Alberto Costa Portrait

Alberto Costa

Conservative - South Leicestershire

First elected: 7th May 2015



Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Alberto Costa has voted in 830 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Alberto Costa Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Boris Johnson (Conservative)
(17 debate interactions)
Luke Evans (Conservative)
(8 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(7 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(36 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(17 debate contributions)
Home Office
(11 debate contributions)
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View all Alberto Costa's debates

South Leicestershire Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Alberto Costa has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Alberto Costa

Alberto Costa has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Alberto Costa, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Alberto Costa has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Alberto Costa has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

2 Bills introduced by Alberto Costa


A Bill to require manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines; to make provision about the promotion of the use of microplastic-catching filters in washing machines and raising awareness about the consequences of microplastics from washing machines for pollution in rivers and seas; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to require manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines; to make provision about the promotion of the use of microplastic-catching filters in washing machines and raising awareness about the consequences of microplastics from washing machines for pollution in rivers and seas; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 2nd November 2022

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
8 Other Department Questions
18th May 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many ordained stipendiary priests are proposed to serve each Minster Community in Leicestershire; how frequent the Commissioners expect the provision for Holy Communion in each church to be; and how many such priests have been identified as ready to (a) serve in Minster Communities and (b) provide Holy Communion, not by extension.

Management of a diocese and ordering of parishes is not a matter for the National Church Institutions (NCIs), but for the diocesan bishop and their senior staff in discussion with the diocesan mission and pastoral committees and liaison with parishes. The NCIs are aware that in October 2021, 72% of the Leicester Diocesan Synod members voted in favour of the Minster Community model.

Enquiries about the Minster Communities plan should be directed to the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th May 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many Minster Communities are proposed in Leicestershire; and how many parishes are proposed in each.

Management of a diocese and the ordering of parishes is a matter for the diocesan bishop and their senior staff, not the National Church Institutions (NCIs).

The NCIs are aware that in October 2021, 72% of members of the Leicester Diocesan Synod voted in favour of the Minster Community model. The Church Commissioners, as the appeal body for any formal parish reorganisation, are unable to comment further as it may prejudice future decisions of the Mission, Pastoral, and Church Property Committee should Leicester Diocese decide to bring forward formal parish reorganisation proposals.

Enquiries about the Minster Communities plan should be directed to the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th May 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, which Church of England legislation, Measures and Canons provide a description of the functions and responsibilities of Oversight Ministers and Co-Area Deans; and what the functions are of the Launde Minster Community Oversight Minister, Revd Jonathan Dowman, commissioned on 30 April 2023 by the Bishop of Leicester.

Clergy of the Church of England who are officeholders generally hold their roles and responsibilities according to their current appointment and Statements of Particulars, with the duties of bishops, priests and deacons being set out in the Ordinal and the Canons. The responsibilities of area deans more particularly include those set out in legislation, but their specific roles are defined at the local level. Some diocesan roles, such as Co-Area Dean or Oversight Ministers, are not defined in legislation but may refer to a particular role in a diocese.

The engagement of diocesan clergy and staff is not a matter for the National Church Institutions. It would be best to contact the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough, who will be able to give more details about what is envisaged for these roles. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th May 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what information the Commissioners hold on whether the Minster Community model reduces (a) church attendance and (b) parish giving.

The Church Commissioners have not received any formal parish reorganisation proposals or impact assessments relating to the Minster Communities model. Enquiries about the Minster Communities model should be directed to the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th May 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Commissioners are taking steps to help ensure that ordained priests are not expected to officiate in parish churches of a different tradition in a way which (a) they and (b) the parishioners are not comfortable with.

Management of a diocese and the ordering of parishes is a matter for the diocesan bishop and their senior staff, not the National Church Institutions.

Clergy, retired clergy and lay ministers regularly offer cover across dioceses during vacancies, an incumbent’s illness, or for other pastoral reasons. The diocesan bishop and local archdeacon are responsible for overseeing this process.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps her Department is taking to help (a) improve access for and (b) prevent refusals of services by businesses to people who use guide dogs.

