Information between 5th April 2024 - 15th April 2024
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Tuesday 16th April 2024 Baroness Chakrabarti (Labour - Life peer) Oral questions - Main Chamber Subject: Question to the Foreign Secretary: Marking the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of London establishing the Council of Europe on 5 May View calendar |
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Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency: Pay
Asked by: Matt Hancock (Independent - West Suffolk) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the pay ranges at each grade are for Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency staff based (a) in and (b) outside London. Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) The following tables show the pay ranges for each grade for both London and National staff, and the Senior Civil Service’s maximum and minimum pay band, respectively:
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Food Standards Agency: Pay
Asked by: Matt Hancock (Independent - West Suffolk) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the pay ranges at each grade are for Food Standards Agency staff based (a) in and (b) outside London. Answered by Andrea Leadsom - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) The Food Standards Agency salary structure and ranges for 2023/24 effective from 1 August 2023 are available at the following link: https://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/fsa-salary-structure The then Minister for the Cabinet Office and HM Paymaster General, the Rt Hon Jeremy Quin MP laid a written statement (HCWS940) on 13 July 2023 which outlined the pay ranges for senior civil servants from 1 April 2023. |
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Bus Services: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Asked by: Sarah Owen (Labour - Luton North) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department for Transport: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of funding for local bus services across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) In England, the majority of bus services outside London operate on a commercial basis. Where commercial service provision is insufficient to meet the needs of local communities, local authorities can subsidise bus services where this represents value for money. This ensures that service provision is aligned with local needs. In instances where bus services cross local authority boundaries, the Department for Transport expects the relevant local authorities to work closely with operators and passengers to ensure the delivery of bus services that reflect local need.
The Government recognises the importance of local bus services to ensuring communities can stay connected and has announced over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since 2020. This includes over £2 billion to help local authorities deliver their Bus Service Improvement Plans, of which Central Bedfordshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council have been allocated over £4.4 million and £32.7 million respectively between 2022/23 and 2024/25.
The Government also makes over £200 million available to bus operators every year through the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) to help them maintain their networks. A further £42 million in BSOG funding is provided directly to local authorities to help subsidise socially necessary bus services that might otherwise be commercially unviable. Central Bedfordshire Council receives £136,394 and Hertfordshire County Council receives over £1.2 million of this funding every year.
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Vacancies: Romford
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help fill job vacancies in Romford constituency. Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) In the constituency and across the London Borough of Havering, the local Romford Jobcentre team are supporting residents into work and helping those in work to progress to higher paid jobs. We are working with local and national employers to help fill vacancies quickly, delivering Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), recruitment days, Job Fairs, and work trials.
The weekly job club in Romford Jobcentre provides support on CV preparation, job applications and interview techniques, along with information sessions on a range of subjects to help customers into work, including information about different employment sectors, advice on childcare, support for those with additional health needs and motivational sessions.
The Jobcentre provides a bespoke service to employers, to match and screen candidates, and offers regular Job Fairs focussed on specific sectors and customer groups, with recent events to coincide with older workers week and national apprenticeship week. The team are also working with the London Borough of Havering to develop local support.
In partnership with the College of North East London we have recently offered SWAPs for local customers to gain skills and enhance their applications for the Logistics and Warehouse sectors. Care Provider Voices deliver a range of adult social care opportunities, with Springboard offering opportunities in the hospitality sector.
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Bus Services: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Asked by: Sarah Owen (Labour - Luton North) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department for Transport: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding his Department provides to local authorities to ensure the maintenance of cross-boundary bus services in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) In England, the majority of bus services outside London operate on a commercial basis. Where commercial service provision is insufficient to meet the needs of local communities, local authorities can subsidise bus services where this represents value for money. This ensures that service provision is aligned with local needs. In instances where bus services cross local authority boundaries, the Department for Transport expects the relevant local authorities to work closely with operators and passengers to ensure the delivery of bus services that reflect local need.
The Government recognises the importance of local bus services to ensuring communities can stay connected and has announced over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since 2020. This includes over £2 billion to help local authorities deliver their Bus Service Improvement Plans, of which Central Bedfordshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council have been allocated over £4.4 million and £32.7 million respectively between 2022/23 and 2024/25.
The Government also makes over £200 million available to bus operators every year through the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) to help them maintain their networks. A further £42 million in BSOG funding is provided directly to local authorities to help subsidise socially necessary bus services that might otherwise be commercially unviable. Central Bedfordshire Council receives £136,394 and Hertfordshire County Council receives over £1.2 million of this funding every year.
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Jobcentres: Havering
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to help expand the support offered by Jobcentres in (a) Romford constituency and (b) the London Borough of Havering. Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) The local Jobcentre team are collaborating with a range of partners to support people into work and help employers fill vacancies. In addition to hosting job fairs and delivering Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Romford Jobcentre is working with Havering Council, local colleges, childcare providers and other organisations to provide an employment and skills offer to help meet the recruitment needs of local employers.
