Tag: Chris Elmore

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.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-08.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2016 to Question 42682, whether he is taking steps to reduce the number of spoilt ballots in elections.

Chris Skidmore

The Government has made improvements to ballot papers, forms and instructions used by voters at elections and referendums in order to make voting as accessible as possible. This involved public user-testing of the revised voting forms. The Government will consider reports from the Electoral Commission and other organisations on the polls held during 2016 and decide whether any further action is required.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-08.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many times he has visited South Wales in an official capacity since his appointment; and what future plans he has to visit South Wales.

Simon Kirby

The Chancellor will visit constituencies all across the UK in due course. All his visits are recorded in the transparency data published on gov.uk.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Elmore on 2016-09-13.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the construction of new railway stations along the England-Wales border.

Paul Maynard

We launched the second round of our New Stations Fund on 26 August, with up to £20 million available to promoters of new stations throughout England and Wales. Successful bids may be awarded up to 75% towards the capital expenditure on the station.