governing bodies each have their own rules on transgender issues and it is appropriate that they can determine the right position for their own sport.
The Sports Councils’ Equality Group (SCEG) transgender guidance is a carefully considered report which addresses the complexities of transgender inclusion in sport. The report has concluded that there is an inherent tension between delivering inclusion, fairness and safety when including transgender women into the women’s sport category due to retained physiological differences.
The guidance advises the national governing bodies (NGBs) of each sport to define the best options for their sport, subject to their assessment of inclusion, fairness and safety. It also includes a decision making framework to help sports undertake such an assessment and if appropriate consider options to modify or adapt their offer to facilitate participation.
Our arm’s length bodies Sport England and UK Sport will continue to support NGBs to undertake the necessary assessment for their sport.
The government is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as safety and fairness across all levels of sport. This is at the heart of our strategy ‘Sporting Future’. Sports governing bodies each have their own rules on transgender issues and it is appropriate that they can determine the right position for their own sport.
The Sports Councils’ Equality Group (SCEG) transgender guidance is a carefully considered report which addresses the complexities of transgender inclusion in sport. The report has concluded that there is an inherent tension between delivering inclusion, fairness and safety when including transgender women into the women’s sport category due to retained physiological differences.
The guidance advises the national governing bodies (NGBs) of each sport to define the best options for their sport, subject to their assessment of inclusion, fairness and safety. It also includes a decision making framework to help sports undertake such an assessment and if appropriate consider options to modify or adapt their offer to facilitate participation.
Our arm’s length bodies Sport England and UK Sport will continue to support NGBs to undertake the necessary assessment for their sport.
To tackle the digital divide and support connectivity we have worked with providers on social tariffs meaning low cost landline and broadband services for those on means-tested benefits.
DCMS has also launched the Digital Lifeline fund to provide devices, data and support to 5000 adults with learning disabilities. In addition, to boost skills, we have made digital qualifications to level 1 for adults free of charge.
The Government recognises the importance of the live music sector to the UK economy and that it has been significantly affected by the impacts of Covid-19. No assessment is currently available regarding the potential effects of stage 5 reopening taking place after April 2021.
From 2 December, in Tier 1 and 2 areas, socially distanced indoor audiences are permitted provided capacity in a venue is maintained at maximum 50% capacity or 1000 people, whichever is lower. Outdoor events can take place in line with Covid secure guidance with a capacity limit of the lower of 50% or 4000 in Tier 1 and 50% or 2000 in Tier 2.
DCMS has established a Venues Steering Group and a sector-led sub-group on Outdoor Events and Festivals looking at how music venues and festivals can reopen with fuller audiences, in line with stage 5 of the Performing Arts roadmap.
The Government has always been clear that moving forward with the performing arts roadmap is dependent on the prevalence of COVID-19, and that the measures that are in place are to ensure the safety of the public.
We are committed to continue working with the live music sector to understand the challenges they face and to work towards reopening events with fuller audiences.
No one in either my department or the Government Equalities Unit has had discussions on this topic with either World Rugby or the Rugby Football Union.
Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion across all sports, including transgender and non-binary participation, and the overarching guidance that Sport England is involved in providing to the grassroots sport sector. These discussions are general and do not focus on specific types of sport, such as contact sport.
Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion across all sports, including transgender and non-binary participation, and the overarching guidance that Sport England is involved in providing to the grassroots sport sector. These discussions are general and do not focus on specific types of sport, such as contact sport.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport works with the Governments Equalities Office to discuss issues of equality in sport, but have not had specific discussions on the participation of trangsender and non-binary players in contact sport. Government’s overriding sporting objective is and remains the guarantee of fair and safe competition - it is therefore right that sports bodies have their own rules on trans issues and can determine the right position for their own sport.
No one in either my department or the Government Equalities Unit has had discussions on this topic with either World Rugby or the Rugby Football Union.
Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion across all sports, including transgender and non-binary participation, and the overarching guidance that Sport England is involved in providing to the grassroots sport sector. These discussions are general and do not focus on specific types of sport, such as contact sport.
No one in either my department or the Government Equalities Unit has had discussions on this topic with either World Rugby or the Rugby Football Union.
Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion across all sports, including transgender and non-binary participation, and the overarching guidance that Sport England is involved in providing to the grassroots sport sector. These discussions are general and do not focus on specific types of sport, such as contact sport.
My department has not had discussions on this topic with either World Rugby or the England Rugby Football Union. Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion in sport, including transgender and non-binary participation.
My department has not had discussions on this topic with either World Rugby or the England Rugby Football Union. Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion in sport, including transgender and non-binary participation.
My department has not had discussions on this topic with either World Rugby or the England Rugby Football Union. Officials in my department meet regularly with Sport England to discuss a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion in sport, including transgender and non-binary participation.
The Government’s vaccines portfolio ensures we have the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine for people in the UK as soon as one becomes available. We are also working on deployment plans in the event that a safe, effective vaccine is discovered.
We are vigorously pursuing efforts on vaccines, therapeutics and mass testing to return conditions to normal as soon as possible. In terms of a vaccine, there are several encouraging trials but it is likely to be well into 2021 until one can be widely deployed. Our strategy will continue to be shaped by the work of our brilliant scientists.
We know this is a challenging period for all sports and the Government remains committed to supporting our elite athletes. Olympic and Paralympic sport is not immune from the impact of Covid-19 and we will continue to work with UK Sport and other sports bodies in ensuring that our elite athletes are well supported in this difficult period to ensure that Team GB and ParalympicsGB are ready for the Tokyo Games and other world wide sporting events when they do take place in 2021.
The English Institute of Sport’s world-class support for our athletes has been maintained during the current epidemic. Team GB’s historic medal haul in Rio was an amazing achievement and our athletes made the country incredibly proud. I am confident that this success will continue through to Tokyo next summer.
The Government’s vaccines portfolio ensures we have the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine for people in the UK as soon as one becomes available. We are also working on deployment plans in the event that a safe, effective vaccine is discovered.
We are vigorously pursuing efforts on vaccines, therapeutics and mass testing to return conditions to normal as soon as possible. In terms of a vaccine, there are several encouraging trials but it is likely to be well into 2021 until one can be widely deployed. Our strategy will continue to be shaped by the work of our brilliant scientists.
We know this is a challenging period for all sports and the Government remains committed to supporting our elite athletes. Olympic and Paralympic sport is not immune from the impact of Covid-19 and we will continue to work with UK Sport and other sports bodies in ensuring that our elite athletes are well supported in this difficult period to ensure that Team GB and ParalympicsGB are ready for the Tokyo Games and other world wide sporting events when they do take place in 2021.
The English Institute of Sport’s world-class support for our athletes has been maintained during the current epidemic. Team GB’s historic medal haul in Rio was an amazing achievement and our athletes made the country incredibly proud. I am confident that this success will continue through to Tokyo next summer.
The Government’s vaccines portfolio ensures we have the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine for people in the UK as soon as one becomes available. We are also working on deployment plans in the event that a safe, effective vaccine is discovered.
We are vigorously pursuing efforts on vaccines, therapeutics and mass testing to return conditions to normal as soon as possible. In terms of a vaccine, there are several encouraging trials but it is likely to be well into 2021 until one can be widely deployed. Our strategy will continue to be shaped by the work of our brilliant scientists.
We know this is a challenging period for all sports and the Government remains committed to supporting our elite athletes. Olympic and Paralympic sport is not immune from the impact of Covid-19 and we will continue to work with UK Sport and other sports bodies in ensuring that our elite athletes are well supported in this difficult period to ensure that Team GB and ParalympicsGB are ready for the Tokyo Games and other world wide sporting events when they do take place in 2021.
