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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Rachel Hopkins has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
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.
Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021 - Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)
Sponsor - Mary Kelly Foy (LAB)
Marriage (Authorised Belief Organisations) Bill 2019-21 - Private Members' Bill (Presentation Bill)
Sponsor - Rehman Chishti (CON)
National Minimum Wage Bill 2019-21 - Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)
Sponsor - Paula Barker (LAB)
For each of these years, five members of staff were employed on internal communication.
The information requested is published as part of the department’s transparency data and can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mhclg-departmental-spending-over-250
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dluhc-departmental-spending-over-250
No dedicated photographers or videographers were employed in these years. All photography and videography was undertaken by communications staff who work across a range of disciplines and communication channels.
We are unable to provide the pay costs for staff dedicated to internal communications as this could potentially identify specific staff member salaries owing to the small numbers involved. The Department routinely publishes the combined salary cost of its Communication function as part of its quarterly organogram which can be found here.
This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The Private Parking Code of Practice has been temporarily withdrawn to review the decisions to introduce new levels of private parking charges and to ban additional fees that are currently added on top of the late or unpaid parking charge. My department will continue to work with the industry and consumer groups to reissue the Code as quickly as possible. We are committed to reissuing a Code that provides both the best possible protection for motorists and enables effective management of parking.
A response to the Hon Member will be issued shortly.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
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.
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 departments 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 the transition to net zero, which are already being provided internally at practitioner and expert levels by government departments.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on these commitments every quarter. In the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, this work is led by me as Minister for Net Zero, with support from senior officials.
Between January 2011 and December 2017 the Department was known as the Department for Communities and Local Government. In January 2018 it became the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. In September 2021 the Department was re-established as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The table below gives details of the Department’s estate floor area for the years in question, as reported in the Cabinet Office State of the Estate reports.
Year | Total m2 (Gross Internal Area) |
|
|
2011- 1st Jan 2011 | 30,622 |
2012 -1st Jan 2012 | 30,622 |
2013- 1st Jan 2013 | 29,221 |
2013/14 | 29,221 |
2014/15 | 13,283 |
2015/16 | 13,872 |
2016/17 | 13,872 |
2017/18 | 13,872 |
2018/19 | 13,872 |
2019/20 | 15,608 |
2020/21 | 15,173 |
This data is for the Department's main office space. It excludes our arms-length bodies and land and buildings that are registered with the Land Registry as DLUHC's but are occupied or the responsibility of other Government Departments.
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.
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.
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, £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.
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.
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.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on these commitments every quarter.
In the Cabinet Office, this is led by the Head of Estates, working closely with the Government Property Agency, as the main provider of the Cabinet Office estate.
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.
The Head of the Government Skills and Curriculum Unit met with the recognised trade unions on Monday 14 March to discuss the aims and progress of the Government Campus programme and they have agreed to meet biannually. Prior to this, discussion of the skills agenda has been part of conversations with union representatives about modernisation and reform, and civil service human resources.
We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government, helping inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.
In addition to the Civil Service Code, the Government Communications Service offers propriety in digital and social media guidance and is available to discuss questions relating to social media when working with ministers.
The Cabinet Office employs an in-house social media team to use digital channels and create content to communicate departmental policies online. It is often appropriate for content relating to Government policies, guidance and announcements, created by civil servants, to be amplified or posted on other channels including ministers' own social media accounts where this helps drive wider engagement from the public.
Content creation is one part of the digital team’s responsibilities, there is no individual cost per video or graphic created. The creation of these assets, as well with other communications products, is funded by the Cabinet Office Communications Directorate staffing budget.
We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government, helping inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.
In addition to the Civil Service Code, the Government Communications Service offers propriety in digital and social media guidance and is available to discuss questions relating to social media when working with ministers.
The Cabinet Office employs an in-house social media team to use digital channels and create content to communicate departmental policies online. It is often appropriate for content relating to Government policies, guidance and announcements, created by civil servants, to be amplified or posted on other channels including ministers' own social media accounts where this helps drive wider engagement from the public.
Content creation is one part of the digital team’s responsibilities, there is no individual cost per video or graphic created. The creation of these assets, as well with other communications products, is funded by the Cabinet Office Communications Directorate staffing budget.
We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government, helping inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.
In addition to the Civil Service Code, the Government Communications Service offers propriety in digital and social media guidance and is available to discuss questions relating to social media when working with ministers.
The Cabinet Office employs an in-house social media team to use digital channels and create content to communicate departmental policies online. It is often appropriate for content relating to Government policies, guidance and announcements, created by civil servants, to be amplified or posted on other channels including ministers' own social media accounts where this helps drive wider engagement from the public.
Content creation is one part of the digital team’s responsibilities, there is no individual cost per video or graphic created. The creation of these assets, as well with other communications products, is funded by the Cabinet Office Communications Directorate staffing budget.
All special advisers make a declaration of interests to their employing department. Steps are then taken to ensure no conflict of interest or mitigate any potential conflict to the satisfaction of the relevant Permanent Secretary; and relevant interests are routinely published on GOV.UK.
On taking up employment with the Civil Service, Mr Harri resigned from Hawthorn Advisors.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (No.2) Bill are both Private Members’ Bills that are currently progressing through the House of Commons.
The Government remains committed to developing the incorporation of long-term thinking in its policy development and has multiple items of existing legislation that facilitates this, but has reservations about the broad scope of these bills. Consultations or impact assessments are not carried out for Private Members’ Bills that the Government does not intend to support.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (No.2) Bill are both Private Members’ Bills that are currently progressing through the House of Commons.
The Government remains committed to developing the incorporation of long-term thinking in its policy development and has multiple items of existing legislation that facilitates this, but has reservations about the broad scope of these bills. Consultations or impact assessments are not carried out for Private Members’ Bills that the Government does not intend to support.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (No.2) Bill are both Private Members’ Bills that are currently progressing through the House of Commons.
The Government remains committed to developing the incorporation of long-term thinking in its policy development and has multiple items of existing legislation that facilitates this, but has reservations about the broad scope of these bills. Consultations or impact assessments are not carried out for Private Members’ Bills that the Government does not intend to support.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (No.2) Bill are both Private Members’ Bills that are currently progressing through the House of Commons.
The Government remains committed to developing the incorporation of long-term thinking in its policy development and has multiple items of existing legislation that facilitates this, but has reservations about the broad scope of these bills. Consultations or impact assessments are not carried out for Private Members’ Bills that the Government does not intend to support.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is a Minister of the Crown and will have all the attendant powers and functions of a Minister of the Crown, including the authority to direct civil servants and special advisers in the normal way.
Appointments will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
The Cabinet Office does not hold metrics that specifically identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of workplace bullying or harassment. The department has not received or maintained any formal diagnosis of civil servants with PTSD.
Counselling provision through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider is completely confidential and anonymised. Cabinet Office does not, therefore, hold data or details relating to the counselling that Civil Servants may receive.
Furthermore, there are no metrics for onward referral or utilisation of counselling services following workplace bullying or harassment as this would break GDPR and employee confidentiality.
A ‘Respect and Inclusion review’ for the Cabinet Office is currently underway. In the recent Declaration on Government reform, Ministers and Permanent Secretaries committed to set a new standard for diversity and inclusion, including guaranteeing fairness at work and zero tolerance for Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination. Our position at the centre of government - delivering against an ambitious agenda - means we have a responsibility to get this right. The review will have a particular focus on race and disability where our data shows scope for improvement.
This information is not held centrally by Cabinet Office, and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
This information is not held centrally by Cabinet Office, and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
This information is not held centrally by Cabinet Office, and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
This information is not held centrally by Cabinet Office, and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
This information is not held centrally by Cabinet Office, and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
This information is not held centrally by Cabinet Office, and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Employment tribunal decisions are published on GOV.UK. Whether an employment tribunal case followed an internal procedure is not held centrally by Cabinet Office and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Employment tribunal decisions are published on GOV.UK. Whether an employment tribunal case followed an internal procedure is not held centrally by Cabinet Office and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Employment tribunal decisions are published on GOV.UK. Whether an employment tribunal case followed an internal procedure is not held centrally by Cabinet Office and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Employment tribunal decisions are published on GOV.UK. Whether an employment tribunal case followed an internal procedure is not held centrally by Cabinet Office and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
As with other Government departments, Cabinet Office (CO) utilises the Civil Service Learning (CSL) offer for all of its mandatory learning. This includes the training package, ‘Inclusion in the Civil Service’, which all Cabinet Office staff are expected to complete on an annual basis.
In early 2021, ‘Inclusion in the Civil Service’ replaced the CSL’s previous package, ‘Diversity and Inclusion 2019’, following the Chief People Officer Rupert McNeil’s instructions in late 2020 for all Civil Service departments to withdraw any learning that included reference to unconscious bias training. As such, we can advise that around 25% of CO colleagues completed ‘Inclusion in the Civil Service’ in the year 2021.
It is worth noting that as part of the CO’s move to continue to improve and enhance the department’s L&D offer across 2022/2023, we will be working closely with colleagues in Government Skills and Curriculum Unit (GSCU) to review all CO mandatory learning, as well as introducing a new process to help capture completion rates of mandatory learning, as the current CSL system does not allow for this.
As with other Government departments, Cabinet Office (CO) utilises the Civil Service Learning (CSL) offer for all of its mandatory learning. This includes the training package, ‘Inclusion in the Civil Service’, which all Cabinet Office staff are expected to complete on an annual basis.
In early 2021, ‘Inclusion in the Civil Service’ replaced the CSL’s previous package, ‘Diversity and Inclusion 2019’, following the Chief People Officer Rupert McNeil’s instructions in late 2020 for all Civil Service departments to withdraw any learning that included reference to unconscious bias training. As such, we can advise that around 25% of CO colleagues completed ‘Inclusion in the Civil Service’ in the year 2021.
It is worth noting that as part of the CO’s move to continue to improve and enhance the department’s L&D offer across 2022/2023, we will be working closely with colleagues in Government Skills and Curriculum Unit (GSCU) to review all CO mandatory learning, as well as introducing a new process to help capture completion rates of mandatory learning, as the current CSL system does not allow for this.
In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), equality impact assessments are carried out for all new and reviewed Cabinet Office HR Policies and guidance. Most Cabinet Office HR policies are updated in line with cross government CSHR model policy which undergoes rigorous equality impact assessments.
Cabinet Office HR policies are continuously under review and generally updated in line with the Department’s strategic priorities, changes to legislation, user feedback and changes to cross government model policy from CSHR.
In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), equality impact assessments are carried out for all new and reviewed Cabinet Office HR Policies and guidance. Most Cabinet Office HR policies are updated in line with cross government CSHR model policy which undergoes rigorous equality impact assessments.
Cabinet Office HR policies are continuously under review and generally updated in line with the Department’s strategic priorities, changes to legislation, user feedback and changes to cross government model policy from CSHR.
In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), equality impact assessments are carried out for all new and reviewed Cabinet Office HR Policies and guidance. Most Cabinet Office HR policies are updated in line with cross government CSHR model policy which undergoes rigorous equality impact assessments.
Cabinet Office HR policies are continuously under review and generally updated in line with the Department’s strategic priorities, changes to legislation, user feedback and changes to cross government model policy from CSHR.
Turnover is calculated using Headcount on the basis of staff leaving CO over a 12 month period and includes planned and unplanned leavers. The information requested, as recorded on Cabinet Office systems on 31 January 2022, is outlined in the tables below.
Job Grade
ALL CO | 24.1% |
PERM SEC | 40.0% |
SCS3 | 17.8% |
SCS2 | 25.2% |
SCS1 | 25.5% |
G6 | 23.3% |
G7 | 18.6% |
SEO | 20.4% |
HEO | 30.9% |
EO | 25.4% |
AO | 23.9% |
Parliamentary Counsel Grades | 2.0% |
Commercial Grades | 14.2% |
Race
ALL CO | 24.1% |
E/Minority | 25.3% |
White | 21.1% |
Not Declared | 26.9% |
Gender
ALL CO | 24.1% |
Female | 23.9% |
Male | 24.4% |
Disability
ALL CO | 24.1% |
Yes | 21.2% |
No | 22.2% |
Not Declared | 26.7% |
Special Advisers have been excluded, all Parliamentary Council and Commercial Grades have been grouped together, Faststream numbers have been grouped with HEO grade.
The Cabinet Office supports a number of Civil Service initiatives aimed at supporting colleagues to reach the Senior Civil Service from a diverse range of backgrounds including the Civil Service Fast Stream, Future Leaders Scheme and Senior Leaders Scheme. In addition, the Cabinet Office runs an internal Senior Sponsorship Scheme - a bespoke progression offer for the G6/7 talent pipeline, including SCS application support and SCS sponsorship.
The 2021 cohort of the Future Leaders Scheme had nearly a quarter of delegates from a lower socio economic background, over a fifth were from an ethnic minority background and more than half of successful candidates for the FLS were women. The 2020 Sponsorship Scheme was entirely made of ethnic minority colleagues. Over a third of the 2022 Sponsorship Scheme cohort identify as being from a lower socio-economic background.
The Cabinet Office supports a number of Civil Service initiatives aimed at supporting colleagues to reach the Senior Civil Service from a diverse range of backgrounds including the Civil Service Fast Stream, Future Leaders Scheme and Senior Leaders Scheme. In addition, the Cabinet Office runs an internal Senior Sponsorship Scheme - a bespoke progression offer for the G6/7 talent pipeline, including SCS application support and SCS sponsorship.
The 2021 cohort of the Future Leaders Scheme had nearly a quarter of delegates from a lower socio economic background, over a fifth were from an ethnic minority background and more than half of successful candidates for the FLS were women. The 2020 Sponsorship Scheme was entirely made of ethnic minority colleagues. Over a third of the 2022 Sponsorship Scheme cohort identify as being from a lower socio-economic background.
The Cabinet Office supports a number of Civil Service initiatives aimed at supporting colleagues to reach the Senior Civil Service from a diverse range of backgrounds including the Civil Service Fast Stream, Future Leaders Scheme and Senior Leaders Scheme. In addition, the Cabinet Office runs an internal Senior Sponsorship Scheme - a bespoke progression offer for the G6/7 talent pipeline, including SCS application support and SCS sponsorship.
The 2021 cohort of the Future Leaders Scheme had nearly a quarter of delegates from a lower socio economic background, over a fifth were from an ethnic minority background and more than half of successful candidates for the FLS were women. The 2020 Sponsorship Scheme was entirely made of ethnic minority colleagues. Over a third of the 2022 Sponsorship Scheme cohort identify as being from a lower socio-economic background.
The Declaration on Government Reform commits the Government to drawing on talent from all backgrounds. There are a number of initiatives aimed at supporting colleagues to reach the Senior Civil Service from a diverse range of backgrounds including the Civil Service Fast Stream, Future Leaders Scheme and Senior Leaders Scheme.
As an example of representation, the proportion of ethnic minority civil servants has risen from 9.2% in 2011 to 14.3% in 2021 (up from 13.2% in 2020). This exceeds 13.6%, the proportion of the UK’s economically active population who are from an ethnic minority. Since 2011, the proportion of civil servants with a declared disability has increased across all grades and is now 13.6%.
The positive increase in representation has been a steady incremental change over the last four years, underpinned by a programme of work including:
interventions to support internal career progression to SCS,
accelerating work on the external SCS talent pool - by creating a Task and Finish group to oversee development of the pool and improve representation of disabled and ethnic minority senior leaders,
mandated sponsorship of ethnic minority talent by Civil Service Senior Leadership,
a bespoke career progression offer for the G6/7 talent pipeline, including SCS application support, mentoring and sponsorship,
greater promotion of internal talent schemes such as the Future Leaders Scheme and Senior Leaders Scheme, supporting events organised by participants and
regular engagement with cross-Government Employee Networks to promote talent development at all levels.
Representation is increasing and whilst this trend is positive, we remain committed to improving representation across the broadest range of diversity as outlined in the Declaration on Government Reform across our workforce and in particular at our most senior grades. To build on the progress made over recent years and target where improvement is still needed, the Government will take a holistic approach to SCS recruitment to identify and remove barriers to underrepresented groups entering and progressing in the SCS.
The Cabinet Office participated in the 2021 Social Mobility Employment Index. The organisation was ranked 23rd in the most recent index - this is the highest ranking in the Cabinet Office’s history. The organisation works on the feedback from the Social Mobility employment index to help it become a more socio diverse organisation.
