Monday Volume 521 17 January 2011 No. 99

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 17 January 2011

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2011 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 527 17 JANUARY 2011 528

State. Is not that the Government saying that there will House of Commons be new freedoms and powers for local communities and then being very prescriptive about how they should Monday 17 January 2011 operate? Why is it necessary to have among those new orders and powers a raft of regulations imposing non- elected mayors on places such as Sheffield, where there The House met at half-past Two o’clock is no demand for them from either the council or the public? PRAYERS Mr Pickles: I do not recall the hon. Gentleman making those points about the Local Government and [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, which contained a much smaller number of clauses and yet had 87 pieces of regulation. What we are doing is entirely necessary to liberate local government from the hand of central Oral Answers to Questions Government and is deregulatory by nature. As a friend of local government, he should be congratulating us and perhaps showing some contrition for his failure over the 2007 Act. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Local Authority Spending (Online Publication) The Secretary of State was asked— Regulatory Burden 2. Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): How many local authorities have published details of their 1. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): What steps spending online to date. [33546] he is taking to reduce the burden of regulation on local government. [33545] 4. Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): How many local authorities have published online details of The Secretary of State for Communities and Local their spending over £500 to date. [33548] Government (Mr Eric Pickles): The Government are committed to reducing radically the burden of regulation 9. Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): How on local government. We have already freed councils many local authorities have published online details of from the top-down controls of the comprehensive area their spending over £500 to date. [33553] assessment and local area agreement targets. The Localism Bill will go further, scrapping regional strategies and 14. Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con): How many housing targets, the Standards Board regime and the local authorities have published online details of their duty to promote local democracy. spending over £500 to date. [33558]

Richard Graham: I am grateful for my right hon. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Friend’s reduction of local government paperwork. Not Government (Mr Eric Pickles): Our latest assessment is long ago, in order to meet Official Journal of the that at least 193 local authorities have published their European Community requirements, Gloucester city spending data online to date. Another 10 are about to council had to spend more than £300,000 on a tendering publish those data on their websites, but that figure is document for the redevelopment of King’s quarter. In changing daily—pleasingly, upwards. this time of financial difficulty, does he agree that it is time for the European Commission to reduce the number of local government tenders that must follow OJEC Richard Ottaway: I congratulate the Secretary of rules, and so save taxpayers’ money in Gloucester and State on that initiative. As Parliament knows to its cost, elsewhere? transparency is the best way to restore confidence in Government, and for that matter in local government, but any policy must be judged by its outcomes. Is there Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend makes a reasonable any sign that that initiative has changed behaviour in point. In fairness to the European Commission, it also any way in local government? recognises the problem and is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of public procurement legislation. I also know that the Local Government Association feels Mr Pickles: As my hon. Friend will know, my strongly on that; its snappily titled, “The impact of EU Department has published those figures, and that has procurement legislation on councils”, highlights the certainly changed our attitude. There is no possibility specific difficulties faced by local councils. I agree with that, as under our predecessors, we will order lots of the LGA and the EU. I met Commissioner Hahn last expensive Parisian sofas, a peace pod or special, high-quality summer and urged him to ensure that a similar light-touch chocolates for the Secretary of State—Mrs Pickles is approach is taken to the administration of the European probably pleased about that. We recognise that we must regional development fund. account for every single penny.

Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): The Sheryll Murray: When councils publish details of any Localism Bill, which we will discuss later, has more than spending over £500, will they also publish the date on 140 new order-making powers for the Secretary of which the decision to initiate that spending was taken, 529 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 530 so that the public can see clearly when it was taken so Mr Pickles: I confess that I had difficulty hearing the that accountability is not misplaced when administrations hon. Lady for all the gasps of disbelief. Only if Durham change? is using an abacus for calculation or providing the information on vellum is that likely to happen. In most Mr Pickles: We will fairly soon be publishing guidance councils and in my Department it happens automatically. on what is expected. We were clear that we were keen to With a simple spreadsheet, it is very easy to do. see the raw data out there. My hon. Friend should easily be able to obtain such information through freedom of Mr Speaker: I had the hon. Member for Derby North information or by writing directly to the authorities. It (Chris Williamson) down for question 2 but, if there is important that local authorities are accountable, as has been a change of plan or if I have been misinformed, we are, for the money that they spend. I look forward to that is fine. seeing more local authorities publishing their spending online. Council Tax

Elizabeth Truss: I congratulate King’s Lynn and West 3. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Norfolk council and Breckland council on being in the What support his Department is giving to local vanguard of councils publishing their expenditure online. authorities to minimise increases in council tax. [33547] Will the Secretary of State confirm how important this initiative is for transparency and for taxpayers to know 8. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): What support his how their money is spent? Department is giving to local authorities to minimise increases in council tax. [33552]

Mr Pickles: I agree. The councils that my hon. Friend 12. Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): What mentions should receive our congratulations and should support his Department is giving to local authorities to be a spur to Norfolk county council to follow their lead. minimise increases in council tax. [33556]

Andrew Griffiths: May I draw the attention of the The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Secretary of State to an editorial in that august newspaper, Shapps): The Government are making an extra £650 million the Burton Mail, which said, per annum available over the next four years to help “Eric Pickles deserves credit for requiring councils to publish principal local authorities in England to freeze their every item of spending above £500. Mr Pickles’ requirement is council tax in 2011-12, and will take action against about strengthening democracy.” excessive increases. The Localism Bill provides for local Does my right hon. Friend agree that a similar approach referendums on excessive council tax rises in future years. should be taken to councillors paying expenses? Will he join me in condemning those Opposition Members who Harriett Baldwin: At a time when so many household are calling for more pay for councillors at this difficult bills are rising, will the Minister join me in sending time? congratulations to Wychavon district council and Malvern Hills district council, which have worked so hard to share services and to keep council tax rises down for Mr Pickles: I am glad to know that I am going down local residents? well in Burton. Information about councillors’ expenses has for some time been available from councils, but I Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is right. In the past hope the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline week or so since the finance settlement, I have had a Flint) will take the opportunity some time to say that procession of council leaders coming to see me, usually Lord Beecham’s request for extra remuneration for with their chief executives, to plead that they have no councillors at a time of crisis is singularly inappropriate. money left. One came this morning, and notably brought the chief executive who is being paid £180,000. I pay Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): In that tribute to those local authorities that have taken the case, should not all Departments, not just councils and necessary steps and are therefore able to take advantage the Department for Communities and Local Government, of the council tax freeze. also have to publish every £500 item of spend? Charlie Elphicke: The elderly, vulnerable and least well-off constituents of mine in Dover and Deal and I Mr Pickles: As the hon. Gentleman knows, a number am sure across the country will welcome the Government’s of other Departments have taken that initiative. I look efforts to freeze council tax. May we have an assurance forward to seeing the whole Government follow where from Ministers that we will never again return to the councils lead—[Interruption.] I am relaxed about that. dark days of the past, when council tax doubled under It is up to individual Departments, but there are already the previous Labour Administration? a number that publish expenditure above £500. Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Does not point out that between 1997 and last year council tax the Secretary of State realise that that is an absurd rose by 109%, so the elderly, the frail, the most vulnerable bureaucratic regulation? Durham county council has and those with fixed incomes had absolutely no defence calculated that it will take two full-time officers to fulfil against what was happening when the current Opposition that requirement, at the same time as the Secretary of were in government. I am very proud to say that State is cutting £100 million from the budget. [Interruption.] £650 million is being made available for this important What is the purpose of such pointless posturing? priority: a 0% rise. 531 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 532

Mr Turner: What can be done to stop local authorities justifies sacrificing the country’s most deprived communities withdrawing services, such as libraries and lavatories, to indulge the Secretary of State’s penchant for attention- and expecting town and parish councils to take them grabbing publicity stunts? over, thereby increasing the local precept? People will not benefit from the Government’s support to protect Grant Shapps: That was an interesting pre-written them from council tax bills rising if the local precept question, which seems to have ignored what we have rises instead. established from the Dispatch Box today: that £650 million will lead to a 0% council tax rise in virtually every Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend makes a valid point. authority in the country. Although the hon. Gentleman Unless an authority has already merged its human says that that is of no consequence at all, I can tell him resources, legal services and planning departments and that for the pensioners in my constituency, his constituency cut the chief executive pay that Opposition Members and in those of my hon. Friends it will matter a great are so keen to defend, there is no excuse for trying to deal. charge more for those services, or indeed, as my hon. Friend points out, for trying to shove them off on to, Local Authority Employment (Halifax) perhaps, parish councils. 6. Mrs Linda Riordan (Halifax) (Lab/Co-op): If he Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Since Bolsover will assess the effect on the economy of Halifax of district council has managed to hold its council tax reductions in levels of local authority employment. steady for a few years, and since none of its executives [33550] get the kind of sums that have been referred to, will the Minister repay the compliment by allowing it to deal The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for with the 108 prefabricated buildings that have been Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The there since the end of the second world war? The Government monitor public sector job losses at the council needs to replace them and pensioners need new local level. The £1.4 billion regional growth fund has accommodation, so will he get the show on the road? been set up to help generate private sector job growth, particularly in places that have been over-reliant upon Grant Shapps: The hon. Gentleman knows, because public sector employment. he has raised this issue with me before in the House, that the decent homes programme continues, and last Mrs Riordan: The majority of public sector workers week’s settlement, on top of the spending review, makes in Halifax are middle and low-income earners who have it very clear that £2.2 billion is available for decent worked loyally for the council for many years. Will the homes—which, I understand, subsequent to our previous Minister put on record exactly from where he sees new exchange in the House, his council is in line for. jobs coming to my constituency, which needs and relies on a strong public sector? Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough) (Lab): In a flight of fantasy and a moment Robert Neill: I am sure that the hon. Lady will of mental dysfunctionality, the Secretary of State and therefore welcome the latest Office for Budget Responsibility the Minister have proclaimed again and again that there forecast, which predicts a total employment rise in 2010 is no need for front-line services to be cut if salaries are and 1.5 million new private sector jobs being created. I reduced, services are shared and there is greater efficiency. hope that her council will work with the local enterprise What will the Minister say to the Liberal Democrat- partnership and the regional growth fund to achieve controlled Sheffield city council when, in cutting those jobs in her area. £70 million, it devastates services and decimates jobs in my city? Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): Halifax will be hard hit by council cutbacks. Halifax council Grant Shapps: It is very important to get out to all believes that for every job that goes in local government, local authorities across the country the message that the one will go in the private sector, and that the voluntary most vulnerable people should be protected in this sector will also be hard hit. Does the Minister accept, spending settlement. That is an important point, because therefore, that this Government are cutting too far, one of the principal ways in which vulnerable people too fast, with no plan for growth and rapidly rising are protected is through the Supporting People programme. unemployment, and that once again, for this Conservative- Its budget has been pretty much kept intact. I will send led Government, as in the 1980s, unemployment is a out the message from the Dispatch Box now that the price worth paying? reduction in Supporting People is just 2.7% per annum, so there is no reason for local authorities to use that as Robert Neill: No, sir. an excuse to cut services to vulnerable people. Formula Grant Funding (Deprived Areas) Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): The Minister must accept that, far from supporting local authorities, 7. Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) the unprecedented cuts that his Government are inflicting (Lab): What assessment has been made of the likely will lead to diminished services, massive job losses and effects on local authorities in areas of deprivation of lower economic growth in the private sector. Will he at reductions in formula grant funding. [33551] least concede that in the context of these massive cuts and the abolition of area-based grants, the £650 million The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for by which he is offering to freeze council tax is nothing Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): more than a gimmick? Can he tell the House how he We have delivered a fair funding settlement for local 533 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 534 authorities that takes into account the particular 10% of most deprived areas are being hit with cuts four circumstances of each area. Our proposals ensure that times worse than those in the best-off areas. To put no authority sees a reduction in revenue spending power it another way, while people in Hartlepool will lose greater than 8.9% in each of the next two financial £113 per head, residents in Wokingham will lose only years. £4 per head. Does the Minister still think that that is fair? Bridget Phillipson: The Minister apparently does not understand, or does not care about, the scale of the Andrew Stunell: I say to the right hon. Lady that we challenge facing constituents in deprived areas such as have adjusted her formula grants to put a greater emphasis Sunderland. Does he seriously expect my constituents on the importance of deprivation—from 73% to 83%. to be grateful for the hammering that they are taking in Our banded floors mean that the percentage loss of order to protect affluent areas such as Surrey? formula grant for Hartlepool is lower than for Wokingham.

Andrew Stunell: I share the hon. Lady’s disappointment Green Spaces that the financial situation we face means that every part of the public sector has to take pain in order to put 10. Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) things right. The formula grant for Sunderland is £562 per (Con): What steps his Department is taking to protect head, and that means that for every £1 going to the less green spaces. [33554] dependent authorities, Sunderland is getting £4.50. Her reduction of 8.9%, and of 4% next year, will in fact be The Minister of State, Department for Communities an improvement because of the new homes bonus and Local Government (Greg Clark): The coalition amounting to more than £500,000 this year. Government have taken immediate action to help communities to protect green spaces. Three measures Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): I welcome the stand out: the decision to take gardens out of the Department’s review of formula grant damping in time definition of brownfield sites; the abolition of the density for 2013. Will the Minister consider the impact of targets that prevented family homes with gardens from damping on Norfolk county council, which next year being built; and the measures in the Localism Bill, will receive more than £20 million less than if the which will be debated this afternoon, that give communities formula grant were given out on the basis of assessed the right to have neighbourhood plans that protect need only? Will he ensure that from 2013 Norfolk gets a valuable green spaces. fairer funding deal as a result of this review? Andrew Jones: In 2001, the then Secretary of State for Andrew Stunell: I thank my hon. Friend for that question. Transport imposed planning restrictions that required The local government finance review will start later this councils to limit the number of parking spaces allowed month and will indeed produce a new determination of in new residential developments, and set high parking funding for local authorities that gives them much more charges that kept shoppers from the high street. What is freedom to spend and raise their revenue, starting from the Secretary of State doing to end the war on motorists 2013. waged by Labour?

Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): In his appearance Greg Clark: I think it was the same Secretary of State before the Select Committee on Communities and Local for Transport who set a target to reduce the number of Government, the Secretary of State said that there was journeys made by car, but, of course, the numbers went no need for local authorities to make cuts to front-line in the opposite direction. Everyone knows that if people services, yet only last week the Conservative chair of the are banned from having garages and driveways, as Local Government Association said that under those planning changes, it means not that people “the level of spending reduction that councils are going to have to will not have a car, but that they will drive around make goes way beyond anything that conventional efficiency looking for a precious parking space, annoying their drives, such as shared services, can achieve.” neighbours and making people oppose development. If the Secretary of State and his team disagree, will the We have therefore scrapped those maximum parking Minister tell us how many local authorities will be able standards. to meet their budget cuts without cutting either jobs or front-line services? Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): What impact will selling off the treasure of our national Andrew Stunell: It is obviously for every local authority forests, which has been built up over generations, have to take its decisions on what services it supports with on access to green spaces for children and families? the money it has available. Councils will have much more freedom and flexibility, with the money that they Greg Clark: Of course, the policy to which the hon. do have, in making choices in future. It is for them to Gentleman refers started under the previous Government. decide on their priorities. He knows that the intention is to increase and safeguard access to natural assets, such as our forests, for all Caroline Flint: I will take that as meaning none. As generations. the Minister knows, in the real world, these huge front- loaded cuts cannot be made by efficiency savings alone. New Homes Bonus The Secretary of State and his team have said on many occasions that the settlement is fair. He said that it is 11. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): What progressive and that it protects the most vulnerable. The timetable he has set for implementation of the new House of Commons Library has confirmed that the top homes bonus. [33555] 535 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 536

The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant happen on a local neighbourhood scale, so communities Shapps): The new homes bonus commences in April will be very much in control. They will own the housing 2011 and will match fund the additional council tax trust that builds the homes and will be able to ensure raised for every new home that is built or brought back that those homes stay in local use for as long as they into use. It will continue for six years. like.

Jason McCartney: I thank the Minister for that reply. Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I need We all want new homes. However, Labour-run Kirklees to draw the House’s attention to an entry in the Register council has just launched a local development framework- of Members’ Financial Interests for my right hon. style consultation process for 28,000 new homes. Many Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich constituents are worried that it will mean the bulldozing (Mr Raynsford). To avoid any misunderstanding, I add of beautiful countryside in the Colne and Holme valleys. that he is my partner. How can he reassure my constituents that local people It is eight months since the Minister entered office will have a democratic say in developments in their and asked us to judge him on his record of delivering area? housing. What has happened since then? Planning permissions have fallen off a cliff, we have the worst Grant Shapps: The good news is that local people record of house building since 1923 and now 21 Tory will, at last, be in charge of development in my hon. council leaders in the south-east say that the new homes Friend’s constituency. Rather than targets being dictated bonus will not deliver the homes that are needed. Does from Westminster and our telling his constituents what he agree with them, and what is his time scale for should be going on, the balance will be in local hands. reconsidering the level of the bonus if it does not work, From April, his local authority stands to gain about as they fear? £1.3 million through the new homes bonus. Local people will decide the pace and scale of growth, and the Grant Shapps: I am grateful to the shadow Minister benefits that they want to derive. I trust them to do that for pointing out that I have now been in the post for more than I trust Ministers to do it from here. eight months, because that happens to be exactly the time for which my four predecessors, including the Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): current shadow Secretary of State, stayed in office. What plans does the Minister have for neighbourhoods House building had fallen to 1923 levels under the such as Picton and Kensington in my constituency, previous Government, with their top-down planning where housing stock had been planned under housing and regional spatial strategies. I am confident that the market renewal, the existing stock demolished or vacated, fact that we have scrapped that structure and introduced and then the funding taken away? the new homes bonus, which, as we have heard today, is about to start paying out significant sums, will reverse Grant Shapps: The housing market renewal programme the fall in house building and affordable house building was responsible for demolishing a large number of that we so tragically saw under the previous Government. homes—so many that there are fewer affordable homes after the 13 years of the previous Government than Planning Policy there were when they got into power in 1997. There was something wrong with that programme and there is 13. Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): What now an enormous funding problem. It will be for the assessment he has made of the potential implications of local community and local authority to get together the provisions of the Localism Bill for planning policy with the local enterprise partnership and pull together guidance and statements. [33557] the various funding streams, which will include the new homes bonus because those homes are no longer there. The Minister of State, Department for Communities When they are rebuilt, the local authority can benefit. I and Local Government (Greg Clark): The Localism extend an offer to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the Bill does have implications for the national planning circumstances of the housing market renewal. framework, which will be developed in conjunction with the Bill. Currently, national planning guidance George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Rural villages runs to 900,000 words, which is the equivalent of two in my constituency and across rural Britain have seen a copies of “War and Peace”, and it is completely inaccessible policy of decline by neglect over the past 13 years, and to people in local communities up and down the country. people there are excited by the proposals for local We will replace it with a slimline, powerful version that housing in the Localism Bill. Can the Minister provide people can use. some reassurance that when small pockets of housing around a village are approved, some of the bonus will Mr Robertson: I thank the Minister for that very clear come back into the local community? answer, but may I take the matter a little further? Obviously the new homes bonus is being introduced, as Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend will be reassured to we have heard, along with the right for local people to hear that under the community right to build, which is decide on housing levels. In my experience, understandably, one of the proposals in the Bill, local communities will very few people want many homes built close to them. be able to vote for additional homes, for example in a How can the Government ensure that there is not a village that is trying to keep the post office and the local conflict between those two policies? school alive. They will be able to do so without so much of the bureaucracy that there has been, and without the Greg Clark: My hon. Friend asks a very important regional development agency telling them that their question that goes to the heart of the purpose of the village is not where it wants homes to be built. It will Bill, which is to deal with the problem that the number 537 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 538 of homes being built has fallen to a low last seen in the Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): 1920s. The reason for that is twofold. First, communities The Conservative party and its coalition partners pledged do not get to share in the benefits of new building, and in their pre-election material to introduce a third party specifically do not get the infrastructure that is required. right of appeal, so may I congratulate the Minister and Secondly, if people are excluded from having a say in his partners on accepting the fact that that was one of the look and feel of development in their area, no the more barmy proposals among many others? Can I wonder they are opposed to it. If we allow people to look forward to a series of further U-turns on other have a say and have a stake, we can start to turn around unrealistic propositions in the Localism Bill? the planning system. Robert Neill: The right hon. Gentleman is aware that Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): both coalition parties thought that a third party right of Local neighbourhood partnerships provide local community appeal was well worth looking at, and we did so carefully—it groups and people with a feedback mechanism to influence was not lightly dismissed. The system that the previous planning and other local government decisions. Does Government left in place resulted in people feeling the Minister agree that the Government’s decision to aggrieved. We have concluded, however, that the best scrap those partnerships flies in the face of the stated means of reducing that grievance is not through the aim behind the Localism Bill of pushing power down to third party right of appeal, but by front-loading the local people? system and giving residents and communities far greater control over development at the beginning, which is Greg Clark: No, I do not accept that. The hon. Lady swifter and more cost effective. will find that we are encouraging, and indeed empowering, neighbourhoods to come together to develop a vision Role of Central Government for their future. Funds will be provided to help them to do that. 16. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): What steps he plans to take to reduce the dependency of local Planning authorities on central Government; and if he will make a statement. [33560] 15. Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): If he will make it his policy to introduce a third party right of appeal in The Secretary of State for Communities and Local the planning system. [33559] Government (Mr Eric Pickles): The Government’s localism and decentralisation agendas are focused on passing The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for powers to the most local level possible. The local growth Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The White Paper set out our plans to enable authorities to Localism Bill lays out our proposals for the radical retain locally raised business rates and to give councils reform of the planning system, making it more effective a real incentive to go for growth. The Localism Bill, at the local level, reducing the need for appeal, and which is before Parliament, includes a number of measures supporting economic recovery. It does not include a that are designed to reduce the dependency of local third party right of appeal because the coalition considered authorities on central Government, including in particular it, but believed that the better route, as the Minister a general power of competence for local government. of State, Department for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Gavin Barwell: I thank my right hon. Friend for that Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark) just said, is to give answer. He will know that my constituency includes the communities greater control over what is considered to retail and commercial hub of Croydon town centre. be appropriate development for their areas at the very Achieving the full localisation of business rates would beginning, through our neighbourhood planning system. give the council a very strong stake in the health of the local economy and massively reduce dependency on Bob Russell: It would not be so bad if life in the real central Government. Will he look at that idea as part of world were like that. Developers always have the advantage. his long-term review? They have to win only once, but objectors must win every time. A developer can go to appeal; opponents Mr Pickles: The Government are clearly looking to cannot. When a local authority and a developer sing ensure that local authorities get the benefit of the from the same song sheet—in Colchester, the local economic decisions that they take. The key to that is the authority and Mersea Homes jointly wrote the song localisation of business rates. Clearly, were we to apply sheet—there is a serious problem for the local parish that to the City of London, it could pave the pavements council and local residents. I urge the Minister to take with gold, so there must be some way of applying that that on board and to think again. measure to areas that are not as fortunate as, for example, Croydon, but I look forward to my hon. Friend’s Robert Neill: I would understand my hon. Friend’s submissions to the review. point if no other changes were being made to the system, but we are addressing precisely the point that he Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): makes. In some areas, people currently feel disfranchised Good local councils in areas of greatest need use their by the system. We are enfranchising them by enabling grant funding effectively to support people with disabilities, them, through the neighbourhood plan—if approved people who need care or housing, and children with by a referendum—to prevent unwanted development in special educational needs. Will the Secretary of State their area. therefore tell the House what he is doing to help such 539 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 540 councils beyond imposing the heaviest cuts on them and Andrew Stunell: I am certainly happy to meet the trying to stigmatise their work with the language of hon. Lady to discuss the situation she described. I hope dependency? that she will bring the answer to what happened in those seven years. Mr Pickles: As the hon. Lady knows, this was to be the year of the big cuts. Had the Labour party won the Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Our experience election, they would have imposed such cuts, and my in rural Broughton Gifford in my constituency is that a job as Secretary of State was made considerably easier parish council can promote an exception site to use land because I inherited a lot of the plans that Labour had efficiently to meet local housing need. This was possible prepared. She will also know that this Government have under existing legislation, but took several years. How ensured that the most dependent councils face the smallest will the Minister’s proposals for a community right to cuts, and that we have put in £6.5 million for supporting build help such enlightened rural parishes? people and transferred nearly £1.5 billion from the health service to help to support people. We have protected Andrew Stunell: I thank my hon. Friend for the question. the vulnerable, and we expect sensible and responsible As he will see when he studies the Localism Bill, local local authorities to do the same. communities will have a right to build that will allow them to overstep their local planning system to deliver Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): One council what they need. radically reducing its dependence on central Government is my council of Hammersmith and Fulham. Thanks to Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) (Lab): In spring four years of successive council tax reductions, there 2008, the Homes and Communities Agency gave the has been an accumulated saving to the average council flagship Conservative council of Westminster grants to tax payer of £1,799. Will the Secretary of State join me build 500 new homes. Three years later, significantly in congratulating Hammersmith and Fulham council fewer than 50 such homes have been built. Will the on reducing its dependence on central Government and Minister tell me why? delivering exemplary value for money for its local residents? Andrew Stunell: Clearly, those five years were a time Mr Pickles: Hammersmith and Fulham council is when a Labour Secretary of State was standing at this indeed the apple of my eye. I recall visiting it in opposition Dispatch Box. and watching that first budget go through. First, the Labour party said that those were ridiculous cuts that Unauthorised Developments would destroy services. Then it said that it would reduce council tax even further, but it ended up abstaining. 18. Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): What steps he Social Home Builds is taking to strengthen the enforcement of planning decisions in respect of unauthorised developments. [33562] 17. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): How many new social home builds he expects to be started The Minister of State, Department for Communities in each year of the comprehensive spending review and Local Government (Greg Clark): The Localism Bill period. [33561] gives enforcement powers to local councils specifically to prevent people from preventing enforcement against The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for them by applying for retrospective planning applications. Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): In the spending review we announced almost £4.5 billion Julian Sturdy: I thank the Minister for his response. investment in new affordable housing to deliver up to Unfortunately, in my constituency the council has become 150,000 affordable homes. We are giving housing well known for failing to enforce planning conditions. associations more flexibility on rents and use of assets, Given that we are encouraging local people to take a thus increasing their financial capacity, and our aim is greater interest in local matters, does he not agree that to deliver as many homes as possible through our local authorities must commit to strict enforcement of investment and reforms. The actual number of homes planning controls? started and delivered in each year is dependent on agreements between housing associations and the Homes Greg Clark: One of the great advantages of localism and Communities Agency in consultation with local and the Localism Bill is that it will be crystal clear that authorities. local authorities are responsible for these decisions, and I hope that in every part of the country local people, Heidi Alexander: I congratulate the Minister on his through the ballot box, will bring pressure to bear on optimism, but I am afraid that I do not share it. In my councils that fall behind others. constituency, the former Catford dog track has lain derelict for the past seven years. It is a site owned by the Fire Services (Bassetlaw) Homes and Communities Agency and has planning permission for a scheme that includes 313 affordable homes. Given the Minister’s stated commitment to 19. John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): What assessment affordable housing, will he agree to meet me to discuss he has made of the adequacy of provision of fire options for how we can get appropriate development on services in Misterton, Retford, Harworth and Worksop. this site? [33563] 541 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 542

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for high streets by scrapping Labour’s petty Whitehall parking Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): rules, championed human rights by reining back on Decisions on the provision of fire services are taken by draconian powers to seize private property, and given individual fire and rescue authorities, as part of their councils an incentive to put empty homes back into integrated risk-management planning process, which productive use. Today we move forward with the Localism assesses and mitigates risks to local communities. No Bill, which will scale back England’s over-centralised formal assessment of Nottinghamshire fire and rescue state and deliver devolution for the people, giving power authority’s local decisions has been made by central to local councils, communities and local people. Other Government. items were contained in a written statement that was laid before the House last week. John Mann: The fire service in my area is not adequate; it is excellent. I would therefore like to know why the Margot James: My local authority, Dudley council, Minister is cutting the Nottinghamshire fire service received notification last week that existing projects budget by so much, thereby endangering those standards financed by private finance initiative credits will no of excellence and possibly leaving the people of Retford longer be allowed to access that funding stream. In our in my constituency without proper fire cover—cover case, that amounts to a sudden cut in funding— that they have had for 100 years and that they deserve in £10 million over the next decade—for an important the next 100 years. information and communications technology programme in 120 schools. Will the Minister meet me and representatives Robert Neill: Spending for fire and rescue authorities of my local authority urgently to discuss the matter? has, in fact, been protected and back-loaded because they are front-line services. Nottinghamshire is making The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for proposals that it intends formally to consult on, I Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): I understand at the end of February. The proper course is can confirm the message that I left with my hon. Friend’s for the hon. Gentleman and his constituents to enter office at the end of last week: I am very happy to meet that consultation then. her as a matter of urgency to discuss the matter. Working Neighbourhoods Fund T3. [33572] Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): On 20. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) his recent visit to the north-east, the Prime Minister (Lab): If he will assess the likely effect on vulnerable claimed that his West Oxfordshire council was facing people in Newcastle upon Tyne Central constituency of much higher cuts—23% over two years—than anywhere the end of the working neighbourhoods fund. [33564] in the north-east. However, that cut of 23% amounts to £775,000. In comparison, Durham county council, which The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for covers my area, is facing cuts of more than £60 million—that Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): is, £28 million in formula grant, plus £32 million in An equality impact assessment on the completion of area-based grant. Will the Secretary of State accept that the working neighbourhoods fund has been carried out my constituents will struggle to understand this particular and published on the Department’s website. concept of fairness, and that, regardless of percentages—

Chi Onwurah: The Minister’s answer gives me no Mr Speaker: Order. Let me gently say to the hon. assurance whatsoever. The working neighbourhoods Gentleman that I think we have got the thrust of it, and fund funds a project in my constituency called Newcastle topicals need to be brief. Futures, which has supported more than 6,000 people into work and training since it was set up in 2007. That Mr Pickles: I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is 6,000 lives changed for the better. Now Newcastle gets out much, but West Oxfordshire is a very small Futures fears for its future. What assurance can the place, and Durham is a lot bigger. Durham has reserves Minister give that such important projects will continue of just short of £93 million, and it receives formula to support people into work and training? grant at £459 per head, a sum that the people of West Oxfordshire can only dream of. Andrew Stunell: For every pound going to the richest authority, £4.80 goes to Newcastle. It is for Newcastle T2. [33571] Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) to take those decisions. However, I also want to draw (Con): Last year, London Councils spoke for many the hon. Lady’s attention to last week’s announcement when it said that Labour’s local funding formula about the formation of the local enterprise partnership, which covers Newcastle and provides the authority with “lacks transparency and is inherently unstable and unpredictable, a chance of accessing regeneration funding. generating fluctuations…that defy logic.” Will my right hon. Friend review that formula and base Topical Questions it on real need, so that more taxpayers get what they pay for? T1. [33570] Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Mr Pickles: It is certainly our intention to review the formula and to try to place it on a fair basis. When I had The Secretary of State for Communities and Local the opportunity of dealing with it, one of the relatively Government (Mr Eric Pickles): Since we last met for small things I was able to do was to move the relative oral questions, my Department has introduced new needs component up to 83% from 73%. That is why the powers to protect community pubs, supported local settlement has been so progressive this time. 543 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 544

T4. [33573] Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): The Friend makes an important point, and the Housing Save Spodden Valley campaign in Rochdale has spent Minister has made it clear that we are going to make the past six years fighting a planning application to detailed proposals shortly. build 600 homes on the former site of the world’s largest asbestos factory. Last week, the council rejected T7. [33576] Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): the application, not least because of Save Spodden The chief executive of Barnardo’s has warned about Valley’s excellent campaigning, to which I pay tribute. young people being groomed in every town and city. Given that planning aid is to lose Government grant, is Given the cutbacks in policing services and the cuts in the Minister confident that local groups will be able to local government that will impact on children and stand up to multi-million pound planning applications young people’s services, can any Minister stand at the on their own? Dispatch Box with his hand on his heart and say that that apprehension will now be eased? The Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Greg Clark): I have good news Mr Pickles: I certainly hope that that will be the case, for the hon. Gentleman. The Localism Bill, which we because that kind of behaviour is wholly unacceptable, will debate this afternoon, will give the power to local and I am sure that Members on both sides of the House communities such as his own not to have to be dragged have been shocked to hear of that process. However, through the appeals system in the way that he has given that the hon. Gentleman’s local authority has described, but to say once and for all how they want £108 million in reserve and receives £714 per head, their communities to look and feel. I look forward to while areas such as Surrey receive £170, it should be in a welcoming him into the Lobby this evening. very good position to prioritise such matters.

T6. [33575] Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) T9. [33578] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): (Con): Does the Secretary of State agree that the final The Department for Transport has established that decision on major infrastructure projects should be a where lower tier authorities provide additional funds political one, and not one made by an unelected quango? for concessionary travel, this amounts on average to Given that Britain is 33rd in the world in terms of 12%, yet the Department for Communities and Local infrastructure, according to the World Economic Forum, Government budget proposals seize all that money and does he agree that he should make it a priority to redistribute it to upper tier authorities. Will the discuss this matter with other Cabinet members? Minister agree to meet Kettering borough council, of which I am a member, to discuss how this serious mistake can be corrected? Greg Clark: We will do more than discuss it; we are going to act on this. It is important that we have a fast-track process for infrastructure investment, but it is Mr Pickles: Of course we will meet Kettering borough also crucial that it is democratic. If people do not have council. The closing date for consideration of evidence confidence that those who take the decisions can be is today, but I believe that Kettering has submitted held to account, there will be no faith in the system. The evidence. We, of course, will look very carefully at any Localism Bill will deliver the reforms that my hon. evidence of statistical mistakes that might have been Friend seeks. made. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Given that the T5. [33574] John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): In defining Secretary of State faces a massive cut in his budget and localism, if the Secretary of State were to get a planning is devolving issues down through his Localism Bill, how application appeal on his desk regarding a development many of his six Ministers does he expect to make that 12,000 local people were in favour of and that redundant? would create lots of jobs, and that only two people, and the Tory council, were against, which side would he Mr Pickles: We are in the process of making the be on? Department smaller by reducing the number of director- generals, directors and assistant directors. As time goes Mr Pickles: When we judge these matters, we judge on, it is certainly our intention to get smaller. them in a quasi-judicial way. We will always be blind to political advantage, and we will do what the evidence T10. [33579] Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and suggests. Crayford) (Con): We heard earlier that the levels of house building in the last year of the last Labour T8. [33577] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The Government were the lowest since 1924, which is a interim report of the Zero Carbon Hub suggests that disgrace. How will the Minister reverse that trend and achieving zero-carbon homes by 2016 will depend on ensure that house building increases adequately to meet what it calls “allowable solutions”, potentially off-site. the demand, particularly for social and affordable housing? How will the Minister ensure that such measures are local and tangible, and therefore more credible than The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant existing offers for carbon offsetting? Shapps): My hon. Friend is absolutely right: that low record of house building was a disgrace. We need to do The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for a range of different things, starting with the new homes Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): bonus, followed by ensuring that there is affordable Ensuring that our homes are zero carbon is a fundamental rent, that affordable homes are built, and that the part of what the coalition agreement asks us to do, and planning system is liberated. There are also many measures this Department is strongly committed to that. My hon. in the Localism Bill, which we are debating later today. 545 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 546

A whole raft of things needs to be done to get the prevent the cuts from falling on the most vulnerable and situation fully under control. We look forward to the needy members of society, and I congratulate my hon. Opposition’s support for making that happen. Friend’s local authority on doing exactly that.

Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): A theme of Ministers’ Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): Given answers has been the differential between the grants of that today is the last day for representations to be made different local authorities, with poorer authorities getting in the formal consultation on the grant settlement for more than prosperous authorities. Is it a higher priority local authorities, will the Minister assure me that he will for Ministers to equalise those grants or to get rid of the take seriously the representations from Stoke-on-Trent inequality that has given rise to higher grants going to and its Members of Parliament during our welcome poorer areas? meeting with him last week? We cannot afford these cuts.

Mr Pickles: We have increased equalisation. We have Andrew Stunell: I thank the hon. Lady and her colleagues done three things. We changed the relative needs component from Stoke-on-Trent who came to see me last week. I from 73% to 83%; we introduced banded floors so that assure her that her words and theirs were clearly heard, wealthier authorities have a greater percentage cut; and and that they will be taken into account along with all for those falling outside that, we introduced transitional the other representations that we received. relief. A new form of local government finance should, I think, start to concentrate on those areas of higher Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): dependency, as far as the central grant is concerned, so Authorities such as Manchester city council, run by that we can get them out of that dependency, increase Labour, are publicising front-line job cuts while retaining growth and increase prosperity. their Twitter tsars. Meanwhile, other local authorities, such as Leicestershire county council and North West Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): It remains Leicestershire district council, are being diligent. They a scandal that a loophole in planning law allows a have cut their management, protected front-line services, freestanding pub or other community facility to be and kept council tax low. Is it right for such diligent demolished without planning permission, thereby denying local authorities to be punished in the next spending the community any say whatsoever. May I ask my hon. round because of the profligacy of councils run by the Friend the new community and pubs Minister if the Labour party? Government are minded to support the Protection of Local Services (Planning) Bill on Friday or will they Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is right. It is for local incorporate it into the Localism Bill instead? authorities to work out where to make their savings. I should add for the record that it is not clear whether the Robert Neill: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Twitter tsar was eventually employed, although the post congratulations on this interesting addition to my was certainly advertised. I should also point out that responsibilities. I am discussing with the Bill’s sponsor when authorities talk of job reductions, we do not the best means by which to collaborate sensibly to know whether they are including positions that were achieve the objectives of protecting important local already vacant. services such as community pubs. Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): Last year the Prime Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): I Minister asked local authorities not to do the easy thing am sure that the Secretary of State would acknowledge by cutting the budgets of voluntary bodies, but week that under successive Governments Manchester has after week representatives of such organisations come proved to be a resilient and successful city. Even so, it to my surgery and tell me that their budgets have been faces higher than average levels of unemployment. What slashed and that they cannot continue to do their work. possible justification does he have or can he offer for Does the Secretary of State share my concern about axing the £7.7 million working neighbourhoods fund Nottinghamshire county council’s failure to heed the and giving that money to parts of the country that Prime Minister’s advice? already have relatively high levels of employment? Greg Clark: The average cut in the spending power of Mr Pickles: We did not axe it; the previous Labour councils is 4.4%, so there is no excuse for any council to Government axed it, and I do not recall the right hon. target the voluntary sector disproportionately. I hope Gentleman raising a single objection to it. that Opposition Front Benchers will be as clear as Ministers in condemning such behaviour. Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): Staffordshire Moorlands district council has entered Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) into an arrangement with neighbouring High Peak (LD): When Ministers consider representations about borough council to share management services. Does varying the provisional spending formula for councils, the Secretary of State agree that innovations like these will they take seriously three issues above all: the effect can help save taxpayers’ money while protecting front-line of front-loading the settlement, the effect of any staff services? costs resulting from the settlement on councils without many reserves, and the need to ensure that the population Grant Shapps: I congratulate my hon. Friend’s local figures are accurate and up to date? authority. Sharing services is surely the way forward. Nowadays there is no real excuse for having separate Mr Pickles: We will use the most up-to-date information management teams, separate chief executives and expensive, we have. I take the right hon. Gentleman’s point about well-paid officers to fill every position. Sharing can front-loading; we did much to mitigate its main impacts 547 Oral Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Oral Answers 548 in the settlement. We are continuing to examine all Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Given aspects of the settlement, and we will of course ensure that three London councils are coming together to that the most vulnerable are protected in the process. share some of their services, what advice would the Secretary of State give the London borough of Hounslow Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): In answer to an earlier to stop it cutting front-line services? question, the Secretary of State said that he looked forward to a time when local authorities would be able Mr Pickles: It should seek to emulate those fine to retain business rates raised in their areas. With that in councils Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster and mind, can he tell us what proportion of the money Kensington and Chelsea. It should join others in protecting distributed to authorities through formula grant is raised the front line, and stop using the poor as a battering through business rates? ram against the Government. Mr Pickles: Virtually all equalisation comes from business rates. The hon. Gentleman raises an important Several hon. Members rose— point and we will consider it carefully, but before we can move to a system of that kind we must be able to offer a Mr Speaker: Order. As ever, the Secretary of State is degree of stability. Business rates are notorious for their heavily in demand, but I am afraid that time is our movements during the economic cycle. enemy. We must move on. 549 17 JANUARY 2011 Tunisia 550

Tunisia The airports are operating, and airlines are flying into and out of Tunisia. Those who are still in the country 3.34 pm should respect advice or instructions given by the local security authorities and tour operators and avoid rallies Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) and demonstrations. There is no indication that British (Lab) (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State nationals are being targeted by looters or rioters, but for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make given the unpredictability of the situation there is always a statement on Tunisia and the Government’s assistance the chance of their being caught up in incidental violence, to British nationals. and our advice is that if any British citizen is in doubt about the safety of his or her location they should stay The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I in their accommodation. welcome this opportunity to update the House on recent At the political level, my right hon. Friend the Foreign events in Tunisia and on what is being done to assist Secretary has been working with partners, including British nationals there. especially those in the European Union, to promote a The House will be aware that, following a month of peaceful outcome and longer-term political reform. As protests over Government corruption and the lack of soon as possible, we will be seeking to engage the political and economic reform, a state of emergency Tunisian authorities to help with this. We encourage all was declared and President Ben Ali left Tunisia for involved to do what they can to restore law and order, Saudi Arabia. I hope that the House will join me in and we call for the full inclusion of all legal political expressing our sympathy to all those whose friends and parties in the formation of an interim Government. relatives have been killed or injured in the disturbances. The change in Tunisia in the past few days has been The Speaker of the Tunisian House of Deputies, profound, but it is not yet the political reform that many Fouad Mebazaa, has been appointed interim President Tunisians hope for. The authorities should not ignore in line with the constitution, and he has asked Prime the voice of the Tunisian people. The British Government Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi to form a Government will work with partners to try to ensure an orderly move of national unity. Talks continue with opposition parties towards free and fair elections and an expansion of and with civil society to try to agree a way forward, and political freedom in Tunisia. There were extended EU we hope that there will be an announcement on the new discussions on Friday. We have been calling for a speedy Government later today. and substantial offer of EU support to underpin the When the situation deteriorated, an estimated 5,000 move to free and fair elections, which will be critical in British nationals were in Tunisia, most of them tourists re-establishing calm and security in the country. on package holidays. We changed our travel advice to Today, the High Representative, Baroness Ashton, has “all but essential travel” on 14 January, since when more issued a statement, saying: than 3,000 British citizens have left Tunisia; many of “The EU stands ready to provide immediate assistance to them were able to leave on additional flights laid on prepare and organise the electoral process and lasting support to thanks to the swift response of tour operators, and we a genuine democratic transition.” believe that approximately 1,000 British nationals now We shall continue to provide the help and advice that remain in Tunisia. That number is largely made up of British nationals need and expect, and to engage with long-term residents, as well as dual nationals and some and support Tunisia, as it works for peace and security. independent travellers. Many of those still in Tunisia do not wish to leave and have told our consular staff that. Yvette Cooper: I thank the Minister for his statement Despite exceptionally challenging conditions, the embassy and join him in expressing condolences to those who is working to help to resolve the crisis and to provide have lost family or friends in these difficult circumstances. support to British nationals in Tunisia. We have sent a Even after President Ben Ali’s departure, which brings six-person rapid deployment team from London and to an end a repressive regime, the situation in Tunisia two members of staff from elsewhere in the region to remains tense and uncertain, with prospects for only a reinforce embassy staff in Tunis and to provide constant fragile interim Government; outbreaks of looting are consular assistance. We have established a 24-hour hotline taking place, alongside continued legitimate protests. in Tunisia and in London that people can ring for help May I ask the Minister about consular support and and advice, and we have staff at Tunis airport who are future Government policy on Tunisia? The Opposition liaising with airlines and seeking to help British travellers welcome the considerable work done by many of the with medical, passport and other consular issues. tour operators to evacuate thousands of people over the Our embassy staff remain in regular contact with our weekend. However, I am concerned that the Government network of wardens across Tunisia, better to understand were slow off the mark in responding to this situation. the evolving picture around the country and keep those On Friday, the Minister responsible for consular policy British citizens that we are aware of informed of updates told the BBC that as the situation evolves. We are keeping those British “We are not at that moment advising that people make an effort nationals who have registered on LOCATE updated on to leave Tunisia.” developments through regular e-mails. Yet a state of emergency was announced that afternoon, I spoke to our ambassador in Tunis earlier this afternoon. following seven days of violence, and tour operators He informed me that his staff are now receiving very were already bringing British nationals back to the UK. few consular calls, and those who are calling are mostly The Foreign and Commonwealth Office did not publicly asking for updates on the security situation. We continue change its travel advice until Saturday, and the rapid to advise against all non-essential travel to Tunisia. We deployment team did not leave the UK until Sunday. advise anyone in the country who does not have a British holidaymakers in Tunisia were put in a very pressing need to be there to leave by commercial means. confusing and alarming position. They were told by 551 Tunisia17 JANUARY 2011 Tunisia 552

Ministers that they did not need to leave, just as their policies will have a clause that provides for reimbursement holiday reps were telling them that there would be in the case of such an event. I am sure that those emergency evacuations. Does he agree that the Government companies will be in touch with their customers as soon were too slow to act? as possible to try to reach amicable outcomes. My How many British nationals does the Minister believe colleagues in the Department for Transport are in frequent will still be in Tunisia following today’s flights? Is he touch with the travel industry, but such matters are best confident that sufficient help is in place for independent addressed, if possible, between companies and their travellers who wish to return and still need assistance? individual customers. He will be aware that British Airways has advised its I should add that we are actively working with the customers that the next return flight to the UK is not Ministry of Defence on contingency plans should an until Wednesday, so will he join me in urging BA to evacuation of British nationals be needed. At the moment, provide additional capacity for its passengers tonight or our judgment is that that is not necessary, but I want to tomorrow? Many tour operators are not yet offering reassure the right hon. Lady and the House that we are refunds or alternative holidays for people who were due not simply sitting back and assuming that things will to travel to Tunisia after Wednesday this week. If it is improve. We have contingency plans in place should too dangerous to travel there, it is surely unfair to matters get considerably worse. expect holidaymakers to cancel and incur the full financial Finally, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary cost, so I urge tour operators to extend the scope of hopes to speak to the interim leadership of Tunisia as their refund offers. May I ask the Minister to meet soon as possible. I am sure that the right hon. Lady will major tour operators to deal with this crucial issue? understand that the leadership’s first priority is to try to Finally, on the Government’s approach to the broader set up the much needed Government of national unity. I situation, will the Minister tell us whether the Foreign hope that it is successful in that endeavour. Secretary has spoken to the interim Prime Minister? The ending of the authoritarian regime must be a Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): I was in turning point for a country that, for too long, was under Tunisia just a few days before this latest outbreak of a repressive Administration that denied the Tunisian violence. A constant theme when I talked to people people their basic democratic freedoms and economic there was the dreadful state of their economy and, opportunities. I agree with many of the Minister’s points above all, the massive unemployment among graduates, about the importance of Tunisia having free, fair and particularly among female graduates. Does the Minister democratic elections to establish a sustainable and legitimate agree that if we achieve political stabilisation one of the Government, and I welcome the work being done in the greatest contributions the United Kingdom and other EU. Will he continue to press the EU to support elections, EU member states can make is to grow trade with including with possible election observers and practical Tunisia and improve prosperity for the people, who are assistance? The Government have been slow off the in dire need? mark this week, but we look forward to their being swifter in their response in future. Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend identifies an important problem that faces not only Tunisia but many other Mr Lidington: The fact that the great majority of countries in north Africa and the middle east: the British citizens in Tunisia have been able to leave swiftly, dismayingly high and enduring unemployment among with consular support and advice, indicates that the young people. The problem is made even starker when Government’s response has not been lax in the way the we consider that young people under 26 or under 30 make right hon. Lady describes. Clearly, as with any such event up, in most cases, about 60% of the population of those that makes sudden demands on our consular services, countries. Trade and investment are an important way we will examine any lessons that need to be learned of giving people in those countries hope of a better from this episode, but I am sure that she will want to future, but investment and trade will be more likely if join me in recognising the work and commitment of business has confidence that the rule of law and political consular staff, both those UK-based and those locally stability apply. I think that reforms to governance, recruited and working in our embassy in Tunis. greater political freedom and an independent system of The right hon. Lady asks how many British citizens courts and judiciary go hand in hand with the economic are still in Tunisia, and our best estimate is about 1,000. reforms and improvements that my hon. Friend seeks. One thing that our network of wardens will be doing is trying to find out, by making contact with expatriates Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Does the and dual nationals in particular, exactly what the remaining Minister agree that although the toxic combination of numbers are and how many wish to leave. I have been high unemployment and corruption brought about the advised by the embassy in the past couple of hours that huge demonstrations and the downfall of the President, some holidaymakers are telling us that they would at the same time the World Bank and International prefer to stay in Tunis to see whether there is a chance of Monetary Fund supported and approved of the economic resuming their holiday, in the hope that things calm strategy adopted by Tunisia? Is it not time to recognise down there. that these tired old models create awful problems for I would welcome British Airways or other airlines young people, leaving them unemployed and leading making additional provision to bring back independent hopeless lives? Does the Minister not recognise that travellers, but that is a commercial matter for them. So, there must be some change in economic thinking? too, are the relationships between customers and tour operators regarding possible refunds for holidays that Mr Lidington: There must be sensible economic and have had to be cut short or cancelled. As the right hon. political reforms, so that those millions of young people Lady and I both know, most decent travel insurance feel that they can have a say in how the society in which 553 Tunisia17 JANUARY 2011 Tunisia 554

[Mr Lidington] part in the uprising inside Tunisia. Nevertheless, my hon. Friend is right that we need to be on our guard they live develops and is shaped. That is why the European against the spread of extremism and terrorism throughout Union’s assistance for Tunisia is, for the most part, the entire Maghreb. That is yet another reason why we assistance with reform, particularly the reform of should support reforms, ensuring enduring political governance. It is also why the British Government have stability in those countries in the future and that people established a human development fund, which will seek in those countries do not believe they should turn to to assist those sovereign countries—we cannot just go terrorism because they have no other way of seeking to and tell them how to organise their affairs—the stability change the society in which they live. of which we want to continue, to engage in the reforms that will make them more stable societies in the longer Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The Minister will term. know that for the past 10 years leaders at EU Council meetings have banged on and on about the Maghreb Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I strongly but done absolutely nothing to make sure that there is welcome the work being done by Foreign Office officials economic stability and democratic advance in any of to support British nationals in Tunisia, but it is not the those countries. Will he go back to the next Foreign only middle eastern country that faces rising food prices, Affairs Council of the EU and say that it is time that we high unemployment, corruption and questionable levels met our commitments from 10 years ago in relation to of political freedom and human rights. What preparations some of those countries? Otherwise, the future will be and contingency plans are our embassies in other middle no better than the past few weeks. eastern countries putting in place to make sure that they can provide swift support to UK nationals should the Mr Lidington: The hon. Gentleman is right to imply protest and unrest spread to other countries? that the relationships with the Mediterranean governed by the Lisbon process and the Union for the Mediterranean Mr Lidington: We have contingency plans in London have not delivered the positive results we all hoped for. for the rapid deployment of additional staff in the event My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will of exceptional and urgent need for consular services certainly want to highlight, at the next Foreign Affairs anywhere in the world, not just in the middle east. I Council, the need to learn lessons from this experience would not like to speculate on where the next demand with Tunisia and the need for Europe to get its act on our consular services might come; it might be from together more effectively in terms of its relationships some other part of the world entirely. with our southern neighbours.

Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Minister Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Is there not still a rightly talks about immediate need, particularly with danger that Tunisia will move out of the frying pan of English nationals being over there, and in the longer dictatorship and into the fire of Islamism? What specific run Britain and the European Union certainly have no steps are the Government taking to ensure that al-Qaeda interest in an unstable Tunisia. In that context, will he and Islamists do not step in to fill the vacuum? make it quite clear that the EU will support the process of establishing a free and fair election and will make Mr Lidington: As I said earlier, the advice that I have sure that monitors are available from within the European received up to now is that the risk of violent extremism Union to guarantee that not only the world but the to which my hon. Friend refers is not as great as has people of Tunisia know that the elections are free and been made out in some parts of the media. It is much fair? more an uprising by people who have been frustrated by many years of political repression and whose feelings Mr Lidington: The hon. Gentleman, who speaks with have been aggravated by economic hardship. Nevertheless, considerable experience of election-monitoring work, is I assure him that the British Government will be alert right. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has to any risk that extremist groups could try to seize an discussed this very issue with the French Foreign Minister advantage from what has happened in Tunisia, and we in the past couple of days, and our Government and will take whatever steps we can to ensure that they are other European Governments have been making that unabletodoso. point to Baroness Ashton and her team. When the hon. Gentleman reads her statement, he will see that one Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I thank the Minister thing she is offering is robust EU support for election- for the reassurance that he has given about constituents monitoring work. who are in Tunisia and welcome the fact that he has emphasised the EU. Tunisia, of course, is part of the Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): It EUROMED process, and a number of projects have is very clear that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and been sanctioned by the EU concerning migration, similar organisations are attempting to capitalise on the development and policing. As the hon. Member for current situation. What assessment has the Minister Bournemouth West (Conor Burns) said, we might be made of that and of any potential threat to the United unable to resolve the current issues there, but can we be Kingdom, given the porous nature of our borders with ready with plan B, so that we can continue with those Europe and the clear and present danger posed particularly initiatives, which are important to the whole of the to France, Spain and Italy? north Africa rim?

Mr Lidington: The advice that I have received to date Mr Lidington: The right hon. Gentleman is correct is that there is no evidence that extreme groups that are that those are important issues not only for Tunisia, but linked to or similar to al-Qaeda have played a significant for every country along the north African coast. Certainly, 555 Tunisia17 JANUARY 2011 Tunisia 556 when I have talked with ambassadors from those countries Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): Many in the House in London, they have expressed concern about the risk would like to express their sympathy to those in Tunisia that not only extremist groups, but those involved in who took to the streets and, as they reached for freedom, people trafficking, drug trafficking and other forms of paid the ultimate price. Does my right hon. Friend organised crime might use their territories as through-routes agree that the right way to stop the violence, to push to try to penetrate Europe. We want to work with those back against al-Qaeda and to create the basis for stability countries, which are independent sovereign states, to and elections is to support the interim Government ensure that they are able to improve their governance in behind Prime Minister Ghannouchi? Will my right hon. the way the right hon. Gentleman describes. It is in the Friend use his office to persuade those in Arab states to interests of Europe and of those north African countries lend their support to this change as well? that they are able to do so and move forward on the basis of greater respect for human rights and enduring Mr Lidington: The last point that my hon. Friend political reforms. made was a particularly good one—that it is important that other Arab countries row in and support the new Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): Does the Minister Tunisian Government when one is formed. The most agree that when such situations arise organisations such important thing, though, is that a Government of national as the BBC speculating about which country will be unity can be put together who genuinely command next to fall is not only unhelpful to the status of the widespread support among the Tunisian people and Government and of Parliament, but concerning to people among civil society in that country. That offers the hope in those countries and their families here at home? of a breathing space and a measure of peace which can provide the basis on which to move forward towards Mr Lidington: I have taken great care to try not to free and fair elections and longer-lasting political reforms. engage in such speculation today, but we live in a country in which the broadcast media and the press are Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I congratulate the free to express their opinions and to speculate. That is Minister on presiding over such a swift response to the part of being in a free society. crisis. May I embellish the question about other Arab states? Will my right hon. Friend and his colleagues encourage other European countries to help in a project Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): I congratulate to encourage good governance in those states? the Minister on his considered response to the emerging crisis in Tunisia. Clearly, a large number of British Mr Lidington: The European Union has relationships nationals are still there, and a large number of British with a number of Arab states, both in north Africa and nationals in this country will have relatives, property, in the Levant, which feature discussions about human assets or businesses there, so what advice and help is the rights, the rule of law and democratic reform. I agree Foreign and Commonwealth Office giving them on the that we need to intensify those discussions. All those protection of their businesses and relatives? countries are sovereign states. They will want reforms that are true to their own traditions, histories and ways Mr Lidington: I would advise anyone with such concerns of life, but it is in the interests of all that they are able to to contact the Foreign Office helpline, in either Tunisia bring forward reforms that satisfy the aspirations of or London as most appropriate, and we will then seek their own people. That is what our bilateral human to provide what support we can from either our embassy development fund is intended to do, and it is important, in Tunis or through our network of wardens around the too, that European Union effort is carefully designed to country. meet the objective that my hon. Friend describes. 557 17 JANUARY 2011 558

Point of Order Localism Bill Second Reading 4.2 pm Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): On a point of Mr Speaker: I have selected the amendment in the order, Mr Speaker. Twenty questions were called today name of the Leader of the Opposition. at oral questions. Last Monday 23 questions were called. It is now commonplace at business questions for all those standing to be called; that was once a rarity. As 4.3 pm there has been a huge increase in the past 12 months in the number of urgent questions, topical questions, oral The Secretary of State for Communities and Local questions and business questions that are dealt with, is Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I beg to move, That the it not right that we should ask the Procedure Committee Bill be now read a Second time. to examine why that has happened and why Back Benchers’ I am glad to see the right hon. Member for Don opportunities for holding the Executive to account have Valley (Caroline Flint) in her place. Had she not arrived, been greatly multiplied, so that we can have a report, I might have raised a point of order myself to allow her and so that we can ensure that this process continues to get here. and express our gratitude to the person or persons The present situation is not Labour’s fault. I do not responsible? blame the Opposition for the excessive centralisation that has come to characterise government in this Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for country. Command and control is, of course, naturally his point of order. It is, of course, not a matter for me appealing to the Opposition, but in fairness, they only specifically to request the Procedure Committee to conduct accelerated an existing trend. If they boarded the moving an inquiry. It is entirely open to the hon. Gentleman train of centralism, there cannot be any doubt that they who, as I have remarked before, is the author of a drove it to its terminus: grand centralist station. So, the well-read tome on how to be a Back Bencher, to make Labour party is not entirely to blame; it is just mostly that request of the right hon. Member for East Yorkshire to blame. (Mr Knight). I note with interest and appreciation the observations that the hon. Gentleman has just made. The Bill will reverse the centralist creep of decades and replace it with local control. It is a triumph for democracy over bureaucracy. It will fundamentally shake up the balance of power in this country, revitalising local democracy and putting power back where it belongs, in the hands of the people. For years, Ministers sat in their Departments hoarding power like misers. Occasionally, grudgingly and with deep resentment, they might have loosened their grip on the reins of power, only to tighten it almost immediately. Uniquely, they managed to fulfil the wildest dreams of both Sir Humphrey Appleby and Mr Joseph Stalin. That strangled the life out of local government, so councils can barely get themselves a cup of tea without asking permission. It forced a central blueprint on everything from local public services to housing and planning, regardless of what local people want or need. It left councillors hamstrung, front-line public servants frustrated and residents out in the cold. The reasoned amendment owes much to the pragmatism of St Augustine: “Oh Lord, make me a localist—but not just yet.”Preserve us from the wickedness of delegated powers. Yet, as I said earlier today to the hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts), I do not recall those concerns being raised by the current Opposition during the passage of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, which in a mere 176 clauses, contained 86 delegated powers. The number of such powers in this Bill is, therefore, entirely the norm and entirely in keeping with the way in which legislation has been put together, with one important difference: this is a deregulating Bill.

Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): I hope that my right hon. Friend does not miss the opportunity to mention the great pilot of centralisation, John, now Lord, Prescott, who, in moving from the social status of waiter to that of a passenger on cruise ships, was so damaging to local government. 559 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 560

Mr Pickles: I have to say that I have great affection Mr Pickles: Of course refuse collection is a matter for for Lord Prescott, and I am particularly enjoying his local people. We have ended Labour’s bin taxes, and current advocacy of insurance on television. there will no longer be an incentive to have a fortnightly The Bill is based on a simple premise: we must trust collection. If, on that basis, councils want to continue to people who elect us and we must ensure that we trust have fortnightly collections, then good luck to them in them to make the right decision for their area. To facing their electorates. I pay tribute to the right hon. misquote Clint Eastwood: “A Government needs to Gentleman, who is in some ways my hero—I am sorely know its limitations.” We do not have all the answers tempted to take down one of my pictures of John but we have to have the courage to encourage local Wayne and replace it with one of him—because he is an solutions. The Bill is made up of four main elements: example of someone who had enormous vitality and London governance, planning, localism and housing. ideas regarding the finance of local government and The London element is relatively straightforward and was continually ignored by his own side. I hope to take redistributes power away from quangos and back to up the baton that he so sadly dropped. elected officials and communities. The settlement has been agreed by the Mayor of London, the London Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Within the assembly and the boroughs, and it is based on consensus ethos and context of localism, how are we going to deal across the political parties. I would like to pay tribute to with the scandal of 129 local government executives the constructive way in which the Mayor, the assembly earning more than the Prime Minister? Perhaps they and the London boroughs, regardless of their political should have to go back to their local people and ask persuasion, have worked together on these arrangements. permission before they are paid such outrageous salaries.

Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): If this is all about Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend makes a very moderate giving away powers from Whitehall, why does the Bill and reasonable point. I have suggested to chief executives transfer 126 new powers to the Secretary of State? that in order to demonstrate that they are on the side of the workers, they should take a 10% cut if they are Mr Pickles: I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman earning more than £200,000 and a 5% cut if they are was distracted by something in the Chamber more earning more than £150,000. In future, under this Bill, interesting than my speech, but I have already dealt such remunerations will not be arrived at through cosy with that. I politely pointed out that in previous, much little deals between the leader and the applicant but smaller Bills introduced when the Labour party was must come before the full council, which will have to running these matters, the proportion of delegated endorse them. I am pretty sure that common sense will legislation was much higher. I am here to be helpful. rear its head and we will no longer see this ridiculous creep in the sums of money for chief executives, who Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) will be more cognisant of their responsibilities. (LD): As a London Member of Parliament, I welcome Councils have been drowning in red tape and rules the part of the Bill that delegates considerable extra and paralysed by a culture of centralism. Those that powers to London government across the board. We want to break the mould and innovate continually run tried to bring in many of these things during the passage the risk of legal challenge. The Bill will restore town of the Bill that set up the Greater London Authority in halls to their former glory. There was a time when local the first place. Will the Secretary of State continue, over councils really were the centre of a community—when the course of this Parliament, to take the attitude that, the local councillor was revered and honoured as a local where possible, we can continue to devolve power both person of importance and local government got things to regional government, which is what the GLA is, and done, improved public health, cut poverty and ended to local government? slum housing. That is the sort of courage and ambition that we need in councils today. Mr Pickles: I wish that my right hon. Friend had not used the R-word, but it is certainly my intention that Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I am grateful to my this is part of a continuous process of devolution. He is right hon. Friend for his generous comments about quite right. There was a lot of cynical suggestion that local councillors. I am sure that they apply to councillors the London councils and the Mayor would not be able of all political persuasions. My experience is that councillors to reach an agreement, and it is to their credit that they want to be involved. Does he agree that one way of have managed to do so. involving them is to encourage the abolition of the cabinet system in local government? Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State give way? Mr Pickles: The cabinet system has many advantages, but it means that a number of councillors are denied the Mr Pickles: Of course I give way to the distinguished opportunity to be involved. We do not take a strong gentleman. view on that matter, but the Bill will enable councils to go back to the committee system if they want to do so. Mr Raynsford: As I understand it, the Secretary of The Bill will give councils the powers and authority State’s chief argument in favour of the Bill is that local that they need. It will be a shot in the arm for local people should be free to determine how they receive democracy. It will give councils a general power of services within their own area. Does he believe that the competence. That is probably the single most important frequency and arrangement of refuse collection services item in the Bill. It will turn convention on its head. It should be left entirely to local decision, or might he differs from a general power of well-being in one vital occasionally be tempted to intervene in this? respect: instead of local authorities having to find a 561 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 562

[Mr Pickles] The reason why the general power of competence is so important is that it turns the determination requirements statute that allows them to act, the fun-loving legal on their head. All those fun-loving guys who are involved advisers will have to find a statute that prevents them in offering legal advice to local authorities, who are from taking action. basically conservative, will now have to err on the side We know that the Labour party considered a general of permissiveness. That is a substantial change, and I power of competence, so what held them back? Apparently, would have thought that there would be no difference the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) once between the parties on that matter. I believe that a argued that councils should not be allowed a general general power of competence is better than a general power because it would allow Islington to build a nuclear power of well-being, because the latter had to be invented bomb. He is a much respected Member of the House as a concept whereas the former is well accepted by and his worries should be taken seriously. I have good local authorities throughout the world, which understand news. The residents of Islington and the rest of us can exactly what it means. sleep safely in the knowledge that the Radioactive The Bill will let councils decide the best way to Substances Act 1993, the Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition organise themselves, whether through cities having mayors, and Inspections) Act 1998 and the Nuclear Safeguards through local council executives or through the committee Act 2000 will prevent Islington council from obtaining system. On the subject of mayors, I am delighted to weapons of mass destruction. In short, the power of report to the House that Lord Adonis will begin a tour general competence for councils does not simultaneously of 12 English cities, talking to local people about the abolish all other laws of the land. prospect of having a mayor. I look forward to his report. The Government are grateful that that distinguished Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): The former Cabinet Minister is undertaking that important Secretary of State advocated the power of general work. competence as a means of increasing the freedoms of local authorities. However, clause 5(3) states: Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab) Will “The Secretary of State may by order make provision preventing the Secretary of State give way? local authorities from doing, in exercise of the general power, anything which is specified, or is of a description specified, in the Mr Pickles: Of course I give way to another distinguished order.” former Cabinet Minister. Does that not completely negate the supposed freedoms? Mr Ainsworth: Will the Secretary of State share with Mr Pickles: I am surprised by the hon. Gentleman’s the House his thinking and motives in providing for the statement, because he and I have previous. When he was imposition of shadow mayors ahead of a referendum in engaged in a respectable profession before returning to the 12 cities involved? this House, I recall him advising me on these issues. His advice was that these things should not be absolute, Mr Pickles: The idea is basically to get ready for the and that the Secretary of State needs to retain residual mayors. I want to make it absolutely clear that if the powers just in case. He should not castigate me for people in those authorities decide that they do not want taking the advice that he gave all those years ago— a mayor, the powers will disappear. However, it was felt nice try. that if we were to move towards referendums, the people of the cities involved should have an indication Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The Secretary of the powers and freedoms that they would get if they of State said that the current power to do anything that hadamayor. is in the interests of economic, social or environmental I think it was Lord Adonis, when he was dealing with well-being is too narrow and that his general power of high-speed rail, who made it clear that it was easier to competence will extend the ability of councils to take deal with mayors in London and other parts of the action. Will he give practical examples of issues that do country than to deal with council leaders. Cities such as not fall within economic, social or environmental well-being, Birmingham—I understand that one of our former on which councils will be able to act? I am sure that the colleagues, Clare Short, has thrown her hat in the ring House wants to be enlightened on how large the power as a potential mayor there—are as important as Boston is. Before the election, he said that he wanted to give or Barcelona, and they have a part to play on the world councils the power to do anything other than raise stage. I believe that mayors can enhance that role. taxation. Is that still his intention? The Bill pushes power out as far as possible into communities and neighbourhoods, into the hands of Mr Pickles: The right hon. Lady makes a reasonable individuals and community groups. For too long, local point. She will be aware of problems with London groups, community associations and even ordinary men authorities’insurance, and the general power of competence and women on the street with a good idea and a desire will deal with those. However, the question is, what is to make their neighbourhood a better place to live, have the difference between the general power of competence been ignored and left out. They have no rights and no and the general power of well-being? The truth is that chance to have their voice heard. It is hardly surprising there is not much difference, and we welcomed the that even the most dedicated activist gets frustrated, let intention to introduce the latter, but only about 17% of alone a concerned mum who just wants to see her street authorities have done so. The reason for that is the kept clean or a group of friends who are worried about innate conservatism of those providing legal advice, a local pub that is under threat. We are giving people so councils have tended to err on the side of not new rights, powers and opportunities to act on the introducing it. issues that matter. 563 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 564

Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The the right hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark) right hon. Gentleman knows my town of Huddersfield be fulfilled? In Question Time, he spoke of a fast-track very well. Since the election, local community groups political process, which might give some certainty for have been falling by the wayside in political and community investors and some knowledge of how the system will activity. They have lost their funding, including seed actually work. funding, and third sector and community groups are in a dire state. What will the Bill do to rejuvenate the third Mr Pickles: I am happy to reassure the right hon. sector and create a renaissance in it? Gentleman that there will be no gap in the system, and that the utilities are very much in favour of what we are Mr Pickles: Voluntary groups in Huddersfield, which doing. In terms of general national policy statements, I know and love very well, are very keen on those we will move at pace, because as he rightly identifies, powers. They will have a power to challenge and a infrastructure, particularly in respect of the utilities, is power for a proper partnership that is not hand-to-mouth immensely important. and based on grants and handouts. In such partnerships, The Bill will give councils and communities the power sensible local authorities will work hand in glove with that they need to tackle the housing challenges that they voluntary organisations to provide better services for face. The coalition Government have inherited a deep their population. housing crisis. Five million people languish on waiting Let me give another example. People will be able to lists, and many them have no chance whatever of being veto excessive council tax rises. Instead of the Secretary allocated social housing. It is a failing that hundreds of of State making that decision, local people will balance thousands of families live in overcrowded conditions service needs against the level of council tax. They will while other homes are under-occupied, and that in half be able to protect and improve—and even run—the public of all families who live in social housing, no one works. services on which they rely, and ensure that much-loved The Localism Bill will create a much fairer and more local assets are kept for the next generation. Those flexible system. Councils will have the discretion to help rights will give community groups the oomph that they families meet their needs in the most appropriate way, need. People will have a genuine stake in their community and we have of course made sure that there will be and a reason to get involved, secure in the knowledge appropriate protections for the most vulnerable families. that the power to change things is in their hands. However, there are also many families who simply need a short-term helping hand—and councils will now be Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): This is a truly radical able to offer just that. I remind the House that we are Bill from a truly radical Secretary of State. It brings only talking about new entrants to the system; existing closer to reality the dream of government for the people, tenants are unaffected. We are also reforming council by the people and of the people that shall not perish house financing, building on proposals from previous from this earth. In my constituency, people want to buy Governments, but with a more generous offer. All councils the port of Dover. People in other constituencies want will have more money to manage their stock. to buy forests and other such community assets. Will Finally, the Bill represents the final nail in the coffin the Secretary of State and the Government consider for the most illogical and unpopular measures of the going faster, deeper and wider, so that we have a community previous Government: it will get rid of bin taxes, home right to buy from central Government as well as from information packs, the outdated port tax, and the sort local government? of bonkers bureaucratic measures that we get when decisions are taken far away from the people they Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend tempts me to become a affect—the sort of measures we will not see anymore. bit Maoist in these matters, but we will certainly consider The era of big government is over. Look where it got us: what he says and look towards giving greater powers to uneven and unstable economic growth; frustrated front-line local people. workers slavishly following the rulebook to the letter; and residents and community groups left powerless to The Bill will return the planning system to the people. solve their problems. Targets do not build homes, and regional plans do not get communities involved. Today, we have an adversarial, Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): One of the confrontational system, fomented on mistrust and a scandals of recent years is that councils have been sense of powerlessness. It is simply not working. The allowed to run up astronomical debts. My former authority, Bill will therefore create genuine neighbourhood planning, where I served as a councillor—Hammersmith and by which the community will develop in ways that make Fulham council—is trying to reduce its historical debt sense for local people. Instead of instructions being of £133 million, which costs taxpayers £5 million a year handed down from on high, the Bill will offer incentives in interest payments before a single street is even swept. to invest in growth. Instead of unelected commissioners What safeguards are in the Bill against councils running making national decisions on important national up excessive debts? infrastructure, those choices will again be down to democratically elected Ministers in this House. Mr Pickles: The Treasury rules prevent it. I know that Hammersmith and Fulham council has received a Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and lot of praise in the Chamber over the past few hours, Hillsborough) (Lab): There is a genuine worry among but it deserves it—it is a fantastic council. After years of the infrastructure industries, particularly the utilities, Labour neglect and continuous council tax rises, residents about the current interregnum. When will the Secretary in Hammersmith and Fulham are getting a better, cheaper of State issue guidance on major infrastructure processes? service that represents the real needs of the community. When will the words used by the Minister of State, It was no surprise that it was returned with a thumping Department for Communities and Local Government, majority at the last election. 565 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 566

[Mr Pickles] Let us nail the myth that local councils can spare front-line services simply by cutting executive pay, trimming By pushing power out, getting the Government out waste and sharing backroom functions, because they of the way and letting people run their own affairs, we cannot. I know that maths is obviously not the Secretary can build a stronger, fairer Britain. We can restore civic of State’s strong point, because last week he was telling pride, rebuild democratic accountability, promote economic the newspapers about how good the Tory canvass returns growth and replace big government with the big society. were looking in Oldham. We support greater transparency I commend the Bill to the House. in the pay of senior officials in the public sector and the measures to increase pay accountability in local government, 4.33 pm and the right hon. Gentleman does not need a calculator to work out that cutting executive pay and streamlining Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): I beg to move an administration will not help a single council to avoid amendment, to leave out from “That” to the end of the cutting front-line services. Question and add: “this House, whilst affirming its belief in the important principle Simon Hughes: The right hon. Lady produced some of devolving power to local people and their elected representatives, declines to give a Second Reading to the Localism Bill because wry smiles when she said how strongly Labour had been the proposed devolution of power to local authorities is undermined in favour of devolving to local councils. I would like her both by the extent to which the Bill hands powers to the Secretary to be honest, at the beginning of the debate, about her of State to over-ride those devolved powers and by the extent of own legacy. Was the previous 13 years of central power powers of the Secretary of State to direct local authorities in their and no devolution a mistake that she now greatly regrets, governance arrangements, and because the community empowerment or do all local councils and everybody else have some and neighbourhood planning sections of the Bill, which have sort of fallacious memory? Have we all missed something, been put together hastily and without adequate consultation with because that is not their view on the ground, whatever important stakeholders, would cause the planning functions of local authorities to become incoherent and ineffective and create colour they are? new costly and complex systems of service procurement and would reduce the effectiveness of local authorities; and is strongly Caroline Flint: I think that what we can see is a steady of the opinion that the publication of such a Bill should have devolution to local government. I can see—[Interruption.] been preceded by both fuller consultation and pre-legislative Interestingly enough, I can see how clauses in the Bill scrutiny of a draft Bill.” build on Labour’s record in local government. The After all the delays, the false storms, the spin and the problem occurs when the right hon. Gentleman tries to briefings, finally we have the Bill where it should be—before suggest that the Localism Bill will shape the future of the House. It is a Bill that we will demonstrate over the local government. I am afraid that what will shape the coming weeks will not, I am afraid, revolutionise local future of local government and how it operates with its politics, empower the masses to shake up their town partners in the voluntary and private sectors are the halls or reinvigorate local democracy. It is a Bill that the cuts, which are doing such a large amount of damage Business Secretary rightly described as “not thought to some of those great partnerships. I refuse to accept through”. Above all, the Bill empowers one person: from those on the Government Benches that somehow the Secretary of State. We believe in devolving power to they invented localism or opportunities for communities local communities and giving people a real say in how to take control of assets and have a say. That is just their local area is run: we believe that power should not true. rest in the hands of the many, not the few; and we are optimistic because we have faith that there are few Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con) rose— problems so intractable that local communities do not ultimately have the answer. Charlie Elphicke rose— We would welcome and support a Bill, therefore, that genuinely devolved powers, which is what the Localism Caroline Flint: I will give way again in a little while. Bill was meant to do. We were promised a radical Let us look at Islington council, of which Labour redistribution of power from central Government to people took control in May. The previous Liberal Democrat —a new dawn for people power and a groundbreaking administration appointed a chief executive on a salary shift in power to councils and communities. We were of £220,000. The Labour council cut that salary by told that this would be the first Government to leave £60,000—a significant sum and a good example of a office with much less power in Whitehall than they Labour council delivering value for money. However, started with. Today we see that that is just another that is a drop in the ocean against the £40 million-worth broken promise. If page 1 of the Bill gives local councils of savings that Islington has to find. The Secretary of the power to do whatever they like to improve their State knows that the Bill does nothing for councils up local areas, why do we need a further 405 pages? and down the country that are struggling with the most This Bill fails to live up to its name. For all the difficult finance settlement in a generation. It is not Government’s talk of localism, the Bill does nothing to localist to cripple local councils with devastating cuts convince us that it is anything more than a smokescreen and to stop them delivering the essential services on for unprecedented cuts to local communities up and which local communities rely. down the country. All those warm words about devolving power and empowering communities ring hollow when, Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): at the same time, local councils face cuts that go deeper Has the right hon. Lady noted that Moody’s, the credit than in almost any other Whitehall Department; cuts rating agency, stated last week that it is only the coalition that fall heaviest in the first year; cuts that hit the most Government’s deficit reduction plan that is saving our deprived communities the hardest. There is nothing triple A rating? If we lose that, the markets will force far localist about that. higher cuts on us. 567 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 568

Caroline Flint: I do not sign up to the view that democratic it was, over 13 years of a Labour Government, somehow the country was on the brink of bankruptcy. to increase the amount of ring-fencing from 4% to That is absolutely ridiculous. We should be asking why, 15% of local government spend? Was not that simply a given all the measures that the Tory-led Government case of Labour saying that Brown knew best? have instigated since the general election, growth is not higher, and why unemployment is not going down more Caroline Flint: In some cases, there was an argument quickly. That is the question that the Government have for some ring-fencing, and I am not going to step away to answer. Up and down the country, because of the from that. I am glad to say, however, that as we moved devastating cuts to local government and the front-loading through from ring-fencing to local area agreements, we of those cuts, the Government are sucking the life out encouraged local councils and their partners in the of local communities that are trying to rebuild and police, health and elsewhere to come forward with plans create the growth that is so essential. of their own. That is what was happening. I think I am right in saying that the present Administration agree Several hon. Members rose— with the work on Total Place. They were going to give it another name, but they still agreed with the principle of Caroline Flint: I will give way in a little while, but I partners coming together in that way. However, there is want to make some progress. nothing in the Bill to help Total Place, or whatever it Perhaps we should not be surprised that the Secretary was going to be called under the coalition Government, of State has been captured by Whitehall. In the eight and that is a crying shame. months since his appointment, the Cabinet’s champion for local communities has bothered to make only six Toby Perkins: My right hon. Friend is being very visits. Perhaps that is why he is so dangerously out of generous in taking interventions, and I thank her for touch. To be fair, although he does not visit much, he taking one from this side of the House. Do the councils tries to keep in touch by writing. Week after week, local that she meets think that they are better off now that, councils are inundated by missives, diatribes and diktats instead of getting ring-fenced funds, their funds are from Ministers, lecturing them on how to organise a being abolished by the Secretary of State? street party for the diamond jubilee and on the right way to celebrate Christmas, instructing them on what Caroline Flint: I do not think that the many councils their street signs should look like and when to empty that have had their area-based grants removed are singing the bins, and telling them to axe their council newspapers from the rooftops about the end of ring-fencing. This is even if it costs more to put the notices in the local paper. robbing Peter to pay Paul, but it is not the most deprived That is not localism, and nor is much of the Bill. It is no communities that are being paid; they are losing out good providing a general power of competence in one hand over fist. clause if the next four clauses give the Secretary of State Rebuilding trust in politics and engaging people in the power to curtail it. the political process is vital, but the Bill could undermine We believe that elected mayors can offer effective standards in public life by making codes of conduct local leadership. That is why we introduced the model, for councillors voluntary. Good standards are surely giving local councils and local people the power to elect not optional. Every community expects its elected a mayor if they wanted one. However, the only person representatives to adhere to certain standards. whom the Bill gives a vote to is the Secretary of State. Several hon. Members rose— Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Will the right hon. Lady give way? Caroline Flint: I give way to the hon. Lady. Caroline Flint: I will give way shortly, but I want to finish this point, because the Secretary of State has Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): Following made much of his devolution of powers in relation to the question put by her hon. Friend the Member for mayors. The only person whom the Bill gives a vote to Chesterfield (Toby Perkins), does the right hon. Lady in relation to mayors is the Secretary of State. How get thanks from her local residents when she meets democratic is it for the Secretary of State to appoint a them for almost doubling most of their council taxes? shadow mayor ahead of a referendum for local people? Would not such a person have an advantage when Caroline Flint: The record will show that for many standing for mayor? It cannot be right or democratic for years under the Labour Government it was Conservative the leader of whatever party it might be to have such an councils, not Labour ones, that increased their council advantage in a mayoral election. tax. The Bill could have encouraged and empowered more This Bill is meant to take power from Whitehall and people to get involved in the way their community is run devolve it to local communities, but we find on closer and made local councils more responsive to the communities inspection that it provides an arsenal of more than they serve. Instead, it abolishes the duty on councils to 100 new powers for the Secretary of State. It should provide information to people about how their local be re-titled the “only if I say so” Bill, because if the council works and how they can get involved. It also Secretary of State does not like it, it ain’t happening. states that councils no longer have to bother replying to Much has been made of the introduction of local petitions from local people. I do not understand that. referendums, and we support mechanisms that promote public engagement in the political process, but when the Christopher Pincher: I am obliged to the right hon. Bill gives the Secretary of State the power to decide Lady for giving way; we are obviously getting on better what is or is not a local matter and on what local people now. She talks about democracy. Can she explain how can and cannot have a say, just how deep the Government’s 569 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 570

[Caroline Flint] that might not have architects, solicitors and accountants among them to engage in the process. It is worrying commitment is to localism is called into question. Far when people’s hopes are raised and then dashed when from devolving power as we were promised, this Bill they are effectively unable to take part. represents a massive accumulation of power in the hands of the Secretary of State. If nothing else, at least Several hon. Members rose— we now know why the Government were forced to drop the word “decentralisation” from the Bill’s title. Caroline Flint: I give way to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis), who has been trying Mr Blunkett: Could we not sum it up very simply by to intervene for some time. saying that the Government are centralising the power and decentralising the pain? Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): I thank the right hon. Lady. As a councillor from 1998 to 2009, I Caroline Flint: Yes. watched councillors and residents become frustrated Despite the best efforts of the Secretary of State and time and again because councillors could not properly his Ministers to transfer powers from the many to the represent residents on a range of issues owing to few, even they have not got everything wrong. Some of Government guidelines, particularly on planning. Surely the Bill’s measures are a continuation of policies introduced the right hon. Lady would agree that the Bill gives back by the previous Labour Government—[Interruption.] I one very important power—the power of councillors am afraid they are. When the Government build on our truly to represent their residents without having to reforms, we will support them. We support the general worry about any sort of guidance put out by the power of competence for local authorities, because Government or a quango? those elected in an area should be able to do what is in the interests of the communities they serve. With no Caroline Flint: I am sure that, as a former councillor, mention of local economic partnerships in the Bill and the hon. Gentleman agrees that different communities in the absence of any other plans for growth, giving have different capacities to engage. Often, in planning local authorities greater flexibility on business rate relief and development as in other contexts, it is the voices of to encourage new start-ups and help local businesses is those such as the homeless that are not heard. We need one small step in the right direction. It builds on Labour’s to think of ways of supporting those silent communities. introduction of small business rate relief. The part of the Bill relating to councillors is interesting, but, again, questions will have to be asked in Committee. Several hon. Members rose— We shall need to ensure that it works properly, and enables councillors to represent people in their areas Caroline Flint: We welcome the principle of greater without affecting any quasi-judicial position in which involvement for local people in how their communities they may find themselves when decisions must be made. are developed. Broadly speaking, we support the transfer of powers and functions from unelected bodies to the Several hon. Members rose— Mayor of London—provided there are sufficient powers of oversight and scrutiny for the Greater London Authority. Caroline Flint: I will make a little more progress, and I am sad to say, however, that as a whole this Bill then I will take a few more interventions. The record represents a massive missed opportunity. When reading will probably show that by the end of my speech I had it through, it is difficult not to be struck by the sense taken more interventions than the Secretary of State. that, for all the agonised intellectualising of the Minister I mentioned the possible cost of the proposed of State, Department for Communities and Local neighbourhood plans, which might prevent those without Government, the right hon. Member for Tunbridge deep pockets from being able to participate. The same is Wells (Greg Clark), this Bill is little more than a rag-bag true of the much-vaunted provision relating to community collection of press releases from Tory HQ. Giving local assets, which is being billed as a community right to people and communities a greater say in and more buy. Before the Bill was published we were told that, control over the future of their local areas and building by giving communities a right of first refusal whenever an open and less adversarial planning system is to local assets were being sold or closed down and by be welcomed, but when the Secretary of State’s own guaranteeing them a fair price, we could save pubs, post Department estimates that neighbourhood plans could offices and village shops from closure; but the Bill does cost as much as £250,000, we remain to be convinced no such thing. There is no right of first refusal, there is that those plans are anything more than a gimmick or a no right to a fair price, and there is no help for communities vehicle for those with the loudest voices and deepest seeking to save local assets that the Secretary of State’s pockets to impose their will on the rest of the community. cuts threaten with closure.

Hazel Blears: The Secretary of State purports to say Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): May I return that the planning system will be simpler and more open the right hon. Lady to the issue of neighbourhood to local people. How does that square with his decision development plans? As she will know, parish councils to abolish planning aid, which has provided tremendous already have to produce parish plans which are part of support to people right across this country? Those with the supplementary planning guidance. She said that he loudest voices will continue to have the biggest say. neighbourhood development plans would give a voice to people who wanted to force their will on other Caroline Flint: My right hon. Friend echoes the point people. Does she not understand what an insult that is made earlier in Communities and Local Government to serving parish councillors such as me? Many parish questions. Planning aid is one vehicle to enable communities councillors spent a great deal of time producing parish 571 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 572 plans which were not bigoted and not about forcing our in the Committees of this House would be one simple, will, but were about protecting our local communities. practical thing to give local communities a real say in All that neighbourhood development plans will do is the services that they use, but the Bill fails to do that. give that more force. In turning to the proposals—[Interruption.] Well, I understand from reading the Bill that scrutiny committees Caroline Flint: With respect to the hon. Gentleman, I can summon an officer of the council, but they can was not referring to parish plans. I have met representatives merely invite someone from another organisation. There of parish and town councils, and one of the questions are no summoning powers over representatives of the that they have raised—fairly, in my view—is how parish utilities, for example, or over the district commander. plans might work in relation to neighbourhood development That is what we are talking about: proper accountability, plans, and which would take priority. I am sure that we and proper powers for scrutiny committees. will examine such issues in Committee in order to On the Bill’s proposals on housing, it is again difficult ensure that we do not end up with over-duplication. not to be disappointed. For some homeless households, I know that parish and town councillors do a fantastic a home in the private rented sector may be a better job. My constituency contains many parish and town option than social housing if that avoids long waits in councils. However, we need to ensure through temporary accommodation and provides greater flexibility neighbourhood plans that it is not possible for a few of location than social housing, but that should be a people who are not elected representatives to create a choice for the household involved, so we will not support forum in which they can impose their will on others in a proposal if it allows the most vulnerable members various ways because of their clout and their finances. of our communities to be forced into unsuitable We need to ensure that the plans allow communities accommodation. to be represented fairly. We also need to consider What else is missing from the Bill? There is a complete the implications for councils in terms of the cost and absence of reforms to the private rented sector—the Bill the additional responsibilities that will be expected of does not even touch on the subject—and we remain to planning officers and others who service the neighbourhood be convinced that there is sufficient quantity of decent plans. It is not that the idea is necessarily wrong, but we homes in the private rented sector to house those in shall need to establish how it will work in practice, and need. whether it actually amounts to much. Is it all that meets the eye? That is what people want to know. They do not want to be led up the hill only to be marched down it Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Does my again. That is not the sort of politics in which we should right hon. Friend share my concerns about passing to engage. local government the responsibility to house people in the private sector? Rents are not regulated, tenancies are limited, conditions are often poor, and the tenant’s Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Does the right hon. power to control the way the landlord behaves or maintains Lady think it better for planning decisions to be made the property is very limited. What we need is more by unaccountable regional quangos or by local people? council housing with secure tenancies at economic rents, as are currently charged. That is the real way out of the Caroline Flint: I do not think that the answer should housing crisis. be more powers for the Secretary of State, for a start. What I have said also applies to the community right Caroline Flint: Supply is important on all counts: to challenge. We are in favour of empowering front-line supply in social housing, supply in rented housing, and, staff. In many instances, not just in local government indeed, supply of affordable homes for people to buy. but in the health service and elsewhere, our staff should There is, however, absolutely nothing in this Bill about be at the forefront in coming up with ways of improving the private rented sector. In fact, in the name of protecting services. Those on the front line often have better answers home owners—he referred to this earlier in departmental than some managers. Many councils of all political Question Time—the Secretary of State was all too keen persuasions already engage community organisations to confer on private landlords with empty properties a and voluntary groups in the delivery of local services. general power to neglect for up to two years, rendering That is not new, and we think that it should be encouraged. local councils powerless in the face of blight or antisocial However, those organisations need support. Given that behaviour. That is a dilution of local authority powers, their resources are being cut throughout the country, as we enabled councils to take action after six months, and given that there is no provision other than the right and it was announced just three days before the Under- to be considered, we remain to be convinced that this Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, part of the Bill will mean much in practice. the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell) The Secretary of State tells us that this Bill is the urged swift action to tackle empty homes, warning that centrepiece of what the Government are trying to do to empty properties attract squatters, vandalism and antisocial shake up the balance of power in the country fundamentally, behaviour. The Minister even went to Oldham on a visit but perhaps what is most striking about it is what it fails related to the policy, for which he had to apologise. It to deal with. Across every community in the country did not do the Liberal Democrat candidate much good. people often feel that they do not have enough of a say What we have here, therefore, is a chaotic policy and about what happens in their local area, whether in local a hapless presentation, and it would be comic if the bus services, community policing, the district hospital, results were not so devastating. or in the jobcentre’s tackling unemployment. This Bill The Secretary of State knows that I support sensible says nothing about that; it offers nothing to remedy reform of social housing, but it must be reform that that. Giving elected local representatives the power to encourages employment, supports families and helps to summon people before their committees much as we do create strong communities where people feel safe. Simply 573 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 574

[Caroline Flint] Stamford (Nick Boles) tells us that the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister want “chaos” in the abolishing secure tenancies and kicking new tenants out planning system, that is not what local people want. of their homes when they get a promotion or a pay rise They want a planning system that respects the wishes of would just create fear and uncertainty. It would disrupt local communities but is able to deliver the homes that family life, and it could provide a disincentive to work. are so badly needed. We on this side of the House could never support Last week, the voters of Oldham sent a very clear reforms that put a break on aspiration message to the Government about the rise in VAT, the trebling of tuition fees, the cuts to the police and the Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I fear the loss of vital community services. To those people, and right hon. Lady is overegging the pudding, given that those across the country, this Bill has nothing to say. she must surely acknowledge that in her time as Housing For the council coping with huge front-loaded cuts, and Minister she very courageously brought up the issue of facing rising costs for child protection and growing social rent tenure. She was faced with a hailstorm of demand for social care, the Localism Bill has no answers. opprobrium from her own party because of that very For the community that will see its potholes unrepaired, brave decision, and her party did nothing about the its streets unswept and its libraries shut down, the issue in 13 years in power. Localism Bill offers no help. For the councillor hoping for new jobs in their area, wishing to hold local agencies Caroline Flint: My worry was about single men and to account or wanting new affordable homes, the Localism women without dependants who were not in work, who Bill is worthless. For the resident who is worried about had not received the right training and who, often, were care for a loved one, living in fear of antisocial behaviour going from foyer projects into social housing with a or concerned about their children’s youth club closing, secure tenancy but no support to get them into work. the Localism Bill gives no assistance. For me, social housing should be a springboard into work—it should be a springboard for people to change Labour knows that localism must mean more than their lives. I find it odd that the much-vaunted proposals dismantling local services and putting blind faith in of the Minister for Housing and Local Government volunteers picking up the reins, and that localism must were all about saying that councils will check someone’s serve more than those with the loudest voices and the pay packet to see whether they have had a pay rise. deepest pockets. We are on the side of local people People may use a pay rise to improve their home, for when it comes to the issues that they really care about. example, by buying new curtains or decorating, but It is to Labour that they will look when this Bill fails to they could now face eviction. I do not understand that deliver, because they know that the Tories’ claim to approach. It is not about creating strong and stable believe in localism is a sham. Let the record show that communities; it is about stopping people realising their we urged the House to decline to give this Bill a Second aspirations and stopping the self-sufficiency of many Reading. families in future. Several hon. Members rose— The cuts to the housing budget have already dealt a hammer-blow to the hopes of hundreds of thousands of families who are trying to get their own home, and Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): As Members on the big issue of how we get more new affordable can detect, a considerable number of Members wish to homes the Bill is ominously silent. The Government attract the Chair’s eye during this debate. A limit of seem unmoved by the fact that the number of planning eight minutes has been set. Members do not have to use permissions for new homes in the last quarter of 2010 the entire eight minutes and, clearly, the time limit will was down 18% on the record low of the same period in be reviewed later on. 2009. They seem unmoved by the fact that the housing waiting list figures rose by 12% between July and September, 5.3 pm and the Secretary of State is unmoved by the fact that his proposed reforms to the planning system in this Bill Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): I shall heed could make things worse. your words, Mr Deputy Speaker. Labour would support reforms that give local people I must tell the Secretary of State that I really welcome and communities a greater say and more control over this Bill, which has been a long time coming. I listened the future of their local areas, because a fair and open to the shadow Secretary of State, and I must say that planning system that involves local people does lead to she has had a convenient memory loss—about 13 years better decision making and greater consensus about of it. She must recall that the major part of this Bill development. However, every community cannot thrive results from what her Government did to local government if the system is biased against change, and every community from 1997—they smothered it. Under her Government has to look to the future to create new homes, new local authorities suffered: a constant flow of directives; workplaces and new jobs. A planning system that is a flowing river of statutory requirements; and expensive devoid of any obligations to provide for the future, and time-consuming audits that looked at processes, rather than just to protect the present, is destined to fail. rather than outcomes. Local authorities’ staffing levels There is a danger that the reforms in this Bill, including increased, but the jobs were non-jobs or non-productive the scrapping of regional housing targets, could mean jobs created merely to meet the heavy strictures of the that the homes that this country so badly needs will Labour Government. not be built. Indeed, since this Government came to Those all added to costs; they did not add to service power local authorities have already ditched plans for provision. Related to that was the cynical manipulation 160,000 homes—that represents 1,300 homes every single of grant funding, as grant was moved from London and day. Although the hon. Member for Grantham and the south-east to Labour areas in the north. As I said to 575 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 576 the shadow Secretary of State on a previous occasion, local planning decisions. Councillors will be able to in a third big change the local grant assessment meant have opinions without risking the accusation of bias that Surrey lost £36 million year on year. The shadow and being unable to act. Secretary of State said in response that the grant had Moves on retrospective planning permissions will be risen year on year under Labour. She was right, but that welcomed, particularly in my area where we are plagued was the national grant, not the grants that were subject by Travellers abusing planning legislation. To be fair, to the selective manoeuvring up and down the country. many Travellers in my area are law-abiding people who In addition, the grant percentage increase for many fit in with our communities. A few are not. The claim by local authorities had a very low base, particularly in those few that they are a special racial minority and London and the south-east. therefore apparently beyond planning laws is sickening. Increases in council tax or grant were generally swallowed The cost to my local planning authorities of a constant by local authorities’ being required to meet Government flow of actions from those few individuals is notorious demands—demands based on centralised policies, not and outrageous. on local needs and not on needs as seen by locally I am delighted that councils will be able to return to elected councillors. I am delighted that the Bill, once the old committee system if they wish—if they wish, an enacted, will go a long way towards freeing councils to unknown thing for Labour. For many councillors, it think and act for themselves according to local needs. meant that they were able to have a say in decisions I remind those who were Communities and Local rather than feeling left on the sideline. Government Ministers in the last Government of the I shall watch the move for mayors with agnostic string of reports from the Select Committee advising interest. Success will depend on the appearance of strong and almost pleading with the Labour Government to characters to take on the task. They are around and remove layers of bureaucracy, hundreds upon hundreds always have been. I recall some from my days in local of targets and the control of minutiae. Those Ministers government, some of whom were good for their local paid homage to the reports but did nothing. areas and some of whom were not. They include David Bookbinder, Shirley Porter, Peter Bowness and, of course, Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): I served on the two Members of this House from Sheffield, one of same Committee, and my recollection is exactly the whom has just left the Chamber, the other of whom is same as my hon. Friend’s. The Ministers were indicted still here. in those reports for failing to deliver on social housing, For me and many councils, the Bill’s enactment will failing to let local communities decide and failing to be a great start for local people, returning local government give planning guidance that local communities wanted to councils and concerned local people. It is a huge and to deliver. Time and again in that Committee we heard positive start, but councils need to act fast to use the robust arguments from people who were very unhappy opportunities it presents; they should be acting now in about what they were being asked to do locally. readiness for when the Bill becomes an Act.

