Helen Jones Portrait

Helen Jones

Labour - Former Member for Warrington North

First elected: 1st May 1997

Left House: 6th November 2019 (Standing Down)


Helen Jones is not a member of any APPGs
6 Former APPG memberships
Canada, Czech and Slovak, Czech Republic and Slovakia, Retail, Slovenia, Stroke
Liaison Committee Sub-committee on the effectiveness and influence of the select committee system
13th Feb 2019 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee (Commons)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Regulatory Reform
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Petitions Committee
12th Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Finance Committee (Commons)
30th Oct 2017 - 18th Feb 2019
Liaison Committee (Commons)
10th Sep 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Petitions Committee
18th Jun 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Finance Committee (Commons)
20th Jul 2015 - 7th Nov 2016
Shadow Minister (Home Affairs)
7th Oct 2013 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Minister (Communities and Local Government)
7th Oct 2011 - 7th Oct 2013
Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons
8th Oct 2010 - 7th Oct 2011
Opposition Whip (Commons)
12th May 2010 - 8th Oct 2010
Shadow Minister (Justice)
12th May 2010 - 8th Oct 2010
Vice Chamberlain (HM Household) (Whip, House of Commons)
10th Jun 2009 - 6th May 2010
Standing Orders
24th Oct 2001 - 6th May 2010
Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
5th Oct 2008 - 9th Jun 2009
Administration Committee
12th Jul 2005 - 26th Nov 2007
Education & Skills
20th Oct 2003 - 8th Nov 2007
Education & Employment
13th Dec 1999 - 11th May 2001
Standing Orders
1st Jun 1999 - 1st Jun 2000
Public Administration Committee
3rd Feb 1998 - 9th Feb 2000


Division Voting information

Helen Jones has voted in 2232 divisions, and 36 times against the majority of their Party.

15 Jul 2019 - High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour No votes vs 45 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 263 Noes - 17
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour No votes vs 210 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 99
1 Apr 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes) - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 24 Labour No votes vs 203 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 292
1 Apr 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes) - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Labour No votes vs 121 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 191 Noes - 292
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 22 Labour No votes vs 111 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 184 Noes - 293
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 27 Labour No votes vs 198 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 295
14 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Labour No votes vs 25 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 85 Noes - 334
23 Oct 2018 - Abortion - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Labour No votes vs 179 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 208 Noes - 123
13 Mar 2017 - Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Labour No votes vs 145 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 172 Noes - 142
2 Dec 2015 - ISIL in Syria - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 56 Labour No votes vs 139 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 211 Noes - 390
2 Dec 2015 - ISIL in Syria - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 65 Labour Aye votes vs 153 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 397 Noes - 223
22 Oct 2014 - Independent parliamentary standards authority - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Labour No votes vs 151 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 384 Noes - 18
20 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 18 Labour Aye votes vs 190 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 163 Noes - 321
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 69 Labour Aye votes vs 138 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 256
19 Oct 2011 - Deferred Division - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 28 Labour Aye votes vs 71 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 306 Noes - 95
18 Oct 2010 - Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 12 Labour No votes vs 180 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 196 Noes - 346
4 Mar 2010 - Chair (Terminology) - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 27 Labour Aye votes vs 124 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 106 Noes - 221
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 48 Labour Aye votes vs 230 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 299
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 49 Labour Aye votes vs 227 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - 298
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 47 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 194 Noes - 306
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 45 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 183 Noes - 308
3 Jul 2008 - Members’ Salaries - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 82 Labour Aye votes vs 136 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 155 Noes - 196
3 Jul 2008 - Members’ Salaries - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 66 Labour Aye votes vs 159 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 141 Noes - 216
3 Jul 2008 - Members’ Salaries - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 62 Labour Aye votes vs 152 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 123 Noes - 224
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 39 Labour Aye votes vs 240 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 190 Noes - 332
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 42 Labour Aye votes vs 229 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 173 Noes - 309
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 56 Labour Aye votes vs 231 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 233 Noes - 304
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 61 Labour Aye votes vs 215 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 176 Noes - 336
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 62 Labour Aye votes vs 216 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 286
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 58 Labour Aye votes vs 217 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 181 Noes - 314
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 51 Labour Aye votes vs 225 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 163 Noes - 342
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 51 Labour Aye votes vs 216 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 200 Noes - 293
28 Mar 2007 - deferred divisions - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 18 Labour No votes vs 265 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 274 Noes - 250
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 152 Labour No votes vs 162 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 416 Noes - 163
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 111 Labour Aye votes vs 197 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 196 Noes - 375
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Helen Jones voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 96 Labour No votes vs 207 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 337 Noes - 224
View All Helen Jones Division Votes

All Debates

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
Jeremy Hunt (Conservative)
Chancellor of the Exchequer
(49 debate interactions)
Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat)
(37 debate interactions)
Robert Neill (Conservative)
(29 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(163 debate contributions)
Ministry of Justice
(90 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(78 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(76 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Helen Jones's debates

Warrington North 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).

