Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
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).
Remain neutral in Israel-Palestine conflict and withdraw support for Israel
Gov Responded - 6 Nov 2023 Debated on - 11 Dec 2023 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsWe want the UK to be neutral in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and withdraw offers of support for Israel.
Seek a ceasefire and to end Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Gov Responded - 13 Nov 2023 Debated on - 11 Dec 2023 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to seek a ceasefire and also seek to address the root cause of the current conflict by promoting dialogue and advocating for the end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Urge the Israel Government to allow fuel, electricity and food into Gaza
Gov Responded - 10 Nov 2023 Debated on - 11 Dec 2023 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsThe UK Government should urge the Israeli Government to stop the blockade of Food, Fuel and Electricity to the already impoverished city of Gaza
Protect student choice: do not withdraw funding for BTEC qualifications
Gov Responded - 17 Aug 2021 Debated on - 18 Jul 2022 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsReverse the plan to withdraw funding for most applied general qualifications such as BTECs and guarantee they will continue to play a major role in the qualifications landscape. Students should not be forced to choose between studying A levels or T levels from the age of 16.
Legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults
Gov Responded - 3 Feb 2022 Debated on - 4 Jul 2022 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsThe Government should bring forward legislation to allow assisted dying for adults who are terminally ill and have mental capacity. It should be permitted subject to strict upfront safeguards, assessed by two doctors independently, and self-administered by the dying person.
Enforce the “50+1” Rule for professional football club ownership in the UK
Gov Responded - 24 May 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsBring in a law which enforces professional football clubs to have at least 51% fan ownership similar to how the Bundesliga operates this rule.
Introduce an Independent Regulator for Football in England by December 2021
Gov Responded - 7 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsThe Government should use the recently established fan led review of football to introduce an Independent Football Regulator in England to put fans back at the heart of our national game. This should happen by December 2021.
Omit the NHS from any future trade deal with the US
Gov Responded - 23 Jun 2020 Debated on - 16 Nov 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsAs the Coronavirus escalates, there are concerns that a trade deal between the UK Government and the US deal might not exempt our NHS, leaving it vulnerable to privatisation and in direct contradiction to promises this would not happen.
Make nurseries exempt from business rates to support the childcare sector
Gov Responded - 2 Apr 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsAfter owning nurseries for 29 years I have never experienced such damaging times for the sector with rising costs not being met by the funding rates available. Business Rates are a large drain on the sector and can mean the difference between nurseries being able to stay open and having to close.
Government to offer economic assistance to the events industry during COVID-19
Gov Responded - 27 Mar 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsFor the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.
Give UK nurseries emergency funding if they have to close down amid COVID-19
Gov Responded - 14 Apr 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsIf nurseries are shut down in view of Covid-19, the Government should set up an emergency fund to ensure their survival and ensure that parents are not charged the full fee by the nurseries to keep children's places.
Provide financial support to performers and creators during the COVID-19 crisis
Gov Responded - 22 Jul 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsThe prospect of widespread cancellations of concerts, theatre productions and exhibitions due to COVID-19 threatens to cause huge financial hardship for Britain's creative community. We ask Parliament to provide a package of emergency financial and practical support during this unpredictable time.
Support the British aviation industry during the COVID-19 outbreak
Gov Responded - 7 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsAs a result of the COVID-19 outbreak there are travel bans imposed by many countries, there is a disastrous potential impact on our Aviation Industry. Without the Government’s help there could be an unprecedented crisis, with thousands of jobs under threat.
Extend grants immediately to small businesses outside of SBRR
Gov Responded - 29 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsThe cash grants proposed by Government are only for businesses in receipt of the Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Relief, or for particular sectors. Many small businesses fall outside these reliefs desperately need cash grants and support now.
Business Rate Relief to be extended to all small businesses in healthcare.
Gov Responded - 5 Jun 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsTo extend the business rate relief to all dental practices and medical and aesthetics clinics and any small business that’s in healthcare
Provide financial help to zoos, aquariums, & rescue centres during the pandemic.