Sir Paul Beresford: I thank my hon. Friend for that 5.10 pm reinforcement. Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): It is The Bill reverses that and proposes the removal of always a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Mole further expensive central Government systems of data Valley (Sir Paul Beresford). He and I had some very collection, targets and inspections following the earlier interesting years together on the Select Committee on removal of comprehensive area assessments, local area Communities and Local Government in the previous agreements and the Audit Commission—I could go on. Parliament. Let me say to him in a friendly way that At last, we have a move towards diversity in the supply memory loss can be longer than 13 years and that of public services, which has already been taken on compulsory competitive tendering was hardly the positively in Surrey by councils, including the county most decentralising policy that any Government have and parish councils, by councillors and by residents brought in. groups. By instinct and philosophy I am a localist, so it gives I hope that the Government are taking radical measures me no great pleasure to say to the Secretary of State to remove the Labour Government-imposed obstacles that the Bill is a missed opportunity. I simply do not see to fair, competitive tendering. When he winds up the in the proposals a coherent philosophy telling us what debate, perhaps the Minister can comment on that localism is all about. The Select Committee is currently concern. Whether the service is provided in-house or by conducting an inquiry into localism, and I do not want a private franchise, a properly drawn-up contract, properly to pre-empt or prejudge its findings, but one thing that managed, enables better services to be provided at less a number of witnesses have regularly asked is whether cost, which is increasingly important at this time. Tendering local authorities are at the heart of localism or whether must be fair and effective and the obstacles must be they are bypassed by the Secretary of State going directly removed. to communities and ignoring elected representatives. Since 1992, Labour Ministers questioned by the The answer is that the Government do not really know Communities and Local Government Committee seemed because there is a mixture of proposals that treat localism unable to comprehend the damage caused by their and local authorities in a totally different way. top-down imposed bureaucracy, which was supported The Secretary of State was dismissive when he was by a very strong Labour local government contingent challenged about the number of order-making powers, on the Committee. of which there are 140, but it is no answer to say that It is a great relief to councils to be rid of regional there were more in previous legislation. If this is genuinely strategies, with their millions of words and tomes of a decentralising measure, why is it necessary to have all documents. At last, local councils will again be making those order-making powers and so many regulations 577 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 578

[Mr Clive Betts] What will happen ultimately? The Government say that their policy is to build more homes than we were about how local authorities should exercise scrutiny? before the recession. They have obligations on renewable There might be elements of genuinely good policy in energy and ensuring that wind farms are developed to neighbourhood planning, the community right to challenge meet them, but what will happen if the sum total of all and in dealing with community assets, but why is there those local decisions is that fewer homes are built and so much prescription from the Secretary of State and not enough wind turbines are built to meet our renewables Ministers about how local authorities may use their new obligations? What is their fall-back position? Is it that powers? Why can we not allow local authorities to get at that point the Secretary of State will intervene, or is it on with the policy within a general broad framework? I that they will accept the sum total of local will across am disappointed that we have not taken further local the country and fall down on their national house-building authority involvement in the remits of the Departments targets and their renewables obligations? What is the of Health and Work and Pensions—those are genuine Government’s position? I have not heard a coherent missed opportunities. explanation of it. I welcome some aspects of the Bill, such as the power of general competence, although I wish we had set it Toby Perkins: It was a tremendous privilege to be a more clearly in a new constitutional settlement for local member of the Select Committee alongside my hon. government—we will come back to that in due course. I Friend for a short time. During one of its meetings that am concerned about the Secretary of State’s power I attended, a number of witnesses expressed different to revoke any council’s ability to do anything it wants to views on the strength or otherwise of regional spatial do under the power. I am pleased about the reforms to strategies, but every one of them, to a man, agreed that the housing revenue account, but concerns have been the proposals being produced by this Government would expressed that local authorities will not be able to keep lead to fewer houses being built, not more. all their right-to-buy receipts and that extra borrowing controls beyond prudential borrowing controls will be Mr Betts: Ultimately, the test will be whether the imposed on them. I do not think those measures are policy works. My question is this: if the policy does not particularly localist or decentralising. work, what is the Government’s fall-back position? The I welcome the transfer of powers from the Infrastructure Bill includes a duty on local authorities to co-operate Planning Commission so that it will be elected politicians on a range of issues, and it is important that they do so, who eventually sign off decisions on major infrastructure because many of those decisions will have an impact projects. I argued for that when I was on the Government beyond the boundaries of an individual authority. What Benches in a previous Parliament. I am pleased that will happen if local authorities do not co-operate? The local authorities will be able to return to local committee Bill is vague about what will happen in that case. systems if that is what they want, but why can a local authority with a committee system not have the same I have mentioned that local authorities stand at the devolved powers as an elected mayor? Why does the heart of localism. I believe in elective, representative devolution of those powers depend on which system of democracy, so I do not understand why it is necessary governance the local authority chooses? That is not a for the Bill to spell out what the Secretary of State particularly localist measure. thinks is a proper increase in council tax and for there to be the power to have a referendum in such cases. Angie Bray: Does the hon. Gentleman also welcome Rather than a referendum on whether local authorities the abolition of the Standards Board for England? should cut services, there can be only a one-way referendum Under that dreadful, anti-democratic device, which was if a Secretary of State thinks that a council tax increase brought in by the previous Labour Government, all might be excessive, as defined by him. Why can we not sorts of decent, hard-working local councillors were just leave it up to elected local representatives to make always under the threat of petty allegations being made, such decisions? I continually refused to vote for the often for partisan reasons, undermining local authorities. previous Government’s proposals on capping council tax because I did not think that they were right either. Mr Betts: There was a problem with the initial design of the board, but it was subsequently reformed and now Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): Will the works an awful lot better. My concern is that if a local hon. Gentleman give way? authority chooses not to have one, there will be nothing between the action of pulling a local councillor up and Mr Betts: I will not give way again, because many questioning their actions in some way and taking criminal other Members wish to speak. action against them for failing to deal properly with an issue in relation to which they have a registered interest. As for local democracy and decisions being taken at There could be a real problem there with a void in the local level, why is it necessary for the Secretary of State system. to take a raft of powers relating to shadow elected I have other real concerns. The Government are mayors? Why can we not leave it to local people or embarking on a fundamental change to the planning councils to hold a referendum so that local communities system in this country, which Government Members can decide whether they want an elected mayor? Why cheered because that is what they believe in. With must the Secretary of State take powers to bring in regard to the abolition of the regional spatial strategy shadow elected mayors? The proposals do not seem and the development of neighbourhood plans, my concern very localist or democratic. is that change of this kind brings uncertainty and, to an On the reform of council housing, I am not against extent, a lack of clarity, and that it could bring delays different forms of tenure. I believe that they have a and, potentially, unintended consequences. place, but if the proposals on flexible tenure are put 579 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 580 together with the 50% cut in funding for social housing— have been moved from his current brief to a different that is the Government’s policy—the only social houses Department because he spoke about something in which that will be built, after those that the previous Government he had, potentially, a quasi-judicial interest? committed to, will be those built on flexible tenure at rents related to market rent levels. The Government Simon Hughes: Tempting, but completely irrelevant are thereby effectively ending the provision of any new to the Bill. I will talk to the right hon. Gentleman about social housing as we know it in this country, and I that on another occasion. cannot agree with that. By all means let us have additional The Bill has six substantive parts and one additional forms of tenure, but not at the expense of removing part which is about EU fines, a slightly esoteric subject altogether the existing forms of social housing tenure about which I know there is controversy. I shall deal for new build. briefly with what seem to me to be the good things and I know that other Members wish to speak, so I will make the occasional plea for the Government to go conclude. I regret that the Bill does not really deliver on further. a holistic localism agenda. It is a missed opportunity. On local government, the power of general competence There is no coherent philosophy. It is very unclear is welcome, but I hope the siren voices suggesting that whether local councils are at the heart of the process there should be frequent exceptions are resisted. We or the Secretary of State, bypassing local councils on a need to make sure, as I have heard the Secretary of State range of measures and imposing the way localism operates say, that we give councils the power to act except when locally, which is wholly contrary to the meaning of the the law says they cannot. That is what the measure word. should be about. Getting rid of the Standards Board is popular and right. Introducing a better system for 5.19 pm making public how senior pay is decided will raise Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) confidence among local communities. The right of councils (LD): This debate is extremely important. For those of to choose their own committee structure is welcome: many us who stood on an election manifesto of more power councils will want to go back to a committee system to for local people, this is an important and welcome day. I involve their back benchers more. Making sure that say to the Secretary of State and his colleagues that councillors play a full part is especially welcome. people throughout England and many local councillors One thing in this regard about which we on the and council officers will be grateful for the Bill. Liberal Democrat Benches have some concern is the Over the past 13 years central Government held on to shadow elected mayor proposal. I know what the coalition far too much local power. As I listened to the speech by agreement says and I know that the coalition is committed the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), to holding a referendum in the 12 largest cities outside I recalled that her leader said in his conference speech: London. I am not dissenting from that, but we ought to “Weneed...local democracy free of the constraints we have allow those cities to have that debate and then, if they placed on it in the past and free of an attitude which has looked vote for directly elected mayors, so be it. There are down its nose at local government.” arguments on both sides. If she and the Labour party are now signed up to that, On local government finance, the Government are that is welcome. It is a conversion because it is not what starting down the right road. I welcome the fact that was happening when I was sitting on the Opposition there is to be a much greater power of discretionary Benches and she and her colleagues were sitting on the relief for businesses, and a new power for small businesses. Government Benches. Those are important matters. The big change has not One of the tests is whether there is confidence in local yet happened and is far too controversial to be hidden government, and whether people think local councils away in such a Bill, but eventually I hope we will come have powers. The signs, as she and House know, have to a much better form of local government finance not been good on those indicators. People feel that they generally. The Secretary of State knows that my colleagues have had less power, not more, and less influence, not and I believe that something like local income tax and, more. Confidence in local government has dropped in for land, something like site value rating, will be a much the past decade, rather than risen. One of the tests for fairer system. I realise that that is too much to bite off me will be whether, by the time the Bill has passed and chew in the first Bill, but progress is being made in through both Houses and been amended to improve it, the right direction. confidence in local government is improved. I agree with the hon. Member for Mole Valley Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): Will the right (Sir Paul Beresford) that one of the welcome small but hon. Gentleman give way? important changes is that local councillors will in future be able to vote and speak on the things that matter most Simon Hughes: One more time, then I will press on to to their electorate. It was always nonsense that they had the end. to say they were disbarred from speaking on the planning application round the corner in the middle of their Mr Carswell: I do not wish to intrude on that celebration ward. We can speak, as we should do, on local matters, of the Bill’s sound localist credentials, but might the Bill and they should be allowed to speak on local matters be more effective—and offer more real localism, rather too. than lip service to it—if it offered to devolve control over revenue, something that has been Lib Dem policy Mr Raynsford: It is an interesting principle that the for many years? Does my right hon. Friend not agree right hon. Gentleman has enunciated. Can he tell the that the Bill should disperse power over local government House whether he believes that his colleague, the Secretary finance to the same extent that it does the power over of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, should planning? 581 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 582

Simon Hughes: I of course support my party’s position, the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and which we will say something further about this year, Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for but, having spoken to Ministers, I know that during this Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), but, respectfully, period of government the plan is for a much larger I do not think that it was a persuasive one. We have to transfer of powers for councils to raise and spend their balance the developers’ power, influence and money own money. To put it bluntly, the Government could with the community, and at the moment there is not a have not dealt with that in a year, but it is on their balanced appeal system. agenda and they are starting the reform of local government On housing, the deadline for responses to the finance. I welcome their commitment to that, although Government’s consultation paper was a minute or two we cannot do it yet. When we do it, we have to get it ago. The Housing Minister will have had my response right—and be radical about it as well. and, as he can imagine, it was robust and clear and I welcome the really important part of the Bill, on committed to the continuation of the maximum amount community empowerment. I am really pleased that, for of social housing in my constituency and throughout example, the community will have the chance to say, the country. It is really clear to me that we must get “We want to keep this shop, or this pub, or this other those housing provisions right. I understand and respect community facility.” It is really important that the the argument for localism, but it has to be localism community will be able to say, “We don’t want that parade within parameters guaranteeing that we build and increase to end up all off licences or betting shops. We want the number of social homes, and at prices that people there to be a greengrocer, a fishmonger or a baker.” To can afford. I will reserve my comments on the detail, be able to be involved in the process is really important. because we will have other opportunities for that, but It is important that we build up the real engagement of we absolutely need to deal with the queue of people people locally in the planning process, and I welcome who are not being adequately housed. the moves to do that. I welcome the London provisions, which are very gratefully received by those of us in London. Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): Will my right hon. Friend give way? I shall end with two points. Do the Government envisage that someone will have the job of promoting Simon Hughes: No, I will not, only because we have local democracy, given that it is being taken away from so many constraints on time—understandably. local councils? We need to encourage people to participate and not to reduce participation. Lastly, this might sound It is important that in the end decisions are taken an esoteric point on which to end, but we have to do accountably. There is a danger, which the Secretary of away with the nonsense whereby, because of different State is aware of, but we must not allow local decisions rules, people can be charged ridiculous amounts for to be hijacked by a vocal minority with the qualities, burial if they have moved from the place where they the education or the ability and time to run their own originally come from. There are little things to improve, campaign. We have to make sure that decisions are but it is a good Bill, and I hope that it is even further taken on behalf of the whole community and not the improved in the next few months. vested interests. Sometimes the nimby argument can prevail over the right one and we have to ensure that that danger is resisted. 5.30 pm I welcome the community infrastructure levy, and I shall seek clarification in the winding-up speeches on Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): whether it gives the local authority the full freedom to I start by drawing attention to my interests as declared spend the money on, for example, the housing estate in the register. next door to the planning application site, either to do it I endorse the view expressed by the right hon. Member up or to build more housing. There ought to be maximum for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) freedom. about the importance of localism being matched by I also welcome the abolition of the Infrastructure provisions that ensure that overarching, overriding national Planning Commission and the return to a planning priorities are met. He made that comment in the context system whereby the ultimate decision will be taken by a of housing, but it applies even more widely. That should Minister accountable to Parliament. In Greater London be the basis of localism, to which almost all of us we have just had our consultation deadline for responses subscribe as a concept, but it must not lead to national to the Thames tunnel sewer, and there is a huge proposed responsibility for crucial services and to people’s needs mains sewer site in my constituency. We are perfectly being ignored. happy to go through the consultation, but I have argued The first question that the Government should be very strongly that the final decision on the planning asking is why the Bill, which ought to command widespread application for such a major scheme should be taken by support because the principle of localism is widely someone accountable to Parliament and not by a body supported, has generated such a tide of concern and accountable to no one. suspicion. Having read through the large number of I welcome the fact that national planning statements submissions that I and, no doubt, other Members have will be revised, and I welcome the community right to received in advance of today’s debate, I found the absence buy. That is a very important additional power, which I of any papers giving unqualified support to the provisions am sure will be very well used. My little request to go very telling. The tone was very much “Yes, but”, and further was reflected in the comments of my hon. that applied to a striking number of them. The more Friend the Member for Colchester (Bob Russell): I one dug down into them, the more one realised just how think there is a good case for what has come to be called serious and extensive were the buts—the concerns and the third-party right of appeal. I heard the answer from objections that were raised. 583 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 584

How have the Government got themselves into this commitment to neighbourhood decision making, or to position? They have done so partly through their own devolution to a local authority or, in London, to the actions, as we highlighted earlier in Question Time and Mayor, but what happens if those bodies come into in other contexts. The Secretary of State and his Ministers conflict? What happens if the Mayor pursues an objective might like to proclaim the virtues of localism, but they with which the borough council or the local neighbourhood find it very hard to remain virtuous and wade into any does not agree? There is the added problem that in areas debate when they see the opportunity. Like St Augustine, without parish councils the neighbourhood forum that the Secretary of State says “Let me be localist, but not may come into existence under the Bill will not have a yet” when a local authority makes provision for refuse recognised form of democratic accountability. Who will collection that he does not agree with, pays its officers prevail when there is a conflict between the various more than he believes they should be paid, makes bodies? arrangements for parking charges that he does not Clauses 168 and 169 will allow the Mayor of London agree with, or issues a newsletter—or fails to do so. The to designate any area in London as a mayoral development Housing Minister became involved in Liverpool city corporation, which will take over the local authority’s council’s decision to demolish a terraced house once planning powers. Let us imagine that the Mayor of briefly occupied by Ringo Starr. All those decisions are London changes—an election will be held next year. clearly about local issues and should be taken locally, What if the new Mayor is not from the party of the and Ministers should have a self-denying ordinance to Government? He might look at house building performance keep quiet about them. If they did, they would be taken in Bromley, for example, and decide that not enough more seriously as advocates of localism. homes are being built there. He might say, “I see some interesting powers in the legislation and I propose to set Mr Carswell: Does the right hon. Gentleman draw a up a mayoral development corporation in Bromley to distinction between someone expressing an opinion on get more homes built there.” Under the provisions of what an outcome should be and micro-managing through the Bill, with which Ministers will be familiar, the statutory instruments what it should be? Mayor has to consult on his proposals, but he does not have to act on the views of the consultees if he does not Mr Raynsford: As the hon. Gentleman will realise if agree with them. In the consultation, he would no he reflects on this, there is a continuum that makes it doubt hear screams of protest from Bromley council difficult to identify where one stops expressing an opinion and the residents, but he would also hear many people and where one tries to produce an outcome that one is in London saying that they want more homes and that advocating. Front Benchers should remember that they he should do his utmost to build them. What would have responsibilities and that their comments are often happen if the Mayor presented a request to the Government interpreted as a wish to see an outcome. to bring in an order to give effect to a mayoral development The drafting of the Bill is very unhelpful to the Ministers’ corporation in Bromley? As I read the Bill—I challenge cause of trying to win support for it. I challenge anyone, Ministers to tell me if I am wrong—the Under-Secretary even the most experienced parliamentarian, to have an of State for Communities and Local Government, the easy evening’s read if they try to wade through its countless hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert clauses and schedules. Its drafting—overwhelmingly by Neill), would face the delightful proposition of enacting way of amendment to other legislation, and with the the order, because the Bill says that the Secretary of absence of detailed provision in many of its clauses, State must act on any such request from the Mayor, which, we are told, will be supplemented by regulations— even if the local council and the local neighbourhood makes it difficult to have a full feel for what exactly the do not like it. Government intend. We understand their aspiration, That brings us back to the tension between competing but what will be the detailed implications? That is far views of localism, on which, I am afraid, the Bill is from clear, and inevitably lots of suspicions abound entirely silent. If I was a Minister, I would not want to that while their intentions may be good the outcomes be tied to introducing something on the say so of a will not be. mayor who might have very different objectives from Whether we are talking about how neighbourhood those of the Government. plans will be shaped or how the new insecure tenancies Some provisions in the Bill, such as that one, are that the Government are imposing on social housing slightly bonkers, but others are seriously damaging. The will operate, we do not know the full implications housing and planning provisions will destabilise the because no provisions have been published or, in the planning and housing process at a time when, above all, latter case, because the consultation concluded only we need confidence and certainty to get the new homes today, so of course we do not know what the details will that we need. The housing market was badly hit by the be. That suggests a Bill put together in a hurry, without recession and recovered strongly in early 2010, but the adequate consultation or proper consideration of some Government’s maladroit and unlawful interference in of its provisions. If ever a measure cried out for pre- the planning system has undermined that confidence. legislative scrutiny, this is it. It is a tragedy that it is The market is now tottering along on the bottom, there being rushed through without proper consideration of is no confidence, and millions of people know that the its detailed implications and of how the Government’s prospects of getting a decent home at a price within good localist intentions—I give them that—will work in their means are terribly short. The Bill’s ill-considered practice. and untested changes to the planning regime will make The lack of certainty over the Government’s plans an already bad situation worse. and over the effect of the Bill is obvious throughout. On The unwanted changes to social tenancies and the the theme of localism itself, the Government have put weakening of protection for homeless people are an emphasis on neighbourhoods. That might imply a misconceived and should be opposed. Before the election, 585 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 586

[Mr Raynsford] daily that that is not true. The shadow Secretary of State made exactly that point when she talked about the Conservative party pretended that it had no plan to meeting parish councils. What we observe, and what I introduce those measures, and the Liberal Democrats daily observe in Cumbria, is that communities should would have denounced the idea of introducing them as be allowed to carry out neighbourhood planning because part of a coalition. they care enormously about their neighbourhood. If someone sends their child to try to find a house The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant and they cannot, it motivates them to seek affordable Shapps): Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? housing. That is concretely illustrated in Crosby Ravensworth, where the community is building its own Mr Raynsford: I have only 10 seconds, as the right affordable housing. Those people are not nimbys trying hon. Gentleman knows. I have time to say only that the to obstruct building—they are doing it themselves. I see Bill is riddled with anomalies. It is a rag-bag of ill- the same happening in Kirkby Stephen, where people considered— are getting together to do all the things that planners think they can do with their knowledge of heritage, Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I call Rory Stewart. economics and development. The community is doing them in a much more sophisticated and integrated fashion that is linked to the local area. The people 5.39 pm involved are in the area, so they know things that people Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): This in Penrith, Carlisle or London do not. Despite all the debate is an example of why changes such as those in rhetoric, I do not feel that such communities are ignorant the Bill are so difficult. All the arguments that Labour or ill-informed, and they do not ignore local connections. Members are making—all the “Yes, buts” we have just Why, then, are we pushing ahead with neighbourhood heard—show that we live in a strange world. Many planning, reforms to home building and the community Labour Members have said how much they support right to buy? It is partly because, in my area, communities initiatives such as those in the Bill, but the obstacles show that they can always go further than the Government that they are mentioning show why, for 13 years, despite think. It happens everywhere I go. In Alston, the community their best instincts, they were unable to introduce them. has just taken over a snow plough and there is a A fundamental problem faces Members of all parties— community ambulance. Those were not things that it the difference between the expert, with all the “Yes, was allowed to do—it had to fight to do them. That buts” and ideas, and the reality on the ground. There goes all the way through to smaller things. For instance, seems to be a fundamental gap in our culture between we had this country’s first community buy-out of a pub. rhetoric and reality. I experienced it myself every day in The communities in my 110 parishes are organising Afghanistan, where I heard people say, “We are committed themselves. to a gender-sensitive, multi-ethnic, centralised state based Most ambitiously, those communities are looking to on democracy, human rights and the rule of law”, the future and to the most difficult issue I can think whereas in fact 98% of Afghan women cannot yet read of—broadband. One might think that communities and or write. Such disjuncture characterises life, whether decentralisation had nothing to do with that, and it abroad or locally, and we experience it every day. seems like a nightmare for a community to address. This is not, however, a question of theory. Despite There are legal, technical, state aid, engineering and our best intentions and protestations, we daily encounter landscape issues to consider, which is why for the past waste and situations in which we achieve exactly the 20 years—it was not just under the previous Government— reverse of what we intended and in which local communities such infrastructure projects have been conducted in an are prevented from doing perfectly sensible things. To extremely expensive, slow fashion through semi-monopoly put it in pompous, philosophical language, those are providers that have consistently failed to provide for my problems of power, knowledge, will and legitimacy. community. However, the community knows more. It That is why the Minister of State, my right hon. Friend maps every cabinet and exchange from Leith to Lyvennet. the Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), is to be It cares more. It puts the transmitters up on the churches. congratulated. At the moment, we have a culture not It can do more and do it more imaginatively—it gets just of experts but of soundbites, and my right hon. people online and pilots new forms of services. By Friend has put 10 or 12 years of focused thought into doing so, the community achieves something that nobody the Bill. would have thought possible. We could talk about many matters, and Members That does not happen without Government support. have mentioned some of them, such as the good moves Some Government money is needed, but probably about we have made in relation to councils, but I wish to focus a 10th as much as would be necessary if the community on parishes and communities, the hidden strata on did not lead the process. Without the community leading which people do not necessarily focus, perhaps because the process, the project I am talking about would probably they are seen as old-fashioned. In the context of a rural cost £1.5 million of taxpayers’ money, but with the community, however, they are vital. community in the lead, it could probably be done for From the point of view of the expert, the parish £500,000. appears to lack knowledge, power and legitimacy. There Communities can do other things because of their is an idea that we should not have a community right to legitimacy. We associate knowledge, power and will buy, that we should not introduce neighbourhood plans with them, but legitimacy is vital. To take the broadband and that we should not allow such localism in the Bill, example, the community’s legitimacy allows it to ask because communities do not know what is best for people in the parish, “Will you allow us please to put a them. Of course, as Members of Parliament, we all see transmitter on the top of the church? Will you dig from 587 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 588 your house to the M6 cable network? Will you contribute Joan Walley: It was a regional spatial strategy that money?” The community can ask every farmer, for could have safeguarded the regeneration that Stoke-on-Trent example, in the district of Crosby Ravensworth, “Will needs in its inner-urban areas. you waive the wayleaves to build a community network As a Unison member, I have grave concerns about the that the community will own?” community right to challenge. I am anxious that it This is a strange time and place because all hon. could lead to privatisation by the back door. As the Bill Members believe in that decentralisation, whether we goes through the House, questions will need to be call it localism, hyper-localism or double hyper-localism, asked, including about the criteria in regulations for but we are obstructed by our anxieties about power, rejecting an expression of interest. Without the regulations, knowledge and legitimacy. Let us remember the basic however, it is difficult to know how that will be taken instinct and work together. We should support the Bill forward. Given the complexity of EU law, how will the because we know that communities know and care Secretary of State ensure that procurement processes more, and that they can and ought to do more than result in community organisations winning contracts distant officials in Penrith, Carlisle, London or Brussels. rather than the major companies, such as Serco and Capita, that have done so much to take over local government services? 5.47 pm There are also issues about a community’s access to Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): I absolutely quality advice. Yes, neighbourhood planning sounds agree with the hon. Member for Penrith and The Border wonderful, but because of cuts organisations such as (Rory Stewart) that we want people who really care Urban Vision in Stoke-on-Trent are losing their funding. about their neighbourhoods in local government. We Communities must have access to legal planning law. need legislation that allows them to continue to do what Where will funding for these services come from? My is best for their communities, but my concern is that as right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich wonderful as localism sounds—like motherhood and referred to pre-legislative scrutiny, but the Backbench apple pie—by giving competence to local councils but Business Committee is considering new ways of using not resources, know-how and capacity, we are saying to the House’s procedures. For example, Select Committees, local people that they can go ahead and get elected in including the Communities and Local Government May this year, but they will be unable to do what they Committee and the Environmental Audit Committee, set out to do. For that reason, I have great concerns that of which I am a member, can consider ways of influencing this huge Bill, which has not been subject to proper a Bill as it goes through the House. The Bill makes pre-legislative scrutiny, as my right hon. Friend the no absolute reference to sustainable development, so Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) how will its hotch-potch provisions link with and tackle said, will end up as hotch-potch, sham legislation. We concerns about the climate change agenda and the want to encourage citizenship and encourage people to zero-carbon societies that we need to be building? Will match at local level the vision of the UK Government the Minister set out the sustainable development issues? and Parliament. How can we ensure that opportunities for proper climate chance policies are co-ordinated? George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): The hon. Lady I have a private Member’s Bill proposing a code for mentions citizenship? What is citizenship if it is not sustainable food, but because of the way in which the encouraging people to take responsibility for their lives? House works I will not be able to speak to it on the Floor of the House. A local referendum might well Joan Walley: Citizenship is absolutely about encouraging enable councils to consider ways to ensure that when people to take responsibility for their lives and training food purchased using taxpayers’ money is served in the them to do that, but we must also recognise that they public sector—for example, in hospitals and old people’s need resources. homes—those involved abide by certain standards. As On the Bill’s provisions relating to elected mayors, my this Bill proceeds, will the Government consider ways of advice to local areas is: do not touch them with a barge ensuring that private Members’ Bills can be secured poll. The experience in Stoke-on-Trent is that elected through referendums? mayors—this also relates to citizenship—undermine the There are many concerns about the Bill. We had position of local councillors. reference earlier to people saying, “Yes, but”. It seems On social housing, many years ago, I was honoured to me that many national organisations are going along to be at the launch of Crisis. I refer the House to its with the principles of the Bill because they want to be concerns that the Bill might well weaken housing choices involved, and not be ostracised by the Government, but and security for some homeless people. It is important in private they have major concerns about local capacity. that we get that right. I urge the Government to consider ways of ensuring I am concerned about the proposals to abolish the that we end up not with a sham Bill, but with something regional spatial strategies. It would be a great disservice that will encourage local people to stand as local councillors to Stoke-on-Trent if it ended up with development on and ensure that, when they do, they can make a difference greenfield land without being able to develop, first and in their areas. foremost and in a sequential way, the brownfield sites. Several hon. Members rose— We need to make those sites a key priority in regeneration. Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Despite the fact that I am Dan Byles: It was a regional spatial strategy that reducing the time limit to five minutes plus two interventions forced building on to green belt land in my constituency at a minute each—seven minutes—not every Member by putting a ridiculously large number of houses into will be able to catch my eye, I am afraid. I apologise in the plan. advance. 589 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 590

5.54 pm introduction of 12 new elected mayors. I have been a long-time supporter of elected mayors, believing that John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con): I am grateful for the they bring to local government visible leadership, opportunity to speak in this extremely important debate. accountability and transparency—people know who is The Bill is undoubtedly one of the coalition Government’s in charge and, in many respects, it is the modern way of flagship policies. doing things. In many respects, the Bill is long overdue and a badly I fully support the Bill. However, I will be interested needed piece of legislation. I think that all Government to see what the Government do when it settles. Will they Members accept that the balance of power between introduce and transfer more power to local authorities? local and central Government has been out of kilter for I hope so. I am also encouraged that the Government many years and clearly needs to be redressed. Over the are looking at how we fund local government, because years, central Government has become rather suspicious that is critical to the future independence of local of local government, seeing it as incompetent and rather government. I would encourage, where possible, the ineffective—many in the Chamber who have been involved transfer back to local authorities of responsibility for in local government will recognise that situation. Indeed, business rates. One good reason for that is that if over the past 30 years, Whitehall involvement in local businesses are paying rates to a local authority, they will government has amounted almost to the art of looking have a stake in that local community and the decisions for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it wrongly made by that local authority, and they will engage more. and applying unsuitable remedies. I hope that the Bill Currently, many businesses take an ambivalent view of will start to change that. what goes on in local government, which is not good for Local government was not necessarily loved in the communities. ‘80s and ‘90s, but it did function properly. Over the past My final point is probably almost as important as the 13 years, however, it has been taken to a completely Bill itself: there has to be a culture change. There has to different level: the town hall has effectively become a be a culture change in central Government whereby department of Whitehall and part of the apparatus of they accept that different parts of the country will make the state. We have had targets, ring fencing, regulation different decisions about different topics. They have to and a “Whitehall knows best” attitude: “You’ll only do accept that even though they might not like it. However, it one way, and that is our way”. As a consequence, we there also has to be a culture change in local government: now have weak local government; it is seen as irrelevant it has to take on responsibility to embrace these powers by many people. We have non-participation in elections, and build its own communities in the way that it wants. a lack of involvement, poor decision making and, in However, I fully support the Bill. It is a great work in many respects, fear of actually making a decision. progress, and I look forward to supporting it through Redressing that imbalance is hugely important. its later stages. Reform, however, is about not just about creating new powers or shifting old ones, but repeal, which is 6pm why I welcome the abolition of the Northwest Regional Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): Development Agency, the other regional development I am grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution agencies and regional government, and the scrapping to the debate. I would like to focus on three elements: of regional strategies, the bin tax and so on. That is all first, my concerns regarding the impact of the devastating very welcome. I spoke at a conference this weekend with cuts to local government in the recent financial settlement, about 100 parish councillors, whose responses to the which I believe do not correlate with the Government’s introduction of the Bill were interesting to hear. They professed desire for localism and giving more power to were enthusiastic, receptive and encouraged by the local people; secondly, the arrangements in the Bill for proposals, which demonstrated that people want to be directly elected mayors in 12 major English cities, including involved and to take responsibility. my own city of Birmingham; and thirdly, the provisions in relation to housing. Rory Stewart: As a fellow Cumbrian Member of I support the principle of giving people a greater say Parliament, will my hon. Friend please join us in supporting in how their communities and services are run, but that the community buy-out of the Penrith cinema, which is has to take place in tandem with two things: fairly a great example of localism? funded local authorities, and thereby fairly funded local services; and investment in the capacity and skills of John Stevenson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right; it local people to enable them to take control regardless of is a demonstration of localism. Indeed, I was lobbied their social background. Through the Bill, the Government about that very topic at the weekend. I will certainly try to talk a good game. However, it comes at a time give it my support. when the Government at the centre have made a choice, I am sure that hon. Members will refer this evening to giving local authorities a devastating financial settlement many different aspects of the Bill, but I will touch on that was far worse than expected, with the worst cuts for just one or two. First, we have governance and the a generation. general power of competence, which has already been The Government seem to think that merely by saying alluded to, and which is an opportunity for authorities that they are committed to localism, and by repeating to be radical and innovative. I believe also that the their lines in support of local people taking control at referendums on council tax will have a restraining influence local level, that somehow, as if by magic, true localism on the excesses of some councils, although they will not will emerge. However, without a fair settlement for local prevent councils with a popular mandate from taking government, no such localism can emerge. The Bill on a project and proceeding, even if they need a referendum seems to give a huge amount with one hand, but the to support it. Also important in my view is the potential Government, through the financial choices that they 591 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 592 have made, are taking a lot more away with the other. rather than having one imposed from the centre by the The simple truth is that localism cannot deliver for local Secretary of State, subject to later endorsement. Where, people if all the decisions being made at local level are may I ask, is the localism in that? If the Secretary of focused on implementing centrally-imposed cuts that State truly trusted local people to exercise their own are going too far and are too deep. judgment about what is right for their area, he would not choose this path. Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) Earlier, the Secretary of State was asked about his (Con): Does the hon. Lady not recall that it was the motive for introducing shadow mayors. He said that it former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in the previous was so that people could get ready for having a mayor. Labour Government, who left a letter that said there People are not stupid. They do not need a practice run was no money left? dictated to them by the Secretary of State. Let them make their decision and simply get on with it. I am Shabana Mahmood: I am afraid that that is a rather poor concerned that the shadow arrangements—making the attempt at hiding the deep unfairness of the settlement leader of the local authority in the 12 cities the shadow imposed on local government by this Government. mayor—will create a systemic bias in favour of the shadow That was a choice that could have been made differently, mayor, and will make it more difficult for people from but was not. all walks of life to put themselves forward for mayorship. That creates an imbalance in favour of the shadow Toby Perkins: On the basis of what the hon. Member mayor and, regardless of whether that individual is a for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport (Oliver Colvile) Labour, Tory or Liberal Democrat councillor, the principle has just said, is it not surprising that a council such as is not sound and is anti-democratic. Dorset should have a rise this year, when most councils The Bill also makes a number of changes to the in the most deprived areas have seen massive cuts? duties of local authorities in relation to housing. Every If the problem is a lack of money, why is it that the single week since I was elected in May, I have met authorities that are most able to bear that burden are constituents at my advice surgeries who are desperate the ones that are better off under this Government? for housing: people who are on the waiting list for social housing; people who have been waiting many years for Shabana Mahmood: I agree with my hon. Friend a transfer to more suitable social housing accommodation; entirely, and I was just coming to that point. people on the verge of being made homeless; and young I fear that it is the cuts that will define the future people despairing of ever getting on to the social housing shape, life chances and success, or lack thereof, of ladder. I am therefore reminded every week of the Birmingham residents, not the Localism Bill. The urgent need to increase the stock of social and affordable provisional local government settlement for Birmingham housing. was a confirmation of the worst-case scenario. Birmingham Given that, I wish to make two points about the has to make savings of approximately £170 million current changes. First, the changes to the current system pounds in the next two years, and is one of the hardest are not taking place in isolation. They are doing so with hit local authorities. In fact, “one of the hardest hit” is a huge changes to housing benefit rules, and therefore depressing and hideous phrase that the people of councils and social landlords will be under huge pressure. Birmingham are having to get used to, after being one I am not convinced that the changes introduced in the of the hardest hit areas in the police settlement. Bill will do anything to alleviate that pressure. The The sheer size of the cuts in Birmingham will prevent proposals will have to be looked at carefully in Committee. the people of Birmingham from getting the most out of Secondly, the real challenge is to ensure that more the localism agenda. More affluent areas, which have homes are being built. I am alarmed at the reduction in perversely done better out of the local government funding for new social homes, and the warnings and financial settlement, have greater scope to gain more figures from various groups involved in building homes. from localism. I fear a prevailing culture where those Research recently published by the National Housing with the deepest pockets will be more able to make Federation shows that, since the general election, local themselves heard. If the Government truly want localism authorities have ditched plans for 160,000 new homes. to be a success, and want strong local communities up It believes that, once the homes that Labour started and down the country, they first need to revisit the building are complete, no new social homes will be built unfair settlement for local government. Anything less for the next five years. That would be a complete than that is a hollow and unworkable localism, which disaster and I suggest that that should be looked at will not deliver for every community. urgently. No amount of changes to the current system The Bill also creates arrangements for directly elected can compensate for the lack of available social and mayors in 12 major English cities, including Birmingham. affordable homes. Getting to grips with that should be I am in favour of giving local people a choice as to the priority at this stage. whether they want a directly elected mayor for their In conclusion, the Bill has promised much, but the area. An elected mayor could offer highly effective local scale of the cuts being imposed on local government, leadership, and I supported the introduction of this and the deficiencies in some of the Bill’s proposals, will model of local government when it was introduced by mean that it delivers very little. the Labour Government. However, I am against imposition. The Bill imposes a shadow mayor on the people of 6.7 pm Birmingham, subject to a confirmatory referendum. That aspect needs to be considered again. The people of Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): I am pleased to be Birmingham are quite capable of deciding for themselves able to speak in the debate, although I have been whether they want to have a directly elected mayor, somewhat taken aback by some of the comments from 593 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 594

[Stuart Andrew] resulted in not only the brownfield sites in our communities being built on, but a significant threat to the greenfield the Opposition, particularly on the need for savings in sites. Time and again, developers came forward with local government. The collective amnesia about why the plans for more building. In recent years, permission has savings are needed in the first place is one thing, but been granted for thousands of new homes in Guiseley, there is also the complete hypocrisy, when it was the but little investment has been made in the infrastructure previous Labour Government who reduced millions to cope with so many new residents. and millions of pounds of neighbourhood renewal funding to Leeds, which has some of the most deprived wards in the country, yet continued to give millions of Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Does pounds to Sedgefield—surprise, surprise. my hon. Friend agree that the previous Government’s push to allow greenfield sites to be used for housing For far too long, we have lived in a system that fails to completely undermined the regeneration in cities such trust people to get on with their own lives and to run as Leeds? their own lives. Instead, communities up and down our country have had diktats from on high telling them what is best. The Bill is a landmark piece of legislation Stuart Andrew: That is an incredibly valid point. I that will, at last, enable a fundamental shift of power shall say more in a moment about the problems experienced from Westminster to local people. Having been a local by the city of Leeds. councillor for about seven years—maybe not as long as some of my colleagues—I know how frustrating it has Toby Perkins: Does the hon. Gentleman believe that been to realise that so little power is given to the local fewer houses will be built in his constituency as a result council and councillors, because they have had to adhere of the abolition of the regional spatial strategies, and, if to the legislation that has come from this place. so, does he think that that is a good thing? The one area that I am particularly interested in, and which I would like to talk about, is planning and housing targets. I am sure that many constituencies Stuart Andrew: We will have the number of houses have suffered because of the top-down targets that have that we can cope with. In Leeds, we recognised that been imposed on them. Time and again, when local certain areas needed more social housing, and the local people in my constituency are given the opportunity to council increased its target from 25% to 35% of all new ask what issues concern them most, the overwhelming houses being social housing. That showed that local response is always overdevelopment, and there is little people could respond better to local needs, and that is wonder why. Many of the towns that make up my what is important about the Bill. constituency of Pudsey were once mill towns and factory All the problems that we have experienced have pitted towns. Sadly, those industries have gone, as have companies residents against developers, leaving the residents feeling such as Silver Cross and Greenwoods and, over the powerless to plan the direction of the towns and villages years, the industry in those areas has been replaced by that they know so well. The recognition of this fact at residential estates. the heart of the Bill is precisely why I welcome it so Of course brownfield development is a good thing, much. At long last, the Government here in Westminster but the two specific problems that these areas suffered recognise that local people are best placed to understand as a result were top-down targets for density, which saw the needs of their towns, as well as the impact of any small houses being built on large sites, and the huge developments on their communities. Trusting and housing targets contained in the regional spatial strategy empowering local people by introducing a neighbourhood that left local people feeling completely powerless to planning regime and allowing local knowledge to develop oppose them. neighbourhood plans and development orders are to be welcomed. Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): I concur My constituency has a vibrant set of community with the thoughts of my hon. Friend and Leeds colleague. groups that have joined forces to campaign on this very Does he agree that it is extremely welcome and hugely subject. The Wharfedale and Airedale Review Development important for an area such as ours that the regional —WARD—has already produced an excellent document spatial strategies are being abolished? Does he also that highlights the specific issues that need addressing agree that it is disgraceful that developers such as David in the local area. I believe that the group will welcome Wilson Homes are trying to get forthcoming developments the Bill, which will give it an opportunity to get its voice such as the one at Adel in through the back door before heard and set the future direction for the area for the the new guidance comes in? Does he not agree that the first time. people of Adel should have the power to stop such a Sadly, the Bill comes too late for some greenfield sites development now? in my constituency. We have already lost fields in Farsley and Yeadon. Both those applications were turned down Stuart Andrew: I completely agree with my hon. by the local council, but the decisions were overturned Friend. Communities in his constituency and mine have by the inspector, who cited the regional spatial strategy faced these problems time and again. as the reason for allowing them to go through. The In Leeds, the previous Government’s regional spatial planning policies and top-down targets of the past have strategy doubled the target for house building from had a detrimental effect on many of my local communities, around 2,500 a year to more than 4,500 every year. At and the loss of confidence in the planning process has that level, we would have created the equivalent of a left many feeling angered and powerless. With this Bill, new parliamentary constituency within a decade, which I hope that we can start again, trusting local people to would have been completely unsustainable. These targets deliver local planning that understands local needs. 595 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 596

