To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.


Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Child Trust Fund: Fees and Charges
Monday 21st September 2020

Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to remove fees for child trust funds access that may unfairly disadvantage families with children with disabilities.

Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)

A parent (or a guardian) of a child with a disability can make decisions on their behalf, but only while the child is under 18. In order for the parents of adult children to make decisions on their behalf, including in relation to their financial affairs, they must be granted powers to do so, either by a Lasting Power of Attorney or by authorisation from the Court of Protection – the specialist court that deals with issues concerning a lack of capacity.

Fees are payable in respect of applications to the Court and applications to register Lasting Powers of Attorney. We recognise that these fees may be difficult for some people to afford.

Help with Lasting Power of Attorney registration fees, Court of Protection fees and deputy supervision fees is available, depending upon the financial circumstances of the person who lacks mental capacity, and in some cases a full fee exemption may be available.


Written Question
Prisoners' Release: Coronavirus
Monday 27th April 2020

Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

What steps his Department is taking to protect the public in response to the temporary release of prisoners during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answered by Lucy Frazer - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

On 4 April, this Government announced its intention to temporarily release risk-assessed prisoners as part of the national plan to protect the NHS and save lives.

Public protection is our top priority. No high-risk offenders will be considered for release, nor any prisoners who have not served at least half their custodial term. Likewise, no prisoner will be released if they have symptoms of coronavirus or without housing and health support being in place.

Prisoners who pass the stringent criteria for early release will be subject to strict conditions, and will be electronically monitored, including with GPS tags, with the option to recall to prison if necessary.