No one should be refused access to businesses or services because they use a guide or other assistance dog.

Under the Equality Act 2010 (the Act), businesses and public bodies that provide goods and services to the public must not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people, including those with assistance dogs. The Act places a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve access to premises, buildings and services. This could include allowing the use of assistance dogs so that disabled customers have the same access to goods and services and are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled customers. Taxi and private hire drivers have a specific duty under the Act to carry guide dogs and assistance dogs at no extra cost to the passenger.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance for all businesses, including service providers, on this subject. The guidance explains that assistance dogs should be treated as auxiliary aids and not as pets. The guidance is available at: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/assistance-dogs-a-guide-for-all-businesses.pdf and makes clear that businesses and service providers should allow assistance dogs access to buildings where dogs would normally not be permitted whenever this is reasonable.

Anybody who thinks that they have been discriminated against in the services offered to them - including where access to an assistance dog has been refused - can take legal action to resolve the issue. Before doing so, they might first find it useful to contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) which provides free bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination concerns via their website - http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com, or by telephone on 0808 800 0082 or by text phone on 0808 800 0084.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Jan 2020
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when the Government plans to publish its response to the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 consultation.

Reform of the Gender Recognition Act would have an impact across several different public services and it is imperative that any changes work effectively and have support. We have analysed the 100,000+ responses to the consultation and are working hard with colleagues across Whitehall and relevant agencies to consider the appropriate next steps. We will publish our response to the consultation once these have been agreed in due course.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
24th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether wedding breakfasts will be able to proceed under Step 3 of the Government's roadmap out of covid-19 lockdown.

In the COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021, the Government has set out the gradual and cautious approach to reopening different sectors in England, guided by science and the data.

We understand the unique significance that marriages and civil partnerships hold in people’s lives, but we have to take necessary steps to limit transmission of COVID-19. This includes restrictions on wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as other forms of social contact. By their very nature, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are events that bring families and friends together, making them particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.

Alternative wedding ceremonies are permitted in line with the regular wedding or civil partnership rules, in the same locations, at each step.

From 29 March, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies have been able to take place indoors or outdoors in COVID-Secure venues that are not expressly closed by the Regulations, or where a broader exemption applies. From 12 April, 15 people are permitted to attend. This approach allows couples to marry in legally binding licensed venues for wedding ceremonies (where outdoor options are limited) while remaining in line with the reopening of sectors and venues as set out in the roadmap. Wedding ceremonies should follow government guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.

Receptions (of up to 15 people) can resume from 12 April. The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. That is why receptions are only permitted outdoors at this Step and should be in a COVID-Secure venue.

From Step 3, no earlier than 17 May 2021, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are permitted for up to 30 people in COVID-Secure venues that are not required to close, or where a broader exemption applies. Receptions can also proceed with up to 30 people in a COVID-Secure indoor venue, or outdoors, which includes private gardens.

Guidance for wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-wedding-and-civil-partnership-receptions-and-celebrations

At each step, the limits on the number of attendees includes children of all ages, but not workers.

For further information, please refer to the guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
18th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether children under the age of five count toward the number of attendees allowed at weddings under Step Two of the Government's covid-19 roadmap.

Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships was published on 22 March and can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships#wedding-and-civil-partnership-ceremony-venues

We recognise that any restrictions on wedding venues may be disappointing for those planning such events, but we have to take necessary steps to limit transmission of COVID-19. This includes the closure of some settings and restrictions on social contact, including wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. By their very nature, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are events that bring families and friends together, making them particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate the sacrifices people have had to make across the COVID-19 pandemic and we do not wish to keep any restrictions in place longer than we need to.

In the COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021, the Government has set out the gradual and cautious approach to reopening in England, guided by science and the data, including the staged return of weddings and civil partnerships, as well as sporting events.

In order to inform the pace and sequencing of the roadmap, the Government commissioned advice and modelling from SAGE and its sub-groups. Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus is regularly published here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/scientific-evidence-supporting-the-government-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
9th Feb 2021
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a timeline for the return to normal proceedings for wedding ceremonies.