As committed in the Declaration on Government Reform and in order to better serve the public, the government must ensure it draws on the talent of people from the widest possible range of geographical, social and career backgrounds. We will make sure that citizens who have experienced disadvantages in their early lives are able to flourish in public service.
The hon. Member should direct their question to HM Treasury and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to request statements on the socio-economic diversity of Civil Servants in those respective departments.
Success rates for lower socio-economic applicants in Fast Stream have been increasing annually since 2017, with 2021 success rates approximately three times the 2016 figure.
73% of Fast Stream appointments in 2021 were outside London (against 69.5% in 2019). Regional appointments are achieved through the widest possible spread of school and college work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, internships and Fast Stream roles. Attraction activity for roles is delivered both country-wide and through online sites to deliver geographic diversity and meet our levelling up ambitions.
Steps to support both diverse socio-economic and ethnic minority applicants are broadly similar except that partners and the target audiences differ, according to these groups. Outreach, attraction and marketing is designed to encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and locations via early stage schools, college and apprenticeship engagement, along with industrial placements. We have developed an inclusive website, and social media strategy, refreshed the target university list, and are undertaking outreach with diverse universities and engaging with diversity partners to support events. Activity also encompasses expanding the range of internships, undertaking cultural bias reviews of our selection processes, increasing assessor diversity, and continually improving our fair and inclusive selection processes, for example, incorporating more regional/virtual assessment.
Historical barriers to Fast Stream employment for applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds were highlighted in the 2016 Bridge Group analysis, suggesting applications were more likely to come from less diverse universities and courses, and from higher socio-economic students, along with there being less awareness of Fast Stream amongst lower socio-economic graduates. There was also, amongst lower socio-economic students, a perception of a slow recruitment process, less geographic diversity in terms of selection and lower performance at selection stage. Significant improvements have been made against these areas, with socio-economic diversity improving consistently for appointments in the last 5 years.
Success rates for lower socio-economic applicants in Fast Stream have been increasing annually since 2017, with 2021 success rates approximately three times the 2016 figure.
73% of Fast Stream appointments in 2021 were outside London (against 69.5% in 2019). Regional appointments are achieved through the widest possible spread of school and college work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, internships and Fast Stream roles. Attraction activity for roles is delivered both country-wide and through online sites to deliver geographic diversity and meet our levelling up ambitions.
Steps to support both diverse socio-economic and ethnic minority applicants are broadly similar except that partners and the target audiences differ, according to these groups. Outreach, attraction and marketing is designed to encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and locations via early stage schools, college and apprenticeship engagement, along with industrial placements. We have developed an inclusive website, and social media strategy, refreshed the target university list, and are undertaking outreach with diverse universities and engaging with diversity partners to support events. Activity also encompasses expanding the range of internships, undertaking cultural bias reviews of our selection processes, increasing assessor diversity, and continually improving our fair and inclusive selection processes, for example, incorporating more regional/virtual assessment.
Historical barriers to Fast Stream employment for applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds were highlighted in the 2016 Bridge Group analysis, suggesting applications were more likely to come from less diverse universities and courses, and from higher socio-economic students, along with there being less awareness of Fast Stream amongst lower socio-economic graduates. There was also, amongst lower socio-economic students, a perception of a slow recruitment process, less geographic diversity in terms of selection and lower performance at selection stage. Significant improvements have been made against these areas, with socio-economic diversity improving consistently for appointments in the last 5 years.
Success rates for lower socio-economic applicants in Fast Stream have been increasing annually since 2017, with 2021 success rates approximately three times the 2016 figure.
73% of Fast Stream appointments in 2021 were outside London (against 69.5% in 2019). Regional appointments are achieved through the widest possible spread of school and college work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, internships and Fast Stream roles. Attraction activity for roles is delivered both country-wide and through online sites to deliver geographic diversity and meet our levelling up ambitions.
Steps to support both diverse socio-economic and ethnic minority applicants are broadly similar except that partners and the target audiences differ, according to these groups. Outreach, attraction and marketing is designed to encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and locations via early stage schools, college and apprenticeship engagement, along with industrial placements. We have developed an inclusive website, and social media strategy, refreshed the target university list, and are undertaking outreach with diverse universities and engaging with diversity partners to support events. Activity also encompasses expanding the range of internships, undertaking cultural bias reviews of our selection processes, increasing assessor diversity, and continually improving our fair and inclusive selection processes, for example, incorporating more regional/virtual assessment.
Historical barriers to Fast Stream employment for applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds were highlighted in the 2016 Bridge Group analysis, suggesting applications were more likely to come from less diverse universities and courses, and from higher socio-economic students, along with there being less awareness of Fast Stream amongst lower socio-economic graduates. There was also, amongst lower socio-economic students, a perception of a slow recruitment process, less geographic diversity in terms of selection and lower performance at selection stage. Significant improvements have been made against these areas, with socio-economic diversity improving consistently for appointments in the last 5 years.
Success rates for lower socio-economic applicants in Fast Stream have been increasing annually since 2017, with 2021 success rates approximately three times the 2016 figure.
73% of Fast Stream appointments in 2021 were outside London (against 69.5% in 2019). Regional appointments are achieved through the widest possible spread of school and college work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, internships and Fast Stream roles. Attraction activity for roles is delivered both country-wide and through online sites to deliver geographic diversity and meet our levelling up ambitions.
Steps to support both diverse socio-economic and ethnic minority applicants are broadly similar except that partners and the target audiences differ, according to these groups. Outreach, attraction and marketing is designed to encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and locations via early stage schools, college and apprenticeship engagement, along with industrial placements. We have developed an inclusive website, and social media strategy, refreshed the target university list, and are undertaking outreach with diverse universities and engaging with diversity partners to support events. Activity also encompasses expanding the range of internships, undertaking cultural bias reviews of our selection processes, increasing assessor diversity, and continually improving our fair and inclusive selection processes, for example, incorporating more regional/virtual assessment.
Historical barriers to Fast Stream employment for applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds were highlighted in the 2016 Bridge Group analysis, suggesting applications were more likely to come from less diverse universities and courses, and from higher socio-economic students, along with there being less awareness of Fast Stream amongst lower socio-economic graduates. There was also, amongst lower socio-economic students, a perception of a slow recruitment process, less geographic diversity in terms of selection and lower performance at selection stage. Significant improvements have been made against these areas, with socio-economic diversity improving consistently for appointments in the last 5 years.
National Statistics on employment numbers in the public sector are published each quarter by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are available at the following link: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable.
These statistics provide quarterly estimates and time-series data of UK public sector employment by central government (including Civil Service), local government and public corporations.
Individual departments are responsible for their own commercial decisions including the award of contracts.
Details of Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.
Individual departments are responsible for their own commercial decisions including the award of contracts.
Details of Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.
Individual departments are responsible for their own commercial decisions including the award of contracts.
Details of Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.
The number of buildings or land plots disposed of is not held centrally by Cabinet Office.
The disposal value for 2020-21 was £473.5m.
The Cabinet Office total owned estate for 2020-21 was 726,917m2 (In addition to this, 707,769m2 is managed by the Government Property Agency, which is a part of the Cabinet Office, on behalf of departments). For all previous years, the total estate is published in the State of the Estate report on GOV.UK.
Individual departments are responsible for their own commercial decisions including the award of contracts.
Details of Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.
The number of built assets in 2020-21 was 136,844m2, and covers central government estate general and specialist estate, including hospitals and schools. Equivalent figures for previous years are not held centrally by Cabinet Office.
The total floor area for government bodies is published in the State of the Estate report on GOV.UK for 2020-21. The total floor area of the government general purpose estate was published in prior years.
Individual departments are responsible for their own commercial decisions including the award of contracts.
Details of Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.
The office portfolio was reduced by 2%, from 3.5m m2 to 3.4m m2 from 2019-20 to 2020-21. Reductions were driven by a combination of departmental estate strategies and collaboration between departments to share space - for example - HMRC exiting 12 PFI properties led to a 25,000 m2 reduction in floor area and relocation into government hubs.
The number of central Government buildings in 2021 and 2020 is given in the below table. Equivalent data for 2019 is not held centrally by Cabinet Office.
| London | Other regions |
2021 | 205 | 1,280 |
2020 | 212 | 1,325 |
Departmental annual reports and accounts, including financial statements, are laid before Parliament and published on GOV.UK.
Gross Resource Expenditure by Arms Length Bodies is published on GOV.UK.
The Treasury publishes Public Expenditure Statistical Analysis (PESA) which presents statistics on public expenditure, including government departmental administrative expenditure. Table 1.7 breaks down administration budgets by department and Table 2.1 by economic category (e.g. staff costs).
Central government space was only separated into owned and occupied space for 2019-20 for the general purpose estate which included offices, warehouses, job centres, courts, laboratories and other such general purpose uses.
In 2019-20, total owned and occupied space was 7,389,377 m² and 6,975,128 m², respectively.
Equivalent figures for other years are not held centrally in the Cabinet Office.
The central government guidance from BEIS to employers, on how to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace, applied during this period. Across the whole workplace of the government estate, this included undertaking appropriate premises risk assessments and implementing mitigation measures. Meetings with external organisations will have been held virtually as far as possible.
Cabinet Office transparency spending data by month can be found on GOV.UK.
The Terms of Reference for the Cabinet Office’s investigations into staff gatherings have been published on GOV.UK and deposited in the libraries of both Houses.
It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of an ongoing process. The Government has committed that the findings of the investigations will be made public in due course.
Official receptions in Downing Street are published each quarter as part of the Government’s transparency returns.
The Government has committed to relocating 22,000 roles from London across the UK, ensuring the Civil Service is representative of the communities it serves, bringing more diversity of thought into policy-making. The Places for Growth portfolio is at the heart of delivering this agenda.
Places for Growth has adopted an approach that is aimed to capture the broadest view of diversity and inclusion, whilst considering the characteristics protected under law. The portfolio is committed to ensuring that the focus of the portfolio and departments is much wider and remains committed to greater socioeconomic diversity, greater regional diversity and to create clusters and critical mass where we can effectively harness cognitive diversity to enable decision making.
The Government has committed to relocating 22,000 roles from London across the UK, ensuring the Civil Service is representative of the communities it serves, bringing more diversity of thought into policy-making. The Places for Growth portfolio is at the heart of delivering this agenda.
Places for Growth has adopted an approach that is aimed to capture the broadest view of diversity and inclusion, whilst considering the characteristics protected under law. The portfolio is committed to ensuring that the focus of the portfolio and departments is much wider and remains committed to greater socioeconomic diversity, greater regional diversity and to create clusters and critical mass where we can effectively harness cognitive diversity to enable decision making.
The Government has committed to relocating 22,000 roles from London across the UK, ensuring the Civil Service is representative of the communities it serves, bringing more diversity of thought into policy-making. The Places for Growth portfolio is at the heart of delivering this agenda.
Places for Growth has adopted an approach that is aimed to capture the broadest view of diversity and inclusion, whilst considering the characteristics protected under law. The portfolio is committed to ensuring that the focus of the portfolio and departments is much wider and remains committed to greater socioeconomic diversity, greater regional diversity and to create clusters and critical mass where we can effectively harness cognitive diversity to enable decision making.
The Government has committed to relocating 22,000 roles from London across the UK, ensuring the Civil Service is representative of the communities it serves, bringing more diversity of thought into policy-making. The Places for Growth portfolio is at the heart of delivering this agenda.
Places for Growth has adopted an approach that is aimed to capture the broadest view of diversity and inclusion, whilst considering the characteristics protected under law. The portfolio is committed to ensuring that the focus of the portfolio and departments is much wider and remains committed to greater socioeconomic diversity, greater regional diversity and to create clusters and critical mass where we can effectively harness cognitive diversity to enable decision making.
We work with experts across sectors and provide funding to a number of initiatives to engage citizens in our democracy, make it more accessible and protect everyone's vote.
The introduction of online registration has resulted in record levels of people registering to vote and the Cabinet Office-chaired Accessibility of Elections Working Group works to enhance inclusiveness in our democracy.
The Government’s Shared Services Strategy was published on 9 March 2021. It (a) identifies the groups of departments which will create five Shared Service Centres, (b) confirms that departments, and the commercial function, will work together to deliver value for money, by using central frameworks and national pricing models, driving commercial tension.
The Shared Services Strategy for Government was published on 9 March 2021. The Strategy sets the framework for groups of departments to form Shared Service Centres to implement the Strategy. Part of Cabinet Office, Government Business Services is responsible for coordinating delivery of the Strategy.
The Strategy will deliver better, streamlined services and lower costs, to offer better value for money for the taxpayer. Each group of departments forming a Shared Service Centre will develop its own business case for implementing the strategy.
The final specification and all bidding documents for the Outsourced Contact Centre and Business Services (RM6181) framework agreement were published on the government’s Contracts Finder website in April 2021.
It is for Departments to determine their approach to consulting with Civil Service unions. Cabinet Office officials have had two constructive meetings with the National Trade Union Congress since publication of the Strategy, and welcome continuing dialogue.
The Shared Services Strategy for Government was published on 9 March 2021. The Strategy sets the framework for groups of departments to form Shared Service Centres to implement the Strategy. Part of Cabinet Office, Government Business Services is responsible for coordinating delivery of the Strategy.
The Strategy will deliver better, streamlined services and lower costs, to offer better value for money for the taxpayer. Each group of departments forming a Shared Service Centre will develop its own business case for implementing the strategy.
The final specification and all bidding documents for the Outsourced Contact Centre and Business Services (RM6181) framework agreement were published on the government’s Contracts Finder website in April 2021.
It is for Departments to determine their approach to consulting with Civil Service unions. Cabinet Office officials have had two constructive meetings with the National Trade Union Congress since publication of the Strategy, and welcome continuing dialogue.
The Shared Services Strategy for Government was published on 9 March 2021. The Strategy sets the framework for groups of departments to form Shared Service Centres to implement the Strategy. Part of Cabinet Office, Government Business Services is responsible for coordinating delivery of the Strategy.
The Strategy will deliver better, streamlined services and lower costs, to offer better value for money for the taxpayer. Each group of departments forming a Shared Service Centre will develop its own business case for implementing the strategy.
The final specification and all bidding documents for the Outsourced Contact Centre and Business Services (RM6181) framework agreement were published on the government’s Contracts Finder website in April 2021.
It is for Departments to determine their approach to consulting with Civil Service unions. Cabinet Office officials have had two constructive meetings with the National Trade Union Congress since publication of the Strategy, and welcome continuing dialogue.
Information on Cabinet Office’s diversity and inclusion record, and performance against its Equalities Objectives, are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts.
The Cabinet Office will ensure its departmental Equality Objectives continue to be of the highest standard when updated.
Information on Cabinet Office’s diversity and inclusion record, and performance against its Equalities Objectives, are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts.
The Cabinet Office will ensure its departmental Equality Objectives continue to be of the highest standard when updated.
Information on Cabinet Office’s diversity and inclusion record, and performance against its Equalities Objectives, are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts.
The Cabinet Office will ensure its departmental Equality Objectives continue to be of the highest standard when updated.
Information on Cabinet Office’s diversity and inclusion record, and performance against its Equalities Objectives, are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts.
The Cabinet Office will ensure its departmental Equality Objectives continue to be of the highest standard when updated.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
I refer the hon. Member to my answer to PQ 102966. May I apologise for the delay in responding to the question.
I apologise for the delay in replying to this question. PPN 02/20 was critical in ensuring departments provided contractual relief to suppliers to maintain delivery of critical public services. This was replaced by PPN 04/20, published in June, which set out how contracting authorities should put in place transition plans with their suppliers to ensure contracts are flexible enough to deal with potential future lockdowns. Departments remain able to provide contractual relief and can seek approval from HM Treasury for spend where there is a strategic business need.
Supporting the Government’s objective to provide great places to work, enabling co-working through the Hub’s agenda and driving efficiencies by minimising vacant accommodation, the Government Property Agency manages a number of multi-let properties on the Whitehall Estate.
Details of multi-hub locations in London occupied by Cabinet Office, together with other Departments and agencies, are provided in the attached schedule.
The Government Property Agency manages a number of multi-let buildings in London on behalf of Government Departments. The Agency supports the Whitehall Campus and Hubs Programme to transform central government’s ageing office estate - creating ‘Great Places to work’ - consolidating to a single interoperable / interconnected campus of shared, flexible, modernised, energy efficient buildings. Building in new capabilities, including technology that supports Smarter Working, the delivery of better public services and driving efficiencies by minimising vacant space. Further details are available online on the Government Property Agency's Business Plan for 2020-2021.
