Asked by: Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 27 October where he stated that "local authorities are obliged to follow the rules set out in the Public Contract Regulations 2015 in their appointment of such companies" (HL Deb col 1545), given that 90 per cent of all private enforcement uses a (1) 'payment per fine' model, or (2) some other incentives system, whether these practices are in breach of the Regulations; and if so, whether they will conduct an investigation.
Answered by Lord Sharpe of Epsom - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The Public Contract Regulations 2015 do not regulate these issues. It is a matter for local authorities which models they use to enforce fixed penalty notices. There are no plans to conduct an investigation into these practices of local authorities.
Asked by: Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether, and if so when, they will introduce digital age verification for alcohol.
Answered by Lord Murray of Blidworth
The Age Verification Sandbox trials have now concluded. Evaluation of these trials is currently taking place and we aim to publish a report as soon as possible.
There are currently no plans to introduce digital age verification for alcohol sales. We are, however, exploring what is permissible within the Licensing Act 2003 and whether the legislation should be amended. Any change would reflect a wider cross-government position on the use of digital ID for the sale of age-restricted products, including as set out in the Digital Trust Framework which the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is developing.
Asked by: Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government when their report on the Age Verification Sandbox was completed; and when it will be published.
Answered by Lord Murray of Blidworth
The Age Verification Sandbox trials have now concluded. Evaluation of these trials is currently taking place and we aim to publish a report as soon as possible.
There are currently no plans to introduce digital age verification for alcohol sales. We are, however, exploring what is permissible within the Licensing Act 2003 and whether the legislation should be amended. Any change would reflect a wider cross-government position on the use of digital ID for the sale of age-restricted products, including as set out in the Digital Trust Framework which the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is developing.