Tag: Caroline Lucas

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications for a variation from the standard formula have been made under the 2012 statutory child maintenance scheme by (a) non-resident parents and (b) parents with care since the introduction of that scheme.

Priti Patel

The Information requested is not routinely recorded for management information purposes and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-03-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 February 2016 to Question 27464, how many joint investigations by the Child Maintenance Group Financial Investigation Unit and HM Revenue Customs in connection with income fraud for child maintenance and tax purposes are underway; and how many such investigations have been completed.

Priti Patel

There are currently three on-going joint investigations between HMRC and CMG, two of these are currently awaiting trial at the Crown Court. Three joint investigations have been concluded, all with findings of guilt at the Crown Court, with sentences ranging from 1 – 3 years imprisonment. Intelligence on a further 13 cases has also been passed to HMRC for them to consider.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-04-29.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department’s news story of 21 September 2015, on £2 billion support for Hinkley Point, what documentation has since been agreed and signed with EDF or other parties relating to that project.

Greg Hands

No documents have been signed with EDF or any other parties, since 21^st September 2015 announcing the approval of the £2 billion guarantee for Hinkley Point.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-05-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, by what date he plans to make a decision on upgrading the Brighton Main Line.

Claire Perry

Later this year, the rail industry will present its initial advice on investment needs for the national network, for 2019 onwards. On the basis of this advice, Government intends to articulate its emerging priorities for improvements to the national network (including possible upgrades to the Brighton Main Line) during 2017.

The Thameslink Programme is already delivering a significant upgrade to the Brighton Main Line – including the major redevelopment of London Bridge station – which, from 2018 will provide more capacity and more journey options for passengers.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-06-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 June 2016 to Question 40385, whether he has had discussions with Govia Thameslink Railway on (a) for what reasons the selected routes offering flexible products do not include services on the Brighton Main Line (BML) and (b) what the timeline is for provision of part-time season tickets for passengers using the BML; and if he will make a statement.

Claire Perry

We have regular discussions with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) on a range of issues. GTR is currently developing proposals in respect of flexible ticketing throughout their franchise area (including the Brighton Mainline).

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the (a) mechanisms and (b) timescales are for securing input into his Department’s work on negotiations for withdrawal from the EU from (i) non-governmental organisations and civil society, (ii) opposition political parties and (iii) other interest groups; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Davis

The Government is committed to listening to all those with a view on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union; Parliament, the devolved administrations, NGOs, and other groups will all have important ideas to contribute. The new Department for Exiting the European Union will lead this engagement.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many financial penalties have been imposed to date on respondent employers under section 150 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 for failure to pay an employment tribunal award; and how many such penalties (a) have been paid and (b) remain unpaid.

Margot James

Section 150 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 came into force on 6th April 2016. Since then 62 warning notices have been issued in relation to complaints for failure to pay an employment tribunal award. Warning notices are issued in response to complaints and can only be issue 42 days after the original award was made. Penalty notices are issued 28 days after that if payment is not made in the interim. This means there has been no requirement to issue a penalty notice to date. However, 14 penalty notices are due to be issued imminently.

The issue of warning notices has led to ten claims being settled equating to over £50,000 of previously unpaid tribunal awards.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-10-07.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Correction of 8 September 2016 to the Answer of 1 June 2016 to Question 38139, how much of the £10.3 million of minimum wage arrears recovered in 2015-16 was recovered from the 814 employers who were issued with both a Notice of Underpayment and a financial penalty; and how many workers were identified as having been underpaid by those 814 employers.

Margot James

Further to the response to PQ 38139, HM Revenue & Custom’s updated enforcement data for 2015/16 shows that 815 employers were issued a Notice of Underpayment and paid a financial penalty for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage. These employers collectively owed £8,157,919 in arrears to 43,995 workers.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-10-17.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will increase spending on overseas aid to compensate for the loss of value of that aid resulting from the fall in the value of the pound since 23 June 2016.

Rory Stewart

The government is committed to spending 0.7% of our national income on aid.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2015-11-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what information her Department holds on the date when EDF ordered the pressure vessel heads for Hinkley Point C; and how many pressure vessel heads for Hinkley Point C have already been manufactured.

Andrea Leadsom

Supply of components for Hinkley Point C are a matter for EDF. The construction of Hinkley Point C, including the safety of pressure vessel heads, will be subject to regulation by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.