Petition Debates Contributed

Removing them will only penalize the poorest old age pensioners, many who rely on their television for company and their main source of entertainment.

The impartiality of the BBC is in question and needs addressing so as to protect its charter

The quality of BBC programmes do not reflect the price of the TV license. It is far too expensive for the majority of people and should be abolished.

The men who killed our daughter drove a stolen a car at 83 mph in a 30 mph zone. They killed our 4-year-old daughter Violet-Grace and severely injured her nan, who has life-changing injuries. They will serve less time in prison than Violet was alive. I don’t want other families to suffer like this.

We believe it is the parent’s fundamental right to teach their child RSE topics or to at least decide who teaches them and when and how they are taught. We want the right to opt our children out of RSE when it becomes mandatory in Sept 2020.

Hi I'm Natasha, I am making this petition because I want to make a difference to all woman living in the UK.

I am 30 years old and I have metastatic cervical cancer. I believe that the age of screening should be lowered to age 18 to enable all woman to detect cell changes and prevent cancer.

Every year fireworks are set off unnecessarily.
Fireworks are a nuisance to the public. They scare animals, young children and people with a phobia.
They injure thousands of people every year.
They cause damage to buildings, vehicles,emergancy vehicles etc.
Lastly Kids are STILL being sold them.

PETA, an organisation that is meant to be dedicated to protecting animals, has proposed to the UK government that it should add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the dangerous dogs act, effectively banning them outright. Breed Specific Legislation is not the solution to the problem of dog attacks.

The appeals process for Family Visit Visa was removed on 25 June, 2013 to save costs. My recent personal experience confirmed that the UKBA seem to have cut the process of justice and accountability while cutting their costs. How can this be justified?
Is UKBA now the Judge, Jury and Executioner?

Family members of UK Citizens shouldn’t have to meet the same criteria as other applicants for a visit visa. Not being a citizen doesn’t make our parent, siblings, children or grandchildren any less a part of our family. The only requirement should be that a British relative sponsors them.

Parents for British citizens are treated differently if they reside in countries outside the EU and are not EU citizens and government has made the settlement of parents under ADR practically impossible so we are looking for a middle ground as it is done in Canada with SUPER VISA

Impose harsh financial sanctions on the State of Myanmar due to the current ongoing ethnic cleansing being pursued by elements of its security forces.

Hundreds have been forced to flee their villages as the emergency situation in Myanmar has worsened. Urgent needs of displaced people include water, hygiene facilities, food & shelter.

Last year, lots of students struggled with GCSE English Literature as it was a closed book exam. Because of this many failed. How can they expect us to remember quotes from 15 poems, plus how to analyse them, plus remembering the whole plot, themes, characters and quotes from another book.

Every single person who works in public services needs and deserve a pay rise. It’s time for the pay cap to be scrapped, for the government to provide additional funding for public sector pay and for employers to put public sector workers pay up now.

The TV Licence is no longer fit for purpose and should be abolished. It is unfair that one should hold one to watch Freeview channels or indeed subscription TV. The BBC should look at alternative methods of funding particularly as it is commonly felt there is a high level of bias.


Latest EDMs signed by Helen Jones

19th January 2017
Helen Jones signed this EDM on Tuesday 24th January 2017

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

Tabled by: Stephen Pound (Labour - Ealing North)
That this House marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Republic of Armenia, and commends the choice made by the people of Armenia when they declared independence from the then Soviet Union; supports the government and people of Armenia in their promotion …
63 signatures
(Most recent: 30 Mar 2017)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 34
Scottish National Party: 14
Conservative: 9
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
The Independent Group for Change: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
15th June 2015
Helen Jones signed this EDM on Monday 15th June 2015

IPCC REPORT ON ORGREAVE

Tabled by: Ian Lavery (Labour - Wansbeck)
That this House strongly condemns the decision of the Independent Police Complaints Commission not to launch a full and comprehensive investigation into the behaviour of South Yorkshire Police at the Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984; believes there is no time limit to justice and furthermore that mining communities …
70 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Apr 2016)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 50
Scottish National Party: 8
Independent: 3
Green Party: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Helen Jones's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Helen Jones, 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.


Helen Jones has not been granted any Urgent Questions

3 Adjournment Debates led by Helen Jones

Monday 28th November 2011
Monday 20th June 2011

Helen Jones has not introduced any legislation before Parliament


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
22 Other Department Questions
12th Mar 2018
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Equality Act 2010 so that women at work are not forced to wear footwear which is damaging to their long term health; and if she will make a statement.

