Valerie Vaz Portrait

Valerie Vaz

Labour - Walsall South

First elected: 6th May 2010


Select Committees
Panel of Chairs (since November 2023)
Finance (No. 2) Bill
10th May 2023 - 18th May 2023
Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) (No. 2) Bill
8th Mar 2023 - 15th Mar 2023
Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill
8th Feb 2023 - 22nd Feb 2023
UK Infrastructure Bank Bill [Lords]
16th Nov 2022 - 22nd Nov 2022
Shark Fins Bill
9th Nov 2022 - 16th Nov 2022
Environmental Audit Committee
5th Jan 2022 - 17th May 2022
Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill [HL]
9th Feb 2022 - 10th Feb 2022
Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill
1st Dec 2021 - 14th Dec 2021
Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
16th Jan 2020 - 8th Jun 2021
Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
7th Oct 2016 - 9th May 2021
Members Estimate
21st Nov 2016 - 9th May 2021
Members Estimate Committee
21st Nov 2016 - 9th May 2021
House of Commons Commission
21st Nov 2016 - 9th May 2021
Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
31st Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
7th Mar 2016 - 31st Oct 2016
Panel of Chairs
25th Jun 2015 - 11th Oct 2016
Science and Technology Committee
26th Oct 2015 - 18th Jul 2016
Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
26th Oct 2015 - 18th Jul 2016
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
26th Oct 2015 - 18th Jul 2016
Draft Investigatory Powers Bill (Joint Committee)
5th Nov 2015 - 26th Nov 2015
Health and Social Care Committee
12th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Regulatory Reform
26th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
House of Commons Governance Committee
16th Oct 2014 - 17th Dec 2014


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Valerie Vaz has voted in 774 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Valerie Vaz Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

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

Sparring Partners
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(136 debate interactions)
Eleanor Laing (Conservative)
(18 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(18 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Leader of the House
(226 debate contributions)
Home Office
(21 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Elections Act 2022
(636 words contributed)
Health and Care Act 2022
(596 words contributed)
UK Infrastructure Bank Act 2023
(299 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Valerie Vaz's debates

Walsall South Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Valerie Vaz has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Valerie Vaz

19th February 2024
Valerie Vaz signed this EDM on Tuesday 20th February 2024

Alan Bates and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool

Tabled by: Ian Byrne (Labour - Liverpool, West Derby)
That this House supports the call for the Freedom of the City of Liverpool to be bestowed upon Liverpool-born Post Office Horizon campaigner Alan Bates; notes this is the highest civil award in the city and has previously been awarded to those who have left an indelible mark on the …
49 signatures
(Most recent: 21 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 28
Scottish National Party: 12
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 3
Alliance: 1
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
1st February 2024
Valerie Vaz signed this EDM on Tuesday 6th February 2024

Independent Panel Inquiry into the death of Zane Gbangbola

Tabled by: Ian Byrne (Labour - Liverpool, West Derby)
That this House notes that the Post Office Horizon scandal has reemphasised the need for a Hillsborough Law; acknowledges that more tragedies would benefit from a duty of candour on public servants and a parity of arms; supports the call for an independent panel inquiry with full powers to compel …
34 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Feb 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 23
Scottish National Party: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 2
Green Party: 1
Alba Party: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Valerie Vaz's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Valerie Vaz, 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.


Valerie Vaz has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Valerie Vaz

Wednesday 26th May 2021

2 Bills introduced by Valerie Vaz


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require action plans to be prepared for the provision of education and health services for children and adults with epilepsy and related conditions; to make provision about support for children and adults with epilepsy and related conditions; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 24th November 2010

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision to equalise leave, pay and allowance arrangements for adoptive parents with those of parents whose children are born to them; to equalise eligibility for adoption leave and pay with that of maternity leave and pay; to equalise the rates of pay for the first six weeks of maternity leave and adoption leave; to equalise the entitlement to allowances for self-employed adopters and self-employed mothers; and for connected purposes

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 29th June 2011

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
9 Other Department Questions
23rd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of including measures on supporting providers of (a) radio and (b) other audio services on digital platforms in the forthcoming Media Bill.

The Government has today published Command Paper CP 822, which contains a draft Media Bill.

The draft Bill contains measures which will ensure that UK radio remains available to listeners via their smart speakers over the coming years, while providing scope for innovative collaboration and partnerships between stations and the smart speaker platforms.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
23rd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Prime Minister and (b) other Cabinet colleagues on the level of support for UK radio and audio in the forthcoming Media Bill.

