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Tag: Kelvin Hopkins

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-06-10.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects negotiations to begin with Govia over the direct award extension from September 2015 to June 2017 of the London Midland passenger rail franchise.

    Stephen Hammond

    On 9 June we signed the 7-period extension to the London Midland contract as permitted in the franchise agreement. This extends the current franchise until April 2016. Although preliminary negotiations have taken place with regard to a Direct Award to run services from April 2016, no timetable for formal negotiations is yet in place. As announced by the Secretary of State, the new franchising programme will provide a more sustainable schedule for rail franchising and the planned competition for the West Midland franchise should see the successful operator providing services from June 2017.

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-04-08.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, for what reasons he deleted Question 10 in the current consultation exercise on the reductions in the size of the Energy Company Obligation; and what his policy is on the Obligation and its size after March 2017.

    Gregory Barker

    As stated on page 6 of the consultation document, the Government has confirmed that ECO is intended to be ambitious and long term, extending through at least until 2022. The precise shape of the obligation beyond 2017 will be consulted on in due course, and is not in scope of the current consultation exercise which focuses on the period through to 2017.

    The original question 10 was unclear, in that it requested views on the proposed ECO target in the obligation period to March 2017, but followed a series of specific questions (now questions 10, 11, 12 and 13 in the amended consultation document) seeking views on targets for each of the ECO sub-obligations in that period. As explained on the DECC website, the question was therefore removed in the interests of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition.

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-06-10.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what level of revenue support Govia will be entitled to in each accounting period of the direct award of the London Midland rail passenger franchise agreement to June.

    Stephen Hammond

    Although preliminary negotiations have taken place with regard to a Direct Award to run services from April 2016, formal negotiations are yet to take place.

    However, we do not anticipate that the operator will be entitled to any revenue support throughout the period of the Direct Award.

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-04-10.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to introduce individual case reviews following the introduction of the Transforming Rehabilitation agenda into magistrates’ courts in England and Wales.

    Jeremy Wright

    The Government has not yet decided on the future of the provision for case reviews. We have no plans to introduce specialisation in magistrates’ courts. However, the Government is currently undertaking a review of the role of magistrates with a view to ensuring that the magistracy remains the cornerstone of our justice system. A public consultation paper will be issued later in the year. We are engaging with the magistracy and sentencers to ensure they are fully informed about the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms.

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-06-10.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to devolve decisions on London Midland passenger rail services to a local level; and what proposals on such lines he has made to the current franchisee.

    Stephen Hammond

    The Government is committed to the principle of devolving responsibility for a range of its activities to the most appropriate level of local government, where it is sensible to do so.

    A proposition is being drafted by West Midlands Rail body (WMR) which is expected to be received by the end of July. WMR is meeting with Secretary of State early in July to discuss devolution.

    Following receipt of the proposition, the Secretary of State will decide whether to agree to the proposition in principle. If this is the case, detailed negotiations on the financial and contractual elements will then follow.

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-04-10.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to introduce specialisations in magistrates’ courts in England and Wales following the introduction of the Transforming Rehabilitation Agenda.

    Jeremy Wright

    The Government has not yet decided on the future of the provision for case reviews. We have no plans to introduce specialisation in magistrates’ courts. However, the Government is currently undertaking a review of the role of magistrates with a view to ensuring that the magistracy remains the cornerstone of our justice system. A public consultation paper will be issued later in the year. We are engaging with the magistracy and sentencers to ensure they are fully informed about the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms.

  • Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Kelvin Hopkins – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kelvin Hopkins on 2014-06-12.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proposals he has to further devolve responsibility for railways to the Scottish and Welsh governments and the English regions.

    Stephen Hammond

    The Government confirmed its support for the principle of further decentralisation of rail franchises in its July 2013 response to the Brown Review of rail franchising. Two propositions from English regions are currently being developed (West Midland Rail) or taken forward (with the Rail North consortium). We are examining the scope for further devolution of rail responsibilities in Wales. The Scottish Ministers already have substantial executive devolved powers in relation to the railways in Scotland.