Gov Responded - 28 Jul 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsZoos, aquariums, and similar organisations across the country carry out all sorts of conservation work, animal rescue, and public education. At the start of the season most rely on visitors (who now won't come) to cover annual costs, yet those costs do not stop while they are closed. They need help.
Offer more support to the arts (particularly Theatres and Music) amidst COVID-19
Gov Responded - 20 Jul 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Rachel Hopkins's petition debate contributionsAs we pass the COVID-19 Peak, the Government should: State where the Theatres and Arts fit in the Coronavrius recovery Roadmap, Create a tailor made financial support mechanism for the Arts sector & Clarify how Social Distancing will affect arts spaces like Theatres and Concert Venues.
These initiatives were driven by Rachel Hopkins, 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.
Rachel Hopkins has not been granted any Urgent Questions
A Bill to give people who have made representations about development plans the right to participate in associated examination hearings; to require public consultation on development proposals; to grant local authorities power to apply local design standards for permitted development and to refuse permitted development proposals that would be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of an individual or community; to make planning permission for major housing schemes subject to associated works starting within two years; and for connected purposes.
National Minimum Wage Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Paula Barker (Lab)
Abuse of Public-facing Workers (Offences) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Olivia Blake (Lab)
Workers (Definition and Rights) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Chris Stephens (SNP)
Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021
Sponsor - Mary Kelly Foy (Lab)
Fur Trade (Prohibition) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Taiwo Owatemi (Lab)
Marriage (Authorised Belief Organisations) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Rehman Chishti (Con)
National Minimum Wage Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Paula Barker (Lab)
DWP supports people up and down the country to start, stay and succeed in work.
At Autumn Statement, we announced DWP’s Back to Work Plan alongside a suite of other measures to reduce economic inactivity. These included;
· Doubling the number of places on the Universal Support employment programme, to provide support for 100,000 people per year when fully rolled out;
· Formally launching WorkWell, which will bring together the NHS, local authorities and other partners, in collaboration with jobcentres, to provide light touch work and health support in approximately 15 pilot areas;
· Building on the extension of the certification of the fit notes to a wider range of healthcare professions, exploring new ways of providing individuals receiving a fit note with timely access to work and health support; and
· Establishing an expert group to support the development of the voluntary national baseline for Occupational Health provision.
This is alongside pre-existing support such as the Midlife MOT which was rolled out in Jobcentres from January 2023 to encourage individuals to optimise re-skilling prospects and improve health and longer-term financial resilience. The Mid-life MOT acts as a vital prompt to engage more people in planning more actively for later life – both for work and retirement. It provides individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s with signposting to information and guidance on wealth, work and wellbeing, providing a holistic assessment to ensure that individuals can plan for the later life that they want. We continue to work with organisations, and with employers, on how they can offer the Mid-life MOT.
The DWP 50PLUS Champions network also provides dedicated support to Work Coaches to enable them to effectively direct suitable support to claimants who are aged 50 and over.
At the Autumn Statement the Chancellor announced further Cost of Living payments in 2023/24 – as part of a package worth twenty-six billion pounds – this included additional support for disabled people.
I am delighted to be the Minister bringing forward this vital legislation to support people most in need.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. These commitments are reported on every quarter. As a very small department, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) does not have bespoke plans to transition to Net Zero, however, we do engage with the Government Property Agency (GPA), who are responsible for the AGO estate in 102 Petty France, on any improvements to the estate.
The AGO does not hold any information on its carbon footprint and therefore has not carried out any assessment on the impact of home working.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. These commitments are reported on every quarter. As a very small department, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) does not have bespoke plans to transition to Net Zero, however, we do engage with the Government Property Agency (GPA), who are responsible for the AGO estate in 102 Petty France, on any improvements to the estate.
The AGO does not hold any information on its carbon footprint and therefore has not carried out any assessment on the impact of home working.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. These commitments are reported on every quarter. As a very small department, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) does not have bespoke plans to transition to Net Zero, however, we do engage with the Government Property Agency (GPA), who are responsible for the AGO estate in 102 Petty France, on any improvements to the estate.
