The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2016-02-02.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the annual change in local authority rental income as a result of the introduction of fixed-term tenancies.
Baroness Williams of Trafford
We do not expect the introduction of fixed-term tenancies will have a material impact on local authority rental income.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2016-02-02.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on community cohesion of the introduction of fixed-term local authority tenancies.
Baroness Williams of Trafford
Continuing to provide lifetime tenancies to households that may only experience temporary need compounds the situation that sees 1.2 million households on social housing waiting lists, and 236,000 social tenants forced to live in overcrowded conditions due to lack of suitably sized properties, while 380,000 households occupy social housing with two or more spare bedrooms. This is not a good use of scarce social housing and it is not likely to lead to strong and cohesive communities.
The provisions in the Housing and Planning Bill require that towards the end of the fixed term the landlord must review the tenant’s circumstances. Where they are broadly unchanged, the landlord will be able to grant a further tenancy in the same home.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2016-02-02.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consultation they have completed on the introduction of fixed-term local authority tenancies.
Baroness Williams of Trafford
The previous Coalition Government consulted on proposals to create a new local authority flexible tenancy with a minimum fixed term of two years in November 2010 – in ‘Local decisions: a fairer future for social housing’. The flexible tenancy was introduced by the Localism Act 2011.
In the Summer Budget 2015, the Government announced the intention to review the use of lifetime tenancies in social housing to limit their use and ensure that households are offered tenancies that match their needs and make best use of the social housing stock.
Since then DCLG officials have engaged with local authority landlords, through a series of meetings and regionally based focus groups, in developing proposals to introduce a new fixed-term tenancy of between 2 and 5 years.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-06-26.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Astor of Hever on 18 June (WA 84), what plans they have to recognise the contribution of women in auxiliary, emergency and support services during the Second World War; and whether they have considered the introduction of a badge such as the badge awarded to the Veterans of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps in 2008.
Lord Astor of Hever
I am sure the commemorations will seek to honour the work of all of those who contributed to the Second World War effort including women in the auxiliary, emergency, and support services. As the Noble Lord points out, a number of Departments have introduced badges, such as that for female pilots of the Auxiliary Transport Service provided by the Department of Transport. The Ministry of Defence Veterans badge recognises all women who served in the Armed Forces during the Second World War.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-06-10.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to recognise women’s contribution during the Second World War as part of the 70th anniversary commemorations marking the end of the conflict.
Lord Astor of Hever
Following the highly successful events to mark the 70th anniversary of D Day, planning to mark the end of the second world war will be progressed in the coming months. The crucial contribution that women made to the War, both at home and overseas, will be a significant element of these commemorations.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-05-07.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the status of the application for funding for extending sea berms and defences in Fairlight, East Sussex.
Lord De Mauley
Rother District Council has applied to the Environment Agency for funding for a study in 2015/2016, and a subsequent scheme in 2016/2017, under the Coast Protection Act 1949. The project is called ‘Fairlight Coast Protection Works phase 3′. The bid is being considered by the Environment Agency alongside other potential projects in England as part of a six year programme of flood and coastal erosion risk management works.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-05-07.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there are any current or planned assessments of coastal erosion following recent cliff falls near residential areas in East Sussex.
Lord De Mauley
The management of coastal erosion along the East Sussex coastline is the responsibility of the Coast Protection Authorities under the Coast Protection Act 1949. Coast Protection Authorities regularly monitor and assess the condition of the coastal cliffs in their areas. The Coast Protection Authorities for the East Sussex coastline will continue to monitor the coast line following the cliff falls during the last winter.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-05-07.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why European Union solidarity funding was not sought to assist with damage caused in the recent floods and cliff falls.
Lord Deighton
EU Solidarity Fund money is available to eligible States suffering from large-scale natural disasters but is subject to a number of eligibility requirements, including on the level of direct damages.
Comparing the recent damage in the UK to the 2007 floods, and following contact with the Commission, the Government’s assessment is that we did not meet these conditions.
However, the Government continues to explore external mechanisms, including through discussions with EU institutions such as the EIB, to support the existing package of UK Government support, which includes £130 million for flood recovery in the South West.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-05-06.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many neurofibromatosis sufferers they estimate to be in the United Kingdom, broken down by (1) county, and (2) type.
Earl Howe
NHS England commissions neurofibromatosis type two (NF2) services and complex neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) services as part of its remit to deliver specialised services.
NHS England has published service specifications for both types of neurofibromatosis. These estimate that in England there are 11,267 individuals with NF1 and 862 with NF2.
The Department does not have specific guidance relating to the special travel needs of neurofibromatosis sufferers. Domestic equality legislation makes it unlawful for transport operators to discriminate against a disabled person simply because they are disabled, treat disabled people less favourably or fail to make reasonable adjustments in the way they provide their services, depending on the type of vehicles and the services they offer to the public.
Furthermore, an extra level of protection is provided by recently implemented European regulations on passenger rights across all transport modes. These provide a set of rules for the treatment of disabled people and people with reduced mobility.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-05-06.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what diagnostic training general practitioners receive with regard to neurofibromatosis.
Earl Howe
The content and standard of medical training of trainee general practitioners (GPs) is the responsibility of the General Medical Council, which is an independent statutory body. It has the general function of promoting high standards of education and co-ordinating all stages of education to ensure that medical students and newly qualified doctors are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for professional practice.
In the specific area of genetics in primary care, the curriculum designed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) requires GPs to understand that while some genetic conditions always present with the same signs and symptoms, others can show variability between family members, particularly some autosomal dominant conditions (such as neurofibromatosis type 1).
The Government has mandated Health Education England (HEE) to provide national leadership on education, training and workforce development in the National Health Service. This mandate includes a commitment that HEE will ensure that GP training produces GPs with the required competencies to practise in the new NHS. Consequently HEE will work with stakeholders to influence training curricula as appropriate.