On 4 January, the Prime Minister announced a National Lockdown for all of England, in accordance with growing evidence of virus prevalence. Under these new restrictions, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies should only take place in exceptional circumstances. Up to six people can attend (including the couple). Anyone working is not included in that limit.

We recognise the restrictions may be disappointing for those planning such events. By their nature, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are events that bring families and friends together, including from across the country and sometimes across the world, making them particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. We do not wish to keep restrictions in place for any longer than we have to, and restrictions will be kept under review in line with the changing situation. For further information, please refer to the guidance for small weddings and civil partnerships https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships. There is different advice for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The government continues to regularly make available scientific evidence supporting its COVID-19 response, including at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/scientific-evidence-supporting-the-government-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19.

On 22 February, the Prime Minister will set out the plan for reopening schools, and gradually reopening the economy and society, in a sustainable way in England.

For further information, please refer to the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) page on gov.uk, which will publish further information regarding the roadmap on 22 February, https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
17th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department is taking steps to help support and increase the export of locally produced beer and gin to overseas markets.

The Department for Business & Trade provides bespoke export advice and support to our distilleries and breweries across the UK through our network of international trade advisers and dedicated sector resource in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The Department has a dedicated workplan of export promotion activities including a strong UK presence at tradeshows such as Prowein in Germany in March, educational webinars and inward buyer visits.

We work in close partnership with trade associations such as the Wine and Spirits Trade Association and the British Beer and Pub Association to help drinks exporters to capitalise on the enormous global demand for British food and drink whilst we work to open new markets for their products.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to support households in off-gas-grid areas to transition to electric heat pump systems.

The Government is investing £6.6 billion over this Parliament on clean heat and improving energy efficiency in buildings. In addition, £6 billion of new Government funding will be made available from 2025 to 2028.

The Government is providing support for heat pump installations for off gas grid homes under a range of government schemes including the Home Upgrade Grant, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The Government also provides consumers with tailored and impartial information on how to improve the energy performance of their homes through GOV.UK.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using hydrotreated vegetable oil as a fuel source for households in off-gas-grid areas.

The Government expects heat pumps will be the primary technology for decarbonising off-grid buildings. The Government recognises that not all off-grid properties will be suitable for a heat pump and there will be a role for alternative low carbon technologies where heat pumps cannot be used.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the evaluation criteria used for Energy Performance Certificates for the private rental sector.

EPCs are intended to provide prospective buyers and tenants with a guide to the energy performance of different properties, in a way which is simple to understand and comparable between properties. The Government believes that energy certificates have an important role to play to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings to enable the Government to meet its ambitious net zero carbon emission targets. The Department has commenced work on developing a future version of Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP), the methodology used to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for existing dwellings. The Government is also working on proposals to improve EPC metrics, with a view to consulting on these later this year, taking into account the recently published proposals from the Climate Change Committee.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much and what proportion of the contract awarded to CityFibre to provide hard-to-reach premises in Leicestershire and Warwickshire with access to gigabit-capable broadband will be spent in South Leicestershire constituency.

In February 2024, BDUK announced the signing of a £71.5 million Project Gigabit contract for Leicestershire and Warwickshire with the supplier CityFibre, to deliver lightning fast broadband to approximately 38,000 premises. Of these premises, approximately 6,500 are in the South Leicestershire constituency.

The specific funding required to reach the premises in each area will depend on the costs involved for deployment, which can vary. However, it can be anticipated that approximately £11.5 million of the contract funding will be spent in South Leicestershire.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that Companies House is tackling the setting up of fraudulent companies; and whether he has plans to bring forward corporate transparency and registry changes to Companies House's procedures.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill was introduced in the House of Commons in September and is currently in Commons Committee stage. It contains measures to bear down on the use of UK companies and other corporate structures as vehicles for economic crime, including fraud.

