Tag: Thangam Debbonaire

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-05-23.

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the recommendations of the First Report of Session 2015-16, from the Women and Equalities Committee, HC 390, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the implications for sex-specific health planning and provision of amending the Equalities Act 2010 to remove the protection for single-sex provision; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Dinenage

The Government has welcomed the report from the Women and Equalities Select Committee into transgender equality.

The report provides a substantial number of recommendations covering almost a dozen public bodies, including several recommendations which call for significant changes to legislation and reforms to the NHS. Government is carefully considering these recommendations.

We continually engage with stakeholders from women’s and transgender communities and we would consider their views before making any changes to legislation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-06-07.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that cars and drivers for (a) Uber and (b) other private hire companies are adequately insured.

Andrew Jones

Taxis and private hire vehicles require insurance that covers their use for hire and reward activity. Driving without valid insurance is an offence, for which penalties, including fines and points on a licence, are ultimately a matter for the courts. Drivers for and cars used by Uber and other private hire companies must meet the requirements that are set by their local licensing authority in order to operate.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-07-13.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will set a target time for processing an application for a refugee integration loan that is less than the 28-day asylum support period that is terminated after refugee status has been granted.

Mr Robert Goodwill

The rules setting out eligibility for integration loans are set out in the Integration loans for Refugees and Other Regulations 2007. All the factors set out in these Regulations are considered for each application received for an integration loan.

We do not intend to set a target time for processing loans less than the 28 day support period given to those granted refugee status. However processes are reviewed on a regular basis and the department aims to respond to all applications as quickly as possible.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-09-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether UK citizens remain eligible to apply for grants from the Creative Europe scheme for grants that potentially last beyond the time when the UK plans to leave the EU; and how the Government plans to replace that scheme when the UK leaves the EU.

Matt Hancock

Leaving the EU means we will want to take our own decisions about how to deliver the policy objectives previously targeted by EU funding. Over the coming months, we will consult closely with stakeholders to review all EU funding schemes in the round, to ensure that any ongoing funding commitments best serve the UK‘s national interest, while ensuring appropriate investor certainty.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2015-10-29.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department has made to ensure that the homelessness prevention grant is being used effectively.

Mr Marcus Jones

We have made available over £500 million to local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle homelessness and since 2010 this has helped local authorities to prevent 935,800 households from becoming homeless.

Since 2010, local councils have had more flexibility over how they spend the money they receive from central government.

The allocation of Homeless Prevention Grant has developed over many years to take account of different kinds of pressures, including rough sleeping and statutory homelessness. We supported the establishment of the National Practitioner Support Service’s ‘Gold Standard’ programme to help improve the effectiveness of local authority homelessness prevention services.

Decisions on funding beyond 2015/2016 will be subject to the forthcoming spending review.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2015-12-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will review sentencing guidelines for serious animal cruelty offences to ensure that the gravity of offences is adequately reflected.

George Eustice

Guidelines are issued by the independent Sentencing Council. The Council monitor the operation of their guidelines, which ensure that sentences are consistent and proportionate. We understand the Council has no immediate plans to revise the guidelines.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-03-07.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support the Government is making available to the French authorities to ensure that people living in refugee camps in Northern France have access to adequate healthcare provision.

James Brokenshire

The management of the migrant camps in Calais, including healthcare provision is the responsibility of the French Government.

The French Government has recently stated that there are approximately 3,700 migrants living in the Calais camp and 1,050 in Dunkirk. The UK Government does not routinely assess the numbers of migrants in northern France or hold a breakdown of the ages of migrants.

The UK has funded a project aimed at identifying and protecting vulnerable people in the Calais migrant camp. The project is being delivered by the French NGO Terre D’Asile.

In addition, France has opened 102 reflection centres away from Calais and Dunkirk to help migrants with their asylum options and the UK is contributing towards the funding of this programme.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-04-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the European Capitals of Culture process of the UK voting to leave the EU.

Mr Edward Vaizey

At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government’s position is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU. We are better off thanks to the European Capitals of Culture initiative that produced real benefits for Glasgow in 1990 and Liverpool in 2008.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-05-23.

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the First Report from the Women and Equalities Committee, Session 2015-16, on Transgender equality, HC 390, what consultation she has undertaken on the potential implications for single-sex provision in women’s refuges and other services for victims of domestic or sexual violence of changes to the Equalities Act 2010 recommended in that report; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Dinenage

The Government has welcomed the report from the Women and Equalities Select Committee into transgender equality.

The report provides a substantial number of recommendations covering almost a dozen public bodies, including several recommendations which call for significant changes to legislation and reforms to the NHS. Government is carefully considering these recommendations.

We continually engage with stakeholders from women’s and transgender communities and we would consider their views before making any changes to legislation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-06-13.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the morale of police officers (a) nationally and (b) at force level; and if she will make a statement.

Mike Penning

The Home Office does not hold data centrally on the morale of police officers. It is the responsibility of chief officers – supported by the College of Policing – to ensure good management systems are in place to support officers in their work. It is ultimately a matter for chief constables and police and crime commissioners to monitor the morale and engagement levels of their workforce.

The Government recognises the importance of police welfare- in October 2014 we allocated £10m to help support emergency services personnel and volunteers, focused on mental health, physical recuperation and bereavement support for those who need it.

£4m was allocated to the charity Mind specifically for mental health issues to cover financial years 2014/15 and 2015/16.