The English Institute of Sport’s world-class support for our athletes has been maintained during the current epidemic. Team GB’s historic medal haul in Rio was an amazing achievement and our athletes made the country incredibly proud. I am confident that this success will continue through to Tokyo next summer.
The Government is committed to working with the whole of sport to ensure it is diverse and inclusive, and discusses equality as part of regular engagement with the sector
As announced in July 2020, UK Sport and Sport England are carrying out a review of the Code for Sports Governance to look at areas where it would benefit from further development, including around equality, diversity and inclusion.
We believe all children should be supported whilst growing up so they can thrive and reach their potential in a safe and respectful environment. Schools are best placed to work with pupils, parents and professional services to decide what is best for individual children.
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must not discriminate against a pupil because of a characteristic protected by the Act. State-funded schools are also subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty. The Department has published guidance to support schools to fulfil their duties under the Equality Act: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/315587/Equality_Act_Advice_Final.pdf.
Our statutory guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education is clear that all pupils should receive teaching on LGBT content, at a timely point, during their school years: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education.
To gather views on how the National Plan for Music Education could be refreshed and strengthened, the Department launched a Call for Evidence on 9 February 2020, which then closed on 13 March 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, analysis of the Call for Evidence and the refresh of the National Plan is currently on hold. The results of the Call for Evidence, the Department’s response to it, and the refreshed Plan will be published in due course.
From 1 March to 20 November 2020, the Department spent £13.3 million on paid-for communications and campaigns activity, including spend on creative, production, agency fees and paid-for media. Of this, a total of £8.42 million was spent specifically on advertising media buying. It is not possible to break down spend separately by i) communications or iii) marketing as these definitions include several areas of overlapping activity.
Of the £13.3 million spent between 1 March and 20 November 2020, an estimated £526,924 was spent on consultancy services to help plan and deliver communication, advertising, marketing campaigns and to inform media buying. It is not possible to provide separate costs for each category requested as these services inform a range of activity delivered as part of broader campaign strategies.
This activity includes vital work to recruit 30,000 teachers a year and drive the uptake of apprenticeships and the new T level qualification. All our paid-for campaigns are agreed with and regularly assessed by the Cabinet Office to ensure effectiveness.
The Department’s work covers a number of manifesto commitments and is central to my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister’s levelling up agenda, in addition to the Government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak including the continuity of education as a national priority. With almost a million staff working in state funded schools in England, 66,000 staff in the further education sector, and 4.2 million households across the country with primary school aged children, the Department must explain policy to our key audiences, influence attitudes and change behaviour through targeted external communications, advertising and marketing campaigns to achieve publicly stated policy objectives.
HMG publishes scoping assessments to assess the impacts of free trade agreements, in advance of negotiations. Following signature of an agreement, a full impact assessment is published prior to implementation. These assessments set out the impact of each agreement at a sectoral (including agriculture and the food sector) and sub-national level including Wales.
The exact impacts of future trade agreements are uncertain and together with the devolved administrations, Defra has established the UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group (UKAMMG) to monitor and assess the impact of market developments across the UK. The group monitors UK agricultural markets including price, supply, trade and recent developments, enabling it to provide forewarning of any atypical market movements. The UKAMMG will flag where further investigation of market developments is required and when policy teams and Ministers should be informed of any developments. Whilst the UK Government works closely with the Welsh Government in monitoring the UK agricultural markets it remains sensitive to the fact that agriculture is a devolved policy area.
In addition, HMG is actively monitoring the impact of newly implemented free trade agreements and is currently developing the tools and evidence for future monitoring and evaluation of free trade agreements.
In 2019 the Government carried out a consultation on measures to reduce personal water consumption, which sought views on households being charged by the volume of water they consume. The Government’s response to the consultation was published in a Written Ministerial Statement on 1 July 2021.
Responses to the consultation and call for evidence are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/water-conservation-measures-to-reduce-personal-water-use
In our 2019 manifesto we promised to maintain the current annual budget to farmers for the lifetime of this parliament. When we made this commitment in 2019, the total farm support provided to Welsh farmers that year was £337 million. For 2021/22, the UK government have therefore provided new exchequer funding on top of the remaining £95 million of EU funding to ensure that £337 million of support continues to go to Welsh farmers this year.
We publish analysis to assess the potential impacts of new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in advance of negotiations. On conclusion of negotiations, we publish full impact assessments. The analysis in these publications covers a number of areas, including the potential impacts on the UK’s regions and nations as well as on sectors, such as agriculture.
We recognise the importance of reviewing the impact of our new FTAs and is currently developing the tools and approaches to undertake monitoring and evaluation activities.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keep the content of the theory test under regular review to ensure that it reflects changing real-world conditions and hazards that new drivers need to be aware of. The DVSA consult with stakeholders such as the British Horse Society in developing the test.
The theory test includes a hazard perception test (HPT), where candidates must respond appropriately to developing hazards, such as livestock and wild animals crossing the road. The CGI version of the hazard perception test was introduced in 2015, in response to the need to create more varied hazards that could not be replicated easily by filming hazards. Since 2015, the number of clips depicting animal hazards has been increased, meaning that every candidate who takes the test is presented with at least one animal hazard to respond to.
The theory test also includes a multiple-choice test where candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of the Highway Code. These tests candidates’ knowledge of road signs, road markings and hazards that are relevant to rural driving, such as the increased likelihood of encountering animals, farm vehicles and vulnerable road users like horse riders and cyclists, and how to safely approach and navigate these hazards.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days. However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application for a driving licence. The latest information on turnaround times for paper driving licence applications can be found here.
The DVLA has accelerated the development of additional online services to reduce the number of paper applications and supported their take up through a publicity campaign. Further digital service enhancements are underway.
The time taken to issue a licence to drivers with a medical condition will vary depending on the medical condition involved and any further information that may be needed from third parties. Industrial action by the Public and Commercial Services union specifically targeted at the area that deals with applications from drivers with a medical condition has also contributed to delays. The DVLA is working with the relevant NHS bodies to explore ways of reducing the time taken to receive the information needed to make licensing decisions. The DVLA has also recently trialled a simplified renewal process for some medical conditions and this is helping to reduce the turnaround times for some drivers.
To improve the length of time taken to process medical licensing applications, the DVLA has recruited additional administrative and medical staff. The DVLA is urgently securing extra office space to house more staff to help reduce waiting times while providing future resilience and business continuity.
Communications activity spend by the Department’s Group Communications directorate for the period 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020 was £3,729,428.
This figure includes communications, marketing and advertising costs for communications campaigns: THINK! Road Safety, EU Transition, Engineering Take a Closer Look and Covid-19 related campaigns Safer Transport and Enjoy Summer Safely.
Covid-19 and the UK's preparations for the end of the EU transition period are two of the biggest issues currently facing the country. It is vital people receive the information they need on these important areas, and we're using a range of channels including TV, radio, print and social media to reach as many people as we can.
Information for the wider department and executive agencies for the two part financial years requested can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
There have been no recent discussions between the Secretary of State for Transport with the Welsh Government on this subject. The Welsh Government and its partners in the project have approached a number of UK Government Departments for support, including the Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The proposal will be considered alongside other options in the context of the 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review.
There is one Independent Case Examiner (ICE), appointed under contract to adjudicate on the merits of complaints where the complainant remains dissatisfied, having exhausted the Department’s complaints process and those of its provider partners.
The ICE is supported by the ICE Office, an independent unit which is recruiting up to its headcount of 112 FTE.
No such assessment has been made. The Government is up-rating benefits in line with inflation. The Secretary of State undertakes an annual review of benefits and pensions with reference to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). All benefit up-rating since April 1987 has been based on the increase in the relevant price inflation index in the 12 months to the previous September. The relevant benefits are increasing by 3.1% from April.