The Government takes the issue of workplace discrimination very seriously and will continue to work hard to ensure women are not discriminated against in the workplace by outdated attitudes and practices, including in relation to dress codes. Workplace dress codes must comply with both equalities and health and safety legislation, which means they must be reasonable and should not place more onerous requirements on women (or men) unless they can be justified objectively.

Following the inquiry into high heels and workplace dress codes, the House of Commons Petitions Committee and Women and Equalities Select Committee recommended that the Government Equalities Office (GEO) produce guidance on dress codes. The GEO has worked with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to draw up guidance for employers and employees to help them understand how discrimination law and health and safety law apply to workplace dress codes. The guidance is due to be published in due course, and will raise awareness of existing statutory protections.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
1st Nov 2017
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government has taken to ensure that women are aware that they cannot be compelled to wear unsuitable footwear or clothing at work.

The Government Equalities Office (GEO) will shortly be issuing Dress Code guidance for employers and employees in response to a recommendation from the Women and Equalities Select Committee and the Petitions Committee, following their inquiry into high heels and workplace dress codes. This summary of good practice will set out how the law would be expected to apply in cases of sex discrimination where an employer requires female staff to wear, for instance, high heels, make-up, hair of a particular length or style, or particular clothing.

In drafting this guidance GEO has consulted a number of key stakeholders, including the Health and Safety Executive, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Fawcett Society, the Women’s Business Council and the Trades Union Congress; the resulting guidance reflects their input and advice.

1st Nov 2017
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government has taken to raise awareness among employers of (a) the health and safety implications and (b) their duty under equalities legislation of requiring women to wear unsuitable footwear at work.

The Government Equalities Office (GEO) will shortly be issuing Dress Code guidance for employers and employees in response to a recommendation from the Women and Equalities Select Committee and the Petitions Committee, following their inquiry into high heels and workplace dress codes. This summary of good practice will set out how the law would be expected to apply in cases of sex discrimination where an employer requires female staff to wear, for instance, high heels, make-up, hair of a particular length or style, or particular clothing.

In drafting this guidance GEO has consulted a number of key stakeholders, including the Health and Safety Executive, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Fawcett Society, the Women’s Business Council and the Trades Union Congress; the resulting guidance reflects their input and advice.

1st Nov 2017
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the law in offering protection to women who are compelled to wear unsuitable footwear at work.

In response to the Report of the Women and Equalities Select Committee and the Petitions Committee on Dress Codes, the Government Equalities Office has assessed the law as it relates to employers requiring their employees to abide by a dress code, including (for women) the need to wear unsuitable footwear. We believe that the direct and indirect discrimination provisions, together with the enforcement arrangements in the Equality Act 2010, offer an effective remedy for employees who are concerned that they are being discriminated against in these situations. The Equality Act 2010 does not ban specific practices, but instead defines unlawful conduct and allows the courts to decide whether such conduct has been proven in any given case.

People with concerns about discriminatory dress codes can contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which provides authoritative and impartial free advice to employees or employers via their website (www.acas.org.uk) and telephone helpline (0300 123 1100).

The Equality Advisory and Support Service also provides bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination problems via the following number: 0808 800 0082 or via text phone: 0808 800 0084.

11th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many businesses in (a) Warrington and (b) the North West were (i) investigated and (ii) prosecuted for failure to pay the national minimum wage in the last year for which figures are available.

The Government does not record information on the number of National Minimum Wage investigations or prosecutions by region, local authority or parliamentary constituency.

Employers may register trading addresses which differ from where they undertake business and can operate at multiple sites across the country. Therefore it is not always possible to identify a particular area where national minimum wage non-compliance has occurred.


21st Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate she has made of the change in the number of jobs in each region attributable to changes to feed-in tariffs.

Our consultation on the feed-in tariff review reflects the need to balance sector support whilst keeping bills down for consumers. We strongly welcomed evidence from the sector during this review consultation, which ended on 23 October, and we asked a question about the impact on the wider economy, including jobs, in the consultation. We will respond in due course.

Andrea Leadsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
20th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate she has made of the expected capacity margin of the National Grid during winter 2015-16.

National Grid has recently published their Winter Outlook Report with a capacity margin of 5.1% for winter 2015-16.


National Grid continually assesses the risks to security of supply and system stability across GB. They have confirmed they have all the tools they need to manage the system this winter.



Andrea Leadsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
20th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what representations she has received on the probability of electricity shortages during winter 2015-16; and if she will make a statement.

Ensuring that hardworking families and businesses across the country have secure, affordable energy supplies they can rely on is our top priority.


National Grid has recently published their Winter Outlook Report with a capacity margin of 5.1% for winter 2015-16.