In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal meetings are not normally disclosed.
In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal meetings are not normally disclosed.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions and this information is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
Greenhouse gas emissions are published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report and the Department’s own Annual Report and Accounts.
The Government published the Net Zero Strategy in October 2021.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient. Our Greening Government Commitments set out our ambitions for continuous improvement and are reported every quarter.
In the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Greening Government Commitments are led by an appointed minister with support from the Director for Commercial and Operations.
No staff within the Department manage ministerial social media accounts
There has been no money spent externally on producing social media and graphics for use on ministerial social media accounts since January 2020. There has been one full time Ministerial Content Producer employed by the department since July 2021, and creating content for ministerial channels is also part of three other Content Producer's roles. All ministerial content created is to promote departmental policy and sharing through Ministerial accounts increases our audience reach wider than departmental accounts.
The Government has published the Heat and Buildings Strategy, setting out plans to decarbonise homes in the UK.
This includes £4 billion of new funding at the Spending review to start work.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was formed in July 2016.
The table below shows the total floor area of the Department’s Estate as published in the State of the Estate reports for 2016-17 and 2017-18.
The Department’s estates assets were transferred to the Government Property Agency in August 2018, and the Agency will report on the period beyond this.
Date | Total floor area (m2) |
31/03/2016 | 1,334,299 |
31/03/2017 | 1,140,145 |
31/03/2018 | 1,052,478 |
Ofgem regulations require all energy suppliers to bill their customers based on energy usage, taking all reasonable steps to obtain meter readings, at least annually, and reflect these accurately in bills.
Customers with a smart meter can benefit from accurate and timely billing, as energy consumption data is automatically sent to energy suppliers. The In-Home Display (IHD), which households are offered when they have smart meters installed, also provides easily accessible, near real-time information about energy consumption, costs and credit.
Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. UK steel plays a critical role in the economy as a foundation industry and the Government remains committed to the UK steel industry and a decarbonised future, supporting local economic growth and our levelling-up agenda. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits to work with the newly constituted Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. Hydrogen-based steelmaking is one of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.
The Steel Council offers the forum for Government, industry and trade unions to work in partnership on the shared objective of creating an achievable, long-term plan to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. In order to support these efforts, the Government has announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes. The decarbonisation of the steel sector and industry more widely will also be supported through the £1 billion CCUS Infrastructure Fund (CIF) and £240m Net-Zero Hydrogen Fund.
Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. UK steel plays a critical role in the economy as a foundation industry and the Government remains committed to the UK steel industry and a decarbonised future, supporting local economic growth and our levelling-up agenda. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits to work with the newly constituted Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. Hydrogen-based steelmaking is one of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.
The Steel Council offers the forum for Government, industry and trade unions to work in partnership on the shared objective of creating an achievable, long-term plan to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. In order to support these efforts, the Government has announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes. The decarbonisation of the steel sector and industry more widely will also be supported through the £1 billion CCUS Infrastructure Fund (CIF) and £240m Net-Zero Hydrogen Fund.
Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. UK steel plays a critical role in the economy as a foundation industry and the Government remains committed to the UK steel industry and a decarbonised future, supporting local economic growth and our levelling-up agenda. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits to work with the newly constituted Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. Hydrogen-based steelmaking is one of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.
The Steel Council offers the forum for Government, industry and trade unions to work in partnership on the shared objective of creating an achievable, long-term plan to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. In order to support these efforts, the Government has announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes. The decarbonisation of the steel sector and industry more widely will also be supported through the £1 billion CCUS Infrastructure Fund (CIF) and £240m Net-Zero Hydrogen Fund.
Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. UK steel plays a critical role in the economy as a foundation industry and the Government remains committed to the UK steel industry and a decarbonised future, supporting local economic growth and our levelling-up agenda. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits to work with the newly constituted Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. Hydrogen-based steelmaking is one of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.
The Steel Council offers the forum for Government, industry and trade unions to work in partnership on the shared objective of creating an achievable, long-term plan to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. In order to support these efforts, the Government has announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes. The decarbonisation of the steel sector and industry more widely will also be supported through the £1 billion CCUS Infrastructure Fund (CIF) and £240m Net-Zero Hydrogen Fund.
I refer the hon Member to the answer given today to Question UIN 54314.
The Government has worked with industry to produce guidance for those who work in or run outdoor working environments, including construction sites. This guidance will help to ensure that workplaces are as safe as possible and give workers the confidence to return to work. The guidance is published at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work.
The Government has also worked with the Construction Leadership Council to develop Site Operating Procedures, which provide practical advice to those seeking to implement Public Health England’s guidance.
Organisations must have effective arrangements in place for monitoring and reviewing their compliance with Government and industry guidance.
As of 29 April, in total over £4.1 billion worth of loans have been issued under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to over 25,262 businesses.
In order to minimise administrative burden and therefore facilitate the issuing of as many loans as possible, the British Business Bank’s system only gathers data from lenders when loans are offered and drawn. Decisions on whether to capture information relating to rejected loans are at the discretion of the lender.
We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and the lenders on regular and transparent data publication going forward.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport does not hold this information. Under the Communications Act (2003), a fee for a television licence is payable to the BBC. The enforcement and administration for non-payment of the licence fee is the responsibility of the BBC as a body independent from the government.
The Government has endorsed the principle that football requires a strong, independent regulator to secure the future of our national game. We are working at pace to consider the recommendations of the Fan Led Review, and determine the most effective way to deliver an independent regulator.
The DCMS Secretary of State committed to Parliament on 3 March to bring forward our Government response as soon as possible.
This response will be issued in the coming weeks.
DCMS monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
All Departments are required to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions quarterly as part of the Greening Government Commitments. Departmental emissions, and their progress against emissions reductions targets, are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports.
Departments may also publish their greenhouse gas emissions data as part of their own Annual Report and Accounts.
DCMS 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.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on these commitments every quarter. In DCMS, the Director General for Strategy and Operations is responsible for this work.
We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government, helping inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.
In addition to the Civil Service Code, the Government Communications Service offers propriety in digital and social media guidance and is available to discuss questions relating to social media when working with ministers.
DCMS employs an in-house social media team to use digital channels and create content to communicate departmental policies online. It is often appropriate for content relating to Government policies, guidance and announcements, created by civil servants, to be amplified or posted on other channels including ministers' own social media accounts where this helps drive wider engagement from the public.
We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government, helping inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.
In addition to the Civil Service Code, the Government Communications Service offers propriety in digital and social media guidance and is available to discuss questions relating to social media when working with ministers.
DCMS employs an in-house social media team to use digital channels and create content to communicate departmental policies online. It is often appropriate for content relating to Government policies, guidance and announcements, created by civil servants, to be amplified or posted on other channels including ministers' own social media accounts where this helps drive wider engagement from the public.
This is shown in the table below, taken from the State of the Estate Reports.
The 2020-21 figure is significantly higher as it includes museums. These were not included in previous years.
Year | DCMS sqm (NIA - net internal area) |
2010 | 92,605 |
2011 | 86,224 |
2012 | 75,391 |
2013 | 69,928 |
2014-2015 | 124,031 |
2015-2016 | 124,384 |
2016-2017 | 126,090 |
2017-2018 | 122,871 |
2018-2019 | 122,305 |
2019-2020 | 120,364 |
2020-2021 | 778,348 |
DCMS-sponsored museums operate independently, at arm’s length from government. The Imperial War Museum’s review of its security operations is an operational matter. As such, Ministers and officials have not assessed or discussed it.
DCMS-sponsored museums operate independently, at arm’s length from government. The Imperial War Museum’s review of its security operations is an operational matter. As such, Ministers and officials have not assessed or discussed it.
DCMS-sponsored museums operate independently, at arm’s length from government. The Imperial War Museum’s review of its security operations is an operational matter. As such, Ministers and officials have not assessed or discussed it.
DCMS-sponsored museums operate independently, at arm’s length from government. The Imperial War Museum’s review of its security operations is an operational matter. As such, Ministers and officials have not assessed or discussed it.
We remain disappointed with the BBC's decision to restrict the over 75 licence fee concession to those in receipt of pension credit. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe the BBC must look at how it uses its substantial licence fee income to support older people.
The government remains committed to working with partners across society to tackle loneliness. During Covid-19 we’ve provided £18 million for loneliness charities, updated our awareness campaign and launched a new Tackling Loneliness Network.
It is against the law to gather in groups of more than six, where people are from different households or support bubbles. Some activities - such as those organised for under-18s - are exempt. In a COVID-19 Secure venue or public outdoor place, non-professional performing arts activity, including choirs, orchestras or drama groups can continue to rehearse or perform together where this is planned activity in line with the performing arts guidance and if they can do so in a way that ensures that there is no interaction between groups of more than six at any time.
If an amateur group is not able to ensure that no mingling takes place between these sub-groups of no more than six (including when arriving at or leaving activity or in any breaks or socialising) then such non-professional activity should not take place.
Football clubs are the heart of local communities and many have a great history.
The Government has provided unprecedented support to businesses throughout this period, including a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal support for
business through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. Many football clubs have benefited from these measures.
The Government is in regular dialogue with the football authorities, including the English Football League, to understand their financial position - but has been absolutely clear that it expects football to look first at how it can support itself through these difficult times.I therefore welcomed the Premier League announcement to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League to help clubs throughout the football pyramid.The EFL has also announced a £50m relief fund to help their clubs enduring immediate cash flow problems because of the coronavirus crisis.
Football clubs are the heart of local communities and many have a great history.
The Government has provided unprecedented support to businesses throughout this period, including a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal support for
business through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. Many football clubs have benefited from these measures.
The Government is in regular dialogue with the football authorities, including the English Football League, to understand their financial position - but has been absolutely clear that it expects football to look first at how it can support itself through these difficult times.I therefore welcomed the Premier League announcement to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League to help clubs throughout the football pyramid.The EFL has also announced a £50m relief fund to help their clubs enduring immediate cash flow problems because of the coronavirus crisis.
The department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions. Information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
The department also publishes the progress against emissions reduction targets in their own Annual Reports and Accounts.
The department is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient to the impact of climate change. We report our performance against the Greening Government Commitments in line with agreed timescales. Greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments annual reports.
The department measures our water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and take steps to minimise waste and promote resource efficiency. We are committed to our target of an overall 56% reduction in our carbon emissions by financial year 2025 compared with 2017/18 emissions.
The department is also due to publish a Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for the education and children’s services systems in April 2022, which will provide more detail on the steps we will take to measure and manage our carbon footprint.
The department is currently preparing a sustainability and climate change strategy for the education and children’s services systems. A draft of this strategy was shared at COP26 for wider engagement across the sectors, prior to the planned publication of the final version in April 2022. More information, including the draft strategy document, is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/education-secretary-puts-climate-change-at-the-heart-of-education--2.
The department’s sustainability and climate change strategy for the education and children’s services systems centres on four strategic aims:
Each outcome will cover each of our sectors (early years, schools, further education, higher education, children’s social care), as well as the organisation itself, and its Arm’s Length Bodies.
Proposals on transitioning to Net Zero are set out in Action Area 3 on Education Estates. Regarding the department’s own operations, proposals are set out in Action Area 4 on Operations and Supply Chains. 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 also 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.
The department has established a Sustainability and Climate Change unit to co-ordinate and drive activity across the department and its sectors. The division will ensure everyone in the department has the awareness and knowledge needed to support the transition to net zero, using resources being developed within the new Government Curriculum, and through broader support provided by the department’s sustainability experts.
The government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on these commitments every quarter.
In the Department for Education, this is led by the Deputy Director for Estates, working to the Chief Operating Officer.
We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government, helping inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.
In addition to the Civil Service Code, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil-service-code the Government Communications Service offers propriety in digital and social media guidance and is available to discuss questions relating to social media when working with ministers, the guidance can be found here: https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/guidance/professional-standards/propriety/propriety-in-digital-and-social-media/.
The department employs an in-house social media team to use digital channels and create content to communicate departmental policies online. It is often appropriate for content relating to government policies, guidance and announcements, created by civil servants, to be amplified or posted on other channels including ministers' own social media accounts where this helps drive wider engagement from the public.
The Office for Government Property annually publishes the 'State of the Estate' report. The total floor area of the department’s estate (including Arms Length Bodies) for each of the requested years is available in the relevant reports at GOV.UK, by searching here: https://www.gov.uk/search/all?keywords=%22state%20of%20the%20estate%22&public_timestamp%5Bfrom%5D=2010&order=relevance.
The Department publishes statistics on school revenue funding annually. The latest publication, from January 2021, covers the financial years 2010/11 through to 2021/22 and is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics#dataBlock-10b3bbd5-58b1-401d-9aaf-9daaa184a6df-tables.
The publication shows the average per pupil funding to schools for 5 to 16 year olds.
Table 1 - average per pupil funding, in cash terms, to schools for 5 to 16 year olds. | |
Financial year | Average per pupil funding, cash terms |
2017-18 | £5,590 |
2018-19 | £5,730 |
2019-20 | £5,920 |
2020-21 | £6,280 |
2021-22 | £6,490 |
Table 2 uses the published 16-19 funding allocations [1] to derive the average funding per student for all types of school and college for the last 5 academic years. Funding allocations for further education colleges of 16 to 19 education for the 2021/22 academic year have yet to be finalised.
Table 2 - average per student funding, in cash terms, for 16 to 19 year olds | |
Academic year | Average per student funding, cash terms |
2016/17 | £4,488 |
2017/18 | £4,481 |
2018/19 | £4,504 |
2019/20 | £4,516 |
2020/21 | £4,958 |
5 to 16 year old pupils in schools are funded differently from 16 to 19 students, using two separate systems with different methodologies. The numbers of hours young people spend in learning is also different between the two phases of education, and published data for the 5 to 16 phase is by financial year, and for the 16 to 19 funding by academic year. The figures for 5 to 16 education include high needs funding and additional grants, such as grants to provide help with teacher pay and pension costs, and to support free meals for students, when the equivalents have not been included in the 16 to 19 figures. Therefore, direct comparisons cannot be applied.
[1] The 16 to 19 per student funding calculation only includes institutions that have students receiving total programme funding. Some institutions receive only high needs funding – their students are not included in this calculation. In addition, the Condition of Funding adjustment for English and maths and the Advanced Maths Premium have been incorporated in total programme funding in 2019/20 to make this consistent with the definition in 2020/21. The condition of funding adjustment for English and maths has been incorporated into the total programme funding in 2016/17 to 2018/19 to make this consistent with the definition in 2019/20 and 2020/21.
We have worked extremely closely with scientists and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) to understand and model various scenarios to inform our plan to re-open the country without putting unsustainable pressure on the NHS. We have also examined economic and social data to get a balanced understanding of the impacts of carefully easing restrictions. The government has also carefully considered data on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on ethnic minority communities, the vulnerable, the young, and low-income groups.
The government considered all the scientific advice and models that suggested that allowing additional indoor mixing at an earlier stage when prevalence was higher and fewer people had been vaccinated could result in significantly higher numbers of infections and that is why restrictions outdoors were eased before restrictions on most indoor activity. As the number of people vaccinated increased, we have been able to take steps to ease restrictions further.
A wealth of data, papers and evidence is being published at the same time as the roadmap, to ensure transparency on the information the government has had available to it in reaching its decisions. This includes the following information from Public Health England:
The papers from SAGE include:
Additional papers published by SAGE in relation to Step 3 of the roadmap can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sage-meetings-may-2021.
Funding allocations for providers of 16-19 education for the next academic year 2021 to 2022 have yet to be finalised. While we have now issued allocations to individual schools and colleges, we are still considering business cases from providers where their allocation has been impacted by major data errors in their School Census or Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data returns. Until this process is complete, funding allocations are still subject to change. However, funding rates for 2021 to 2022 will be maintained at the same levels as 2020 to 2021, so we expect that average funding per student next year will be similar to this year.
Per pupil funding figures for 5–16-year-olds across England is published annually. The latest publication, from January 2021, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics#dataBlock-10b3bbd5-58b1-401d-9aaf-9daaa184a6df-tables. A breakdown of the published school funding statistics for 11–16-year-olds specifically is not available.
