Asked by: Beth Winter (Labour - Cynon Valley)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions her Department has had with broadband and mobile phone providers who do not offer a social tariff on the provision of such a tariff.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Currently, 22 social tariff packages are available from 19 providers, in various regions of the UK, from as little as £10 a month. Based on coverage of the current providers, social tariffs are available across 99% of the country. We continue to urge those providers who do not currently offer a social tariff to consider the steps they might take to bring a low-cost offer to the market. My department engages with the industry on these issues on an ongoing basis.
We have taken steps to raise awareness of the availability of social tariffs. In November 2022, as part of Help for Households (and in collaboration with operators, charities and consumer groups), we launched a marketing campaign to raise awareness of social tariffs, using radio, press and television advertising to highlight that offers are available to households at this difficult time. Ofcom’s latest April 2023 Affordability Report shows that awareness has increased to 47% up from just 16% in January 2022. While we are pleased with the progress, we have also called on the telecoms industry to do more to ensure their customers know about the support available.
Ofcom’s Report also showed that 5.1% (220,000) of the 4.3 million households eligible were taking up a social tariff. This is a four-fold increase from January 2022. There are a range of complex reasons why take up may not be as high as might be expected, including: the availability of existing low cost, commercial packages; the availability of bundled services allowing consumers to save money over a range of products (such as landline, mobile and pay TV); and public misconceptions about the reliability of the cheaper deals.
Asked by: Beth Winter (Labour - Cynon Valley)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to raise awareness of the availability of broadband and mobile phone social tariffs amongst those households eligible to apply.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Currently, 22 social tariff packages are available from 19 providers, in various regions of the UK, from as little as £10 a month. Based on coverage of the current providers, social tariffs are available across 99% of the country. We continue to urge those providers who do not currently offer a social tariff to consider the steps they might take to bring a low-cost offer to the market. My department engages with the industry on these issues on an ongoing basis.
We have taken steps to raise awareness of the availability of social tariffs. In November 2022, as part of Help for Households (and in collaboration with operators, charities and consumer groups), we launched a marketing campaign to raise awareness of social tariffs, using radio, press and television advertising to highlight that offers are available to households at this difficult time. Ofcom’s latest April 2023 Affordability Report shows that awareness has increased to 47% up from just 16% in January 2022. While we are pleased with the progress, we have also called on the telecoms industry to do more to ensure their customers know about the support available.
Ofcom’s Report also showed that 5.1% (220,000) of the 4.3 million households eligible were taking up a social tariff. This is a four-fold increase from January 2022. There are a range of complex reasons why take up may not be as high as might be expected, including: the availability of existing low cost, commercial packages; the availability of bundled services allowing consumers to save money over a range of products (such as landline, mobile and pay TV); and public misconceptions about the reliability of the cheaper deals.
Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the BBC Mid-Term Review, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the way Ofcom evaluates the market impact of changes to the BBC’s public services.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In May 2022, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched the Mid-Term Review to assess how effectively the governance and regulation arrangements of the BBC are performing and whether any reforms are necessary. The Terms of Reference, published in May 2022, stated that the Review will look at competition and market impact, and will evaluate how the BBC and Ofcom assess the market impact and public value of the BBC in an evolving marketplace and how that relates to the wider UK media ecology, including with regard to commercial radio and local news sectors and other content makers and distributors.
DCMS is working through feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to help us develop our conclusions. We are consulting the BBC, Ofcom and the Devolved Administrations on our findings, as required by the Review’s Terms of Reference. The Government is seeking to conclude the review at pace, and to report on its findings by 2024.
Asked by: Dan Jarvis (Labour - Barnsley Central)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps is her Department taking to inform domestic owners of bird flocks of compliance with any new Housing Orders to stop the spread of Avian Flu.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
To assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity including compliance with the mandatory Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) housing measures currently in force in England Defra have published biosecurity guidance available at Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Bird flu (avian influenza): housing your birds safely - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Defra and its delivery agency for disease control the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) utilise a range of communication channels to reach and inform domestic owners of bird flocks of this guidance and the latest situation and disease control measures, including, the use of social media, posters, radio adverts, podcasts, and video content. In addition to text and emails email alerts for those on the poultry register and those who have signed up to APHA disease alert subscription service.