The AGO does not hold any information on its carbon footprint and therefore has not carried out any assessment on the impact of home working.
The new Government Curriculum will include modules on the implications of Net Zero, climate change and wider environmental issues and will be piloted from April 2022. Thereafter, the Government Skills and Curriculum Unit will look at tailored provision for specific Functions and Professions and will signpost resources and training on Net Zero across all Government Departments which will be available to civil servants in the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. These commitments are reported on every quarter. As a very small department, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) does not have bespoke plans to transition to Net Zero, however, we do engage with the Government Property Agency (GPA), who are responsible for the AGO estate in 102 Petty France, on any improvements to the estate.
The AGO does not hold any information on its carbon footprint and therefore has not carried out any assessment on the impact of home working.
I have seen first-hand how innovatively and resiliently criminal justice agencies have responded to the pandemic to boost court capacity – in June 2020, I observed virtual hearings conducted via the Cloud Video Platform in Bristol Magistrates’ Court.
I have also met with various CPS Areas to discuss their approach, and know that the CPS is committed to working closely with the courts service and judiciary on court recovery work. This is an unprecedented challenge, but I have been impressed with the truly collaborative approach criminal justice partners have taken.
The Statistical Expert Group, established by the Infected Blood Inquiry, has provided valuable insight into the numbers of infections from blood and blood products in the UK between 1970 and 1991 and subsequent survival rates. Since October 2022, the Government has paid over £400 million in interim compensation payments to those infected or bereaved partners registered with the UK Infected Blood Support Schemes, totalling over 4,000 individuals. However, the requested information is not available by Parliamentary constituency. There is also considerable uncertainty over the number of people, especially those affected, who might be eligible under Sir Brian Langstaff’s recommendations. Therefore I am not able to provide a substantive response to the Honourable Member’s questions on her constituency.
The Statistical Expert Group, established by the Infected Blood Inquiry, has provided valuable insight into the numbers of infections from blood and blood products in the UK between 1970 and 1991 and subsequent survival rates. Since October 2022, the Government has paid over £400 million in interim compensation payments to those infected or bereaved partners registered with the UK Infected Blood Support Schemes, totalling over 4,000 individuals. However, the requested information is not available by Parliamentary constituency. There is also considerable uncertainty over the number of people, especially those affected, who might be eligible under Sir Brian Langstaff’s recommendations. Therefore I am not able to provide a substantive response to the Honourable Member’s questions on her constituency.
Op Fortitude is coordinated by the Cabinet Office and delivered by third sector partners requiring flexible support depending on the demands on the service.
The Riverside Group is the lead delivery partner for Op FORTITUDE, bringing together Local Authorities, charities and housing providers across the UK to support homeless or rough sleeping veterans.
This Government is working towards ending veteran rough sleeping via Op FORTITUDE, a dedicated referral scheme to provide a single central point for local authorities and charities, with £8.55m in funding for specialist help for former armed forces personnel in more than 900 veteran supported housing units.
The Government is committed to recognising the contributions of Nuclear Test Veterans.
That is why the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Nuclear Test Medal in November 2022, and the government delivered on its promise that those veterans who had applied would receive their medals in time for Remembrance Sunday.
I am delighted to confirm that I will be hosting a reception on 28 November for a small cohort of the first veteran recipients of the medal. Due to limited capacity, we have prioritised inviting veterans in order to honour and recognise the contribution of those who served at the time.
The Veterans’ Gateway enables veterans and their dependents to access state and charity support services in areas including physical and mental health, financial support, assistance with independent living, housing, and employment.
In the financial year 2023-24, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) has provided £250,000 of funding to support the service, which has already supported over a million veterans.
On 13 July 2023, it was announced that the Government had launched a refresh of the Veterans’ Gateway, with the service to be run by the OVA, at the heart of government, next year.
Funding for the financial year 2024-25 is yet to be confirmed.