The latest statistics on the number and proportion of children who are in low income families by local area, covering the six years, 2014/15 to 2019/20, can be found in the annual publication: Children in low income families: local area statistics 2014 to 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab).
This Government is committed to reducing poverty and supporting low-income families, and believes work is the best route out of poverty. Our approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of parental employment – particularly where it is full-time – in substantially reducing the risks of child poverty and in improving long-term outcomes for families and children.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19th January to question number 104377.
No assessment has been made. DWP does not hold information on custody arrangements between all parents claiming benefits and therefore would be unable to make an assessment of the effect on the parent who is not the primary carer.
The information requested is not held. DWP does not hold information on custody arrangements between all parents claiming benefits so cannot provide the information requested.
The Department of Work and Pensions works closely with employers participating in the Kickstart Scheme to ensure that jobs are created for young people as quickly as possible. A Kickstart job can start at any time over the lifetime of the scheme and some employers choose to delay the commencement of roles for a variety of reasons.
Our data indicates that between the 27/07/2021 and 08/09/2021 the average time between receipt of an application by DWP to confirmation of its approval was 14 days. Within the same period the average time between receipt of an application and the job being made available for young people to apply for was 43 days. A significant portion of this time includes engagement with employers to return grant funding agreements and job description templates promptly so that applications can be progressed.
Although care is taken when processing and analysing Kickstart applications, referrals and starts, the data collected might be subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system, which has been developed quickly.
The management information presented here has not been subjected to the usual standard of quality assurance associated with official statistics, but is provided in the interests of transparency. Work is ongoing to improve the quality of information available for the programme.
The Department of Work and Pensions works closely with employers participating in the Kickstart Scheme to ensure that jobs are created for young people as quickly as possible. A Kickstart job can start at any time over the lifetime of the scheme and some employers choose to delay the commencement of roles for a variety of reasons.
Our data indicates that between the 27/07/2021 and 08/09/2021 the average time between receipt of an application by DWP to confirmation of its approval was 14 days. Within the same period the average time between receipt of an application and the job being made available for young people to apply for was 43 days. A significant portion of this time includes engagement with employers to return grant funding agreements and job description templates promptly so that applications can be progressed.
Although care is taken when processing and analysing Kickstart applications, referrals and starts, the data collected might be subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system, which has been developed quickly.
The management information presented here has not been subjected to the usual standard of quality assurance associated with official statistics, but is provided in the interests of transparency. Work is ongoing to improve the quality of information available for the programme.
The Department of Work and Pensions continues to work closely with employers participating in the Kickstart Scheme. We are pleased that as of 08/09/2021 we have made over 188,000 jobs available for young people to apply to.
Officials continue to assess the effectiveness of this process and have developed a suite of products to support employers during the application process. These products are regularly reviewed and updated to provide the most up to date advice and guidance.
In addition, we have established a network of Kickstart District Account Managers (KDAMs) in every Jobcentre Plus district to support employers and who act as points of contact. Our KDAM network complements our existing National Employer Partnership managers who engage with a wide portfolio of employers to provide support on Kickstart and the Government’s Plan for Jobs initiatives.
The Department for Work and Pension’s Kickstart is creating valuable jobs for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. To ensure that as many young people across Great Britain can access a Kickstart opportunity, jobs that require a young person to work from home are listed as ‘national’ roles. This also supports the employer with a wider range of candidates. Any requirement for a young person to attend a workplace in person is made clear in the job advert and as such would be allocated to the appropriate geographical location.
The Department for Work and Pension’s Kickstart Scheme is having a positive impact on both national and local labour markets by providing young people at risk of long-term unemployment with the experience they need to find sustainable work.
As of 08/09/2021 over 10,600 jobs have been made available for young people to apply for in Wales and over 3,390 have started. We are currently not able to publish a breakdown below the regional and national level although expect to be able to do so in due course, to do so now would be at a disproportionate cost.
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The DS1500 can be completed by a terminally ill patient’s doctor or other healthcare professional and returned to DWP. The doctor or healthcare professional provides information about their patient’s condition, including its clinical features and ongoing or planned treatment on the DS1500. The DS1500 is not a claim form in itself and is not a requirement to support a claim under the special rules for terminal illness.
A DS1500 can be completed during the claim process for various benefits: Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC), Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The DS1500 can be completed by a terminally ill patient’s doctor or other healthcare professional and returned to DWP. The doctor or healthcare professional provides information about their patient’s condition, including its clinical features and ongoing or planned treatment on the DS1500. The DS1500 is not a claim form in itself and is not a requirement to support a claim under the special rules for terminal illness.
A DS1500 can be completed during the claim process for various benefits: Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC), Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The DS1500 can be completed by a terminally ill patient’s doctor or other healthcare professional and returned to DWP. The doctor or healthcare professional provides information about their patient’s condition, including its clinical features and ongoing or planned treatment on the DS1500. The DS1500 is not a claim form in itself and is not a requirement to support a claim under the special rules for terminal illness.
A DS1500 can be completed during the claim process for various benefits: Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC), Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The DS1500 can be completed by a terminally ill patient’s doctor or other healthcare professional and returned to DWP. The doctor or healthcare professional provides information about their patient’s condition, including its clinical features and ongoing or planned treatment on the DS1500. The DS1500 is not a claim form in itself and is not a requirement to support a claim under the special rules for terminal illness.
A DS1500 can be completed during the claim process for various benefits: Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC), Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The latest available information on the number of people on Universal Credit who are in employment in Great Britain, by country, is published and can be found at:
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/.
Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html
The latest available information on the number of people on Universal Credit who are in employment in Great Britain, by country, is published and can be found at:
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/.
Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html
The latest available information on the number of people on Universal Credit who are in employment in Great Britain, by country, is published and can be found at:
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/.
Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html
Universal Credit statistics for Northern Ireland are published by the Department for Communities here:
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/universal-credit-statistics
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
As both the Prime Minister and Chancellor have made clear, the Government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID 19 and we have been clear in our intention that everyone should be supported to do the right thing.
The ‘Help us help you’ encourages more people to consult their general practitioner if they experience symptoms which could be a sign of cancer. The current phase of the campaign focuses on the barriers to seeking advice, such as fear or anxiety, rather than on specific set symptoms. Previous phases of the campaign have included symptoms which could be indicative of sarcoma, such as abdominal discomfort or a persistent cough.
NHS England and NHS Improvement are committed to improving the completeness of staging data. The NHS England and NHS Improvement’s cancer programme is working with the National Disease Registration Service to identify trusts and tumour sites where staging data requires improvement.
The ‘Help us help you’ encourages more people to consult their general practitioner if they experience symptoms which could be a sign of cancer. The current phase of the campaign focuses on the barriers to seeking advice, such as fear or anxiety, rather than on specific set symptoms. Previous phases of the campaign have included symptoms which could be indicative of sarcoma, such as abdominal discomfort or a persistent cough.
NHS England and NHS Improvement are committed to improving the completeness of staging data. The NHS England and NHS Improvement’s cancer programme is working with the National Disease Registration Service to identify trusts and tumour sites where staging data requires improvement.
The ‘Delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care’ details how the National Health Service will reduce the time taken to diagnose cancer, including sarcoma cancer. The plan aims to return the number of people waiting more than 62 days from an urgent referral for cancer to pre-pandemic levels by March 2023. By March 2024, 75% of patients who have been urgently referred by their general practitioner (GP) for suspected cancer will be diagnosed or have cancer ruled out within 28 days.
The NHS is raising awareness of cancer symptoms through the ‘Help us help you’ campaign and locally tailored approaches to increase the number of referrals from GPs. We are investing £2.3 billion to establish up to 160 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) by March 2025. CDCs will provide additional capacity for tests which can assist the diagnosis of sarcoma cancer, such as ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging and biopsies. Since July 2021, existing CDCs have provided over 650,000 additional tests.