6.14 pm belonged with the Secretary of State. We also welcome the provisions on predetermination, senior pay and Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) business rates, which will apply to England and Wales. (PC): The Localism Bill has received a great deal of However, we share the concern expressed by Citizens attention in England because of its supposedly radical Advice about the changes to the homelessness duty. intent. It has received slightly less attention in Wales, as the parts of the Bill that are currently relevant to Wales I must also ask about the effect of the abolition of the might not be relevant by the time it receives Royal regional spatial strategies on Wales, and specifically on Assent later this year. That is because of the referendum those areas in the north-east of my country closest to on the powers in part 4 of the Government of Wales the border, such as Wrexham and Flintshire, that are Act 2006 that is being held in Wales in six weeks time. A impacted on by the north-west England regional strategy. yes vote would transfer responsibility for legislation on How will this affect cross-border workings? I would be almost all matters in the Bill to the National Assembly interested to hear from the Minister what discussion for Wales. Bearing in mind the strong possibility of a has taken place with the Welsh Government on that yes vote—for which I will, of course, be campaigning—may issue. As I said at the outset, this might be my only I ask the Minister what effect this would have on the substantial contribution to the debate on this Bill, due passage of the Bill? to the Welsh powers referendum. I certainly hope that that is the case. Diolch yn fawr iawn. Members who are familiar with the transfer of powers to Wales under the Government of Wales Act will know that there is a variety of means of making the transfer. 6.18 pm The most commonly mentioned are the legislative Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): I am competence orders—LCOs—in the form of Orders in grateful for this opportunity to speak in this important Council, but possibly the most efficient is the transfer of debate, having had to leave it earlier to attend a meeting framework powers in a Bill that already has parliamentary with my noble Friend Baroness Hanham to discuss the time. There are three sets of framework powers in this local government finance settlement for the borough of Bill, relating to housing payments, council tax referendums Enfield. The issue of finance would normally dominate and planning matters, although I shall make the point our debate on local government, as it has a significant later that there should perhaps be more. impact, but, having been a local councillor and a Member Beginning with the powers relating to housing payments, of Parliament for a number of years, and a resident of I welcome the consultation that has taken place between the borough of Enfield all my life, I believe that this Bill Members of this place and Ministers from the Welsh will have a very significant impact on the quality of life Government on certain subjects. That is a positive step of the people there. It contains the most significant from which other Government Departments could learn. devolutionary and localising measures that the House Since my arrival in this place last summer, I have has ever had the opportunity to pass. consistently drawn attention to the injustices of the I listened with some regret today to the hon. Member housing revenue account subsidy system in Wales. This for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts) and others who dreadful system, dubbed by a former senior special have been involved in local government and who often adviser in Wales as the “great Welsh rent robbery”, has speak loudly about localism. I can think of pamphlets seen Welsh council house rent payers contribute more published by the all-party group on local government—I than £1 billion to the Treasury in London in the past co-signed one on primary justice, which was looking for decade alone. I must give the Department for Communities greater devolution and localism—and in Adjournment and Local Government its due for recognising this and other debates Members often pray in aid the activism problem and accommodating it as far as possible—hence of local groups and express the need to give them more the inclusion of clause 152, which provides the National power, but when it comes to the crunch and we have the Assembly with powers regarding the housing revenue opportunity to vote in favour of localism tonight by account scheme in Wales. supporting this Bill’s Second Reading, when we have Sadly, though, our problem is not with the Members the chance to side with local people, local groups and on the Government Front Bench but with their colleagues those who want to take greater control over their lives in the Treasury, who have yet to reach an agreement and those of the people around them, and when we can with the Welsh Government regarding the £80 million not just talk about localism but deliver it, in which to £90 million that go into the Treasury’s coffers each Division Lobby will Opposition Members vote? year from Wales. The housing revenue account subsidy in England is scrapped in the Bill, and there can be no Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): justification for continuing the scheme in Wales or for The hon. Gentleman is talking about the stance that the Treasury siphoning off the rents of council tenants Opposition Members will take, so would he like to there. It has become the norm in recent years that, when comment on the four clauses that give immense powers a power is created on a devolved matter in England, a to the Secretary of State over the general power of mirror clause is introduced for Wales. However, there competence? If the hon. Gentleman is comfortable with are areas in the Bill for which no such mirror clause the extent of the powers accorded to the Secretary of exists, even though one might be expected. For example, State to control that general power, I have to tell him the general powers of competence given to local authorities that we are not. in part 1 should also be given to the National Assembly to determine. Mr Burrowes: I took part in Committee proceedings Elsewhere in the Bill, we welcome the abolition of the on the Local Government and Public Involvement in Infrastructure Planning Commission, whose introduction Health Bill—a Bill of over 200 clauses, so I bear the in the Planning Act 2008 we opposed as undemocratic scars of considering them—and although there was as it transferred out responsibilities and scrutiny that some tinkering around the edges to give greater power 597 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 598

[Mr Burrowes] He recognises, as do others, that the Bill gives real power back to communities, and it is based on pounds, shillings to local people, at its heart and at the heart of the and pence. For example, the community infrastructure previous Government was big government and a big levy will provide an opportunity properly to ensure that Secretary of State. I shall not go into the issue of size money is in the hands of local communities so that they when it comes to the current Secretary of State, but he can make and shape their areas. It is about empowering wants to replace a big Secretary of State in terms of communities, whether it be in the most important power powers with a big citizen. of competence, in the community right to buy or in the neighbourhood plan. Whether they are referred to as Angie Bray: Does my hon. Friend agree that the most “Easy councils” or “John Lewis councils”, diversity in welcome provisions of the Bill include not only the provision will be important. restoring of local ward councillors to their proper place, It will be important to look at the details of the Bill, where they can take part in decision making on planning, such as those relating to business involvement. Questions but the measures on licensing, on which we have not can be asked about where the businesses are in the touched so far? One of the worst legacies of the Labour neighbourhood plan. One need only look at the local Government is the result of their foisting late-night growth White Paper, which recognises that every local licences on so many communities, while at the same authority will be able to put in the foundations for time taking away through new national guidelines the local economic growth. As I see in my high streets—the power of local ward councillors to speak up on behalf lifeblood of my Enfield community—businesses will of their communities. have a crucial role to play. Mr Burrowes: I am grateful for that intervention. It is It is important to allow communities to be able to important to get the message across that this Bill is question, for example, the prospect of an A and E about giving power not only to the people but to elected closure, such as at Chase Farm, opening up the decision representatives—a concern expressed by Opposition to the community by way of a referendum. Greater Members. We will see this across the board. It is important transparency is important—at last, Transport for London to recognise that, rather than take note of typical sceptics will have a degree of transparency, matched by that of in the media. On 17 December, The Observer said of the local communities. That is what is needed for our Bill that communities. “the tendency for partisanship and strife will be great”, We need to be bold; we need to ensure innovation, while Planning talked about our entering efficiency and diversity. We also need to recognise and “a period in which planning discourse is dominated by sharp-elbowed, give three cheers to local activists, whether they be well-resourced, well-heeled busybodies”. sharp-elbowed or not. These are people who for too long have been shut out from decisions in the community Indeed, around the same time, The Independent talked and decisions in local authorities. They should be able about “a Nimby’s charter”. What we need to do is to help to challenge and shape their communities. We recognise the present circumstances in need of reform. I have often referred to the need to shout out, “Power to take seriously the words of one of those in the vanguard— the people”. At long last, we can ensure that we deliver David Evans, the chief planner at West Dorset council, that rallying cry through the Bill. who said: “The planning system of old was too complex, too prescriptive and too slow…Communities felt that planning wasn’t something 6.26 pm for them, rather it was something done to them and as a result there was increasing concern from local residents that overdevelopment Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I fear that was affecting their neighbourhoods.” the Bill is a hotch-potch of unco-ordinated policies, as That is my experience. Labour Front Benchers have said, and it will not deliver a strengthened voluntary and community sector. It will Hazel Blears rose— instead deliver punitive sanctions on those least able to stand up to them, particularly in the area of housing. I Mr Burrowes: No, I will not give way. The right hon. know that from experience in my local authority of Lady had her opportunity in government, so I will Hammersmith and Fulham, which is doted on by the continue. Secretary of State and Ministers. As mentioned previously, When my residents go to their planning committee, that council was said to have showed the way by merging what they often see—sadly—is a lack of meaningful backroom services and cutting senior salaries rather engagement. They are squeezed into a five-minute than making front-line cuts. deputation to have their voice heard. The process is often I urge the Secretary of State to look at the budget for based around the negative—about what people can try the next three years, which last week was published—or to keep hold of for their community—rather than on sneaked out, I should say—by the council. Less than engaging people from the beginning in shaping communities 1% of cuts will come from mergers with other councils, as part of a neighbourhood plan. Yes, there may be as was trumpeted, and less than 1% will come from cuts those with sharp elbows, but we are increasingly seeing in senior salaries. Yet fully 50%—more than £13 million those who are dispossessed but who want a louder in the first year—will come from cuts in children’s voice. services and adult social services, including the closure Let me quote Mark Eaton of the BBC, who is not of most Sure Start centres. always a supporter of the Government. He said that The Mail on Sunday reported just before Christmas this Bill that one officer in Hammersmith and Fulham has been “may well amount to the biggest change to grass-roots politics in paid £1,000 a day for three years—£700,000 paid into a England since universal suffrage.” private business run by that single officer, which is more 599 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 600 than all the other cuts in senior management put together. Mr Slaughter: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. I That has been described as “good value for money” by hope that Government Members have read the comments the Conservative council. Since this officer’s job is the of Shelter, which has said: systematic demolition of council estates in the borough “The proposed changes sever the link between homelessness and the redevelopment of needed community assets, I and recognising the need for a settled home by allowing councils suppose that the Conservative council would think that to discharge homeless households into the insecure PRS” that was good value for money, but I wonder whether —the private rented sector— that is what the Secretary of State meant by looking at “rather than find them a settled home.” high salaries. It is a shameful day for the country when a tradition Three aspects of the Bill have been greeted by hollow that all parties have supported for many decades is laughter by my constituents. One is the community abandoned: the tradition of ensuring that poorer families right to challenge. What local organisations taking over have stable and affordable homes. Given all that they community assets means in Hammersmith and Fulham have said over the past five years about the need to is that all the money is withdrawn, the staff are sacked provide more good-quality affordable housing, the Liberal and in some cases the premises are sold—Sure Start Democrats above all should not vote for provisions that centres and libraries, for example. Then the community will destroy security of tenure and the opportunity for is told, “If you want to run these centres on your own people to live in stable homes. behalf with no money from the council, and sometimes with no premises, then go ahead”. That is called the big Let me end by making two points that I shall have no society. time to amplify. The Bill’s provisions for Gypsies and Travellers are also shameful, because they constitute a As for assets of community value, what use is that cynical way of not providing Gypsy and Traveller sites. policy if there is no right of first refusal and no support That is dog-whistle politics. from the council? What we have seen in Hammersmith is a fire sale of all community buildings—buildings in Barbara Keeley: I believe that the Bill contains the which literally hundreds of voluntary sector organisations first indication of cuts in Sure Start, which we expected operate. I heard just this morning that Palingswick despite what the Prime Minister said about protecting it. house in the middle of Hammersmith—a building that 22 active local voluntary groups have made their home Mr Slaughter: I am grateful for that intervention, for many years—is to be sold off to open a free school because it has given me a little more time to amplify the for children from outside the borough. Nobody in the point that I was making. constituency has asked for that. The same is true of the Irish cultural centre in Hammersmith, of Shepherd’s In view of what has been said today about provision Bush village hall and the Sands End centre. Those are for Gypsy and Traveller sites, I think that Members vibrant and successful community assets and there is should sometimes examine their rhetoric. The single no opportunity for the local community to continue to most important issue is that the Secretary of State for run them. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs wishes to cut all provision for Gypsies and Travellers: both the capital As for neighbourhood planning, almost every planning funding and the requirement for local authorities to scheme is a joint venture between the council and a provide sites for them. If there were enough sites, there developer. In order to build new luxury offices for would not be unlawful encampments. It is shocking that councillors and senior officers, we have 15-storey tower the Government should wilfully close their eyes to that blocks along the riverside on the site of a community fact and simply introduce civil and criminal penalties cinema and homes provided by the Pocklington trust for Gypsies and Travellers, and they should examine for people with visual impairments. their conscience. The 100-year-old Shepherd’s Bush market is being Finally, let me echo the words of Sir Christopher destroyed to make way for luxury housing. The air Kelly, who said that the end of the standards regime rights relating to the car park of an old people’s home allowed councils, such as Hammersmith and Fulham, in my constituency are being sold to a private school, to get away with what they were doing. That provision which means that no light will reach the old people, but should also be rejected. it will make £200,000 or so for the council. Furthermore, in west Kensington the right of local people to take over their own estate, provided by legislation that 6.33 pm the Government claim to support, is being vetoed by Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): Let me the council so that a private developer can demolish begin by saying that, given the state in which the Labour 750 good-quality council homes in one of the largest party left the country, it is preposterous to use the word developments in the country. I wish that I had more “shameful” about a Bill of this nature, whether or not it time in which to talk about the impact on my constituents’ does everything that the Government claim that it does. housing: about the lack of security of tenure, and about Let us have a sensible debate. the lack of a duty in relation to homeless people. I welcome this important Bill. I welcome the sentiments behind it and the purpose that has led two parties to Jeremy Corbyn: My hon. Friend’s constituency and work together, believing in decentralisation, and I welcome mine have similar characteristics. For instance, 30% of much of its substance. Let me say in particular—in the members of our communities live in private rented regrettably short time that I have been allowed—how accommodation. Does my hon. Friend share my horror delighted my constituents and I are about the abolition about the prospect that the Bill will force more people of regional spatial strategies, which I have already into unregulated private tenancies? mentioned. However—just as the Secretary of State 601 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 602

[Greg Mulholland] Given the way in which the community right to buy provision is currently worded, there is a danger that returns to the Chamber—I must record the disappointment other potential operators—small pub companies, that I share with local communities about the indication individuals, entrepreneurs or small breweries—would that the planning system will continue to allow developers find it more difficult to buy and run a pub that represented an automatic and unlimited right of appeal, while not what the community wanted. In many cases, the right to allowing communities even a limited right. I urge Ministers buy is not only unrealistic but undesirable. It would to think again. affect only a few pubs, and I think that the Government In the very short time available to me, I wish to point should look at the drafting again. out, as chair of the all-party parliamentary save the pub In fact, we are not currently talking about a community group, that the Bill will clearly have an impact on pubs. right to buy. Let us be honest: what we are talking about At present, planning law gives pubs virtually no protection, is a community right to try—to try to buy a pub and put and communities have virtually no say over their future. it together. Once a community has a realistic and fully backed bid at market value, the owner has no obligation Hazel Blears: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? to sell it to the community. I urge the Government to look at the Scottish Parliament’s Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which gives communities a genuine right to Greg Mulholland: I should be delighted. buy. On behalf of the parliamentary save the pub group, I Hazel Blears: The hon. Gentleman has a good record have written to the new community pubs Minister—the of promoting community pubs. Does he support the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government’s decision to abolish the £4.3 million Government, the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst programme introduced by the last Government to help (Robert Neill)—informing him of our thoughts and people to take over and support their local pubs? proposals. We believe that the idea of a moratorium is excellent, but we think that it should be triggered not Greg Mulholland: I would support any measure that when a pub or other local service is about to be sold, helped pubs, but, as the right hon. Lady knows full well, but when plans are presented for its use to be changed that was one of the disgraceful blank cheques written in or for its demolition. the dying days of a Labour Government who were A six-month moratorium would give communities a trying desperately to cling to power, and people saw real chance either to seek to raise the finance for a through it. Let me now make some sensible comments community right to buy if they wished to do so or to try about the issue. I think that Members in all parts of the to find small companies as partners. That would also House recognise not only the legal but the moral ownership benefit the excellent small companies concerned. I am of pubs by local communities. delighted to say that small companies have now started to buy pubs, as the big companies, with their discredited Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) models, are struggling. That should be encouraged, but (Con): I agree. In Hereford we have seen a perfect there is a concern that it will not be encouraged under example of the abuse of the current system. Last year the Bill as currently drafted. Two things should happen the Gamecock pub in South Wye was sold to Tesco, in during the six-month period. The local authority should the face of local objections and without consultation. conduct an independent viability test of any pub that The sale went through because of a loophole: pubs and seeks change of use. Some councils already do that. supermarket chains are both zoned B2, although, as we There should also be a genuine independent community all know, pubs are enormously welcome and supermarkets consultation process. Again, a few councils do that, but are not. I am sure the hon. Gentleman agrees that the if it were made part of the process, it would give the Bill Bill should deal with that loophole. teeth and the community a right to say. Finally, there is an idea that communities simply Greg Mulholland: Indeed. I thank my hon. Friend for being able to apply to put pubs on a community asset raising the issue, which I was about to mention myself. list will solve the problem, but that is not the case. The As he has pointed out, it is perfectly legal to change a save the pub group believes that we should try to work pub into a supermarket, a bank or a betting shop, or to towards a definition of a community pub that would demolish it altogether if it is free-standing. That loophole, then apply to all pubs that communities deem to be which applies also to other services, must be closed, and important community facilities. it can be closed if the Government support the Protection The Prime Minister has said that this is to be a of Local Services (Planning) Bill on Friday. The Bill is pro-pub Government. I want that more than any Member, promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Selby and but unless this Bill is strengthened, communities will Ainsty (Nigel Adams), and I urge Ministers to take it not have a real say over the future of pubs, and I look seriously. If they are not willing to do so, they must deal forward to working with the ministerial team to change with the matter through the Localism Bill, which is not the Bill to make that happen. possible as the Bill is currently drafted. Otherwise, the community right to buy will be tokenistic. An unscrupulous 6.41 pm developer could demolish a pub overnight and change it into a Tesco before a realistic opportunity to buy had Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): I want to give been provided. I consider the demolition loophole the Government the benefit of the doubt and welcome particularly extreme: it would be absurd to suggest that the thrust towards localism in the Bill, and I hope to a community would still be interested in a pub site once make it on to the Committee and therefore to be able to the pub had been demolished. scrutinise the detail of the proposals. As the Bill is a 603 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 604 thick and huge document however, I have not yet been and feel of their high street? Those are the questions my able quite to get into it, but as I represent the second constituents will want to ask, particularly against the poorest constituency in London, I have some profound backdrop of this Bill also introducing the end of secured questions. tenancy. This Bill is being introduced against the backdrop of Tottenham has the highest homelessness rate in London, cuts to the vital services of some of the poorest people and it is a shame that this Administration seem to in London—a Somali woman, perhaps, or a Turkish assume that our landlords are paragons of virtue. These woman, or someone who has arrived and settled here proposals will lead to overcrowding in London. They from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of will lead to the kinds of scenes we see in cities such as them come from communities that have settled in my Paris. I predict that harm will come to communities constituency. It has traditionally been a constituency because of this atrocious part of the Bill. I welcome the that many communities have used as a gateway, as they neighbourhood plan and I look forward to questioning settle and find their feet in this country. What does in detail what it means for communities like mine, but I localism mean to them? It does not mean much if they condemn a situation in which we are casting the very are losing their library or their community support, or poorest of Londoners on to the streets and into overcrowded if the centre where their community is based is being living conditions, with landlords who will surely prey shut down. on them.

Mr Burrowes: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? 6.46 pm

Mr Lammy: I will not give way, because time is Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): I must first declare limited. an interest: I remain, until May, an elected member of North East Lincolnshire unitary authority, having Two issues remain deeply relevant to my constituency, previously spent 14 years as a member of the former both of which I have previously raised in the House. Great Grimsby borough council. The total amount of I welcome the proposals for a neighbourhood plan. I time I served is 26 years, during which I would like to have discussed that with the Minister of State, the right think there was a certain amount of modest success, but hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark). I welcome I can assure Members that there was also a lot of the capacity for communities to determine the look, frustration caused by the gradual drift towards increasing shape and feel of their area, and particularly of their centralisation. Needless to say, I welcome the Bill’s high streets. In my constituency, we have seen the general thrust to reverse that, but I wish to draw specific disappearance of independent shops, pubs, community attention to the proposals for local referendums and centres and vital services, especially banks, and the elected mayors, and to express one or two reservations escalating proliferation of betting shops. Why does in respect of tenancies and the proposed fines in the Tottenham have 39 betting shops and not one bookshop? context of air quality issues. Why is there an application for a 10th betting shop on Tottenham high road? The ability of local people, as well as individual councillors, to initiate local referendums already exists, of course. I succeeded in achieving one after a long Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD) rose— campaign, and in getting a two-to-one vote in favour of abolishing a town council that was precepting band B Mr Lammy: I hope the community will be able to properties in excess of £100 per year, only to see that determine these things, and stand up to the betting result overturned by the top-tier authority. Bearing in industry, which, frankly, is preying on poor people in mind that frivolous proposals for referendums will be Tottenham. eliminated at an early stage, I hope that we will eventually come to the conclusion that the result of such referendums Stephen Gilbert: Will the right hon. Gentleman give should be binding. The people did have a modest amount way? of success, however, as Immingham town council has reduced its running costs, and in 2008 reduced its precept Mr Lammy: That is wrong and it needs to stop, but I by 20.9%. I rather suspect it would not have done so am very concerned that it is clear in the Bill that— had it not been under threat of abolition. I strongly support the moves towards the introduction Stephen Gilbert: Will the right hon. Gentleman give of elected mayors, but why only 12? If, as stated, the way? Government consider elected mayors to provide strong leadership and improved clarity in municipal decision Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. If making and to enhance the prestige of their cities, why the right hon. Gentleman is not giving way, the hon. limit the number to 12, and why only for cities? Gentleman cannot stay on his feet and keep on asking; instead he must sit back down. Barbara Keeley: Will the hon. Gentleman comment on the fact that mayors are going to be imposed? Mr Lammy: It is clear from clause 97 that there are Indeed, another power that the Secretary of State is excessive charges in bringing in a neighbourhood plan. taking is the power to impose this on any city or local How are ordinary people in Tottenham—the very same authority. The current power to have mayors was brought people whose housing benefit is being cut, and who on in by the Labour Government, and it can be by resolution the basis of the coalition’s plans are to be turfed off or referendum. jobseeker’s allowance if they do not find a job—going to be able to pay the charges to bring in a neighbourhood Martin Vickers: Personally, I would always support plan and thereby be able to determine the look, shape the decision of a referendum over an imposition. 605 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 606

[Martin Vickers] tenants, but I have reservations because the shorter a tenancy period, the less incentive there is for someone Why only 12 mayors? Why are the provincial towns to contribute to maintaining the property and enhancing not being given the opportunity to have an elected the area in which they live. People become attached to mayor? Local councillors are not generally enthusiastic their bricks and mortar, and a short tenancy discourages about elected mayors, as that is seen to risk breaking up that. The postcode lottery is a potent political weapon the cosy arrangements that exist, particularly if there and, as the culture of our voters is that they expect a are two strong parties in an authority. It needs to be certain standard of services, it could be difficult to made easier for the electorate to kick-start a referendum. overcome with the differences that will inevitably result Obtaining the support of 5% of the people does not in neighbouring authorities. sound like a great deal until one gets out on the streets to try to secure those genuine signatures. In the two 6.54 pm unitary authorities that serve my constituency, that Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): We could be equates to about 6,000 people and I can tell hon. forgiven for thinking that the Government have, all on Members that getting that number is extremely difficult, their own, discovered community empowerment and because I have tried it. social action. I just want to place it on the record, right at the outset, that not only I but many Labour Members George Freeman: On kindling community interest in have for years embraced the ideas of giving individuals local planning matters, does my hon. Friend agree that and communities greater power over their own lives. the Bill and, in particular, its housing provisions, has That is why hundreds of local authorities up and down the potential to act as a serious catalyst for community the country are doing participatory budgeting, why the engagement in local politics? Does he further agree that transfer of assets has got off the ground and is now the pilot scheme that has taken shape in Attleborough, happening, why councils are responding to petitions in my constituency, which involves asking some deep and why the social enterprise and mutuals sector is questions about the future of the town, is a model of growing. This Government are not the first to have what might come through the Bill? these ideas.

Martin Vickers: I accept the point that my hon. Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Surely my right Friend makes. Elected mayors are another advocate for hon. Friend is not going to miss off that long list the area that they represent, and provincial towns, antisocial behaviour orders, which this Government are particularly those neighbouring cities that will subsequently seeking to do away with. have elected mayors, should be given an early opportunity in this regard. Hazel Blears: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that On the overview and scrutiny role in local councils, a intervention. Not for a moment would I seek to miss decade of trying to achieve a satisfactory system has, out something that I believe has been of great assistance to the best of my knowledge, failed. There may well be in empowering local communities. Success has many some councils where there has been success, but not parents and the Bill contains some things that I support, many. The biggest problem is to do with officer resources. but I want to make one central point this evening: I Scrutiny officers, however hard-working and dedicated, believe that there is a deep schism at the heart of the are answerable to senior officers who are rightly charged Government between those people who genuinely believe with implementing the policies of the ruling group. in this agenda and want to make the most of the skills Where is the incentive to create a powerful group to and talents of local people, and those who see it as a scrutinise and criticise the work of the controlling group? convenient step in an intense political strategy to shrink Senior scrutiny officers need to be more independent. the state, slash costs and provide respectability for the They should be appointed by a panel of the chairmen transfer of assets from the public sector, possibly into of the scrutiny chairs and be responsible to them, rather the private sector, using the guise of social enterprise as than to the senior management of the authority. a respectable halfway house. On the involvement of communities, I have a general I have great concerns about that. The Secretary of rule of thumb: if people want to take decisions affecting State for Health is on the record as saying that what he their communities, they should seek election. That is regards as social enterprise is anything other than the different from encouraging them to become involved, public sector. That is a very wide definition, and I say which I fully support because we need maximum to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local participation—I welcome the moves in the Bill that Government, whom I am pleased to see in his place, contribute to that. that I would welcome the Minister giving a cast-iron commitment in his summing up. I would like the Minister May I also draw Members’ attention to the proposals to confirm that, under the expressions of interest part to pass European Union fines, particularly those relating of the Bill, the Secretary of State will not be using his to air quality—a particular issue in the port of Immingham, order-making powers to change the framework to allow in my constituency—to local authorities? I seek guidance commercial organisations simply to bid to run services from our Front Benchers on what the potential is on and take over assets, and that there will be a genuine that front. I speak for my local community in Immingham, commitment to real social enterprise, with asset locks, which faces a coal dust problem and which may welcome stewardship and community ownership at its heart. It is moves that make it more difficult for the regulatory vital that we get that on the record. authorities to duck the issue. Finally, may I express some reservations about the Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): Does proposed limits on the period of social housing tenancies? my right hon. Friend agree that an additional element I recognise that the proposals will not apply to existing in a community takeover of assets is its having the 607 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 608 agency to do so and the resources even to get near those ten-minute rule Bill just a couple of weeks ago, proposing assets in the first place? Does she think that the Bill that instead of paying themselves bonuses bankers should fulfils the promise of communities taking over assets in enter into a long-term relationship with community a way that that might be possible, bearing in mind the groups to give them not only funding, but business finances involved? expertise, support, mentoring and back-up. Again, I ask the Government whether they are prepared to support Hazel Blears: Not by any stretch of the imagination those measures. We need a commitment to true social could this Bill genuinely be said to be about empowerment. enterprise and we need to ensure— If people are to be given rights, they need the means to take up those rights. The Bill does not contain the David Rutley: Will the right hon. Lady give way? back-up, support, funding and guidance necessary genuinely to give people the sense that they can take on these Hazel Blears: No, I will not. Time is short. services. When those enterprises are spun out into the social enterprise sector, we have to ensure that it does not David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): Will the right happen on the back of people’s terms and conditions. I hon. Lady give way? would welcome a commitment from the Government that when organisations take over, the conditions for Hazel Blears: In a moment. the people who work in those enterprises will be maintained We are setting out for the worst of all possible worlds. at the highest possible standards. We will raise expectations and then set people up to fail, I recommend to the House an excellent example thus setting this whole community empowerment agenda I have seen recently of a council empowering people, back years and years; I think there will be an awful lot which is Lambeth’s co-operative council proposal. of disappointed people. If we look at the pubs support Across the country, 100 local authorities have signed up package, we see now that no support is available. A to the co-operative council idea, with citizenship-led community in my constituency wants to take over the commissioning, the transfer of assets, protection for Woolpack in Salford. These great local people need employees and a safeguarding framework that safeguards help with a business plan, finance and mentoring, but equity so that we do not get the postcode lottery referred no support is available from this Government to enable to by the hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers). them to take over that pub. That example would be very worth while. On this agenda, we need to ask some simple questions, Angie Bray rose— but they are very revealing. What is the point of a general power of competence if there is no money to do Hazel Blears: I will not give way. anything to improve the community? What is the point I set out three tests last October, saying that if the of allowing people to bid to run services or take over Government met them, their localism and empowerment assets when there is not the back-up and support to agenda would have my support. Those tests related to enable them to do that? Why involve local people in funding; having a proper framework for local government; planning and at the same time abolish planning aid, and fairness. On funding, the Government have failed which gave poorer communities the ability to raise miserably. My local council faces cuts of £47 million, issues, to have technical support and to play their proper and 15% of those cuts are to come in the first year. part in the planning framework? I genuinely believe that Manchester city council faces cuts of £100 million, with these proposals are the worst of all worlds—raising 25% in the first year. Voluntary sector organisations people’s expectations and then dashing them in a pretty face cuts of upwards of £3 billion, with a paltry £100 million appalling way. There are many reasons why we cannot transition fund. Whether for local government, voluntary support the Bill this evening. The principle is right, but organisations or community groups, the Government the way in which this Government propose to exercise it have failed entirely on funding. is utterly wrong. It is not community empowerment, My second test was about having a proper framework but community demolition. and a long-term partnership with community groups. What I have seen is councils in a headlong rush to divest 7.1 pm themselves of responsibility, and they are dealing with Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): As a former leader of big national organisations, not building the small the council—and obviously a councillor—of the great community groups which really want to bid on this city of Bradford, I welcome this Bill. I have some agenda. For example, the big national framework contracts reservations and I am sure that as time goes by we can for the Ministry of Justice and the Department for thrash out some of those issues, but my local council Work and Pensions are going not to small social enterprises will no longer have to doff its cap to a regional development or small local organisations but to big national companies. agency to ask for its own money. My local council will The people who are getting the DWP contracts in not have to argue about ridiculous housing figures or Greater Manchester are based in Leeds, Birmingham argue the toss about child pregnancy figures when every and Newcastle—so much for growing the small local sector. professional said they were unachievable and primary My third test was about fairness. I am genuinely care trust chairs and directors had to intervene on the horrified at the unfairness of the cuts that have been put Government to explain the ridiculous targets that had in place. They are particularly directed at the poorest been set. There was paper-chasing, whole departments neighbourhoods—the people who are eligible for area-based had to be established to facilitate inspectorates, initiatives grant. They have seen those grants slashed completely, came through where one-off moneys were chased and a which is why the poorest areas have fared the worst. few days’ notice was given to bid for millions of pounds. What is really needed on this agenda is funds. I moved a Such ridiculous initiatives— 609 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 610

Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Will I want to ask the Secretary of State and Members of all the hon. Gentleman give way? parties to consider whether we want to change 40 years of homelessness legislation and give local authorities Kris Hopkins: No, I will not. The shadow Secretary the power to discharge their duty to homeless families of State said earlier that she was concerned that the to the private sector, whether or not the family accepts Secretary of State had sent a note about the Queen’s that option. jubilee coming up. I got a note reminding me that it was In response to “Cathy Come Home” in the late 1960s St George’s day. I did not need to receive a note from and early 1970s, parts of all our communities rose as the Secretary of State to tell me that it was St George’s one—irrespective of the party that they supported—to day, because we celebrated that in Bradford with great say that local authorities needed a framework for vulnerable pomp and with all the community behind us. homeless families. No longer could councils of all political The Bill is an end to the farce of the Standards Board persuasions ignore families in housing need. At the for England and to the cost of the eternal process of the same time, we saw the rise of one of the greatest acts of regional strategic planning regime. I welcome the idea localism since Victorian times: the formation of housing that we can tackle rogue developers in the planning associations, principally through church and faith-based process and that we will not have to facilitate retrospective groups that wanted to do their bit to contribute to planning permission. The cost to individual councils dealing with homelessness. of pursuing individual developers is outrageous. I am Is it right that we should let go of one of the fundamental concerned that we should really mean localism and tenets of our homelessness legislation, which is to discharge local determination on planning. My local parish council the duty to provide accommodation that families can rejected a Tesco application and my local district council afford? Private sector accommodation in south London unanimously rejected it, but it then went to the inspectorate, is certainly not affordable to the vast majority of homeless which overturned that decision. Those decisions were families. overturned in the face of the local populace. I want some clarification on how we are going to address the Barry Gardiner: My hon. Friend has been assiduously anomaly, whereby local people are refused what they in the Chamber all afternoon, so she might not have want. seen the front page of today’s Evening Standard, which, I am concerned about housing. People can argue the for the first time, talks of people being found sleeping in toss about tenures, but we need to build more houses. rubbish bins in London. Affordable housing must be facilitated. The recession has wiped out a whole skill base as far as housing is Siobhain McDonagh: That would be a shocking spectacle concerned and I want to see how Business Link, business and I cannot imagine that any person in this House development and the Department for Business, Innovation would find it acceptable. and Skills will support local government in utilising that housing land. We must consider the consequences of our actions. Private sector accommodation is, for most families, I am very concerned about elected mayors. My completely unaffordable. Most families who approach constituency was put into Bradford and although I like local authorities as homeless are young families at the the city and people of Bradford, the people of Keighley start of their family life and with the lowest earning are not too enthusiastic about being part of Bradford potential that they are likely to have in their lifetime. council. The idea that there is a very good chance that They will have to go on to housing benefit, so we will somebody from Bradford might be the mayor of Bradford make families who could otherwise afford to pay their will further alienate the people of Keighley, who will be way welfare-dependent. We are saying to families, “You further detached from that administration. I look forward will be on housing benefit and if you try to better your to using one of the referendum options so that the life—if you take the extra day’s work or the promotion—you constituency of Keighley can break away from Bradford will lose so much housing benefit that it will not be council, if it needs to, and form its own administration. worth your while.” As for the devolution of powers, it is quite easy to devolve powers when there is no money left in the kitty. Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Does my I look forward to the time when there is more in the hon. Friend agree that that does not fit well with the kitty, when we have put the economy right and when Government’s apparent concern about the size of the our local people can make those decisions. Individual housing benefit bill? Departments need to respect their responsibility, as central Government have been an absolute nightmare Siobhain McDonagh: I completely agree with my for local government, trying to join it up to make hon. Friend and I wonder whether we are seeing joined-up decisions. government. What is worse than the pointless spending Finally, all the great things proposed in the Bill are of that money is the fact that we are doing it to the undermined by the fact that democracy has been detriment of those families. I appreciate that this is a undermined. The postal voting system is undermining slogan, but it means a great deal and many hon. Members local democracy and must be addressed. of all persuasions could sign up to the idea that any social policy should be considered through the prism of 7.6 pm whether it is giving “a hand up or a handout”. If the Government discharge homeless people into the private Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): sector, they will be giving them a handout that will keep There have been a large number of philosophical speeches their aspirations low, because those people will know from hon. Members on both sides of the House, but that they can never afford to go into work. Professor I want to talk specifically about clauses 124 and 125. John Hills calculated that a couple with two children 611 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 612 and a private rent of £120 a week would be only £23 a Henry Smith: We are about to do just that in the Bill. week better off if their earnings rose from £100 a week The Government have not waited for legislation and to £400 a week. That cap on aspiration will not only have already un-ring-fenced a lot of the budgets that force people to stay down but will make them risk-averse. were constraining local authorities’ ability to spend Would a single mum with two or three children who money according to local priorities. pays rent of £1,000 a month take a job that she might The second thing that has kept down local governments not be able to manage, or do the extra hours that might in the past 13 years—and, to be fair, in previous times make her children’s care collapse, if it meant she would as well—is the seeping of authority and power from then have to give up that job, go back on to housing directly elected local government, often to regional and benefit and experience the delay that we all know happens unelected quangos. Again, I am delighted that the coalition with benefit assessments? Government have made an early start in that respect I ask Government Members to consider whether that as well. is what they want to do to the most vulnerable families. The thing that I particularly want to highlight as Does it help to have taxpayers paying more in housing having stifled local government’s ability to represent the benefit and to alienate more families? Our job should be needs of local communities is the unbearable regulation to encourage, and perhaps sometimes to force, people and the bureaucratic tick-box exercise that local government to work if they can, but this measure will prevent that was forced to go through. When I was a local authority from happening to hundreds of families. leader, I asked my officers to put an audit code next to every item of expenditure that related to that bureaucratic 7.12 pm tick-box exercise and at the end of the financial year I was astounded and shocked to see that my local authority Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): In my maiden speech had spent more than £1 million just on going through last May I spoke about the important principle that an unnecessary exercise that often had little relevance where services are delivered mainly locally, they should to the needs of my local community. Not one penny of be decided mainly locally, so I strongly welcome the that £1 million went to provide a book in one of our Bill. I was a councillor for 13 years before coming to libraries. [Interruption.] My Conservative local authority this place, the last seven of which I was leader of West has just opened a new library and I am delighted about Sussex county council, so I have seen at first hand the that. Not one penny of that £1 million went to provide a top-down, centralised control from Whitehall that the personal computer on a desk in one of our schools or to Labour party exerted. It was determined to treat every provide a home care package for a vulnerable or elderly part of the country the same from the City of Westminster individual. Not one penny of it was spent on fire service to the county of West Sussex and from the one end of call-outs or any other front-line service that the local the country in Cumbria to the other in Cornwall, and authority for which I was responsible wanted to deliver. its demand for compliance stifled localism and local The Bill represents a radical shift and a turning communities. around of priorities. Instead of top-down, Whitehall control, there will be bottom-up control whereby individuals, James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): local communities and democratically elected and Does my hon. Friend agree that the general power of accountable local government can provide those services. competence in the Bill, which has been much derided by Where government is more transparent and more the Opposition, signals that local government will no accountable at all levels, it is more efficient. Given the longer be an arm of central Government but will be disastrous economic situation we have been bequeathed able to pursue and develop its own policies and services? by the previous Government, that is something we need to achieve. Henry Smith: My hon. Friend hits the nail on the One issue that I would like Ministers to clarify is the head. That is precisely what the Bill does and that is why way in which European Union fines for air pollution, the reforms represent a radical change. It is interesting for example, may be divided up. My constituency and that the two parties of the coalition Government are local authority include Gatwick airport—the nation’s coming together not only in the national interest but in second-largest airport and the world’s busiest one-runway, the local interest on principles of individuality, community, two-terminal airport—as well as a significant section of libertarianism, greater accountability and democracy. the M23. As a former local authority leader, I am once In my experience as a local authority leader, three bitten, twice shy when it comes to local government things got in the way of true local government, and our formulae and I am interested to know how the formula role was more about local administration than government. for dividing such fines will operate so that it does not The first of those things was the local government militate against local authorities with national assets finance system, and I am delighted that there will now such as airports and other facilities in their area. be a chance for referendums on council tax and that Broadly, the Bill is to be greatly welcomed. It has there will be a greater link between local taxation and often been said that when this country gave up its local representation. empire, Whitehall, in an effort to find things to do, simply turned its attention inwards and decided that Tristram Hunt: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman instead of administering Nigeria or India it had better for giving way and for showing such respect to the administer Norwich or Ipswich. The Bill represents, for Chamber, unlike some of his colleagues. the first time, a freeing up of control and greater self- On local government financing, why not go the whole determination for our local communities in the same hog? What is the Government’s weakness? Why do they way as other nations achieved self-determination at the not return the business rate that the Tory party took end of the British empire. I appreciate having had the away from local government? House’s time, Mr Deputy Speaker. 613 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 614

7.19 pm three months in which to deal with £47 million of cuts and is struggling, and I am sure that Durham county Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Having been council is in a similar boat. I am sure my hon. Friend a parish councillor until a few weeks ago, I welcome agrees that it is impossible to make structural changes those parts of the Bill that seek to reduce centralisation that can help with that situation. and strengthen local democracy, but the Government appear to give with one hand and take away with the other. To give powers to local government with one Pat Glass: Yes, I agree. The Association of North hand and slash budgets, through the local government East Local Councils has issued figures that show clearly settlement, with the other is disingenuous and simply that the pound per person cut in spending power for will not deliver localism in any form that I understand. I those who live in the north-east will be significantly welcome the excellent sentiments expressed by the hon. higher this year and in the following three years than it Member for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart)—he will be for those in the south-east. We have already is no longer in his place—who chairs the all-party group heard today that in Hartlepool the cut per person will on town and parish councils, of which I am the vice-chair. be £113. In the Lib Dem-led local authority of Newcastle, the figure is £99 per person, and for those who live in On the very day that the coalition announced the Durham it will be £70 per person. However, those who deepest cuts in local government history, which will live in the deprived community of Richmond upon result in an estimated 140,000 public sector job losses in Thames will be hit by a massive cut of £5 per person, one year alone, they also announced the Localism Bill. and those who live in Buckinghamshire, that well known Forgive me, but the cynic in me finds a sad but strong centre of deprivation and poverty, will be hit by a cut of link between the two. My concern is that the big society £4 per person. Sadly, those who reside in deepest poverty- Localism Bill is simply a cover for thousands of job ridden Surrey will find their council spending cut by a losses. My local authority, Durham county council, is crippling £2 per person. How is that fair, and how will being forced to axe 1,600 jobs and make £100 million of that support localism? It is Robin Hood in reverse; it is savings over the next four years, and my local police unashamedly taking from the poor to give to the rich. It authority is having to cut 80 jobs this year. is not fair and not progressive. Quite frankly, it is not The Secretary of State rather smugly told us earlier fooling anyone. today that Durham county council has £80 million in My community already organises and runs many reserves. He knows well that for a county the size of local projects, but it cannot do it alone. The voters of Durham, that is not an unreasonably sized reserve. He North West Durham, and voters generally, are already knows that local authorities are under a legal duty to working out that the big society is nothing but a big hold back a percentage of reserves for emergencies and, sham. Public and community services simply cannot therefore, are not free to spend that money on front-line run on empty. They need investment and support as jobs. He is also aware that, if Durham county council well as reform. People are realising that the only real spent that element of its reserves which it can spend, it choice they are being given is to run services themselves can spend it only once, yet it has cuts to make next year, or watch them be cut to shreds. It is all very well in the year after and the year after that. He should also be theory to say that local services should be delivered by aware that that element of the £80 million reserve that it local citizens, which I agree with, but what happens can spend will largely fund redundancies this year. when those vital services fail? Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): Perhaps the Services such as talking books are vital to the elderly hon. Lady can help me with a little point I am confused and the visually impaired, and the careline services are about. The leader of her party said over the weekend vital to the elderly and disabled. What happens if those that had Labour won the election there would have been services fail or those volunteering to run them simply cuts to local government finance, and in the amendment walk away, get another job or move elsewhere? Such to the motion her party confirms its commitment to services cannot be left to God and good neighbours. localism and devolution. Are we not just arguing about There must be safeguards for when things do not work semantics, because hon. Members on both sides of the out. House appear to agree on localism, devolution and I welcome parts of the Bill, but I have real concerns cuts to local government finance? Where does she think about other parts. It could result in a postcode lottery, the cuts would have fallen had there been a Labour with some communities able to support a higher level of Government? social services than others, and the poorest and most vulnerable in challenged communities being left to fend Pat Glass: The hon. Lady has obviously read my for themselves. mind. The leader of Durham county council has told Who will be the localists running the big society? me that, had the reductions in grant funding been They will be those with the time and money to get limited to the level that Labour would have made, all involved. Wealthier and more middle-class members of the cuts to the council could have come from existing society will run services on behalf of the less well-off back-office services without hitting front-line services. or the less able. What will happen to the concepts of However, cuts of the magnitude and scale of those fairness, entitlement, inclusion and standards? We have proposed by the Government simply cannot come from already witnessed in some Sure Start centres what happens anything other than front-line services. Front-line services when more middle class parents get involved: the families will be hit, and hit hard. that those services are targeted to support—the disadvantaged—are simply overwhelmed, turned off or Barbara Keeley: In answer to the point about Labour’s stay away. That is the danger of having a wealthy, policy, one of the key points is that we would not have middle class volunteer running vital public services front-loaded the cuts. Salford city council has two to targeted at the most disadvantaged. 615 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 616

There are things in the Bill that I approve of, but they “This represents both a significant philosophical shift towards are masked by a Government who are using them as local democracy and a practical transfer of power to the local cover for massive public sector cuts, the dismantling of level.” local democracy and a methodology for shifting resources That is something that Labour never did in its 13 years from the poor to the sharp-elbowed better-off. of power, although it promised to do so in its 1997 manifesto. 7.27 pm The other important issue—unfortunately, one cannot look in detail at the 406 pages of the Bill and its Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): There 201 clauses and 24 schedules in five minutes—is whether speaks the authentic dinosaur aspect of the Labour it is permissive, as opposed to prescriptive, as an approach party—class war. The view of the hon. Member for to local government? On any objective test it is an North West Durham (Pat Glass) is that those who want extremely permissive piece of legislation. The general to do the best for their local community are middle class power of competence will give local authorities autonomy and sharp elbowed. It is sad that the Opposition amendment by unlocking accelerated development zones, tax increment is so churlish, so grudging and lacking in any coherent financing, asset-backed vehicles and real estate investment alternative. Within its historical context, the Bill is both trusts. radical and transformative of local government, and I think that it stands comparison with some of the greatest Dr Whitehead: In his exposition of the overall coherence legislation of the past 200 years, including the Municipal of the Bill, is the hon. Gentleman in favour of stripping Corporations Act 1835, the Public Health Acts 1872 out of the Bill as it progresses through the House those and 1875, and the Housing Act 1980, as it will make 126 clauses whereby the Secretary of State can remove significant changes in the balance between local government the powers that have been put into the Bill, if he so and central Government. It is a reversal of Labour’s requires? ratcheting, centralising tendency, which we have seen with the tsars, the guidance, the strategy, the inspections Mr Jackson: The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. and the audits, which have traduced the best aspects of The TaxPayers’ Alliance, in its publication in March local government over the years. 2010 entitled “The fiscal and economic case for localism”, The Bill has a coherent philosophy, because in the speaks to an issue that unites the whole House—the aspects that speak to the big society it tackles something fact that we are too centralised in the power balance that Labour never did—the issue of capital inadequacy between central and local government. Clearly, that is and capital inequality. Labour presided over a widening the case. The UK has one of the most centralised of the gap between the richest and poorest 10% in its systems of government, taxation and spending in the 13 years in power, because it did nothing about the western world. Less than 20% of our revenue is raised ownership of capital, which the hon. Member for Stoke- locally, as opposed to a G7 average of 60%. on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt), the expert on Engels, An econometric study in Germany found that no doubt knows much about. Government efficiency increased in direct proportion The Bill also puts forward a significant commitment to decentralisation and could drive it up by up to 10%. to mutualism at the same time as it heralds a civic That would release in this country the equivalent of renewal of local government through our commitment £70 billion. The Spanish institute of fiscal studies found to localism. The New Local Government Network—I that fiscal decentralisation could boost growth in the have the privilege of serving on its management body—sets economy by 0.5%. The Bill speaks to that concern. If some key challenges for the legislation. Is it about a Opposition Members ask me whether we are going far coherent localism, and will it link together coherently as enough in fiscal autonomy and decentralisation, the a strategy for policy making and political decision answer is no, but the Bill is a bigger and better start than making for citizens? Yes, it is coherent as a philosophy what went on before. because within the context of GP commissioning, the Opposition Members will notice that we have been integration of public health, local enterprise partnerships, consistent from the publication of the control shift directly elected police commissioners, and school and document in February 2009, which is the theoretical welfare reform, it sits as a coherent strategy for the and philosophical basis for the Bill. We have been future. pushing the concept of localism. When I served on the Public Bill Committee with the right hon. Member for Hazel Blears: Does the hon. Gentleman support limiting Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) two years ago, we did the expressions of interest to be made by communities not oppose multi-area agreements or leaders boards to run services to organisations that have a social purpose? because we believed in localism. Does he also support the regulations not being changed in future by the Secretary of State to include commercial organisations that would seek to make a profit? Tristram Hunt: Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