This includes outreach support at the Rainham Childrens Centre and Havering Council, working with family practitioners, social workers, and probation to provide a holistic approach to supporting families in the borough, as well as support with CV preparation provided through Havering Library service, a Job Fair delivered in partnership with Havering Works and SWAPs delivered with Havering Adult College.
Disability Employment Advisers offer advice and expertise on how to help disabled people and people with health conditions into work, alongside close working with Change Grow Live, Havering Talking therapies, Havering Mind, the Social Prescribing team, and Richmond Fellowship. Romford Jobcentre colleagues also attend local events to highlight the support available, as well as Access to Work and Disability Confident. |
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Literacy and Numeracy: Standards
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help improve adult (a) numeracy and (b) literacy skills. Answered by Luke Hall - Minister of State (Education) This government recognises the importance of literacy and numeracy skills in both work and everyday life. Securing good levels of literacy and numeracy has a positive impact on participation in society, improves earnings and employment opportunities and opens doors to further learning. That is why the department is continuing to support participation in English and mathematics provision through its essential skills entitlements which provide the opportunity of free study for adults who do not have essential literacy and numeracy skills up to and including Level 2.
This allows learners who have not previously attained a GCSE grade 4 or higher to undertake a range of courses fully funded through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) including GCSEs, Functional Skills and other relevant qualifications from entry level to Level 2. The department also supports adults in England who are non-native speakers to access English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision, which is funded through the AEB. Further training for adults is available in community settings through the AEB. Prioritised for disadvantaged learners, Community Learning can provide a stepping stone for those adults who are not ready for formal accredited learning or who would benefit from learning in a more informal way. Currently approximately 60% of the AEB is devolved to nine Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and delegated to the Mayor of London acting through the Greater London Authority (GLA). These authorities are responsible for the provision of adult education and the allocation of the AEB in their local areas. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is responsible for the remaining AEB in non-devolved areas where colleges and training providers have the freedom and flexibility to determine how they use their AEB to meet the needs of their communities.
In addition, the department funds all apprentices, including adults, to achieve up to a Level 2 in English and maths by the end of their apprenticeship, where they do not already hold a suitable equivalent qualification. In January, the department increased funding by a minimum of 54%, from £471 to £724, for new apprentices to help them gain these vital skills.
The department have also launched the Multiply Programme to improve adult numeracy. The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is the government’s flagship fund for supporting people and places across the UK. Up to £270 million is directly available for local areas in England to deliver innovative interventions to improve adult numeracy. Delivery is now well underway. Multiply Programme provision is available across the country, with over 113,000 course starts in England since the programme began to the end of January 2024. |
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Police: Havering
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Home Office: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to improve police recruitment and retention in the London Borough of Havering. Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office) We delivered our commitment to recruit 20,000 additional police officers. There are now over 149,000 officers in England and Wales, higher than the previous peak in 2010. Forces have been fully funded to maintain this uplift. Retention is a key priority. Voluntary resignation rates, at around 3%, are low compared to other sectors and 72% of new recruits say they intend to stay until retirement. |
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Business: Investment
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Department for Business and Trade: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to help increase business investment (a) outside London and (b) in (i) York and (ii) north Yorkshire. Answered by Alan Mak - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office) The Government-owned British Business Bank is supporting business investment across the UK including through its Nations and Regions Investment Funds. This includes the £660m Northern Powerhouse Fund II programme, supporting growing businesses across the North of England.
Our Growth Hub network is also supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors across England. The Department for Business and Trade is working across the UK, including in York and North Yorkshire to showcase strong, commercial investment opportunities to potential investors and support business to grow. The Government has also agreed a £540 million mayoral devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire to support growth and business investment. |
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Occupations
Asked by: Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Cabinet Office: To ask His Majesty's Government when the Office for National Statistics plans to begin publishing data classifying jobs in the labour market based on the new six-digit Extended Standard Occupational Classification 2020 framework rather than the current four-digit Standard Occupational Classification 2020 framework. Answered by Baroness Neville-Rolfe - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. Please see the letter attached from the National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority.
Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell House of Lords London SW1A 0PW
04 April 2024
Dear Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell,
As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) plans to begin publishing data classifying jobs in the labour market based on the new six-digit Extended Standard Occupational Classification 2020 framework rather than the current four-digit Standard Occupational Classification 2020 framework (HL3670).
The ONS collects information on the labour market status of individuals through the Labour Force Survey (LFS), which is a survey of people resident in households in the UK. In addition to their labour market status, working respondents provide a description of their job allowing us to classify their occupation to the appropriate Standard Occupational Classification 2020 (SOC2020) code.