Those diagnosed with sarcoma and with a family history or risk factors can access genomic tests to aid early diagnosis and treatment options. There are also specialist soft tissue sarcoma cancer centres and specialist bone sarcoma centres in England. These centres accept referrals for patients with suspected diagnoses from genomics results or primary or acute care.
The ‘Delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care’ details how the National Health Service will reduce the time taken to diagnose cancer, including sarcoma cancer. The plan aims to return the number of people waiting more than 62 days from an urgent referral for cancer to pre-pandemic levels by March 2023. By March 2024, 75% of patients who have been urgently referred by their general practitioner (GP) for suspected cancer will be diagnosed or have cancer ruled out within 28 days.
The NHS is raising awareness of cancer symptoms through the ‘Help us help you’ campaign and locally tailored approaches to increase the number of referrals from GPs. We are investing £2.3 billion to establish up to 160 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) by March 2025. CDCs will provide additional capacity for tests which can assist the diagnosis of sarcoma cancer, such as ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging and biopsies. Since July 2021, existing CDCs have provided over 650,000 additional tests.
Those diagnosed with sarcoma and with a family history or risk factors can access genomic tests to aid early diagnosis and treatment options. There are also specialist soft tissue sarcoma cancer centres and specialist bone sarcoma centres in England. These centres accept referrals for patients with suspected diagnoses from genomics results or primary or acute care.
We have no plans to do so. As a direct commissioner of both soft tissue and bone sarcoma services, NHS England and NHS Improvement require that all commissioned providers must meet the standards contained within national service specifications and comply with associated clinical commissioning policies, which set out access to specific interventions.
Where clinicians consider that there is evidence which supports making amendments to national service standards or access policies, they are encouraged to submit proposals to NHS England and NHS Improvement.
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) plans to open a three-month public consultation on the evidence for lung cancer screening in the week commencing 7 March 2022. The Department will receive the UK NSC’s recommendation on lung cancer screening in individuals at an increased risk following its meeting in June 2022.
If recommended, NHS England and NHS Improvement will be responsible for implementing the programme in England and preparatory work is underway.
The licensed cannabis-based medicine Epidyolex is prescribed and routinely funded by the National Health Service for two rare forms of epilepsy - Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence demonstrate a need for more evidence to support routine prescribing and funding decisions for unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use. We continue to call on manufacturers to conduct this research and we are working with regulatory, research and NHS partners to establish clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of these products.
All Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) sites were operational by September 2020 and are issuing in excess of 30,000 invitations each month, compared to 1,555 each month prior to the pandemic. In 2022/23, the number of operational THLCs sites will increase from 23 to 43, funded by up to £70 million from the NHS Cancer Programme. The UK National Screening Committee is currently considering whether TLHCs should be recommended as a national screening programme.
All Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) sites were operational by September 2020 and are issuing in excess of 30,000 invitations each month, compared to 1,555 each month prior to the pandemic. In 2022/23, the number of operational THLCs sites will increase from 23 to 43, funded by up to £70 million from the NHS Cancer Programme. The UK National Screening Committee is currently considering whether TLHCs should be recommended as a national screening programme.
Health Education England’s (HEE) budget for 2022/23 will be announced prior to 1 April 2022.
Spending plans for individual budgets, including for HEE’s budgets for workforce growth and medical education from 2022/23 to 2024/25, will be subject to a detailed financial planning exercise and finalised in due course.
Research funding can be accessed through applications to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR relies on researchers submitting high-quality applications and welcomes research proposals to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of cannabis-based products for medicinal use. The NIHR and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will consider novel trial designs and it is not a specific requirement to conduct double blind trials. The MHRA has recently published guidance on the use of real-world data in clinical studies to support regulatory decisions.
The NIHR and the National Health Service will be supporting two randomised controlled trials into epilepsy. Alternative research approaches, such as an observational study, were considered in the trial design but discounted as it would not produce robust results nor add to the current evidence base.
In 2018, NHS England asked the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) to develop interim guidance for clinicians in the use and prescription of cannabis‐based products for medicinal use in children and young people with epilepsy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) then published guidelines covering prescribing of cannabis-based medicinal products for people with intractable nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, spasticity and severe treatment-resistant epilepsy. The BPNA has subsequently updated their guidance. As with all decisions to prescribe medicines, the General Medical Council expects doctors to use their professional judgement when deciding to what extent any clinical guidance is relevant.
Research funding can be accessed through applications to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR relies on researchers submitting high-quality applications and welcomes research proposals to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of cannabis-based products for medicinal use. The NIHR and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will consider novel trial designs and it is not a specific requirement to conduct double blind trials. The MHRA has recently published guidance on the use of real-world data in clinical studies to support regulatory decisions.
The NIHR and the National Health Service will be supporting two randomised controlled trials into epilepsy. Alternative research approaches, such as an observational study, were considered in the trial design but discounted as it would not produce robust results nor add to the current evidence base.
In 2018, NHS England asked the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) to develop interim guidance for clinicians in the use and prescription of cannabis‐based products for medicinal use in children and young people with epilepsy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) then published guidelines covering prescribing of cannabis-based medicinal products for people with intractable nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, spasticity and severe treatment-resistant epilepsy. The BPNA has subsequently updated their guidance. As with all decisions to prescribe medicines, the General Medical Council expects doctors to use their professional judgement when deciding to what extent any clinical guidance is relevant.
Research funding can be accessed through applications to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR relies on researchers submitting high-quality applications and welcomes research proposals to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of cannabis-based products for medicinal use. The NIHR and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will consider novel trial designs and it is not a specific requirement to conduct double blind trials. The MHRA has recently published guidance on the use of real-world data in clinical studies to support regulatory decisions.
The NIHR and the National Health Service will be supporting two randomised controlled trials into epilepsy. Alternative research approaches, such as an observational study, were considered in the trial design but discounted as it would not produce robust results nor add to the current evidence base.
In 2018, NHS England asked the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) to develop interim guidance for clinicians in the use and prescription of cannabis‐based products for medicinal use in children and young people with epilepsy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) then published guidelines covering prescribing of cannabis-based medicinal products for people with intractable nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, spasticity and severe treatment-resistant epilepsy. The BPNA has subsequently updated their guidance. As with all decisions to prescribe medicines, the General Medical Council expects doctors to use their professional judgement when deciding to what extent any clinical guidance is relevant.
NHS England and NHS Improvement and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are developing proposals for the operation of the Fund and expect to engage with stakeholders on detailed plans later this year. Timescales for implementation of the Fund will be confirmed in due course.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has received five new drug applications and three new indication applications via Project Orbis since Jan 2021. At this time, these applications are still pending.
Information on cancer drugs currently being considered under Project Orbis is considered commercially confidential.
On 30 December 2020, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published its advice on phase one of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. In this advice it stated that consideration had been given to vaccination of household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. However, at that time there was no data on the size of the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on transmission.
The JCVI is keeping its advice under review, including with regard to emerging evidence on the impact of vaccination on asymptomatic infection and whether this may indicate an impact on transmission. This was last considered at the JCVI’s COVID-19 sub-committee on 4 March 2020 and a position is being agreed with the JCVI’s main committee members.
From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.
The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.
The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.
From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.
The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.
The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.
From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.
The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.
The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.
From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.
The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.
The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.
From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.
The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.
The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.
From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.
The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.
The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.
The National Health Service and the Department do not routinely collect data on the number of people who sought medical intervention to reverse or undo a previous medical intervention for the alleviation of gender dysphoria.
The Department has spent £9,000 on consultancy fees since 1 March 2020 in respect of communications related activities. This cost reflects the consultancy spend recorded on the digital, engagement and content cost centre. It is possible further communications related consultancy costs have been incurred in other areas of Departmental business however these are not separately identifiable.
