Tag: Ian Mearns

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-02-01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how accurate prior actuarial analysis of the Risk Protection Arrangement was in forecasting the scheme’s overall loss as a result of flooding.

Edward Timpson

The Risk Protection Arrangement provision includes an allowance within its benchmarks for large storm or flood events, based on the actuarial work undertaken, which last took place on data as at 31 August 2015. Actuarial analysis is not intended to provide forecasts for individual events, so it would not be meaningful to compare the analysis with recent events.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-06-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what procedures her Department has in place to scrutinise any possible conflicts of interest that Ofsted inspectors may have when inspecting primary schools; how many Ofsted inspectors are involved in the conversion of primary schools to academies in either an advisory or developmental capacity; and whether Ofsted inspectors are required to inform head teachers that they have an interest in the development of academies prior to conducting an inspection.

Nick Gibb

These are matters for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw. I have asked him to write to you and a copy of his reply will be placed in the libraries of the House.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-02-01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the long term liabilities of the Risk Protection Arrangement; and how her Department has estimated the total funds needed to cover these liabilities.

Edward Timpson

The Secretary of State for Education has engaged with professional actuaries both from the private sector and Government, to provide an actuarial assessment of the long term liabilities applicable to the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA).

The estimated total funds needed to cover these liabilities are modelled on the current RPA membership and expected future pupil numbers of the academy trusts which are forecast to join the RPA.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-06-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether Ofsted inspectors are required to have experience of teaching in primary schools prior to becoming an inspector.

Nick Gibb

This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw. I have asked him to write to you and a copy of his reply will be placed in the libraries of the House.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-02-03.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what financial support the Risk Protection Arrangement has offered to Burnley Road Academy in Cumbria; and what assessment she has made of the extent to which that scheme has reimbursed the losses incurred by academy trusts as a result of flooding.

Edward Timpson

The Department’s Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) will cover all storm related costs incurred by Burnley Road academy in Calderdale, including the costs of temporary accommodation while the original building is reinstated.

The RPA will similarly cover all costs incurred by academy trusts who are members of the RPA as a result of flooding, in accordance with the RPA membership rules. It is too early to assess the total cost to RPA of these losses, since claims are still being reported, evaluated and settled. As at January 27, a £3.7 million reserve total for RPA claims has so far been identified to cover losses as a result of recent storms.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-06-27.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had discussions with Transport for London on improving access to the London underground for disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Robert Goodwill

Transport in London is a matter for the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL). Ministers and officials from the Department for Transport have regular meetings with TfL to discuss various issues, including accessibility.

This year (2016/17) the Department for Transport’s grant for TfL amounts to around £1.4 billion. The grant will help TfL to enhance its network, including making improvements for disabled passengers.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-03-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will update the actuarial analysis used for the Risk Protection Arrangement to include the effect of the recent storms in the assessment of exposure to risk.

Edward Timpson

All claims received up to 31 March 2016, including those arising from the recent storm events, will form part of the next actuarial analysis of claim experience and will inform the assessment of risk to the Risk Protection Agreement. Our next actuarial analysis exercise will be finalised in July 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many appeals have been granted in a claimant’s favour following an assessment prior to a transfer from disability living allowance to personal independence payments.

Sir Oliver Heald

Between April 2013, when the Personal Independence Payment was introduced, and March 2016, there were 9,774 reassessment appeals which found in favour of the appellant.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2015-11-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of 16 to 19 year old students studying GCSE mathematics and English in further education and sixth form colleges.

Nick Boles

The requested information for 16 to 19 year olds is not available. Information on 16 to 18 year olds students entered for GCSE English and/or maths, having not achieved a grade A* to C at the end of key stage 4, is published by institution type in the “Level 1 and 2 English and mathematics: 16 to 18 students – 2013 to 2014” statistical first release[1].

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/level-1-and-2-english-and-maths-16-to-18-students-2013-to-2014 (Tables 1 and 3)

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Mearns on 2016-03-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support the academies risk protection arrangement is providing to schools affected by the recent floods.

Edward Timpson

The Risk Protection Agreement (RPA) will cover all storm related costs, including flooding, incurred by academy trusts which are members of the RPA, in accordance with RPA membership rules. Cover will also be provided for temporary accommodation while their original buildings are being reinstated.

The RPA service providers are working closely with those schools affected to minimise disruption and complete remedial works in a timely manner to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

Further information on the cover provided by the RPA can be found on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/risk-protection-arrangement-rpa-for-academy-trusts-membership-rules

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