The Government has today published Command Paper CP 822, which contains a draft Media Bill.

The draft Bill contains measures which will ensure that UK radio remains available to listeners via their smart speakers over the coming years, while providing scope for innovative collaboration and partnerships between stations and the smart speaker platforms.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
18th Jan 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, what the cost to the public purse was of transferring the functions of the external statutory Restoration and Renewal Sponsor Body to an in-house service, including replacing the Board.

The Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body was abolished on 1 January 2023 and its staff transferred into a new joint department in Parliament, the Restoration and Renewal Client Team. Replacing the Sponsor Board will be two new Boards—the R&R Client Board, comprising the membership of the two House Commissions, and the R&R Programme Board, which is currently in the process of being established.

The costs of these changes thus far have been primarily absorbed within the existing budgets of the two Houses and the Sponsor Body.

The following items are costs that would not have been incurred had it not been for the transfer of functions:

  • The House Commissions sought advice and assurance about the proposed changes from a high-level panel of independent experts with significant experience in major programmes, in both the public and private sector. The work of the independent advice and assurance panel cost £57,557.

  • A recruitment company provided an executive search service to support the House of Commons with recruiting up to four external R&R Programme Board members. This included sourcing appropriate candidates, making initial contact with them, and supporting the House through the entire recruitment process. The cost was £67,000.

  • A contractor was employed to assist with programme management for the transition at a cost of £97,853 (including VAT).
18th Jan 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will provide details of (a) ongoing capital infrastructure projects and (b) the costs of projects on the parliamentary estate as of 18 January 2023.

The ongoing live capital infrastructure projects as of 18 January 2023 are summarised in the table below. There are 61 projects in progress on the Parliamentary Estate. Around £452 million has been spent to date on these projects and they are forecast to cost £1,370 million at completion.

25th Apr 2022
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many positive covid-19 cases were recorded on the Parliamentary estate in each month from November 2021 to March 2022.

Following the change to Government guidance in February 2022 individuals were no longer required to inform their workplace if they tested positive for Covid. The figures below therefore represent the number of positive cases where an individual chose to share their result.

As the original case information has now been deleted in line with our privacy policies, only a summary per week is available.

25 March–1 April: 47
18–24 March: 75
11–17 March: 51
4–10 March: 47
25 February–3 March: 11
18–24 February: 15
11–17 February: 18


The numbers below represent the number of validated case numbers, using data held by the UKHSA and the Parliamentary test and trace team.

4–10 February: 63
28 January–3 February: 61
21–27 January: 89
14–20 January: 68
7–13 January: 69
31 December–6 January: 110
24–30 December: 119
17–23 December: 128
10–16 December: 193
3–9 December: 66
26 November–2 December: 38
19–25 November: 34
12–18 November: 31
5–11 November: 20
29 October–4 November: 28

13th Sep 2021
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to the Catholic Relief Act 1829, what assessment the Commissioners have made of the Prime Minister's ability to advise the Sovereign on the appointment of Anglican Bishops.

The application of the Catholic Relief Act 1829 to the Sovereign’s advisers is a matter for the Government, not for the Church Commissioners.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Dec 2020
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps he is taking to support building development for historic places of worship.

Advice and support for parishes and cathedrals is available via the Church of England’s platform ‘Church Care’, this website acts as a portal for advice on management, maintenance, development and grants available to parishes and cathedrals.

During the pandemic period, £30m of grants that have been awarded to Church of England churches and cathedrals from a combination of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Emergency Fund. The Church of England is grateful for this support and recognition by the Government of the key role these buildings play in their local communities.

The grants awarded by the Culture Recovery Fund were allocated to 227 churches and cathedrals with 43% of this money is going to the 30% most deprived parishes – over £12.9m; 20% of the money going to the 10% most deprived parishes, totalling over £5.9m.

The Lichfield Diocese received of six grants totalling £342,825 from the Culture Recovery Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund, this included five awards to parish churches totalling £199,925 and a grant to Lichfield Cathedral of £142,900

A second Culture Recovery Fund has now launched, and churches with listed buildings are being encouraged to apply for support.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Dec 2020
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of support available to places of worship in areas of high deprivation; and if he will make a statement.

