Asked by: Charlie Maynard (Liberal Democrat - Witney)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of people over 50 who are classed as economically inactive but contribute to society through (a) volunteer and (b) unpaid work.
Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The department has not made such an estimate. We do not hold sufficient data to make this estimate in full. The number of inactive people over 50 who are inactive because of looking after their family or home could be estimated from the Annual Population Survey. DCMS’s Community Life Survey (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/community-life-survey-202324-annual-publication Community Life Survey 2023/24: Volunteering and charitable giving - GOV.UK) asks about volunteering and employment/unemployment status (see table C1b(E)).
Asked by: Charlie Maynard (Liberal Democrat - Witney)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will meet with the hon. Member for Witney to discuss the allocation of new funding for military housing to RAF Brize Norton.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
In January this year, we brought back more than 36,000 family homes into the public sector. In April, we committed to a new consumer charter to deliver basic rights and standards. In May, we committed an additional £1.5 billion for military family homes, as part of at least £7 billion in funding for military accommodation over the next five years. Later this year, a new Defence Housing Strategy will set out a plan for the renewal of the Service family estate.
As an early priority we are proceeding with plans to build 265 new Service family homes at Brize Norton.
I have recently visited RAF Brize Norton to discuss the renewal of the housing estate there with DIO officials and RAF personnel. I would be happy to arrange an appropriate meeting with the hon. Member to brief him on ongoing work in this area.
Asked by: Charlie Maynard (Liberal Democrat - Witney)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support community transport.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government recognises the vital role community transport operators play in connecting people with their communities, enabling access to employment, education, and other essential services such as healthcare.
The Department makes available up to £3.8 million each year through the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) to community transport operators. An uplift of 60% has been added to BSOG claims for community transport operators until 31 March 2026. This means community transport operators will receive £1.60 for every £1 claimed, reflecting the increased costs faced by the sector.