Mr Jackson: The big society is about empowering Mr Jackson: I do not have time to give way, if the local people to make decisions at local level. It should hon. Gentleman will forgive me. be seen not as lots of disparate, discrete initiatives at The Bill is coherent, although I have two caveats. One local level, but within the context of the Bill’s provisions. is about shadow elected mayors, which was raised by my I see the general power of competence, for example, as a hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Kris Hopkins), key unlocking a huge amount of progressive development who is not in his place at present. I have concerns also by local authorities. The New Local Government Network about councils’ culpability for the payment of EU fines. specifically praised the general power of competence There will no doubt be contentious debate about that in and said: Committee. 617 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 618

[Mr Stewart Jackson] eliminate bad housing and homelessness. The Bill destroys that thread of public provision of good quality housing The Bill stands comparison with our party’s historical at an economic and affordable rent. Instead, it requires commitment to civic renewal and civic pride, a golden local authorities to force people into unregulated, expensive, thread which runs from Disraeli through to Joseph badly managed, badly maintained housing provided by Chamberlain in Birmingham, Macmillan and the house private sector landlords. building of the post-war Conservative Governments to this Bill. That is why I will vote for it later tonight. Henry Smith: Will the hon. Gentleman concede that in the past 13 years we have seen the lowest amount of 7.34 pm housing built in this country since 1924, and the lowest amount of social housing as well? Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): To describe the Bill as one of the great historical Bills put before the House is to take historical hyperbole to new heights. It Jeremy Corbyn: I understand what the hon. Gentleman is ludicrous. There are more than 100 caveats on the says. He was not in the previous Parliament. I was one powers that are devolved to local government, and the of those who frequently demanded much more building Conservative and Liberal Democrat Members who keep of council housing. In the latter days of the Labour on about the joy that they have from the freedom for Government, more council housing was being built, their local authorities will be back in the Chamber in and is still being built in my borough. To be fair, the two or three years complaining that the fire standards Government inherited a massive bill for unrepaired are worse in Dorset than they are in Warwickshire, that estates and bad community areas, and put a great deal homeless people are more generously treated than they of money into the decent homes standard. The Labour are in Bristol and so on. Government should be commended for that. National Government have a responsibility to ensure The Bill undermines the principle of public provision that there are some national standards in what is done. of housing for those in desperate housing need. Instead, It is important that Government Members understand as I said, it requires local authorities to put people into that. In addition, since 80% of all local government the private sector. Imagine the situation when a homeless expenditure comes directly from central Government, family appears before the local housing authority, which the freedoms associated with the Bill are more than a fulfils its duty by encouraging the family to accept a little bit limited. two-year, or perhaps shorter, tenancy in a private sector flat. That is the end of its responsibility. If, at the end of Hazel Blears: My hon. Friend makes a good point that minimal period, the landlord increases the rent to about the possible inequity of services in different parts an astronomical level, that family will become homeless of the country. Is he aware that, as a result of the cuts to as a result of being unable to afford it, and then, local government funding currently taking place, in according to my reading of the clauses, they will not be many areas social care is being denied to people with eligible for any further assistance from the local housing moderate needs and going only to those with critical authority. care needs? Does he regard that as a good effect of My hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden localism? (Siobhain McDonagh) talked about rising homelessness, which is a major concern and, I think, one of the Jeremy Corbyn: That is an effect of localism. That is consequences of the Bill, so I urge Government Members why national standards, particularly in areas such as to think very carefully about that. We have a whole social care, access to pre-school education, and education generation of children growing up in inner-city areas, often in general, are so important for everyone in our society. in overcrowded council accommodation and sometimes People should be cautious of what they wish for from in overcrowded housing association accommodation. the Bill. Increasingly, however, they are in very expensive private The Secretary of State, introducing the Bill in a rented accommodation, paid for by housing benefit, particularly inept and rather unsensible speech, went on where the landlords do not do the repairs and there to describe how Islington was not going to develop a is no security of tenure. Those families are the most nuclear bomb. That got a good laugh, I am sure, but it vulnerable people. was a particularly silly thing to say. His Government are What is the effect on those children of sharing a cutting £300 million from Islington’s budget over the bedroom with three or four siblings, of heating that next four years. We are one of the poorest boroughs in does not work, of windows that are not repaired, of a London and we come in the top eight poorest communities gas cooker that is dangerous and of a fridge that does in the whole country, with high levels of homelessness, not work? They grow up with a sense of shame, cannot high levels of dependency and relatively high levels of bring friends home and do not grow up the same as all unemployment. A newly elected Labour local authority the other children in their school. We have a national has taken over from the Liberal Democrats, who spent responsibility and duty to invest more money in housing most of their time in control of Islington council on a with economical, responsible and affordable rents, and fire sale of valuable local authority properties. So they that is best achieved by investing in council housing, have form in how they behave towards local government which has done so well for so very long in this country. and local authorities. My final point on housing is that we spend billions of My main concern in respect of the Bill and in general pounds of housing benefit on subsidising the private is about housing. The legislation enacted at the time of rented sector. The Government’s solution is to cap and the first world war, and the Public Health and National limit housing benefit, thereby forcing people out of Health Service Acts of the post-war Labour Government what they describe as the “high-cost areas,” such as have done more than anything else in this country to those that my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney 619 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 620

North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) and I represent. and success of Congleton as a vibrant market town. The people being forced out will move somewhere else, Provisions in the Bill will, I hope, pave the way for the and as a result communities will be damaged. Other Congleton Partnership to make an even greater impact. countries regulate, control and operate the private sector Provisions enabling groups such as Crossroads Care far better, far more efficiently and far more humanely. It Cheshire East, of which I am a patron, to express an works in Germany and, to some extent, in the United interest in running such services, as part of the adult States, so why can we not do it here? We cannot because social care service in which it has developed real expertise, of the Secretary of State and his Ministers’ obsession could contribute considerably to resolving one of the with market solutions to all problems. There are no local authority’s key challenges and, at the same time, market solutions for homelessness; there is social enable Crossroads Care to fulfil its aspiration to grow intervention, community investment and public operation. its services substantially. That is what can deal with homelessness, and that is what can lift the life chances and opportunities of some Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am sure of the poorest and most vulnerable children in our the hon. Lady is right that many excellent local community community. groups would like to fulfil a greater role in supporting their local communities, but does she not accept that, 7.42 pm where those groups do not exist or cannot take on such Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I welcome the Bill as additional responsibilities, the Bill’s problem is that it a catalyst to support, release and empower the vibrant creates a real gap in provision in some communities? and often untapped resources in our local communities. In recent years, many individuals and community groups Fiona Bruce: I have confidence in my local authority’s have been hindered in making valuable contributions to ability to make discerning decisions about the services community life by impenetrable bureaucracy and the required and, wherever possible, to take advantage of centralised setting of priorities, or simply by a sense of the excellent professional expertise that many local disconnect between what happens in the confines of the organisations and community groups now offer. town hall and the rest of the community. The Bill seeks to bridge that gap, and I believe that it will succeed, David Rutley: My hon. Friend makes an important provided that the determination and vigour with which point, and I know that she is very involved with the it has been introduced into the House is matched by Crossroads Care charity and does an incredible amount similar determination and vigour to make it happen. of work in Congleton. In Macclesfield, the Bollington We should be realistic about the cultural change needed leisure centre is owned and run by the community, the to make this a reality. Gawsworth village shop is owned by the community I spent six years as a local councillor before arriving and the successful treacle market is run by the community. in this House, during which I was amazed to discover Is not that the way forward, rather than looking to such things as the fact that the local area plan contained state-based solutions every time, as the Opposition suggest? approximately 40 targets, but only seven of them were locally determined—the rest were centrally set. Those Fiona Bruce: I so agree. The Bill provides mechanisms were six years during which I witnessed continual frustration for greater partnership working and that, in turn, will on the part of community groups, who had much to help to release greater community energy. offer but struggled to have their voice heard. One such The Bill sends out a signal to residents, community group runs The Oaks community centre in my former groups and local businesses that their views and ward of Penketh. The group converted a school into an contributions really matter—indeed, that they are invaluable excellent all-age community centre, which is popular if we are to enjoy the kind of local communities in which and in daily use, but it has told me that it has struggled so many people whom we represent want to live. There to obtain even the tiniest degree of public funding or is no other way for society to flourish, and everyone’s support, while two other local authority community contribution matters. No insignificant person has ever halls in the same ward have languished under-used and been born. It is a signal that local residents need and, I largely unloved—expensive capital resources, the poor believe, deserve to hear today. use of which a community right-to-buy bid, provided I am particularly encouraged to see in the Bill the for in the Bill, could have addressed. community right to challenge. The very fact of its I recall residents feeling almost a sense of grief when inclusion will promote improved dialogue between residents’ their historic primary school building was demolished groups and the local authorities that represent them. in order to be replaced by a modern box. A local They includes groups such as Alsager Sports Partnership, referendum, the power for which is provided in the Bill, representing a swathe of local residents most keen to could well have allowed those residents to have their have their voice heard about the use of the former voice heard. As it was, a local petition against the Manchester Metropolitan university campus in my demolition, signed by thousands of residents, was all constituency as a community sports facility. The power too easily dismissed, and, as if to add insult to injury, as to instigate a local referendum might also enable such a a local councillor I was unable to vote on the issue group to highlight the high level of public support for because I had previously spoken to some of the residents that proposal. about how to make their voice heard. The revision in Small shops are essential to thriving communities. the Bill of the rule on pre-determination is much needed. People want and value a busy high street and local I am fortunate now to represent a constituency with a employment, with the colour and character that they high degree of community participation. The Congleton bring, together with the individual service and valued Partnership, for example, is an impressive, well-organised customer relationships that they provide. The measure and visionary group, working to ensure the sustainability enabling a local authority to demonstrate its local 621 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 622

[Fiona Bruce] or dine in the shop doorway next to it. If one does not have the agency to afford to dine at the Ritz, one dines community’s support for such enterprises by providing in the shop doorway. a business-rate free period or discount is most welcome, especially at a time of such economic challenge for Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): Does the hon. many local businesses. Gentleman agree that it is possible that those on both As I said at the outset, this Bill is most importantly a sides of the House are right and wrong, in that some catalyst. The proposals within it for greater public communities will flourish and fly with new-found freedoms participation in local democracy, the expenditure of and rights, while others without resources, leadership funds to be more representative of local priorities, and capacity and social capital may be left untouched and the release of the immense and often untapped contributions probably further behind? that voluntary, faith and community groups make in even greater measure than they already do, will happen only Dr Whitehead: I do agree with that difference. Also, if we make them happen—if we, as elected representatives however, if the agency is not there in order to make at national level, together with our colleague councillors those changes, if there is not the necessary financial and officers at local level, have a determination to devolution, and if there is the current extent of cuts to communicate the provisions in the Bill and the opportunities local government services, then many of the aims and that it offers clearly, effectively and convincingly to wishes for devolution of power to local government are residents, businesses and community groups. We must meaningless. The Bill provides for no financial devolution work practically with them to make localism happen away from the current system of considerable centralism and to ensure that the signal in the Bill saying “You as regards council tax raising, and the Secretary of matter”is sent out to local residents, so that an opportunity State has the power to change any figures that the local to make a positive difference in our local communities is authority comes up with in the way that it defines offered to all. Then people will see that under these council tax. proposals, real localism is there for the taking. In voting Localism means ensuring that decisions are made at for the Bill, let us commit ourselves— the right level. Under the Bill, there appear to be two types of decision on planning—the neighbourhood decision Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. or the national decision, with nothing in between. The Time is up, I am afraid. truth about localism is that decisions do not always have to be taken at the very lowest level, but they should 7.50 pm be taken at the appropriate level. I, for one, want to live Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): When in a sustainable community. I want my waste to be dealt the Secretary of State introduced the Second Reading with efficiently and my transport to be run efficiently. of this illuminatingly entitled Bill, I was reminded of All those things involve decisions planning and operation Humpty Dumpty’s phrase in “Through the Looking- that are larger than local. Bearing in mind that the Glass”: regional spatial plans and the national plans have been “When I use a word…it means just what I choose it to mean removed for everything but national infrastructure —neither more nor less.” proposals, unless the Bill contains effective measures that enable effective co-operation to take place between For the avoidance of doubt, I do not wish in any way to local authorities, that gap will exist, and I am afraid that associate the Secretary of State with Humpty Dumpty, people will come to regret it in future years. nor to suggest that the word “localism” is capable of as many meanings as one wishes to put on it. However, the Bill’s title—incidentally, this is the first time that I have Barry Gardiner: Does my hon. Friend agree that in come across a Bill named after a tendency—suggests order to resolve that issue it is important that the Bill to me that it is intended, to some extent, to persuade should have a presumption in favour of sustainable people that opposition to it is fruitless, because if one is development within the national planning framework? not in favour of localism, one must be in favour of centralism, and that is a bad thing. Dr Whitehead: Indeed, I completely agree. There I am very much in favour of, and have long proposed, should be such a presumption in the Bill and there localism and decentralisation from central Government should be considerable strengthening of the requirement and to local government. However, it has to mean to co-operate between local authorities, because the something. The Bill contains several things that are very requirement in the Bill merely means that people have much along the lines of the move towards localism and to talk to each other a bit. devolving power from central to local government, but If we are really localists in what we are doing, it is for those on both sides of the House and Governments essential to get the different levels of planning right. It of both colours, current and previous, there has always is not just about a neighbourhood decision or a national been a tension between the extent to which power can decision, but about getting the decision right in terms of properly be devolved from the centre and the wish of what it means. If we come back to this House in a few the centre to hold on to elements of reserved powers or years’ time having not built the houses and not given financial control. This Bill departs not a whit from that ourselves sufficient capacity to deal with this new era of dilemma, and that is not only because it includes 126 powers waste and resource management, and if we have found that the Secretary of State can use in order to remove its that some of the decisions that we have taken at very potential effects. Localism, at its heart, must have about local level mean that we have moved away from our it the idea of agency—that is, the agency of a local aim climate change targets instead of making the necessary or project to achieve its end. In this context, that is akin concerted effort to move towards them, we will seriously to the consideration of whether one can dine at the Ritz live to regret that gap in the Bill. 623 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 624

At the very least, we should ensure that this Bill is not to overturn the plan on appeal from a developer, or will enacted until a national planning framework is in place communities really be empowered to determine whether and the national planning statements have been discussed they are willing to have a wind farm in their vicinity? I and sorted out by this House. The Bill must sit in a urge the Government to consider the ten-minute rule proper framework that means that local, regional and Bill that was introduced by the hon. Member for Daventry national planning work together for the benefit of the (Chris Heaton-Harris), which I supported, and the Bill people who stand to gain most at local level. introduced in the other place. They both proposed a minimum distance from communities. All those points 7.58 pm will serve to provide far greater local say over the siting of wind farms. Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): In summary, I welcome the Localism Bill. It is a huge The lovely English countryside of my home county of opportunity for communities finally to have a say over Northamptonshire was the scene of many battles during what happens. At the end of the day, people have only the English civil war. Over the past 13 years, it has felt their lives, their communities and their families. If they embattled by the previous Government, with the regional are unable, as has been the case for the past 10 years, to spatial strategy determining, top down, the number of determine what goes on on their doorstep, it is a very houses and where they should be. I have knocked on so bad day for democracy. The Bill seeks to change and many doors where people have told me the horrors of transform that in one major and important piece of being stuck in their houses, with traffic gridlocked, legislation, and it must be welcomed by the whole unable to get out or to get their children to school. I Chamber. even had a pregnant lady tell me that she would not be allocated a midwife because there was not enough 8.3 pm infrastructure in place to provide the basic core services. All that is top down, with no possibility of local Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The Bill draws communities having a say in what goes on in their area. two important aspirations of the Government into conflict. I applaud the Bill, and I am very glad that we have The Government have said that they want to be the brought it to the Chamber at an early opportunity. I most decentralising Government ever, and that they welcome the fact that Front Benchers have been to my want to be the greenest. Those two aspirations are constituency to try to explain to people how it will work difficult to reconcile. To meet the renewables obligation and give them back some say over their own lives. and keep the lights on in the United Kingdom, the I will use my few minutes to focus on one aspect of Government will have to deliver £200 billion of investment the Bill: wind farms. They are dealt with in the Bill in energy infrastructure in just nine years. To meet their almost by default. I will focus on wind farms because obligations under the waste directive, they will have to they are causing great unhappiness in many communities deliver up to £20 billion of investment in plant and across the country. I recognise that the Government are equipment for new waste and recycling infrastructure in committed to solving the big problem of the energy gap the same period. that will open up in the last part of the next decade, Of course, it is right that local people have a say in thanks to the failure of the previous Government to local planning issues. However, the flaw in the Bill is deal with the need for new energy sources. I recognise that it peddles a myth that thousands of decisions taken that we will have to use renewable energy as a key part by atomised local communities up and down the country of providing for our energy needs in the late ’20s, but we will somehow amount to a coherent vision for the must allow local communities a say over where the wind national and regional infrastructure that we all require. farms should be sited. There is a false parallel between the responsibilities of elected parish councillors and Government Ministers. Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): Is the Parish councillors and the people who may constitute hon. Lady aware that all wind farms of more than neighbourhood forums have an obligation to secure the 50 MW will be exempt from the local consideration that best outcomes for their local community. Their vision is she seems to think they will receive? rightly limited to the immediate boundaries of their neighbourhood; so should be their powers also. Clause 90 Andrea Leadsom: Yes, I was coming to precisely that specifies a duty on local councils to co-operate on the point. In the Bill, onshore wind farms of less than planning of sustainable development. I welcome that, 50 MW capacity will become part of neighbourhood but there is no obligation on them to co-operate positively plans. Communities will have a say over the siting of so as to bring about sustainable development infrastructure. wind farms, and over whether they are willing to have a The Government must take a wider purview. To wind farm in some of the sensitive sites for which relinquish that responsibility is not to devolve decisions developers are putting in applications. I intend to table about strategic infrastructure to local neighbourhoods, an amendment to propose that the capacity of onshore but to ensure that no one takes those decisions. It is not wind farms that fall within neighbourhood plans be devolution of power, but abrogation of responsibility. increased to 100 MW, in line with offshore wind farms, My hon. Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy to avoid the consequence that developers might make Corbyn) spoke eloquently of the inequalities that may applications for ever larger wind farms in the hope of result in housing and the provision of other services circumventing communities and neighbourhood plans. across the country as a result of the Bill. I would be grateful to the Minister for confirmation that my understanding of the Bill is correct and for a Dr Whitehead: Does my hon. Friend accept that the better understanding of the appeal process. If a local cumulative impact of the proposals on sustainability community does not have a wind farm as part of its must inevitably be considered outside particular areas? neighbourhood plan, will the Secretary of State be able Does he propose that a mechanism be placed in the Bill 625 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 626

[Dr Whitehead] neighbourhood plan. How sad, how tragic, that that is the Government’s stated intention. I pray that they will to reconcile local decision making, the duty to co-operate not live to regret this Bill in government, because I pray and the cumulative impact of the developments on that in six or seven years they will no longer be in office. sustainability? 8.11 pm Barry Gardiner: That is exactly what I propose. My hon. Friend the Member for Islington North Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con): One made a powerful point about the inequalities that will of the messages that I hear on the doorstep is that for accrue across the country, but my point is different. The my constituents one of the biggest failures of the previous failure of Government to take strategic decisions will Administration was the culture of central Government not simply result in inequality, but will be to the detriment control that they perpetuated. It was a restrictive and of us all. Regional strategies were abolished by the domineering culture that affected the local community Secretary of State. A duty to co-operate is no substitute. detrimentally, with decisions being made in Westminster and Whitehall that bore no resemblance to local feeling The national planning framework must provide a and showed no understanding of it. clear direction to councils to enable a network of energy and waste management sites and facilities. Such a direction When the new Government pledged a fundamental should not be left to secondary legislation. The Government shift of power from Westminster to local people in the should introduce in the Bill a presumption in favour of coalition’s programme for government, it was therefore sustainable development that accords with the national very welcome indeed. The Government have since promoted planning framework. The Bill will create uncertainty in decentralisation and democratic engagement, and the the business plans of those who want to invest in our Bill will end the era of top-down government by giving country’s infrastructure. That will be as devastating a new powers to local councils, communities, neighbourhoods block on development as the increased voice for those and individuals. whom outsiders sometimes call nimbys. My firm belief is that the Bill will be a landmark The Bill suggests that a neighbourhood forum could piece of legislation. It will remove the inflated power of be constituted by as few as three individuals, and that central Government in local decisions and the top-down such individuals need not live in the area. Does the control of communities, and it will liberate local people Secretary of State not think that giving membership to by restoring their freedom to run their own lives and those who merely want to live in the area is, even by his neighbourhoods in the way that they and the local standards, a rather slack criterion? community see fit. The Bill will give control back to local people and Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I recognise the communities. It will give our constituents the opportunity hon. Gentleman’s focus on and work for sustainable to hold their local authorities to account, and they will development, but does he not accept that local people have the power to take over services through a new right are capable of making decisions about their own interest to challenge. As a result, local people and communities in and desire for sustainable development, consistent will have a real say in their areas, a new right to bid with the can-do approach of the Bill? to buy local assets and a new right to veto excessive council tax rises through a referendum. Barry Gardiner: Of course it is perfectly possible for My local council, South Gloucestershire council, is individuals and local communities to consider sustainable offering the community right to buy even before it has development needs, but it is not possible, and indeed been implemented. It is giving the Save Conygre House not right, that within our democratic structure those campaign group, which is behind efforts to save the decisions should be devolved to such a level. We need historic Conygre house, in Filton where I live, the time strategic planning on a national basis, and that cannot and space to build a business case for taking on the be provided by parish councillors. facility and making it a focal point for the Filton community. With this Bill, councils throughout the Neil Carmichael: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? country will be encouraged to follow suit, which I know local communities will welcome with open arms. All the Barry Gardiner: I will not give way further, because new measures can only be of benefit to our communities, time is short and other Members wish to contribute. and they will lead to a new era of public engagement in The delays of up to 12 months in even holding a local government. The new rights will plant the seed of referendum on planning issues will introduce a new local commitment and responsibility for our local areas. blight of delay into the process. Such delays can be fatal For councils, the Bill will fundamentally change the to major development plans, yet a referendum could be restrictions on their freedom and autonomy. It will triggered by just 5% of the local population. I pray that devolve significant new powers to them, including new the dangers that I believe are inherent in the Bill will not freedoms and flexibilities, and enable them to act in the come back to haunt the Government. interests of their local communities through a new In six or seven years, as the hon. Member for South general power of competence. Rather than needing to Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) said, 30% of our rely on specific powers, they will have the legal reassurance energy provision will come off stream, which is a large and confidence to innovate, drive down costs and deliver gap to fill. The Under-Secretary of State, the hon. more efficient services. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), It is clear that many councils have been calling for said earlier in Communities and Local Government legislation such as this for many years. Back in 2009, questions that the Bill would be about enabling people South Gloucestershire council’s Conservative cabinet to resist development in their area through the used the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 to call on 627 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 628 the previous Government to scrap the regional spatial I come from what I call a second-tier town, Blackpool, strategy, with its target of 32,800 houses for the district, in a coastal area. Regional development agencies have and to call for small business rate relief to be paid not had a good press, certainly not from Ministers, but automatically. The previous Government sat on the without them towns such as my own would not have got proposals, but the coalition Government have now on to the first step in regeneration. Money was put into confirmed to the council that both demands will be transport and the tower headland, and the local council implemented through the current Bill. imaginatively took over local assets such as the Winter I have long advocated the idea that large cities would Gardens. benefit from elected mayors. I fully support the We need proper mechanisms to replace the ability of Government’s pledge to introduce elected mayors for the RDAs to work for economic growth and progress the 12 largest cities outside London, subject of course across parochial council boundaries. Sadly, the Government to local referendums and full scrutiny by elected councillors. have so far been singularly inept in that regard. The I believe that elected mayors would boost democratic local enterprise partnerships—the sickly infant that they engagement, as has been demonstrated in the London have brought forward as part of the process of getting mayoral elections. An elected mayor for a city such as rid of the RDAs—have not even merited a mention in Bristol would benefit local people, because that person the Bill, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Don would enhance the city’s prestige and civic pride. The Valley (Caroline Flint) emphasised. Members talk about city would also benefit from the strong leadership that generating growth and are rightly concerned about how the position would enable its holder to enact, and from small businesses can contribute, but their communities a clear demonstration that somebody was publicly in will suffer unless the voice of business is listened to and charge and taking responsibility. There would also be the matter is taken seriously and covered in the Bill. better clarity and accountability in decision making. I want to remind the House of what some organisations The reforms in the Bill will let councils and communities have said about the need for a greater emphasis in the run their own affairs, which will serve to restore civic Bill on powers to involve businesses in local projects. pride, democratic accountability and economic growth Part 5 of the Bill deals with planning and the duty to and build a stronger, fairer Britain. The Bill will mark co-operate. The Federation of Small Businesses believes the end of the era of big government and lay the that LEPs could be an appropriate level for such foundations for the big society. involvement, but has concerns about their capacity to take on the roles currently proposed for them because Oliver Colvile: On a point of order, Madam Deputy of a lack of capacity and funding. Speaker. When I intervened earlier, I should have declared The FSB states: an interest as per the Register of Members’ Financial “We are disappointed that in the Bill there is no mention of Interests. I wish to apologise profusely. LEPs” It says that LEPs “have significant potential” but that Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Thank that you very much. You have corrected the record, and I sure that the House is grateful. That was not strictly a “would be enhanced if the partnerships were given basic start up point of order, but I understand your need to get it on funding alongside statutory recognition of their basic roles in the record and thank you for doing so. specific areas.” The British Retail Consortium says exactly the same Several hon. Members rose— sort of thing. It states that it is “vital” that regional development agencies Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. A lot of Members “are replaced with LEPs that are fully fit for purpose, with a wish to speak. The time limit is at five minutes, but it strong business voice”. would really help colleagues if Members could manage On clause 90—the duty to co-operate—the British to speak a little more briefly than that. Chambers of Commerce says: “The clause needs to be amended to include a stronger form of enforcement. It is within the scope of the Bill to amend this clause 8.16 pm to grant Local Enterprise Partnerships a” Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): Members proper may be familiar with the old adage, “If wishes were horses, “scrutiny role over the duty”. beggars would ride.” The hon. Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) talked about wind The message to the Government is therefore loud and farms, and if all today’s windy rhetoric were capable of clear. They need to do something to make localism, and carrying the Bill to successful fruition, it would do so. the dynamism that they want to release from it, a business fact on the ground. That should unite Members I remind Members that localism is not just a waffly who represent rural, suburban and other areas. We have concept. It needs to be seen in practical terms. We talk given the Government a lot of trouble and had some about bottom-up government, but what does that mean fun with them by describing the proposed process as and how does bottom-up activity happen? We talk Maoist and chaotic, but I remind the Minister and his about co-operation and collaboration, and I point out colleagues of the words of Thomas Hobbes, who said to the House, and particularly to Ministers, that a whole that swathe of activity that is absolutely essential to the prosperity, growth and collaboration of local communities “covenants, without the sword, are but words”. has been completely ignored in the Bill: that is economic If we do not have the sword—in the form of proper growth and the co-operation and participation of business consultation with, and involvement of, LEPs—we will in the process. all be the poorer. 629 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 630

8.21 pm Alok Sharma: No, I will not. Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): Hon. Members Some of those who are opposed to localism will on the Government side of the House campaigned argue that the Bill will encourage nimbyism, but I could vigorously for more localism in the years leading up to not disagree more with them. Let me give hon. Members the general election. We campaigned for returning genuine a couple of recent examples from my constituency that power to our local communities, and for allowing local demonstrate that communities are willing to accept new people to have a real say over how their communities homes that fit into the local area. look and feel. Promoting localism is in the DNA of this The Bath road reservoir site is a 5.4 acre green lung in coalition Government and a key hallmark of the Bill is the centre of Reading. It is owned by Thames Water, reversing Labour’s 13 years of centralisation. This is a which first tried to get planning permission to build on wide-ranging and ambitious Bill and I welcome it, but it 13 years ago. Three years ago, it resurrected its plans given the constraints on time this evening, I shall focus to develop the site and proposed a scale of development my remarks on the Bill’s proposals to reform the planning that was completely unacceptable to the local community system. and out of character with the local area. With the During the general election, my Labour opponent fantastic local campaigners of the Save the Bath Road spoke in favour of top-down housing targets imposed Reservoir campaign group, I met the then chief executive by unelected quangos and rubber-stamped by Whitehall of Thames Water. As part of our discussion, we suggested bureaucrats. that it may want to consider a smaller and more appropriate development, but the local community’s voice fell on John Howell (Henley) (Con): He lost! deaf ears. Thames Water submitted a planning application that Alok Sharma: Indeed he did. did not have the support of the local community. The application was subsequently rejected by Reading borough Labour’s clear message appeared to be that we cannot council, but Thames Water appealed the decision. We possibly trust local people to make decisions on planning found out last week that—thankfully—the appeal has at a local level. been rejected. What was the result of the 13 years of time, effort and money spent by all parties involved? Nicky Morgan: Does my hon. Friend agree that that Zero new homes were built on the site. A more collaborative top-down approach has not worked? There are fewer approach might well have delivered some housing. houses being built now than in 1997. The Underwood road precinct site in Calcot in my constituency is another example. The site has lain derelict Alok Sharma: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. for many years. Local residents want it developed but it Under the previous Conservative Government between is the same story all over again. The developer refused 1979 and 1996, an average of 171,000 homes were built to listen to the views of the local community and every year across England. By contrast, under Labour, proposed a development on a scale completely out of with its top-down approach and targets, an average of keeping with the local area. only 145,000 homes were built each year between 1997 A hugely motivated local residents campaign group and 2009. formed to oppose the inappropriate plans, and ultimately The problem with the current planning system is that the planning application was rejected a few weeks ago it is not seen to be fair to local communities. It seeks to by West Berkshire council. What was the sum total of drown out their voices rather than to amplify them. all the work undertaken by the various parties? Zero Despite the clear wishes of local communities and local new homes were built, and yet residents have been councils, the local view is that developers eventually crying out for some appropriate development on that ram through inappropriate developments on appeal. site. Local communities recognise the need for more housing, Stephen Gilbert: Does my hon. Friend agree that one but they want new houses to be built in a manner that is thing missing from the Bill is the third party right of sustainable, that provides the infrastructure to support appeal, which would be another tool in the armoury of local residents and, above all, that gives them a real say local residents? in how their communities look and feel. I believe that the Bill goes a long way towards achieving those aims. Alok Sharma: My hon. Friend makes an interesting I welcome the abolition of regional strategies and point, and I am sure that the Minister will take it up the opportunity for local residents and communities when he responds to the debate. to influence how their local area looks. I welcome The perception is that there is little upside for local neighbourhood planning, which will allow neighbourhood communities in taking larger developments in their groups to turn a vision for their area into a framework area. All such developments seem to offer is more with which developers and residents alike can feel traffic, more congestion, more pressure on local public comfortable. services, the loss of valuable green spaces and amenities, I welcome the community infrastructure levy alongside and a detrimental impact on the local environment. the new homes bonus, which will allow residents who Overall, the current planning system seems to lead, in are directly affected by development to realise real many larger development proposals, to a gladiatorial improvements in their area to compensate for any effects contest, pitting local residents against the might and of living alongside extra housing or other developments. resources of developers. I also welcome meaningful pre-application consultation, which will encourage a constructive dialogue between Neil Carmichael: Will my hon. Friend give way? local communities and developers. 631 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 632

In conclusion, we need to trust local communities live issue in my constituency: an active local campaign and let them take a lead in creating local neighbourhoods group, the Breathe Clean Air Group, has been campaigning of which they can be proud. The Localism Bill provides against the location of a wood incinerator, against the mechanism for just that, and I commend it to the which hundreds of residents marched to object only last House. weekend. Local campaigners are already pointing to the Localism Bill as a means to give them the ability to 8.27 pm stand up to what they see as a large commercial interest. Will Ministers give us clarity and assurances about Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Of course, what exactly they mean when they say that local people I welcome the intention of the Bill—we are all in favour will have a voice? of more local autonomy—but I have struggled to make I consider the Bill to be poorly thought through and sense of it. The Bill is a hotch-potch of ideas and irresponsible, often reflecting only knee-jerk popularism prejudices that in many cases pander to passing fashions. and being in danger of raising false hopes. I am particularly I have one underlying and unifying concern. There concerned for people in Stretford and Urmston, who seem to be insufficient guarantees within the Bill for have lost out repeatedly in trying to ensure that under the poorest and the weakest and those without a voice. Tory-led Trafford council the poorest wards in my They are not sufficiently protected, and I very much constituency are properly protected. I am very concerned fear that unpopular causes and disadvantaged communities that the Bill serves merely to legitimise such an approach. will be left behind. I want to highlight two issues that cause me particular 8.33 pm concern. The first relates to social housing, which the Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): Power Government seem to see as a residual housing solution is when the buck stops with the individual. If we are to only, and not the bedrock of strong families and give our councillors a real say over planning applications, communities that it could be. Removing regional spatial it is councillors who must take the final decision, not a strategies, limiting the length of social tenancies perhaps planning inspectorate. At the moment, all too often, to two years only and requiring homeless people to take our planning authorities are seen as a hurdle that developers up accommodation in the private rented sector— must jump over before the Government make the final accommodation that might be unstable or unsuitable decision on appeal. This must change for all except for their family’s needs, and accommodation from which projects of wider significance, such as motorways and they might be forced to move repeatedly—will be bad railways, if local councillors, as those who are accountable for communities, children and families, and many people to the people, are to have real power in their local area. will simply fail to put down roots. It makes more likely poorer outcomes for those families and communities, We need to stop micro-managing councils through and I am at a loss to understand why a Government inspectorates on local issues such as supermarkets and who have said they care about neighbourliness and housing developments. We must also give power to community strength would want to go down this route. councillors to delegate planning decisions where appropriate. At the moment, such decisions are delegated mainly Sheila Gilmore: Does it not strike my hon. Friend as to officials. In Cornwall, officers make more than odd that a Government who have said that above all 90% of decisions. One key way of bringing back more else they want to encourage people back into employment accountability to many smaller planning applications is are providing that someone who gets one of these to make use of our tier 1 parish and town councils. desirable housing association properties and finds They are as capable of making decisions as any other employment might lose their house? Will that not be a democratically elected councillors, although one would disincentive to finding employment? not believe it listening to Labour Members say that these poor people are not able to make decisions. Kate Green: My hon. Friend makes my next point: Oliver Colvile: Does my hon. Friend recognise that there is a complete lack of logic in people who better urban conurbations do not have the same opportunities their circumstances by moving into employment running to engage as parish and town councils? The Local the risk of being moved out of their home. I cannot Government Act 1972 allows for referendums in villages, understand why Ministers feel that that supports their but they would not necessarily be held in urban objectives and ambitions for increasing employment, conurbations and cities such as Plymouth. Would it not and I hope that in responding to the debate the Minister be useful to include that in the Bill? will pick up on that point. I am also at a loss to understand what possible incentive there will be for people Sheryll Murray: I take on board what my hon. Friend who think they might be in social tenancies for only a says, as, I am sure, will our right hon. Friend the Minister. very short period either to maintain the quality of that We have 213 parish councils in Cornwall that could housing—to care for it, keep it clean, well decorated be of great help to the planning process, both in statutory and well maintained—or to participate in community consultation on bigger applications and by taking decisions activities, as the Government desire. on smaller ones. Although planning documents, such I also have questions about the proposals for the as the structural plan, are important, local councillors planning system. I want to question Ministers about the should have the final say, case by case—for example, on strength of their commitment and seriousness. I must unexpected proposals that will bring about genuine warn them that local people are interpreting for themselves good for the area, such as an area of outstanding the references to considerable levels of influence and natural beauty suiting a particular tourism development. autonomy in making local decisions, and I want to Councils would be in a much stronger position in the know whether Ministers can guarantee—and intend—that all-important initial negotiations with developers, ensuring level of influence and autonomy. I have an example of a the best deal possible for residents. 633 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 634

[Sheryll Murray] reduced it. More importantly, it prevented some important policy initiatives from being pursued. An example is the I welcome the proposal to give local people a real say Supporting People programme, which was funded to on important issues through referendums. There are provide preventive services to help people to stay in many controversial issues in Cornwall, such as parking their own homes for longer and to prevent new tenants costs, that might warrant giving local people a say. I am from being evicted because they did not have enough pleased that my local councillors have listened and support to learn how to budget and manage their realise that a one-size-fits-all solution will not work, tenancies. because there is a big difference between the small, Ending ring-fencing in a financial climate in which a struggling town centre that is desperate to attract more Government’s priority often has to be the statutory and people and the large city car park with access to department crisis services has resulted in the slow-burn, long-term stores. We also have many villages that were built before preventive work suffering. I predict that the same will the car was even invented, where residents rely on happen up and down the country, especially as the past communal parking facilities because of the narrow three years have been relatively benign in Scotland, roads and lack of on-street parking. Moreover, there compared with what is about to hit local authorities in are tourist towns where demand varies throughout the England and, because of the Barnett consequentials, in year. It is clear that more decisions need to be made at a Scotland. local community level, and referendums can play their We have also heard about the community right to part in making the more difficult decisions where people buy, and, yes, we already have that in Scotland, as the need to be consulted. hon. Member for Leeds North West (Greg Mulholland) I campaigned on the issue of weekly bin collections pointed out. Without funds to buy, however, it becomes and am delighted with the Government’s rhetoric. The an empty gesture. A community group in my constituency last few weeks of bad weather have shown how essential is setting up a community development trust, and it is this is. Local referendums would quickly show those very keen to go ahead. It knows which buildings and who doubt the importance of this essential service. facilities it would like to take over, but at the moment it has absolutely no hope of any funding to enable it even Alison Seabeck: The hon. Lady is quite rightly talking to get started. When I was down here last summer, I about the importance of referendums to local communities, took the opportunity to visit Shoreditch community but if, as her colleagues on the Front Bench say, there development trust, which I had heard a lot about. It has should be a freeze on council tax, who will fund those done some fantastic work, well in advance of the big referendums? society, but the crucial factor in getting it started was the £3.8 million of Government funding that enabled it Sheryll Murray: I am sure that my right hon. Friends to take the first steps towards acquiring facilities that on the Front Bench can ensure that, if a little thought is it could use to lever in more investment and facilities. given to the question, referendums take place at very Without funding, these proposals could become an little cost. empty gesture. I strongly believe that we should have a referendum On the housing provisions in the Bill, I have no before any move to make weekly bin collections fortnightly. objection to alternatives to traditional social housing if I hope that local councillors from all parties—although they constitute a genuine addition. If not, they will the Opposition seem reluctant to do this—will welcome make the situation worse, not better. However, partly as referendums and give people their say when appropriate. a result of the Bill and partly through what has already With greater power being given to councils, we must been announced, the burden of paying for new housing also ensure that they are in a position to act more is now going to fall on tenants, who will have to pay appropriately. We have all heard about ridiculous rulings higher rents. They will also find it harder to get work, or from over-zealous health and safety officers. We must might find that there is a disincentive to get work. There give them, and the many other officers, the opportunity is a role for mid-market housing. We have some in my of better training, qualification and registration to ensure area, and there is a group of people who need and want that common sense reigns. it, but it is not a substitute for subsidised, low-cost Overall, I welcome the Bill and I look forward to housing. giving powers from this place to our local councils and Nor is it right that people who move into the new to the councillors who have been democratically elected housing now being built should be expected to move on to take them. That is why I will support the Bill tonight. after only a short time. To those who say that that will apply only to new tenants and that it will not affect 8.40 pm others, I say that this is just the start. Various Conservative think-tanks have made this proposal over the past few Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Beware of years, but when I told people in the housing movement Greeks bearing gifts—or perhaps it should be gifts of about it before the election they just laughed and said it jars of pickles; I am not quite sure. In Scotland, we have would never happen. People should not believe that this more than three years’ experience of what the end of will stop at new tenants; before we know where we are, ring-fencing means. Its end was welcomed by a lot of security of tenure will be gone. councils of various political persuasions, although I am glad that the Labour group on my own council did not fall into the trap of thinking that it would get more 8.45 pm power as a result. That did not happen. At a time when George Hollingbery (Meon Valley) (Con): First, I pay a council tax freeze was being imposed on Scottish tribute to the hon. Member for Sheffield South East councils, taking away ring-fencing did not increase the (Mr Betts), the Chairman of the Select Committee, who freedom of local councils to make decisions; rather, it made many reasonable points in his admirably non-partisan 635 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 636 contribution. I shall leave it to Front Benchers—it is need to turn out to approve a neighbourhood development probably politic to do so—to work out which ones were order. We need to make absolutely sure that the Bill reasonable, and move swiftly on. provides for consultation to be as wide and as in-depth The Bill provides us with the opportunity to change as possible, which will not happen unless the orders are things locally. It could re-engage civic society in a way modified. that we have not seen for an awfully long time. For too Given the time available and in the interest of other long, local politicians—those closest to local people—have Members speaking, I shall finish there. been regarded as empty vessels, simply resonating to the words of Whitehall. I really think that the Bill presents 8.48 pm an opportunity to change that, which I greatly welcome. Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): It seems almost an We are short of time, so I shall run through a number exaggeration to call the Localism Bill a Bill. It is really of the Bill’s measures very quickly. Getting rid of the 400 pages of the Secretary of State’s incoherent streams Standards Board for England has to be the right thing of consciousness, largely unconnected and all focused to do. It was a cipher for partisan activity in local on different parts of local government legislation. In so politics and its passing will not be mourned by anybody. much as it is a Bill, it is a sham. On predetermination, the most ludicrous situation existed, whereby people could be elected to champion a local In the context of the massive cuts to local authority cause yet not be able to take part in the decision. What funding, it is disgraceful to suggest that local authorities an unbelievably crazy situation that was! I greatly welcome now have more powers. Authorities know that the only the board’s passing. power they have been given is the choice of what to cut. Whether they slash the voluntary sector or refuse collection, Under new rules in the Bill, illegal occupation means planning services or housing, the only authority that that planning permission cannot be applied for. Again, they will have is, as I say, the choice of what to cut. The that it is much to be welcomed. My local councillor poorest will be hit hardest by cuts to local authority points out that it is unlikely to lead to people being spending—both because they use the services most and moved on any faster, but it will at least protect the land because the poorest councils have been the hardest hit. from being developed in the future. I think that that is also to be hugely welcomed. Neil Carmichael: I should be fascinated to learn why Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Will my hon. Friend Labour Members simply do not trust local people. In give way? France and Holland there is strategic planning at one level, but at local level people have a huge amount of George Hollingbery: I do not think I shall, as I have capacity and ability to shape their environment. I know been asked to be extremely rapid. France well, and I know Holland well. I have seen how Tenure reform was essential, and I believe that a the system works in those countries, and I do not change to a potential 80% of market rent in social understand why you do not believe that it can work here housing is also very sensible for the simple reason that it as well. is about recycling assets. It is about building more social housing; getting more income from people means more Toby Perkins: I do not know why you were the social housing being built in the future. That must be recipient of that attack, Madam Deputy Speaker, but, welcomed. assuming that the hon. Gentleman was talking about the Labour Government, I think that he should have Sheila Gilmore rose— listened to what I was saying. What I was saying was that local authorities will not have the capacity to George Hollingbery: No, I am not taking any influence their areas when faced with spending cuts as interventions. great as those with which they have been hit at this Finally, let me end with a few remarks on neighbourhood point. That is the fundamental difference. planning. I very much welcome the clauses on As we have heard today from speaker after speaker, neighbourhood planning, which could seriously re-engage the removal of the housing targets will mean the building local people in deciding how their area looks and feels. I of less housing. In the context of a massive housing have some specific issues with the drafting. What is a crisis and a growing population— neighbourhood forum? Who is in it? Who do they represent? Is it based on geography, is it a political Sheila Gilmore: Will my hon. Friend give way? group or is it a religious group? The Bill does not speak to that. At the moment, it requires only a constitution, Toby Perkins: I will. three people and the interests of local people at heart. It does not refer to all local people, just local people. I Sheila Gilmore: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is think that those terms need to be pulled together and ridiculous to suggest that transferring the cost of new local councils need a better rubric against which to housing from the state to the tenant will give councils judge applications so that they can be rejected securely. and housing associations more money with which to The same applies to local areas. At the moment, a local build houses? area could be as small as a single street, which is not terribly helpful. I believe that that provision could be Toby Perkins: Absolutely, but that is by no means the tightened. most ridiculous suggestion that we have heard today. Finally, a referendum to approve a neighbourhood According to the hon. Member for Meon Valley (George plan or a neighbourhood development order will have Hollingbery), there is to be an affordable housing boom. no turnout restrictions. Where a small street has only He believes that tons more houses will be built, although 150 qualifying members, only 20 or 30 people might successive Conservative speakers have rejoiced in the 637 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 638