While the primary responsibility for decisions on resourcing mission and ministry rests with the dioceses, the Church Commissioners have provided an extra resource to dioceses (distributed by The Archbishops’ Council) to support mission and ministry in deprived communities in the form of Lowest Income Communities Funding. Across England, £82.1m has been allocated by the Commissioners for this purpose in 2020-22. Recipient dioceses are required to report on their use of this funding to The Archbishops’ Council each year. The Diocese of Lichfield, which covers Walsall South, will receive over £1.7m of this funding in 2021. In 2019, the diocese allocated some £200,000 of this to support ministry and mission in parishes in Walsall.

The dioceses can also apply for Strategic Development Funding (SDF) for significant projects which support their mission and financial strength, in line with their own strategies. The criteria for this funding seeks to focus on areas of deprivation, and on work with children and young people and within large urban areas. In 2019, £1.7million was awarded to Lichfield Diocese to fund a project to enhance mission and ministry in Telford, which includes some of the diocese’s most deprived areas.

A further £35m Sustainability Funding has also been made available to help diocese whose income has been reduced by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This funding is focused on those dioceses with fewer historic assets and whose populations have lower average incomes. Grants worth £15m were made to 24 dioceses in 2020.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Attorney General, what assessment she has made of the ability of Ukraine and its international partners to (a) gather and (b) analyse evidence of Russian war crimes for the Special Tribunal in Ukraine.

On 20 January 2023, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will play a leading role in a core group of likeminded partners to pursue criminal accountability for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Alongside other international partners invited by Ukraine, the UK will shape thinking on how to ensure criminal accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. An investigation into the Crime of Aggression by any new tribunal could complement established mechanisms investigating war crimes, including the International Criminal Court and Ukraine’s domestic investigations and prosecutions. In joining this additional core group focused on Crimes of Aggression, the UK will complement its support on those other mechanisms in pursuit of accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide. Investigations for those international crimes are well underway, supported by UK initiatives such as the UK-US-EU Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, and judicial training by Sir Howard Morrison KC and Uk-based Advocates for International Development. On 4 March 2023, it was announced that an International Centre for the Prosecution of Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine will be established in The Hague, within the structure of Eurojust’s Joint Investigation Team for Ukraine.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Attorney General, what progress has been made on setting up a Special Tribunal on Ukraine.

On 20 January 2023, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will play a leading role in a core group of likeminded partners to pursue criminal accountability for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Alongside other international partners invited by Ukraine, the UK will shape thinking on how to ensure criminal accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The first meeting of the core group took place in Prague on 26 January 2023. On 4 March 2023 at the United for Justice conference in Lviv, it was announced that an International Centre for the Prosecution of Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine will be established in The Hague, within the structure of Eurojust’s Joint Investigation Team for Ukraine. I was delighted to represent the UK at that conference: this government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine in its search for justice.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
23rd Sep 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister has an advisory role to the Sovereign on the appointment of Anglican bishops; and what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of reviewing the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829.

Under reforms introduced in 2007 by the then Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister does not choose bishops or advise on the choice of bishops. His or her role is confined to putting the name of the nominated candidate to Her Majesty The Queen.

The Government does not have any current plans to review the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829.

7th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the services provided by Eaves Energy Solutions Ltd in providing works funded by the public purse under the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme; and what assessment he has made of the (a) adequacy and (b) value for money of energy improvement works more broadly to homes under that scheme.

Under the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme, installers were TrustMark-registered, MCS-certified for heat and PAS-certified for energy efficiency, therefore thoroughly vetted against trading practices. Installers regularly had their work inspected to ensure quality. The scheme monitored quotes provided by installers to prevent over-charging and robust counter-fraud measures were built into the scheme.

Interim findings from the scheme evaluation, including on installation quality and initial assessment of value for money, were published in January 2023. The final evaluation will be published Summer/Autumn 2023.

Constituents should raise complaints regarding an installation directly with their installer. If their issues are not resolved, further information can be found here: https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowners/if-things-go-wrong.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether people who live in charitable accommodation and pay their rent through an all-inclusive service charge will receive the £400 payment under the Energy Bills Support Scheme (a) directly or (b) through the charity that operates the scheme.

People living in charitable accommodation paying all-inclusive service charges will be eligible for support depending on the type of contract existing between the accommodation provider and the energy supplier.

If the accommodation provider has a domestic energy account, they will receive the EBSS discount and should pass this to their tenants. The Government is introducing legislation to ensure this happens.