The Bill will, among other things, introduce identity verification for people who manage and control companies registered at Companies House. It will also give Companies House new powers to check, challenge and decline dubious information on the Register – ensuring that any fraudulent appointments or addresses can be struck off more easily

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
26th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to support UK-based engineering companies in developing Small Modular Nuclear reactors.

The Government is providing £210m of funding for Rolls-Royce SMR, which will be matched by industry. Rolls-Royce SMR is the largest engineering collaboration the UK has seen and the UK is working towards maximising British content, creating new intellectual property, reinvigorating supply chains and positioning our country as a global leader in innovative nuclear technologies.

The application window for the £120million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund opened on the 2nd of September. This fund will provide targeted support to potential new and advanced nuclear projects seeking to enter the UK nuclear market and will be open to all nuclear fission technologies.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support is being provided to households and non-domestic users who rely on biomass energy.

The Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) will provide a one-off payment of £100 to households that use alternative fuels for heating, such as biomass energy, instead of mains gas. The Government has said that it will provide equivalent support to non-domestic properties using alternative fuels. Further information will be provided shortly.

This is in addition to the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), which delivers a £400 non-repayable discount to households with an electricity meter. For those not on standard gas or electricity contracts the EBSS Alternative Fund will provide equivalent support. Further details will be announced in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of exempting co-operative owned wind farms from the Electricity Prices Bill revenue cap.

The Government recognises the role community and locally owned renewable energy schemes can, and do, play in supporting the UK’s national net zero targets.  These projects help encourage innovation and investment as well as community engagement with the energy challenge.

The Government will shortly be consulting on the Cost-Plus Revenue Limit, including whether there should be a minimum threshold for size of generation stations and whether it is appropriate for this mechanism to apply to community or local energy schemes.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the £100 one-off payment to households that use heating oil, whether his Department plans to provide further financial support to those households.

In addition to the £100 one-off payment, households not on standard gas or electricity contracts will receive equivalent support to that provided through the Energy Bills Support Scheme and The Energy Price Guarantee. The Government is working at speed to determine the most practical and tested routes to deliver this support.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support his Department is providing to SMEs to move towards a net zero economy.

Taking action on climate change will help businesses to grow, seize new opportunities and adapt against the challenges of a changing planet. The first step SMEs can take is to visit the UK Business Climate Hub and sign up to the globally recognised SME Climate Commitment. Here SMEs can also get help and advice on how to be greener and save money.

Additionally, almost £5 billion of funding is available to help UK businesses become greener as part of the government’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The latest funding opportunities can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-funding-to-help-your-business-become-greener.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to help support consumers with the rising price of heating oil.

The Government believes it is essential that consumers of heating oil get a fair deal. There is an open market for the supply of heating oil in the UK as we believe this provides the best long-term guarantee of competitive prices. Consumers of heating oil will be eligible for the £200 energy rebate as long as they are also domestic electricity customers.

Financial support remains available for heating oil customers with energy bills, if eligible, through the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment schemes.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has plans to provide funding for the fitting of solar panelling on all new warehouses.

The Department has no plans to provide specific funding for the fitting of solar panels on all new warehouses. Building Regulations are technology-neutral, to preserve the flexibility that developers need to suit the circumstances of individual sites. Subject to further technical consultation, the Government expects the Future Buildings Standard to ensure all new non-domestic buildings are zero-carbon ready.

Businesses installing roof top solar on warehouses can receive payment for any surplus electricity that is exported to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee. The Government is also providing fiscal incentives through capital allowances for spend on solar panels, and as announced by my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Autumn Budget 2021, solar and storage used on site will be exempt from business rates from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2035.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that lenders and insurance companies do not unfairly penalise homeowners who have had spray foam insulation installed in their homes as part of the Green Homes Grant.

Customers participating on the Green Homes Grant scheme are advised to make sure the options they choose are appropriate for them. The voucher scheme places the responsibility on the homeowner to decide which measures they would like to install and does not recommend or promote any types of insulation.

Spray foam insulation is only permitted in the Green Homes Grant scheme where customers are protected by guarantee.

