Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord True on 28 April (HL7750), whether they will now answer the question with the details requested, namely, in respect of the principal offices of each government department located in central London, (1) what temperature the offices are heated to during working hours in winter, and (2) what assessment they have made of the advantages and disadvantages of reducing that temperature by 2°C.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
With respect to part 1 of the question, Government Property Agency (GPA) managed offices located in central London are heated to 22°C with a ± 2°C tolerance.
With respect to buildings which GPA does not manage, the individual departments are responsible and it would be for them to respond.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 set requirements for most aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states “during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable”. The reasonableness of the temperature is dependent on the work activity being conducted.
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) approved code of practice and guidance (L24) advises the minimum temperature for a workplace should normally be at least 16°C
With respect to part 2 of the question, the temperature of an office floor plate is not uniform. There will be areas which when heated to 22°C with a ± 2°C tolerance will be at the lower end of the spectrum. In naturally ventilated buildings, ventilation is provided by the controlled opening of windows by the occupants. This means that from time to time temperatures are likely to dip lower than the noted threshold.
Reducing nominal temperatures by 2°C moves GPA into an operational band of 18-22°C, which, if windows are open could risk falling close to the lower threshold of 16°C.
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in respect of the principal offices of each government department located in central London, (1) what temperature the offices are heated to during working hours in winter, and (2) what assessment they have made of the advantages and disadvantages of reducing that temperature by 2°C.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The government must meet the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a 'reasonable' temperature in the workplace. The current operational temperatures in open plan offices vary across government.
We are following, and closely monitoring, industry and HSE guidance in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of reducing the operational temperature setpoint by 2°C.
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have compare the census data with the Department for Work and Pensions' database of National Insurance numbers to identify (1) NI numbers which should be terminated, and (2) individuals who should be fined for non-completion of the 2021 census.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician
Lord Lucas
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0PW
13 July 2021
Dear Lord Lucas,
As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Questions relating to Census 2021 in England and Wales asking firstly how many 2021 census forms were (1) requested, and (2) have been completed and returned (HL1710); secondly, how many fines have been issued for non-completion of the 2021 census (HL1711); and what plans there are to compare the census data with the Department for Work and Pensions' database of National Insurance numbers to identify (1) NI numbers which should be terminated, and (2) individuals who should be fined for non-completion of the 2021 census (HL1713).
Census 2021 was designed to be a digital-first census and we encouraged people to complete online where possible, but we made sure that those who preferred to use a paper questionnaire were able to do so. Most households were sent a letter with an access code to complete the census online. Ten percent of households, where the take-up of the online option was likely to be relatively low, were sent a paper questionnaire in place of the Census 2021 letter. Each paper questionnaire also included an access code so that the household could complete online. Similarly, while most reminder letters sent to households that had not yet completed the census included the online access code, some households were sent paper questionnaires as part of the reminder and follow-up process. Paper questionnaires and online access codes were also available on request via our freephone contact centre or the Census 2021 website.
The response to Census 2021 has exceeded all expectations, with a return rate of 97 percent of households across England and Wales and an online-completion rate above our target of 75 percent. The return rate is based on the number of households where we have a valid return, as a percentage of all addresses that are not considered to be vacant. Final response rates will be calculated after following the processing of data from the census and the Census Coverage Survey, and may therefore differ from the return rate. While this processing is continuing, we are not able to provide the detailed information requested. We are planning to publish an article in the autumn with information on how people completed the census, including whether they did so online or on paper.
As regards the number of fines for non-completion and for providing false information in Census 2021, I would like to clarify that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not have the power to impose fines under the Census Act 1920. Fines can be imposed by the courts as a result of a successful prosecution, and the ONS works closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on bringing cases to court where necessary. The ONS is currently undertaking the non-compliance process, including gathering evidence to be passed to the CPS where appropriate. The main objective of this work is to persuade the few people who refuse to complete a questionnaire to do so; as such, people can avoid the risk of a fine for non-completion at any stage by completing the census.
We have no plans to use census data for the purposes described in your question. In accordance with all relevant legislation, UK Statistics Authority policy, and the promises made to census respondents, personal information collected during the census can and will be used for statistical purposes only, and not used in any way that could have a direct impact on individuals.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many fines have been issued for non-completion of the 2021 census.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician
Lord Lucas
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0PW
13 July 2021
Dear Lord Lucas,
As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Questions relating to Census 2021 in England and Wales asking firstly how many 2021 census forms were (1) requested, and (2) have been completed and returned (HL1710); secondly, how many fines have been issued for non-completion of the 2021 census (HL1711); and what plans there are to compare the census data with the Department for Work and Pensions' database of National Insurance numbers to identify (1) NI numbers which should be terminated, and (2) individuals who should be fined for non-completion of the 2021 census (HL1713).
Census 2021 was designed to be a digital-first census and we encouraged people to complete online where possible, but we made sure that those who preferred to use a paper questionnaire were able to do so. Most households were sent a letter with an access code to complete the census online. Ten percent of households, where the take-up of the online option was likely to be relatively low, were sent a paper questionnaire in place of the Census 2021 letter. Each paper questionnaire also included an access code so that the household could complete online. Similarly, while most reminder letters sent to households that had not yet completed the census included the online access code, some households were sent paper questionnaires as part of the reminder and follow-up process. Paper questionnaires and online access codes were also available on request via our freephone contact centre or the Census 2021 website.