If the accommodation provider has a business energy account, they will not receive EBSS. However, tenants will be able to apply for equivalent funding through the EBSS Additional Fund, details of which are to be announced in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support his Department is offering to (a) high energy usage small business and (b) small convenience stores in the context of the rising cost of energy.

The recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-plans-to-help-cut-energy-bills-for-businesses) ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. A review of the scheme, to be published in three months, will identify the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how the government will continue assisting them with energy costs after the initial six months.

The Government is also providing support via freezing alcohol duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits, and increasing the employment allowance. Government is also providing a 50% business rates relief for businesses across the UK and reducing employer national insurance. This is in addition to the billions in grants and loans offered throughout the pandemic.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps for (a) breach of contract and (b) enforcing appropriate financial remedies against Fujitsu for supplying faulty computer software in the Horizon Programme.

We have established the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry chaired by Sir Wyn Williams to find out what happened. We can look at accountability in relation to the Post Office and Fujitsu only when we have Sir Wyn’s findings.

19th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Post Office Horizon scandal, if the Government will take steps to commence directors disqualification proceedings under the Directors Disqualification Act against those directors in post at the Post Office during that scandal.

We have established the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry chaired by Sir Wyn Williams to find out what happened. We can look at accountability in relation to the Post Office and Fujitsu only when we have Sir Wyn’s findings.

19th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to recover bonuses paid to company directors during the Post Office Horizon scandal.

We have established the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry chaired by Sir Wyn Williams to find out what happened. We can look at accountability in relation to the Post Office and Fujitsu only when we have Sir Wyn’s findings.

4th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has held discussions with the UNK Accreditation Service regarding the provision of accreditation services to companies owned by the Myanmar military.

UKAS is appointed by Government as the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom to assess, against nationally and internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide conformity assessment services such as certification, testing, inspection, calibration and verification.

UKAS has stated they do not operate in Myanmar or provide accreditation services to companies owned by the Myanmar military. UKAS treats these matters very seriously and would investigate any such claims thoroughly.

17th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on battery energy storage systems of the fire at the Victoria Big Battery project in Australia on 30 July 2021.

The Government is aware of the incident in Australia. The Department will continue to work with the industry-led electricity storage health and safety governance group to analyse incidents around the world and derive conclusions, as soon as these become available.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the membership is of the Business Innovation Forum; and when it will meet.

As announced in the Innovation Strategy, in early 2022 we are establishing a Business Innovation Forum to galvanise action from the business community, drive implementation and to hold government to account on delivery.

The Forum will include representatives from the UK's largest R&D intensive businesses, smaller innovative businesses, and experts on innovation more broadly.

The Forum will meet at least quarterly, with the first meeting expected to take place soon. The full attendee list will be confirmed and published online in due course.

17th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what powers the Business Innovation Forum will have to scrutinise the implementation of the Innovation Strategy.

As announced in the Innovation Strategy, in early 2022 we are establishing a Business Innovation Forum to galvanise action from the business community, drive implementation and to hold government to account on delivery.

The Forum will support the Government in the implementation of the ‘UK Innovation Strategy’, galvanising action from the business community and reviewing progress against actions set out in the UK innovation Strategy.

I will attend each Forum meeting to receive members’ views directly

14th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to achieve the UK's new Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC under the Paris Agreement.

We will publish our comprehensive Net Zero Strategy ahead of COP26, setting out the Government’s vision for transitioning to a net zero economy, and raising ambition as we outline our path to meet net zero by 2050, our Carbon Budgets and 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support employees of GKN Automotive, Erdington facing redundancy.

The proposed closure of the GKN Automotive plant in Erdington in Birmingham, putting over 500 jobs at risk, is deeply worrying for the employees and their families. While this is a commercial matter. Ministers and officials have met with the management of GKN Automotive, Unite the Union, and the local constituency MP. The purpose was to gain a more detailed understanding of the reasoning behind the proposed closure, and to explore options for securing a future for the site, to safeguard the jobs of the employees.

The statutory consultation process is ongoing, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and present alternative proposals. The government is monitoring developments.

In the event of the plant being closed, the government stands ready to support those impacted back into work. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Jobcentre Plus lead on this. They have doubled the number of frontline Work Coaches across the network of jobcentres to ensure people have access to bespoke advice and guidance.

The Government is working in partnership with the automotive sector to exploit the opportunities from the transition to zero emission vehicles. Nearly £500m has been committed through the Automotive Transformation Fund to build an internationally competitive electric vehicle supply chain, which will create jobs in our industrial heartlands.