National Grid continually assesses the risks to security of supply and system stability across GB. They have confirmed they have all the tools they need to manage the system this winter.



Andrea Leadsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
16th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will make it his policy to ensure that cash retentions in the construction industry are placed in trust to safeguard them against possible bankruptcy; and if he will make a statement.

The Government does not collect data on the different types of unsecured debts and the creditors to whom they are owed across the full range of formal insolvency procedures.


The Government acknowledges that some people are unhappy with the system of retentions as it stands, but it is an embedded feature of the construction industry.


Therefore, our general approach is towork with the industry through the Construction Leadership Council and its supply chain payment charter; endorsing its commitment to zero retentions by 2025. Achieving this commitment will involve far-reaching changes to the way the sector works.


It is not clear that requiring money to be placed in trust funds is the best way to overcome any shortcomings in the system of retentions: it would impose a financial burden on construction clients, many of whom are themselves small businesses, and where there is financial weakness, may itself make insolvency more likely. The Government is commissioning research on the costs and benefits of the retention system and alternatives, including the use of trust funds. This will inform future action.

16th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of cash retentions on the viability of small businesses in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement.

The Government does not collect data on the different types of unsecured debts and the creditors to whom they are owed across the full range of formal insolvency procedures.


The Government acknowledges that some people are unhappy with the system of retentions as it stands, but it is an embedded feature of the construction industry.


Therefore, our general approach is towork with the industry through the Construction Leadership Council and its supply chain payment charter; endorsing its commitment to zero retentions by 2025. Achieving this commitment will involve far-reaching changes to the way the sector works.


It is not clear that requiring money to be placed in trust funds is the best way to overcome any shortcomings in the system of retentions: it would impose a financial burden on construction clients, many of whom are themselves small businesses, and where there is financial weakness, may itself make insolvency more likely. The Government is commissioning research on the costs and benefits of the retention system and alternatives, including the use of trust funds. This will inform future action.

16th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate he has made of the total amount lost by small firms in the construction sector because of bankruptcies among firms holding cash retentions in each of the last five years.

The Government does not collect data on the different types of unsecured debts and the creditors to whom they are owed across the full range of formal insolvency procedures.


The Government acknowledges that some people are unhappy with the system of retentions as it stands, but it is an embedded feature of the construction industry.


Therefore, our general approach is towork with the industry through the Construction Leadership Council and its supply chain payment charter; endorsing its commitment to zero retentions by 2025. Achieving this commitment will involve far-reaching changes to the way the sector works.


It is not clear that requiring money to be placed in trust funds is the best way to overcome any shortcomings in the system of retentions: it would impose a financial burden on construction clients, many of whom are themselves small businesses, and where there is financial weakness, may itself make insolvency more likely. The Government is commissioning research on the costs and benefits of the retention system and alternatives, including the use of trust funds. This will inform future action.

18th Dec 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what steps he is taking to encourage more people to participate in the democratic process.

In June last year, the Government introduced online electoral registration for the first time. Our new online system allows people to register to vote quickly and simply - a crucial first step to engaging in the democratic process.

Since 1 July 2014 nearly 4.3m people have applied to register to vote under individual electoral registration, with about two thirds of this number making their application online.


15th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to ensure that interns used for full-time work are paid at least the National Minimum Wage; and if he will make a statement.

The term “intern” is not defined in any legislation: entitlement to the minimum wage depends on whether or not an individual is a worker. If an internship meets the legal definition of a worker, then they must be paid at least the minimum wage from the start.

Given this dependency on employment status, it is vital that employers and workers understand how this is determined. We continue to carry out targeted awareness raising initiatives with interns and HMRC have been working with employers to identify potential non-compliance.

Complaints from interns about non-payment of the minimum wage are prioritised by HMRC for investigation and HMRC will investigate every complaint made to the Pay and Work Rights Helpline. Any worker who believes that they are being paid below the minimum wage should call the helpline on 0800 917 2368.

Determining an individual’s employment status can be complicated. This is why the Business Secretary announced a review of employment status in October this year, to help ensure an employment status framework in the UK that meets the needs of everyone. This is an internal review and will present findings to ministers early next year.

3rd Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many employers in (a) the North West and (b) Warrington have been (i) named and (ii) prosecuted since 1 October 2013.

The Government has named 30 employers under the revised Naming and Shaming Scheme. Between them they owed workers a total of over £50,000 in arrears and have been charged financial penalties totalling over £24,000. Details of these employers can be found on the original press notices (28 February 2014 and 8 June 2014), including the town in which the employer is based. However, these organisations may employ staff or have offices or other operations in other geographical locations.

No employers have been prosecuted under the National Minimum Wage Act since October 2013.

26th Sep 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he is taking to ensure that companies providing homecare services pay at least the minimum wage.