The Veterans’ Gateway enables veterans and their dependents to access state and charity support services in areas including physical and mental health, financial support, assistance with independent living, housing, and employment.
Whilst the Government currently provides the Royal British Legion with funding to support delivery of this service which has already supported over a million veterans, the Veterans’ Gateway will be run by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA), at the heart of government, next year.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) is responsible for administering the HM Treasury funded Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. The Ministry of Defence is the sponsor department for the AFCFT.
The Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People (VPPP) programme is funded through the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which awarded £9 million to 14 major projects through the VPPP programme.
The VPPP programme aims to deliver significant improvements in mental health and wellbeing services for veterans and also to ensure that the people who work with veterans, including paid staff and volunteers, can access good quality training and support themselves.
Nuclear Test Veterans played a valuable role towards developing a nuclear deterrent that has ultimately kept Britain safe for decades. This Government is committed to ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.
That is why in November 2022, the Government hosted an event at the National Memorial Arboretum, at which a new commemorative medal to mark the contribution of Nuclear Test Veterans was announced by the Prime Minister.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) are a charity and are classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence and look after the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, which is worth £10 million each year.
The AFCFT has worked with the OVA to help support programmes such as £499,471 for Op Fortitude, £5 million for the Afghan Veterans Fund and extra support for mental health programmes.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) are a charity and are classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence and look after the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, which is worth £10 million each year.
The AFCFT has worked with the OVA to help support programmes such as £499,471 for Op Fortitude, £5 million for the Afghan Veterans Fund and extra support for mental health programmes.
This Government is committed to ensuring that the veterans of Britain’s nuclear testing programme are never forgotten.
We are therefore investing £450,000 into projects, including through the NTV Community Fund, which will commemorate and build further understanding of the experiences of this cohort who ultimately kept Britain safe for decades. Applications to the NTV Community Fund are being considered and the successful applicants will be announced in due course.
This Government is working towards ending veteran homelessness this year, with £8.55m in funding for specialist help for former armed forces personnel in more than 900 veteran supported housing units, and a referral pathway.
The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme, which aims to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services, such as mental health or employment support, was launched in April.
This programme was open to veteran supported housing providers across the UK until 22 May and applications will be assessed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Successful organisations are expected to start their projects in September 2023, and will be supplemented by Op FORTITUDE, the new referral pathway for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness.
This Government is working towards ending veteran homelessness this year, with £8.55m in funding for specialist help for former armed forces personnel in more than 900 veteran supported housing units, and a referral pathway.
The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme, which aims to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services, such as mental health or employment support, was launched in April.
This programme was open to veteran supported housing providers across the UK until 22 May and applications will be assessed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Successful organisations are expected to start their projects in September 2023, and will be supplemented by Op FORTITUDE, the new referral pathway for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness.
This Government is working towards ending veteran homelessness this year, with £8.55m in funding for specialist help for former armed forces personnel in more than 900 veteran supported housing units, and a referral pathway.
The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme, which aims to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services, such as mental health or employment support, was launched in April.
This programme was open to veteran supported housing providers across the UK until 22 May and applications will be assessed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Successful organisations are expected to start their projects in September 2023, and will be supplemented by Op FORTITUDE, the new referral pathway for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness.
A record of how many homeless veterans supported into accommodation is not held centrally.
Up to £8m has been committed to the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme which launched on 21 April. This programme is designed to fund veteran supported housing providers across the UK to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services such as mental health or employment support.
An additional £500k was provided to support Op FORTITUDE, the new referral pathway for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness.
A record of how many homeless veterans supported into accommodation is not held centrally.
Up to £8m has been committed to the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme which launched on 21 April. This programme is designed to fund veteran supported housing providers across the UK to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services such as mental health or employment support.
An additional £500k was provided to support Op FORTITUDE, the new referral pathway for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness.
The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme launched on 21 April to offer funding to veteran supported housing providers across the UK, to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services such as mental health or employment support. The programme was open for organisations to apply for funding until 22 May and applications will be assessed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Successful applicants are expected to start their projects in September 2023.