In terms of media buying, the Department has spent £10.7 million since 1 March 2020. For spend on communications, advertising and marketing, the information is not collected in the format requested.
The Department has spent £9,000 on consultancy fees since 1 March 2020 in respect of communications related activities. This cost reflects the consultancy spend recorded on the digital, engagement and content cost centre. It is possible further communications related consultancy costs have been incurred in other areas of Departmental business however these are not separately identifiable.
In terms of media buying, the Department has spent £10.7 million since 1 March 2020. For spend on communications, advertising and marketing, the information is not collected in the format requested.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not made such an assessment.
The National Health Service published the interim NHS People Plan on 3 June 2019. It sets out the long-term vision and immediate actions to meet the challenges of supply, reform, culture and leadership.
The final NHS People Plan will be published shortly and will set out a clear framework for collective action on workforce priorities, with a focus on growing and retaining a well-skilled workforce across the whole NHS.
NHS England and NHS Improvement have asked all Cancer Alliances to help more patients and families manage the impact of cancer and its treatment on psychological and physical health over the next five years. It is the responsibility of individual Cancer Alliances to publish their plans on their websites.
Over the next five years, Cancer Alliances will be embedding personalised care interventions, which will identify and address the changing needs of cancer patients from diagnosis onwards, including psychological needs. People with long term conditions, such as cancer, have been identified as priority patients for accessing Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services. These services are being integrated with physical health services, to better align psychological therapies for mental illness within primary and secondary care pathways.
Over the next five years, Cancer Alliances will be embedding personalised care interventions, which will identify and address the changing needs of cancer patients from diagnosis onwards, including psychological needs. People with long term conditions, such as cancer, have been identified as priority patients for accessing Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services. These services are being integrated with physical health services, to better align psychological therapies for mental illness within primary and secondary care pathways.
Over the next five years, Cancer Alliances will be embedding personalised care interventions, which will identify and address the changing needs of cancer patients from diagnosis onwards, including psychological needs. People with long term conditions, such as cancer, have been identified as priority patients for accessing Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services. These services are being integrated with physical health services, to better align psychological therapies for mental illness within primary and secondary care pathways.
The Department recognises that the annual allowance may contribute to decisions from National Health Service consultants to retire early or limit their NHS commitment. The Government is listening carefully to concerns raised by senior doctors and NHS employers about the tapered annual allowance.
In September 2019 guidance was issued by NHS Employers informing employers of the short-term approaches that they could take to mitigate the effect of pension tax on their workforce this tax year. The NHS has also implemented an immediate measure to preserve clinical capacity amid the increased pressure on services during the winter period. This will compensate NHS clinicians for the effect on their pensions of annual allowance charged incurred in 2019-20.
The Department has consulted on introducing flexibility within the NHS Pension Scheme from 2019/20 to allow clinicians affected by annual allowance tax charges to reduce their pension accrual in deciles in order to manage any potential annual allowance tax charges.
As part of a wider drive to ensure the NHS has the staff it needs to meet demand and transform care, the Government is carrying out an urgent review of the pensions annual allowance taper problem that has caused some doctors to turn down extra shifts for fear of high tax bills. On 13 January, Ministers held a roundtable with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the British Medical Association and other representative organisations as part of this review to find a long-term solution.
The review will consider the findings from the Department’s consultation on pension flexibility and will report at the Budget on 11 March.
The Department recognises that the annual allowance may contribute to decisions from National Health Service consultants to retire early or limit their NHS commitment. The Government is listening carefully to concerns raised by senior doctors and NHS employers about the tapered annual allowance.
In September 2019 guidance was issued by NHS Employers informing employers of the short-term approaches that they could take to mitigate the effect of pension tax on their workforce this tax year. The NHS has also implemented an immediate measure to preserve clinical capacity amid the increased pressure on services during the winter period. This will compensate NHS clinicians for the effect on their pensions of annual allowance charged incurred in 2019-20.
The Department has consulted on introducing flexibility within the NHS Pension Scheme from 2019/20 to allow clinicians affected by annual allowance tax charges to reduce their pension accrual in deciles in order to manage any potential annual allowance tax charges.
As part of a wider drive to ensure the NHS has the staff it needs to meet demand and transform care, the Government is carrying out an urgent review of the pensions annual allowance taper problem that has caused some doctors to turn down extra shifts for fear of high tax bills. On 13 January, Ministers held a roundtable with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the British Medical Association and other representative organisations as part of this review to find a long-term solution.
The review will consider the findings from the Department’s consultation on pension flexibility and will report at the Budget on 11 March.
The Department recognises that the annual allowance may contribute to decisions from National Health Service consultants to retire early or limit their NHS commitments, although a precise estimate of the change in staffing levels as a result of pension tax is not available. The Government is listening carefully to concerns raised by senior doctors and NHS employers about the tapered annual allowance.
In September 2019 guidance was issued by NHS Employers informing employers of the short-term approaches that they could take to mitigate the effect of pension tax on their workforce this tax year. The NHS has also implemented an immediate measure to preserve clinical capacity amid the increased pressure on services during the winter period. This will compensate NHS clinicians for the effect on their pensions of annual allowance charges incurred in 2019-20.
The Department has consulted on introducing flexibility within the NHS Pension Scheme from 2019/20 to allow clinicians affected by annual allowance tax charges to reduce their pension accrual in deciles in order to manage any potential annual allowance tax charges.
As part of a wider drive to ensure the NHS has the staff it needs to meet demand and transform care, the Government is carrying out an urgent review of the pensions annual allowance taper problem that has caused some doctors to turn down extra shifts for fear of high tax bills. On 13 January, Ministers held a roundtable with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the British Medical Association and other representative organisations as part of this review to find a long-term solution.
The review will consider the findings from the Department’s consultation on pension flexibility and will report at the Budget on 11 March.
The UK Government takes very seriously the allegations of torture and sexual violence in the report 'Sri Lanka: Torture and Sexual Violence by Security Forces 2020-2021'.
The Minister for South Asia, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has raised the importance of these issues on several occasions with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris. During his visit to Sri Lanka of 18-20 January, he raised serious concerns around the deteriorating human rights situation when he met the President, Foreign Minister, and other members of the Sri Lankan Government. The Foreign Secretary raised the importance of upholding human rights when she met Foreign Minister Peiris on 26 October 2021.
We will continue to support the monitoring of the human rights situation and accountability in Sri Lanka by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as mandated by the UN Human Rights Council resolution 46/1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.
The Government does not typically provide assessments of changes to ring fence Corporation Tax and does not propose doing so in this case.
The Government places additional taxes on the extraction of oil and gas, with companies engaged in the production of oil and gas on the UK Continental Shelf subject to headline tax rates on their profits that are currently more than double those paid by other businesses. To date, the sector has paid more than £375 billion in production taxes.
The Government keeps all taxes under review, and any changes are considered and announced by the Chancellor.
The information requested is provided in the table below:
Beer Duty Returns | ||
Month | (a) Received by HMRC | (b) Nil returns |
August 2019 | 2,100 | 415 |
September 2019 | 1,991 | 441 |
October 2019 | 1,602 | 489 |
November 2019 | 2,051 | 448 |
December 2019 | 2,009 | 453 |
January 2020 | 2,020 | 482 |
February 2020 | 2,039 | 457 |
March 2020 | 2,011 | 521 |
April 2020 | 1,610 | 756 |
May 2020 | 1,607 | 687 |
June 2020 | 1,785 | 596 |
July 2020 | 1,337 | 491 |
August 2020 | 1,675 | 468 |
September 2020 | 1,547 | 455 |
October 2020 | 1,472 | 468 |
November 2020 | 1,520 | 546 |
December 2020 | 1,520 | 523 |
January 2021 | 1,706 | 556 |
The Office for National Statistic’s ‘Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings’ (ASHE) shows that median basic weekly pay for the public sector is £504. This suggests that just under half of the public sector have basic weekly pay of £460 (whole economy median weekly basic pay) and less.