Defra also issue national, local and trade press releases to make sure the latest information is communicated through the media. In addition to this we keen a rolling gov.uk news story with live updates as new advice and cases emerge. During the avian influenza outbreak the UK Chief Veterinary Officer has regularly been interviewed about the avian influenza situation and advice by journalists from multiple national news outlets. Defra spokespeople have also undertaken interviews with regional television and radio broadcasters from a range of channels across the country to raise awareness of the disease control measures that are in force.
Defra regularly meets with representatives of the Local Authority National Animal Health and Welfare Panel to review and refine the approach to guidance and the enforcement of disease prevention and controls. Government is also working closely with key stakeholders including commercial, small scale, pet and specialist bird keepers, together with ornithological, veterinary, wildlife rehabilitation sector representatives, to communicate developments and reiterate the importance of biosecurity.
Asked by: Stephanie Peacock (Labour - Barnsley East)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference the Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services, published in July 2019, if she will make an assessment of compatibility of Ofcom’s intention to allow volume-based pricing discounts in the fixed line market with that Statement.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Through the 2019 Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP), the Government gave Ofcom a strategic priority to incentivise market competition. Ofcom must have regard to this SSP when taking regulatory decisions and has introduced a number of pro-competition measures both in its 2021 Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (WFTMR) and beyond. We meet regularly with Ofcom at all levels to monitor how the regulator delivers on its strategic priorities.
In relation to volume-based pricing discounts, the remedies set out by Ofcom in the WFTMR for downstream markets promote competition and investment in gigabit-capable networks. In all areas, Ofcom prohibits Openreach from using wholesale pricing structures to deter new network build by competing network operators by prohibiting certain geographic discounts and providing transparency of other commercial terms that may distort competition.
Given Ofcom’s statutory independence, it would otherwise not be appropriate for the Government to comment on its regulatory decisions, which are taken independent of the government.
Asked by: Emma Hardy (Labour - Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle)
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of when digital terrestrial (a) TV and (b) radio will no longer be required; on what evidential basis she has made that assessment; and whether she plans to take steps to gather further data.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government remains committed to the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT), the technology underpinning the popular Freeview platform.
The Government has legislated to secure continuity of digital terrestrial television until at least 2034. We will, however, continue to assess and evaluate the future distribution of television as the sector evolves over the next decade, and we have asked Ofcom to undertake an early review on market changes that may affect the future of content distribution before the end of 2025. This review will form our evidence base for future long term decisions for the period after 2034.
The report of the joint government and industry Digital Radio and Audio Review, published in October 2021, considered in some detail the future of radio given changes to the wider media landscape and the rapid growth of online audio listening.
The Review, which gathered a wide range of research and other evidence, concluded that broadcast transmission (particularly DAB) is likely to represent a significant proportion of radio listening for the foreseeable future.
The Government passed legislation in April 2022 to enable Ofcom to renew the two national commercial digital radio multiplex licences until December 2035.
Asked by: Kim Leadbeater (Labour - Batley and Spen)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to (a) publicise and (b) promote the (i) role and (ii) importance of lasting power of attorney orders.
Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
The Public Guardian is committed to making Lasting Power of Attorney attainable and accessible for all and I recognise that awareness of OPG’s services is key to achieving this.
OPG’s targeted Your Voice Your Decision campaign has sought to raise awareness of the benefits of LPAs and tackle common misconceptions. This has included targeted commercial and community radio advertising and working with partners to reach key audiences.
A range of social media channels are used to explain how OPG’s services can be accessed and how applications can be completed accurately. OPG maintains regular dialogue with key stakeholders to raise awareness about OPGs services and to highlight the importance of planning for the future and considering whether a lasting power of attorney is the right option. OPG also works collaboratively with stakeholders to help users make and use LPAs effectively, including through presentations delivered by OPG at stakeholder events.
The Government is currently supporting the Power of Attorney Private Member’s Bill. This will make possible reforms that will modernise and strengthen the process and enable individuals to make an LPA completely online for the first time. An improved paper process will also be introduced for those who are unable to or choose not to use the internet.
Asked by: Luke Pollard (Labour (Co-op) - Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to help increase mobile phone connectivity on trainlines in the South West.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on all trains in the South West of England.
