The below Parliamentary question was asked by Julie Cooper on 2016-01-18.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what impact assessment her Department has conducted of the proposed increase in the rate of VAT for solar and other renewables to 20 per cent.
Andrea Leadsom
This is a measure led by HMRC and currently only a proposal being consulted on. If following consultation this change is introduced, we will carefully consider its impact.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tulip Siddiq on 2016-02-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2016 to Question 25404, which of the (a) academies, (b) academies which were previously maintained schools and (c) free schools have been subject to complaints about admissions decisions.
Edward Timpson
Academies are responsible for setting and applying their own admission arrangements. This includes responsibility for making arrangements for appeals against the refusal of a school place. The information requested can be sought directly from the relevant academies.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Burden on 2016-03-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to introduce a system of civilian drone registration similar to that used in the USA.
Mr Robert Goodwill
Officials from my department are talking to both the US and Irish authorities about the potential benefits of a registration scheme and impacts that such a scheme would have on the industry and how effective a registration scheme would be in improving transparency of ownership. However registration schemes are only as good as the enforcement mechanisms behind them. Government will be consulting on a range of options over the summer.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Pursglove on 2016-04-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding has been allocated to (a) Corby and (b) East Northamptonshire to tackle flooding in the last five years.
Rory Stewart
The Government has spent £2.6 million on flood risk management capital and maintenance works in Corby and East Northamptonshire between 2011/12 to 2015/16. This figure is combined, as the funding is allocated to, and work undertaken in, ‘Flood Risk Management Systems’. These systems relate to the watercourses in these areas and the consequences of flooding, rather than to political boundaries. For example, the river Harpers Brook flows in and out of both Corby and East Northamptonshire several times and so the funding for these areas is combined.
Maintenance works include routine maintenance, such as blockage removal, and incident management response during a flood. Capital works include capital project work, including studies, refurbishment and improvement works.
In accordance with data retention rules, the Environment Agency does not hold financial records for more than five years.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ruth Cadbury on 2016-05-10.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May 2016 to Question 36423, whether the package of measures to mitigate the impact of Heathrow Airport expansion on local communities will relate to new as well as existing schools and hospitals.
Mr Robert Goodwill
The Airports Commission’s recommendations for mitigation included a strong package for schools and community buildings. We are carefully considering the evidence and discussing with promoters to ensure the best possible package of mitigation in this area is delivered.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian C. Lucas on 2016-06-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether he met the Minister for the Cabinet Office to examine the options for extracting greater public value from Channel 4 between 4 September 2015 and 24 September 2015.
Mr Edward Vaizey
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport did not meet with the Minister for the Cabinet Office to discuss Channel 4 between 4 September 2015 and 24 September 2015.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rushanara Ali on 2016-09-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals to replace existing clean air EU directives with equivalent UK legislation.
Dr Thérèse Coffey
I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith on 8 September 2016 to Question 44855.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Hilary Benn on 2016-01-18.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Pakistan on the case of Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Sing Rai and Captain Kamal Bakshi.
Mr Philip Hammond
Sadly, the fate or whereabouts of a number of Indian and Pakistani combatants in the wars that India and Pakistan have fought since 1947 is not known to their relatives.
The UK works closely with other states and the Red Cross Movement to promote compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including the Third Geneva Convention which governs the treatment of Prisoners of War in situations of armed conflict. We call on states and non-state actors engaged in armed conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and act in accordance with their obligations under it. Within this context, we regard establishing the fate and whereabouts of combatants, and arranging for the release of any surviving combatants as a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Stephen Doughty on 2016-02-09.
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people who have used the Business Premises Renovation Allowance scheme have also been subject to investigation by HM Revenue and Customs for tax avoidance or tax evasion.
Mr David Gauke
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not collate information at the aggregate level requested.
The Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) is an incentive designed to bring derelict or unused business properties back into use, by providing 100 percent relief for renovation of vacant properties in disadvantaged areas.
In 2012 HMRC noticed a spike in the cost of BPRA. Investigations revealed that this increase was due to marketed avoidance. HMRC challenges avoidance wherever they see it. Where taxpayers choose to press their case to litigation, HMRC wins around 80% of cases heard in court.
In addition, legislation was introduced in Finance Act 2014 to prevent future avoidance. The NAO complimented the speed with which HMRC addressed this avoidance and tightened the legislation.
The costs of BPRA are published annually in HMRC’s Estimated cost of minor tax allowances and structural reliefs, which can be viewed using the following link:
Budget 2011 announced that Business Premises Renovation Allowance would be extended to 31 March 2017 for Corporation Tax and 5 April 2017 for Income Tax.
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-03-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with broadband providers on rural broadband provision.
Mr Edward Vaizey
Superfast broadband is available to nearly 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the UK, including urban and rural areas, and we are on track to reach 95% by the end of 2017, as set out in our manifesto. In addition, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s intention to implement a new broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO). This will give people the legal right to request an affordable broadband connection no matter where they live.
I hold regular discussions with internet service providers on a wide range of issues. A number of communications infrastructure suppliers and service providers attended the recent not-spot summit on 3 February where the challenges for Government and industry for extending both superfast broadband and mobile coverage to all areas of the UK was discussed.