The majority of schools' revenue funding is allocated through the schools national funding formula (NFF). As part of the NFF, a “Secondary Unit of Funding” is calculated for each local authority which determines the amount of funding allocated to local authorities in respect of secondary pupils through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). This is published annually and the most recent was published in July 2020 for the financial year 2021-22, when the average Secondary Unit of Funding was £5,934.86: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-funding-formula-tables-for-schools-and-high-needs-2021-to-2022.
The secondary unit of funding does not include premises funding and growth funding that is allocated through the DSG, nor does it include funding through other grants such as the pupil premium. Furthermore, local authorities can set their own local funding formulae, so the amount of funding received by schools in respect of 11-16 pupils in their 2021-22 budgets may be different.
The table below uses the published 16-19 funding allocations to derive the average funding per student for further education (FE) colleges, and all other types of providers, from 2016/17 and the subsequent four academic years.
Average total programme funding per student £ | |||||
Provider type | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 |
FE colleges | £4,623 | £4,627 | £4,653 | £4,674 | £5,111 |
Other providers | £4,386 | £4,370 | £4,390 | £4,392 | £4,840 |
The Department produces published statistics on school revenue funding annually. The latest publication, from January 2021, is available online and covers the financial years 2010-11 through to 2021-22: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics#dataBlock-10b3bbd5-58b1-401d-9aaf-9daaa184a6df-tables.
The publication shows the average per pupil funding, in cash and real terms, to schools for 5 to 16 year olds. There is no separate breakdown available for 11 to 16 year olds.
| Per pupil funding, cash terms, £ | Per pupil funding, 2020-21 terms, £ |
2010-11 | £5,180 | £6,510 |
2011-12 | £5,270 | £6,520 |
2012-13 | £5,360 | £6,510 |
2013-14 | £5,460 | £6,520 |
2014-15 | £5,560 | £6,540 |
2015-16 | £5,600 | £6,540 |
2016-17 | £5,590 | £6,370 |
2017-18 | £5,590 | £6,260 |
2018-19 | £5,730 | £6,270 |
2019-20 | £5,920 | £6,320 |
2020-21 | £6,280 | £6,280 |
2021-22 | £6,490 | £6,680 |
The Government is investing over £400 million to support access to remote education and online social care services, including securing 1.3 million laptops and tablets for disadvantaged children and young people.
The laptops and tablets are an injection of support to help schools, academy trusts and local authorities to provide access to remote education and online social care. Schools, colleges, academy trusts, and local authorities are responsible for distributing the laptops and tablets and are best placed to know which children and young people need access to a device.
The Department has based allocations on estimates of the need of disadvantaged children in Years 3 to 11 using data on the number of pupils eligible for Free School Meals data and external estimates of the number of devices that schools already own.
We have extended support to disadvantaged 16-to-19 year olds, including those in further education. Schools with sixth forms, colleges and other further education institutions are being invited to order laptops and tablets to further support disadvantaged students to access remote education.
Where schools need additional devices, in order to support disadvantaged children, they should contact the Department’s service team at covid.technology@education.gov.uk. They should include the number of children who require support and an explanation of how they’ve gathered this evidence.
Understanding the impact of COVID-19 disruption is a key priority for the Government.
The Department has commissioned an independent research agency to analyse catch-up needs and monitor progress over this academic year. This research is based on a large sample of pupils and will identify whether particular groups of pupils have been more affected by time out of school – including the most disadvantaged, those with historically poor outcomes, and those in particular areas.
The Government is providing a £1 billion catch-up programme, including a ‘Catch-up Premium’ of £650 million, to help address lost teaching time and support pupils’ social and emotional needs. Additionally, the £350 million National Tutoring Programme is an ambitious scheme that will provide additional, targeted tuition support for disadvantaged pupils who need the most help to catch-up.
The Department is working with the Department of Health and Social Care to understand the impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing. Public Health England is monitoring the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, including on children and young people, and have published a report about population mental health and wellbeing in England during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-surveillance-report.
The Department will also be convening a task force to look at the effects on children, young people and staff in the education system and we will confirm the next steps in due course.
Figures showing numbers of students aged 16-18 participating in T levels and other study programmes (at end 2020), will be published in the June 2021 release 'Participation in Education, Training and Employment 2020'.
44 providers are now teaching the first three T levels. We have been monitoring T level recruitment closely and are confident that a viable cohort of young people will benefit from taking these new, high quality qualifications, leaving them in a great position to move into skilled employment or further training.
The base funding rate for a full time student (band 5) on a non T level study programme is £4,188 in the current academic year.
For this academic year, the first three T levels are funded in the medium T level band (band 7), which attracts a base funding rate of £5,061 per student, per year. T level students attract a higher funding rate as T levels include more teaching hours. In addition, industry placements are a compulsory element of T levels, which we are funding at £275 per student, for each of the two years of the T level.
The overall average funding per student will be determined by the national 16-19 funding formula and will reflect the characteristics of the students, courses, and institutions.
It is our ambition that all pupils and students have the chance to make up for lost education. Where breaks in learning have been required, we want to ensure that learners can resume their ‘classroom’ learning and continue to a successful completion.
For many students in post-16 education, we know that remote learning has been working well. We are currently looking at how we can best support 16-19 providers to help their learners catch up and we will provide more details soon.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend, Chloe Smith gave on 12 June 2020 to Question 54314.
We understand that the COVID-19 outbreak and a possible reduction in the number of international students poses significant financial challenges to the sector and are extremely grateful for the work that universities are doing in response.
My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced an unprecedented package of support. This support includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and a range of business loan schemes to help pay wages, keep staff employed and support businesses whose viability is threatened by the outbreak. We recently confirmed universities’ eligibility for these schemes.
We are also working closely with the sector, the Office for Students and across the government to understand the financial risks that providers are facing and to stabilise the admissions system and help providers to access the support on offer.
As my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have both made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.
Higher education (HE) providers take their responsibilities seriously and are best placed to identify the needs of their student body as well as how to develop the services needed to support it. When making changes to the delivery of their courses, HE providers need to consider how they support all students, particularly the most vulnerable, to achieve successful academic and professional outcomes. Where students do not have access to the Internet, a computer at home, or cannot afford to purchase it, the expectation is that HE providers will provide support through their own hardship funds
We have worked closely with the Office for Students to enable providers to draw upon existing funding to increase hardship funds and support disadvantaged students impacted by COVID-19. As a result, providers will be able to use the funding, worth around £23 million per month for April and May, towards student hardship funds, including the purchase of IT equipment, and mental health support, as well as to support providers’ access and participation plans
The Government is increasing school funding nationally by £14 billion over the next three years. Funding will increase by £2.6 billion in 2020-21, followed by increases of £4.8 billion and £7.1 billion in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively, compared to 2019-20.
The Department will continue to distribute this funding through the National Funding Formula, which ensures that funding is based on schools’ and pupils’ needs and characteristics. This will ensure that per pupil funding for every school can at least rise in line with inflation next year and faster than inflation for most.
In 2020-21, Luton will attract an additional £5.5 million in total cash funding in its schools block – a 3.1% increase compared to this year. This will take Luton’s total cash funding up to £181.4 million. In addition, Luton will receive £33 million in its high needs block to help support children with complex special educational needs – a cash increase of £4.5 million.
The Defra-led cross-Government 25 Year Environment Plan Board was established in December 2020. The Board is responsible for overseeing, co-ordinating and driving forward action to implement the 25 Year Environment Plan and associated requirements under the Environment Act 2021. It aims to join up, secure and accelerate action across government to deliver the Government's commitment of leaving the environment in a better state than we found it. It focuses on delivering the ten goals set out in the Plan, as well as implementation of the Government's 30x30 commitment and the Greening Government Commitments.
The Defra-led cross-Government 25 Year Environment Plan Board was established in December 2020. The Board is responsible for overseeing, co-ordinating and driving forward action to implement the 25 Year Environment Plan and associated requirements under the Environment Act 2021. It aims to join up, secure and accelerate action across government to deliver the Government's commitment of leaving the environment in a better state than we found it. It focuses on delivering the ten goals set out in the Plan, as well as implementation of the Government's 30x30 commitment and the Greening Government Commitments.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
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.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on these commitments every quarter. In Defra, this is led by an appointed minister with support from senior officials.
The decision to grant an emergency authorisation has not been taken lightly and is based on robust scientific evidence. 63% of the UK’s sugar comes from the domestic production of sugar beet, and the threat from yellows viruses this year is significant. Very strict conditions will minimise the risk to pollinators. Similar action has been taken by 12 other countries across Europe in recent years.
The requested data is set out in the attached table.
The department has been unable to provide data for all years requested, due to changes in the management of the Corporate Estate, changes of categorisation of usage and method of storage over the requested period.
The square meter areas provided are Net Internal Areas.
The Ministerial Taskforce I chaired has helped put in place support for the most vulnerable in our society throughout this pandemic. Whilst initially concerned with physical access to food during lockdown, we quickly shifted focus to tackling economic insecurities. This work carries on across the Government, and will continue to be a priority this year, and we look forward to responding to Henry Dimbleby’s review of our food strategy.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 54314 on 12 June 2020.
[https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-06-03/54314/]
I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 54314 on 11 June 2020.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report. More information is available here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/greening-government-commitments
Greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/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 - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/greening-government-commitments#annual-reports
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 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy
The new Government Curriculum will include modules on Net Zero, climate change and wider environmental issues for government. The Government Skills & Curriculum Unit is working with other Departments (including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) to create training resource for all civil servants. This will be piloted from April 2022.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments.
The Department for International Trade reports on these commitments every quarter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and publish a report in the sustainability section of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-international-trade-annual-report-and-accounts). The Government Property Agency are responsible for managing and maintaining the department’s estate. Senior officials with relevant functional responsibility lead this work on behalf of the department.
While the details?of?free trade agreements?are?reserved?for formal negotiations,?HM Government has been clear that?increased trade does not have to come at the expense of?our high?labour standards.?The United Kingdom?is an active member of the International Labour Organisation and we?will?continue to uphold our world-leading standards and?international?commitments.
I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 54314 on 12th June 2020.
The costs incurred by the central department for the DfT Internal Communications team for the years requested are as follows:
a) Non pay costs for internal communications
2019: £224,481
2020: £262,479
2021: £176,401
b) Pay costs for internal communications
Pay costs include full pay costs (including salary, employee contributions, pension), and also any posts which subsequently became vacant during the financial year.
2019: £568,098
2020: £679,780
2021: £606,689
(a) The information requested could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
(b) The information requested on in-house staff cost is not recorded in the level of granularity sought. However, we currently have four members of staff in the creative content team who all work on producing digital and video content as part of their roles. Please refer to the department’s Annual Report and Accounts for more information on staff salaries, if required: (Page 141 onwards: Annual Report and Accounts 2020–21 (publishing.service.gov.uk))
(c) The information requested could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
The information requested could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.
The breakdown for video producers employed by the Department for Transport is as follows; in 2019 one video producer, in 2020 two video producers and in 2021 two video producers.
No photographers were employed by the Department for Transport between 2019 and 2021.
Due to the financial reporting system in the department it is not possible to separate out spend associated with external recruitment constancy services from all other consultancy spend for the majority of departmental recruitment.
The following link provides the total published spend on consultants for the core Department, covering financial years 2018-19 to 2020-21: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dft-annual-reports-and-accounts.
The department is not able to identify the top 10 projects in the time available, however, the main areas of spend over the last 3 years has been on Rail and Aviation related projects.
No assessment has been carried out regarding the impact of increased homeworking during the covid-19 outbreak on the Department's carbon footprint
Since all legal restrictions in England have been lifted, all Department for Transport employees are required to return to working in their respective workplaces - with full time home working only permitted on an exceptional basis.
Greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports.
In July 2021 we published the Transport Decarbonisation Plan – the first such Plan in the world – which sets the transport sector on the path to net zero by 2050.
In September 2021, the department launched its Carbon Literacy training programme to build capability within DfT staff to enable the delivery of Net Zero. The training is accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project (a charitable organisation) and it reflects the department’s commitment to establish a sustainable low carbon culture that will support the transition to Net Zero.
DfT is also now a corporate partner of Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) - the largest professional body for environmental practitioners in the UK and worldwide to equip DfT staff with resources and skills to further support them in their transition to Net Zero.
There is an unprecedented £2 billion of investment in cycling and walking over the rest of this Parliament. Ministers and officials from this Department have regular discussions with their counterparts in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and other Government Departments to ensure that their programmes are fully aligned with the Government’s cycling and walking aims. The Government will continue to make funding available to local transport authorities through a wide range of funding streams, including some administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The Director for Corporate Finance and Property has been given the portfolio for leading on the direct environmental impacts associated with the Department’s operational activities (i.e. running the office and non-office estate). Departmental Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) are responsible for managing sustainability within their own organisations on behalf of DfT.
Below is a table containing the Department’s estate size year-by-year from 2010-11.
Year | Estate Size (square metres) | Comments |
2020-21 | 699,669 (NIA) or 931,286 (GIA) | Inflated due to inclusion of NR, LCR and HS2. |
2019-20 | 565,082 NIA | Central Estate |
2018-19 | 566,893 NIA | Central Estate |
2017-18 | 568,458 NIA | Central Estate |
2016-17 | 567,903 NIA | Central Estate |
2015-16 | 508,938 NIA | Central Estate |
2014-15 | 571,769 NIA | Central Estate |
2013-14 | 581,422 NIA | Mandated Estate |
2012-13 | 611,029 NIA | Mandated Estate. Report collated by calendar year instead of financial year. |
2011-12 | 583,518 NIA | Mandated Estate. Report collated by calendar year instead of financial year. |
2010-11 | 590,145 NIA | Mandated Estate. Report collated by calendar year instead of financial year. |
Most DfT staff are recorded on payroll as being required to work a standard FTE week of 37 hours, well within the maximum hours permitted by the regulations. Standard DfT contracts do not require staff to work at night.
When staff are required to work unsocial hours or additional hours (overtime), this is reflected in their pay and is likewise recorded through payroll data, which is retained for a minimum of seven years.
The department’s assessment is that staff working from home continue to comply with working time regulations just as they did while working in DfT workplaces. Home and hybrid working offer staff greater autonomy over working time and location, but we will continue to remind staff of their obligation to comply with the regulations (e.g. taking breaks, using annual leave allowances).
Officials are currently involved in collaborative discussions with East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway and Luton Airport, covering issues such as service branding, marketing and communications to promote rail travel to Luton Airport and take advantage of the introduction of the Luton Airport DART.
Officials are currently involved in collaborative discussions with East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway and Luton Airport, covering issues such as service branding, marketing and communications to promote rail travel to Luton Airport and take advantage of the introduction of the Luton Airport DART.
Officials are currently involved in collaborative discussions with East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway and Luton Airport, covering issues such as service branding, marketing and communications to promote rail travel to Luton Airport and take advantage of the introduction of the Luton Airport DART.
The Department for Transport works closely with the Department for Health and Social Care and other government departments on matters related to international travel. Decisions on Red, Amber or Green List assignment and associated border measures are taken by Ministers, who take into account Joint Biosecurity Centre risk assessments of countries and territories, alongside wider public health factors.
These are intended to be temporary measures and the government keeps data for countries and territories under regular review.
The government keeps data for countries and territories under regular review, and country allocations under the traffic light system are reviewed every three weeks, unless concerning evidence means we need to act faster to protect public health. The next review of country allocations will happen before 1 October 2021.
Government stands ready to support companies during this pandemic. Companies can draw upon a package of measures, including the Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme (AGOSS) which opened for applications on 29 January to provide support to eligible businesses, covering the equivalent of their business rates liabilities or COVID 19 losses – whichever is lower – in financial year 2020/21, subject to certain conditions and a cap per claimant of £8m.
The Department recognises the severe impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on travel and work continues to understand how best the industry can be supported at this time.
My Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced this week that we are renewing the Airports and Ground Operations Support Scheme for a further six months from the start of 2021-22.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the Department for Transport has engaged very regularly with the industry, including through both Ministerial meetings and official led sessions.
As announced on 22nd February as part of the roadmap for the phased lifting of restrictions in England, the Secretary of State for Transport will also now lead a successor to the Global Travel Taskforce to develop a framework that can facilitate greater international travel when the time is right, while still managing the risk from imported cases and variants.
The government is also developing a forward looking strategic framework on the recovery of the sector, which we will engage with the industry on and will publish later this year.
