Higher Education: Funding

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Foulkes of Cumnock

Thursday 8th January 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

The noble Lord is absolutely right that research is fundamental both to universities and to the economic future of the country. I refer him to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, in which the Chancellor announced a significant amount of new money for research.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

My Lords, the Minister’s reply implies that the system of university funding is the same throughout the United Kingdom. That is clearly not the case: there is an entirely different system in Scotland. Would she consider the UK Government and the Scottish Government setting up a joint investigation into the cost-effectiveness of both systems and reporting to both Parliaments?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, that is possibly a matter for the devolved Administrations to decide.

Allotments

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Foulkes of Cumnock

Wednesday 3rd December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I draw my noble friend’s attention to the Near Neighbours project. There are three very good examples in Luton, Dewsbury and Hackney, where local faith groups come together not just to grow things together but to enjoy time together. It stands to reason that being out and about with members of your local community is very good for promoting general well-being.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

My Lords, returning to the noble Baroness’s original Answer, in view of the fantastic good news about the reduction in waiting lists for allotments, was it not a major error not to have included that as at least one piece of good news in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, it may be in the small print.

Local Authorities: Funding

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Foulkes of Cumnock

Tuesday 18th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

The right reverend Prelate makes a good point. The ring-fenced funding pots were not always used for their intended purposes. It is the Government’s belief that in devolving funds straight to local authorities they will make the best use of them. I shall follow up the right reverend Prelate’s question on reporting back—I am sure that we can report back in due course.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

Will the Minister ask the Government to consider reviewing council tax and getting a few more bands at the top, so that those people who live in large houses—which might perhaps be described as mansions—could pay a bit more towards keeping local council services going?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

Perhaps that is a question for the noble Lord’s own leader.

Child Abuse: Police Investigations

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Foulkes of Cumnock

Wednesday 29th October 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, I think that there appears to be more abuse of children these days; I do not necessarily think that there is more abuse. We are just far more aware of it and willing to deal with it.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

My Lords, there are reports that the Home Office is reviewing the position of Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf as chairman of the inquiry. Is this correct?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, Fiona Woolf stated to the Home Affairs Select Committee that she had no close association with the Brittans. I think that noble Lords would agree that it is time that we got on with this inquiry.