Similarly, the 2021 Census collected information allowing us to identify the labour market status of individuals and classify their occupation in line with SOC2020.
Much of the job information from these sources, collected from respondents, do not contain sufficient detail to give an accurate coding at the six-digit lower-level classification. Consequently, the ONS currently has no plans to publish data at the six-digit SOC2020 level.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
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Higher Education: Investment and Procurement
Asked by: Lord Johnson of Marylebone (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Cabinet Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk that higher education institutions succumb to pressure from student unions to undertake boycott divestment and sanction actions in relation to their investment and procurement decisions. Answered by Baroness Neville-Rolfe - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) The Government is aware that the BDS Movement has taken credit for divestments from Israeli companies carried out by universities following pressure from student campaigns. For example, the BDS Movement took credit for divestments from Israeli military suppliers by the University of Manchester in 2020 and procurement decisions by King’s College London and Southampton University. The Government is also aware of recent examples of student unions passing motions to lobby their universities to boycott and divest from Israeli companies, including for example Manchester University Student Union in 2022 and Warwick University Student Union in 2023. There are concerns that these campaigns can damage community cohesion and legitimise antisemitism. There are also examples overseas of the BDS Movement pressing universities to boycott or divest from Israeli companies for example in Norway or the United States of America. The Bill rightly applies to universities and higher education providers to prevent them succumbing to student union pressure in the future and to tackle this type of divisive activity on campuses. |
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Higher Education: Investment and Procurement
Asked by: Lord Johnson of Marylebone (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Cabinet Office: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are aware of any examples in the past five years of higher education institutions succumbing to pressure from student unions to undertake boycott divestment and sanction actions in relation to their investment and procurement decisions. Answered by Baroness Neville-Rolfe - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) The Government is aware that the BDS Movement has taken credit for divestments from Israeli companies carried out by universities following pressure from student campaigns. For example, the BDS Movement took credit for divestments from Israeli military suppliers by the University of Manchester in 2020 and procurement decisions by King’s College London and Southampton University. The Government is also aware of recent examples of student unions passing motions to lobby their universities to boycott and divest from Israeli companies, including for example Manchester University Student Union in 2022 and Warwick University Student Union in 2023. There are concerns that these campaigns can damage community cohesion and legitimise antisemitism. There are also examples overseas of the BDS Movement pressing universities to boycott or divest from Israeli companies for example in Norway or the United States of America. The Bill rightly applies to universities and higher education providers to prevent them succumbing to student union pressure in the future and to tackle this type of divisive activity on campuses. |
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Church Schools: Hendon
Asked by: Matthew Offord (Conservative - Hendon) Friday 12th April 2024 Question To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether he has made an assessment of the contribution of church schools in Hendon constituency. Answered by Andrew Selous - Second Church Estates Commissioner Though the National Church Institutions are not responsible for the operation of individual schools, the Diocese of London has volunteered the following information, which I hope is useful. There are two Church of England schools in the Hendon Constituency. St Mary’s and St John’s educates more than 1,600 pupils. One quarter are on free school meals, which is higher than the Local Authority average. Pupils are making above-average progress at an 8-level attainment of 0.39 compared with the national average of -0.03. St Paul’s School Mill Hill educates 210 pupils. One fifth of pupils are in receipt of Free School Meals, in line with the Local Authority average. Pupils attainment is above-average; 84% attained the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths last summer compared to the national average of 60%. I commend the teachers and leadership teams in both schools for these achievements. The Church of England educates over one million children in its 4,700 schools across England. Church Schools are committed to the flourishing of children and deliver a rounded education that remains in high demand with parents. They serve all those in the community, whatever their faith or belief. |
Bill Documents |
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Apr. 15 2024
Notices of Amendments as at 15 April 2024 Renters (Reform) Bill 2022-23 Amendment Paper Found: stated in the agreement, which is not less than 5 years or, for dwelling houses in Greater London |
Apr. 12 2024
HL Bill 44 Running list of amendments Media Bill 2023-24 Amendment Paper Found: 50% of programmes broadcast, measured both by hours and expenditure, being made outside of London |
Department Publications - Guidance |
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Monday 15th April 2024
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Source Page: Six-monthly report on Hong Kong: July to December 2023 Document: Six-monthly report on Hong Kong: 1 July to 31 December 2023 (PDF) Found: I have instructed officials in Hong Kong, Beijing and London to raise this issue as a matter of urgency |
Friday 12th April 2024