Before Covid-19, aviation directly contributed at least £22 billion to GDP to the UK economy and supported around half a million jobs. This included the air transport and aerospace sectors, as well as the wider supply chain. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the aviation sector has been one of the worst affected sectors in the UK. Passenger numbers at UK airports fell by 99% at the height of the pandemic. Overall volumes of flight traffic in the UK is currently around 80% below equivalent 2019 levels. The air transport sector’s contribution to the UK economy dropped by 74% in 2020 compared to 2019 and tens of thousands of redundancy notifications have been made. In addition to the direct impact to the UK air transport sector, the wider supply-chain and economy has also been adversely impacted by the severe reduction in air passenger demand, jobs and air connectivity, with impacts on consumer spending and investment across the rest of the economy.
The Department recognises the severe impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on travel, and work continues to understand how best the industry can be supported at this time. The Government is working on a strategic framework for the recovery of the sector. It will explore the return to growth of the aviation sector, and will include consideration of workforce and skills, regional connectivity, noise, innovation and regulation, and consumer issues.
Aviation businesses have access to the unprecedented economic support package that the Chancellor has put in place to help businesses to manage the challenges they are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to this, the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (AGOSS) opened for applications on 29 January to provide support for eligible commercial airports and ground handlers in England.
DfT has not produced economic forecasts of recovery and growth in the air transport or travel sectors. DfT maintain a capability to produce a range of passenger demand scenarios, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the potential shape of recovery, for internal use.
The Department recognises the severe impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on travel, and work continues to understand how best the industry can be supported at this time. The Government is working on a strategic framework for the recovery of the sector. It will explore the return to growth of the aviation sector, and will include consideration of workforce and skills, regional connectivity, noise, innovation and regulation, and consumer issues.
Aviation businesses have access to the unprecedented economic support package that the Chancellor has put in place to help businesses to manage the challenges they are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to this, the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (AGOSS) opened for applications on 29 January to provide support for eligible commercial airports and ground handlers in England.
Through the Global Travel Taskforce, the Government will work closely with the industry to find ways to safely and gradually ease restrictions on international travel. We will set out more detail on this soon.
We have agreed a deal with the EU that provides the rights for UK and EU airlines to fly directly between the UK and EU, Covid restrictions allowing. This provides the air connectivity that is so vital for connecting people and businesses, facilitating tourism and trade.
This agreement means that UK and EU contingency measures for air transport are not required.
We continue to deliver ambitious improvements, investing in key priorities including the Transpennine Route Upgrade, restoring lines and stations closed during the Beeching cuts and in HS2, with an unrelenting focus on levelling up our country and ensuring all communities have the connections they need to support growth and prosperity.
In terms of impacts on individual schemes, it remains the case that no schemes have been cancelled nor formal investment decisions taken as a result of the Spending Review. We are currently working with Network Rail to agree a new baseline for the portfolio that fits with the new funding envelope.
We continue to deliver ambitious improvements, investing in key priorities including the Transpennine Route Upgrade, restoring lines and stations closed during the Beeching cuts and in HS2, with an unrelenting focus on levelling up our country and ensuring all communities have the connections they need to support growth and prosperity.
In terms of impacts on individual schemes, it remains the case that no schemes have been cancelled nor formal investment decisions taken as a result of the Spending Review. We are currently working with Network Rail to agree a new baseline for the portfolio that fits with the new funding envelope.
The Spending Review involved a considerable amount of detailed discussions between the Department, Network Rail and HM Treasury. As a consequence, Network Rail were heavily involved throughout the Spending Review negotiations, with both the Department and HM Treasury.
There are no current train services that have been impacted by the outcome of the Spending Review. The Spending Review has not cancelled delivery of any improvement works.
The Spending Review confirmed that the government is supporting the railway and we will continue investing in ambitious improvements to modernise it. We are currently working with Network Rail to agree a new baseline for the portfolio that fits with the new funding envelope. As such we are not yet in a position to fully assess the impact on Network Rail jobs and/ or the wider supply chain.
Furthermore, decarbonisation remains central to investment being made in Rail.
We are committed to building a railway that is greener and fit for the future and that is why we continue to look at ways to decarbonise our network in a way that makes best use of taxpayers funding.
The Department aims to respond to Invitation requests as soon as practicable. The Department responded to your letter on 22nd September to seek suitable dates for a meeting.
I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 54314 on 12 June 2020.
The Secretary of State has asked me in my capacity as Rail Minister to meet with the hon. Member to discuss this investment.
My Private Office has contacted the Member for Luton South’s office and has arranged a mutually convenient date for us to meet to discuss this issue.
The Department does not hold information on spending on stations in the East of England. Luton station is due to benefit from a share of the £300million Access for All funding. Subject to a feasible design being identified, the station will receive a step free route from the station entrance, to and between all platforms. Luton station has been in the Access for All programme for a number of years, but Network Rail (NR) have been unable to secure Luton Borough Council (LBC) approval for any of their proposed designs.
Furthermore, as part of GTR’s May 2018 Passenger Benefit Fund, Luton was allocated £80,000. Following the passenger consultation last year, toilet refurbishments have been approved at this station. I look forward to meeting with my honourable Friend later this month to discuss this issue further.
Luton station is due to benefit from a share of the £300m Access for All funding. Subject to a feasible design being identified, the station will receive a step free route from the station entrance, to and between all platforms. The project is due to complete by 2024 at the latest.
Furthermore, as part of GTR’s May 2018 Passenger Benefit Fund, Luton was allocated £80,000. Following the passenger consultation last year, we are assessing the feasibility of the schemes passengers have suggested and will be making a decision on taking these forward shortly.
The information requested is not collated centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The information requested is not collated centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The roles within Communications Directorate are multifunctional, it is not possible to breakdown the roles further.
The roles within Communications Directorate are multifunctional, it is not possible to breakdown the roles further.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) publishes details about headcount and payroll costs for permanent staff and contractors on GOV.UK on a monthly basis. You can find the information you seek at DWP workforce management information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The DWP consultancy spend for the financial years 2019 through to 2021 is shown below.
2018/19 £4,446,169
2019/20 £4,570,665
2020/21 £1,284,861
2021/21 £1,041,058
Information on the projects or work areas DWP spent the most on support from those consultants in each of the financial years is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
In this case opinion polling has been taken to mean all quantitative research which measures attitudes, behaviours, and campaign recall.
Spending on focus groups and polling services for financial year 21/22 for communications and social research which informs policy development is as follows:
a) Focus groups | £264,550 |
b) Opinion polling services | £220,900 |
Total | £485,450 |
DWP takes all types of benefit fraud extremely seriously and is committed to the detection and prevention of both fraud and claimant error, along with the use of appropriate penalties where fraud is identified.
I am unable to share details of the variety of counter fraud techniques used by DWP to prevent or detect fraud, as to do so would be prejudicial to our work in this area. The DWP savings cited in the technical note published by Cabinet Office on 28 March 2022, cover the 2020/21 financial year. The savings of £1.1bn relate to the work of DWP’s Enhanced Checking Service (ECS) part of our Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt Directorate.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
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.
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.
Responsibility for sustainability sits with the Director General, People, Capability and Place.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19th January to question number 104377.
Total DWP Floorspace (NIA m2) Managed Estate including Arm’s Length Bodies’.
Source: Cabinet Office: State of the Estate report (parliamentary report) published on Gov.uk.
Year Area m2
2010 1,856,832
2011 1,788,883
2012 1,799,716
2013 1,720,464
2014 1,646,766
2015 1,592,693
2016 1,563,185
2017 1,561,604
2018 1,577,606
2019 1,399,875
2020 1,380,476
2021 1,379,939
Each employee’s record of daily working times and aggregated hours over four-weekly periods is retained for three years.
A record of any employee’s exceptional decision under the Working Time Regulations 1998 voluntarily to disapply the 48-hour maximum working time is retained as part of their employment record for 85 years.
DWP agreed a Flexible Working Hours Scheme with its trade unions to manage employees’ daily working hours and breaks. This conforms to the Working Time Regulations 1998.
Under the Scheme, all employees are required to keep a daily record of the times they work. This is monitored and checked by their line manager to ensure that on a four-weekly basis the aggregated hours worked are within the limits of the Scheme.
The size and national spread of the DWP’s workforce and current recording method require compliance to be assessed by line managers as a core part of their job.
The Department is in the process of reforming the National insurance number (NINo) process and has developed a digital application service.
From 28th April 2021 all employment inspired NINo applicants can make their initial request for a NINo online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
For applicants who have been through an Identity verification process with another government department they are no longer required to attend a face to face identity appointment.
The Department is in the process of reforming the National insurance number (NINo) process and has developed a digital application service.
From 28th April 2021 all employment inspired NINo applicants can make their initial request for a NINo online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
For applicants who have been through an Identity verification process with another government department they are no longer required to attend a face to face identity appointment.
The Department is unable to provide this information, as to do so would incur disproportionate costs.
DWP does not occupy any locations in London that are managed by the Government Property Agency.
I refer you to the answer given by my hon. Friend at the Cabinet Office, PQ54314
The information requested is not readily available at constituency level and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
From 17th March, we suspended all face-to-face assessments for health and disability benefits for three months. For existing claimants, we have automatically extended awards and suspended any new review or reassessment activity, except where claimants notify us of changes to their needs that may result in an increase to their award. This temporary measure is being taken to ensure the Department’s resources are focused on providing access to financial support for new claimants, and it will also reassure claimants about continuity of their benefit during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Government is committed to delivering a sustainable long-term solution to child poverty, including reforming the benefits system so that it supports employment and higher pay. Tackling child poverty requires an approach that goes beyond targets, which focus on income alone, to one that addresses the root causes of poverty and disadvantage and improves long-term outcomes for families and children.
The approach we are taking goes beyond focus on income alone. We are seeing to address the root causes of poverty and improve long-term outcome from families and children with a particular focus on parental employment and children’s educational attainment – the two areas that we know can make the biggest difference.
Through our network of Jobcentres, the Department is taking a range of action to support disadvantaged groups, working closely with employers and partners in their local community to provide opportunities to help them move closer and into employment. Examples from Luton include employability and confidence building courses for lone parents, a Domestic Abuse forum involving a range of local stakeholders including the Samaritans and Women’s Aid in Luton, hosted by the Jobcentre; and support for people with English as a second language, including a bespoke course specifically aimed at women.
While NHS England has undertaken some preliminary work to assess the introduction of fibroscan in primary care through community diagnostic centres, this is currently at a scoping stage.
The National Health Service ‘Better Health’ campaign aims to promote greater awareness of liver disease and its main causes. The former Public Health England published ‘Better care for people with co-occurring mental health and alcohol/drug use conditions: A guide for commissioners and service providers’ which addresses potential issues of stigma and mistrust and other barriers preventing patients from accessing treatment.
From 1 April 2022, NHS England has introduced a Commissioning for Quality and Innovation measure to incentivise providers to improve earlier detection of liver disease for alcohol dependent in-patients. In addition, £27 million has been invested to establish specialist alcohol care teams in the 25% of hospitals with the highest rates of alcohol dependence-related admissions.
The National Health Service ‘Better Health’ campaign aims to promote greater awareness of liver disease and its main causes. The former Public Health England published ‘Better care for people with co-occurring mental health and alcohol/drug use conditions: A guide for commissioners and service providers’ which addresses potential issues of stigma and mistrust and other barriers preventing patients from accessing treatment.
From 1 April 2022, NHS England has introduced a Commissioning for Quality and Innovation measure to incentivise providers to improve earlier detection of liver disease for alcohol dependent in-patients. In addition, £27 million has been invested to establish specialist alcohol care teams in the 25% of hospitals with the highest rates of alcohol dependence-related admissions.
In Luton, an additional 251 breast screening appointments are being provided in July 2022, with further appointments on Saturdays continuing in August where possible. In the next three months, the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Breast Screening Service will revert from open to timed invitations to increase uptake. In West Hertfordshire, a trial has been introduced to re-invite women who did not attend or book an appointment during the pandemic. Following evaluation of this trial, a decision will be made to determine whether to deploy this approach in the region. In addition, four new screening vans with access lifts are being introduced to encourage uptake in women with mobility issues.
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group is working with local providers to amend the two week referral process to include further advice and guidance for breast pain to reduce unnecessary referrals. The breast service has been managing demand and capacity by providing additional sessions with existing staffing out of hours.
Additionally, the Bedford and Luton and Dunstable Hospitals have been awarded a share of the £160 million national accelerator initiative to introduce new technology to address backlogs and increase capacity for elective care. This will allow a further 36 patients to be treated each week at each hospital.
The Department’s greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
The Department is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and is currently developing a sustainability strategy and undertaking surveys of its estate to understand the changes required to achieve net zero. Between 2009/10 and 2019/20 it reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 64%.
The new Government Curriculum will include modules on the implications of net zero, climate change and wider environmental issues. In the first phase, the Government Skills and Curriculum Unit (GSCU) is working with Departments 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 in Government Departments.
The Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient, through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on Commitments every quarter. In the Department, this is led by senior officials.
Departmental records confirm that a meeting of the COVD-19 Testing Taskforce took place on 8 April 2020 with Randox and Peter Fitzgerald by telephone. The Department holds a record of this call.
The Government is committed to publishing details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations. The transparency register will be updated.
Data is not available in the format requested.
The information requested for the number of diagnoses and deaths in England due to pulmonary fibrosis is not held. The information requested for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not collected as this is a devolved matter.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recently undertook a single technology appraisal of nintedanib, an anti-fibrotic drug for use in patients with many different types of progressive lung fibrosis. The drug is being commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and will be available from 17 February 2022. It is expected it will allow treatment for fibrosis to be administered to a wider group of patients and prolong the lives of many. NHS England and NHS Improvement have amended the dashboard overseeing the performance of specialist interstitial lung disease centres in England. This is intended to deliver improved care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis, focussing on patient outcomes, involvement in research trials and reducing waits in services. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) awarded £696,932 for research into pulmonary fibrosis in 2020/21. Currently, the NIHR supports 122 studies into pulmonary fibrosis.
The information requested for the number of diagnoses and deaths in England due to pulmonary fibrosis is not held. The information requested for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not collected as this is a devolved matter.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recently undertook a single technology appraisal of nintedanib, an anti-fibrotic drug for use in patients with many different types of progressive lung fibrosis. The drug is being commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and will be available from 17 February 2022. It is expected it will allow treatment for fibrosis to be administered to a wider group of patients and prolong the lives of many. NHS England and NHS Improvement have amended the dashboard overseeing the performance of specialist interstitial lung disease centres in England. This is intended to deliver improved care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis, focussing on patient outcomes, involvement in research trials and reducing waits in services. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) awarded £696,932 for research into pulmonary fibrosis in 2020/21. Currently, the NIHR supports 122 studies into pulmonary fibrosis.
The information requested for the number of diagnoses and deaths in England due to pulmonary fibrosis is not held. The information requested for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not collected as this is a devolved matter.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recently undertook a single technology appraisal of nintedanib, an anti-fibrotic drug for use in patients with many different types of progressive lung fibrosis. The drug is being commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and will be available from 17 February 2022. It is expected it will allow treatment for fibrosis to be administered to a wider group of patients and prolong the lives of many. NHS England and NHS Improvement have amended the dashboard overseeing the performance of specialist interstitial lung disease centres in England. This is intended to deliver improved care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis, focussing on patient outcomes, involvement in research trials and reducing waits in services. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) awarded £696,932 for research into pulmonary fibrosis in 2020/21. Currently, the NIHR supports 122 studies into pulmonary fibrosis.
The information requested for the number of diagnoses and deaths in England due to pulmonary fibrosis is not held. The information requested for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not collected as this is a devolved matter.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recently undertook a single technology appraisal of nintedanib, an anti-fibrotic drug for use in patients with many different types of progressive lung fibrosis. The drug is being commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and will be available from 17 February 2022. It is expected it will allow treatment for fibrosis to be administered to a wider group of patients and prolong the lives of many. NHS England and NHS Improvement have amended the dashboard overseeing the performance of specialist interstitial lung disease centres in England. This is intended to deliver improved care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis, focussing on patient outcomes, involvement in research trials and reducing waits in services. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) awarded £696,932 for research into pulmonary fibrosis in 2020/21. Currently, the NIHR supports 122 studies into pulmonary fibrosis.
The Department holds a minute of the meeting. The meeting was conducted by telephone, attended by Lord Bethell, his Private Secretary, Departmental and Cabinet Office officials. Lord Feldman of Elstree in an attended in an advisory capacity.
The Department does hold a minute of this meeting, which was attended by the former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Lord Bethell), Departmental officials and David Meller.