[Toby Perkins] strategies. The opinions of those witnesses were diverse; some were deeply hostile, while others thought the fact that local authorities will now be able to tell developers measures were a step in the right direction. However, to clear off and prevent the increase in housing provision those eight people of different opinions were united on that we so clearly need. one thing: the strategies for house building proposed by In the face of a savage housing crisis, when local this Government will, in fact, lead to a reduction in the authorities are being hit by the toughest funding settlement number of houses being built, and to the homeless crisis in living memory, we are expecting the enactment of getting worse. legislation which—as the Under-Secretary of State for These proposed Government policies have therefore Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member united opposition from both ends of the spectrum of for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill) made clear— interested parties. Shelter says that the housing crisis ensures that, ultimately, those in the greatest need will will get worse and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire bear the greatest burden of paying off the debt. What chamber of commerce has written to me today saying the hon. Gentleman said at Question Time at the beginning that, while it welcomes the Minister’s intent to simplify of the current Parliament is coming true, and the Bill is and speed up the planning system, it has significant just one example of the way it will do so. We are seeing concerns that the Bill as currently drafted will act as the Government abdicating all responsibility for housing a barrier to development and economic growth. It is targets. We are seeing— therefore a concern not only of those who are most concerned about the housing crisis, but of those who Brandon Lewis: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? are interested in development and commerce, that under the nimbyish aspects of the Bill we will see a reduction Toby Perkins: I have already taken a couple of in house building, even though the building of more interventions, and I know that a number of other Members houses is required to end the housing crisis. wish to contribute. This Bill is a shambolic cover-up. It will mainly We are seeing a Government who are no longer devolve to local government responsibilities on what to making housing provision a priority. Largely owing to cut and who to target. It is a missed opportunity that the toxic legacy of a previous Tory Government, the will do nothing to boost the morale of the beleaguered last Labour Government spent their early years clearing local government sector, and it will inevitably make the up the disgraceful state of our social housing. As a housing crisis worse. result, so much money was invested in the decent homes programme that the housing shortage was allowed to 8.56 pm become worse and worse. Only during the last three or Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I warmly four years could major social housing developments welcome the Bill, and I should declare an interest: I am take place. an elected parish councillor in Shenley Brook End and Tattenhoe parish council. I want to use that experience, Brandon Lewis: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? and that of Milton Keynes more widely, to illustrate why the Bill’s measures are welcome, necessary and, in Toby Perkins: Briefly. many aspects, long overdue. Milton Keynes is now pretty much at its planned size Brandon Lewis: I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving when it was designated a new town in 1967: it has now way so graciously, but, notwithstanding his comments reached its proposed population of almost 250,000, and about social housing, does he accept that, according to the initially outlined geographic boundaries. The debate Shelter, seven of the top 10 providers in the country are in recent years has therefore been about how, when and Conservative-controlled councils? where future development should take place. The policy of the previous Government could be defined as national Toby Perkins: I certainly accept a comment made by selection and regional implementation, and under that, Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, who said: Milton Keynes was designated one of the areas of “It is unbelievable that at a time when every two minutes south-east growth. Tens of thousands of new houses someone faces the nightmare of losing their home, the government were designated, not primarily because of Milton Keynes’ is proposing to reduce the rights of homeless people who approach needs, but because it was a comparatively easy place their local authorities for help.” to build new homes. As a result, without proper thought What I also understand about the housing crisis is that or adequate infrastructure provision, large additional the state of the rebuilding programme that was beginning housing estates were bolted on around the outside of to be implemented is being fundamentally eroded by Milton Keynes, a place that was carefully designed and the Bill. The Government’s policies are leading to confusion constructed. That led to many of the unique design and chaos and, according to the National Housing aspects that have made Milton Keynes such a success Federation, to the loss of 160,000 desperately needed being diminished, the primary example of which is the new homes. grid road system. The Bill, however, will allow us to determine our own Mark Pawsey: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? housing needs locally, and devise solutions locally. For the first time, Milton Keynes will have truly liberating Toby Perkins: I am afraid that I am going to carry on powers to shape its own future. Having always had its now. growth determined by one Government quango or another, During the final sitting of the Communities and for the first time it will be local people who decide our Local Government Committee that I attended, we destiny. If I may use an analogy from nature: for the interviewed eight witnesses about the regional spatial first time the cub will be away from its mother and 639 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 640 making its own decisions. That will be powerful and That reached its apotheosis under the previous liberating, and I hope it will rekindle a genuine local Government, who realised in their dying years that democracy, not just the party opinion poll contest that something was askew. When they carried out a survey seemed to happen too often. I hope that there will be a in 2000, 60% of people said that they were satisfied with robust debate about the future of Milton Keynes in their local council, but after 11 years of Labour’s strictures terms of both the total strategic scope of future expansion the corresponding figure in 2008 was 45%. To see what and the detailed planning. has been happening, those of us who care about local I particularly welcome the Bill’s provisions for genuine government have only to examine the number of people community engagement in the shaping and the nature who vote, which has been decreasing and decreasing. of new housing areas—the density of housing, how Voters are not stupid. They have seen that the people many parking places are needed, the green spaces, what they elect as local councillors have less and less power to shops and services are required. That all comes with this do anything, so they wonder about the point of voting. Bill. As I have mentioned, I serve as a parish councillor I totally support getting rid of this predetermination in one of the fast-growing parts of Milton Keynes. business and the standards boards, and giving this general competence to councils. That might restore the Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): I am connection between the electorate and the candidate delighted to hear my hon. Friend’s comments about who is campaigning on something, and that candidate’s parish councils. In respect of some of the urban areas, is ability to get elected as a councillor and deliver some of he as pleased as I am that the neighbourhood forums what he promised. We might, thus, restore the trust that that are to be introduced will give them a voice too? we used to have in local government. Perhaps that would help all the political parties here Iain Stewart: I am delighted to endorse that point, to encourage a few more people to come forward wanting because I was going to mention the urban areas, as well to be councillors. Instead of being hide-bound by standards as town councils. The Bill will benefit not only the new boards, legal officers and central and regional quangos, growing areas in Milton Keynes, but the existing historical they would be able to get on and do something for their areas. Milton Keynes was built around many historical local area. In the historic town of Lancaster, which is towns and villages, and so its older parts will also part of my constituency, the Victorian local councillors benefit. That gives me the perfect opportunity to cite put an enormous amount of money and energy into the example of local libraries. The right hon. Member their own town. People could not even dream of doing for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), speaking from the that now, but that potential exists and is provided for in Opposition Front Bench, seemed to allege that the Bill the Bill. would do nothing for libraries and other local services that may be under threat, but that is not the case. In two I am aware of the time available to me, but I wish to parts of my constituency, Stony Stratford and Woburn stress, as others have done, the importance of parishes, Sands, the libraries are under threat and the town and not only rural ones. There are 17 such parishes in councils are putting forward exciting plans to take over my constituency, as well as three town councils and one the ownership and running of those vital local services. urban parish. They are desperate to have a say over the That is the kind of imaginative locally based solution neighbourhood plans, to vote on what is in them and that we need to protect the fabric and integrity of our then to enjoy the benefits of them. Labour’s amendment local areas. I wished to discuss other parts of the Bill in seeks simply to delay, as most of Labour’s amendments detail, but time will preclude my doing so. Therefore, in have done lately. I have no idea whether or not the aim the interests of letting other colleagues speak, I shall is to fill in blank pages, but my local councillors and conclude my remarks at this point. parishes want no more delay on the power over retrospective planning. 9.1 pm The fact that Travellers can arrive at a site near Preesall on a bank holiday Monday with hard core all Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): ready and mobile toilets and then apply for retrospective As others have, I shall declare my interest, which is in planning permissions suggests to me that they knew full the book: I have reached the dizzy heights of honorary well that that they could not get through the normal vice-president of the Local Government Association, planning application procedure, which everybody else after 21 years in local government. For the benefit of would have to follow. That poor area has now waited the Labour party, I should say that 17 of those years nine months for the planning appeal and the situation were spent in Britain’s poorest borough and two were persists. That is why there is no time like the present to spent in control in a coalition with Labour—perhaps I pass the Bill. should keep quiet about that. I shall deal, first, with the key issue, about which we Mark Pawsey: Does my hon. Friend agree that that is have heard lots of complaints. I was a councillor from a case of a business approach to the occupation of land 2000, so I saw how the previous Government interfered and that that is why the enforcement proposals in the and controlled. That point has been demonstrated Bill are so welcome? tremendously by other council leaders and councillors. I was going to make the fair point that this approach Eric Ollerenshaw: As is the power for local councillors began even before then; it seems that Governments have and ratepayers to see the decisions that they want done this for ever. As an old Labour councillor who carried out. first taught me said, “Eric, your party will need you when it is in opposition but watch out when it is in The last bit of the Labour amendment is not amusing—it government because it tends to forget about local is not amusing for local people— government.”That has been a prescription in this country historically and there has been increasing centralisation. Alison Seabeck: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? 641 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 642

Eric Ollerenshaw: Will the hon. Lady let me finish, so as long as their views on the nature of that development that we can get on with things? The amendment says are listened to. That is the frustration with the system at that if the Bill is passed, it the moment—views are not heard. My hon. Friend the “would cause the planning functions of local authorities to Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma) talked about become incoherent and ineffective”. the views of communities falling on deaf ears and that We need only ask my electors whether, when they go to is how residents feel now. local planning committees, they find what is going on to I also believe that residents can and will work with be coherent. We need only ask any one of my parishes local businesses and retailers to ensure that there is whether they find anything coherent or effective about sufficient employment land available and that there are the present planning position, which ignores every vote sustainable town and village centres. of that town or parish with impunity. My councils want this Bill passed, and they want it passed quickly, because Anne Marie Morris: I note with interest my hon. it goes with the grain of their neighbourhoods and Friend’s comments about the business community. Does parishes. she agree that we should see it as part of these neighbourhood forums? 9.6 pm Nicky Morgan: Absolutely, particularly in relation to Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): This is an my constituency, which includes a large town, a smaller important debate on an important Bill, which will change town and various villages. The employers, businesses the relationship between central Government, local and retail industry are critical to the area’s success and government and residents. we must see that they are fully engaged with neighbourhood In the short time available, I want to concentrate on plans. I particularly welcome clause 102, which requires part 5 of the Bill, which deals with planning. I welcome developers to consult local communities before submitting the proposals that will enable communities to put together planning applications for certain developments. neighbourhood development plans and orders. Since Let me offer a few final thoughts so that colleagues the debate started, I have received an e-mail from a will have time to make their points. First, there must be resident of the village of Quorn in my constituency who clarity around the decision-making process regarding says that an application has recently been made to the plan or order, and the process must be fair and redesignate land in the village to greenfield. That will transparent. It would be helpful to know at some point mean that it cannot be used for allotments, which are the grounds on which a local planning authority or desperately needed in the village. If neighbourhoods examiner could turn down a plan or order. It would also had the ability to put together a plan to designate how be helpful to know who will bear the cost of preparing they would like local land to be used, that application a plan. could not have been made. I entirely agree with the There have been calls for a third-party right of appeal. comments that have just been made by my hon. Friend the According to the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) the UK appeal system cost £25 million in 2007-08, —the Bill is needed and it is needed now. when there were almost 23,000 appeals. I understand We cannot possibly say that the current system is that the Government are keen to reduce dramatically working in favour of residents and communities. Local the number of appeals by having more up-front agreement councillors feel extremely frustrated. Too often, the to plans and orders, but will Ministers keep this area only power that local communities have is to mount a under review so that we can see whether that works for vociferous no campaign. In his opening remarks, the residents in practice? Secretary of State talked about a confrontational and Last April, the Prime Minister issued an invitation to adversarial system and I am sure that we are all aware of join the Government. Part 5 and other parts of the Bill that from our postbags and inboxes. I am sure that all show that that invitation has been issued, and I firmly hon. Members are aware of groups that have campaigned believe that residents in Loughborough and elsewhere in their constituencies against proposed developments. will accept it. I urge Members to support the Bill today. In my constituency, I want to pay tribute to the Garendon Park countryside protection group, the Loughborough south-west action group and residents in Barrow, Hathern 9.11 pm and Sileby. Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South If the planning system is not working, we must Pembrokeshire) (Con): May I report the loud cheer believe that there is an alternative. I agree with the from far-flung corners of Britain that accompanied the comments made earlier—the difference between the announcement of the Bill? To be honest, anything with Government and the Opposition is that we believe in the words decentralisation or localism in the title has the power of residents and communities to show common generated significant enthusiasm. May I also report an sense and to trust their judgment about what is best for even louder cheer from people in particularly isolated their local areas. One example would be the Loughborough areas of Britain for whom the Bill is an important step in bloom competition, which was led by the Loughborough forward? In those areas, political engagement is, perhaps, Echo and supported by Charnwood council. It has more important than anywhere else in the UK, and it is transformed the way that Loughborough town centre no surprise or coincidence that the turnout in general looks and was entirely down to local groups and and local elections in those areas is somewhat higher communities that joined the scheme year on year. than in their urban equivalents. That is despite the often I can also cite the many neighbourhood plans and considerable obstacles that people face at election time. village design statements drafted by local residents. I It is not a coincidence that the areas to which I refer are firmly believe that residents will support development the very epitome of the big society. They invented that 643 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 644 expression, its content and, indeed, its whole context Simon Hart: My hon. Friend makes a good point. If long before hon. Members picked up on the theme, and there is one thing that drives those of us on the Government they did so despite the previous Government rather Benches in almost every measure that we consider, it is than because of them. That is what makes engagement how we can make life simpler and easier for people in in this measure even more important. business and for everyday families. That is one of the It was probably a consequence of a decade or more of major distinctions between the Government and their frustration and exasperation that led a number of people predecessors. in rural communities to conclude that simply devolving I conclude by touching quickly on planning and power was not necessarily the same as improving services. housing. It seems to me that we have missed something It is important to stress that point and to address it in rather simple during the debate: the findings of the the legislation—and we are doing that, thank goodness! Affordable Rural Housing Commission, which was set Anything in the Bill that restores confidence and leads up by the previous Government, to their credit. The to better representation has to be a good thing. Anything commission has recognised a number of the issues that that restores better government has to be a good thing, have been raised today and that feature heavily in the because that will, in turn, lead to better services. proposals before us. It put its finger right on the points I shall stick to two subjects today, one of which is the to which we are referring and highlighted the fact that provision for local communities to retain important although volume is important, particularly in rural services and the right to buy, which has been mentioned communities, the issue is as much about location as it is several times already. The background is simple and about anything else. stark: 30,000 independent retailers have gone in the past The commission, on one hand, calls on planners to 25 years; 20% of rural post offices have gone; one be more flexible when it comes to the views of local primary school a month has gone; banks and petrol communities—the Bill helps us with that—and stresses stations have gone; and 39 pubs a week are going. the need to locate affordable houses where there is a demand and where there are jobs, and on the other it Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): My hon. Friend refers to the fact that planners need to be more rigid in has, like me, a very rural constituency. Does he agree ensuring that unscrupulous developers do not exploit that it is vital that the Bill will allow small communities the planning system for their own financial gain at the to have sustainable development that will support those expense of the community. post offices and the vital services to which he refers? It is sensible that the planning element of the Bill refers to the availability of jobs, recognises the significance Simon Hart: My hon. Friend makes a good point. of culture and, of course, highlights the importance of Those Members who were lucky enough to attend a community, which lies at the heart of localism and of recent Westminster Hall debate on the future of pubs everybody who cares deeply about their rural community, will remember that a number of speakers from all for whatever reason. parties and all quarters of the House championed the If there was an election message delivered to us all, local pub. In doing so, they championed a lot more than whatever part of Britain we represent and whatever our the local pub: they championed anything that was the political persuasion, it was this: “Get the Government hub of the community. From speaker after speaker we off my back—in practice, in principle and in spirit.” heard that the issue was not just about buying beer and I suggest that the Bill’s proposals are the first major crisps, filling one’s tank with petrol or buying stamps. It and important step towards that objective, and any was about the crucial social function that those institutions reasonable-minded person in the House should embrace provide, which are under threat and remain so. The Bill it warmly. steps in the right direction to shore up those vital institutions by ensuring that, where possible and viable, 9.18 pm local communities are enabled to get in the way of people who might have other, perhaps financially driven, Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): Broadly, motives with regard to those services. I think of the I very much welcome the Bill, which will tackle the great Farmers Arms in Llanybri, a lovely pub representing bureaucratic burden, raise local accountability and empower a crucial part of my constituency, which at the moment local communities to start taking control of their own is closed, despite the fact that a number of residents see lives again, all of which are laudable aims and, I believe, it as viable and important, and want it retained for the highly achievable. However, as a Member who represents good of the community. a London constituency, it is right that I question how the Bill will in practice affect my constituents and their Anne Marie Morris: I absolutely endorse what my fellow Londoners. hon. Friend is saying. Does he share my concern that we One of the most obvious of the many improvements must ensure that there is little red tape, because if there that the Bill will introduce, as so many of my colleagues is too much red tape the right to take over services will have said, is the freeing up of local councillors to be become meaningless? able to speak their minds on important matters. I have always though it absolutely bizarre that they should Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. be elected on the basis of having strong views on local Before the hon. Gentleman answers, may I remind the matters and then not be allowed to be part of the hon. Lady that she is not supposed to have her back to decision-making process on those matters. This bit of the Chair, that she is not supposed to stand when common sense is welcome, and about time too. another Member is standing and that many other Members I am delighted to have been reassured that the change are trying to get into the debate? If she could remember in predetermination also applies to local ward councillors those, that would be good. and their local licensing issues. So it should. It is important 645 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 646

[Angie Bray] I like the localism agenda. It is the right policy at the right time. There is far more that can and should be that we put communities and their local ward councillors done in the name of localism, but this is a pretty good back at the centre of these important decisions. I am start. I shall certainly support the Bill. delighted to see us starting to unwind what I consider to be one of the worst legacies of the previous Labour 9.23 pm Government—the rush to force late-night licences on us all. We need to move fast on this. Late-night licensing Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): At the outset I should has proved to be a disaster for neighbourhoods throughout state that before coming to this place I worked for the land, causing them to be blighted by relentless noise 27 years as a chartered surveyor. I no longer practise and antisocial behaviour. Giving power back to and I have no consultancies. I have also been a district neighbourhoods as well as to their local ward councillors councillor and a county councillor. to decide on important matters cannot happen too I shall concentrate on the planning aspects of the soon, allowing them to decide whether an area is appropriate Bill. I support the Bill, although there are areas that for such premises, particularly where saturation may require further scrutiny. The Bill is radical and bold, already have been reached. In my case, Ealing Broadway and the Secretary of State and his team are to be immediately springs to mind. applauded for thinking outside the box. Change is I hope that the Minister will be able to provide me needed as the current system is not working. At a time with further information on the difficult issue of local when there is an urgent need to build more houses, we planning matters. I fully applaud the plans in the Bill to are building fewer than at any time since the war. Local hand a bigger role in local housing strategies to development framework coverage is patchy. Only 15% of neighbourhoods and to local residents. It ought to be a the country has an adopted core strategy. The country’s no-brainer that those who will live closest to the infrastructure is crumbling. Our roads, drains and power consequences of a new development have a say in whether supplies are in need of upgrading. The planning system and how it might go ahead. Given that most of us are provides one means of achieving that. The Bill proposes aware of the urgent need for new housing, it makes sense a fundamental change in how the planning system to harness neighbourhoods to help provide for that works, representing a move from a top-down to a through the good old-fashioned principle of enlightened bottom-up approach. There is a need to accept that the self-interest—that is, by making sure that those man from the Ministry does not know best, and there neighbourhoods can also profit from new developments must be a shift in responsibility to individuals and local through benefits such as lower council taxes. communities. They, after all, are the people who know However, I need a little help. I am not quite sure how their areas best. that is supposed to pan out in London, which I suspect I shall comment on various features of the framework is rather different from most other regions because of in which the new approach to planning will operate. We its extra tier of government based at city hall and need to consider whether the principle of sustainable headed by a Mayor with a variety of regional statutory development is embedded in the legislation, and whether duties. One of those is to provide a London plan. That, the requirement for such development is explicitly stated. as some in the Chamber may know, is a massive undertaking Currently, the proposal is that the need to follow sustainable in which the Mayor plans for many years ahead on the principles will be implicit because it will be included in complete shape of London, including where housing is the national planning framework. That has not yet been needed and how much of it, and where there should be published, however, and sustainability needs to be at the industrial or business zones, entertainment zones and heart of the planning system. so on. There is a need to ensure that local decisions and The plan is the basis on which all local development developments have regard to surrounding districts and frameworks are based. Ealing, for instance, is expected fit into a county-wide and regional framework. The to provide 14,000 houses by 2026. Where do the local regional spatial strategy was too rigid a straitjacket, but residents come in? What say will they have about that is the duty on local authorities to co-operate sufficient strategy? I suspect that many local residents will be to ensure that an adequate strategic overview is taken? reluctant to support new housing, much as they know That requires further scrutiny. In East Anglia, SCEALA, that it is important, because they have a concern, which the Standing Conference of East Anglian Local Authorities, I share, that too often not enough long-term thought did the job adequately in the 1980s. To ensure that is put into the sustainability of many of those large sufficient houses are built in a district, consideration developments. There is a fear that too often planning should be given to asking local planning authorities to committees are not asking the right questions, probably assess local housing need regularly. In that way, they because they want the housing, regardless. We need to will be able to monitor their success in bringing forward ensure that sustainable plans are part of the planning land for development and land on which to build the process and that neighbourhoods are properly convinced new houses that are so badly needed. on the matter. One of my main complaints as a surveyor for the past Finally, I hope to hear more about the Government’s 10 to 15 years was that the planning system was getting plans for local government funding and bringing back slower and slower. There is a need to speed up the whole control of business rates to local authorities, allowing process, both in determining planning applications and them to keep the revenue as well as to collect it. Handing in preparing local plans, and I look forward to receiving back control would re-establish proper relationships details of how the Government are going to do that. between councils and their local business community, I welcome the move towards neighbourhood planning, and would provide a useful local tool to help regenerate which will give people a real say in how their town centres such as Ealing and Acton. neighbourhoods evolve, but I would be grateful if the 647 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 648

Minister took on board some observations. For Mr Raynsford: As a Member who also represents a neighbourhood planning to be successful, there is a constituency with a royal park, may I put it to the hon. need for capacity building in neighbourhoods and for Gentleman that this is a divisive proposition that will be communities to have access to advice, training and strongly opposed by those of us who believe that the funding. With that in mind, the ending of planning aid royal parks are well managed at the moment and that this March appears short-sighted, so I would be grateful something that is not bust certainly should not be if consideration could be given either to reviewing that fiddled with? decision or to putting new arrangements in place. It is also important to ensure that all communities are Zac Goldsmith: I profoundly disagree. It makes perfect able to participate, not just a few, so I would welcome sense that whoever is responsible for the parks is accountable further information on how neighbourhood planning and answerable to London voters. Democratic will be promoted in those deprived areas where it is accountability is the best, and probably the only, safeguard needed most. that we have against lunatic proposals of the sort that There is a concern that some developers might hijack we saw last year. The right hon. Gentleman knows what the system. For example, a food store might put forward I am talking about; I will not go into the details because in a particular neighbourhood an enticing planning-gain of the time. I hope that it is not inappropriate for me to package that appeals to that community but has a say that Members in the neighbouring constituencies of negative knock-on effect on surrounding areas. How Twickenham, Kingston and Surbiton and Putney—they is it intended to guard against such scenarios? The are all Ministers—are very much in favour of these Government should continue to promote the concept of proposals. the sustainable high street, and there should be sequential The central purpose of the Bill is to reinvigorate local tests and economic development impacts. communities and, in particular, local democracy. In this Local planning authority costs should be taken into regard, the Bill could go much further. My party said account, and I would be grateful if the Secretary of before the election that we would enable people to State confirmed that neighbourhood plans will apply instigate local referendums on local issues, and I believe not only to residential areas but to business districts. that the Liberal Democrats said the same. However, other than on two or three specific issues such as elected 9.28 pm mayors and council tax hikes, the referendums on offer are purely advisory and therefore have the status, in real Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): There is much terms, of the usual no-hope petition—although they to welcome in the Bill, which at its heart has a belief are a hell of a lot more expensive. There is an argument, that no one is better placed to determine the shape and which I am sure will be repeated, that councils will nature of a community than those who live in it. That is necessarily feel obliged to adhere to the results of a a giant step in the right direction. referendum, but that is a hope, and one that many The first time that I spoke in this Chamber was to ask residents of local authorities around the country will the Secretary of State whether he intended to repeal the regard as wholly unrealistic. perverse rules that prevent local councillors from standing Non-binding referendums would be a damaging gesture. up for their constituents. We have already heard about The only thing worse than not giving people a voice is them today: the rules of pre-determination. He answered the pretence that we are giving them a voice. That is not positively, but when I went back to my constituents and only disempowering but sends a message that when it relayed the answer I was met with a look of disbelief. comes to the crunch the Government simply do not People are naturally sceptical of all political promises, trust people to make decisions for themselves. I strongly so I am thrilled to see the measure in the Bill. Local believe that if these referendums are non-binding, we councillors will now be able to stand up for local would better off without them. I say that as a committed residents, which is exactly why they are elected in the campaigner for direct democracy over very many years. first place. At the last Communities and Local Government Another area that deserves a brief mention relates to Question Time, the Minister of State, my right hon. the Bill’s support for local shops and high streets. Small Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), shops define communities; as they die off and are replaced said in reference to non-binding referendums: by bland multiples and empty premises, communities themselves begin to erode. The Bill will help councils to “Sometimes it is appropriate to nudge councils to do the right buck those trends. Simplifying small business rate relief thing. This will be perhaps more of a shove than a nudge”.—[Official Report, 25 November 2010; Vol. 501, c. 437.] and giving local authorities powers to provide business rate discounts will clearly help, but as we move towards May I nudge him to do the right thing and bring in democratic decision making and new neighbourhood proper referendums that are legally binding and therefore plans, I hope that local people and elected councillors meaningful? will be able to decide for themselves how their high streets look, and not simply be forced to yield before 9.33 pm every Tesco application. For many people, that will be the test for this Bill. Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): Control of the royal parks was going to be transferred I am grateful to have the opportunity—just—to speak from the Secretary of State to the Mayor of London, in this debate. and I understand that there is still a strong possibility I welcome the intention behind the Bill. Far too many that the Government will introduce an amendment to people in this country feel as though they have no stake continue with that plan. As the MP for the area with the in their communities. They feel that they have no role in biggest royal park, I want to put on record my strong the decisions about their areas and that any attempt to support for this move. challenge the status quo is doomed to failure, crushed 649 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 650

[Nicola Blackwood] with the drafting of the Bill. A big issue is that it is silent on how to settle competing claims. How will claims be by big bureaucracy and even bigger government. This settled among the views of a neighbourhood forum, a pervasive sense of disempowerment is the source of local authority and a mayor? My hon. Friend the Member much disillusionment and distrust in the political process. for Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley) warned that As one of the oldest democracies in the world, the fact mayors could undermine local communities and councillors. that we have brought this to pass through accumulative My hon. Friends the Members for Cleethorpes (Martin bureaucracies and centralisation is a disgrace, and it is Vickers) and for Keighley (Kris Hopkins) and a number to this Government’s credit that they are choosing to of other hon. Members disagreed with the imposition of break with the tradition set by the Labour party and try shadow mayors. We heard a bid for the independence of to use this Bill to devolve, rather than demand, power. Keighley. Unfortunately, that will not come about through In my constituency, residents of north Oxford can a local referendum, as such referendums will only be testify only too well to the incredibly damaging effect of advisory. Another matter of concern to hon. Members the current centralised planning system. In the face of from all parts of the House was EU fines. massive and sustained local opposition, Oxford city For many Opposition Members, the key issues that council is persisting in its determination, under its core underlie the Bill are the unfairness of the local government strategy proposals, to build 55,000 square metres of settlement and the absence of the resources necessary to office space in north Oxford despite consensus among build capacity in communities. My hon. Friends the other public bodies that the local infrastructure will not Members for Birmingham, Ladywood, for Chesterfield sustain it. I pay tribute to local campaigners, particularly (Toby Perkins), for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) and those at Engage Oxford, who have put their lives on for North West Durham (Pat Glass), my right hon. hold to campaign against this unworkable programme. Friend the Member for Tottenham, and my neighbour, I welcome the Bill because it will give those local my right hon. Friend the Member for Salford and campaigners the opportunity to have their voice heard. Eccles (Hazel Blears), spoke eloquently about the problems It is time that local campaigners and people had their caused by cuts. voice heard and their concerns acted on. Mr Slaughter: Will my hon. Friend give way? 9.34 pm Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): Barbara Keeley: There is not time, I am afraid. We have had a lively debate, with some 40 speakers. The Secretary of State told council leaders that they There is a clear division between the Government and were in charge of about £38 billion each year, no strings the Opposition on the Bill, and some Government attached. Since then, the Conservative-led Government Members have expressed concerns. There have been have subjected council leaders to savage front-loaded some excellent speeches. cuts and to a stream of exhortations on what they My hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield South East should and should not do with their budgets. Ministers (Mr Betts) put it well when he said that the Bill was a have told councils that they have a duty to preserve missed opportunity. He said that the general power of library services, that they should treat voluntary competence should sit within a constitutional framework organisations fairly, that they have no justification to —of course it should—and that there would be a void tighten eligibility for social care and that they should in the standards of conduct for councillors. He questioned not issue redundancy notices immediately. Department the powers that the Secretary of State wants to take for for Communities and Local Government Ministers are himself, in particular the power to impose shadow telling councils to cut senior management posts, merge mayors, which many hon. Members have spoken about. services with other councils and cut posts that Ministers He said that the Bill signalled the end of the provision see as non-jobs. of social housing. My hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith told Similar concerns were raised by my hon. Friend the us that senior executive pay cuts and shared service cuts Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood) each contribute only 1% of the cuts that are needed, and my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham whereas 50% of the savings will be made by cuts in (Mr Lammy), who said that the Bill was atrocious. My adult services and children’s services, including a disturbing hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden 60% cut in funding for Sure Start—a service that the (Siobhain McDonagh) reminded us of the era of “Cathy Prime Minister said the Tories would protect. My hon. Come Home”. She said that her test was whether it was Friend told us about an individual who was paid £700,000 a hand up or a handout, and that the Bill failed the test. in consultancy fees over four years, while drawing a Similarly, the housing section of the Bill was the main £50,000 pension from the same council. On hearing concern of my hon. Friend the Member for Islington such facts, we have to question why Hammersmith and North (Jeremy Corbyn). Opposition Members think Fulham is the apple of the Secretary of State’s eye. that the Bill has the potential to raise levels of homelessness, Indeed, the Secretary of State has called any council which is a serious concern. My hon. Friend the Member leader who could not predict cuts of £40 million to for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) feared that the £100 million negligent disadvantaged had no voice and said the Bill was bad “to the point of stupidity”. on many levels for the poorest in our communities. DCLG Ministers also want to direct councils on small Hon. Members raised concerns about other aspects details. They want to tell them how they should empty of the Bill. My right hon. Friend the Member for their bins, ban them from putting out newsletters and Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) made it clear tell them to reduce street signs and bollards. That is the that although we understand the aspirations of the Bill, background to the 126 new secondary powers that the we have suspicions about the outcomes. There are problems Secretary of State wants to take in the Bill. 651 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 652

The general power of competence should give councils understand how it can be up to the Secretary of State to the freedom to act ambitiously on behalf of local decide what is a local matter. The proposals on the new residents, but the Secretary of State wants to take major community right to challenge and the duty on local powers to restrict how councils may use it and attach authorities to maintain a list of assets of community conditions to its use. He also wants the power to value are ill thought through. Despite there being no “amend, repeal, revoke or disapply” definition of the term “assets of community value”, 10 powers are proposed for the Secretary of State to any statutory provision affecting or overlapping with make regulations on those lists. the general power. That is a very broad power for a Secretary of State to ask for, and it undermines the The DCLG note on the extra powers proposed in the concept of localism. It raises serious concerns, particularly Bill, which is a fascinating document, states that the because, as we have heard, he wants to direct councils debates during the passage of the Bill will constitute the on every aspect of their work, from how they manage principal initial scrutiny of the scheme, and I have to their budgets through to what they should do about ask Ministers why that is the case. There could have street signs. been pre-legislative scrutiny, and my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich said that it The Secretary of State wants to order 12 of our cities cried out for it. That would have been preferable to to change their governance model to the mayoral model, giving the Secretary of State powers to regulate, order and to appoint their current leaders as shadow mayors. and specify matters that would be better decided locally. Furthermore, he wants the power to order any local authority to start operating a mayoral governance model, The Bill aims to allow communities a say on subject only to a later referendum. Where is the belief in developments in their area through the planning system, localism in all that? but those measures are particularly poorly thought through. Indeed, the Royal Town Planning Institute The Under-Secretary of State for Communities and says that work is needed on the Bill Local Government, the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell), said in September: “to remove those barriers in its drafting that deaden its effectiveness and hinder the ability of Government to achieve its own objectives” “This Government will let councils and communities decide how to organise themselves. We don’t presume to know more and that than local people about how their area should be run.” “the lack of a coherent strategic planning system combined with the complexity of the neighbourhood planning system” However, the Government do presume to know more than local people, because the Secretary of State wants that the Bill proposes will the power to dictate to councils exactly which model of “hinder…economic recovery…addressing climate change and governance they must adopt. Also, there is no level enhancing the environment”. playing field for councils that opt to retain cabinet or On that last point, 17 organisations in the Wildlife committee systems, as they will not be able to bid for and Countryside Link say that the Bill must: new powers in the same way as elected mayors using the “Introduce…strategic planning across local authority boundaries”. new provisions in the Bill. They feel that the Bill risks creating a two-tier system in To Labour Members, the scrutiny powers of local which government are a key aspect of democratic accountability. “only well-resourced neighbourhoods can take part”, In the context of the Government’s massive and unnecessary reorganisation of the NHS, about which much has been which echoes the comments that we have heard from said today, powers for local councils to scrutinise new many hon. Members. health commissioning arrangements are more important The Government have made the wrong choices in than ever, and councillors should be given adequate their proposals on social housing and the rights of such powers. It was interesting to hear hon. Members of people who depend on it. On that and other proposals all parties refer to that matter. Councils opting for the in the Bill, there has been scarce opportunity for scrutiny— committee governance system will not even be required indeed, a rushed consultation closed only today. Housing to have a scrutiny committee. We believe that to ensure and homelessness charities have rightly criticised the accountability, those councils should have at least one desire of Lord Freud, the Under-Secretary of State for scrutiny committee, in line with councils that have a Work and Pensions, to weaken the rights of homeless mayor or council leader. families. The Bill proposes to strip them of the right to The Bill proposes local referendums, a community any say over the accommodation that they are offered. right to challenge, a community right to buy and a duty Many of my right hon. and hon. Friends spoke about on councils to maintain lists of assets of community the fact that the Bill will mean that social tenants lose value. As we have heard, Labour would welcome some their right to social housing if their circumstances change. of those proposals if the legislation introducing them Families who play by the rules and improve their lot were better thought through. As it stands, the Bill could be at risk of losing their homes. The Conservative provokes more questions than it answers. It will lead to party said in April that it had no policy to change the extra burdens on local councils, which are already struggling current or future security of tenure of tenants in social to maintain local services in the face of the Government’s housing, but the Bill contains provisions to do that. The swingeing, front-loaded budget cuts. My hon. Friend Government have a record of breaking their word—on the Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) VAT, on the education maintenance allowance and on highlighted how the community right to buy, which has tuition fees—and now council and housing association been tried in Scotland, is an empty gesture without funding. tenants will see whether the Government keep their word. On local referendums, we support greater public If the Secretary of State were a true champion of engagement in the political process, but much more localism, he would have proposed real freedoms for should be decided locally. For instance, we do not councils, rather than give himself wide-ranging new 653 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 654

[Barbara Keeley] the previous Administration did. It is costly, too. We can imagine the bureaucracy of enforcement that needs powers to direct them. He would have produced a Bill to be put in place to impose and send out the directives, that engaged local people in planning their neighbourhoods to gather the statistics and to send in people to ensure at the same time as promoting sustainable development that others comply. We cannot afford that in the and protecting the environment, and he would have circumstances left to us by the Labour party. fought for a fair and manageable financial settlement More than that, Government Members know in their for local councils. Had he done so, councils could work hearts that the best way to improve society is to give on giving their residents a real say in how their local people their heads, and to allow them to follow their areas are run, rather than focus all their energy on vocation and use their initiative, rather than to suppress making cuts. it with top-down impositions that merely demoralise My hon. Friends said that the Bill is the worst of all people. worlds, that it will set community empowerment back years, that true localism will not emerge without a fair Toby Perkins: The right hon. Gentleman is telling us settlement for local government, that the Bill gives about how many powers the Secretary of State is giving rights but no resources to back them up, that it is a away, but which of the 126 new powers that he is taking shambolic cover-up, that it is not fair and not progressive, under the Bill does he think local people cannot look and that it fools no one. I urge hon. Members with after for themselves? concerns about the Bill to join us in supporting the amendment tonight. Greg Clark: If the hon. Gentleman is under any illusion that this is not a Bill that transfers power to 9.47 pm people, he should talk to the coalition of voluntary and community organisations that this very day launched a The Minister of State, Department for Communities campaign to ensure that the Bill is not watered down by and Local Government (Greg Clark): You would not the amendments he would suggest. know it, Mr Deputy Speaker, but this is an historic day If this is the occasion when the Labour party converts for the House. Opposition Members should have tuned to the cause of localism, it has a long way to go. The into the TV this weekend to see the Leader of the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) Opposition say that he was abandoning the tradition of implied—breathtakingly—that when in government her Fabianism in his party and adopting localism. There party had tried to localise power. Even the Leader of was precious little of that in the speeches of the hon. the Opposition does not believe that. He said in his Member for Worsley and Eccles South (Barbara Keeley) leadership campaign that the Labour Government looked and her hon. Friends. down their nose at local government. So much for The two parties in the coalition see the Bill for what it conversion! The hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington is—the first of many measures that will do something (Jack Dromey) said that the Labour party downgraded very different from those introduced by the previous the role of local government when in office. First base Administration. We are using the powers of the for the right hon. Lady is to admit that her party got it Government and Parliament to give power away rather wrong in the past—I thought that was what her leader than to increase it for ourselves. That is the direction in tried to do this weekend—in order then to point in the which this Government will continue to go. We will give right direction. more and more power to the people. Successive Governments have increased the power of Bob Russell: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the centre, which has led to Britain becoming one of the passing power down from the centre includes passing most centralised and rule-bound societies in the world. powers from county halls to town halls, where we have French local councillors would be astonished if we told the two levels of local government? them that local councillors here would be in breach of the rules if they passed a view on a local planning Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The application—they would think that that is nuts. In process we are engaged in gives a lot of power to local America, they would think it ridiculous and barmy if a authorities, but, equally, imposes obligations on them member of President Obama’s cabinet set the local to share their power with communities. That is the right taxation in a small American town; and in Australia, approach. they would wonder what planet someone was on, if The Opposition’s response, as expressed in the right they told them that to judge a planning application one hon. Lady’s speech, represents a split—they have not has to wade through planning guidance longer than the made up their minds. The right hon. Member for Salford complete works of Shakespeare. This is the time to and Eccles (Hazel Blears) said that there was a schism reform and bring us back in touch with the rest of the in the Government. Far from it! We are emphatic about world. the need for the Bill. However, there is a schism in the The response from Labour Members made it clear Labour party because it is advancing two arguments: that were it not for the election of this coalition, which that the Bill is secret centralisation and that the powers is united in wanting to return power to the people, they that the Secretary of State is taking represent a covert would have continued in the direction they had previously attempt to recentralise—[Interruption.] The hon. Member taken us. That degree of centralisation did not work, of for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) applauds. Other hon. course, and we know why: there is something about the Members, however, argued that this is a charter for British people that means they do not like being told dangerous nimbyism. Which is it? Is it that the Labour what to do; they have a quality that makes them want to party does not trust local people to take decisions on push back when people try to boss and bully them, as their own behalf, or is it that it fears that Whitehall will 655 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 656 lose power? It must make up its mind. Does it just fear Administration, so it is absolutely right that we should any change, does it fear local choice, or does it fear any give local government these powers and trust it. Of challenge by the powerless to the powerful? course we should give help to the most vulnerable communities to ensure that they can take advantage of Hazel Blears: Will the Minister take this opportunity the powers, just as everyone else can. However, the to give an unequivocal confirmation that, as far as the argument that people in local communities are so mean- expression of interest and the community right to challenge minded that they will exercise their powers only in a way are concerned, he will not change the regulatory framework that Opposition Members have described as nimbyish, to enable commercial organisations to take over those or that people who love their communities, and want to services and to run them for private profit, and that the bring up their children and see them prosper in their regulations will continue to require a community interest areas are not capable of having the interests of their and a not-for-profit basis? communities at heart is a bleak reflection on the Opposition’s world view. It is not a view that we share. Greg Clark: The Bill was drafted deliberately to The Bill will put our politics on a different course. It express that. This is a community right to challenge to will bring an end to the history of using power to take allow community organisations to do something that more power. It will give power to councils, power to Labour, during 13 years in government, failed to do, communities, power to voluntary groups and power to which is to let them have the chance to deliver services. the people, in the knowledge that the more powerful the Let me refer to some of the speeches made by right people are, the stronger our society is. hon. and hon. Members. My hon. Friend the Member Question put, That the amendment be made. for Mole Valley (Sir Paul Beresford) brought his The House divided: Ayes 228, Noes 332. considerable experience in local government to bear. My right hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey and Division No. 169] [9.58 pm Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), my hon. Friends the Members for Carlisle (John Stevenson), for Cleethorpes AYES (Martin Vickers), for Crawley (Henry Smith), for Abbott, Ms Diane Crausby, Mr David Peterborough (Mr Jackson), for Filton and Bradley Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Creagh, Mary Stoke (Jack Lopresti), for Milton Keynes South (Iain Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Creasy, Dr Stella Stewart), for Morecambe and Lunesdale (David Morris), Alexander, Heidi Cruddas, Jon for Ealing Central and Acton (Angie Bray), and for Ali, Rushanara Cryer, John Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood), and Anderson, Mr David Cunningham, Alex the hon. Members for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Austin, Ian Cunningham, Mr Jim Bailey, Mr Adrian Cunningham, Tony Mahmood) and for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts), the Bain, Mr William Curran, Margaret Chair of the Communities and Local Government Balls, rh Ed Dakin, Nic Committee, made passionate speeches about local Banks, Gordon Danczuk, Simon government. They should not be concerned about the Barron, rh Mr Kevin Darling, rh Mr Alistair Secretary of State’s powers. The key power is the general Beckett, rh Margaret David, Mr Wayne power of competence. We thought very carefully about Begg, Dame Anne Davidson, Mr Ian whether it was right to set out pages and pages of Benn, rh Hilary Davies, Geraint restrictions in the Bill on that general power of competence. Benton, Mr Joe De Piero, Gloria We concluded that the better thing—the more empowering Berger, Luciana Denham, rh Mr John thing—was to change completely the default, so that Betts, Mr Clive Dobbin, Jim the powers that a local authority wants to take should Blackman-Woods, Roberta Dobson, rh Frank be available to it, and it should not have to go through Blears, rh Hazel Docherty, Thomas pages of guidance on the Bill. We think that that is the Blenkinsop, Tom Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Blomfield, Paul Doran, Mr Frank right approach. I look forward to the scrutiny from the Blunkett, rh Mr David Dowd, Jim Select Committee, but that is the approach that we Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Doyle, Gemma took. Brennan, Kevin Dromey, Jack One of the other powers states that if a council is in Brown, rh Mr Gordon Dugher, Michael danger of becoming insolvent, it is reasonable for the Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Eagle, Ms Angela Secretary of State to suspend the requirement to have a Bryant, Chris Eagle, Maria referendum for a council tax increase to cover that. Buck, Ms Karen Elliott, Julie Therefore, the Committee, when it scrutinises the Bill, Burden, Richard Ellman, Mrs Louise will find that it is content with that. Burnham, rh Andy Esterson, Bill Byrne, rh Mr Liam Evans, Chris Cairns, David Farrelly, Paul Barbara Keeley rose— Campbell, Mr Alan Fitzpatrick, Jim Campbell, Mr Ronnie Flello, Robert Greg Clark: There is no time, I am afraid. Caton, Martin Flint, rh Caroline Let me address the argument, which was depressingly Chapman, Mrs Jenny Flynn, Paul Clark, Katy Fovargue, Yvonne common on the Opposition Benches, that communities Clarke, rh Mr Tom Francis, Dr Hywel are not capable of taking up such rights. What a bleak Clwyd, rh Ann Gapes, Mike and miserable picture of communities the Opposition Coaker, Vernon Gardiner, Barry have. I believe in local government; indeed, I am a fan of Coffey, Ann Gilmore, Sheila it. The track record of local government in recent years Connarty, Michael Glass, Pat certainly bears comparison with the track record of Cooper, Rosie Glindon, Mrs Mary central Government, at least under the previous Corbyn, Jeremy Godsiff, Mr Roger 657 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 658

Goggins, rh Paul Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) NOES Goodman, Helen Morris, Grahame M. Adams, Nigel Dinenage, Caroline Green, Kate (Easington) Afriyie, Adam Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Griffith, Nia Mudie, Mr George Aldous, Peter Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Gwynne, Andrew Munn, Meg Amess, Mr David Dorries, Nadine Hain, rh Mr Peter Murphy, rh Mr Jim Andrew, Stuart Doyle-Price, Jackie Hamilton, Mr David Murphy, rh Paul Bacon, Mr Richard Drax, Richard Hanson, rh Mr David Murray, Ian Bagshawe, Ms Louise Duddridge, James Harman, rh Ms Harriet Nandy, Lisa Baker, Norman Duncan, rh Mr Alan Harris, Mr Tom Nash, Pamela Baker, Steve Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Healey, rh John Onwurah, Chi Baldry, Tony Edwards, Jonathan Hendrick, Mark Owen, Albert Baldwin, Harriett Ellis, Michael Hepburn, Mr Stephen Pearce, Teresa Barclay, Stephen Ellison, Jane Heyes, David Perkins, Toby Baron, Mr John Elphicke, Charlie Hillier, Meg Phillipson, Bridget Barwell, Gavin Eustice, George Hilling, Julie Qureshi, Yasmin Bebb, Guto Evans, Graham Hodge, rh Margaret Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Beith, rh Sir Alan Evans, Jonathan Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Reed, Mr Jamie Bellingham, Mr Henry Evennett, Mr David Hoey, Kate Reeves, Rachel Benyon, Richard Fallon, Michael Hood, Mr Jim Reynolds, Emma Beresford, Sir Paul Farron, Tim Hopkins, Kelvin Reynolds, Jonathan Berry, Jake Featherstone, Lynne Howarth, rh Mr George Riordan, Mrs Linda Bingham, Andrew Field, Mr Mark Hunt, Tristram Robertson, John Binley, Mr Brian Foster, rh Mr Don Irranca-Davies, Huw Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Birtwistle, Gordon Francois, rh Mr Mark Jackson, Glenda Rotheram, Steve Blackman, Bob Freeman, George James, Mrs Siân C. Roy, Mr Frank Blackwood, Nicola Freer, Mike Jamieson, Cathy Roy, Lindsay Blunt, Mr Crispin Fullbrook, Lorraine Johnson, Diana Ruane, Chris Boles, Nick Fuller, Richard Jones, Graham Ruddock, rh Joan Bone, Mr Peter Gale, Mr Roger Jones, Helen Sarwar, Anas Bottomley, Sir Peter Garnier, Mr Edward Jones, Mr Kevan Seabeck, Alison Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Jones, Susan Elan Sheerman, Mr Barry Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Jowell, rh Tessa Sheridan, Jim Brake, Tom George, Andrew Joyce, Eric Shuker, Gavin Bray, Angie Gibb, Mr Nick Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Skinner, Mr Dennis Brazier, Mr Julian Gilbert, Stephen Keeley, Barbara Slaughter, Mr Andy Bridgen, Andrew Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Keen, Alan Smith, rh Mr Andrew Brine, Mr Steve Goldsmith, Zac Kendall, Liz Smith, Angela Brooke, Annette Goodwill, Mr Robert Khan, rh Sadiq Smith, Nick Bruce, Fiona Graham, Richard Lammy, rh Mr David Smith, Owen Bruce, rh Malcolm Grant, Mrs Helen Lavery, Ian Soulsby, Sir Peter Buckland, Mr Robert Gray, Mr James Lazarowicz, Mark Spellar, rh Mr John Burley, Mr Aidan Green, Damian Leslie, Chris Straw, rh Mr Jack Burns, Conor Greening, Justine Lewis, Mr Ivan Stringer, Graham Burns, Mr Simon Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lloyd, Tony Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Burrowes, Mr David Griffiths, Andrew Long, Naomi Thomas, Mr Gareth Burstow, Paul Gummer, Ben Lucas, Caroline Timms, rh Stephen Byles, Dan Gyimah, Mr Sam Lucas, Ian Trickett, Jon Cairns, Alun Halfon, Robert Mactaggart, Fiona Turner, Karl Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hames, Duncan Mahmood, Shabana Twigg, Derek Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mann, John Carmichael, Neil Hammond, Stephen Marsden, Mr Gordon Twigg, Stephen Umunna, Mr Chuka Carswell, Mr Douglas Hancock, Matthew McCabe, Steve Cash, Mr William Hancock, Mr Mike Vaz, rh Keith McCann, Mr Michael Chishti, Rehman Hands, Greg Vaz, Valerie McCarthy, Kerry Chope, Mr Christopher Harper, Mr Mark Walley, Joan McClymont, Gregg Clappison, Mr James Harrington, Richard Watson, Mr Tom McDonagh, Siobhain Clark, rh Greg Harris, Rebecca McDonnell, John Watts, Mr Dave Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hart, Simon McFadden, rh Mr Pat Whitehead, Dr Alan Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Harvey, Nick McGovern, Alison Wicks, rh Malcolm Coffey, Dr Thérèse Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan McGovern, Jim Williamson, Chris Collins, Damian Hayes, Mr John McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Wilson, Phil Colvile, Oliver Heald, Mr Oliver McKechin, Ann Winnick, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Heath, Mr David McKinnell, Catherine Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Crabb, Stephen Heaton-Harris, Chris Meacher, rh Mr Michael Woodcock, John Crockart, Mike Hemming, John Meale, Mr Alan Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Crouch, Tracey Henderson, Gordon Mearns, Ian Wright, David Davies, David T. C. Hendry, Charles Miliband, rh David Wright, Mr Iain (Monmouth) Herbert, rh Nick Miliband, rh Edward Davies, Glyn Hinds, Damian Miller, Andrew Tellers for the Ayes: Davies, Philip Hoban, Mr Mark Mitchell, Austin Mark Tami and Davis, rh Mr David Hollingbery, George Morden, Jessica Lilian Greenwood de Bois, Nick Hollobone, Mr Philip 659 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 660

