Tag: Laurence Robertson

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-01-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what his policy is on the priority that should be given to maintaining Green Belt land in Local Plans in areas where there is unmet housing need.

Brandon Lewis

Green Belt is protected by local authorities in line with national policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Framework states that permanence is an essential characteristic of Green Belt, and that a Green Belt boundary may be altered only in exceptional circumstances, using the Local Plan. Our supporting Guidance reminds local authorities that, in planning to meet their objectively assessed local housing needs, they must have due regard to national policies (including Green Belt policy) which indicate that development should be restricted and which may restrain the ability of an authority to meet all its needs. This applies even where there is no up-to-date Plan. It is for the Planning Inspector examining a revised Local Plan to determine whether it is based on sound evidence and in line with national policy.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-01-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is her policy to make funding available for woodland planting to help with water retention during times of flooding.

Rory Stewart

Flood risk management is one of the targeting criteria for woodland creation funded through the new Countryside Stewardship scheme. The Forestry Commission also continues to undertake research into understanding what role woodlands can play in managing flood risk. Defra and the Environment Agency will continue to support investigations into the potential benefits of land management change on flood risk – including tree planting.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-02-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the effect of super centres on smaller, privately-funded child care businesses located close to them.

Mr Sam Gyimah

There is a duty on local authorities to judge what provision is appropriate to meet local needs in their areas. An overarching statutory framework places a legal duty on local authorities to have arrangements in place to secure sufficient children’s centres to meet local need and to consult where changes are planned to local children’s centre provision.

In deciding what arrangements to make, local authorities must have particular regard to the quality and quantity of early childhood services in the area. Local authorities are best placed to understand local needs and the different ways children and families can be supported locally.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-09-13.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what representations he has received from (a) employees of and (b) agencies connected with ARM Holdings plc on the takeover of that business; and if he will make a statement.

Margot James

I have not received any such representations.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-01-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with local authorities on their duties to ensure landowners clear ditches adjacent to their own land as a means of reducing flood risk.

Rory Stewart

Landowners are responsible for maintaining the bed and banks of watercourses on their land, and for clearing obstructions to the flow of water.

Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) have powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991 to require the relevant landowners to maintain the flow of a watercourse.

The Environment Agency, exercising its strategic oversight responsibilities, works closely with IDBs and LLFAs to ensure they are managing local flood risk effectively.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-01-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many farmers who were on the Higher Level Scheme and Entry Level Scheme have joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme; and if she will make a statement.

George Eustice

Natural England is currently processing 2,848 applications for the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme. 1,526 agreements have been offered so far and 859 have been accepted. All agreements will have a start date of 1 January 2016.

‪ The number of farmers applying who were formerly in Entry Level Stewardship is not yet known. Natural England is, however, currently working on applications from at least 159 farmers whose Higher Level Stewardship agreements are due to end in 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-02-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps her Department is taking to assist people living in low-income households to improve energy-inefficient properties.

Andrea Leadsom

A reformed domestic supplier obligation (ECO) from April 2017, which will run for 5 years, will upgrade the energy efficiency of over 200,000 homes per year tackling the root cause of fuel poverty. Our extension of the Warm Home Discount to 2020/21 at current levels of £320m per annum will also help vulnerable households with their energy bills.

We intend to focus our efforts through ECO and the Warm Home Discount more effectively on the fuel poor, and will be consulting on our future approach in the spring.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-10-07.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the range of therapy available on the NHS to people with autism.

David Mowat

Local authorities and their partners including the National Health Service are currently completing a self-assessment exercise on the progress they are making in implementing the Adult Autism Strategy. The assessment includes answering questions on the type of support being provided to people with autism. Public Health England expects to publish the results of that exercise in March 2017.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2015-10-28.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many registered financial advisers are sole traders.

Harriett Baldwin

This is an operational matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who are operationally independent from Government. The question has been passed on to the FCA. The FCA will reply to you directly by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Laurence Robertson on 2016-01-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Environment Agency on the condition of the national drainage system.

Rory Stewart

The Environment Agency and Defra work closely with the water industry to support the development of resilient drainage systems.