Cabinet Office Source Page: Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents Document: Guidance: Contracting Authority definition (PDF) (PDF) Found: The Common Council of the Corporation of London is expressly included as a public authority, although |
Friday 12th April 2024
Cabinet Office Source Page: Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents Document: Guidance: Exempted Contracts (PDF) (PDF) Found: City of London 78. |
Friday 12th April 2024
Home Office Source Page: Immigration Rules archive: 10 April 2024 to 10 April 2024 Document: Immigration Rules archive: 10 April 2024 to 10 April 2024 (PDF) Found: “Studying outside London” means the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies confirms they |
Friday 12th April 2024
Home Office Source Page: Immigration Rules archive: 4 April 2024 to 9 April 2024 Document: Immigration Rules archive: 4 April 2024 to 9 April 2024 (PDF) Found: “Studying outside London” means the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies confirms they |
Department Publications - Transparency |
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Friday 12th April 2024
Home Office Source Page: Non-technical summaries granted in 2024 Document: Non-technical summaries: projects granted in 2024, January to March (PDF) Found: For exampl e, I attended the Pan -London 3Rs Symposium on the 19th of April, 2023. 348 | P a |
Friday 12th April 2024
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Source Page: FCDO Commercial Pipeline: April 2024 Document: (webpage) Found: Restricted (PCR2015) N/A N/A TBC Bronze N/A N/A N/A supplierengagement@fcdo.gov.uk project_10238 ESTATES London |
Non-Departmental Publications - Statistics |
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Apr. 15 2024
Office for National Statistics Source Page: Deaths registered monthly in England and Wales: March 2024 Document: Deaths registered monthly in England and Wales: March 2024 (webpage) Statistics Found: area of usual residence for England and Wales, by region, county, local and unitary authority, and London |
Non-Departmental Publications - Guidance and Regulation |
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Apr. 15 2024
Environment Agency Source Page: W3 8DH, Elis UK Limited: environmental permit application advertisement – EPR/LB3205TY/A001 Document: W3 8DH, Elis UK Limited: environmental permit application advertisement – EPR/LB3205TY/A001 (webpage) Guidance and Regulation Found: advertisement – EPR/LB3205TY/A001 View the application submitted by Elis UK Limited for Elis UK Limited, London |
Apr. 12 2024
UK Visas and Immigration Source Page: Immigration Rules archive: 10 April 2024 to 10 April 2024 Document: Immigration Rules archive: 10 April 2024 to 10 April 2024 (PDF) Guidance and Regulation Found: “Studying outside London” means the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies confirms they |
Apr. 11 2024
UK Visas and Immigration Source Page: National Age Assessment Board: caseworker guidance Document: The operation of the National Age Assessment Board and sections 50 and 51 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (PDF) Guidance and Regulation Found: law Much of the initial guidance was set out in a High Court case involving Merton Council ( B v London |
Non-Departmental Publications - Transparency |
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Apr. 12 2024
UK Health Security Agency Source Page: UKHSA spend over £25,000: 2024 Document: (Excel) Transparency Found: 30505P5097352FY 23/24 - Invoice 00000001/30505 - Accommodation costs 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London |
Draft Secondary Legislation |
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The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024 These Regulations revoke and replace provisions of the following legislation as they apply in Great Britain (England and Wales and Scotland): Department for Business and Trade Found: and Investment Negotiations - Goods Team, Department for Business and Trade, Old Admiralty Building, London |
The Carbon Capture Revenue Support (Directions, Eligibility and Counterparty) Regulations 2024 These Regulations make provision in connection with the offering by a carbon capture counterparty designated under section 67 of the Energy Act 2023 (“the Act”) of contracts for the capture of carbon dioxide by eligible carbon capture entities (referred to in the Act as “carbon capture revenue support contracts”). Such contracts must be offered following a direction from the Secretary of State pursuant to section 68(1) of the Act. A direction may only be given in favour of an “eligible carbon capture entity”. Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Found: models and is available from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero at 3-8 Whitehall Place, London |
The Carbon Dioxide Transport and Storage Revenue Support (Directions and Counterparty) Regulations 2024 These Regulations make provision in connection with the offering by a carbon dioxide transport and storage counterparty designated under section 59(1) of the Energy Act 2023 (“the Act”) of contracts for carbon dioxide transport and storage (referred to in section 59(2) of the Act as “carbon dioxide transport and storage revenue support contracts”). Such contracts must be offered following a direction from the Secretary of State pursuant to section 60(1) of the Act. Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Found: storage, and is available from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero at 3-8 Whitehall Place, London |
Scottish Select Committee Publications |
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Tuesday 9th April 2024
Correspondence - Letter from the Health and Care Professions Council to the HSCS Convener concerning its consultation on increasing its annual registration fee, 9 April 2024 HCPC fee increase consultation Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Found: Consultation on fees Health and Care Professions Council Park House 184-186 Kennington Park Road London |
Tuesday 9th April 2024
Correspondence - Supplementary evidence from Liz McLeod, Head of Regulatory Analysis, Office of Rail and Road, 9 April 2024 Scotland’s railways since public ownership Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Found: Page 1 of 2 Head Office : 25 Cabot Square , London E14 4QZ T: 020 7282 2000 |