Installers under the Green Homes Grant scheme must be TrustMark registered and meet Publicly Available Specification standards when installing energy efficiency measures, ensuring the highest levels of quality and customer protection. It is the responsibility of registered installers to abide by building regulations and relevant industry standards.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
26th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what guidance his Department has issued to tile retailers on their continued operation during (a) the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown and (b) all tiers of the localised covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister addressed the nation on Monday 23 November setting out the Government’s COVID-19 Winter Plan. The COVID-19 Winter Plan sets out that the current national restrictions will be lifted on 2 December.

The Safer Working guidance was updated to reflect the national restrictions and again on 26 November to reflect the Prime Minister’s announcement of the new tiering regime.

26th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support small town centres in recovering from the economic effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

This Government is?fully?committed to supporting the businesses and communities that make our high streets and town centres successful as the nation responds to the?impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak.? Now more than ever, it is vital that we continue to help our local economies by supporting town centres and high streets, adapt and evolve.

This Government has provided a comprehensive package of support of well over £200 billion. Many of the measures introduced, including loan schemes, tax deferrals, Self Employment Income Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, remain open and have been designed to be accessible to businesses in most sectors and across the UK.

On 25 May, the Government announced the £50m Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) to support Local Authorities in England to safely reopen their high streets, town centres and other commercial areas through Covid-19 related advice, awareness and practical measures to support safe trading.

On 22 October, my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer also announced that further grant funding will be made available to support businesses in Very High Covid-19 local alert levels that are required to close by law in order to tackle Covid-19 and save lives. Funding for business grants will also be provided via local authorities to support businesses in High Covid-19 local alert level areas that are not required to close but will have had their trade affected, particularly by restrictions on household mixing.

Our immediate response to?Covid-19?builds on an ongoing programme of interventions. This includes the £3.6 billion Towns Fund, where we brought forward over £80m funding this year to support immediate improvements in 101 towns selected for deals. The fund will support local areas in England to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that improves experience, drives growth and ensures future sustainability.

Government is also providing support through the High Streets Task Force, helping local leaders in their work revitalising their high streets and town centres by providing proactive support to local areas to develop data-driven innovative strategies and connect local areas to relevant experts. The High Streets Task Force is rolling out its expert, training and data offer across the country, and has launched a range of online support.

21st Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that pensioners are able to access the Green Homes Grant Scheme.

People in receipt of certain benefits, including Pension Guarantee Credit, will also qualify for the low-incomes scheme and be eligible for a more generous voucher of up to 100% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £10,000 rather than two thirds up to a maximum of £5,000.

25th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what guidance his Department has provided to tanning salons on safe reopening as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

The Government published new guidance for Close Contact Services, such as tanning salons, on 23 June. This can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/close-contact-services.

29th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of enabling mobile hairdressers to work during the covid-19 outbreak.

In order to reduce social contact, the Government has ordered non-essential businesses to close, this includes hairdressers and barbers. The nature of the industry involves close contact and it would not be possible for hairdressers to adhere to social distancing measures.

These remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher due to the indoor environment and closer physical contact.

On 11th May we published our COVID-19 recovery strategy, which sets out a roadmap to a phased recovery. Over the coming months, Government will introduce a range of adjustments to current social distancing controls, timing these carefully according to both the current spread of the virus and the Government’s ability to ensure safety. Each step may involve adding new adjustments to the existing restrictions or taking some adjustments further.

The ambition to reopen hairdressers is part of Step 3 of the roadmap and we will work with the sector to develop safe ways for them to open at the earliest point at which it is safe to do so.

We continue to work with stakeholders on developing sensible guidance for businesses that will give UK workers the utmost confidence on their return to work. We will now focus on sectors that are not currently open to help them plan for when they can open.

3rd Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure compatibility of smart meters between providers.

Energy suppliers are now installing second generation smart (SMETS2) meters, which are connected to the national smart metering communications network run by the Data Communications Company (DCC) from the point of installation, so are already compatible between suppliers.

