The below Parliamentary question was asked by Debbie Abrahams on 2016-03-24.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many care leavers aged 18 to 25 have had sanctions overturned or reduced on reconsideration or appeal in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15.
Priti Patel
The information requested in respect of care leavers is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the proposed removal of Government support for solar thermal energy on the (a) UK solar thermal and (b) solar cylinder manufacturing industry.
Andrea Leadsom
The Government’s recent consultation on reform of the Renewable Heat Incentive included a proposal to withdraw RHI support for solar thermal technologies. The consultation closed on 27 April. In taking a decision on the future of support for solar thermal we will consider all relevant factors including potential effects on the UK supply chain.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno on 2016-06-09.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many visitors from the EU came to the UK in (1) 2000, (2) 2010, and (3) 2015.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe
In 2010 there were 20.3 million visits to the UK from the EU, and 24.2 million in 2015. This data is not available for 2000. This Government is committed to further increasing the number of visitors to the UK and growing the tourism industry across the whole of Britain, as set out in our Five Point Plan, which can be found on the attached report.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick on 2016-09-06.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the possible impact of Brexit on workers’ pensions.
Lord Freud
The period since the referendum has seen movements in market conditions that could have a material impact on pension schemes funding positions. However, the precise effect will depend on a number of factors including how assets are allocated and the approach to hedging. It is important to remember that pensions are invested in the long-term. We continue to monitor the impact.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 2016-10-21.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Age UK report on self-funders in care homes published on 20 October showing that self-funded care home patients are in effect subsidising local authority funded patients.
Lord Prior of Brampton
Care and support is arranged on an open market where prices and fee rates are negotiated locally by commissioners for state funded clients, whilst individuals and their families do so for those who self-fund. The Government has no say in these individual negotiations.
Under the Care Act, councils are under a duty to promote their overall local provider market to ensure it remains sustainable and delivers high-quality services for all local people. Prices and fee rates paid by commissioners to provider organisations must reflect these new duties.
The Department published the Care and Support statutory guidance setting out how councils should meet these new duties when commissioning, including the consideration of the actual costs of care and support when negotiating fee levels. This guidance is an online-only resource, subject to updates.
The Department is aware of the Age UK report Behind the headlines: ‘stuck in the middle’ – self-funders in care homes. There are many reasons why individuals who self-fund may pay more than local authorities, including premium accommodation and services, and discounts that may be available to authorities for bulk purchasing and lower transaction costs.
The Government has no plans to ask the competition authorities or the Care Quality Commission to review the Age UK report, though we maintain a continuing dialogue across government and with the sector to encourage good practice and fairness to consumers.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mark Hendrick on 2016-01-13.
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people had supporting documents confirming identity and finances lost by the Tax Credit Office in each month in 2015; and how much was paid in compensation to people affected by such a loss.
Mr David Gauke
HM Revenue and Customs do not hold the requested data.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Luciana Berger on 2016-02-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he has made an assessment of the effect of proposed changes to housing benefit on tenants in supported housing and their access to mental health services.
Alistair Burt
Shortly, we will be engaging colleagues across Government on the proposed changes to housing benefit. As the cross-Government lead, the Department for Work and Pensions is coordinating any work to understand the likely impact of the reforms.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Peter Kyle on 2016-02-29.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent progress she has made on the inclusion of mother’s names on marriage certificates.
James Brokenshire
There is agreement that the names of both parents should be included in the marriage entry. The Home Office continues to work with all interested parties to consider the most efficient and effective way to achieve this. Doing so is likely to require additional funding and changes to legislation, IT systems and administrative processes. A timetable will be confirmed for changes as soon as there is an opportunity to legislate on this matter.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Stephens on 2016-03-24.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he plans to Answer Question 26990, tabled on 11 February 2016 by the hon. Member for Glasgow South West.
Nick Boles
I apologise to the hon Member for the delay. I will reply as soon as possible.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Rosindell on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what provisions are in place to ensure that the jurisdiction of Investor State Dispute Settlement tribunal hearings remains restricted to its current mandate under the terms of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
Anna Soubry
Investment protection provisions in trade and investment treaties such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) aim to protect international investors from discriminatory or unfair treatment by a state. Their investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions allow international investors to bring claims if they think the obligations set out in the treaty have been breached by the host state. As such, Governments cannot initiate claims against investors. Under the European Commission’s proposals for TTIP, in line with normal investment treaty practice, UK investors would be able to bring ISDS claims against the US Government.
The jurisdiction of any ISDS tribunal established in TTIP will be set out in the investment protection and ISDS provisions of the agreement. The aim of the European Commission’s proposals for investment protection provisions in TTIP is to clearly define the scope for ISDS claims and tribunal jurisdiction, including protecting the right of governments to regulate lawfully in the public interest. If an ISDS tribunal did exceed its jurisdiction in making an award, typically those elements of the resulting award would not be enforceable.