The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angela Crawley on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the effects of the Government’s welfare programme on social and economic inequalities in Scotland.
Priti Patel
I refer the hon Lady to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon Members for Glasgow North East and Angus.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kate Osamor on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with ministers of the Scottish Government and women’s organisations on devolving competence for abortion legislation to Scotland.
David Mundell
I have discussed the issue of devolution of competence for abortion law in Scotland with representatives of several women’s organisations and I have a regular dialogue with the Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister on all aspects of implementation of the Smith Agreement.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Pursglove on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the future of the steel industry in Scotland.
Anna Soubry
The problems affecting the steel industry apply across the UK. As does the action we have been taking to help the steel industry on electricity costs and unfair imports.
We will work with the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and the industry to ensure a sustainable future for UK steel.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Stevenson on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with local authorities in Scotland on City Deals.
David Mundell
I have had very useful discussions with almost every local authority in Scotland since last May, where I have discussed a range of matters, including City Deals and their equivalents.
My officials also work closely with bidding authorities to refine proposals and I was delighted to sign the £250 million Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire deal on 28 January.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Fuller on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department has taken to tackle homelessness.
Mr Marcus Jones
This Government is clear one person without a home is one too many. Despite the need to take tough financial decisions we have increased central funding for homelessness programmes to £139 million over the Parliament.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gordon Henderson on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to support smaller building firms in building high-quality new homes.
Brandon Lewis
We have put in place a number of initiatives to help smaller builders to build more homes and grow their businesses including the Housing Growth Fund and Builders’ Finance Fund. A new £1 billion short-term housing development fund, announced at Autumn Statement, will be launched in the Spring.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Graham Allen on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues on income tax assignment to local government in England; and if he will make a statement.
Greg Clark
The Government is committed to giving local areas more control over their own resources. By 2020, local government will retain 100 per cent of business rates revenue, up from 50 per cent now.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Murrison on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the effectiveness of adult social care in facilitating an efficient return to the community after hospital treatment.
Mr Marcus Jones
I meet regularly with colleagues at the Department of Health, including discussions about the £5.3 billion Better Care Fund, which has a key role in helping people get home quickly after they have been in hospital.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Daniel Zeichner on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many disabled people have been affected by the under-occupancy deduction from housing benefit to date.
Justin Tomlinson
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Diana Johnson on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the contribution of the Employment Minister at 1 February 2016 Official Report: column 638, if he will make it his policy to ensure that all individuals receiving dialysis and in-work qualify for personal independence payment.
Justin Tomlinson
We have no plans to do so. Entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is based on the effects of disability on a person’s life and not on any particular or specific disability, illness or treatment received. The PIP assessment is designed to treat all health conditions and impairments fairly, including for those with renal or kidney disease. If someone is found to be entitled to PIP they can continue to receive the benefit whether they are in or out of work.
The Government provides a range of employment support for disabled people or people with health conditions that affect the way they work, such as: Access to Work, which offers financial awards to pay for additional support beyond an employer’s statutory duty to make reasonable adjustments; Work Choice, which provides tailored support to help unemployed disabled people enter and retain work; and Specialist Employability Support, which focuses on helping disabled people who need intensive, specialist support to either enter work or engage in employment related courses or activities.