Since the uplift will be applied on a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) basis, we have used ASHE microdata to also exclude those earning less than the median but not on an hourly basis. This showed that 38% of the public sector earn less than £24,000 on an FTE basis.
The Office for National Statistics estimate that public sector employment was 5.51 million in June 2020. This includes: The National Health Service, central government and local government.
Sources: Table 13.a at https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/publicandprivatesectorashetable13
ONS Public sector employment, UK: June 2020: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/bulletins/publicsectoremployment/june2020
The £24,000 earnings floor is taken from the Office for National Statistic’s ‘Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings’. This data gives whole economy median basic weekly earnings for all employees of £460. The equivalent annually is £23,985 (calculated by dividing by 7 days a week, and multiplying by 365 days a year).
Source: Table 1.3a at https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/allemployeesashetable1
The Office for National Statistic’s ‘Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings’ (ASHE) shows that median basic weekly pay for the public sector is £504. This suggests that just under half of the public sector have basic weekly pay of £460 (whole economy median weekly basic pay) and less.
Since the uplift will be applied on a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) basis, we have used ASHE microdata to also exclude those earning less than the median but not on an hourly basis. This showed that 38% of the public sector earn less than £24,000 on an FTE basis.
The Office for National Statistics estimate that public sector employment was 5.51 million in June 2020. This includes: The National Health Service, central government and local government.
Sources: Table 13.a at https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/publicandprivatesectorashetable13
ONS Public sector employment, UK: June 2020: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/bulletins/publicsectoremployment/june2020
The £24,000 earnings floor is taken from the Office for National Statistic’s ‘Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings’. This data gives whole economy median basic weekly earnings for all employees of £460. The equivalent annually is £23,985 (calculated by dividing by 7 days a week, and multiplying by 365 days a year).
Source: Table 1.3a at https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/allemployeesashetable1
Manufacturers of hand sanitiser do not need a licence, although anybody that uses alcohol or alcohol waste within a manufacturing process must be authorised by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
To meet the additional demand for hand sanitiser, the Government has been supporting manufacturers by ensuring they have access to the denatured alcohol they need. Since the beginning of March, HMRC has fast-tracked the authorisation of over 3 million additional litres of denatured alcohol for hand sanitiser production.
However, in light of continuing high demand for duty free alcohol in these products, HMRC have now announced several easements to their current requirements. Under these new measures alcohol or alcohol waste held within an excise warehouse may be used, without HMRC’s prior approval, to produce hand sanitiser without the payment of excise duty, provided that the final product meets the World Health Organization’s formulation for Handrub.
Further information on all the measures introduced by HMRC to support hand sanitiser production can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses.
The Government recognises that urgent action is needed to resolve the pensions tax issue which has caused some doctors to turn down extra shifts for fear of high tax bills.
We are committed to ensuring that hard-working NHS staff do not find themselves reducing their work commitments due to the interaction between their pay, their pension and the relevant tax regime.
That is why the Government is taking forward its manifesto commitment to carry out an urgent review of the pensions tapered annual allowance, to make sure that doctors spend as much time as possible treating patients. The Government has announced that the review will report at Budget.
Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) were introduced in January 2020 to provide early protection to victims of stalking by placing restrictions and requirements on those perpetrating stalking behaviours so as to address the perpetrator’s behaviours before they become entrenched or escalate in severity. The police apply to the magistrates’ court to request that the court issue a SPO
On 28 February 2022 we published a review into how SPOs operated during their first 12 months, and alongside the review, we also published more up to date statistics on SPOs from Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, which correspond to the time period of 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021. Those statistics can be found here: Management information: Stalking Protection Orders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Stalking Protection Orders came into force on 20 January 2020, so none were issued in 2019.
In 2020, 419 Stalking Protection Orders were issued in England and Wales (169 full orders and 250 interim ones). The table below shows the breakdown by police force area. Notes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 in the ‘Notes’ tab in the first and second embedded documents in the above link apply to these figures. [x] denotes that between one and five SPOs were issued. This is on the basis that disclosing the actual figure would risk identification of the individuals concerned.
Police Force Area | No. of SPOs issued |
Avon and Somerset | 7 |
Bedfordshire | 0 |
Cambridgeshire | x |
Cheshire | 20 |
Cleveland | x |
Cumbria | 6 |
Derbyshire | x |
Devon and Cornwall | 36 |
Dorset | 0 |
Durham | 0 |
Dyfed-Powys | x |
Essex | 23 |
Gloucestershire | x |
Greater London | 73 |
Greater Manchester | 16 |
Gwent | 0 |
Hampshire & Isle of Wight | x |
Hertfordshire | x |
Humberside | 0 |
Kent | 11 |
Lancashire | x |
Leicestershire | 14 |
Lincolnshire | 10 |
Merseyside | x |
Norfolk | x |
Northamptonshire | x |
Northumbria | 14 |
North Wales | x |
North Yorkshire | 6 |
Nottinghamshire | 17 |
South Wales | 0 |
South Yorkshire | x |
Staffordshire | 7 |
Suffolk | 0 |
Surrey | 43 |
Sussex | 52 |
Thames Valley | 0 |
Warwickshire | x |
West Mercia | 0 |
West Midlands | 11 |
West Yorkshire | x |
Wiltshire | 13 |
Data is not yet available on the numbers of Stalking Protection Orders issued during 2021.
Data is not available on the numbers of Stalking Protection Orders issued pursuant to applications by each police force which were breached, in 2020 or 2021.
Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) were introduced in January 2020 to provide early protection to victims of stalking by placing restrictions and requirements on those perpetrating stalking behaviours so as to address the perpetrator’s behaviours before they become entrenched or escalate in severity. The police apply to the magistrates’ court to request that the court issue a SPO
On 28 February 2022 we published a review into how SPOs operated during their first 12 months, and alongside the review, we also published more up to date statistics on SPOs from Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, which correspond to the time period of 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021. Those statistics can be found here: Management information: Stalking Protection Orders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Stalking Protection Orders came into force on 20 January 2020, so none were issued in 2019.
In 2020, 419 Stalking Protection Orders were issued in England and Wales (169 full orders and 250 interim ones). The table below shows the breakdown by police force area. Notes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 in the ‘Notes’ tab in the first and second embedded documents in the above link apply to these figures. [x] denotes that between one and five SPOs were issued. This is on the basis that disclosing the actual figure would risk identification of the individuals concerned.
Police Force Area | No. of SPOs issued |
Avon and Somerset | 7 |
Bedfordshire | 0 |
Cambridgeshire | x |
Cheshire | 20 |
Cleveland | x |
Cumbria | 6 |
Derbyshire | x |
Devon and Cornwall | 36 |
Dorset | 0 |
Durham | 0 |
Dyfed-Powys | x |
Essex | 23 |
Gloucestershire | x |
Greater London | 73 |
Greater Manchester | 16 |
Gwent | 0 |
Hampshire & Isle of Wight | x |
Hertfordshire | x |
Humberside | 0 |
Kent | 11 |
Lancashire | x |
Leicestershire | 14 |
Lincolnshire | 10 |
Merseyside | x |
Norfolk | x |
Northamptonshire | x |
Northumbria | 14 |
North Wales | x |
North Yorkshire | 6 |
Nottinghamshire | 17 |
South Wales | 0 |
South Yorkshire | x |
Staffordshire | 7 |
Suffolk | 0 |
Surrey | 43 |
Sussex | 52 |
Thames Valley | 0 |
Warwickshire | x |
West Mercia | 0 |
West Midlands | 11 |
West Yorkshire | x |
Wiltshire | 13 |
Data is not yet available on the numbers of Stalking Protection Orders issued during 2021.