The Government is committed to increasing compliance with minimum wage legislation and the effective enforcement of it. Everyone who is entitled to the minimum wage should receive it.

The Government has collaborated with care sector representative bodies to improve understanding of compliance risks and design controls within payroll systems that prevent workers being underpaid the minimum wage, in order to improve compliance.

Guidance on Gov.uk has been updated to make it as clear as possible that travel time and rest breaks between assignments must be paid at least the national Minimum Wage.

In addition, the Government will continue to work with the sector to ensure that understanding improves. This will include the Department of Health’s statutory guidance as part of the overall guidance on market shaping and commissioning, the final version of which will be published in Autumn 2014.

9th Jul 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what level of representation Warrington will have on the Northern Futures Board.

The aim of our Northern Futures initiative is to facilitate a new kind of conversation about how we rebalance our economy. There are no plans to create a “Northern Futures Board”, but Liverpool and Warrington are strongly encouraged to join the Northern Futures conversation by submitting ideas via northernfutures@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

23rd Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many people in (a) Warrington and (b) Warrington North constituency are in receipt of disabled students' allowance.

Information on students awarded and paid Disabled Students' Allowance is published annually by Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical First Release ‘Student Support for Higher Education England'. The latest statistics are available at the following link:

http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf

A further breakdown for Warrington North constituency and Warrington LEA has been provided in the table for the academic year 2012/13. Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 will be available from November 2014.

Students in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance[1] from Warrington LEA and Warrington North Constituency

Academic Year 2012/13

Effective date: 13/11/2013

Application Type

Full-Time Application

Part-Time Application

Post Graduate DSA

Total

(Area)

No of Applicants Paid

No of Applicants Paid

No of Applicants Paid

No of Applicants Paid

Warrington LEA[2]

190

10

10

210

Warrington North Constituency[2]

100

-

10

110

Notes:

[1] Disabled Student Allowance may be paid to the Student or to a Supplier on the student's behalf.

[2] Figures are derived from the Post Code of the applicant's home address.

[3] The effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Statistical First Release. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students who were awarded DSA after November 2013.

[4] DSA Payments may be made at any point during the Academic Year or after the end of the Academic Year.

[5] Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not add to the sum of the components due to rounding.

[6] '-' represents a number less than 5.

16th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many businesses in Warrington North constituency received funding from the Regional Growth Fund in each year since 2011-12; and how much each such business received.

No businesses in Warrington North have received project funding directly from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) but they can apply to regional and national RGF programmes for support.

16th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many people are in receipt of disabled students' allowance in (a) the North West, (b) Warrington and (c) Warrington North constituency.

Information on students awarded and paid Disabled Students' Allowance is published annually by Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical First Release ‘Student Support for Higher Education England'. The latest statistics are available at the following link: http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf

A further breakdown for Warrington North constituency, Warrington LEA and the North West has been provided in the table for the academic year 2012/13. Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 will be available from November 2014.

Students in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance[1] from Nottingham South

constituency, Nottingham and the East Midlands

Academic Year 2012/13

Effective date: 13/11/2013

Application Type

Full-Time Application

Part-Time Application

Post Graduate DSA

Total

(Area)

No of Applicants Paid

No of Applicants Paid

No of Applicants Paid

No of Applicants Paid

North West Government Region[2]

7,030

350

550

7,940

Warrington LEA[2]

190

10

10

210

Warrington North Constituency[2]

100

-

10

110

Notes:

[1] Disabled Student Allowance may be paid to the Student or to a Supplier on the student's behalf.

[2] Figures are derived from the Post Code of the applicant's home address.

[3] The effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Statistical First Release. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students who were awarded DSA after November 2013.

[4] DSA Payments may be made at any point during the Academic Year or after the end of the Academic Year.

[5] Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not add to the sum of the components due to rounding.

[6] '-' represents a number less than 5.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many people in Warrington North constituency (a) applied for and (b) started a degree course in each year since 2010.

The latest available information on applicants is shown in Table 1. UCAS have not released any data on applications from individual constituencies for the 2014 application cycle, but the latest figures for total applicants to all UK institutions (published on May 30th) show that they have risen by 4%, compared to the same point in 2013.

Table 1

UCAS applicants to full-time undergraduate courses from Warrington North constituency

Year of entry:

2010

2011

2012

2013

Applicants

810

845

765

680

Source: UCAS

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects and publishes data on students at UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The number of entrants to UK HEIs who were domiciled in Warrington North constituency prior to starting their course is shown in Table 2. HESA figures for 2013/14 will be available in January 2015. There are differences in the coverage of UCAS and HESA: the UCAS figures cover applicants to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Further Education Colleges (FECs), and Alternative Providers (APs) of HE in the UK; the HESA figures cover HEIs only, plus the University of Buckinghamshire. Not all applicants apply via UCAS: some apply directly to institutions. In addition, some applicants who obtain a place via UCAS opt to defer entry until the following year.