The Department holds notes of the actions arising from this meeting. Lord Bethell was supported by a private secretary, Departmental officials and officials from the Department for International Trade, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and NHS England. Lord O'Shaughnessy and Bennet Summers, Vivek Madan and Henry Stannard of OC&C Strategy also attended the meeting. Special advisors were not present. Lord O'Shaughnessy attended in an advisory capacity.
The Department holds a minute of this meeting. The meeting was conducted by telephone, attended by Lord Bethell, his Private Secretary and Departmental policy officials. It was also attended by James Kanagasooriam for Hanbury Strategy, Bennet Summers, Vivek Madan, Henry Stannard from OC&C strategy and officials from the Office for Life Sciences, the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for International Trade.
The Department does not hold a formal minute of the meeting. Lord Bethell attended the meeting with a Private Secretary, officials from the Department and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority, Lord Feldman of Elstree and representatives from Abbott. Special advisors did not attend the meeting. Lord Feldman of Elstree attended in an advisory capacity.
The Department holds a minute of the telephone call on 1 April 2020. This was attended by the former the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Lord Bethell), a private secretary, officials from the Department and the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) and by Dr Chris Hand and Chris Yates of Abingdon Health.
The Department holds a minute of the telephone call on 29 April 2020. This was attended by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, a private secretary and Departmental and OLS officials. Dr Chris Hand and Chris Yates attended from Abingdon Health.
A telephone call took place on 13 May 2020, attended by the former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, a private secretary and Departmental and OLS officials. Chris Yates and Dr Chris Hand attended from Abingdon Health. However, the Department does not hold a note of this telephone call.
In December 2021, we delivered approximately 280 million lateral flow device (LFD) tests and we have now procured new stocks and increased delivery capacity. We expect to deliver 90 million LFD tests a week in the United Kingdom, including seven million tests a day through GOV.UK. In England, this includes approximately 12 million tests per week through pharmacies. We expect therefore that there is sufficient capacity to provide tests for everyone, who requires it including those in Luton South and the East of England.
The following table shows the total floor area of the estate and land held by the Department and its arm’s length bodies in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21.
| Total floor area in metres squared | Land in hectares |
2020/21 | 467,408 | 68.44 |
2019/20 | 422,204 | 69.25 |
2018/19 | 409,765 | 68.68 |
2017/18 | 415,473 | 68.86 |
2016/17 | 392,125 | 60.35 |
2015/16 | 379,430 | 65.54 |
2014/15 | 353,435 | 111.71 |
2013/14 | 343,532 | 111.77 |
2012/13 | 350,762 | 133.88 |
2011/12 | 367,992 | 26.74 |
2010/11 | 420,004 | - |
Everyone over the age of 18 years old is now able to book their booster dose through the National Booking System. NHS England is not aware of any specific IT which may affect the ability to book an appointment. Availability is subject to eligibility and the number of appointments locally. Queuing is introduced at exceptionally busy times.
The Chief Midwifery Officer, Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, is leading work to understand why mortality rates are higher, consider evidence about what will reduce mortality rates and take action to improve equity in outcomes for mothers and their babies. NHS England and NHS Improvement are also working to develop an equity strategy that will focus on reducing disparities for women and their babies from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups and those living in the most deprived areas.
The NHS Long Term Plan commits to ensuring that by 2024, 75% of BAME groups and a similar proportion of women who live in the most deprived areas, will receive continuity of care from their midwife throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights report recommends that the Government introduces a target to end the disparity in maternal mortality between black and white women.
Work is being undertaken by the Chief Midwifery Officer for England to understand why mortality rates are higher, consider evidence about what will reduce mortality rates and take action to improve equity in outcomes and experience of care for mothers and their babies. Research is also being carried by the Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care at the University of Oxford to better understand the reasons for any disparity, assess local variation and also identify areas with less disparity and hence best practice. The Department does not plan to introduce a target to reduce inequalities in maternity outcomes in England whilst this work takes place.
We have implemented measures at record pace to get on top of the B1.617.2 variant and control the spread. We have already implemented targeted new activity to accelerate vaccine uptake amongst eligible cohorts in Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen in order to support this move. We are now extending this activity to Bedford, Hounslow, Burnley, Leicester, Kirklees and North Tyneside. The areas chosen for targeted new activity to accelerate vaccine uptake amongst eligible cohorts were chosen on the basis of them being areas with enduring transmission where higher cases have persisted, and vaccination uptake rates are lower.
In order to ensure people across the United Kingdom have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity, appointments for a second dose of the vaccine has now been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those in cohorts 1-9 who are yet to receive their second dose.
We have implemented measures at record pace to get on top of the B1.617.2 variant and control the spread. We have already implemented targeted new activity to accelerate vaccine uptake amongst eligible cohorts in Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen in order to support this move. We are now extending this activity to Bedford, Hounslow, Burnley, Leicester, Kirklees and North Tyneside. The areas chosen for targeted new activity to accelerate vaccine uptake amongst eligible cohorts were chosen on the basis of them being areas with enduring transmission where higher cases have persisted, and vaccination uptake rates are lower.
In order to ensure people across the United Kingdom have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity, appointments for a second dose of the vaccine has now been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those in cohorts 1-9 who are yet to receive their second dose.
The Spending Review 2020 confirmed an additional £3 billion for the National Health Service on top of the long-term settlement, to support the recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Cancer patients will continue to be prioritised with the NHS and will benefit from the approximately £1 billion to begin tackling the elective backlog and approximately £1.5 billion to help ease existing pressures caused by COVID-19. This package will be supported by £325 million capital funding for diagnostics, to replace over two thirds of imaging equipment over 10 years old.
The Spending Review 2020 confirmed an additional £3 billion for the National Health Service on top of the long-term settlement, to support the recovery from the impact of COVID-19. This includes approximately £1 billion to begin tackling the elective backlog and approximately £1.5 billion to help ease existing pressures caused by COVID-19. This package will be supported by £325 million capital funding for NHS diagnostics to replace over two thirds of imaging equipment over 10 years old.
The Spending Review 2020 will also provide £260 million to continue to increase the NHS workforce and support commitments made in the NHS Long Term Plan. Full details on funding allocations in 2021-22, including for NHS cancer workforce and cancer diagnostics, will be subject to a detailed financial planning exercise and finalised in due course.
There is no specific period of time post vaccination during which people should not consume alcohol.
There is no specific period of time post vaccination during which people should not consume alcohol.
The Department does not have any employees in London located in properties managed by the Government Property Agency.
We have now made £3.2 billion available to local authorities to address the pressures on local services caused by the pandemic. This funding can be used to cover the cost of pay for care workers who are currently unable to work because they may be shielding (if they are among the clinically extremely vulnerable) or self-isolating – and this has been included in guidance to local authorities.
My department is working with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services to confirm that funding provided to local authorities has been distributed to social care providers, and on to the workforce, in accordance with this guidance.
We have allowed personal protective equipment (PPE) exports by private companies where such exports do not undermine the level of PPE within the United Kingdom, and no PPE has been issued from pandemic supplies to other countries.
Lord Deighton is leading the Government effort by British industry to manufacture PPE. The Government is currently in contact with over 350 potential UK manufacturers and has signed contracts to manufacture over 2 billion items of PPE through UK-based manufacturers. More new manufacturers are expected to commit to producing PPE in the coming weeks.
The combined DIT, FCO and DHSC efforts have resulted in DHSC ordering over 28.7 billion items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), direct from new relationships with suppliers in source countries; and to build up UK manufacturing this includes signed contracts to manufacture over 2 billion items of PPE through UK-based manufacturers.
The Government has rapidly processed over 24,000 cases from over 15,000 suppliers to ensure they meet the safety and quality standards that our NHS staff need, as well as prioritising offers of larger volumes. The Government has so far actively engaged with over 99% of the companies that have offered PPE and has contracted with over 175 new suppliers able to deliver at the scale and pace the UK requires.
The Department does not hold the information in the format requested, identifiable to a specific location.
Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. The Department has entered into contract and placed orders with several manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. Details of this work can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnerships
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal
The volumes will increase in the coming weeks.
We note that Yasin Malik was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for a number of charges under Indian law. We expect all countries to respect and uphold their international obligations regarding the treatment of detainees and raise cases where necessary.
The UK Government maintains regular contact with the Government of Sri Lanka on a wide range of environmental issues. The Minister for South Asia, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, discussed opportunities for joint cooperation on environmental protection during his visit to Sri Lanka in January. We are supporting Sri Lanka through the new 7 year Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme. We will continue to engage with the Sri Lankan authorities in support of improved environmental conditions, including support of clean water provisions.
The FCDO monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions quarterly. Details are published annually in the Sustainability Report sections of FCDO's Annual Report and Accounts (page 57-73) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1019938/FCDO_annual_report_and_accounts_2020_to_2021_accessible.pdf and the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/greening-government-commitments#annual-reports
FCDO's greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Sustainability Report sections of FCDO's Annual Report and Accounts (page 57-73) and the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports.
The FCDO is committed to reducing emissions and energy consumption wherever possible, as part of the UK's transition to net zero. The FCDO's current targets to make progress on reducing emissions have been published as part of the Greening Government Commitments.
The UK 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.
The UK Government is committed to making its estate and operations more sustainable and resilient through the Greening Government Commitments. We report on these commitments every quarter. In The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office this is led by an appointed minister with support from senior officials within the Estates Directorate.
Central estate data for the former Foreign Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development United Kingdom portfolios was published in the annual State of the Estate reports which are published by the Cabinet Office and can be found on www.gov.uk. For example, the 2020-21 report can be found here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-estate-in-2020-2021
The data for the period requested has been extracted and is summarised in the table below;
| Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office* (NIA, m²) | Foreign & Commonwealth Office* (NIA, m²) | Department for International Development (NIA, m²) | Total (NIA, m²) |
2020-21 | 35,078 |
|
| 35,078 |
2019-20 |
| 75,374 | 16,990 | 92,364 |
2018-19 |
| 75,374 | 16,990 | 92,364 |
2017-18 |
| 75,186 | 19,358 | 94,544 |
2016-17 |
| 75,430 | 19,358 | 94,788 |
2015-16 |
| 78,386 | 19,358 | 97,744 |
2014-15 |
| 96,702 | 19,358 | 116,060 |
2013-14 |
| 96,503 | 48,558 | 145,061 |
2013 |
| 96,356 | 48,558 | 144,914 |
2012 |
| 109,473 | 63,832 | 173,305 |
2011 |
| 109,473 | 55,154 | 164,627 |
*Excluding British Council |
This data includes Arms Length Bodies, but excludes the British Council estate and the whole of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's overseas estate.
In September 2020 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development were merged into a new, single Department; Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. In March 2021 the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's Core Central Office premises were onboarded to the Government Property Agency as at 31 March 2021 (King Charles Street, 22 Whitehall and Abercrombie House).
The 2020-21 State of the Estate report published in December 2021 was the first time that Foreign Commonwealth Development Office reported on its combined United Kingdom portfolio, less the onboarded premises (now held and reported on by the Government Property Agency), British Council and leased offices given up in Milton Keynes.
The FCDO is aware of the arrest, and subsequent release due to lack of evidence, of former FARC combatant Harold Ordoñez Botero.
The UK has been a leading international advocate of Colombia's peace process, and supporting the Colombian Government in its commitment to implement the 2016 Peace Accords will remain a top priority. We will continue to support the Colombian Government's commitment to assisting former combatants in transitioning to civilian life, as agreed in the 2016 peace agreement. We have committed more than £68 million over 5 years through our Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund to support reintegration, rural development, and security across conflict-affected regions. We have done this through programmes designed to build state capacity to ensure the safety of former combatants, and of other vulnerable individuals and groups, including outside of official reincorporation zones.
That is a matter for the Government of Morocco. As the Foreign Secretary stated on 11 December 2020, the UK regards the status of Western Sahara as undetermined: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/israel-and-morocco-uk-responds-to-announcement-of-normalisation.
The UK supports UN-led efforts to achieve a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We note the UN's position on the status of Western Sahara, which is set out on its website: https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/nsgt/western-sahara.
Human rights is a UK priority around the world and we raise human rights issues with Morocco accordingly. The UK regards the status of Western Sahara as undetermined. We have consistently supported language in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions which encourages the parties to continue their efforts to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara.
The UK fully supports UN-led efforts, as made clear in UNSCR 2548, to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. We strongly support the UN Secretary-General's efforts to appoint a Personal Envoy at the earliest opportunity so that consultations between the parties can resume.
The UK fully supports UN-led efforts, as made clear in UNSCR 2548, to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. We strongly support the UN Secretary-General's efforts to appoint a Personal Envoy at the earliest opportunity so that consultations between the parties can resume.
We continue to urge Israel to ensure that its investigation into this case is swift and comprehensive. We also continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, in particular the need to protect children, and urge restraint in the use of live fire.
We remain deeply concerned by the continuing systematic discrimination, harassment and targeting of the Baha'i community in Iran and follow this situation closely. The Government continues to raise our concerns on this and other persistent human rights violations with Iran.
On 26 October, we made a statement on this matter, during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. We called on Iran to ensure members of all religious and ethnic groups are treated equally before the law and allowed to participate fully in society.
We remain deeply concerned by the continuing systematic discrimination, harassment and targeting of the Baha'i community in Iran, including that members of the community are being denied access to university. The Government continues to raise our concerns on this and other persistent human rights violations with Iran.
On 26 October, we made a statement on this matter, during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. We called on Iran to ensure members of all religious and ethnic groups are treated equally before the law and allowed to participate fully in society.
All former DFID staff who are non-UK nationals transferred to the FCDO in their existing roles on 2 September 2020. Further work is underway to agree a long term policy for the FCDO on reserved and unreserved roles, and impacted staff will be communicated with as soon as possible.
As of the 30 June 2020, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had the following percentages of fixed-term contract workers in the department:
Age | Percentage of Fixed Term Contract Workers |
18-29 | 70.5% |
30-39 | 17.0% |
40-49 | 7.0% |
50-59 | 4.3% |
* 60+ | - |
Ethnic minority | 29.3% |
White | 59.6% |
Do not wish to declare | 11.1% |
Home Civil Service and Diplomatic Service staff employed on a Fixed Term Contract.
*Numbers of 5 or less have been suppressed in order to comply with the GDPR.
Further work is underway to agree a long term policy for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on reserved and unreserved roles. This will take account of the considerations around reserved posts as set out in the Civil Service Nationality Rules to ensure the FCDO continues to have access to world class talent and provides varied career paths whilst meeting the necessary security and nationality requirements.
As of 1 September 2020, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had between 340 and 359 full-time equivalent Home Civil Service & Diplomatic Service staff employed on a Fixed Term Contract.
The potential diversity impact of the decision not to offer opportunities for permanent employment to current fixed-term contract staff was discussed at length by the Joint Executive Committee of DFID and FCO. As such, the Public Sector Equality Duty was met.
The breakdown of FCDO's non-UK national employees, as at 31 August 2020, is set out in the tables below.
Age group | No. of Staff |
Under 35 | 61 |
35 - 44 | 63 |
45 - 54 | 23 |
55+ | 8 |
Total | 155 |
Ethnicity | No. of Staff |
BAME | 20 |
Not declared/ Prefer not to say | 64 |
White | 71 |
Total | 155 |
Gender | No. of Staff |
Female | 102 |
Male | 53 |
Total | 155 |
The FCDO's vetting provider, UKSV, charges £1371 for an initial DV clearance. A small number of FTC officers hold DV clearance but, for security reasons, we are not able to provide a total figure as this may make individuals identifiable.
Language and professional training information for fixed-term contract staff is not held centrally and to compile this information would incur disproportionate cost. We can however confirm that no fixed-term contract staff have received full-time language training.
As I set out during an Urgent Question in the House of Commons on 29 June, we are seriously concerned about the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We are aware of reports of forced sterilisation of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, which would amount to a gross violation of human rights. We are closely monitoring all available evidence, and have raised the issue with Chinese officials. On 28 July, the Foreign Secretary expressed his serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang to his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi.
I refer the Hon. Member to the Answer given to PQ 54314 on 12 June 2020.
The FCO remains committed to the British Council, who are a key driver of our soft power overseas and a precious part of the FCO family. In order to help stabilise their immediate financial position following the impact of Covid-19 on their ability to operate, we agreed to provide the British Council with £26m of additional funding for the 2019-20 financial year. We have also provided some of their 2020-21 Grant-in-Aid funding upfront this month to further alleviate pressures.
