Asked by: Paul Williams (Labour - Stockton South)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress he has made in the preparation of a Code of Practice under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019; if he will ensure that the Code (a) requires private parking service providers comply with the Equality Act 2010 and (b) gives specific consideration to car park users who have a (i) dementia diagnosis, (ii) development disorder and (c) learning disability; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Luke Hall
The government is committed to developing and implementing the Code of Practice as soon as possible. The Act requires that the Code be developed in consultation with stakeholders. In this spirit, the government is keen not to pre-empt the stakeholder engagement process, which will determine the content of the Code. We are currently considering the options for the delivery of the Code, as well as the format for engaging stakeholders, and will make an announcement in due course. We are also committed to carrying out a public consultation on the draft Code of Practice, allowing all interested parties to directly respond to the proposals, as well as a Public Sector Equality Duty assessment.
Asked by: Paul Williams (Labour - Stockton South)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to prevent a potential rise in hate crime in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Luke Hall
We are clear that there is no excuse for using the British people's decision to leave the EU to target people of any faith or background, and that includes EU nationals. All forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable and this country has one of the strongest legal frameworks in the world to report, record and prosecute hate crime. We are funding hate crime reporting platforms, including Tell MAMA and True Vision who seek to increase hate crime reporting, helping communities unearth and challenge such behaviour.
More broadly, we are continuing our work to ensure that Britain remains a country where people live, work, learn and socialise together and share rights and responsibilities, whatever their background. We are engaging with communities of all faiths and background, to make sure that we understand any concerns communities may have and can provide targeted support. We have also worked with community and local partners to develop and publish guidance to support local authorities to engage effectively with all communities during this period.
Asked by: Paul Williams (Labour - Stockton South)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with Tees Valley Combined Authority on preparations for the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Luke Hall
We have stepped up our preparedness significantly and are speaking regularly to councils and partners, including through a delivery board and a network of nine regional lead chief executives. Every council has designated a Brexit Lead Officer to work with central government to intensify their local preparations and, in total, we have made £77 million available to help local areas get ready for Brexit.
Asked by: Paul Williams (Labour - Stockton South)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to mitigate a potential rise in hate crime in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Luke Hall
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Asked by: Paul Williams (Labour - Stockton South)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that police forces are adequately resourced to tackle a potential rise in hate crime in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Luke Hall
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Asked by: Paul Williams (Labour - Stockton South)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on preparations for the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Luke Hall
We have stepped up our preparedness significantly and are speaking regularly to councils and partners, including through a delivery board and a network of nine regional lead chief executives. Every council has designated a Brexit Lead Officer to work with central government to intensify their local preparations and, in total, we have made £77 million available to help local areas get ready for Brexit.