Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that people without access to online and mobile banking can make payments for services provided by Government (a) Departments and (b) agencies.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
Government has committed to ensuring that assistance is always available for those who need it. All Government departments and agencies are required to be compliant with HMG’s ‘Service Standard’ available at this link: https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/service-standard. Specifically, point 5 of the Service Standard requires that government services are accessible to all users, including disabled people, people with other legally protected characteristics, people who do not have access to the internet and those who lack the skills or confidence to use the internet. This includes being accessible to those without a mobile device. Compliance to this standard is measured through regular Service Assessments.
In addition, the Government Digital Service in the Cabinet Office runs GOV.UK Pay - a free service available to public sector organisations, enabling them to take card payments. The service includes a mail order and over the phone payment option.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to update advice to local authorities on nuclear attack preparedness.
Answered by Chris Philp - Shadow Home Secretary
Nuclear rhetoric from Russia is unhelpful. It is designed to deter and distract from what Russia is doing in Ukraine. Russia should seek to reduce tensions and the risk of miscalculation, not increase them. We strongly urge Russia to tone down its rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons.
The Government has no plans to reissue the 'Preparing for Emergencies’ booklet, the advice within still remains extant. However, please be assured that we are regularly reviewing the risks facing the United Kingdom and keeping the advice provided to the public under constant review.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish how democratic oversight of government decisions will operate in the event of a nuclear attack on the UK.
Answered by Edward Argar
Consideration has been given to the preparation for various emergency scenarios. Due to national security considerations it would not be appropriate to disclose further information.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Social Mobility Commission report, Navigating the labyrinth, published in May 2021, what steps he plans to take to support career progression in the civil service.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Civil Service must harness the broadest range of talent across every part of the UK.
Our plans for government reform and modernisation, which we will set out soon, will show how we will continue to do this by increasing opportunity and supporting career progression for all.