Good progress has recently been made by the Department in understanding the technical barriers of ensuring improved mobile phone connectivity, including in tunnels and rural areas. Research has been conducted to evaluate the characteristics of different tunnels, how they block signal and what technical solutions could be implemented to extend mobile coverage into tunnels. Additionally, research has been undertaken to look at the effect train carriage walls have on signals, which often impair the level of connectivity passengers can access.
These reports are both available to read via the following links:
Report on Mobile Connectivity in rolling stock –radio frequency attenuation characteristics
Report on GB Rail Tunnel Signal Propagation & Wireless Connectivity Options
The Department is continuing to work closely with Network Rail, Department for Culture Media and Sport, and other Government departments to reduce the commercial and technical barriers to improving mobile connectivity along the entire rail corridor.
Asked by: Justin Tomlinson (Conservative - North Swindon)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to help ensure that regional media content is made available in the region to which it relates by radio stations in the context of localised opt-outs.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government recognises the positive impact that local public service broadcasting – particularly access to local radio and television services – has on local communities. On a local level, our public service broadcasters, local TV providers, news publishers and commercial and community radio stations all play a crucial role in disseminating accurate news and reflecting the unique interests of the audiences that they serve. Our Broadcasting White Paper published in April this year outlined our plans to support this diversity of content through a changing landscape.
The Government is disappointed that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio output. The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from the government as set out in its Royal Charter, and decisions on service delivery are a matter for the BBC. However, I have been clear with the Chairman of the BBC Board and the Director General that the BBC must make sure it continues to provide distinctive and genuinely local services, with content that reflects and represents people and communities from all corners of the UK.
The Government also expects Ofcom, as regulator of the BBC, to ensure the BBC is robustly held to account in delivering its public service duties. The Secretary of State has already asked Ofcom about how they are considering this issue, and Ofcom is continuing to discuss these proposals with the BBC.
Asked by: Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the impact on communities of local (a) radio stations and (b) newspapers.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Local radio stations are a vital part of the communities they serve, providing trusted news, entertainment and companionship to listeners in different communities in all parts of the UK. In recognition of this, we have committed to bring forward a package of changes to update the rules on commercial radio licensing, including strengthening local news and information requirements. We intend to bring forward legislation in this area when Parliamentary time allows.
The community radio sector also provides an important service, with around 300 Ofcom-licensed stations having been launched since 2005. The Government continues to make funding available to support the growth of the sector, by way of the Community Radio Fund (CRF). The Fund distributes £400,000 on an annual basis to help fund the core costs of running licensed community radio stations and enable the sector to move towards self-sustainability. Furthermore, in the last two financial years, we have supported the CRF to go beyond this core funding, with significant uplifts targeted on tackling loneliness and to reflect the sector’s important contribution to the Government’s ambitions on levelling up.
Local newspapers also play an invaluable role in the fabric of our society - in supporting communities and local democracy, holding power to account, keeping the public informed of local issues and providing reliable, high-quality information. They remain uniquely placed to undertake the investigative journalism and scrutiny of public institutions, including local councils and our courts, that is vital to helping ensure a healthy democracy at a local level. And Government-commissioned research into the importance of newspapers to local communities found that changes in news provision and consumption over time had a direct impact on participation levels in local elections in England.
The Government has taken a number of steps to support this vital sector, including through the extension of business rates relief for local newspapers in England for an additional five years; the investment of £2 million in the Future News Fund; the zero-rating of VAT on e-newspapers; the 2021 publication of an Online Media Literacy Strategy; and our work through the Mid-Term Review of the BBC Charter, exploring how the BBC seeks to act as a complement, rather than a substitute for, local commercial news outlets.
The Government was also pleased to see the BBC conduct a thorough review of the Local Democracy Reporting Service in 2020, and we would support any efforts by the BBC to grow the scheme. Most importantly, we are introducing a new, pro-competition regime for digital markets. The regime, which aims to address the far-reaching power of the biggest tech firms, will help rebalance the relationship between publishers and the online platforms on which they increasingly rely. This will make an important contribution to the sustainability of the press at both local and national level. We continue to consider all possible options in the interest of promoting and sustaining the sector.