12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of GKN Automotive, Erdington on job losses; and if he will make a statement.

The proposed closure of the GKN Automotive plant in Erdington in Birmingham, putting over 500 jobs at risk, is deeply worrying for the employees and their families. While this is a commercial matter. Ministers and officials have met with the management of GKN Automotive, Unite the Union, and the local constituency MP. The purpose was to gain a more detailed understanding of the reasoning behind the proposed closure, and to explore options for securing a future for the site, to safeguard the jobs of the employees.

The statutory consultation process is ongoing, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and present alternative proposals. The government is monitoring developments.

In the event of the plant being closed, the government stands ready to support those impacted back into work. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Jobcentre Plus lead on this. They have doubled the number of frontline Work Coaches across the network of jobcentres to ensure people have access to bespoke advice and guidance.

The Government is working in partnership with the automotive sector to exploit the opportunities from the transition to zero emission vehicles. Nearly £500m has been committed through the Automotive Transformation Fund to build an internationally competitive electric vehicle supply chain, which will create jobs in our industrial heartlands.

23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to secure a sustainable future for clubs in the English Football League.

The Government published its response to the recommendations made by the Independent Fan-Led Review of Football Governance in April 2022. The Government recognises the need for the long-term financial sustainability of football clubs, throughout the football pyramid.

The Government will publish a White Paper on Football Governance reforms imminently, to set out our detailed plans to improve the financial stability and governance of football clubs across all leagues. The Government remains clear that the preferred outcome on financial distributions is a football led solution. The football authorities can take forward some of the reforms needed now, and we continue to work with industry to push toward this.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Government will give a new independent regulator for football the necessary powers to ensure fair distributions from the Premier League to the rest of the clubs in line with the recommendations of the Fan Led Review.

The Government published its response to the recommendations made by the Independent Fan-Led Review of Football Governance in April 2022. The Government recognises the need for the long-term financial sustainability of football clubs, throughout the football pyramid.

The Government will publish a White Paper on Football Governance reforms imminently, to set out our detailed plans to improve the financial stability and governance of football clubs across all leagues. The Government remains clear that the preferred outcome on financial distributions is a football led solution. The football authorities can take forward some of the reforms needed now, and we continue to work with industry to push toward this.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
26th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make it her policy to ensure spending on repairs and renovations to listed places of worship are permanently exempt from VAT to enable conservation of heritage sites.

The Government recognises that listed places of worship represent some of the nation's finest heritage, and that there are particular burdens to the upkeep of such spiritual architecture. The Government funded Listed Place of Worship Grant Scheme aims to support the works by giving grants that cover the VAT incurred in making repairs to listed buildings in use as places of worship. This supports the effective conservation of these sites.

In 2012, my Department and the Treasury became joint funders, with annual funding increased up to £42 million per annum. I am pleased to confirm this amount of funding has been secured for the current spending period until 31st March 2025. Whilst the government cannot confirm this funding permanently, my officials remain in close contact with the sector and are aware of the ongoing need for support for this scheme.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government response to the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance, published on 25 April 2022, CP 658, when she plans to (a) publish the white paper on reforming football governance and (b) introduce an independent regulator.

The Government published its response to the recommendations made by the Independent Fan Led Review of Football Governance in April 2022. We absolutely recognise the need for football to be reformed to ensure the game’s sustainability in the long term. We are now taking the time to consider the policy, but we remain committed to publishing a White Paper setting out our detailed response to the fan led review of football governance, and will set this out in due course.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when the Government will publish its proposals in response to the Fan-Led review of Football Governance.

The Government has published its response to the recommendations made by the Independent Fan Led Review of Football Governance. This was in April 2022.

The Government accepts or supports all of the ten strategic recommendations which set out the government’s planned reform of football. The Queen’s Speech confirmed our commitment to an independent regulator for English football and we will bring forward proposals in this Parliamentary session. A White Paper will be published in the summer that will set out the details on the implementation of our football governance reforms. We are working at pace to deliver these measures that will bring sustainable reform that ensures current and future fans continue to enjoy our national game.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many teachers in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Walsall South constituency do not have qualified teacher status.

Information on the school workforce in England is published in the annual ‘School Workforce in England’ national statistics release, available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england.