The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme launched on 21 April to offer funding to veteran supported housing providers across the UK, to address veterans homelessness and rough sleeping through the provision of specialist services such as mental health or employment support. The programme was open for organisations to apply for funding until 22 May and applications will be assessed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Successful applicants are expected to start their projects in September 2023.
‘Everything Net Zero’ is a framework, not a contract, which has been put together by the East of England Broadband Network, a regional consortium of local authorities and schools. It has not been put together by central government buyers. The framework is designed to help organisations, such as schools and local councils, find companies with whom they can work on sustainability projects, such as the installation of solar panels on schools.
The quoted £70 billion contract value is an estimate by the East of England Broadband Network of the highest possible maximum turnover the framework could generate over its lifetime. This is not money which has been awarded.
I will place a copy of the terms of reference and meeting minutes in the library of the House.
I will place a copy of the terms of reference and meeting minutes in the library of the House.
The Cabinet Office publishes results from the Civil Service People Survey on GOV.UK. In addition to the overall results, demographic breakdowns are published.
The demographic scores for the 2020 Civil Service People Survey were published on 31 March. This publication included scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
Publication of the demographic scores of the 2021 Civil Service People Survey is scheduled for 30 June 2022 on GOV.UK. This will also include scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
The Cabinet Office publishes results from the Civil Service People Survey on GOV.UK. In addition to the overall results, demographic breakdowns are published.
The demographic scores for the 2020 Civil Service People Survey were published on 31 March. This publication included scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
Publication of the demographic scores of the 2021 Civil Service People Survey is scheduled for 30 June 2022 on GOV.UK. This will also include scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
The Cabinet Office publishes results from the Civil Service People Survey on GOV.UK. In addition to the overall results, demographic breakdowns are published.
The demographic scores for the 2020 Civil Service People Survey were published on 31 March. This publication included scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
Publication of the demographic scores of the 2021 Civil Service People Survey is scheduled for 30 June 2022 on GOV.UK. This will also include scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
The Cabinet Office publishes results from the Civil Service People Survey on GOV.UK. In addition to the overall results, demographic breakdowns are published.
The demographic scores for the 2020 Civil Service People Survey were published on 31 March. This publication included scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
Publication of the demographic scores of the 2021 Civil Service People Survey is scheduled for 30 June 2022 on GOV.UK. This will also include scores for (a) engagement, (b) inclusion, (c) discrimination, and (d) bullying by ethnicity, disability status, gender and sexual orientation of civil servants’ responses.
Since being appointed, the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency has visited Glass Wharf, Bristol, on Friday 22 April. Travel was provided by the Government Car Service. No accommodation costs were incurred. Costs for printing in support of the visit were not outside that usually provided.
The Minister also regularly attends government offices within London for meetings as part of his duties. Travel is usually provided by the Government Car Service and printing costs did not materially differ from those usually incurred.
Every year, the Civil Service People Survey team publishes the Civil Service benchmark scores and the results for all participating organisations in the annual Civil Service People Survey on GOV.UK. The publication of the results for the Civil Service People Survey 2021 is scheduled for Thursday 28 April 2022.
These savings, £340,104, were generated through the Cabinet Office National Fraud Initiative (NFI) for London Councils rather than a Department. The NFI is a data matching exercise which involves 1200 organisations from across the UK. In this case, the NFI worked with London Councils, an organisation that represents and provides services for London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London, to identify where freedom passes or taxi cards were still live, and could be used, despite the holder having passed them on. This resulted in the cancellation of passes and cards with an associated value of £340,104. Although assigned to London Councils, ultimately these savings are realised by London Boroughs and the taxpayer.
Since its inception in 2015, the Debt Market Integrator has recovered over £2.9bn in debts from over 14 million accounts owed to the public sector. Due to the vast amount of accounts placed with the DMI, we are unable to provide a breakdown of the companies that debt was recovered from or the amount recovered for each private company, or how the debt accrued.