The FCO have also supported the British Council in accessing wider government relief available through the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme and similar schemes in other countries. This will help them support many of their workforce, and those employed through its partners, funded through the commercial side of their business. We will continue to work closely with the British Council in the coming days and weeks to address the impact of COVID-19 on their ability to operate.
The FCO remains committed to the British Council, who are a key driver of our soft power overseas and a precious part of the FCO family. In order to help stabilise their immediate financial position following the impact of Covid-19 on their ability to operate, we agreed to provide the British Council with £26m of additional funding for the 2019-20 financial year. We have also provided some of their 2020-21 Grant-in-Aid funding upfront this month to further alleviate pressures.
The FCO have also supported the British Council in accessing wider government relief available through the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme and similar schemes in other countries. This will help them support many of their workforce, and those employed through its partners, funded through the commercial side of their business. We will continue to work closely with the British Council in the coming days and weeks to address the impact of COVID-19 on their ability to operate.
The FCO remains committed to the British Council, who are a key driver of our soft power overseas and a precious part of the FCO family. In order to help stabilise their immediate financial position following the impact of Covid-19 on their ability to operate, we agreed to provide the British Council with £26m of additional funding for the 2019-20 financial year. We have also provided some of their 2020-21 Grant-in-Aid funding upfront this month to further alleviate pressures.
The FCO have also supported the British Council in accessing wider government relief available through the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme and similar schemes in other countries. This will help them support many of their workforce, and those employed through its partners, funded through the commercial side of their business. We will continue to work closely with the British Council in the coming days and weeks to address the impact of COVID-19 on their ability to operate.
The FCO remains committed to the British Council, who are a key driver of our soft power overseas and a precious part of the FCO family. In order to help stabilise their immediate financial position following the impact of Covid-19 on their ability to operate, we agreed to provide the British Council with £26m of additional funding for the 2019-20 financial year. We have also provided some of their 2020-21 Grant-in-Aid funding upfront this month to further alleviate pressures.
The FCO have also supported the British Council in accessing wider government relief available through the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme and similar schemes in other countries. This will help them support many of their workforce, and those employed through its partners, funded through the commercial side of their business. We will continue to work closely with the British Council in the coming days and weeks to address the impact of COVID-19 on their ability to operate.
We are monitoring the case of Hamed bin Haydara closely. On 25 March the Houthis announced that they would release Mr Haydara and his fellow wrongfully detained Baha'i, but we have seen no further action since then. I made public my concerns on 22 April, urging the Houthis to release all political prisoners without delay. We strongly condemn the death sentence and the continued persecution of the Baha'i in Yemen for their religious beliefs. We meet often with the Baha'i representatives in London who keep us updated on the situation.
We are making significant progress establishing the Darlington Economic Campus and our workforce based there. We have committed to moving over 1,100 roles to the campus by 2025 from across all eight Departments and agencies based in the campus.
The Treasury reports on its progress against the Greening Government Commitments, which includes greenhouse gas emissions, in its annual report and accounts.
The Treasury is committed to promoting and embedding sustainability through its policy development, its work with other government Departments and its own operations. This includes implementing the Greening Government Commitments, along with other departments and arms length bodies. The Treasury reports on progress against the Greening Government targets in its annual report and accounts.
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.
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 HMT, 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.
The State of the Estate series of reports published by Cabinet Office provides information on HM Treasury’s occupied floor area on an annual basis. The reports from 2010-11 to 2013-14 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/state-of-the-estate. Subsequent reports from 2014-15 to 2020-21 can be found by using links in the following style: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-estate-2014-to-2015.
HM Treasury keeps records of staff’s working hours. Working hours are recorded by the HMT employee on their ‘working hours spreadsheet’, the data recorded in these spreadsheets are stored centrally by the Management Information Team.
Records of staff’s working hours are kept for two years after which they are deleted, in line with Regulation 9 of the Working Time Regulations 1998.
HM Treasury collects monthly compliance data on how many HMT staff have completed their working hours spreadsheet log, this spreadsheet is designed to be completed daily, including when staff are working from home.
The Government will set out the next phase of the plan to tackle the virus and protect jobs at Budget 2021.
The letter received on 24th November 2020 regarding Civil Service pay concerned a petition in the name of Francesca Heathcote. The government responded to this petition in the debate on the 14th December 2020.
The Member’s correspondence is receiving attention in line with the Cabinet Office’s guidelines for responding to Ministerial correspondence within 20 working days. HM Treasury will have a response with the member in due course.
The Job Support Scheme is designed to protect jobs in businesses which are facing lower demand over the winter months due to COVID-19, to help keep their employees attached to the workforce. Further guidance on eligibility will be published shortly.
The Government remains committed to legislating on cash as announced by the Chancellor at March 2020 Budget. The legislation will ensure continued access to cash for those that rely on it and that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long-term.
The Treasury is working at pace to develop this legislation, and is engaging closely with the Payment Systems Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England, including through the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to ensure its approach to legislation reflects the needs of cash users across the economy. The authorities are also currently leading an ambitious programme of work with industry to reach consensus on cash access solutions in line with the Government’s objectives.
The Government and regulators are monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 closely, including monitoring the impacts on cash access, and working with industry so that banks, building societies, credit unions and Post Offices maintain essential banking services as needed, including cash access.
The Government remains committed to legislating on cash as announced by the Chancellor at March 2020 Budget. The legislation will ensure continued access to cash for those that rely on it and that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long-term.
The Treasury is working at pace to develop this legislation, and is engaging closely with the Payment Systems Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England, including through the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to ensure its approach to legislation reflects the needs of cash users across the economy. The authorities are also currently leading an ambitious programme of work with industry to reach consensus on cash access solutions in line with the Government’s objectives.
The Government and regulators are monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 closely, including monitoring the impacts on cash access, and working with industry so that banks, building societies, credit unions and Post Offices maintain essential banking services as needed, including cash access.
The Government remains committed to legislating on cash as announced by the Chancellor at March 2020 Budget. The legislation will ensure continued access to cash for those that rely on it and that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long-term.
The Treasury is working at pace to develop this legislation, and is engaging closely with the Payment Systems Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England, including through the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to ensure its approach to legislation reflects the needs of cash users across the economy. The authorities are also currently leading an ambitious programme of work with industry to reach consensus on cash access solutions in line with the Government’s objectives.
The Government and regulators are monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 closely, including monitoring the impacts on cash access, and working with industry so that banks, building societies, credit unions and Post Offices maintain essential banking services as needed, including cash access.
Since the Government announced the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), over 8.9m jobs have been furloughed, helping over 1 million employers keep people in employment.
The CJRS covers employees on any type of contract and is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on 19 March 2020, provided that HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before 19 March 2020. Where agency workers (including those employed by umbrella companies) are paid through PAYE, they are eligible to be furloughed and receive support through the scheme.
Depending on the circumstances, either the agency or umbrella company can apply through CJRS for a grant that covers 80% of furloughed employees’ usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions.
Further guidance for employers and employees can be found on GOV.UK.
I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 54314 on 12 June 2020.
The government continues to consider appropriate actions that it can take to protect both the public and the economy from the impacts of COVID-19. We have already introduced a range of measure to support businesses and individuals, ensure financial stability and reinforce social safety nets.
We recognise that the value of investments may have fallen, including those held in private pensions. However, investments are for the long term and the government does not believe there are proportionate interventions to be made at this time.
On 1 April the Financial Conduct Authority, Pensions Regulator and the Money and Pensions Service published a joint statement urging savers to take their time when making financial decisions, and to visit the Pensions Advisory Service website for free pensions guidance before making any decisions about their retirement savings.
The Government has prioritised help for the greatest number of people as quickly as possible through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) which will enable millions of people to remain employed. 19 March 2020 has been chosen as the cut-off date for the CJRS as this date is just before the scheme was announced (20 March). Extending the cut-off date beyond 20 March would significantly slow down the system while risking substantial levels of fraud.
Those not eligible for this grant may have access to other Government support, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those in difficulty with mortgage payments.
The Government has prioritised help for the greatest number of people as quickly as possible through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) which will enable millions of people to remain employed. 19 March 2020 has been chosen as the cut-off date for the CJRS as this date is just before the scheme was announced (20 March). Extending the cut-off date beyond 20 March would significantly slow down the system while risking substantial levels of fraud.
Those not eligible for this grant may have access to other Government support, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those in difficulty with mortgage payments.
The Government seeks, as far as possible, to protect people’s jobs and incomes. This is an unprecedented jobs retention scheme and the Government has been working hard to set out further details on the scheme. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on 19 March 2020. Full details can be found in the guidance available at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme and www.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-80-of-your-employees-wages-to-claim-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme, which provides answers to these questions.
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions - information on this is published in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report.
Greenhouse gas emissions are published annually in the Greening Government Commitments Annual Reports.
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.
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.
The Director of Strategy has been given the responsibility of leading on departmental sustainability.
Details of the department’s total floor area in each year are published as part of the annual State of the Estate report.
HO staff are recorded on payroll to work the hours agreed within their contract. For the majority of staff this will be standard FTE of 37 hours per week.
Standard HO contracts do not require staff to work unsocial hours. When staff are required to work unsocial hours as part of a rostered shift pattern for example, they will receive the appropriate allowance for doing so e.g. annualised hours working (AHW).
This is also recorded through payroll data and maintained for a minimum of seven years.
The department’s assessment is that those employees working from home continue to comply with working time regulations just as they would if they were working in Home Office buildings / workplaces. Working from home also offers employees greater flexibility over their working times and their ability to manage their work / life balance.
As a department, we will continue to remind employees of their obligation to comply with the regulations for example by taking regular breaks, using annual leave etc, and not accessing work mobile devices once they have stopped working.
We are determined to roll up county lines and protect vulnerable children from this harmful form of exploitation.
Through our £25m county lines programme we have already seen 3,400 people arrested, more than 550 lines closed and more than 770 vulnerable people safeguarded.
We have also increased investment in dedicated one-to-one support for county lines victims and their families.
The average working days lost was for Home Office members of staff who (a) have declared themselves as having a disability, and (b) have not declared themselves to have a disability
| AWDL | |
Disability | Mar-19 | Mar-20 |
Disabled | 13.39 | 12.86 |
Not Disabled | 6.35 | 6.98 |
The average working days lost was for Home Office members of staff (a) from BAME backgrounds and (b) recording themselves as White for 2019 and 2020 is provided in the table below.
| AWDL | |
Ethnicity | Mar-19 | Mar-20 |
BAME | 8.70 | 8.97 |
White | 6.60 | 7.18 |
The average working days lost was for (a) female and (b) male Home Office staff for 2019 and 2020 is provided in the table below
| AWDL | |
Gender | Mar-19 | Mar-20 |
Female | 8.38 | 8.86 |
Male | 5.70 | 6.21 |
The average working days lost was for Home Office members of staff aged (a) 30 and younger, (b) 31 to 50, (c) 51 to 60, and (d) over 60 for 2019 and 2020 is provided in the table below.
AWDL | ||
Age Band | Mar-19 | Mar-20 |
16-24 | 3.95 | 5.19 |
25-29 | 5.08 | 6.31 |
30-34 | 7.04 | 7.25 |
35-39 | 6.35 | 7.58 |
40-44 | 6.94 | 6.90 |
45-49 | 7.19 | 7.71 |
50-54 | 7.44 | 7.43 |
55-59 | 8.33 | 8.65 |
60-64 | 9.82 | 10.01 |
65+ | 11.03 | 13.70 |
Border Force is able to assist in sourcing accommodation for people requiring a place to quarantine through contractors, at the person’s expense.? In limited circumstances, the Home Office will fund quarantine accommodation should an individual be unable to.
Unless they fall into an exempt category, anyone travelling to the UK should complete a Passenger Locator Form that specifies where they will be self-isolating. Border Force officers carry out spot checks at the border to ensure this form is completed
Public Health England undertake assurance calls against those not exempt from quarantine arrangements. In cases of concern or where they haven’t been able to reach a passenger, the details are passed to Border Force, who undertake further scrutiny of the data before passing the details to the police for enforcement action. The devolved administrations have their own individual arrangements for enforcement and access to the data captured by the Passenger Locator Form.
Anyone found failing to comply with the quarantine measures may be liable to a fixed penalty notice of £1000 in England.
Guidance for traveling to the UK and how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK can be found on the.gov.uk website at the link below:
We have been clear that people should arrange their accommodation before they travel to the UK and the vast majority of travellers have complied.
For the small minority who don’t, the Government will support them in finding appropriate accommodation, upon arrival, and this will be at their own expense.
In the scenario where an arrival presents (at the UK border) as symptomatic, and they do not have suitable accommodation, they will be housed in a government facility for the duration of their self-isolation.
Employees in the Home Office are working together with other Departments in one multi-hub location in London, where the site is managed by the Government Property Agency. The address is Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8AE.
The Home Office is working closely with other government departments to support people, including migrants with no recourse to public funds, through this crisis. We are taking a compassionate and pragmatic approach to an unprecedented situation.
Migrants with leave under the Family and Human Rights routes can apply to have the NRPF restriction lifted by making a ‘change of conditions’ application if there has been a change in their financial circumstances. The Home Office has recently digitised the application form to make sure it is accessible for those who need to remain at home, and I can assure you that the applications are being dealt with swiftly and compassionately.
Many of the wide-ranging Covid-19 measures the government has put in place are not public funds and therefore are available to migrants with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). We therefore do not believe it is necessary to suspend the NRPF condition.
The Coronavirus job retention scheme, self-employment income support and statutory sick pay are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Contribution-based benefits are also not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Additionally, measures we have brought forward such as rent and mortgage protections are not considered public funds and can be accessed by migrants with leave to remain.
Local authorities may also provide basic safety net support if it is established that there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely from destitution, for example, where there are community care needs, migrants with serious health problems or family cases where the wellbeing of a child is in question.
In addition, the Government has made in excess of £3.2 billion of funding to local authorities in England, and additional funding under the Barnett formula to the devolved administrations to enable them to respond to Covid-19 pressures across all the services they deliver, including services helping the most vulnerable.
More information on the support available to migrants, including those with NRPF, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-get-support-if-youre-a-migrant-living-in-the-uk.
The Home Office is working closely with other government departments to support people, including migrants with no recourse to public funds, through this crisis. We are taking a compassionate and pragmatic approach to an unprecedented situation.
Migrants with leave under the Family and Human Rights routes can apply to have the NRPF restriction lifted by making a ‘change of conditions’ application if there has been a change in their financial circumstances. The Home Office has recently digitised the application form to make sure it is accessible for those who need to remain at home, and I can assure you that the applications are being dealt with swiftly and compassionately.
Many of the wide-ranging Covid-19 measures the government has put in place are not public funds and therefore are available to migrants with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). We therefore do not believe it is necessary to suspend the NRPF condition.
The Coronavirus job retention scheme, self-employment income support and statutory sick pay are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Contribution-based benefits are also not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Additionally, measures we have brought forward such as rent and mortgage protections are not considered public funds and can be accessed by migrants with leave to remain.
Local authorities may also provide basic safety net support if it is established that there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely from destitution, for example, where there are community care needs, migrants with serious health problems or family cases where the wellbeing of a child is in question.
In addition, the Government has made in excess of £3.2 billion of funding to local authorities in England, and additional funding under the Barnett formula to the devolved administrations to enable them to respond to Covid-19 pressures across all the services they deliver, including services helping the most vulnerable.
More information on the support available to migrants, including those with NRPF, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-get-support-if-youre-a-migrant-living-in-the-uk.
The UK remains fully committed to meeting our obligations under the Dublin III Regulation. The Regulation makes it very clear that once a take charge request has been accepted for an unaccompanied child, the transfer is the responsibility of the requesting State.
Despite covid-19 restrictions the UK remains ready to accept transfers under Dublin whenever Member States are in a position to make those arrangements. We are continuing to liaise with our counterparts in Member States so that we can effect transfers as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
We recognise the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on victims, which is why we reformed the powers available to tackle it through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Act provides police and local agencies with a range of flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social behaviour.
The powers are deliberately local in nature, and it is for local agencies to determine whether their use is appropriate in the circumstances. We keep anti-social behaviour policy under review through the Anti-social Behaviour Strategic Board which brings together key partners.
It is for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, as operational leaders and elected local representatives, to decide how best to respond to individual crimes and local crime priorities but to help ensure that the police have the resources they need to do so, we are recruiting 20,000 officers over the next three years.