The number of teachers without qualified teacher status in all state funded schools in England, including a breakdown by primary and secondary, and by local authority, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/29d83b82-2aba-44c7-bb82-08db371944c7.

Data relating to schools in individual constituencies can be found in the ‘teacher and support staff numbers by school’ file, within the additional supporting files section, available at: https://content.explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/api/releases/0728fb07-f014-492c-aac9-fd11bb441601/files/2dfcc772-c410-46ac-cb9d-08da713e9200.

There are 24,000 more teachers now than in 2010. The quality of teaching is the most important in school factor in improving outcomes for children, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Evidence is clear that high quality professional development can lead to improved pupil attainment.

The Department has invested in transforming training for teachers and head teachers. Every teacher and head teacher now has access to high quality, evidence based training and professional development at every stage of their career, starting with initial teacher training (ITT).

By 2024, a reformed ITT provider market will be delivering quality assured training leading to qualified teacher status (QTS) that places a greater emphasis than ever before on embedding structured practice into courses, ensuring trainees are ready to thrive in the classroom.

A new system of higher quality training provider partnerships will be supported by £36 million to introduce new Quality Requirements, including better training for mentors and the delivery of new, cutting edge, intensive training, and practice activity. Every teaching school hub will be involved in ITT to ensure that training places are available across the country.

QTS is considered desirable for teachers in most schools in England. In some schools, including academies, free schools, and independent schools, QTS is not a legal requirement. Academies have a fundamental freedom to employ talented people who do not necessarily have QTS.

Most teachers in all schools, including academies, have QTS and have undertaken initial teacher training. In the 2021/22 academic year, the latest data available, 14,771 teachers (headcount) did not have qualified teacher status, equivalent to 2.9% of teachers.

7th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of Teachers of the Deaf in (a) Walsall South and (b) England.

Information on the number of qualified teachers of the deaf is not collected by the department.

Information on the school workforce in England is collected as part of the annual School Workforce Census each November. Information is published in the ‘School Workforce in England’ statistical publication: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england.

Claire Coutinho
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the number of Teachers of the Deaf in each year since 2010; and if she will make a statement.

On 2 March 2023, the department published the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan in response to the Green Paper published in March 2022. This outlines the government’s mission for the SEND and AP system to fulfil children’s potential, including those with sensory impairment.

As stated in the Plan, to support the supply of teachers with a mandatory qualification in sensory impairment (MQSI), the department has developed a new approval process to determine providers of MQSIs from the start of the 2023/24 academic year. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) are also developing an apprenticeship for teachers of sensory impairment. They are working with universities, local authorities and sector representatives, including the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People, to develop the qualification and expect it to be available from 2025. In addition to this, the department is exploring further options to maximise take up of MQSIs, with a view to improve the supply of teachers for children with sensory impairments.

Claire Coutinho
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the premature online publication of the AQA A-level Chemistry Paper 2 in June 2022, what steps he is taking to ensure the integrity of examinations and fairness for pupils.

This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have asked its Chief Regulator, Dr Jo Saxton, to write to the right hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.


23rd Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he plans to take to provide an alternative student finance product for Muslim students who are unable to access student loans owing to their beliefs on interest.

The government’s priority, in our response to the report of the Independent Panel of the Review of Post 18 Education and Funding, is to put the student finance system on a sustainable footing for the long term.

As part of our response, we are introducing the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE). We are considering if and how Alternative Student Finance (ASF) could be delivered as part of the LLE.

We believe it is sensible to align future delivery of an ASF product with these major reforms to ensure fair treatment for all students.

Michelle Donelan
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Education and Childcare settings New National Restrictions from 5 November 2020 guidance and the updated guidance for full opening of schools, whether private instrumental lessons can take place in (a) teachers' homes, (b) private studios and (c) pupils' homes during the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown.

As outlined in the guidance for education and childcare settings on new national restrictions from 5 November 2020, out-of-school activities such as private tuition may continue to operate during the period of national restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-and-childcare-settings-new-national-restrictions-from-5-november-2020#ooss. Providers of these activities who are operating out of their own homes or private studios should ensure they are only being accessed for face-to-face provision by parents if their primary purpose is registered childcare. If they are providing other activities for children, this should be done only where it is reasonably necessary to enable parents to work or search for work, to undertake training or education, or for the purposes of respite care.

Out-of-school activities that are primarily used by home educating parents, as part of their arrangements for their child to receive a suitable full-time education, may also continue to operate for face-to-face provision for the duration of the national restrictions. This could include, for example, private tutors.

