The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Kendall on 2016-01-05.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how many people of each gender work in the Government Equalities Office.
Caroline Dinenage
35 female and 20 male members of staff currently work in the Government Equalities Office.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Barbara Keeley on 2016-01-29.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether all newly-appointed healthcare assistants and social care support workers receive training on dementia as part of the Care Certificate process.
Ben Gummer
As of 1 April 2015, all new health care assistants and social care support workers are expected to attain the new Care Certificate within their first 12 weeks of employment. In order to do so, each new worker must demonstrate to their employer that they meet all 15 of the Care Certificate standards of fundamental skills and knowledge. Standard 9 of the Care Certificate concerns awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disabilities.
In meeting this standard, each worker must show that they understand: the needs and experiences of people with mental health conditions, dementia or learning disabilities; the importance of promoting their health and wellbeing; the adjustments which may be necessary in delivering their care; and the importance of early detection. They must also prove that they understand the legal context, including mental capacity considerations.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tim Farron on 2016-02-24.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Prime Minister’s announcement of 10 January 2016 on sink estates, with what bodies he discussed the redevelopment of 100 sink estates; and on what grounds the sum of £140 million for that redevelopment was arrived at.
Brandon Lewis
The Government has been in regular contact with a wide range of stakeholders to maximise opportunities to meet our ambition to deliver one million more homes. The new Estate Regeneration Advisory Panel, Chaired by , my Noble Friend, the rt. hon. Lord Heseltine, comprises a range of experts and will provide advice on how the £140 million loan fund can best be utilised, in addition to other private and public funding sources. The fund was allocated in the Spending Review assessment.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Burden on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost of constructing a river crossing at Lowestoft; and whether he plans that that cost will be wholly funded by his Department.
Mr Robert Goodwill
Suffolk County Council estimates a total cost of £91.7 million for the construction of a 3rd Crossing over Lake Lothing at Lowestoft . The Government will provide £73.4m for the scheme which represents 80% of the estimated scheme cost, with Suffolk County Council taking responsibility for meeting the remaining 20% and any increases in costs beyond that.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Ansell on 2016-04-22.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps she is taking to support the solar industry in the South East; and if she will make a statement.
Andrea Leadsom
Government recognises the significant role that solar deployment under the Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) has played in engaging non-energy professionals in the electricity market, and the role that small-scale generation can play in the future energy mix. We therefore decided to keep the FITs scheme open in order to support the solar industry on a path to subsidy-free deployment.
Some 91,000 solar installations directly supported by FITs have been undertaken in the South East, providing 425 MW of generating capacity.
The new tariffs we’ve introduced will provide appropriate rates of return within a capped budget, encouraging further solar deployment whilst providing significantly better value for money to bill payers.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Norton of Louth on 2016-06-06.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many civil servants in the Cabinet Office have taken either or both of the e-learning courses Induction: An Introduction to Parliament” and “Parliamentary processes” offered by Civil Service Learning.”
Lord Bridges of Headley
Since its introduction in 2015, 80 Civil Servants in the Cabinet Office have taken the “Induction: An Introduction to Parliament” e-learning course offered by Civil Service Learning.
Since its introduction in 2012, 260 Civil Servants in the Cabinet Office have taken the “Parliamentary Processes” e-learning course.
Of these, 20 Cabinet Office Civil Servants have taken both courses.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Tebbit on 2016-07-20.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it is their position that leaving the EU is in the British national interest.
Lord Bridges of Headley
We will make a success out of leaving the European Union. We will protect and strengthen the national interest.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2016-10-11.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effect of proposed boundary changes on the potential number of female hon. Members in the next Parliament.
Chris Skidmore
We do not believe there is an inherent or structural reason why female representation in the House of Commons should be affected by updating Parliamentary boundaries. Each constituent part of the United Kingdom will be treated equally. The appointment of candidates to contest these new seats will be a matter for political parties. We consider that it is primarily for political parties to ensure more diverse representation (including that of women) in the House of Commons through their selection of candidates.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Graham on 2016-01-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress he has made on making the Post Office a front office for Government; and if he will make a statement.
George Freeman
The Post Office is the largest provider of counter-based Government services in the UK. In 2013 it won a cross-Government framework contract which allows all Government Departments and their Executive Agencies to contract with the Post Office easily and cheaply. Key contracts with the DVLA and the Passport Office have been moved onto this new framework, as has the Post Office Card Account contract which has been extended to at least 2021.
The Post Office is well-placed to bid for and win important contracts, with its extensive geographic reach and key role in the heart of communities. Government cannot simply award contracts to the Post Office; services must be procured competitively to ensure value for taxpayers’ money.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2016-01-29.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress his Department has made on bringing forward legislative proposals to introduce a new power of guardianship for family members in the financial affairs of missing persons.
Dominic Raab
I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the hon. Member for York Outer on 15 June 2015, which can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2015-06-08/1400/.
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