Data is not available on the numbers of Stalking Protection Orders issued pursuant to applications by each police force which were breached, in 2020 or 2021.
The number of British passport holders who have changed the sex marker when applying for their next passport is not collated.
This information could only be obtained from passport records at a disproportionate cost.
Decisions on detention and release from police custody are an operational matter for the police.
We expect the police to exercise such decisions in accordance with legislation and their training which includes the requirement to critically evaluate considerations when detainees have vulnerabilities or there are identified risks on release.
Tragically a very small number of Border Force colleagues have passed away from suspected COVID-19 causes. They were valued colleagues and Border Force would like to pay tribute to their service. Border Force is not prepared to provide additional details given the very small number of colleagues involved and the risk of identification of individuals and their grieving families.
Border Force do not hold records of the number of staff who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Data on expenditure categories are published within the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts (ARA). However, this data is only published once the accounts are closed and the figures have been audited by the National Audit Office (NAO).
The NAO’s role is to inspect and agree with the accounts and this data may be subject to change, therefore due to the risks of releasing current year data that is yet to go through the typical due diligence conducted by the NAO may result in us misleading Parliament.
Information on the above expenditure categories for the current financial year will be collated and made available in the 2020/21 Home Office Statement of Accounts.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) promotes lifelong learning.
Eligible Service personnel and veterans can access three schemes which can help individuals pursue their personal and professional development through education, both during their Service and, for two of the schemes, up to ten years after discharge.
In 2019, the MOD introduced Holistic Transition support, building on the highly successful Career Transition Partnership, which has provided employment support and job finding services for the last 20 years.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) delivers for those who make a claim. Mechanisms of accountability ensure that this is the case and include the Quinquennial Review to confirm AFCS remains fit for purpose, monthly review against Key Performance Indicators, and bi-monthly review in conjunction with the Office of Veterans Affairs. The Central Advisory Committee on Compensation also affords Armed Forces charities opportunity to discuss all aspects of compensation, including the efficiency of AFCS.
The AFCS uses independent medical experts through the Independent Medical Expert Group, an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body. This provides assurance that AFCS policy and decision-making reflect contemporary medical understanding of causation and prognosis. Any apparent anomalies in AFCS tariffs are examined and recommendations made accordingly. Veterans UK medical advisers are independent from clinicians and have had a career in clinical medicine. They are trained in medico-legal determinations and AFCS legislation. They give case-specific advice based on the claimant’s service and in-line with prevailing medical understanding.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) delivers for those who make a claim. Mechanisms of accountability ensure that this is the case and include the Quinquennial Review to confirm AFCS remains fit for purpose, monthly review against Key Performance Indicators, and bi-monthly review in conjunction with the Office of Veterans Affairs. The Central Advisory Committee on Compensation also affords Armed Forces charities opportunity to discuss all aspects of compensation, including the efficiency of AFCS.
The AFCS uses independent medical experts through the Independent Medical Expert Group, an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body. This provides assurance that AFCS policy and decision-making reflect contemporary medical understanding of causation and prognosis. Any apparent anomalies in AFCS tariffs are examined and recommendations made accordingly. Veterans UK medical advisers are independent from clinicians and have had a career in clinical medicine. They are trained in medico-legal determinations and AFCS legislation. They give case-specific advice based on the claimant’s service and in-line with prevailing medical understanding.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government holds no data on the number of councillors in England who have received a DBS check. It is a matter for the devolved administrations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland if they choose to collect and hold such data.
There is currently no legal requirement on councillors to undergo a DBS check either to stand for office or after they are elected. The law specifies that a council is entitled but not required to undertake checks for Councillors who discharge Education and Social Service functions.
OASys Sexual Reoffending Predictor (OSP) was developed for use with legally male offenders and so is not used with offenders who are not legally male. However, transitioning will not result in an offender’s risk assessment being less robust. Whether or not a transgender prisoner is assessed using OSP is not a factor in decisions about whether to allocate them to a men's or women's prison, which are only made after all individual risk factors have been thoroughly assessed.
The most accurate risk assessments combine actuarial methods of prediction with structured professional judgement. The Offender Assessment System (OASys) allows HMPPS staff to undertake actuarial assessments. It also provides a structure to record their assessment of the risks posed by, and needs of, an offender.
Apart from OSP, all actuarial risk assessment tools can be used with men and women. These tools are:
- Offender Group Reconviction Scale version 3 (OGRS3), for risk of any proven reoffending
- Risk of Serious Recidivism (RSR), for risk of serious proven reoffending, which comprises sexual reoffending (using OSP, or a simple base rate for legal females) and serious nonsexual violent reoffending (a separate algorithm)
- OASys Violence Predictor (OVP), for risk of nonsexual violent proven reoffending
- OASys General reoffending Predictor (OGP), for risk of nonviolent proven reoffending
Forensic psychologists also use a range of risk assessment tools with this cohort, which involve using their professional judgement. These are used on an individual basis, as with any offender, taking into account the full range of characteristics of the person being assessed.
OASys Sexual Reoffending Predictor (OSP) was developed for use with legally male offenders and so is not used with offenders who are not legally male. However, transitioning will not result in an offender’s risk assessment being less robust. Whether or not a transgender prisoner is assessed using OSP is not a factor in decisions about whether to allocate them to a men's or women's prison, which are only made after all individual risk factors have been thoroughly assessed.
The most accurate risk assessments combine actuarial methods of prediction with structured professional judgement. The Offender Assessment System (OASys) allows HMPPS staff to undertake actuarial assessments. It also provides a structure to record their assessment of the risks posed by, and needs of, an offender.
Apart from OSP, all actuarial risk assessment tools can be used with men and women. These tools are:
- Offender Group Reconviction Scale version 3 (OGRS3), for risk of any proven reoffending
- Risk of Serious Recidivism (RSR), for risk of serious proven reoffending, which comprises sexual reoffending (using OSP, or a simple base rate for legal females) and serious nonsexual violent reoffending (a separate algorithm)
- OASys Violence Predictor (OVP), for risk of nonsexual violent proven reoffending
- OASys General reoffending Predictor (OGP), for risk of nonviolent proven reoffending
Forensic psychologists also use a range of risk assessment tools with this cohort, which involve using their professional judgement. These are used on an individual basis, as with any offender, taking into account the full range of characteristics of the person being assessed.
These figures have been drawn from the HMPPS Incident Reporting System, which records the legal gender of prisoners. They are based on snapshot data collections from March 2018, 2019 and 2021. There was no collection in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data is not available for 2017. This is because legal gender did not form part of the central data collection in that year.
In 2017-18 there were 38 assaults and 14 sexual assaults on legally male transgender prisoners in the men’s prison estate. In 2018-19 there were 16 assaults and fewer than 5 sexual assaults. In 2020-21 there were fewer than 5 assaults and fewer than 5 sexual assaults.
In 2017-18 there were 332 self-harm incidents involving legally male transgender prisoners in the men’s prison estate. In 2018-19 there were 159. In 2020-21 there were 228. Data on attempted suicide is not available.
We have trained more than 25,000 staff in suicide and self-harm prevention as part of our drive to tackle these issues, and we continue to develop initiatives to better support people in custody.
These figures have been drawn from the HMPPS Incident Reporting System, which records the legal gender of prisoners. They are based on snapshot data collections from March 2018, 2019 and 2021. There was no collection in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data is not available for 2017. This is because legal gender did not form part of the central data collection in that year.
In 2017-18 there were 38 assaults and 14 sexual assaults on legally male transgender prisoners in the men’s prison estate. In 2018-19 there were 16 assaults and fewer than 5 sexual assaults. In 2020-21 there were fewer than 5 assaults and fewer than 5 sexual assaults.
