Tag: Chris Elmore

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-10-24.

To ask the Attorney General, what recent steps the Serious Fraud Office has taken to prevent serious fraud and other economic crimes.

Robert Buckland

Over the past two years the Serious Fraud Office has secured:

• the first contested convictions for rate rigging,
• its first contested conviction of a corporate for offences involving bribery of foreign officials,
• the first two Deferred Prosecution Agreements in the UK, and
• the first conviction of a corporate for an offence under s7 of the Bribery Act.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps his Department has taken to ensure the long-term future of S4C.

Matt Hancock

We are strong supporters of S4C and Welsh language broadcasting . We have committed to a comprehensive review of S4C in 2017 which will look at a range of issues including funding arrangements, remit, accountability and governance.

In order for S4C to continue to provide a first-class service and have a sustainable future, we announced (on Wednesday 3rd February) an extra £400,000 funding for 2016/17.

As set out in the BBC White Paper, the BBC will maintain a commitment to Welsh language broadcasting services – we expect the BBC to continue its partnership with S4C to deliver TV services in Wales during the next Charter period.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-10-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will meet representatives of the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign.

Richard Harrington

I am responding on behalf of the Secretary of State (SoS), as Minister for Pensions with overall responsibility on this issue.

The previous Minister Baroness Altmann and Minister Shailesh Vara (the previous Under-Secretary of State for DWP) met with representatives of the WASPI group on 29th June 2016 to listen to their concerns. Although WASPI’s ask was unclear, at the time, Ministers indicated that the DWP did not have the available funds to deliver further concessions.

One other outcome from that meeting was that WASPI agreed to explore options with the relevant All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). A meeting between APPG representatives, the SoS and myself is being taken forward, and consequently there is nothing further to be gained from meeting WASPI representatives directly.

I should add that I have been quite clear that the Government will make no further changes to the pension age or pay financial redress in lieu of a pension.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits to local communities of rail electrification in South Wales.

Claire Perry

The Government recognises the value to the Welsh economy and local communities that improved services from rail electrification, both to and in Wales, will bring in the form of regeneration and jobs. That is why we are prioritising the Great Western Mainline electrification and providing a £125m contribution to the electrification of the Valley Lines. The Valley Lines now forms part of the wider South East Wales Metro project which will transform travel in the Cardiff capital region. This project is the responsibility of the Welsh Government, and is further supported by a wider Cardiff Capital Region Investment Fund announced as part of the March 2016 City Deal.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he has taken to ensure consistency in the length of intervals between awards of personal independence payments.

Penny Mordaunt

The assessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to treat people as individuals, considering the impact of their impairment or health condition on their everyday life and how each claimant has personally adapted to living with a disability. The length of an award for PIP is based on the needs of the individual claimant and whether these are likely to change in the future, as a result, for example, of treatment or changes in their health condition.

The Department monitors all aspects of the PIP application process including the performance of the assessment providers, Atos Healthcare and Capita. The reports of Health Professionals who carry out assessments are subject to quality audit, to ensure accurate advice on the best time to review a case based on a claimant’s individual circumstances.

The PIP Assessment Guide for Health Professionals carrying out assessments includes guidance on how to determine the length of an award – Section 2.9 Prognosis (page 54) and 2.10 Review dates (page 56).

This guidance can be accessed on the gov.uk website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/449043/pip-assessment-guide.pdf

There is also guidance and information for DWP decision makers on how best to establish the length of an award.

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department plans to make alterations to the rail crossing in Pencoed.

Paul Maynard

Network Rail has responsibility for level crossings and operates at arm’s-length from the Department for Transport. Any alterations will be an operational decision for Network Rail and they are engaging with local stakeholders about options for this rail crossing.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress has been made on the electrification of the railway line in South Wales.

Paul Maynard

Progress is being made on the Severn Tunnel autumn works which run from the 12 September until the 21 October. This will enable works to be carried out to electrify the tunnel which is the key link into South Wales.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department provide any alternative support for people who have been refused a Start-up loan due to their credit score.

Margot James

The Start Up Loans Company assess applications based on a range of factors including business viability and affordability. If an application does not meet the lending criteria an applicant will be signposted to a number of credit reference agencies to obtain a copy of their credit report. Additionally, they will be signposted to other lending organisations and charities that may be able to help them.

There are also other Government supported schemes to help people who want to set up and grow a business. The 39 Growth Hubs across England provide support to help businesses start-up and grow with the Business Support Helpline also providing information and guidance. In addition, individuals and small businesses can access the British Business Bank’s Business Finance Guide, which aims to ensure individuals understand the finance options available to them.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what options his Department provides to people whose application for a Start Up Loan has been unsuccessful due to their credit score.

Margot James

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to Question UIN 44747.

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-05.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the effect of recent increases in Financial Services Compensation Scheme levies on small businesses.

Simon Kirby

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is an independent non-governmental body. The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) determine the maximum level at which the FSCS levy is set, and how it should be apportioned across industry. The FSCS sets annual levies within these limits.

In March 2016 the Government and FCA published the Financial Advice Market Review which observed that the unpredictable nature of the FSCS levy can make it hard for independent financial advisors to plan effectively. It recommended a number of options regarding FSCS funding, which could make the levy more manageable for independent financial advisors. The FCA is currently reviewing FSCS funding and will publish a consultation later this year.