First generation smart (SMETS1) meters are being moved onto the DCC’s network so that consumers regain and keep smart services if they switch supplier. Meters are being enrolled remotely, without consumers needing to take any action. Priority is being given to those which have temporarily lost smart functionality.

24th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps to encourage highly skilled UK nationals based overseas to return to this country following the UK's departure from the EU; and if he will make a statement.

The rights of UK nationals who wish to continue living in the EU beyond 31st December 2020 have been secured through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK citizens living and working in the EEA or Switzerland by the end of the transition period can bring their close family members back to the UK with them under current conditions, to enable their family members to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, until 29 March 2022, as long as the relationship was formed by 31 January 2020. We will continue to maintain up-to-date guidance on the Gov.uk website for any UK national living abroad who is considering returning to the UK. We would welcome UK nationals of whatever skill level who wish to return to the UK, whether from within or beyond the EU.

13th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of BT on ensuring that vulnerable users will not be disadvantaged by the move to Digital Voice.

Whilst the move to digital voice is industry led, DCMS and Ofcom regularly engage with BT to ensure vulnerable groups are supported throughout the upgrade process. Ofcom’s guidance on providing access to emergency services during a power outage includes requirements that providers engage in effective communications to ensure all customers understand the risk associated with the migration. Additionally, Ofcom has also published more general guidance on how providers can treat vulnerable customers fairly.

BT recently announced it would pause its provider-led migration of customers until new resilient technologies, such as longer-lasting battery back-up units and 4G-capable handsets, become available. Whilst this announcement does not affect the 2025 date by which Openreach intends to close the PSTN, BT has said the delay will allow it more time to proactively engage related industries - such as telecare and burglar alarm providers - to ensure their most vulnerable customers continue to get the services they need.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
13th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will take steps to increase the use of subtitles on television.

The Government recognises the importance of subtitling and supports television being accessible to all. As the independent broadcast regulator, Ofcom is responsible for holding broadcasters to account for the delivery of television access services which includes the provision of subtitling. Statutory targets are set by Ofcom which include five and ten year targets for licensed television services. Ofcom’s Code on Television Access Services sets out these obligations and provides guidance and best practice on subtitling for broadcasters.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to stop the spoofing of UK telephone numbers by foreign companies to make nuisance calls.

The DCMS works closely with the independent regulator, Ofcom who is responsible for consumer protection, as well as the telecoms industry and the Home Office to address telephone-enabled fraud and nuisance calls.

In February 2022, Ofcom published a consultation which proposed a range of changes to address the specific issue of spoofing. This included proposals to strengthen guidance for operators on the detection and blocking of spoofed numbers by improving accuracy in Calling Line Identification (CLI) data, as well as reviewing practices in the reselling of allocated and assigned numbers. We will consider next steps following the publication of Ofcom’s response.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the timeframe is for the completion of the Fan-led review of football governance.

We are currently working through the structure of the review with the Chair, including the timeline for publication of the report, and will provide updates shortly. Given the seriousness of these issues, we will be looking to move at pace on this.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
9th Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when indoor personal training sessions can resume as part of the Government's Covid Roadmap.

Sports and physical activity are crucial for our mental and physical health. That’s why we have continued to make sure that people can exercise throughout the national restrictions and why we have ensured that grassroots and children’s sport is front of the queue when easing those restrictions.

On Monday 22 February, the Prime Minister announced a roadmap out of the current lockdown in England. One to one coaching and personal training can continue outdoors under the same rules as during national restrictions. As part of step 2, the majority of indoor leisure facilities will be able to open for individual use including one to one coaching and personal training. As part of step 3, we expect exercise classes to be able to resume.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support youth charities and associated services for young people during the covid-19 outbreak.

Government recognises the significant impact of Covid-19 on young people, particularly the most vulnerable, and on the youth services that support them. A £16.5m Youth Covid-19 Support Fund has been announced which will protect the immediate future of grassroots and national youth organisations across the country.