Table 2

Entrants (1) domiciled (2) in Warrington North constituency

UK Higher Education Institutions

Academic years 2009/10 to 2012/13

Domicile

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Warrington North Constituency

1,330

1,220

965

Source: HESA Student Record

Notes:

(1) Entrants refers to students in their first year of study, on full-time and part-time courses, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

(2) Domicile refers to a students' home or permanent address prior to starting their course

To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what the electoral registration figures were in each ward in Warrington North constituency in the recent confirmation dry run.

The Electoral Commission informs me that the confirmation dry run involved matching all entries on the electoral registers against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Customer Information System database. Entries would be marked as green if they matched with DWP, amber if they were a partial match or red if there was no match.

Results for all wards are available on the Commission's website here: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0003/163146/Confirmation-dry-run-2013-Results-Wards.xls

The ward results for the Warrington North constituency were as follows:

Ward

Green matches

Amber matches

Red matches

Birchwood

83.9%

1.1%

14.9%

Burtonwood and Winwick

83.4%

2.3%

14.3%

Culcheth Glazebury and Croft

85.5%

1.5%

12.9%

Fairfield and Howley

75.1%

1.8%

23.1%

Orford

83.7%

1.5%

14.8%

Poplars and Hulme

83.9%

1.0%

15.2%

Poulton North

84.0%

1.1%

14.9%

Poulton South

86.9%

0.8%

12.3%

Rixton and Woolston

86.7%

1.3%

12.0%

Westbrook

83.4%

1.5%

15.0%

10th Jun 2019
To ask the Attorney General, how many complaints of rape were made in each region; and how many of these cases resulted in a (a) prosecution and (b) conviction in each year since 2010.

Rape is one of the most complex and challenging offences to prosecute and charging decisions have a profound impact on those involved. The CPS has undertaken extensive work over the last decade to ensure that when reaching prosecution decisions specialist prosecutors are fully equipped to deal with the particular complexities of rape cases.

While the CPS does not hold a record of the number of complaints of rape to the police, we can provide data on the number of rape prosecutions and convictions recorded by the CPS system.

The table below provides the volume of rape prosecutions broken down by CPS Area.

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

Cymru Wales

278

224

233

257

276

217

251

230

Eastern

212

239

201

224

266

298

275

226

East Midlands

293

311

278

252

271

277

320

383

London North

495

352

349

376

414

368

430

365

London South

366

316

318

354

397

366

416

357

Merseyside & Cheshire

142

135

127

120

143

176

243

202

North East

220

227

199

194

214

229

285

289

North West

478

459

455

454

556

557

601

469

South East

299

277

236

260

328

348

440

288

South West

222

257

300

288

287

306

296

310

Thames and Chiltern

202

203

181

204

266

269

303

187

Wessex

197

161

174

207

221

200

184

118

West Midlands

396

323

338

346

398

506

644

553

Yorkshire & Humberside

408

380

303

355

499

526

502

540

Total

4,208

3,864

3,692

3,891

4,536

4,643

5,190

4,517

Data Source: CPS Case Management Information System

The following table provides a breakdown by CPS Area of the volume of rape convictions.

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

Cymru Wales

146

140

135

149

150

115

139

140

Eastern

145

165

136

142

165

167

169

142

East Midlands

166

208

188

174

186

179

208

231

London North

258

191

187

208

217

197

232

187

London South

190

179

180

173

183

197

231

177

Merseyside & Cheshire

82

77

90

90

96

100

138

114

North East

144

128

126

112

108

125

156

167

North West

298

288

283

274

295

342

370

266

South East

165

177

151

155

187

175

232

159

South West

154

175

198

182

166

194

181

213

Thames and Chiltern

111

125

112

123

157

162

162

111

Wessex

105

110

117

108

90

99

133

78

West Midlands

240

200

227

226

263

309

345

311

Yorkshire & Humberside

261

251

203

232

318

328

295

339

Total

2,465

2,414

2,333

2,348

2,581

2,689

2,991

2,635

Data Source: CPS Case Management Information System

Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
19th Oct 2016
To ask the Attorney General, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the recent change in the proportion of rape cases that result in a conviction; and if he will make a statement.

In 2015-16 the CPS conviction rate in rape cases rose to 57.9% from 56.9% in 2014-15. The volumes of convictions reached 2,689. This is the highest volume ever recorded and represents a rise of 108 defendants (4.2%) since 2014-15.