Holloway, Mr Adam Morris, James Streeter, Mr Gary Ward, Mr David Hopkins, Kris Mosley, Stephen Stride, Mel Watkinson, Angela Horwood, Martin Mowat, David Stuart, Mr Graham Weatherley, Mike Howarth, Mr Gerald Mulholland, Greg Stunell, Andrew Webb, Steve Howell, John Mundell, rh David Sturdy, Julian Wharton, James Hughes, rh Simon Munt, Tessa Swales, Ian Wheeler, Heather Huhne, rh Chris Murray, Sheryll Swayne, Mr Desmond White, Chris Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Murrison, Dr Andrew Swinson, Jo Whittaker, Craig Huppert, Dr Julian Neill, Robert Syms, Mr Robert Whittingdale, Mr John Jackson, Mr Stewart Newmark, Mr Brooks Teather, Sarah Wiggin, Bill James, Margot Newton, Sarah Thurso, John Willetts, rh Mr David Javid, Sajid Nokes, Caroline Timpson, Mr Edward Williams, Hywel Jenkin, Mr Bernard Norman, Jesse Tomlinson, Justin Williams, Mr Mark Johnson, Gareth Nuttall, Mr David Tredinnick, David Williams, Stephen Johnson, Joseph Offord, Mr Matthew Truss, Elizabeth Williamson, Gavin Jones, Andrew Ollerenshaw, Eric Turner, Mr Andrew Willott, Jenny Jones, Mr David Opperman, Guy Tyrie, Mr Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Jones, Mr Marcus Ottaway, Richard Uppal, Paul Wollaston, Dr Sarah Kawczynski, Daniel Paice, rh Mr James Vaizey, Mr Edward Wright, Simon Kelly, Chris Parish, Neil Vara, Mr Shailesh Yeo, Mr Tim Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Patel, Priti Vickers, Martin Young, rh Sir George Kirby, Simon Pawsey, Mark Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Zahawi, Nadhim Knight, rh Mr Greg Penning, Mike Walker, Mr Charles Kwarteng, Kwasi Penrose, John Walker, Mr Robin Tellers for the Noes: Laing, Mrs Eleanor Percy, Andrew Wallace, Mr Ben Mr Philip Dunne and Lamb, Norman Perry, Claire Walter, Mr Robert Mark Hunter Lancaster, Mark Phillips, Stephen Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pickles, rh Mr Eric Question accordingly negatived. Latham, Pauline Pincher, Christopher Laws, rh Mr David Prisk, Mr Mark Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 62(2)), Leadsom, Andrea Pritchard, Mark That the Bill be now read a Second time. Lee, Jessica Pugh, John Question agreed to. Lee, Dr Phillip Raab, Mr Dominic Leech, Mr John Randall, rh Mr John Bill accordingly read a Second time. Lefroy, Jeremy Reckless, Mark Leigh, Mr Edward Redwood, rh Mr John LOCALISM BILL (PROGRAMME) Leslie, Charlotte Rees-Mogg, Jacob Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Reevell, Simon Motion made, and Question put forthwith, (Standing Lewis, Brandon Reid, Mr Alan Order No. 83A(7)), Lewis, Dr Julian Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm That the following provisions shall apply to the Localism Bill: Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Committal Lidington, rh Mr David Robertson, Mr Laurence 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee. Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rogerson, Dan Lloyd, Stephen Rosindell, Andrew Proceedings in Public Bill Committee Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Rudd, Amber 2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not Lopresti, Jack Ruffley, Mr David previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 10 Lord, Jonathan Russell, Bob March 2011. Loughton, Tim Rutley, David 3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the Lumley, Karen Sanders, Mr Adrian first day on which it meets. Macleod, Mary Sandys, Laura Consideration and Third Reading Main, Mrs Anne Scott, Mr Lee 4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously Maude, rh Mr Francis Selous, Andrew concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the May, rh Mrs Theresa Shapps, rh Grant moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings Maynard, Paul Sharma, Alok are commenced. McCartney, Jason Shelbrooke, Alec 5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously McCartney, Karl Shepherd, Mr Richard concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption McCrea, Dr William Simmonds, Mark on that day. McIntosh, Miss Anne Simpson, Mr Keith McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Skidmore, Chris 6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not McPartland, Stephen Smith, Miss Chloe apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading. McVey, Esther Smith, Henry Other proceedings Menzies, Mark Smith, Julian 7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings Mercer, Patrick Smith, Sir Robert on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages Metcalfe, Stephen Soames, Nicholas from the Lords) may be programmed.—(Mr. Vara.) Miller, Maria Soubry, Anna The House divided: Ayes 329, Noes 227. Mills, Nigel Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Division No. 170] [10.14 pm Milton, Anne Spencer, Mr Mark Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stanley, rh Sir John AYES Moore, rh Michael Stephenson, Andrew Morgan, Nicky Stevenson, John Adams, Nigel Amess, Mr David Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Iain Afriyie, Adam Andrew, Stuart Morris, David Stewart, Rory Aldous, Peter Bacon, Mr Richard 661 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 662

Bagshawe, Ms Louise Duddridge, James Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Neill, Robert Baker, Norman Duncan, rh Mr Alan Huppert, Dr Julian Newmark, Mr Brooks Baker, Steve Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jackson, Mr Stewart Newton, Sarah Baldry, Tony Dunne, Mr Philip James, Margot Nokes, Caroline Baldwin, Harriett Ellis, Michael Javid, Sajid Norman, Jesse Barclay, Stephen Ellison, Jane Jenkin, Mr Bernard Nuttall, Mr David Baron, Mr John Elphicke, Charlie Johnson, Gareth Offord, Mr Matthew Barwell, Gavin Eustice, George Johnson, Joseph Ollerenshaw, Eric Bebb, Guto Evans, Graham Jones, Andrew Opperman, Guy Beith, rh Sir Alan Evans, Jonathan Jones, Mr David Ottaway, Richard Bellingham, Mr Henry Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr Marcus Paice, rh Mr James Benyon, Richard Fallon, Michael Kawczynski, Daniel Parish, Neil Beresford, Sir Paul Farron, Tim Kelly, Chris Patel, Priti Berry, Jake Featherstone, Lynne Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Paterson, rh Mr Owen Bingham, Andrew Field, Mr Mark Kirby, Simon Pawsey, Mark Binley, Mr Brian Foster, rh Mr Don Knight, rh Mr Greg Penning, Mike Birtwistle, Gordon Francois, rh Mr Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi Penrose, John Blackman, Bob Freeman, George Laing, Mrs Eleanor Percy, Andrew Blackwood, Nicola Freer, Mike Lamb, Norman Perry, Claire Blunt, Mr Crispin Fullbrook, Lorraine Lancaster, Mark Phillips, Stephen Boles, Nick Fuller, Richard Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pickles, rh Mr Eric Bone, Mr Peter Gale, Mr Roger Latham, Pauline Pincher, Christopher Bottomley, Sir Peter Garnier, Mr Edward Laws, rh Mr David Prisk, Mr Mark Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Leadsom, Andrea Pritchard, Mark Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Lee, Jessica Pugh, John Brake, Tom George, Andrew Lee, Dr Phillip Raab, Mr Dominic Bray, Angie Gibb, Mr Nick Leech, Mr John Randall, rh Mr John Brazier, Mr Julian Gilbert, Stephen Lefroy, Jeremy Reckless, Mark Bridgen, Andrew Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Leigh, Mr Edward Redwood, rh Mr John Brine, Mr Steve Goldsmith, Zac Leslie, Charlotte Rees-Mogg, Jacob Brooke, Annette Goodwill, Mr Robert Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Reevell, Simon Bruce, Fiona Graham, Richard Lewis, Brandon Reid, Mr Alan Bruce, rh Malcolm Grant, Mrs Helen Lewis, Dr Julian Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Buckland, Mr Robert Gray, Mr James Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Green, Damian Lidington, rh Mr David Robertson, Mr Laurence Burns, Conor Greening, Justine Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rogerson, Dan Burns, Mr Simon Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lloyd, Stephen Rosindell, Andrew Burrowes, Mr David Griffiths, Andrew Lopresti, Jack Rudd, Amber Burstow, Paul Gummer, Ben Lord, Jonathan Ruffley, Mr David Byles, Dan Gyimah, Mr Sam Loughton, Tim Russell, Bob Cairns, Alun Halfon, Robert Lumley, Karen Rutley, David Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hames, Duncan Macleod, Mary Sanders, Mr Adrian Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hammond, rh Mr Philip Main, Mrs Anne Sandys, Laura Carmichael, Neil Hammond, Stephen Maude, rh Mr Francis Scott, Mr Lee Carswell, Mr Douglas Hancock, Matthew May, rh Mrs Theresa Selous, Andrew Hancock, Mr Mike Shapps, rh Grant Cash, Mr William Maynard, Paul Hands, Greg Sharma, Alok Chishti, Rehman McCartney, Jason Harper, Mr Mark Shelbrooke, Alec Chope, Mr Christopher McCartney, Karl Harrington, Richard Shepherd, Mr Richard Clappison, Mr James McIntosh, Miss Anne Harris, Rebecca Simmonds, Mark McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Clark, rh Greg Hart, Simon Simpson, Mr Keith McPartland, Stephen Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Harvey, Nick Skidmore, Chris Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan McVey, Esther Smith, Miss Chloe Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hayes, Mr John Menzies, Mark Smith, Henry Collins, Damian Heald, Mr Oliver Mercer, Patrick Smith, Julian Colvile, Oliver Heath, Mr David Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Sir Robert Cox, Mr Geoffrey Heaton-Harris, Chris Miller, Maria Soames, Nicholas Crabb, Stephen Hemming, John Mills, Nigel Soubry, Anna Crockart, Mike Henderson, Gordon Milton, Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Crouch, Tracey Hendry, Charles Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spencer, Mr Mark Davies, David T. C. Herbert, rh Nick Moore, rh Michael Stephenson, Andrew (Monmouth) Hinds, Damian Morgan, Nicky Stevenson, John Davies, Glyn Hoban, Mr Mark Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Iain Davies, Philip Hollingbery, George Morris, David Stewart, Rory Davis, rh Mr David Hollobone, Mr Philip Morris, James Streeter, Mr Gary de Bois, Nick Holloway, Mr Adam Mosley, Stephen Stride, Mel Dinenage, Caroline Hopkins, Kris Mowat, David Stuart, Mr Graham Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Horwood, Martin Mulholland, Greg Stunell, Andrew Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howarth, Mr Gerald Mundell, rh David Sturdy, Julian Dorries, Nadine Howell, John Munt, Tessa Swales, Ian Doyle-Price, Jackie Hughes, rh Simon Murray, Sheryll Swayne, Mr Desmond Drax, Richard Huhne, rh Chris Murrison, Dr Andrew Swinson, Jo 663 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 664

Syms, Mr Robert Webb, Steve Harris, Mr Tom Murphy, rh Paul Teather, Sarah Wharton, James Healey, rh John Murray, Ian Thurso, John Wheeler, Heather Hendrick, Mark Nandy, Lisa Timpson, Mr Edward White, Chris Hepburn, Mr Stephen Nash, Pamela Tomlinson, Justin Whittaker, Craig Heyes, David Onwurah, Chi Tredinnick, David Whittingdale, Mr John Hillier, Meg Owen, Albert Truss, Elizabeth Willetts, rh Mr David Hilling, Julie Pearce, Teresa Turner, Mr Andrew Williams, Mr Mark Hodge, rh Margaret Perkins, Toby Tyrie, Mr Andrew Williams, Stephen Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Phillipson, Bridget Uppal, Paul Williamson, Gavin Hoey, Kate Qureshi, Yasmin Vaizey, Mr Edward Willott, Jenny Hood, Mr Jim Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Vara, Mr Shailesh Wilson, Mr Rob Hopkins, Kelvin Reed, Mr Jamie Vickers, Martin Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hosie, Stewart Reeves, Rachel Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Wright, Simon Howarth, rh Mr George Reynolds, Emma Hunt, Tristram Reynolds, Jonathan Walker, Mr Charles Yeo, Mr Tim Walker, Mr Robin Irranca-Davies, Huw Riordan, Mrs Linda Young, rh Sir George Wallace, Mr Ben James, Mrs Siân C. Robertson, Angus Zahawi, Nadhim Walter, Mr Robert Jamieson, Cathy Robertson, John Ward, Mr David Tellers for the Ayes: Johnson, Diana Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Watkinson, Angela Mark Hunter and Jones, Graham Rotheram, Steve Weatherley, Mike Bill Wiggin Jones, Helen Roy, Mr Frank Jones, Mr Kevan Roy, Lindsay NOES Jones, Susan Elan Ruane, Chris Joyce, Eric Ruddock, rh Joan Abbott, Ms Diane Cunningham, Alex Keeley, Barbara Sarwar, Anas Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Cunningham, Mr Jim Keen, Alan Seabeck, Alison Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Cunningham, Tony Kendall, Liz Sheerman, Mr Barry Ali, Rushanara Curran, Margaret Khan, rh Sadiq Sheridan, Jim Anderson, Mr David Dakin, Nic Lammy, rh Mr David Shuker, Gavin Austin, Ian Danczuk, Simon Lavery, Ian Skinner, Mr Dennis Bailey, Mr Adrian Darling, rh Mr Alistair Lazarowicz, Mark Slaughter, Mr Andy Bain, Mr William David, Mr Wayne Leslie, Chris Smith, rh Mr Andrew Balls, rh Ed Davidson, Mr Ian Lewis, Mr Ivan Smith, Angela Banks, Gordon Davies, Geraint Lloyd, Tony Smith, Nick Barron, rh Mr Kevin De Piero, Gloria Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Smith, Owen Bayley, Hugh Denham, rh Mr John Long, Naomi Soulsby, Sir Peter Beckett, rh Margaret Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Caroline Spellar, rh Mr John Begg, Dame Anne Dobson, rh Frank Lucas, Ian Straw, rh Mr Jack Benn, rh Hilary Docherty, Thomas MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Stringer, Graham Benton, Mr Joe Donohoe, Mr Brian H. MacShane, rh Mr Denis Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Berger, Luciana Doran, Mr Frank Mactaggart, Fiona Thomas, Mr Gareth Betts, Mr Clive Dowd, Jim Mahmood, Shabana Timms, rh Stephen Blackman-Woods, Roberta Doyle, Gemma Mann, John Trickett, Jon Blears, rh Hazel Dromey, Jack Marsden, Mr Gordon Turner, Karl Blenkinsop, Tom Dugher, Michael McCabe, Steve Twigg, Derek Blomfield, Paul Eagle, Ms Angela McCann, Mr Michael Twigg, Stephen Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Eagle, Maria McCarthy, Kerry Umunna, Mr Chuka Brennan, Kevin Edwards, Jonathan McClymont, Gregg Vaz, rh Keith Brown, rh Mr Gordon Elliott, Julie McCrea, Dr William Vaz, Valerie Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonagh, Siobhain Walley, Joan Bryant, Chris Esterson, Bill McDonnell, John Watson, Mr Tom Buck, Ms Karen Evans, Chris McGovern, Alison Watts, Mr Dave Burden, Richard Farrelly, Paul McGovern, Jim Weir, Mr Mike Byrne, rh Mr Liam Fitzpatrick, Jim McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Whitehead, Dr Alan Cairns, David Flello, Robert McKechin, Ann Wicks, rh Malcolm Campbell, Mr Alan Flint, rh Caroline McKinnell, Catherine Williams, Hywel Campbell, Mr Ronnie Flynn, Paul Meacher, rh Mr Michael Williamson, Chris Caton, Martin Fovargue, Yvonne Meale, Mr Alan Wilson, Phil Chapman, Mrs Jenny Francis, Dr Hywel Mearns, Ian Winnick, Mr David Clark, Katy Gapes, Mike Miliband, rh David Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gardiner, Barry Miller, Andrew Woodcock, John Clwyd, rh Ann Gilmore, Sheila Morden, Jessica Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Coaker, Vernon Glass, Pat Wright, David Morris, Grahame M. Coffey, Ann Glindon, Mrs Mary Wright, Mr Iain Connarty, Michael Goggins, rh Paul (Easington) Cooper, Rosie Goodman, Helen Mudie, Mr George Tellers for the Noes: Corbyn, Jeremy Green, Kate Munn, Meg Mark Tami and Crausby, Mr David Griffith, Nia Murphy, rh Mr Jim Lilian Greenwood Creagh, Mary Gwynne, Andrew Creasy, Dr Stella Hamilton, Mr David Question accordingly agreed to. Cruddas, Jon Hanson, rh Mr David Cryer, John Harman, rh Ms Harriet 665 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 666

LOCALISM BILL (MONEY) Gray, Mr James Lloyd, Stephen Queen’s recommendation signified. Green, Damian Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lopresti, Jack Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Griffiths, Andrew Lord, Jonathan Order No. 52(1)(a)), Gummer, Ben Loughton, Tim That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Localism Gyimah, Mr Sam Lumley, Karen Bill, it is expedient to authorise— Halfon, Robert Macleod, Mary (1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of— Hames, Duncan Maude, rh Mr Francis Hammond, rh Mr Philip May, rh Mrs Theresa (a) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under Hammond, Stephen Maynard, Paul the Act, and Hancock, Matthew McCartney, Jason (b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable Hancock, Mr Mike McCartney, Karl under any other Act of money so provided, and Hands, Greg McCrea, Dr William (2) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.— Harper, Mr Mark McIntosh, Miss Anne (James Duddridge.) Harrington, Richard McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick The House divided: Ayes 316, Noes 211. Harris, Rebecca McPartland, Stephen Hart, Simon McVey, Esther Division No. 171] [10.28 pm Harvey, Nick Menzies, Mark Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Metcalfe, Stephen AYES Hayes, Mr John Miller, Maria Adams, Nigel Clappison, Mr James Heald, Mr Oliver Mills, Nigel Afriyie, Adam Clark, rh Greg Heath, Mr David Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Aldous, Peter Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heaton-Harris, Chris Moore, rh Michael Amess, Mr David Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hemming, John Morgan, Nicky Andrew, Stuart Coffey, Dr Thérèse Henderson, Gordon Morris, Anne Marie Bacon, Mr Richard Collins, Damian Hendry, Charles Morris, David Bagshawe, Ms Louise Colvile, Oliver Herbert, rh Nick Morris, James Baker, Norman Crabb, Stephen Hinds, Damian Mosley, Stephen Baker, Steve Crockart, Mike Hoban, Mr Mark Mowat, David Baldry, Tony Crouch, Tracey Hollingbery, George Mulholland, Greg Baldwin, Harriett Davies, David T. C. Hollobone, Mr Philip Mundell, rh David Barclay, Stephen (Monmouth) Hopkins, Kris Munt, Tessa Baron, Mr John Davies, Glyn Horwood, Martin Murray, Sheryll Barwell, Gavin Davies, Philip Howarth, Mr Gerald Murrison, Dr Andrew Bebb, Guto de Bois, Nick Howell, John Neill, Robert Beith, rh Sir Alan Dinenage, Caroline Hughes, rh Simon Newmark, Mr Brooks Bellingham, Mr Henry Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huhne, rh Chris Newton, Sarah Benyon, Richard Dorries, Nadine Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Nokes, Caroline Beresford, Sir Paul Doyle-Price, Jackie Huppert, Dr Julian Norman, Jesse Berry, Jake Drax, Richard Jackson, Mr Stewart Nuttall, Mr David Bingham, Andrew Duddridge, James James, Margot Offord, Mr Matthew Binley, Mr Brian Duncan, rh Mr Alan Javid, Sajid Ollerenshaw, Eric Birtwistle, Gordon Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jenkin, Mr Bernard Opperman, Guy Blackman, Bob Edwards, Jonathan Johnson, Gareth Ottaway, Richard Blackwood, Nicola Ellis, Michael Johnson, Joseph Paice, rh Mr James Blunt, Mr Crispin Ellison, Jane Jones, Andrew Parish, Neil Boles, Nick Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr David Patel, Priti Bone, Mr Peter Eustice, George Jones, Mr Marcus Paterson, rh Mr Owen Bottomley, Sir Peter Evans, Graham Kawczynski, Daniel Pawsey, Mark Bradley, Karen Evans, Jonathan Kelly, Chris Penning, Mike Bray, Angie Evennett, Mr David Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Penrose, John Brazier, Mr Julian Fallon, Michael Kirby, Simon Percy, Andrew Bridgen, Andrew Farron, Tim Knight, rh Mr Greg Perry, Claire Brine, Mr Steve Featherstone, Lynne Kwarteng, Kwasi Phillips, Stephen Brooke, Annette Field, Mr Mark Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pickles, rh Mr Eric Bruce, Fiona Foster, rh Mr Don Lamb, Norman Pincher, Christopher Bruce, rh Malcolm Francois, rh Mr Mark Lancaster, Mark Prisk, Mr Mark Buckland, Mr Robert Freeman, George Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pugh, John Burley, Mr Aidan Fullbrook, Lorraine Latham, Pauline Raab, Mr Dominic Burns, Conor Fuller, Richard Laws, rh Mr David Randall, rh Mr John Burns, Mr Simon Gale, Mr Roger Leadsom, Andrea Reckless, Mark Burrowes, Mr David Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Jessica Rees-Mogg, Jacob Burstow, Paul Garnier, Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Reevell, Simon Byles, Dan Gauke, Mr David Leech, Mr John Reid, Mr Alan Cairns, Alun George, Andrew Lefroy, Jeremy Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gibb, Mr Nick Leigh, Mr Edward Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Gilbert, Stephen Leslie, Charlotte Robertson, Mr Laurence Carmichael, Neil Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rogerson, Dan Carswell, Mr Douglas Goldsmith, Zac Lewis, Brandon Rosindell, Andrew Cash, Mr William Goodwill, Mr Robert Lewis, Dr Julian Rudd, Amber Chishti, Rehman Graham, Richard Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Ruffley, Mr David Chope, Mr Christopher Grant, Mrs Helen Lidington, rh Mr David Russell, Bob 667 Localism Bill17 JANUARY 2011 Localism Bill 668

Rutley, David Truss, Elizabeth Eagle, Ms Angela McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Sanders, Mr Adrian Turner, Mr Andrew Eagle, Maria McKechin, Ann Sandys, Laura Tyrie, Mr Andrew Elliott, Julie McKinnell, Catherine Scott, Mr Lee Uppal, Paul Ellman, Mrs Louise Meacher, rh Mr Michael Selous, Andrew Vaizey, Mr Edward Esterson, Bill Meale, Mr Alan Shapps, rh Grant Vara, Mr Shailesh Evans, Chris Mearns, Ian Sharma, Alok Vickers, Martin Farrelly, Paul Miliband, rh David Shelbrooke, Alec Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Fitzpatrick, Jim Miller, Andrew Simmonds, Mark Walker, Mr Charles Flello, Robert Morden, Jessica Simpson, Mr Keith Walker, Mr Robin Flint, rh Caroline Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Skidmore, Chris Wallace, Mr Ben Flynn, Paul Morris, Grahame M. Smith, Miss Chloe Walter, Mr Robert Fovargue, Yvonne (Easington) Smith, Henry Ward, Mr David Francis, Dr Hywel Mudie, Mr George Smith, Julian Watkinson, Angela Gapes, Mike Munn, Meg Smith, Sir Robert Weatherley, Mike Gardiner, Barry Murphy, rh Mr Jim Soubry, Anna Webb, Steve Gilmore, Sheila Murphy, rh Paul Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wharton, James Glass, Pat Murray, Ian Spencer, Mr Mark Wheeler, Heather Glindon, Mrs Mary Nandy, Lisa Stephenson, Andrew White, Chris Goggins, rh Paul Nash, Pamela Stevenson, John Whittaker, Craig Goodman, Helen Onwurah, Chi Stewart, Iain Whittingdale, Mr John Green, Kate Owen, Albert Stewart, Rory Wiggin, Bill Griffith, Nia Pearce, Teresa Streeter, Mr Gary Willetts, rh Mr David Gwynne, Andrew Perkins, Toby Stride, Mel Williams, Hywel Hamilton, Mr David Phillipson, Bridget Stuart, Mr Graham Williams, Stephen Hanson, rh Mr David Qureshi, Yasmin Stunell, Andrew Williamson, Gavin Harris, Mr Tom Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Sturdy, Julian Willott, Jenny Healey, rh John Reed, Mr Jamie Swales, Ian Wilson, Mr Rob Hendrick, Mark Reeves, Rachel Swayne, Mr Desmond Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reynolds, Emma Swinson, Jo Wright, Simon Heyes, David Reynolds, Jonathan Syms, Mr Robert Yeo, Mr Tim Hillier, Meg Riordan, Mrs Linda Teather, Sarah Young, rh Sir George Hilling, Julie Robertson, John Thurso, John Zahawi, Nadhim Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Timpson, Mr Edward Tellers for the Ayes: Hoey, Kate Rotheram, Steve Tomlinson, Justin Mr Philip Dunne and Hood, Mr Jim Roy, Mr Frank Tredinnick, David Mark Hunter Hopkins, Kelvin Roy, Lindsay Howarth, rh Mr George Ruane, Chris Hunt, Tristram Ruddock, rh Joan NOES Irranca-Davies, Huw Sarwar, Anas Abbott, Ms Diane Clark, Katy James, Mrs Siân C. Seabeck, Alison Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Clarke, rh Mr Tom Jamieson, Cathy Sheerman, Mr Barry Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Clwyd, rh Ann Johnson, Diana Sheridan, Jim Ali, Rushanara Coaker, Vernon Jones, Helen Shuker, Gavin Anderson, Mr David Coffey, Ann Jones, Mr Kevan Skinner, Mr Dennis Austin, Ian Connarty, Michael Jones, Susan Elan Slaughter, Mr Andy Bailey, Mr Adrian Cooper, Rosie Joyce, Eric Smith, rh Mr Andrew Smith, Angela Bain, Mr William Corbyn, Jeremy Keeley, Barbara Smith, Nick Balls, rh Ed Crausby, Mr David Keen, Alan Banks, Gordon Creagh, Mary Smith, Owen Kendall, Liz Barron, rh Mr Kevin Creasy, Dr Stella Soulsby, Sir Peter Lammy, rh Mr David Bayley, Hugh Cruddas, Jon Spellar, rh Mr John Lavery, Ian Begg, Dame Anne Cryer, John Straw, rh Mr Jack Lazarowicz, Mark Benn, rh Hilary Cunningham, Alex Stringer, Graham Benton, Mr Joe Cunningham, Mr Jim Leslie, Chris Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Berger, Luciana Cunningham, Tony Lewis, Mr Ivan Tami, Mark Betts, Mr Clive Curran, Margaret Lloyd, Tony Thomas, Mr Gareth Blackman-Woods, Roberta Dakin, Nic Long, Naomi Trickett, Jon Blears, rh Hazel Danczuk, Simon Lucas, Caroline Turner, Karl Blenkinsop, Tom Darling, rh Mr Alistair Lucas, Ian Twigg, Derek Blomfield, Paul David, Mr Wayne MacShane, rh Mr Denis Twigg, Stephen Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Davidson, Mr Ian Mactaggart, Fiona Umunna, Mr Chuka Brennan, Kevin Davies, Geraint Mahmood, Shabana Vaz, rh Keith Brown, rh Mr Nicholas De Piero, Gloria Mann, John Vaz, Valerie Bryant, Chris Denham, rh Mr John Marsden, Mr Gordon Walley, Joan Buck, Ms Karen Dobbin, Jim McCabe, Steve Watson, Mr Tom Burden, Richard Dobson, rh Frank McCann, Mr Michael Watts, Mr Dave Byrne, rh Mr Liam Docherty, Thomas McCarthy, Kerry Whitehead, Dr Alan Cairns, David Donohoe, Mr Brian H. McClymont, Gregg Wicks, rh Malcolm Campbell, Mr Alan Doran, Mr Frank McDonagh, Siobhain Williamson, Chris Campbell, Mr Ronnie Dowd, Jim McDonnell, John Wilson, Phil Caton, Martin Doyle, Gemma McGovern, Alison Winnick, Mr David Chapman, Mrs Jenny Dugher, Michael McGovern, Jim Woodcock, John 669 Localism Bill 17 JANUARY 2011 670

Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Tellers for the Noes: Mortgage Regulation Wright, David Graham Jones and Wright, Mr Iain Lilian Greenwood Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Newmark.) Question accordingly agreed to. 10.41 pm Business without Debate Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con): I intend to speak about the future of the mortgage market and, in particular, the current proposals by the Financial Services Authority ARMED FORCES BILL in its “Mortgage Market Review”. When it was announced, Ordered, Lord Turner said that it was a “major shift” in the FSA’s That Mr James Arbuthnot, Alex Cunningham, Thomas Docherty, “willingness to intervene”. It is a serious review. If it Gemma Doyle, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Mr Mark Francois, Mr listens to representations, as I hope it will, and is light Kevan Jones, Mark Lancaster, Jack Lopresti, Sandra Osborne, touch, it will improve the market, but if it goes the way Christopher Pincher, Mr Andrew Robathan, Bob Russell and of some of the proposals that are being consulted on, it David Wright be members of the Select Committee on the Armed could have a profound and bad effect not only on the Forces Bill.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee economy, but on the prospects for many of our constituents. of Selection.) I shall touch on those issues today and canter round some of the concerns. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION The Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Ordered, Association and many other organisations are very That Kevin Brennan be discharged from the Select Committee worried about what the FSA is consulting on. We must on Public Administration and Kelvin Hopkins be added.— therefore treat seriously the prospects and the proposals (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee of put forward. I support the objectives of the FSA, which Selection.) are to create a mortgage market that is sustainable for all participants, and a flexible market that works better for consumers. However, it is crucial that the FSA recognises that in the context of the current financial crisis, problems in the European and UK economies today are primarily the result of liquidity and structural issues arising from global financial markets. They are not a result of a dysfunctional and widely irresponsible residential mortgage market. The FSA should be mindful that it is not focusing its attention on fixing the wrong problem. Despite the economic slowdown, FSA arrears statistics show that the overwhelming majority of mortgage borrowers in the UK are able to continue to make their mortgage repayments. The current low level of interest rates is a major help in this, but the statistics demonstrate that the vast majority of lenders have acted responsibly and have been positive and sympathetic to customers in difficulty.In a sense, the mortgage rescue scheme introduced by the previous Government towards the end of their term of office did not help many people, but it pointed many people with difficulties to their lender. That meant that their lender could deal with the problems. One of the good things emerging from the difficulties that we face is that a far more responsible attitude is being taken by many lenders. I believe that it is desirable to have a market based on consistent, responsible lending and borrowing. However, the market failures that the MMR is designed to address affects only a small number of lenders that were in the market. Some of those are no longer active.

John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that some of the smaller lenders, such as the Furness Building Society based in my constituency—lenders who were not rogues, did not play fast and loose, and were always responsible— feel disproportionately penalised by the proposals currently on the table?

Mr Syms: I agree. One of the important things about the proposals is not always to focus on the five big banks but to ensure that there is a diverse mortgage 671 Mortgage Regulation17 JANUARY 2011 Mortgage Regulation 672 market that includes many smaller building societies. I the demands of a diverse and ever-evolving customer shall touch on that issue in a moment. base. Innovation must stay with the market, because we A measured and well considered response from the should not have a regulator that stifles innovation, and Government, the regulators and the lenders is necessary the MMR should also ensure that lenders have the to prevent an inefficient and unsustainable mortgage flexibility to provide support to their customers when market. The current proposals will have a far-reaching they need it—for example, when they experience financial effect on the wider economy, but the FSA’s impact stress. assessment does not consider those wider consequences. On the current direction of the MMR, however, there They should be considered, because housing is an important is considerable concern, first, about the wider impact on component of our economy. the economy and housing market, and how the proposals There are also fundamental concerns about many interact with wider Government ambitions and policy. proposals transferring responsibility away from the There seems to have been a firm shift, apparently removing consumer and to the lender. We appreciate the lender’s responsibility from borrowers and placing unreasonable responsibilities to verify application information and responsibilities solely with lenders. Distortions in the to have appropriate controls in place, but that must be market will sometimes affect large banks, and, as we balanced with the capability of customers to make have heard, building societies are concerned about that. sound financial decisions for themselves. The proposals If we want to have a diverse market, we have to have do not achieve a balance; they take the very patronising small as well as large lenders. The direction of the view that customers need protecting from themselves—a MMR might also have an adverse impact on social view that could be insulting to many mortgage borrowers. mobility. There are concerns about the interaction with In my experience, the people who get most upset are existing and planned macro-prudential reforms, and those who are refused a mortgage, a loan or some help about the potential conflict with regulatory reform initiated from a bank. People take that personally, and if we are at European level. not careful, we will exclude many people from gaining Certain groups might be affected. First-time buyers access to finance. could be expected to have higher deposits and to pay higher prices, because under the proposals they might Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I congratulate have “risk” status, which would dampen their capacity my hon. Friend on securing this debate. Does he agree and willingness to transact even more than we have seen that responsible lending should not exclude first-time to date. We know that there is a problem with first-time buyers from accessing mortgages with loans-to-value buyers. Those who have wealthier parents who can help ratios of up to 95%? The bigger issue is about lenders them will get into the market; those who do not may be ensuring that they do not over-expose themselves to excluded. We have to bear in mind that important fact. such loans. They should keep them proportionate within Existing homeowners with self-certification loans will their mortgage book to ensure that first-time buyers have to prove their affordability next time around. For gain that vital access to mortgage finance. some of those with variable incomes from different sources that will not be straightforward, so some existing Mr Syms: It is good that we are moving away from mortgage customers may find it difficult to remortgage, 120% mortgages, which were clearly unsustainable, and which could have a major impact on the housing industry. it is probably good that people should have to put down One of the industry’s responses may be that lenders a deposit, but I do not want to be too dogmatic, because become less willing to serve such complex prime cases all the surveys suggest that for first-time buyers the because of extra administration and potential risk. deposit is one of the biggest hurdles, so we ought to There will be a major impact on the self-employed and leave it to the market to make decisions, rather than contractor markets, as such people necessarily have being too dogmatic in terms of regulation. difficulty in proving or certifying their earnings. There Flexibility will be the key to delivering outcomes for is also a group of prime mortgage customers who have customers, but if we are not careful, the proposed changes become impaired owing to the impact of the recession will undermine current flexibility. Setting prescriptive on their finances. Recent short-term arrears will make it rules will inevitably lead to some creditworthy customers, more difficult to refinance with their existing lender or with and without complex financial situations, being to remortgage elsewhere; they are trapped until they excluded from the market, and that is not an acceptable can demonstrate that they are no longer “credit impaired” position in which to place borrowers. I also believe that as defined by the FSA. We have to be very careful that the proposals will affect considerably more customers reforms of any kind will not make it more difficult for than the FSA expects. Tighter controls on affordability those who have had short-term difficulties to stay within assessments will not weed out customers on the margins the market and to remortgage. only; they could have a much wider impact on the market. Many of the organisations that have contacted me The MMR should aim to promote responsible borrowing are also concerned about shared ownership. In its by raising financial capability, empowering borrowers sourcebook, the FSA specifies that as a high-risk area, to take ownership of their personal finances, enabling and that could have a big impact. Shared ownership is them to make well informed decisions, promoting best one of the most under-exploited areas that we have. We practice to raise standards across the industry and could do a lot more in respect of that market, and we do ensuring better outcomes for consumers through consumer not need restrictions or classifications that could make choice, transparency and fair treatment. it much more difficult to help to grow it. The MMR should also promote competition in the A large number of existing borrowers, the majority of mortgage market, so that lenders of all business structures, whom are successfully meeting their mortgage repayments, including those small building societies,which were will find it difficult under the proposed rules to remortgage mentioned earlier, can compete on a level playing field. in the future or to get new mortgages at all. This will It should further promote product innovation to meet have a major negative effects in terms of social mobility, 673 Mortgage Regulation17 JANUARY 2011 Mortgage Regulation 674

[Mr Syms] the mortgage market. That led to a rapid increase in house prices without an accompanying increase in home particularly in the coming years. Restricting the ability ownership, and put more people at financial risk because of consumers to move home in order to take up new or of the greater debts that were taken on. My hon. Friend improved employment will also have serious adverse was absolutely right to highlight the current low levels consequences. The FSA should not consider implementing of arrears and repossession, but that reflects the any changes to conduct of business rules until a full low interest rate environment, lower than expected assessment of the impact on changes already made to unemployment and, as he pointed out, forbearance by prudential requirements and enhancements to the lenders. We cannot be sure that the same conditions will supervisory regime has been carried out. If there are occur in any future housing downturn. still concerns once this has been undertaken, targeted There is a lot of concern about the mortgage market action through rule changes can be undertaken. It is review, but there is also a lot of misinformation. I important not to go too fast in addressing this matter. welcome this opportunity to set out clearly the FSA’s One important thing that is coming over the rainbow plans for the review. The FSA is conducting the review is European reform. In the first quarter of 2011, we under the powers of the Financial Services and Markets expect a European directive focusing on responsible Act 2000 to meet its statutory objectives, which include lending and borrowing. This directive may well have an market confidence, financial stability and consumer impact on changes proposed in the consultation, and protection. We must remember that Parliament set the that might be an important factor. framework for regulation, but that the FSA is operationally I am concerned that if we are not careful, as a result independent, although accountable to Parliament. of the excesses of a few lenders in the last property Mortgage lending plays a vital role in ensuring a boom, we will have a set of rules that impairs some of stable and accessible housing market. As the Minister those who are more marginal borrowers, makes it more for Housing and Local Government has set out, it is the difficult for people to get on the housing ladder, and ambition of this Government to create a housing market penalises many lenders by putting up their costs, and with stable prices that does not exclude many from that will not lead to a diverse, flexible market where home ownership. Owning a home is an important ambition there is innovation. The housing market is crucial to the for many people in this country. It brings social benefits future of our country and our economy. We all want such as stronger and more committed communities. A people to be well housed and to have the ability to buy a flexible mortgage market is important for labour market home if they can afford it. We have to be very careful mobility. Although the link between lending and building about the rules that are implemented. is complex, mortgages must be available to encourage I hope that this debate plus all the other representations the home building industry to provide the new homes being made to the FSA are listened to, because we have that we need. Perhaps most importantly, an open mortgage to get this right. If we get it wrong, it will be disastrous, market promotes fairness between generations and helps and we will all find people in our surgeries who cannot to smooth out the differences between the housing understand why a few years ago they got a mortgage haves and the housing have-nots. It allows young people and now they cannot. This is a crucial issue. I know that to buy their own homes, which in turn helps older there is still a consultation going on and we do not yet people to trade down as they move into retirement. know the results, but I hope that the Minister takes on However, increased lending can force up house prices board the fact that there is genuine concern about this. beyond the reach of those who want to get on to or We are not going to sit as late as the Lords, which I move up the housing ladder, putting home ownership understand is going to sit through the whole night, but further and further out of reach for many people. High it is still quite late and there are a lot of Members in the prices can cause inequality, indebtedness and inertia, Chamber for an Adjournment debate, several of whom with young people having to take out bigger and bigger take a special interest in housing issues and are well debts to buy their own homes or give up on the dream respected for it. That says something about the concerns of home ownership. that exist about these issues. It is therefore important to strike the right balance. A properly regulated mortgage market is needed to ensure 10.53 pm that house prices remain affordable and that consumers are protected. It is worth remembering that consumer The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark groups such as Which?, Citizens Advice and Shelter Hoban): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for have warmly welcomed the mortgage market review. Poole (Mr Syms) on securing this debate on the important Those organisations highlight the number of people issue of the future regulation of the mortgage market. they see every day who struggle to make their mortgage As he said, the FSA is conducting a wholesale review of payments. mortgage regulation in the UK. He and I share the aims of that review. We want to see Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): “a mortgage market that is sustainable for all participants” Does the Minister agree that an important element of and financial provision in the mortgage market is diversity? “a flexible market that works better for consumers”. I would welcome his views on possible recommendations by the FSA review that might impact disproportionately I think we should all be able to agree on those sensible on small building societies and restrict such a diverse aims. flow of funds to the market. It is vital to address those issues in the light of the failed regulation of the mortgage market before Mr Hoban: I know that the hon. Gentleman is a keen the financial crisis, when there was a huge expansion in supporter of financial mutuals. He will recognise that the availability of credit and the number of lenders in there was a commitment in the coalition agreement to 675 Mortgage Regulation17 JANUARY 2011 Mortgage Regulation 676 diversity in the ownership of businesses in the financial I turn to the details of the mortgage market review. In services sector, and that we are taking action to support October 2009, the FSA published a discussion paper mutuals. A mutual should be as safe and sound as a big setting out its high-level objectives for the review. That or small bank. The customers of mutuals deserve the has been followed by a number of discussion and same protection as customers of other financial institutions. consultation papers over the past year. In the course of I want to see a level playing field in the regulation of the the review, the FSA has produced a range of options financial services sector, not just the mortgage market. and proposals for consultation and consideration, and The boom and subsequent crash in the mortgage it is considering the responses carefully and will publish market cast doubt on the prudential soundness of lenders, further proposals later this year. Nothing is set in stone. and on their ability to take on appropriate risk. There The FSA has made it absolutely clear that it will assess need to be adequate controls over lending to ensure that fully the potential impact on the market before the requirements for the retention of capital are implementing any rule changes. Later this year, it intends proportionate. Without reform of the rules on mortgage to publish an impact assessment that will take into lending, banks would need to hold more capital, thus account the cumulative impact of all its final proposals. restricting their ability to lend. We do not want lenders The FSA is also committed to ensuring a smooth to put their solvency at risk through aggressive lending. transitional period, to minimise the impact of changes We are working internationally to agree a new framework and keep the mortgage and housing market stable. It of prudential regulation, and capital and liquidity has made it clear that it will not implement any rule requirements. It is important that all these regulatory changes until the market is back on a stronger footing. reforms are seen as one wide-ranging package to strengthen Its review process is an ongoing consultation, and it is the stability and sustainability of our financial system important that all interested parties engage constructively and our economy. in it. I encourage everyone with an interest in the debate I wish to give a few statistics about the mortgage to do so. market, to illustrate some of the challenges that we I shall respond to some of the points that my hon. faced during the boom years. The volume of lending Friend the Member for Poole made. Traditionally, self- was fairly consistent from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, certification was a route for the self-employed to take a at about £50 billion a year, but from the late 1990s there mortgage, but that has been abused by people for whom was a steady rise in lending, with the boom peaking at the scheme was not designed. The FSA’s proposals £360 billion a year in 2007. Many assume that the rapid would required greater disclosure by the self-employed. expansion in mortgage lending during the boom allowed For example, a borrower could submit their tax returns more people to become home owners, but the rate of to prove their historical income, giving lenders better owner-occupation actually fell between 2003 and 2008. information on potential borrowers and enabling them That may reflect the fact that house prices grew very to assess risk, and therefore price, more accurately. rapidly from the mid-1990s until 2008, matching the As I set out earlier, in the run-up to the crash many boom in lending, but for many, neither their income nor first-time buyers were frozen out of the market. My deposits grew at the same rate. The number of mortgages hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones) granted to first-time buyers decreased steadily over the highlighted the fact that the low loan-to-value ratios period from 2000 to 2007. that we see today act as a barrier to those who want to After the boom, mortgage lending fell rapidly from get on to the housing ladder. Those ratios are a response mid-2007 through to 2009, and it remains below peak to the crisis, not the MMR. The MMR emphasis on levels. That reduction reflects a reduction in both demand affordability should help in the long run to create a and supply. Banks now realise that they overstretched stable market with stable house price growth, which will themselves and underpriced risk in the boom years, and bring homeownership within the reach of many more are therefore increasing deposit requirements and tightening people. credit checks. On the demand side, household debt is historically high, so people are reluctant to borrow The MMR should have no impact on the shared more and add to their debts. People are cautious about equity sector, as there is no in-built prejudice against it, the economy and their jobs, and many expect house but again, borrowers will need to demonstrate that they prices to fall this year. can afford to pay both the mortgage and the rent. We know that during the boom, a huge proportion of My hon. Friend the Member for Poole also raised the mortgage lending—about 40%—was for remortgaging. issue of European proposals on mortgage lending. He In 2007, of the £360 billion in gross mortgage lending, is right that the Commission intends to publish proposals £150 billion was for remortgaging. Surveys suggest that on responsible mortgage lending and borrowing in the about 60% of remortgages also entailed equity withdrawal. coming months. The Treasury and the Financial Services Although mortgage lending for house purchase has Authority have held a number of discussions with the reduced to some extent since then, the 72% fall in Commission on those proposals, and we expect them to remortgaging has made the most significant contribution be broadly consistent with the principles of mortgage to the fall in gross mortgage lending over recent years. regulation in the UK. However, the FSA has acknowledged With interest rates currently at historically low levels that it will need to consider that European initiative as it and house prices flat, there is little incentive for borrowers refines its proposals. It will ensure that the timetable for to release equity or switch their mortgage. refining the MMR is consistent with developments at I acknowledge that the reduction in mortgage availability European level. has hit everyone hard, particularly first-time buyers. It is clear that mortgage regulation failed by allowing The proportion of first-time buyers reliant on help from an unsustainable boom in lending and increasing house friends and family to put together a deposit has reached prices, followed by the inevitable crash. We do not want 85%, compared with 45% in 2006, which is not an to see that repeated. We have a clear objective to create equitable or sustainable state of affairs. a sustainable and accessible housing market that sees a 677 Mortgage Regulation17 JANUARY 2011 Mortgage Regulation 678

[Mr Hoban] a proportionate and balanced approach in order to help to build a stable and sustainable mortgage market for gradual rise in prices in line with people’s salaries. The the future. mortgage market is a key part of creating that, but Question put and agreed to. unregulated lending will not help us to achieve that aim. The MMR is an essential step to ensure that both consumers and lenders are protected, but that will always 11.6 pm be balanced with the need to ensure innovation and competition in the mortgage market. The FSA will take House adjourned. 27WS Written Ministerial Statements17 JANUARY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS

cost-effective operational support will continue, at the Written Ministerial level required by the armed forces. I am also pleased to use this opportunity to welcome the first flight of the Statements Merlin Mk 2, being developed by Lockheed Martin. The aircraft is due to enter service in 2013 and achieve full operational capability during 2014. Monday 17 January 2011

JUSTICE DEFENCE Trusts (Capital and Income) Bill Integrated Merlin Operational Support Contract The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): I am pleased to announce that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence having considered the response to the Ministry of Justice’s (Peter Luff): I am pleased to announce the continuation public consultation on the Trusts (Capital and Income) of the 25-year Integrated Merlin Operational Support Bill, the Government have decided to take forward the (IMOS) contract with the agreement of the second proposed reforms, subject to minor modifications to pricing period with Agusta Westland valued at meet concerns raised during the consultation, when approximately £570 million. The IMOS contract was parliamentary time permits. awarded to Agusta Westland in 2006 to secure the future availability of the Merlin helicopter fleet to the These reforms are based on the three legislative front line while saving the Ministry of Defence and UK recommendations made by the Law Commission in its taxpayers around £12 million per year compared to 2009 report “Capital and Income in Trusts: Classification previous contractual arrangements. At a time when and Apportionment” (Law Com 315). Merlin helicopters are deployed in Afghanistan and on I have placed copies of the Ministry of Justice’s maritime operations worldwide, agreement to the second response document to the consultation, which is being pricing period from 2011 to 2016 has ensured that published today, in the Libraries of both Houses.