This funding will be allocated from the Government’s unprecedented £750 million package of support which is benefiting tens of thousands of frontline charities, so they can continue their vital work. More than £60 million of this package has already been provided to organisations working with vulnerable children and young people. This is in addition to sports and arts youth groups receiving funding as part of Sport England’s (£27m) and the Art Council’s (£50m) covid-19 emergency funding packages.

The Youth Investment Fund remains a manifesto commitment for transformative levelling up across the country over the course of the parliament. In the recently announced Spending Review, £30m of this was committed as capital investment for 2021-22. This will provide a transformational investment in new and refurbished safe spaces for young people, so they can access support youth workers, and positive activities out of school, including sport and culture. Further details of the timetable for allocation will be announced in due course.

14th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions his Department has had with the Royal British Legion on enabling the safe attendance of Remembrance Sunday events during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has provided advice for those planning to hold local services for Remembrance Sunday across the country.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-preparations-for-remembrance-sunday/local-authority-preparations-for-remembrance-sunday

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport continues to work closely with The Royal British Legion to prepare safe plans for this year’s National Remembrance Sunday Service, delivered on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London.

8th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of enabling the safe reopening of fun fairs during the covid-19 outbreak.

My Department has held a number of meetings with representatives of the outdoor events industry to discuss guidance and next steps to reopening the sector. DCMS officials have met regularly with the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, most recently on 8 October, and have also spoken to representatives of the Amusement Device Safety Council.

Outdoor events organised by businesses, charitable organisations, and public bodies are currently permitted provided event organisers follow all relevant Covid-19 Secure guidance, organisers and attendees adhere to all legal requirements - including only allowing groups of up to 6 people and following any additional local interventions - and that the event does not pose a risk to public health.

Guidance developed by the Events Industry Forum in collaboration with DCMS outlines the Covid-secure measures that a Local Authority should assess have been put in place by event organisers.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
1st Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what support his Department is providing to professional Rugby Union teams who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

This government’s multi-billion-pound package of business support has enabled many of our sports clubs to survive, but we know that the decision not to reopen stadia to spectators on 1 October will have economic consequences for sports and clubs across the country who relied on those fans for income, including professional rugby union teams.

We have asked for detailed financial returns to see what support they need, and we will work at pace with them to understand the issues that organisations in the most challenging circumstances are facing and what support they may require.

I met with the CEO of Premiership Rugby on 1 October to discuss this very issue and we will continue to engage directly with both the RFU and with Premiership Rugby as part of this process.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the implications for safety of the reintroduction of large brass band rehearsals.

As of 14 September non-professional performing arts activity, including choirs, orchestras, wind and brass or drama groups can continue to rehearse or perform together where this is planned activity in line with the performing arts guidance and if they can do so in a way that ensures that there is no interaction between groups of more than six at any time. If an amateur group is not able to ensure that no mingling takes place between these sub-groups of no more than six (including when arriving at or leaving activity or in any breaks or socialising) then such non-professional activity should not take place.

We will continue to work with the Performing Arts sector to understand how the new regulations affect those engaging in activity. We have always been clear that the easing of restrictions depends on the prevalence of COVID-19.

Following concerns that singing, wind and brass were potentially higher risk activities DCMS commissioned further scientific studies to be carried out to develop the scientific evidence on these activities. The outcome of these studies has allowed us to reconsider appropriate mitigations and remove the need for extended social distancing that was previously required. Both professionals and non-professionals can now engage in singing, wind and brass in line with this guidance. People should continue to socially distance from those they do not live with wherever possible. Venues, performers and audiences should ensure 2m distancing applies wherever possible.

28th Aug 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what criteria his Department used when deciding to delay the proposed reopening of bowling alleys due to take place 1 August 2020.

As the Prime Minister stated on 31st July, our assessment at the time was that we should pause reopening activity slightly in order to keep the virus under control. As with all aspects of the Government’s response to Covid-19, our decisions have been and will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public health assessments.

Bowling alleys have been permitted to reopen in line with Covid-19 Secure guidelines since 15th August, except in specific areas where local restrictions are in place.