The response to Census 2021 has exceeded all expectations, with a return rate of 97 percent of households across England and Wales and an online-completion rate above our target of 75 percent. The return rate is based on the number of households where we have a valid return, as a percentage of all addresses that are not considered to be vacant. Final response rates will be calculated after following the processing of data from the census and the Census Coverage Survey, and may therefore differ from the return rate. While this processing is continuing, we are not able to provide the detailed information requested. We are planning to publish an article in the autumn with information on how people completed the census, including whether they did so online or on paper.
As regards the number of fines for non-completion and for providing false information in Census 2021, I would like to clarify that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not have the power to impose fines under the Census Act 1920. Fines can be imposed by the courts as a result of a successful prosecution, and the ONS works closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on bringing cases to court where necessary. The ONS is currently undertaking the non-compliance process, including gathering evidence to be passed to the CPS where appropriate. The main objective of this work is to persuade the few people who refuse to complete a questionnaire to do so; as such, people can avoid the risk of a fine for non-completion at any stage by completing the census.
We have no plans to use census data for the purposes described in your question. In accordance with all relevant legislation, UK Statistics Authority policy, and the promises made to census respondents, personal information collected during the census can and will be used for statistical purposes only, and not used in any way that could have a direct impact on individuals.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many 2021 census forms were (1) requested, and (2) have been completed and returned.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician
Lord Lucas
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0PW
13 July 2021
Dear Lord Lucas,
As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Questions relating to Census 2021 in England and Wales asking firstly how many 2021 census forms were (1) requested, and (2) have been completed and returned (HL1710); secondly, how many fines have been issued for non-completion of the 2021 census (HL1711); and what plans there are to compare the census data with the Department for Work and Pensions' database of National Insurance numbers to identify (1) NI numbers which should be terminated, and (2) individuals who should be fined for non-completion of the 2021 census (HL1713).
Census 2021 was designed to be a digital-first census and we encouraged people to complete online where possible, but we made sure that those who preferred to use a paper questionnaire were able to do so. Most households were sent a letter with an access code to complete the census online. Ten percent of households, where the take-up of the online option was likely to be relatively low, were sent a paper questionnaire in place of the Census 2021 letter. Each paper questionnaire also included an access code so that the household could complete online. Similarly, while most reminder letters sent to households that had not yet completed the census included the online access code, some households were sent paper questionnaires as part of the reminder and follow-up process. Paper questionnaires and online access codes were also available on request via our freephone contact centre or the Census 2021 website.
The response to Census 2021 has exceeded all expectations, with a return rate of 97 percent of households across England and Wales and an online-completion rate above our target of 75 percent. The return rate is based on the number of households where we have a valid return, as a percentage of all addresses that are not considered to be vacant. Final response rates will be calculated after following the processing of data from the census and the Census Coverage Survey, and may therefore differ from the return rate. While this processing is continuing, we are not able to provide the detailed information requested. We are planning to publish an article in the autumn with information on how people completed the census, including whether they did so online or on paper.
As regards the number of fines for non-completion and for providing false information in Census 2021, I would like to clarify that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not have the power to impose fines under the Census Act 1920. Fines can be imposed by the courts as a result of a successful prosecution, and the ONS works closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on bringing cases to court where necessary. The ONS is currently undertaking the non-compliance process, including gathering evidence to be passed to the CPS where appropriate. The main objective of this work is to persuade the few people who refuse to complete a questionnaire to do so; as such, people can avoid the risk of a fine for non-completion at any stage by completing the census.
We have no plans to use census data for the purposes described in your question. In accordance with all relevant legislation, UK Statistics Authority policy, and the promises made to census respondents, personal information collected during the census can and will be used for statistical purposes only, and not used in any way that could have a direct impact on individuals.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what minimum standards they require from providers in the procurement of call centre operations regarding (1) the surveillance, and (2) other working conditions, for remote-working staff.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The Contact Centre Services framework agreement (RM3815) has minimum security standards for technology and people vetting, as well as standards in place for data protection (GDPR) within the framework agreement terms and conditions that all suppliers must adhere to.
Customer authorities may put in place call-off contracts with Service Level Agreements where suppliers will need to report on staff's availability to answer/handle calls.
However, specific call off clauses agreed between suppliers and customers concerning surveillance and working conditions of remote workers are not reported back centrally to the Crown Commercial Service.
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the practice of journalists offering ministers a "right of reply" to a story by email correspondence; whether such correspondence is considered to be confidential; and, if so, whether such confidentiality is in the public interest.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
It is not for the government to comment on the journalistic practice of offering a right of reply, and the confidentiality of such correspondence.
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Paymaster General on 1 March that "trans men are men and trans women are women", how they intend this phrase be understood.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The Ministerial and Other Maternity Allowances Act provides for maternity leave for mothers, irrespective of gender reassignment. We believe that all people should be treated with respect and their rights protected. We also believe in the compatibility of protecting women’s rights and the rights of transgender people.
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what Cabinet-level discussions involving the Prime Minister have taken place in the last year about (1) establishing, and (2) monitoring, cross-Government objectives for supporting young people not on Universal Credit through the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal discussions are not usually disclosed.
The Government recognises the significant impact of Covid-19 on young people, particularly the most vulnerable.
Young people benefit from many of the interventions introduced by the Government to support the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced on 25 November that a specific £16.5m Youth Covid-19 Support Fund will protect the immediate future of grassroots and national youth organisations across the country. The Government has also released £90m from dormant accounts to support charities tackling youth unemployment.
Asked by: Lord Lucas (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate the appointment of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament; and what estimate they have made, if any, of when that Committee will be appointed.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The Intelligence and Security Committee was reconstituted on 14 July 2020.