Asked by: Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of developing capital and revenue funding for flood risk management projects to local authorities.
Answered by David Gauke
This is answered on the basis that ‘developing’ should read ‘devolving’ in the question above: such that the question refers to the potential to devolve flood risk management funding for England to local authorities.
Government targets flood risk management funding to minimise household risk and wider economic impacts; and this requires a national perspective on the allocation of grants.
However, local areas already provide significant input into flood risk management in their area: with local authorities, internal drainage boards, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees and the Environment Agency area teams deciding which flood defence improvement schemes to build and promote into the national capital programme.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the lead government department for flooding policy.
Asked by: Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.
Answered by David Gauke
Being able to analyse properly the impact of polices in relation to particular groups is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done a range of ways, including through engagement with civil society and professionals.
Cabinet Office guidance to all Government departments advises that child rights impact assessments should be undertaken on policy and legislative changes, and Impact Assessments are regularly undertaken where the child is directly affected by proposed changes.
In addition, the Government has a responsibility to undertake:
The Equalities Impact Assessment, which ensures that decision-makers understand the impact on protected groups.
A Family Test that helps us to understand the impact of new policies on families and children.
All Bills introduced by Treasury ministers are published with a memorandum confirming that the Bill is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the provisions of which overlap with those of the UNCRC to a considerable extent.
Asked by: Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much EU Solidarity Fund flood relief funding the Government applied for after the 2015-16 winter storms.
Answered by David Gauke
In the case of regional applications such as that made by the UK following the severe flooding in winter 2015-16, the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) retrospectively reimburses Member States for 2.5% of the costs incurred. The Government’s final application to the EUSF included an estimate of the costs of damage incurred in flood-affected areas. The European Commission is currently reviewing the application and will determine the amount of funding that the UK is eligible for.
Asked by: Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he expects to receive funding awarded by the EU Solidarity Fund.
Answered by David Gauke
The Government submitted its final application to the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) in respect of the exceptional flooding in winter 2015-16 on 22 September 2016. The application is now being reviewed by the European Commission and if successful, will be subject to the usual budgetary process.
Asked by: Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to ensure that the LEADER and Countryside Stewardship schemes continue to be funded when the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by David Gauke
The funds mentioned are covered under the Chancellor’s recent announcement on EU funding, available at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-philip-hammond-guarantees-eu-funding-beyond-date-uk-leaves-the-eu
Asked by: Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will continue to make funding available for new and existing LEADER and Countryside Stewardship schemes when the UK ceases to be a participant of the Common Agricultural Policy on leaving the EU.
Answered by David Gauke
The funds mentioned are covered under the Chancellor’s recent announcement on EU funding, available at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-philip-hammond-guarantees-eu-funding-beyond-date-uk-leaves-the-eu