Where online lessons are not reasonably possible, providers are permitted to offer face-to-face provision in pupils’ homes, where it is necessary for them to continue to work.

Tutors that continue to operate face-to-face provision during this period should continue to undertake risk assessments and implement the system of controls set out in the protective measures for holiday clubs, after-school clubs and other out-of-school clubs for children during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak. Providers operating out of other people’s homes should also implement the guidance on working safely in these environments: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes.

All other out of school activities, not being primarily used by parents for these purposes and that can offer remote education, should close for face-to-face provision for the duration of the national restrictions. This will minimise the amount of mixing between different groups of people and therefore reduce the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19.

19th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he plans to publish the refreshed National Plan for Music Education.

The call for evidence on music education was launched on 9 February and closed on 13 March, the findings from which will inform the refreshed National Plan for Music Education. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the refresh of the plan is currently on hold but will be published in due course.

The Government has been clear in its intention to keep schools open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure all pupils get a high-quality education. Schools should undertake a COVID-19 risk assessment by following the advice set out in the Department’s guidance for full opening of schools. The guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools. There may be an additional risk of infection in environments where singing and the playing of wind or brass instruments takes place. The guidance also includes advice on how schools can teach music safely, including on musical equipment. Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts.

The guidance is also clear that the curriculum should remain broad so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including the arts. In Key Stages 4 and 5, the majority of GCSE and A-level students are expected to continue to study their examination subjects, including those who are due to take exams in music, to support them towards their preferred route to further study.

19th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he will take to accommodate students who have been unable to practice their chosen musical instrument in school during the covid -19 outbreak in forthcoming GCSE and A Level music exams.

The Government has been clear that it is a top priority to keep schools open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure all pupils get a high quality education.

The Department’s guidance for the full opening of schools for this academic year makes clear that the curriculum should remain broad so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including the arts. The guidance also states that in Key Stage 4 and 5, the majority of GCSE and A level students are expected to continue to study their examination subjects, including those due to take exams in music, to support them towards their preferred route to further study.

There may be an additional risk of infection in environments where singing, and playing of wind or brass instruments, takes place. The guidance also sets out detailed advice on how schools can teach these aspects of music safely. Schools should take the necessary steps to ensure those singing or practicing woodwind or brass instruments in school can do so safely. The Department’s full guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#music-dance-and-drama-in-school.

In August, Ofqual published decisions on subject-level changes to exams and assessments in 2021, including for GCSE and A level music, to reduce pressure on teaching time next year and respond to public health requirements. On Monday 12 October, the Government confirmed that no further subject-level changes to exams and assessments will be made for GCSEs, AS and A levels. This confirmation gives teachers, school and college leaders, and students clarity on what will be assessed in exams next summer.

19th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that music is not removed from the curriculum during the covid-19 outbreak.

The call for evidence on music education was launched on 9 February and closed on 13 March, the findings from which will inform the refreshed National Plan for Music Education. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the refresh of the plan is currently on hold but will be published in due course.

The Government has been clear in its intention to keep schools open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure all pupils get a high-quality education. Schools should undertake a COVID-19 risk assessment by following the advice set out in the Department’s guidance for full opening of schools. The guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools. There may be an additional risk of infection in environments where singing and the playing of wind or brass instruments takes place. The guidance also includes advice on how schools can teach music safely, including on musical equipment. Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts.

The guidance is also clear that the curriculum should remain broad so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including the arts. In Key Stages 4 and 5, the majority of GCSE and A-level students are expected to continue to study their examination subjects, including those who are due to take exams in music, to support them towards their preferred route to further study.

19th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance he has provided to schools to ensure that their risk assessments do not result in reduced access to music and equipment.

The call for evidence on music education was launched on 9 February and closed on 13 March, the findings from which will inform the refreshed National Plan for Music Education. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the refresh of the plan is currently on hold but will be published in due course.

The Government has been clear in its intention to keep schools open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure all pupils get a high-quality education. Schools should undertake a COVID-19 risk assessment by following the advice set out in the Department’s guidance for full opening of schools. The guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools. There may be an additional risk of infection in environments where singing and the playing of wind or brass instruments takes place. The guidance also includes advice on how schools can teach music safely, including on musical equipment. Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts.

