Written Evidence Dec. 06 2023
Inquiry: Impact of population change in WalesFound: provide challenges for policymakers as they grapple with how to share spending fairly across the generations
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the manpower strength of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Answered by Earl of Minto - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The number of personnel within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a constantly evolving figure, with sailors leaving the Service after years at sea, and future generations joining through direct entry or apprenticeship schemes.
I can confirm however, that as of 1 October 2023, the overall personnel strength of the RFA was 1,675.
Asked by: Toby Perkins (Labour - Chesterfield)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to bring the majority of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites into restoration by 2030.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Keepers of Time policy, updated in 2021, sets out our principles and objectives to protect and improve ancient and native woodland and trees for future generations. Restoring ancient woodlands that are ecologically degraded is a high priority for the Government. This includes restoring plantations on ancient woodland sites by gradually transforming stands from non-native planted species to native species.
We provide support and incentives through Countryside Stewardship and the HS2 Woodland Fund to restore plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS). We are currently considering how best to support and incentivise PAWS restoration in future environmental land management schemes while making sure they continue to provide owners with income. We support Forestry England to manage ancient woodland sites across the nation’s forests to improve their ecological value and ultimately restore all plantations on ancient woodland sites to resilient native woodland.
Dec. 06 2023
Source Page: Plans progressed to create a smokefree generationFound: generations from the harms of tobacco addiction.
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah (Scottish Labour - Lothian)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consult on proposals to establish a Future Generations Commissioner by the end of 2023.
Answered by Robison, Shona - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance
In the 2022-23 Programme for Government, the Scottish Government reaffirmed our commitment to explore a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill to support greater implementation of the National Performance Framework and ensure that the interests of future generations are considered in decisions made today.
Ministers and officials have been engaging with several stakeholders including meeting with Ms Boyack MSP earlier this month. This has assisted with developing policy proposals.
The proposed Bill may seek a statutory requirement that ensures public bodies and local authorities consider the long-term consequences of their decisions for the wellbeing of people in Scotland, including those not yet born. We are considering whether a Future Generations Commissioner is the most appropriate way to ensure the support and accountability which would need to accompany such duties. It will be important to consult widely on this broad policy area to ensure that any legislation is effective.
Asked by: Lord Redesdale (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many places of worship are currently on the Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.
Answered by Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Of the 4,871 entries on the 2023 Historic England Heritage at Risk Register, 943 are places of worship. Two other entries are also assessed as buildings or structures which affect places of worship.
The Heritage at Risk Register aims to protect and manage the historic environment. Historic England works with owners, ‘friends of’ groups, developers, and others to find solutions for historic places and sites at risk across England, ensuring their survival for the benefit of present and future generations.
Feb. 19 2024
Source Page: Dorset receives £19.5 million to regenerate Weymouth (Levelling Up Fund 2)Found: support new housing and businesses in Weymouth Levelling Up funding will prepare key waterside sites for future
Dec. 23 2023
Source Page: “Oh no it isn’t!” - Panto set to be formally recognised as UK joins UNESCO ConventionFound: generations to enjoy.