The DMI focuses on ethical collection strategies in line with Financial Conduct Authority Treating Customers Fairly Principles, to ensure that debt is recovered in a sustainable manner, taking individual consumer and business circumstances into account.
The Government efficiency savings technical note sets out the government’s assessment of savings made by cross-cutting government functions in their work with government departments and other central government organisations.
The Government Internal Audit Agency was engaged to audit the £3.4 billion of 2020/21 efficiency savings. We do not intend to publish further details about the efficiency savings relating to the Department of Health & Social Care’s Covid response as there may be associated commercial implications.
These savings, £63,602, were generated through the work of the Cabinet Office National Fraud Initiative (NFI) for private sector utilities companies, rather than government departments, as a result of proactive data analytics using government data. The NFI is a data matching exercise which involves 1200 organisations from across the UK. Since 1996, more than £2bn of fraud or error has been detected or prevented through the NFI.
In this particular case, information provided to the NFI, primarily for the prevention and detection of public sector fraud, has also been utilised to prevent fraudulent losses for private sector utilities companies. Fraudsters operate across the public and private sector. In order to best minimise government and private sector losses, it is important that we also collaborate across organisations and sectors wherever possible. These savings derive from a strategy to work across the public and private sector to deliver counter fraud benefits for the whole of the UK economy. This is aligned to the Government’s Economic Crime Plan that sets out how both sectors will work together to tackle economic crime.
As the Levelling Up White Paper set out, departments have committed to moving more than 15,000 Civil Service roles out of Greater London by 2025, and 22,000 by 2030. By the end of 2021, more than 2,000 Civil Service jobs had already been relocated from Greater London under the Places for Growth programme.
Questions relating to the closure of DWP offices should be addressed to my Rt Hon Friend, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
As the Levelling Up White Paper set out, departments have committed to moving more than 15,000 Civil Service roles out of Greater London by 2025, and 22,000 by 2030. By the end of 2021, more than 2,000 Civil Service jobs had already been relocated from Greater London under the Places for Growth programme.
Questions relating to the closure of DWP offices should be addressed to my Rt Hon Friend, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
Any impact of increased home working during the COVID-19 pandemic will be included in the 2020/21 Greening Government Annual Report, which will be published in due course.
The Department is committed to reducing emissions and energy consumption wherever possible, as part of the UK’s transition to net zero. The Department’s current targets to make progress on reducing emissions have been published, as part of the Greening Government Commitments.
The Government published the Net Zero Strategy in October 2021, which sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet our net zero target by 2050.
Greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports.
The Department is committed to reducing emissions and energy consumption wherever possible, as part of the UK’s transition to net zero. The Department’s current targets to make progress on reducing emissions have been published, as part of the Greening Government Commitments.
The Government published the Net Zero Strategy in October 2021, which sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet our net zero target by 2050.
Greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports.
Like all government departments, the Cabinet Office has access to relevant learning from the Government Campus (formerly known as Civil Service Learning), which includes:
i) It’s your time to act: Net Zero
ii) Leaders, it’s your time to lead: Net Zero
The Cabinet Office does not have its own specific training programme.
A location’s potential to be a Government Hub is assessed against the following: Climate Resilience, Climate Adaptation, Flood Risk, Biodiversity and Sustainability.
The GPA adheres to the Government Buying Standards, which sets minimum acceptable Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ratings, which are applied across the Government Hubs programme. These are summarised as:
BREEAM New Construction 2018 at 70% or Excellent rating, or
BREEAM Non-Domestic Refurbishment and Fit-Out 2014 at 55% or Very Good rating.
Yes. The new Government Curriculum will include modules on the implications of Net Zero, climate change and wider environmental issues for government. In the first phase, the Government Skills & Curriculum Unit (GSCU) is working with other Departments (including BEIS, DEFRA and FCDO) to create an awareness level training resource for all civil servants. This will be piloted from April 2022. In the next phases, GSCU will look at tailored provision for specific Functions and Professions, and will signpost the training and other resources on Net Zero which are already being provided internally at practitioner and expert levels by government Departments.