Tag: Lord Smith of Finsbury

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2015-11-17.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to bring forward any legislative proposals, following the current consultation, to give effect to the green paper on higher education Fulfilling our Potential.

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park

The Government’s consultation on the higher education green paper, Fulfilling our Potential: Teaching Excellence, Social Mobility and Student Choice, closes on 15 January 2016. The Government will issue its response No decisions have yet been taken on the proposals in the green paper or how they would be implemented.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2015-11-17.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, and on what timetable, for changes to IR35 assessments for employees and contractors.

Lord O’Neill of Gatley

Whilst the IR35 legislation protects in excess of £500 million each year, non-compliance is currently costing in excess of £400 million and is a growing problem.

At the Summer Budget, the Chancellor announced that HM Revenue and Customs would open a dialogue with stakeholders about improving the effectiveness of IR35.

A discussion document was published on 17 July 2015. The discussion period concluded on 30 September, following the receipt of over 160 responses and 14 roundtable meetings. The Government is now considering the responses.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2016-02-11.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they are giving, and on what timescale, to the drawing up of proposals for substantial change to the current arrangements for export licensing for nationally important works of art.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe

The Government is open to considering practicable improvements to the export licensing system for cultural goods, but has no immediate plans to make any substantive change to the current arrangements.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has written to the noble Lord in relation to his recently proposed changes to the system and is grateful for his correspondence on this matter.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2016-02-22.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the cost to UK universities of implementing the Immigration Skills Charge for non-EU workers recruited through the Tier 2 Visa Route, as proposed in Clause 55 of the Immigration Bill, and of the charges recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee.

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park

The Government has not estimated the cost to UK universities of implementing the Immigration Skills Charge. The cost will depend on the rate set and the Government is considering carefully the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations on rate and scope. Evidence about the likely impact of different rates on different types of organisation, including universities, will be taken into account in our considerations.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2016-06-13.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the delays that occur between the announcement of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant being made and permission to start being given to the recipient organisations.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe

The Heritage Lottery Fund work closely to support grant recipients in meeting the essential requirements prior to works starting. The HLF are not aware of a general problem with delays around the existing permission to start process, though timings can vary.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2014-06-25.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the decision by the government of the United States to deny certain Ugandan officials entry into the United States following the passage of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act in February; whether they have plans to introduce similar measures in the United Kingdom; and whether they intend to encourage other European Union countries to enact similar measures.

Baroness Warsi

The UK shares the concerns of the US about the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda and notes the US’s recent decision to apply existing visa mechanisms, redirect some healthcare support, end support for a community policing project, and cancel a military aviation exercise in response to the passing of the legislation. The UK is working closely with international partners to register its concerns, to seek assurances about the protection of individuals, and to initiate dialogue about improving protection of minority rights.

The UK is engaging closely with civil society groups in Uganda working to support inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance, and to consult with them about the most appropriate next steps.

With our support, EU Heads of Mission in Kampala met the Ugandan government on 28 March to initiate a strengthened political dialogue under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement. Discussions are ongoing.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2015-02-10.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with British-based banks and other major companies which have outsourced customer services to overseas countries about the way in which enquiries from United Kingdom citizens who have entered into a civil partnership or same-sex marriage are handled.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire

The Government has had no discussions with businesses on this specific issue. The Equality Act 2010 provides that service providers are not allowed to discriminate, harass or victimise service users because they have a ‘protected characteristic’ – which includes sex and sexual orientation, amongst others. The Act provides that, in some circumstances, employers can be liable for the acts of their employees or agents. Businesses are required to comply with the relevant provision of the Act applicable to them unless an exception in the Act applies.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury on 2014-05-07.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Deighton on 6 May (WA 443) on the treatment of newspaper products, what plans they have in relation to a zero rate of VAT on books provided in digital format.

Lord Deighton

The Government has no plans to change the VAT treatment of books provided in digital format. Legal advice obtained by the Government indicates there is no scope to do so under EU law.