The CPS continues to prioritise its response to cases involving allegations of rape and other forms of serious sexual offending and has taken a number of steps to improve the conviction rate. These include increasing the number of specialist staff within its dedicated Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Units; providing revised and up-dated specialist training for prosecutors, and developing closer working arrangements with the police, including enhanced arrangements for the provision of early investigative advice to assist the police to build stronger cases.

25th Jun 2014
To ask the Attorney General, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the fall in the percentage rate of convictions in rape cases between 2012-13 and 2013-14; and if he will make a statement.

The Rape National Scrutiny Panel led by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Policing lead for rape, considered the investigation and prosecution of rape cases including their referral from the police to the CPS. A range of issues have been identified that may have contributed to the drop in conviction rates. The joint Crown Prosecution Service / police Rape Action Plan published on 6 June 2014 aims to address these.

To ask the Attorney General, how many prosecutions have been (a) commenced, (b) resulted in a non-custodial sentence and (c) resulted in a custodial sentence for (i) witness intimidation, (ii) perverting the cause of justice and (iii) conspiracy to pervert the course of justice as a result of incidents arising from cases involving domestic violence in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

The records held by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) identify the number of offences in which a prosecution commenced and reached a first hearing in magistrates' courts which were flagged as involving domestic violence, rather than the number of defendants or cases prosecuted.

The data is accurate only to the extent that the flag has been correctly applied.

Offences of perverting the course of justice are charged under Common Law, conspiracy to pervert justice, by way of Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 and intimidation of a witness or juror by way of Section 51 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The table below shows, for each of the last five years, the number of these offences charged and reaching a first hearing at magistrates' courts, which were identified as involving domestic violence.

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 { 51 }: Intimidating/threatening or harming a witness or juror

846

859

763

611

686

Common Law: Perverting the course of justice (including attempts)

140

136

103

121

150

Criminal Law Act 1977 { 1 }: Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

4

7

5

4

8

Data Source: CPS Case Management Information System

There is no indication of the final prosecution outcome, or if the charged offence was the substantive charge at the time of finalisation. It is also often the case that an individual defendant is charged with more than one offence against the same victim.

It is not possible to centrally disaggregate offences charged by way of Section 51 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, to separately identify those offences relating to witnesses from those concerning jurors. Such information could only be obtained through a manual search of records which would incur disproportionate cost.

The CPS does not hold records of sentences imposed following a conviction. Statistics relating to sentences are maintained by the Ministry of Justice.

To ask the Attorney General, how many people have been prosecuted under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 for breach of a non-molestation order in each police force area in each year since that Act came into force.

The records held by the Crown Prosecution Service do not identify the number of people prosecuted for a breach of a non-molestation order. Such information could only be obtained through a manual search of records which would incur disproportionate cost.

28th Nov 2017
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of people in Warrington North constituency who are eligible for inclusion on the electoral register but are not registered.

Registration levels have increased at every General Election since 2005. The register used for the 2017 General Election was the largest in our history, standing at 46.9 million entries. Detailed information regarding the total number of unregistered people of voting age is not held by the Government. Only totals for the number of registered electors are held. These can be accessed through the Office for National Statistics website, including at local level.

30th Oct 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy that no Department be permitted to (a) employ staff at wages below the living wage and (b) sign a contract with contractors who pay their staff less than the living wage.

We are the first Government ever to deliver a National Living Wage. Every employer in the country will pay the National Living Wage, including all Government contractors, from April 2016.

20th Oct 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to issue guidance that staff employed by contract cleaning companies in government departments should not be disciplined for seeking a living wage; and if he will include this in future contracts.

We are the first Government ever to deliver a National Living Wage. From April 2016, every employer in the country will pay the National Living Wage, including all Government contractors, for workers aged 25 and above.

Consequently, we have no plans to issue the specified guidance.


14th Oct 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will estimate how many people in (a) Warrington and (b) Warrington North constituency are employed in jobs paying less than the living wage.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

28th Jan 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many registered voters there were in each parliamentary constituency in Warrington on (a) 17 February and (b) December 2014; and what proportion of the population eligible to vote that figure represented in each constituency on each of those dates.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

11th Nov 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve government transparency.

We are implementing the commitments in our Open Government Partnership National Action Plan ensuring we maintain the UK’s position as a world leader on transparency and open data.

9th Jul 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many babies have been born at Warrington Hospital in each year since 2008.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate the UK Statistics Authority has made of the gross weekly earnings of (a) men, (b) women and (c) all people employed (i) full-time and (ii) part-time in Warrington North constituency.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

16th Jun 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people from in Warrington North constituency were employed on temporary or fixed term contracts in each year since 2010.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many women in Warrington were (a) diagnosed with ovarian cancer and (b) had ovarian cancer listed as a cause of death in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of women in (a) the UK and (b) the North West were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the last five years for which figures are available.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of people who are (a) employed on zero-hours contracts and (b) paid at a rate below that defined by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage in Warrington North constituency.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

22nd May 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 17 May 2018 on Energy Policy, HCWS690, what representations he received from (a) individuals and (b) businesses in Warrington on fracking; and whether any applications for exploratory fracking in Warrington were received prior to that statement.