The guidance is also clear that the curriculum should remain broad so that the majority of pupils are taught a full range of subjects over the year, including the arts. In Key Stages 4 and 5, the majority of GCSE and A-level students are expected to continue to study their examination subjects, including those who are due to take exams in music, to support them towards their preferred route to further study.

25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the Government's policy is on creating a register of carbon offset schemes in the UK to monitor the purchase of viable agricultural land used for this purpose.

The UK Land Carbon Registry is operated on behalf of the UK and Devolved Governments. It contains information about projects registered under the UK Woodland Carbon Code and the UK Peatland Code, the location of registered projects, and the quantity of carbon units issued to date and expected to be issued in future subject to verification of the carbon savings delivered ( https://www.woodlandcarboncode.org.uk/uk-land-carbon-registry).

Agricultural and planning policies are devolved matters. In England Her Majesty's Land Registry publishes information on all companies (UK and overseas) which own property in England and Wales ( https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/land-registry).

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Women and Equalities on expanding accessible infrastructure at railway stations for (a) disabled travellers and (b) parents with prams.

We are continuing to support the Access for All programme which has delivered over 230 accessible stations so far, with another 70 stations in various stages of development or construction and hope to announce further stations that will benefit from accessibility improvements in due course. The rail industry is already subject to the Equality Act 2010 and under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to allow disabled passengers to access services. Network Rail is also subject to the provisions of the Public Sector Equality Duty. In addition, whenever the industry installs, replaces or renews station infrastructure they must comply with current accessibility standards or face possible enforcement action by the Office of Rail and Road.

Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Women and Equalities on the potential merits of using sections (a) 20 and (b) 29 of the Equalities Act 2010 to increase access at railway stations for (i) disabled travellers and (ii) parents with prams.

We are continuing to support the Access for All programme which has delivered over 230 accessible stations so far, with another 70 stations in various stages of development or construction and hope to announce further stations that will benefit from accessibility improvements in due course. The rail industry is already subject to the Equality Act 2010 and under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to allow disabled passengers to access services. Network Rail is also subject to the provisions of the Public Sector Equality Duty. In addition, whenever the industry installs, replaces or renews station infrastructure they must comply with current accessibility standards or face possible enforcement action by the Office of Rail and Road.

Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
17th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of constructing a cycle lane alongside the HS2 line from London to Birmingham.

The Government commissioned a study of cycling opportunities along the spine of HS2 corridor in 2013 and this was published in 2018 National cycleway feasibility study associated with HS2 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
22nd Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the music industry on the availability of HGVs and specialist concert hauliers in 2022.

The Department for Transport has been engaging regularly, through meetings and working groups, with representatives of the specialist haulage industry that provides logistics services for the creative sectors. The Department continues to explore ways to support the industry as it adapts to the requirements of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

18th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the number of people using the Household Support Fund to pay off debts to energy companies; and what assessment he has made of trends in the level of people using the Household Support Fund to pay off those debts.

The Household Support Fund is a discretionary scheme run by Upper Tier Local Authorities in England to provide support to the most vulnerable households. The Household Support Fund is primarily used to meet immediate need including energy and water bills, food, as well as wider related essentials. It is for Local Authorities to decide how they distribute their funding within the parameters of the scheme’s guidance and grant determination.

The Government collects high level data on the broad categories of the support provided by the scheme in order to ensure that funded activities are within the scope of guidance. The Household Support Fund data does not provide sufficient information to allow for an analysis of trends in the level of people using the Household Support Fund to pay off debt to energy companies.

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
2nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support for pension tracing she is providing to people who are (a) about to retire and (b) unaware of the details of the employers they have worked for the purposes of ensuring that they have access to their full pension entitlement.

The Government has existing provision to assist people in finding contact details of schemes they may have pensions with. ‘Find pension contact details’ is a customer-facing, self-service system on GOV.UK. This service will trace the administrator of a specific pension scheme and provide contact details to the individual so they can contact that scheme to help reconnect with a pension pot. There is also a DWP agent service, the Pension Tracing Service, which provides the same information via the telephone for individuals who are unable to use the ‘Find Pensions Contact Details’ service.

Furthermore, when parliamentary time allows, regulations to introduce pensions dashboards will be laid before Parliament, with dashboards subsequently launching to the public in the coming years. Pensions dashboards will make it easy for people to see their pensions information, including their State Pension, in one place online at the touch of a smartphone, laptop, or computer at home. This will put people in control and reconnect them with their lost pension pots, transforming how they think and plan for retirement.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)