Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an estimate of the number of jobs held by women which will be affected by the additional spending in the National Productivity Investment Fund announced in the Autumn Statement 2016.
Answered by David Gauke
The National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) will be targeted at four areas that are critical for productivity: transport, housing, digital communications and research and development (R&D). Investing in these areas will support the UK economy and benefit businesses and households, for instance by reducing congestion on the roads and increasing broadband speed and reliability. The £23bn of investment through the NPIF will have a positive impact on jobs for women and for men.
The government has a strong record on helping women to enter and progress in the labour market. The female employment rate increased by more in the most recent parliament than in the previous three combined.
Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the economic value of women to the (a) transport, (b) digital communications, (c) research and development and (d) housing sectors.
Answered by David Gauke
Transport, housing, digital communications and research and development (R&D) are the areas targeted by the new £23bn ‘National Productivity Investment Fund’ announced at Autumn Statement 2016. This investment will support the UK economy, benefitting both men and women.
In line with the government’s legal responsibilities and strong policy commitment to equality, Government (including HM Treasury) takes relevant gender angles into account in policy, including in relation to different sectors of the economy.
Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to ensure that women play a role in increasing productivity in those sectors which receive additional spending through the National Productivity Investment Fund announced in the Autumn Statement 2016.
Answered by David Gauke
The government has a strong record on helping women to enter and progress in the labour market. The number of women in work has increased by over 1.2 million since 2010 to 14.9 million. The female employment rate increased by more in the most recent parliament than in the previous three combined.
The government’s policies are helping more women than ever before get the support they need to work. The government’s approach to this is economy-wide. For example, since September 2011, the Government has funded 15 hours a week of free childcare for all 3 and 4 year olds; and the government plans to go further: from September 2017, the Government will extend the free childcare entitlement to 30 hours a week for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds.
Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to set targets for women's employment to be achieved as a result of the National Productivity Investment Fund announced in the Autumn Statement 2016.
Answered by David Gauke
The government has no plans to set targets for women’s employment to be achieved as a result of the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF). The NPIF will be targeted at four areas that are critical for productivity: transport, housing, digital communications and research and development (R&D). Investing in these areas will support the UK economy and benefit businesses and households, for instance by reducing congestion on the roads and increasing broadband speed and reliability. The £23bn of investment through the NPIF will have a positive impact on jobs for women and for men.
The government has a strong record on helping women to enter and progress in the labour market. The female employment rate increased by more in the most recent parliament than in the previous three combined.
Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools will be obliged to pay the apprenticeship levy.
Answered by Jane Ellison
The Government published a breakdown of employers in scope of the apprenticeship levy in August 2016. This suggested that 2,590 employers would be in the education sector. The full publication is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/545145/Apprenticeships_-expected_levy_and_total_spend_-_Aug_2016.pdf
It is not possible to accurately identify the number of primary and secondary schools who will pay the levy because, for many, the employer will be a local council or multi academy trust.
Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support will be provided to parents should they have difficulties accessing support through the tax-free childcare scheme; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Damian Hinds
Tax-Free Childcare is being designed to be as straightforward as possible for parents. It will be quick and easy to apply online for the vast majority who are able to do so. However, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will ensure that assistance is provided to families who cannot access the internet so that they do not miss out on the support available via Tax-Free Childcare.
Once the scheme is fully open, we estimate that up to 1 million families may take up the scheme in ‘steady state’.
The Tax-Free Childcare system will be extensively tested before the scheme is launched.
Asked by: Jess Phillips (Labour - Birmingham Yardley)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to pilot his policy on tax-free childcare before it is launched.
Answered by Damian Hinds
Tax-Free Childcare is being designed to be as straightforward as possible for parents. It will be quick and easy to apply online for the vast majority who are able to do so. However, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will ensure that assistance is provided to families who cannot access the internet so that they do not miss out on the support available via Tax-Free Childcare.
Once the scheme is fully open, we estimate that up to 1 million families may take up the scheme in ‘steady state’.
The Tax-Free Childcare system will be extensively tested before the scheme is launched.