Tag: Seema Malhotra

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2016-02-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what training and guidance is provided to medical assessors who examine claimants for personal independence payment on the implications of (a) dialysis and (b) other long-term medical treatments for such claimants.

Justin Tomlinson

All health professionals receive comprehensive training in disability analysis which includes a functional evaluation as to how medical conditions and the long-term medical treatment of those conditions affect an individual’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. Prior to carrying out an assessment they routinely refresh their knowledge of any condition with which they are not fully familiar.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2016-10-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the current sources of financial pressure on schools; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb

The Government has protected funding for schools in real terms, so that it will rise as pupil numbers increase. However, like other public services, schools will face additional pressures in the next few years. The sources of these additional pressures are:

• Annual salary increases for staff

• The introduction of the national living wage from April 2016

• The increase to employer national insurance contributions from April 2016, affecting all employers who offer a defined benefit pension scheme

• The increase to employer pension contributions for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme from September 2015

• The introduction of the apprenticeship levy in April 2017, which will affect all employers with a paybill above £3 million

• General inflation

Working with the sector, the Department has published a collection of tools and guidance to help school leaders, governing boards and business management professionals to improve their schools’ financial health and use their budgets more effectively. This can be found at: http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/schools-financial-health-and-efficiency

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2015-11-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Government’s report, Fixing the Foundations; creating a more prosperous nation, Cm 9098, published in July 2015, what assessment he has made of the effect of (a) proposed changes to the rail industry and (b) the rail investment programme on productivity.

Claire Perry

The country’s railways are an important enabler of productivity and national prosperity, which is why the Government has committed to delivering investment of a record £38 billion across the country’s network.

We have appointed Sir Peter Hendy as Chair of Network Rail to ensure the rail investment programme is delivered sustainably.

We have also asked Nicola Shaw to advise Government on how we should approach the longer-term future shape and financing of Network Rail. She will publish her final report before Budget 2016. In addition, we have appointed Crossrail chair Terry Morgan to develop a transport and infrastructure skills strategy. We will consider their recommendations in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2015-11-18.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the document Fixing the Foundations: Creating a more prosperous nation Cm 9098, what the evidential basis is for proposed reforms to tax credits increasing productivity.

Damian Hinds

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on [20] November 2015, PQ 16701.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2015-12-07.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with reference to the publication, Towards a one nation economy: A 10-point plan for boosting rural productivity, how many rural exception sites for starter homes will be made available in 2015.

Brandon Lewis

Rural exception sites are identified by communities to meet a local housing need. We are currently consulting on the provision of Starter Homes on such sites and subject to the outcome will bring forward new policy in 2016. We will be supporting communities in bringing these sites forward.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2016-01-07.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will provide a list of all the departments within HM Treasury.

Harriett Baldwin

Treasury Group – Bodies can be found in the published Report and Accounts. The latest Annual Report and accounts for 2014-15 is published on line and can be viewed in the link below:-

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hm-treasury-annual-report-and-accounts-2014-to-2015

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2016-01-22.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessments he has made of the effect of the level of the current account deficit on the future strength of the pound sterling.

Harriett Baldwin

The widening in the UK current account deficit in recent years has been driven by a deterioration in the UK’s net investment income from abroad, while the trade deficit has continued to improve. The Office for Budget Responsibility expect factors that have depressed the returns on the UK’s net assets, such as the relative weakness in economic activity in the UK’s trading partners, to recede. The current account deficit is forecast to narrow to -2.1 per cent by 2020, limiting any impact on the exchange rate. Furthermore, the government’s plan to complete the repair of the public finances will support a gradual narrowing of the current account deficit.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2016-02-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what analysis his Department conducts of personal independence payment medical assessments to (a) help identify common issues which cause repeated appeals and reapplications and (b) ensure a consistent approach across such assessments.

Justin Tomlinson

The Department and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Providers have robust audit and assurance regimes in place to check the quality and consistency of PIP assessments. These arrangements confirm that independent health professional advice complies with the required standards and that it is clear and medically reasonable. They also provide assurance that the assessment and opinion given are consistent so that, irrespective of where or by whom the assessment is carried out, claimants with conditions that have the same functional effect will ultimately receive the same benefit outcome.

Regular meetings take place with Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunals Service to discuss PIP appeals; feedback is provided to Assessment Providers if there is any indication that the assessment is a factor in appeals or reapplications to inform continuous improvement activity.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2016-10-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent representations she has received on schools covering costs on behalf of parents and the ensuing parental debt.

Edward Timpson

The department does not hold data from which to supply the information requested.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Seema Malhotra on 2015-11-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of his road investment strategy on productivity.

Andrew Jones

The Road Investment Strategy provides certainty about road investment ensuring more efficient operation and faster delivery for the English strategic road network. It sets out the vision and investment plan for a five year period from 2015 to 2020, encouraging the supply chain to invest and innovate from the long term certainty that this provides. Highways England is responsible for delivering the strategy and has been set a series of demanding targets by Government, which is regularly assessed, including independent monitoring by the Office of Rail and Road.

The combination of the measures will save the taxpayer £1.2 billion in the next 5 years and at least £2.6 billion over ten years. It also means clearer accountability and greater transparency, providing better assurance on the investment of public money.