Bowling alleys are able to benefit from the reduced rate of VAT which the Government has applied to attractions, accommodation and hospitality from 15 July 2020 until 12 January 2021. To support businesses - including bowling alleys - through Covid-19, the Government has also introduced a comprehensive support package, including business rates relief for eligible leisure businesses and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

We have supported bowling alleys by working closely with stakeholders to develop further Covid-19 Secure reopening guidance for venues. Specific guidance on bowling alleys has been published within UKHospitality’s ‘COVID-19 Secure Guidelines for Hospitality Businesses.’ We continue to meet regularly with the wider sector through the Cultural Renewal Taskforce’s Sport and Visitor Economy working groups.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Aug 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance his Department has issued to soft play areas for their safe reopening as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

On 13 August, the Government announced that indoor play and indoor soft play venues could open from 15 August. We worked with BALPPA, the trade body that represents the industry to develop guidance that lays out detailed measures for indoor play and indoor soft play operators to make venues COVID-secure. These include closing ball pits and sensory areas, reducing capacity of venues and soft play frames, regular deep cleaning, pre-bookable timed sessions, increased sanitation, and a rigorous process to support track and trace. We will continue to engage with the sector and will keep the guidance under regular review.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Aug 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of permitting a limited number of spectators to attend non-league football matches as covid-19 restrictions are eased.

On 18th August, the Government amended its guidance to provide extra clarification for organisers of non-elite sports events to help them manage and admit spectators safely, adhering to social distancing.

Non-league football clubs from level seven of the pyramid, below the National League North / South, can admit spectators in line with the FA’s definition of non-elite football.

We continue to work closely with all sports, including the interests of football from National League and above to support the safe return of spectators to stadia more widely from October 1st. As announced by the Prime Minister, this remains subject to successful pilots events and wider prevailing public health factors, both of which remain under active consideration.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
16th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what support his Department is providing for the provision of girls football at a grassroots level in (a) England and (b) Leicestershire.

Through Sport England, the government is investing £24.6m in The Football Association (The FA) over the course of 2016-21 for its work on grassroots participation, the football
talent pathway, and coaching programmes. Within this, there is no specific ring fencing of funding between men's and women's programmes apart from £2.6m which is specifically reserved for women and girls talent programmes.

In addition, Sport England has awarded The FA £544,500 to date to deliver The FA FIVES, a mass participation five a side football competition for men and women. They have also invested £987,000 to support the infrastructure and opportunities for recreational football in each of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 host cities (London, Manchester, Sheffield, Rotherham, Milton Keynes, Wigan/Leigh, Brighton and Southampton).

Separately, the government has invested £18 million in football facilities through the Football Foundation in each of 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Football Foundation has invested £22.95 million in football facilities in the Leicestershire County FA region since 2000. It is not possible to separate out the investment amounts by gender.

We want to see women’s sport continue to thrive. I recently wrote to the Football Association, alongside the other major sport governing bodies, to underline the importance of maintaining the momentum of women’s and girl’s football.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
10th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance his Department has issued on the safe reopening of bowling alleys as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Physical activity facilities play a crucial role in supporting adults and children to be active. From 1 August, we will reopen bowling alleys.

The Government is committed to reopening leisure facilities and visitor attractions, including bowling alleys, as soon as it is safe to do so. The Sport Working Group and the Visitor Economy Working Group both feed into the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, and ensure strong sector and expert support for the co-development of guidance. This will help ten pin bowling alleys become Covid-19 Secure and re-open as early as possible.

As with all aspects of the Government’s response to Covid-19, our decisions will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public health assessments.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what support his Department will provide to independent music venues during the covid-19 outbreak.

On Sunday 5 July 2020, the Secretary of State announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of cultural and creative sectors.

We continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading music industry. Our recovery work for this sector is being delivered via the ministerially-chaired Events and Entertainment Working Group, which was established to support the Secretary of State’s Cultural Renewal Taskforce. The Music Venue Trust is an active and valued member of the Working Group, the focus of which is to produce sector-led guidance for the safe reopening of a range of creative industries sectors, including live music venues.