The Department routinely receives large volumes of correspondence from a wide range of organisations and individuals regarding shale gas exploration and production. We have not received any representations from either individuals or business in Warrington relating to the Written Ministerial Statement of 17 May.

The Oil and Gas Authority have received no applications to conduct hydraulic fracturing activities for either exploration or development in Warrington prior to (or since) the Written Ministerial Statement of 17 May.

21st Mar 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made representations to the retail sector to allow Sunday shop workers to take part in the commemoration of the centenary of the 1918 armistice; and if he will make a statement.

Shop workers (except those employed to work solely on Sundays) have the right to opt out of working on Sundays, subject to a notice period, even if they have entered into a contractual agreement to do Sunday shop work. They are legally protected against dismissal or detriment for exercising this right.

30th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of small businesses in (a) Warrington and (b) the north-west owed money by Carillion; and what the average amount owed is.

My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have established a Taskforce to support businesses affected by the Carillion. The taskforce includes representatives from leading business bodies, the construction sector, unions, banks and government to advise how to mitigate impacts on the supply chain and employees. The Taskforce has made good progress in exchange of information, collaborations, and to identify key actions that need to be taken.

The Official Receiver was appointed liquidator of Carillion Plc and a number of companies in the Carillion group. In this role as liquidator he is independent of government. As part of his duties, the Official Receiver will establish the creditor claims in the liquidation.

10th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps he has taken to encourage the further development of the offshore wind turbine industry; and if he will make a statement.

The UK is at the forefront of offshore wind deployment. The last Contracts for Difference auction (announced 11 September 2017) will bring forward 3.2GW of new offshore wind capacity to be built by 2024.

In the Clean Growth Strategy, published on 12 October 2017, the Government reaffirmed our future support for offshore wind stating that we would improve the route to market for renewable technologies such as offshore wind through:

  • Up to £557 million for further Pot 2 Contract for Difference auctions with the next one planned for spring 2019;
  • Working with industry as they develop an ambitious Sector Deal for offshore wind which could result in 10 gigawatts of new capacity, with the opportunity for additional deployment if this is cost effective, built in the 2020s.

11th Oct 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in Warrington in the supply chain for BAE Systems.

BAE Systems supply chain is spread across the UK and overseas. We are working with BAE Systems to understand the potential impacts of their 10th October announcement on their direct employees and those in the supply chain. Any employees affected will be offered advice and support by the Department of Work and Pensions’ Rapid Response Service.

12th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent representations he has received on the potential removal of coal-powered electricity generation from the UK's energy mix.

The Department launched a formal public consultation on 9 November on proposals to end electricity generation from unabated coal power stations by 2025 in Great Britain. Officials in the department are engaging a range of stakeholders as part of the consultation process. An assessment of stakeholders’ views will be published after the consultation ends in February 2017.

12th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the public investment needed to maintain the UK's energy capacity in the next 20 years.

Our current energy pipeline, published in the National Infrastructure Plan 2016 which includes investment to 2030, suggests that £18bn (or 9%) of total investment is to be publicly funded, £177bn is to be privately funded, whilst a final £12bn of energy investment will be jointly funded by the private and public sectors.

12th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what representations he has received on the Government's decision to cancel the carbon capture and storage competition.

The Department has received a number of representations on the future of carbon capture and storage (CCS). This includes carefully considering the findings and recommendations made in the report ‘Lowest Cost Decarbonisation for the UK: the critical role of carbon capture and storage’, published in September 2016 by the Parliamentary Advisory Group on CCS, chaired by the noble Lord, Lord Oxburgh.

We are considering the options for CCS in the UK, and will set out our approach in due course.

6th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the potential effect of businesses paying the adult minimum wage rate to people under 25 years of age who are not in training but carrying out the same work as those 25 years of age or over on (a) rates of poverty and (b) levels of disposable income for people under 25 years of age.

The Government will publish an impact assessment on the increase in the National Living Wage and the increases in the National Minimum Wage rates announced at Autumn Statement in due course.

The Low Pay Commission also evaluates the impact of the various rates upon both employers and workers, drawing on economic, labour market and pay analysis, independent research and stakeholder evidence. Their report can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-minimum-wage-low-pay-commission-autumn-2016-report.

From April 2017 all National Minimum Wage rates, and the National Living Wage, will be increased by more than inflation. The main rate (for 21 – 24 year olds) is expected, at that point, to be at its highest ever level in real terms.