The number of photographers working in the Ministry of Defence Head Office Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC) was two in each of the following financial years: 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22. DDC did not employ video producers, but DDC's photographers were involved in the production of videos.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) Head Office Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC) currently has two military and two MOD civilian staff employed full-time in digital content production at a total cost of approximately £247,000 per year.
The average number of staff working in the Ministry of Defence Head Office Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC) to deliver internal communications functions in 2020-21 was 12 and in 2021-22 was 14. The information for 2019-20 is not held.
Expenditure on internal communications by the Ministry of Defence Head Office Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC) was as follows:
Financial Year (FY) | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
Internal Communications | £2,000 | £2,000 |
Employment of staff to work on internal communications | £775,000 | £896,000 |
TOTAL | £777,000 | £898,000 |
Information for (FY) 2019-20 is not held.
Although examples will exist for specific roles, the Department does not, in general, make use of external recruitment consultants to fill fulltime roles and the information requested is not centrally held.
Focus groups and polling services are not recorded centrally therefore, costs for the whole of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot be identified. With regards to the MOD communications function and polling, we have counted this as quantitative opinion research, most often on external audiences.
The MOD communications function (across Top Level Budgets) spent:
£199,730 on polling in financial year 2021-22
£108,600 on focus groups in financial year 2021-22
The Department monitors and reports on its greenhouse gas emissions. Current progress on emissions is published as part of the Greening Government Commitments Annual Report (published by DEFRA).
The Strategy for Defence Infrastructure, published in January 2022, supports and enables the Department's Smarter Working ambitions. Smarter Working, improving the utilisation of the Defence estate, will contribute to the Ministry of Defence contribution to UK Net Zero.
The Ministry of Defence publishes its Greenhouse Gas emissions associated with energy consumption on the defence estate, domestic business travel and operational fuels in its Annual Reports and Accounts.
Last year I published the Ministry of Defence Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach (publishing.service.gov.uk) which shows the scale of our ambition and the practical actions to address our carbon emissions.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to reducing emissions and contributing to the UK's transition to net zero. The Department's current progress on reducing emissions has been published, as part of the Greening Government Commitment Annual Report (published by DEFRA).
Indeed, MOD has already halved its carbon emissions from its estates since 2010 and is seeking to further drive down its direct emissions, invest in renewables and energy efficiency measures in support of the Government published the Net Zero Strategy.
Our net zero, climate adaptation and resilience ambitions, as well as the range of actions we are taking are set out in our Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach (publishing.service.gov.uk). Further information on the progress MOD is making can be found in the MOD's Annual Report and Accounts published on Gov.uk.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) are committed to developing and maintaining subject-knowledge on Net Zero, climate change and wider environmental issues through continual personal and professional development.
The MOD are active participants of cross-Government Learning & Development training led by the Cabinet Office and the Government Skills & Curriculum Unit (GSCU). We welcome the new Government Curriculum and the inclusion of modules on the implications of Net Zero, climate change and wider environmental issues for Government.
To further strengthen knowledge building and skills, MoD has corporate memberships of professional bodies. We are working to maximise regular access to a wide range of accredited defence, environment and sustainability training courses at awareness through to expert levels. This commitment to understanding and uptake of crucial skills will assist staff and the armed forces in this fast moving and rapidly changing area.
In line with Government policy and the aims of the Greening Government Commitments, the Ministry of Defence is committed to addressing and adapting to the effects of climate change and in mitigating the impacts of our activities.
In March 2021 I published the Ministry of Defence Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach (publishing.service.gov.uk) which shows the scale of ambition to address these challenges and the practical actions that are and need to be taken. Further information on the progress the Department is making can be found in the MOD's Annual Report which is published on Gov.uk.
A new Climate Change and Sustainability (CC&S) Directorate was also established in 2021 to catalyse the ambition and actions within the Strategic Approach. It is led by a dedicated Director of Climate Change and Sustainability working through new governance and supported by a non-executive Director focused on the CC&S agenda.
The Directorate continues to build the Department's programme to meet our long-term ambitions and harness the value of sustainability through policy and process change.
The total floor area of the Ministry of Defence Built Estate, which includes Military Accommodation, in the UK is shown in the table below:
Year | UK Building Area m2 |
2010 | No information held |
2011 | No information held |
2012 | 33,868,717 |
2013 | 33,383,960 |
2014 | 33,719,318 |
2015 | 33,211,865 |
2016 | 33,510,495 |
2017 | 33,353,237 |
2018 | 33,598,448 |
2019 | 33,339,804 |
2020 | 33,937,653 |
2021 | 33,833,049 |
2022 | 33,377,306 |
The data in the table above is a snapshot taken from 1 April for each year, except for the current year which was taken from 7 January 2022.
Over this time period, information has been captured differently in different years, so the data set should not be directly compared.
The information is not held in the format requested and will therefore need verification before release. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
The information is not held in the format requested and will therefore need verification before release. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
The information is not held in the format requested and will therefore need verification before release. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
The information is not held in the format requested and will therefore need verification before release. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is actively supporting those personnel who are working on UK-based contracts within the European Union (EU), to ensure that new arrangements are in place before the transition period from exiting the EU ends in 2021. Discussions are ongoing and the Commission is committed to ensuring that its personnel have a choice of remaining in the EU on appropriate local terms or returning to work in the UK. There are 30 UK personnel employed by the Commission who are permanently based in Belgium and France, as part of a wider workforce of around 550.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is actively supporting those personnel who are working on UK-based contracts within the European Union (EU), to ensure that new arrangements are in place before the transition period from exiting the EU ends in 2021. Discussions are ongoing and the Commission is committed to ensuring that its personnel have a choice of remaining in the EU on appropriate local terms or returning to work in the UK. There are 30 UK personnel employed by the Commission who are permanently based in Belgium and France, as part of a wider workforce of around 550.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is actively supporting those personnel who are working on UK-based contracts within the European Union (EU), to ensure that new arrangements are in place before the transition period from exiting the EU ends in 2021. Discussions are ongoing and the Commission is committed to ensuring that its personnel have a choice of remaining in the EU on appropriate local terms or returning to work in the UK. There are 30 UK personnel employed by the Commission who are permanently based in Belgium and France, as part of a wider workforce of around 550.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her on 11 June 2020 by the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office to Question 54314.
The Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with our ministerial colleagues regarding local authorities’ role in the COVID-19 response, and our department and Government work closely with local authorities to help strengthen local-national partnerships in helping to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19.
Local Authorities and Fire and Rescue Services share responsibility for enforcement relating to fire safety. The Department does not centrally record the data requested.
ENABLE Build is a £1 billion extension of a the pre-existing BEIS-led ENABLE Guarantee programme. It was launched in April 2019 with the primary objective of increasing the availability of debt finance for SME housebuilders, following the initial success of the ENABLE Guarantee programme - which is currently supporting three SME housebuilder transactions.
A number of transactions were, and continue to be, under consideration for the programme but some of these were curtailed by the onset of Covid-19. Activity is resuming and, while there are currently no lenders accredited (and therefore no associated portfolio value) under the new ENABLE Build Programme, it is our expectation that SMEs will have access to ENABLE Build-backed lending shortly.
ENABLE Build is a £1 billion extension of a the pre-existing BEIS-led ENABLE Guarantee programme. It was launched in April 2019 with the primary objective of increasing the availability of debt finance for SME housebuilders, following the initial success of the ENABLE Guarantee programme - which is currently supporting three SME housebuilder transactions.
A number of transactions were, and continue to be, under consideration for the programme but some of these were curtailed by the onset of Covid-19. Activity is resuming and, while there are currently no lenders accredited (and therefore no associated portfolio value) under the new ENABLE Build Programme, it is our expectation that SMEs will have access to ENABLE Build-backed lending shortly.
The Government fully recognises the key role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in building new homes in this country. My department has put in place a package of funding initiatives, including the £2.5 billion Home Building Fund, which received a £450 million boost in June, and the £1 billion ENABLE Build guarantee scheme.
This investment in the sector will help create skilled jobs and drive economic growth whilst our ongoing planning reforms will reduce burdens on SMEs.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities are under a duty to cooperate with each other on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries; and should collaborate to identify the relevant strategic matters which they need to address in their plans. Strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for housing (including affordable housing).
In July 2018 we introduced the statement of common ground to introduce much needed transparency over strategic planning issues, highlighting where effective cooperation is and is not happening ahead of plans being submitted for examination.
A local plan examination will first assess whether a local planning authority has complied with the duty to cooperate and other legal requirements. In considering whether the tests of soundness have been met, the examination Inspector will need to be satisfied that the Plan is consistent with national policy. We want authorities to work constructively together to ensure housing need is met and Inspectors are able to assess whether unmet need should be taken by other authorities through recommending modifications to a plan.
Some 16 Local Plans have been withdrawn from examination on Duty to Cooperate grounds since it was introduced by the Localism Act in 2011. These were often for a range of reasons, but on two occasions these included reference to affordable housing.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities are under a duty to cooperate with each other on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries; and should collaborate to identify the relevant strategic matters which they need to address in their plans. Strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for housing (including affordable housing).
In July 2018 we introduced the statement of common ground to introduce much needed transparency over strategic planning issues, highlighting where effective cooperation is and is not happening ahead of plans being submitted for examination.
A local plan examination will first assess whether a local planning authority has complied with the duty to cooperate and other legal requirements. In considering whether the tests of soundness have been met, the examination Inspector will need to be satisfied that the Plan is consistent with national policy. We want authorities to work constructively together to ensure housing need is met and Inspectors are able to assess whether unmet need should be taken by other authorities through recommending modifications to a plan.
Some 16 Local Plans have been withdrawn from examination on Duty to Cooperate grounds since it was introduced by the Localism Act in 2011. These were often for a range of reasons, but on two occasions these included reference to affordable housing.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities are under a duty to cooperate with each other on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries; and should collaborate to identify the relevant strategic matters which they need to address in their plans. Strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for housing (including affordable housing).
In July 2018 we introduced the statement of common ground to introduce much needed transparency over strategic planning issues, highlighting where effective cooperation is and is not happening ahead of plans being submitted for examination.
A local plan examination will first assess whether a local planning authority has complied with the duty to cooperate and other legal requirements. In considering whether the tests of soundness have been met, the examination Inspector will need to be satisfied that the Plan is consistent with national policy. We want authorities to work constructively together to ensure housing need is met and Inspectors are able to assess whether unmet need should be taken by other authorities through recommending modifications to a plan.
Some 16 Local Plans have been withdrawn from examination on Duty to Cooperate grounds since it was introduced by the Localism Act in 2011. These were often for a range of reasons, but on two occasions these included reference to affordable housing.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities are under a duty to cooperate with each other on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries; and should collaborate to identify the relevant strategic matters which they need to address in their plans. Strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for housing (including affordable housing).
In July 2018 we introduced the statement of common ground to introduce much needed transparency over strategic planning issues, highlighting where effective cooperation is and is not happening ahead of plans being submitted for examination.
A local plan examination will first assess whether a local planning authority has complied with the duty to cooperate and other legal requirements. In considering whether the tests of soundness have been met, the examination Inspector will need to be satisfied that the Plan is consistent with national policy. We want authorities to work constructively together to ensure housing need is met and Inspectors are able to assess whether unmet need should be taken by other authorities through recommending modifications to a plan.
Some 16 Local Plans have been withdrawn from examination on Duty to Cooperate grounds since it was introduced by the Localism Act in 2011. These were often for a range of reasons, but on two occasions these included reference to affordable housing.
Most arrivals to the UK will have appropriate accommodation for when they arrive and should make such arrangements before they travel. For the small minority that do not, Border Force can help make suitable arrangements, at the traveller’s own expense, and anyone without the ability to self-isolate should approach Border Force upon arrival. The Government plans to discuss with local authorities how best to make arrangements to support incoming travellers who are without the means to self-isolate effectively. Furthermore, the re-opening of the hospitality sector provides new arrivals with even more options to make arrangements before they travel to the UK. Finally, the list of countries which are exempt from these requirements is growing and therefore new arrivals should check the rules which apply from 10 July to see if they need to self-isolate.
Details of Ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on Gov.uk.
The 7 principles of public life are referenced in Civil Service Learning’s online induction module, which all new civil servants, including those joining MHCLG, are encouraged to undertake.
In addition, new civil servants are familiarised with the Civil Service Code, which outlines that all Civil Servants are expected to commit to the Civil Service’s core values of Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality. Guidance on compliance and how to raise a concern if an individual feels they have been asked to act in a way that might contravene the code is provided on MHCLG’s intranet.
MHCLG also promotes awareness of the code through our induction checklist, relevant communications and has a senior level champion in place for the code and whistleblowing.
The 7 principles of public life are referenced in Civil Service Learning’s online induction module, which all new civil servants, including those joining MHCLG, are encouraged to undertake.
In addition, new civil servants are familiarised with the Civil Service Code, which outlines that all Civil Servants are expected to commit to the Civil Service’s core values of Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality. Guidance on compliance and how to raise a concern if an individual feels they have been asked to act in a way that might contravene the code is provided on MHCLG’s intranet.
MHCLG also promotes awareness of the code through our induction checklist, relevant communications and has a senior level champion in place for the code and whistleblowing.
All arrivals, bar a short list of exemptions, will be required to complete an online locator form to supply contact details, travel details and the address of where they will self-isolate for 14 days. Where international travellers are unable to safely self-isolate in their own accommodation, the Government will support them finding appropriate accommodation at their own expense.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 12 June 2020 (UIN 54314).
The Department is actively engaging with stakeholders across the student accommodation sector, including private student accommodation providers, to understand the challenges posed by the current crisis and to establish the most effective means of supporting the whole of the sector.
During this period tenants, including student tenants, remain liable for rent. Some universities and private accommodation providers have chosen to release students from their contracts early and not charge rent for students returning home. The negotiation of rent waivers and early releases from contracts is a matter between the parties concerned. However, we expect universities to communicate clearly with residential students on rents for the summer term and administer accommodation provision in a fair manner.
It is for a local authority to consider the suitability of the composition of housing in their area. An authority may wish to consider whether to have local plan policies in place in relation to the creation of housing in multiple occupation which they can use to inform planning decisions.
We have given councils, including Luton Borough Council, a range of tools to deliver a new generation of council housing. We have abolished the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap and given councils a longer-term rent deal for 5 years from 2020.
Additionally, councils can bid into the £9 billion Affordable Homes Programme to secure funding for new council homes.
Councils across the country are benefiting from these measures and we expect at least 10,000 council homes to be delivered per year by 2021/22.
All new homes in England, whether granted permission through a national permitted development right or following a planning application, are required to meet Building Regulations.
Developments granted permission through permitted development rights are required to meet the conditions set out in the General Permitted Development Order.
Time spent in temporary accommodation means people are getting help and it ensures no family is without a roof over their head. However, the Government is also committed to reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation and has already invested over £1.2 billion in tackling homelessness. This includes supporting Local Authorities in the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act, increasing access to the private rented sector for families in temporary accommodation and supporting London boroughs to procure temporary accommodation more efficiently.
In December 2019 the Government announced a further £263 million in funding to Local Authorities to support them to deliver services to tackle homelessness and help households into accommodation. This is an increase in overall funding for homelessness of £23 million on the previous financial year.
Nationally, the number of children living in?temporary accommodation?is down from its peak in June 2006 at 134,470, with 127,370 in?June 2019.
The figures for children living in temporary accommodation in Luton are in the published local authority level tables available here from 2018 onwards:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-homelessness
Prior to 2018, the figures for children living in temporary accommodation in Luton can be found in the individual LA level tables (listed under discontinued tables):
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-homelessness#discontinued-tables
In 2014, the Government published a consultation paper and response assessing the potential merits of provision for non-religious belief marriages. This concluded that the matter was complex, and that by allowing Humanists to solemnise marriages in unrestricted locations, the Government would create a provision for Humanists that would not be available to all groups.
To ensure we are considering the implications of changing the law on marriage on all groups, we invited the Law Commission to undertake a review which is currently underway and is expected to report in July of this year. By looking at the law comprehensively, the Law Commission will seek to put forward proposals that would ensure that, insofar as possible, groups and couples are all subject to the same rules and the same level of regulation. That reform is not possible by only authorising Humanist weddings, even on a temporary basis pending the Law Commission report.
The Government will carefully consider the Law Commission’s recommendations when the final report is published in July, and it is right for us to wait for the outcome of the report before amending marriage law any further.