In 2017-18 there were 332 self-harm incidents involving legally male transgender prisoners in the men’s prison estate. In 2018-19 there were 159. In 2020-21 there were 228. Data on attempted suicide is not available.
We have trained more than 25,000 staff in suicide and self-harm prevention as part of our drive to tackle these issues, and we continue to develop initiatives to better support people in custody.
The national policy on the searching of prisoners, staff and visitors (PSI 07/2016 – Searching of the Person) is currently under review, and to allow for extensive consultation, is expected to be published later this year.
The updated policy will include directions on transgender staff, with and without Gender Recognition Certificates, conducting searches.
In reviewing the policy, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is consulting with the Government’s Legal Department, HMPPS Equalities Team and representatives from external women’s and transgender groups. The new policy will be compliant with the Equality Act 2010, Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the European Convention of Human Rights.
The data HMPPS hold on transgender prisoners (published in the annual HMPPS Offender Equalities Report) is snapshot data and importantly has not historically included prisoners who have a Gender Recognition Certificate, due to legal restrictions. There was no data gathering exercise in 2020 due to the pandemic. HMPPS are actively working on ways to improve the scope and quality of data held on transgender prisoners while still respecting their rights and privacy.
Analysis of accredited programme participation for each year’s transgender offender cohort requires a data matching exercise as these pieces of information are held in separate data sets. A response could only be obtained at disproportionate costs as the analyses would be new and require significant resource to ensure accuracy and reliability.
HMP Downview’s E Wing currently provides separate accommodation in the women’s estate specifically for transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRC) who pose, or face, too high a risk to be located in the general women’s population. Decisions on allocation of this nature can only be made via a Complex Case Board, chaired by a senior prison manager, as detailed in ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender’ policy framework
It is not Ministry of Justice and HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) policy to place women on E Wing who do not hold a GRC. In exceptional circumstances, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains open to HMPPS to utilise accommodation differently where it is considered operationally necessary. However, any women placed on E Wing in such circumstances would always be held separately from others on the unit.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not commissioned any relevant research since the current version of the policy framework ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender’ was published in 2019. However, this policy was formulated following consultation with a range of stakeholders including staff and external groups representing the interests of prisoners, and after consideration of the existing evidence on transgender people in prison, including internal data. Decisions regarding transgender prisoners continue to be made on a case-by-case basis, and all known risk factors (including any risk to the person, risk to others and risk of self-harm) are thoroughly assessed in each case.
The MoJ recognises the importance of good quality data and evidence and this will continue to be considered, as part of the ongoing implementation review, where evidence gaps are highlighted.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not commissioned any relevant research since the current version of the policy framework ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender’ was published in 2019. However, this policy was formulated following consultation with a range of stakeholders including staff and external groups representing the interests of prisoners, and after consideration of the existing evidence on transgender people in prison, including internal data. Decisions regarding transgender prisoners continue to be made on a case-by-case basis, and all known risk factors (including any risk to the person, risk to others and risk of self-harm) are thoroughly assessed in each case.
The MoJ recognises the importance of good quality data and evidence and this will continue to be considered, as part of the ongoing implementation review, where evidence gaps are highlighted.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not commissioned any relevant research since the current version of the policy framework ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender’ was published in 2019. However, this policy was formulated following consultation with a range of stakeholders including staff and external groups representing the interests of prisoners, and after consideration of the existing evidence on transgender people in prison, including internal data. Decisions regarding transgender prisoners continue to be made on a case-by-case basis, and all known risk factors (including any risk to the person, risk to others and risk of self-harm) are thoroughly assessed in each case.
The MoJ recognises the importance of good quality data and evidence and this will continue to be considered, as part of the ongoing implementation review, where evidence gaps are highlighted.
Participation figures are drawn directly from the published data available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-annual-digest-april-2019-to-march-2020. Percentages have been added alongside this data to represent the proportion of prisoners who started a programme for those convicted of a Sexual Offence vs. the total number of programme starts in a given year.
| Total Programme Participants in 12 months ending March | |||||
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
Sexual Offending | 1056 | 1113 | 1141 | 1022 | 1154 | 1133 |
Proportion SO Participants vs. Total Participants per year | 12.11% | 14.01% | 14.84% | 16.62% | 19.80% | 19.79% |
HMP Downview’s E Wing provides separate accommodation in the women’s estate for transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRC) who pose, or face, too high a risk to be located in the general women’s population. The circumstances in which a transgender woman with a GRC may be considered for placement in separate accommodation is detailed in ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender’ policy framework. A planned review of the implementation of this policy is underway.
Accredited sexual offender (SO) programmes are not currently available in the women’s estate. However, bespoke interventions are provided where required to ensure that we properly manage the risk posed by all offenders.
In the male estate, the accredited SO programmes are open to individuals who are legally male but identify as female.
A strategic review of all HMPPS designed accredited programmes is underway and will include consideration of the interventions available for transgender individuals.
Accredited sexual offender (SO) programmes are not currently available in the women’s estate. However, bespoke interventions are provided where required to ensure that we properly manage the risk posed by all offenders.
In the male estate, the accredited SO programmes are open to individuals who are legally male but identify as female.
A strategic review of all HMPPS designed accredited programmes is underway and will include consideration of the interventions available for transgender individuals.
Local policies (such as HMP Downview ‘E Wing Policy) must be consistent with the policy framework ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender,’ which is available here: The care and management of individuals who are transgender - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
HMP Downview’s ‘E Wing Policy’ is a local prison policy and, as is usual practice for such a policy, it is not published more widely. This is because local policies like this one are subject to change at short notice at the discretion of prison governors. Like all local policies this policy remains under regular review.
Local policies (such as HMP Downview ‘E Wing Policy) must be consistent with the policy framework ‘The Care and Management of Individuals who are Transgender,’ which is available here: The care and management of individuals who are transgender - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
HMP Downview’s ‘E Wing Policy’ is a local prison policy and, as is usual practice for such a policy, it is not published more widely. This is because local policies like this one are subject to change at short notice at the discretion of prison governors. Like all local policies this policy remains under regular review.
The Government is considering the case for reforming the law on corporate criminal liability for economic crime and will publish a response to the Call for Evidence in due course.
Any returns by the Northern Ireland Executive to the Treasury are undertaken at Block Grant level not by individual departments. Since 2016, the Executive’s underspends have been largely in two areas: ring-fenced Resource DEL and Financial Transactions Capital.
Budget exchange is a mechanism that allows the Executive to carry forward a forecast DEL underspend from one year to the next, within previously agreed limits and with the consent of Treasury Ministers. Since 2016, the total amount of underspend for each year which cannot be accessed via Budget Exchange for the following year is:
2016/17: £130.9m
2017/18: £210.1m
2018/19: £254.9m
2019/20: £207m
2020/21: £426.7m
The amount unused in 2020/21 includes £373.3m that had been earmarked for student loan impairments, which did not materialise.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland engages with the Chancellor and Treasury Ministers on a regular basis in relation to Northern Ireland’s public finances and wider economy, as well as with the First Minister and deputy First Minister. The Executive’s finances are also reported on by the independent Fiscal Council.
The UK Government continues to work with the Scottish Government and provide support where it is needed.
In addition to the six drive-in sites, and eighteen mobile units, the recently opened walk-in testing centre in St Andrews is also helping to provide significant support and resource for testing capacity in Scotland, in addition to NHS Scotland’s own capacity.
It is for the Scottish Government to decide policy for the use of that capacity.
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, including fiscal policy. There are currently no plans to change Air Passenger Duty policy in relation to Wales. As with all taxes, HM Treasury will keep this under review.
The First Minister, his ministerial team, and I regularly discuss our governments’ response to the covid-19 outbreak. Last week we both attended meetings between all four administrations, including COBR(M) and a meeting chaired by my Rt. hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to discuss the UK-wide approach to social distancing.