7P Petitions17 JANUARY 2011 Petitions 8P

We are also proposing a generous student support Petitions package to help full-time students with living costs. The poorest students will be able to get more non-repayable Monday 17 January 2011 grant than under the current system and most full-time students should have no less overall support for living costs that they do now. OBSERVATIONS We are asking universities and colleges that want to charge above £6,000 per annum (and subject to a limit BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS of £9,000 in exceptional circumstances) for any or all of their courses to first secure the agreement of the Office Further and Higher Education Funding for Fair Access, and meet tough new access conditions. The Humble Petition of Sarah Smith and students We have also announced a new £150 million National from schools across Wirral, Scholarship Programme to attract bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds to help them access universities Sheweth, and guaranteeing them extra support to help them meet that the Petitioners believe that the Government’s the costs of going to university. abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance Good quality and diverse higher education is a benefit and the proposals to lift the cap on University fees will to society and to the economy in the long term. These prevent students from poorer backgrounds having full proposals will ensure that our world-class higher education and fair access to education. sector has the sustainable long-term funding it needs Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable and that all those who can benefit from a higher education House rejects any proposals to remove the cap on have the opportunity to participate. university tuition fees and urges the Government to enhance equality of opportunity and equal access to education instead of cutting off support for students and creating some of the most expensive tuition fees in EDUCATION the World. Education Maintenance Allowance (Wakefield College) And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.—[Presented by Ms Angela Eagle, Official The Petition of Wakefield College and residents of the Report, 8 December 2010; Vol. 520, c. 490.] Wakefield constituency and others, [P000869] Declares that the previous Labour Government’s Observations from the Secretary of State for Business, introduction of the Education Maintenance Allowance Innovation and Skills, received 14 January 2011: (EMA), to students from households where the combined The Chancellor announced on 20 October that we family income is less than £30,810, has increased the would be ending the EMA scheme. The scheme will recruitment and retention of 16 year olds in full-time close to new applicants from 1 January 2011, and will education; further declares that 58% of students at close entirely at the end of the 2010-11 Academic Year. Wakefield College receive an EMA; further declares It is being replaced, from September 2011, with an that for many families the EMA has become an essential enhanced discretionary learner support fund, enabling part of their income; further declares that the EMA is a closer targeting of resource to individual young people vital tool for raising attainment levels for 16-19 year who face a real financial barrier to participation. olds and increasing social mobility; and further declares that this financial support to young people continuing Young people who are currently receiving the EMA their education and training is a valuable investment in will continue to receive it to the end of the academic young people across the country. year. Those students who need financial help with learning costs from September 2011, including those previously The Petitioners therefore request that the House of in receipt of the EMA, may be eligible for support from Commons urges the Government to consider the value the enhanced discretionary learner support fund. of the EMA as a vital support to students from low In coming to this decision the Government have income backgrounds; to recognise the importance of looked closely at evaluation evidence and other research the EMA as a tool for raising attainment levels for carried out by the previous Labour Government, which 16-19 year olds and to increase social mobility; to shows that around 90% of recipients would have stayed recognise the devastating impact any cuts to the EMA on after 16 even if they had not received EMA. would have on students at Wakefield College; and to therefore pledge that the EMA will not be subject to We are maintaining the commitment to full participation Government cuts but protected and maintained in the and to raising the participation age. In replacing the future. EMA, we want colleges, schools and training organisations to be able to make sure that those students who need And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mary support the most will receive it. Creagh, Official Report, 19 October 2010; Vol. 516, c. 920.] [P000865] Our proposals to reform higher education funding and student finance incorporate a range of measures to Observations from the Secretary of State for Education, ensure that students from poorer backgrounds can have received 14 January 2011: full and fair access to a higher education. This includes The Chancellor announced on 20 October that we the fact that the Government will provide the up-front would be ending the EMA scheme. The scheme will finance for anyone eligible who secures a place at university close to new applicants from 1 January 2011, and will so that graduates do not have to contribute to the cost close entirely at the end of the 2010-11 academic year. of their higher education until they are earning more It is being replaced, from September 2011, with an than £21,000. enhanced discretionary learner support fund, enabling 9P Petitions17 JANUARY 2011 Petitions 10P closer targeting of resource to individual young people carried out by the previous Labour Government, which who face a real financial barrier to participation. shows that around 90% of recipients would have stayed Young people who are currently receiving the EMA on after 16 even if they had not received EMA. will continue to receive it to the end of the academic We are maintaining the commitment to full participation year. Those students who need financial help from and to raising the participation age. In replacing the September 2011, including those previously in receipt EMA, we want colleges, schools and training organisations of the EMA, may be eligible for support from the to be able to make sure that those students who need enhanced discretionary learner support fund. support the most will receive it. In coming to this decision the Government have looked closely at evaluation evidence and other research 467W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 468W

monitor proposals being made about changes to library Written Answers to services across England. However, any specific assessment of the impact of any changes to services has to be made Questions within the context of the exercise of statutory powers by the Secretary of State, consideration of which has to be made on a case by case basis and in accordance with Monday 17 January 2011 the statutory provisions. Responsibility and accountability for day to day management of individual library services, including opening hours and closures, is vested in local authorities. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Local authorities must be capable of demonstrating British Sky Broadcasting that they have discharged their statutory duty to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service and that they will continue to do so if changes are made to the Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for service. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what timetable he has set for taking a decision on News Corporation’s Olympic Games 2012 bid for BSkyB following the submission of Ofcom’s report. [33610] Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will place in Mr Jeremy Hunt: I refer my hon. Friend to the the Library a copy of the Memorandum of answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bury South (Mr Information in respect of the role of the Olympic Park Lewis) on 13 January 2011, Official Report, column Legacy Company. [33849] 386W. Hugh Robertson: A copy of the Memorandum of Football Association Information will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for The Memorandum of Information was prepared by Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has the Olympic Park Legacy Company as part of the had recent discussions with the incoming chair of the process to select a long-term use for the Olympic stadium. Football Association to discuss football governance reform and supporter involvement. [33615] Tourism

Hugh Robertson: The new chair of the Football Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Association is not yet in post but, as soon as he is I Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when the Minister intend to meet him as a priority. responsible for tourism next plans to visit the North East. [33023] Horserace Betting Levy John Penrose: I hope to visit the North East of Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for England as part of an ongoing programme of regional Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many licensed trips which should help take forward the Government’s betting offices paid the Horserace Betting Levy (a) at new strategy for tourism. The next set of visits is the 10 per cent. rate, (b) between 4.5 per cent. and 10 currently under review and I hope to clarify details in per cent. and (c) at a rate of 4.5 per cent. or lower in due course. each of the last three years. [33855] Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose: The Department does not hold the Olympics, Media and Sport if he will assess for information requested. benchmarking purposes the effect on the tourist industry The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is responsible in (a) France, (b) Spain and (c) the Netherlands of for collecting the levy from betting shops, and I have reduced levels of value added tax for (i) hotel therefore asked the chief executive of the HBLB to accommodation and (ii) restaurant meals in developing write to the hon. Member for Chippenham directly. policies to assist the tourism industry. [33523] Copies of the response will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. John Penrose: Tax is a matter for Treasury Ministers. All taxes are kept under review and any changes are Libraries: Opening Hours announced by the Chancellor as part of the Budget process. The Government are committed to creating the Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for best possible environment for a sustainable private sector Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment led economic recovery. A competitive tax system is at he has made of the effects on the provision of library the heart of our approach, but other factors (such as services of proposed changes to opening hours or the the levels of interest and exchange rates, which in turn closure of libraries by local authorities. [33951] depend on sound public finances) are also very important too. Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State has a statutory While the Government will consider carefully proposals duty to superintend the delivery of library services by for new reliefs that might assist the tourism and hospitality local authorities, including any reduction in programmes. industry, the financial position we inherited means we He takes this duty very seriously and we continue to must give priority to maintaining our fiscal base. So 469W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 470W there are no current plans to assess the impact that the Norman Baker: Only a small part of the Department application of reduced VAT rates in France, Spain and for Transport’s budget is split by region in advance, the the Netherlands has on the hotel and restaurant sectors rest being allocated via a variety of transport providers in those countries. and funding mechanisms, including a bids process, making it impractical to budget by region. Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for However, estimates of future regional spending are Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what mechanisms produced for the public expenditure core tables which are in place to measure the success of initiatives taken are annexed to the Department’s annual Resource Accounts. by his Department to increase competitiveness in the Regional spending estimates for 2011-12 will be compiled tourist industry. [33750] later this year, to be published as an annex to the Department’s 2010-11 Resource Accounts. John Penrose: We are currently considering initiatives to increase competitiveness in the tourism industry, and Trief Kerbs they will be included in the Tourism Strategy which we intend to publish shortly. Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for When our consideration is finalised, we will decide Transport what recent safety assessments his what indicators will best show the success of our plans. Department has made of the use of trief kerbs. [33286]

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has TRANSPORT made no recent safety assessments on the use of trief kerbs. Dartford-Thurrock Crossing

Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 21 December ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS 2010, Official Report, column 1299W, on the Dartford- Thurrock Crossing, what steps his Department has Animal Feed: Prices taken to deal with congestion on roads in and around Thurrock attributable to congestion at the Dartford Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Crossing. [33581] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to investigate the effect on poultry farmers of Mike Penning: The Department for Transport’s spending recent trends in feed prices. [33591] review announcement made clear that reducing congestion at the Dartford Crossing is a priority. Mr Paice: The poultry industry is the single largest We have set out proposals to allow investment in the user of domestic cereal production. Feed is the largest short, medium and longer term improvements, including component of the costs of production and consequently introduction of free-flow charging, consideration of changes in cereal prices will have an immediate, direct charge suspension at time of particularly severe congestion, effect on poultry farmer profitability. However, some and exploring new additional capacity. opportunities exist for farmers to alter the composition In addition, the Highways Agency is investigating of feed rations in order to minimise impacts on their how to improve contingency plans and communication business. flows, with local authorities, county councils and major While I always take a keen interest in this sector, there retail outlets such as Bluewater and Lakeside. are no current plans to investigate this matter.

Departmental Press Releases Dangerous Dogs

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions his Department has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her provided embargoed media briefings prior to an oral Department is taking to promote responsible dog statement to the House since 26 May 2010; in respect of ownership; if she will bring forward proposals to consolidate how many such briefings his Department was informed existing legislation regulating the ownership of dangerous that the embargo had been breached; what steps were dogs; and if she will make a statement. [33285] taken as a result of each such breach; and on how many occasions his Department has provided media Mr Paice: We appreciate that the issue of dangerous briefings without an embargo prior to an oral dogs is increasingly important to the public. We consider statement to the House since 26 May 2010. [31927] that it is not just a problem of dangerous breeds, but also one of bad owners. They need to be held to Norman Baker: Since 26 May there have been no account and stopped from ruining people’s lives. embargoed media briefings prior to an oral statement organised by the Department for Transport’s press office. DEFRA is working closely with the Home Office on the antisocial behaviour dimension to this issue. We are Transport: Capital Investment also working with groups such as the RSPCA to look at other issues raised in the recent dangerous dogs consultation, Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for such as micro-chipping and attacks on private property. Transport what funding his Department has allocated The Government are currently working on a proposal for capital expenditure on transport infrastructure in for a project to look at the motivations, barriers and each region in the next 12 months. [33216] social norms surrounding the acquisition and keeping 471W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 472W of ‘status dogs’ in urban communities in the UK. This Sir Peter Soulsby: To ask the Secretary of State for project has the support of the Home Office, Communities, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy Metropolitan Police, RSPCA and Dogs Trust. is on the inclusion of woodlands designated by the An announcement about the Government’s approach Forestry Commission as heathland in that body’s to dangerous dogs will be made early this year. disposals programme; and what recent submissions she has received on this matter. [34174]

Environment Protection: Finance Mr Paice: Heathland and other open habitats are a small component of many of the Forestry Commission’s Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, woodlands across England. Under the previous Food and Rural Affairs what (a) funding and (b) other Government, the Forestry Commission England selected support her Department plans to provide to (i) the its woodland sales programme from those areas which National Trust, (ii) the Royal Society for the Protection provide limited added value from public ownership in of Birds, (iii) the Wildlife Trusts Partnership, (iv) the the delivery of public benefits. We are currently considering Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, (v) the Woodland Trust, the sales criteria for woodland that will be placed on the (vi) Butterfly Conservation and (vii) Plantlife in each of market in 2011-12. the four financial years from 2011-12. [33351] Sir Peter Soulsby: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: Spending plans for future financial Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many years are still being developed and have not yet been designated ancient woodlands have been removed from finalised. the Forestry Commission’s disposals programme since May 2010; and what estimate has been made of the Food: Reserves effects of such removals on the Forestry Commission’s budget deficit for the financial year 2010-11. [34175]

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: The Forestry Commission has withdrawn Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many days 17 designated ancient woodlands valued at £3.5 million of food stocks at current consumption levels her from its 2010-11 asset sales programme. Due to the Department holds in reserve. [33544] uncertainty in completing the sale of any woodland on a given time scale, the Forestry Commission’s asset Mr Paice [holding answer 13 January 2011]: The sales programme has flexibility built into it. That flexibility Government have no plans to hold reserve stocks of has ensured that the Forestry Commission does not food. In the UK Food Security Assessment (published expect there to be an impact on its budget from the in August 2009 and updated in January 2010) DEFRA withdrawal of these woodlands. assesses that the UK enjoys a high level of food security, and we are continuously reviewing our evidence base to Forests maintain this situation. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Forestry Commission Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely effect on the number of trees Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for per hectare in woodland areas of her Department’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she policies in each of the next four years. [33356] plans to put in place arrangements to ensure that forests owned or leased by the Forestry Commission Mr Paice: No assessment has been made on this continue to be certified by the Forestry Stewardship issue. The number of trees per hectare in any woodland Council after the disposal of the public forest estate; is determined by the management regime and this is a and if she will make a statement. [33950] decision for the woodland owner. The United Kingdom Forestry Standard does not Mr Paice: Certification under the UK Woodland specify a tree density for sustainable forest management Assurance Standard is voluntary and this will be a and the ancient woodland practice guide gives a range decision for the new owners of woodland in the Forestry of density from 2,500 to 50 stems per hectare as acceptable, Commission’s current asset sales programme. The dependant upon the situation. consultation on the future ownership and management of the public forest estate will include proposals on how Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for certification might be maintained. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) which proposals for restoration of woodland in England (a) Sir Peter Soulsby: To ask the Secretary of State for have been confirmed since May 2010, (b) are under Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the monetary review and (c) are not to be proceeded with; [33357] value was of bills to the Forestry Commission from (2) which proposals for restoration of woodland are selling agents for incomplete asset sales since May 2010; under review by her Department following the and how many such bills the Commission has received outcome of the comprehensive spending review. [33375] during that period. [34173] Mr Paice [holding answer 13 January 2011]: DEFRA Mr Paice: The Forestry Commission has received does not carry out the restoration of woodland. The 21 bills since May 2010 totalling £73,363 for woodland Forestry Commission is responsible for delivery of forestry placed on the market and later withdrawn from sale. policy. 473W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 474W

Since May 2010, the Forestry Commission has approved to acquire a national nature reserve. Many nature reserves applications under the English Woodland Grant Scheme are already managed by local, charitable or private bodies for Woodland Regeneration Grants on 1,229 hectares and while we continue to analyse the costs and benefits (92 applicants) for the restoration of plantations on of different approaches to government-run sites, we ancient woodland sites (PAWS) to native woodland. A have made no firm decisions about the role that the big further 1,122 hectares (52 applications) are in progress society will play in the future of these important places. and 23 hectares (three applications) have been withdrawn The great majority (98% by area) of national nature by the applicant before approval. No applications have reserves are also designated as sites of special scientific been rejected. interest (SSSI) and so are among our most precious On the public forest estate, managed by the Forestry wildlife sites. We will not take any risks with their Commission, the focus of management of PAWS across future. Safeguards for biodiversity and other public the estate remains to enhance the ecological, social and benefits that these areas bring will remain no matter economic value and ultimately to return them to native where ownership lies. woodland species. Poultry: Animal Welfare Nature Reserves Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate Food and Rural Affairs (1) what proposals her Department she has made of the number of hens which will have has to increase net levels of biodiversity on national beaks trimmed in 2011; and what estimate she has nature reserve land in England in each of the next four made of the number which would have had beaks financial years; [33346] trimmed had the proposed prohibition on trimming (2) what criteria for assessing levels of net come into effect in accordance with the timetable biodiversity her Department will apply to the transfer originally proposed; and if she will make a statement. of national nature reserve land from Natural England [32983] to the charitable, voluntary and third sectors; [33348] Mr Paice: We estimate that all hens housed in caged, (a) (b) (3) what options for the funding, ownership free range and barn systems will be routinely beak (c) and management of national nature reserves in trimmed. These account for around 18.6 million birds England her Department is discussing with the per year (approximately 94% of all laying hens). Organic charitable, voluntary and third sectors; [33349] laying hens are not routinely beak trimmed. (4) what arrangements her Department plans to We are not able to estimate the numbers of birds make for (a) pensions and (b) terms and conditions of which might have been beak trimmed in an emergency employment of employees in national nature reserves following an outbreak of feather pecking and cannibalism managed by Natural England should such reserves be had the prohibition on beak trimming come into effect. transferred to charities, voluntary groups, or the third sector; [33350] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for (5) how many of the national nature reserves maintained Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what her by Natural England are to be transferred to (a) the policy is on the uniform implementation of the Welfare National Trust, (b) the Royal Society for the Protection of Laying Hens Directive; [33306] of Birds, (c) the Wildlife Trusts Partnership, (d) the (2) whether she has made recent representations to Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, (e) the Woodland Trust, the European Commission on implementation of the (f) Butterfly Conservation and (g) Plantlife; [33352] Welfare of Laying Hens Directive in each member (6) how many requests she has received from wildlife state. [33307] charities to acquire national nature reserves maintained by Natural England; [33353] Mr Paice: I am committed to supporting our industry (7) what level of savings she expects to make from and have therefore asked the Commission to provide the transfer of national nature reserves from Natural sufficient enforcement controls across the EU to protect England to the charitable, voluntary or third sector in those UK producers who have invested heavily in complying each of the next four financial years. [33507] with the legislation. I do not want to see UK producers disadvantaged if there was any delay to the ban, or if Richard Benyon: National nature reserves make an other member states do not meet the deadline. It is the important and valuable contribution to the Government’s Commission’s responsibility to take a tough enforcement biodiversity objectives, and to the public’s understanding stance against non-compliant producers. The Government and appreciation of the natural environment. We need intend to take firm action against any UK producer to look for ways to ensure that future management still keeping laying hens in conventional cages after enhances their contribution, both at the national and 1 January 2012. local levels. The Commission has repeatedly restated its commitment We have been investigating different management to the 2012 deadline, most recently when I met with options and have involved civil society partners in these Commissioner Dalli in November 2010. The Commission discussions, and will consult on these in due course. has recently asked member states to submit data on the Cost reduction is not the primary driver for this exercise number of laying hen production sites according to and no estimate has been made of any savings which farming method. This data will be used at a multi- might result. A number of wildlife charities have expressed stakeholder conference organised by the Commission an interest in being involved in the process, but pending on 19 January to aid discussion on how converting to a more formal process, only one has specifically requested alternative systems is progressing throughout the EU. 475W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 476W

Poultry: Swine Flu The Attorney-General: By long-standing convention, observed by successive administrations and embodied Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for in the Ministerial Code, the fact that the Law Officers Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent have advised (or have not advised) on a particular issue, discussions she has had with the devolved and the content of any advice, is not disclosed outside Administrations on the presence of H1N1 in poultry in of Government. the UK; [34140] (2) on what date she was first notified that the H1N1 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE virus had been detected in poultry in the UK; [34141] (3) on what date, and by what method, she notified Carbon Emissions the devolved Administrations of the presence of the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State H1N1 virus in poultry in the UK. [34142] for Energy and Climate Change how much funding his Department has allocated to the implementation of the Mr Paice: I was first informed of the possibility of findings of its low carbon capacity assessment studies; H1N1 being detected in poultry on 5 January; the and if he will make a statement. [33541] devolved Administrations were informed by my officials on the same date by e-mail. The UK chief veterinary Charles Hendry: The Department has not allocated officer discussed the case with colleagues in the devolved any additional funding for the implementation of findings Administrations on 6 January. As a result of further of the renewable and low carbon energy capacity assessment testing, the presence of H1N1 in poultry was confirmed studies, beyond the existing support framework for to me and officials in the devolved Administrations, renewables deployment. again by e-mail, on 7 January. An Information Notice Local planning authorities are expected to have local was issued by DEFRA on 12 January when further tests plans in place which promote renewable energy and confirmed that the strain of H1N1 that had been detected have regard to national policy. These plans should be was of low pathogenicity and therefore was not a notifiable founded on a robust evidence base. The Department disease. intends the capacity assessment studies to be a tool to help local planning authorities and local communities in drawing up local and neighbourhood plans. It is for local planning authorities and communities to decide ATTORNEY-GENERAL how best to use the findings of the studies to inform Control Orders their development plans and to maximise opportunities for the deployment of renewable and low carbon energy in their areas. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Attorney-General how many special advocates have been appointed in respect of In the future local authorities will need to have regard control orders since such orders were introduced in to the National Planning Policy Framework, which will make it clear that planning has a big part to play in 2005. [33138] tackling climate change. The Department for Communities and Local Government has invited organisations and The Solicitor-General: Special advocates are appointed individuals to offer suggestions on what priorities and by the Attorney-General. policies might be adopted in the framework, and will Since their introduction in 2005, special advocates consult on a draft in 2011. have been appointed in respect of 37 control orders. In most cases two advocates are appointed to each case. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department is considering Sadiq Khan: To ask the Attorney-General how many changes to its policies to reduce carbon emissions in special advocates there are in post to support order to meet climate change targets. [33612] controlled individuals in closed sessions. [33139] Gregory Barker: Latest emissions projections, published The Solicitor-General: Special advocates are appointed in June 2010, show that the UK is on track to meet its by the Attorney-General. first three carbon budgets and has already reduced emissions by over 22% against 1990 levels, taking into The Attorney-General maintains a panel of senior account the effects of emissions trading. Additional and junior counsel who have indicated an interest in policies to be implemented by the Government, such as undertaking special advocate work and who have been the Green Deal, support for the world’s first commercial security vetted to an appropriate level. Although the scale CCS demonstration, and the roll-out of smart number varies over time, there are currently 69 counsel meters and a smart grid will build on this progress. on the panel of whom 67 are qualified to be appointed Further information on the actions to take forward in control order cases. these policies can be found in DECC’s business plan (published November 2010). Sentencing: Prisoners Electricity: Prices Mr Hollobone: To ask the Attorney-General what advice he has given to the Deputy Prime Minister and Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the Lord Chancellor on the compatibility with the for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has judgments of the European Court of Human Rights of made of the average change in electricity bills arising plans to introduce the enfranchisement of sentenced from the implementation of his proposals for reform of prisoners in custody. [34016] the energy market in each of the next five years. [33542] 477W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 478W

Charles Hendry: I refer the hon. Member to the Charles Hendry: The Government have recently published answer I gave on 11 January 2011, Official Report, the Electricity Market Reform and Carbon Price Support column 256W. consultation documents. These set out, and seek views on, a number of interventions that would change the Energy investment incentives for renewables, other low carbon forms of generation and fossil fired plant within the competitive market. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his answer of A White Paper later in 2011 will set out the final set 21 October 2010, Official Report, columns 863-64W, on of reforms that will ensure that the UK market design is energy policy, whether he plans to issue guidance to his able to support the low carbon investment that the officials on the definition of appropriate compensation renewables targets and 2050 objectives require. and corresponding benefits for the purpose of Energy: Prices reviewing cases in line with the policy set out in the written ministerial statement of 18 October 2010, Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, columns 42-46WS, on energy policy; Energy and Climate Change what criteria Ofgem use to and if he will make a statement. [33364] determine whether consumer energy tariffs currently offered by energy suppliers are unnecessarily complex Charles Hendry: The Secretary of State for Energy or confusing. [33069] and Climate Change has no plans to issue guidance to his officials on the definition of appropriate compensation Charles Hendry: Ofgem is currently reviewing the and corresponding benefits. retail market and, as part of this, will be looking at how effectively the energy companies have implemented the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for reforms introduced following its 2008 Energy Supply Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Probe. Ofgem will also be looking into issues concerning made of the contents of Chapter 3 of the International tariff complexity and consumer engagement. Energy Agency’s report on the World Energy Outlook These reforms included a set of overarching standards for 2010; and if he will make a statement. [33389] of conduct, regarding how suppliers deal with consumers on issues such as the complexity of products, which Charles Hendry: Chapter 3 of the International Energy Ofgem expects the suppliers to adhere to. Agency’s report is a valuable analysis, which provides a These standards are not enforceable against energy thorough overview of possible future scenarios for world suppliers, but are supported by obligations in licences oil markets between 2009 and 2035. These are based on and under consumer protection law, and form part of current policies (“Current Policies Scenario”); policies the wider context for possible Ofgem enforcement action. consistent with commitments announced by individual countries (“New Policies Scenario”); and policies consistent Ofgem will take the standards into account when with meeting a two degree climate change goal considering consumer detriment and when deciding (“450 Scenario”). whether to investigate potential licence breaches by suppliers. The standards will continue to form part of The differences between these scenarios highlight the context as an investigation progresses and as Ofgem that the outlook for oil is highly sensitive to policy makes decisions on the action it might take. action to curb rising demand and emissions. Under the Current Policies scenario oil import prices reach $135/barrel Ofgem has said that if suppliers do not meet their in 2035; under the New Policies scenario $113/barrel; obligations they will consider more formal action. and under the 450 Scenario $90/barrel. Under the New Further details of these standards can be found online Policies scenario demand continues to grow steadily to at: 2035. All of the growth comes from non-OECD countries http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Markets/RetMkts/ensuppro/ (57% from China alone), mainly driven by rising use of Documents1/Standards%20of%20conduct transport fuels. The main sources of increased oil production %20for%20suppliers%20in%20the%20retail include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Brazil and the Caspian %20energy%20market.pdf region. The role of unconventional oil (particularly In addition, we believe the provision of clear and Canadian oil sands and Venezuelan extra-heavy oil) is comparable information on bills is crucial to energy expected to expand rapidly, enabling it to meet about users, to enable them to understand the range of products 10% of world oil demand in all three scenarios by 2035. available to them. That is why we have introduced The scenarios underline the importance of our policies proposals in the Energy Bill that energy bills should tell to promote investment in oil production, enhance price consumers about their supplier’s cheapest tariff. stability through greater transparency and producer- consumer dialogue, and encourage low carbon growth Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to constrain demand as well as reduce CO emissions. and Climate Change what progress his Department has 2 made on modifying the conditions of supply licences to ensure that domestic consumers are notified by energy Energy Supply companies of changes to their gas and electricity tariffs within a specified period. [33386] Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has made an Charles Hendry: Ofgem are currently consulting on assessment of the merits of putting in place the impact assessment document of their proposals to mechanisms to ensure fair competition between the change gas and electricity supply licences to require renewable and traditional energy sectors. [33156] domestic suppliers to give advance notification of up to 479W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 480W

30 days before a price increase becomes effective. Ofgem’s Number of households in fuel consultation closes on 18 January and they are expected Income decile poverty (thousand) to announce the way forward shortly after. Under the Energy Act 2010, Ministers have powers to modify Total 3,335 licences to require such advance notice and we have made it clear that we will use these powers if Ofgem is Green Deal unable to introduce these changes in a timely manner.

Fuel Oil: Prices Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what timetable he has set for bringing forward his detailed proposals for the Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Green Deal. [33159] Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with representatives of retail oil companies on Gregory Barker: This is a market mechanism, so the their pricing strategy during periods of cold weather. detail of the final Green Deal products will be decided [33695] by private providers according to consumer preferences. The Department is responsible for providing the legislative Charles Hendry: The UK retail oil market is open framework to enable this. Our provisional timetable was and competitive. The Office of Fair Trading continues set out on page seven of the 20-page Green Deal policy to consider all complaints and representations carefully document, published alongside the Energy Bill 2010-11. and is monitoring for any indications that consumer or It is as follows, subject to the time taken for parliamentary competition legislation has been breached. scrutiny of the Bill: The Department has regular contact on issues affecting December 2010: Introduction of the Energy Bill to Parliament. industry with trade associations that represent many oil suppliers. We have had no specific discussions with Pre-autumn 2011: Officials engage stakeholders as they develop the technical details for secondary legislation. retail oil companies on pricing strategy during periods of cold weather. Autumn 2011: Formal consultation on secondary legislation Early 2012: Secondary legislation laid before Parliament. Fuel Poverty Spring 2012: Detailed industry guidance prepared. Autumn 2012: First Green Deals appear. Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his most recent estimate Incinerators: Carbon Emissions is of the number of households in fuel poverty in (a) Wallasey constituency, (b) the Wirral Borough Council Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for area, (c) the North West and (d) the UK. [33865] Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the average emissions in grams of carbon Gregory Barker: In 2006, the most recent year for dioxide equivalent per kilowatt hour of (a) incinerator which sub-regional figures are available, there were around and (b) other thermal energy-from-waste facilities. 6,400 fuel poor households in the Wallasey constituency, [33808] and around 20,900 fuel poor households in the Wirral local authority. Gregory Barker: Within the UK, incinerators which More recent figures exist at regional level, and these generate electricity from municipal solid waste (MSW) show that in 2008, there were 531,000 fuel poor households are commonly referred to as energy from waste (EfW) in the north-west and 4.5 million fuel poor households plant. In 2008, the latest year for which data are available, in the UK. we estimate that EfW plant produce 0.54 kt carbon dioxide equivalent per GWh (equivalent to 0.54 kg per Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy kWh). This figure incorporates emissions of carbon and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It should be noted level of fuel poverty for each decile of the population that there is a high level of uncertainty around this by income in each year from 2011 to 2020. [34208] figure. Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty estimates by income All other incinerators in the UK, such as chemical or decile are not currently available for the years 2011 to clinical waste incinerators, animal carcass incinerators 2020. The latest year for which this information is or crematoria, do not generate any electricity. These are available is 2008. just “waste incinerators” and are typically smaller in capacity than the energy from waste plant used for The number of fuel poor households in England by MSW energy recovery and disposal. income decile in 2008 are shown in the following table:

Number of households in fuel London Energy Meeting Income decile poverty (thousand)

1st decile (lowest income) 1,702 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for 2nd decile 883 Energy and Climate Change what agreements were made on energy subsidy reform at the London Energy 3rd decile 386 Meeting in December 2008. [33217] 4th decile 213 5th decile 73 Charles Hendry: No agreements on energy subsidy 6th to 10th decile (highest income) 78 reform were made at the London Energy Meeting. 481W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 482W

Ofgem Sellafield

Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy for Energy and Climate Change if he will consider the and Climate Change what recent discussions his merits of extending the remit of Ofgem to include Department has had with the Scottish Government on heating oil and its distribution. [33884] the current and future storage of radioactive waste arising in Scotland of all categories in (a) Sellafield Charles Hendry: The regulation of gas and electricity and (b) West Cumbria. [33438] markets promotes competition and regulates the monopoly companies which run the electricity and gas networks. Charles Hendry: The Department has had no recent There is no natural monopoly for supply and distribution discussions with the Scottish Government on the current in the heating oil market. The OFT continues to consider and future storage of radioactive waste arising in Scotland, all complaints and representations carefully, and monitor in Sellafield or West Cumbria. for indications that consumer or competition legislation Warm Front Scheme has been breached. However we are not complacent and will continue to Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy monitor the situation carefully and will be considering and Climate Change what recent estimate he has made whether any further action needs to be taken. of the average time taken by Eaga plc to carry out work under the Warm Front Scheme; and if he will make a Renewable Energy statement. [32639]

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Under the Warm Front Scheme the Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made average waiting time for heating and insulation measures of the proportion of electricity supplied to households is 65 and 23 days respectively1. that is produced from renewable sources. [33675] 1 Up to 26 December 2010 and based on waiting times between allocation of work to the installer and installation of measures. Charles Hendry: The majority of renewable electricity generated is supplied to the National Grid, who then Wind Power transmit it across the country. As such, all grid connected UK households will receive the same proportion of Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for electricity originating from renewable sources as the Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has grid as a whole. DECC does not currently hold generation made of the effect on wind turbine energy production data for households directly supplied by renewable of the low temperatures experienced since November installations. 2010. [33607] DECC publishes data on the total amount of electricity Charles Hendry: I have seen no evidence to suggest supplied by renewable sources, which can be used to that the low temperatures experienced since November estimate the proportion of electricity supplied to households 2010 have had any effect on wind turbine energy production. from renewable sources. In 2009, 6.7% of electricity National Grid data indicate that generating output generated in the UK was from renewable sources. The from operationally metered wind turbines (which account latest data for the 3rd quarter of 2010 show 8.8% of for 40% of wind generating capacity) was 67% higher in electricity generated was from renewable sources. November and December than in July and August. This Renewable Energy: Heating is likely to be due to relatively higher average wind speeds in early November, and an increase in wind power capacity. Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral Wind Power: Carbon Emissions answer of 11 November 2010, Official Report, column 410, on the renewable heat incentive (RHI), whether his Mr Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Department plans to introduce a tariff for deep and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the geothermal energy after the launch of the RHI. [33623] net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from wind power taking into account the provision of standby Charles Hendry: We expect to be in a position to generation from conventional power stations in the announce the details of the Renewable Heat Incentive latest period for which figures are available. [33992] (RHI) scheme, including RHI tariffs and technologies supported shortly. Charles Hendry: The Department estimates that the net savings from wind power in 2009 were 5.5 million Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is based on an assessment Energy and Climate Change whether his Department of the weighted average carbon dioxide emissions of the plans to introduce a dedicated tariff for deep fossil fuel mix in that year. It takes account of the effect geothermal energy when the Renewable Heat Incentive of intermittency on the efficiency of plant used for is launched in June this year. [33807] back-up during times that wind-power was not available. Emissions from the electricity supply system, including Charles Hendry: We expect to be in a position to from supplies used for back-up, are measured via the announce the details of the Renewable Heat Incentive UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The 2010 figure will be (RHI) scheme, including RHI tariffs and technologies available following publication of the Digest of UK supported shortly. Energy Statistics, at the end of July 2011. 483W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 484W

Wind Power: Manufacturing Industries the cost of supporting an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child. From 2010-11 this is £95 for every under 16 and Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for £71 for every 16/17-year-old. Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to In addition to the grant for unaccompanied asylum take to support companies manufacturing and seeking children Croydon receive funding for former installing wind turbines. [34020] UASC who have turned 18 and are eligible for leaving care funding. This is as follows: Charles Hendry: The renewables obligation is currently the Government’s main financial incentive for renewable Leaving care (£ million) electricity, including wind power, and has been successful 2007-08 2.4 in more than tripling the level of renewable electricity in the UK from 1.8% in 2002 to 6.6% in 2009. 2008-09 3.1 2009-10 3.9 The Department is also involved in providing support for small scale wind installations. In particular, the The UK Border Agency has also offered Croydon feed-in tariff came into force in April 2010 to provide additional funding for future years in recognition of financial incentives for the installation of small scale their status as a “gateway” authority. This has yet to be renewable electricity generation, including micro-wind. agreed with the authority. On 22 December 2010, we also published a consultation on a microgeneration strategy that marks the final stage Automatic Number Plate Recognition in more than six months of collaborative engagement with industry and others on the options for removing Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for the barriers to deployment of all types of microgeneration. Home Department how many automatic number plate On the 25 October 2010, the Government announced recognition cameras are in use by each (a) police force up to £60 million to support the establishment of offshore and (b) of her Department’s agencies in (i) England wind manufacturing at ports sites in the assisted areas and (ii) Wales. [33222] of England. DECC has also provided technology support through James Brokenshire: The number of Automatic Number the Low Carbon Energy Demonstration capital grants Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in use by police scheme (which is not currently open to new proposals). forces in England and Wales varies on a daily basis. The In the course of three calls for proposals under the following tables show the number of cameras in use scheme, support was offered to 16 projects in the wind between 5 and 11 January 2011, by force, based on data energy sector, worth a total of over £25 million. Future held by the National Policing Improvement Agency on innovation support programmes for low carbon the number of such cameras feeding data into the technologies, including off-shore wind, are being considered National ANPR Data Centre (NADC) during that with decisions expect in the spring. period. Information on the number of ANPR cameras that may be in use by other agencies of the Home Office is not centrally collated. (i) ANPR cameras in use in England by force (5-11 January 2011) HOME DEPARTMENT Number

Asylum: Finance Avon and Somerset 125 Bedfordshire 57 Malcolm Wicks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Cambridgeshire 63 Home Department how much financial support for Cleveland 62 young asylum seekers she plans to allocate to Croydon Cumbria 28 council in the next three years; how much such funding Derbyshire 91 she allocated in the last three years; and if she will Devon Cornwall 45 make a statement. [33673] Dorset 51 Durham 94 Damian Green: Croydon local authority will be allocated Essex 161 funding for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children Gloucestershire 60 (UASC) in accordance with grant instructions that are Greater Manchester 234 published annually. They can be found at: Hampshire 57 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ Hertfordshire 178 aboutus/workingwithasylumseekers/local-authority-grants/ Humberside 59 Over the last three years Croydon has been awarded Kent 170 funding as follows: Lancashire 86 Leicestershire 76 £ Number supported Lincolnshire 93 2007-08 27,848,240 731 Merseyside 254 2008-09 27,965,341 708 Metropolitan and City of 473 2009-10 26,253,818 594 London Norfolk 22 The amount that will be paid to Croydon council in North West Motorway Police 117 the future will depend upon the number and age of the Group1 children supported, and the national daily rate set for North Yorkshire 72 485W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 486W

(i) ANPR cameras in use in England by force (5-11 January 2011) Because of the expanded coverage and changes to the Number counting rules in 1998-99, and the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in 2002-03, these Northamptonshire 69 two figures are not directly comparable. Northumbria 48 Nottinghamshire 83 South Yorkshire 247 Demonstrations: City of Westminster Staffordshire 35 Suffolk 81 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Surrey 122 Home Department (1) whether she has received Sussex 158 representations from (a) the police, (b) other agencies Thames Valley 101 and organisations and (c) individuals on the policing Warwickshire 29 and conduct of the demonstrations in central London [31026] West Mercia 70 and elsewhere on 9 December 2010; West Midlands 388 (2) whether she has had discussions with the Metropolitan West Yorkshire2 — police service on (a) the containment practices deployed Wiltshire 66 to maintain public order at demonstrations and (b) 1 The North West Motorway Police Group ANPR pool comprises their assessment of the effectiveness of such practices in data from cameras covering motorways in the Cheshire, Lancashire, policing the demonstration in London on 9 December and Merseyside police areas. Cheshire Constabulary feeds all its data 2010. [31154] into this data pool. 2 Due to a technical issue, no data was supplied to the NADC by Nick Herbert [holding answer 16 December 2010]: West Yorkshire Police during the period sampled. The Home Office has received representations from (ii) ANPR cameras in use in Wales by force (5-11 January 2011) both Members of Parliament and the public about the Number policing of the protest on 9 December, and has also Dyfed Powys 115 received a report from the Metropolitan police. Gwent 70 Tactics used by the police at this demonstration are North Wales 101 an operational matter for the Commissioner of the South Wales 51 Metropolitan police. Ministers have had a number of discussions with senior officers about demonstrations Crime in London. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who participated Home Department what assessment she has made of in the protests on (a) 10 November 2010, (b) 24 November the principal factors which account for the change in 2010, (c) 30 November 2010 and (d) 9 December 2010 the number of crimes reported to the (a) police and were subsequently arrested; and how many were detected (b) British Crime Survey in each year between 1996-97 from CCTV images. [33434] and 2009-10. [33221] James Brokenshire: As of 12 January, the total number Nick Herbert: Any factors affecting either police of arrests resulting from each of the student protests recorded crime or British Crime Survey (BCS) data are was as follows: reported on in the published statistics. Since 2001-02 10 November—76 arrests data for police recorded crime and the BCS have been 24 November—56 arrests reported together annually in ‘Crime in England and 30 November—153 arrests to prevent breach of the peace; Wales’, published in July each year. 21 arrests for substantive offences Prior to 2001-02, police recorded crime data, together 9 December—53 arrests. with commentary, was published annually in the Command The Metropolitan police inform me that CCTV did Paper ‘Criminal Statistics, England and Wales’. significantly assist in detecting perpetrators for offences Results and commentary from BCS sweeps between committed but it is not possible to break this down into 1996-97 and 2001-02 were published in Home Office a specific figure. Statistical Bulletins in 2000 and 2001. Copies of all these publications are available in the Departmental Billing Library. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many invoices her Department Home Department how many crimes were notified to processed in the last 12 months for which figures are the police in England and Wales in (a) 1996-97 and available; what the average cost to her Department was (b) 2008-09. [33298] of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion Nick Herbert: Financial year data are available only of invoices settled in that period her Department paid from 1998-99 onwards so figures for 1996 are given (the (a) electronically and (b) by cheque. [30862] period with greatest overlap with 1996-97). In 1996 there were 5,036,552 offences recorded by the police in Nick Herbert: The Home Department processes its England and Wales, and in 2008-09 there 4,702,717 invoices through the Ministry of Justice Shared Service offences recorded. Centre. 487W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 488W

From December 2009 to November 2010, 99,465 Financial year Expenditure (£) invoices for the Department were processed. The average cost (October 2010) of processing an 2005-06 116,000 invoice was £2.51 per invoice. This was the cost of the 2006-07 297,000 Shared Service Centre teams directly involved with 2007-08 206,000 processing the invoice and their share of the overheads. 2008-09 181,000 The proportion of invoices paid electronically during 2009-10 182,000 2009-10 was 98.48% and the proportion paid by cheque 2010-11 (expenditure up to 105,000 during 2009-10 was 1.52%. This is the last full financial November 2010) year data available. Each year’s data is expressed in that year’s current prices and therefore do not take account of inflation. Departmental Manpower Data prior to April 2005 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Figures quoted in the table are inclusive of VAT and Home Department how many employees of her all National Licensing Authority Fees. Extracting these Department work outside the UK. [33282] costs would be disproportionately costly. All expenditure is incurred in accordance with the Nick Herbert: There are no Home Department employees principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury whose normal place of employment is outside the UK handbook on Regularity and Propriety. and we do not keep central records of those who may Departmental Procurement travel abroad on official business for all or part of their duties. 54 Home Office employees are on loan or Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the secondment to other Government Departments including Home Department what (a) steps she is taking to the Foreign and Commonwealth office. Our records do encourage small businesses to bid for contracts let by not show how many of these may be based overseas. To her Department and (b) recent guidance she has provided gather and provide this information would incur to small businesses on bidding for such contracts. disproportionate cost. [32025]

Departmental Overtime Nick Herbert: The Home Department is currently producing a plan in support of the Government’s initiative Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for on creating opportunities for small and medium-sized the Home Department how much her Department spent enterprises (SMEs) and third sector organisations. It on overtime for staff working in the Secretary of State’s builds from the Department’s current ability to identify private office in each of the last five years. [28562] its small business suppliers, which comprises 38% of the suppliers used and represents 9% of its supplier spend. This is complemented by the Department’s good record Nick Herbert: The expenditure incurred by the of prompt payment within five days. Department on staff claiming overtime in the Home Secretary’s private office over the last five years is as The Department is actively contributing to the cross follows: government agenda which is being led by the Efficiency Reform Group. Overtime expenditure 2006 to 2010 Financial year Expenditure (£) The Department also assists small businesses in reducing the barriers they face in bidding through simplifying 2006-07 41,748 processes and placing lower value contract opportunities 2007-08 38,079 on the Supply2.gov.uk national portal. The Department 2008-09 25,099 fully supports cross government policy by guiding small 2009-10 25,084 businesses to access opportunities which are available 2010-11 (8 months) 17,004 via use of the portal.

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Departmental Press: Subscriptions Home Department what recent discussions she has had with voluntary and community groups on bidding for Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for the contracts let by her Department. [32026] Home Department how much her Department spent on press cuttings services in each year since 1997. Nick Herbert: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of [28144] State for the Home Department has not had any recent discussions with this specific sector. However the Nick Herbert: Press cutting services are used to inform Department continues to support both voluntary and policy development and parliamentary decisions across community groups in the form of grants contributing a wide range of issues. to projects and programmes at a local level. The Department’s expenditure on press cuttings is set Departmental Travel out in the following table. Expenditure on the UK Border Agency (now a Home Office agency) has been Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for the excluded to allow comparability of expenditure across Home Department how much her Department spent on the years. grey fleet in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. [28843] 489W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 490W

Nick Herbert: The Department’s expenditure on grey Exclusion Orders: USA fleet is set out in the following table: Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the £000 Home Department if she will refuse a visa to Pastor Jones of Florida on account of his expressed views on 2009-10 254 Muslims. [31037] 2008-09 248 Damian Green: It is not Home Office policy to comment All travel by civil servants is undertaken in accordance on individual cases. with the guidelines set out in the Civil Service Management Code and guidance contained within Managing Public Extradition Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Home Office policy on travel requires staff to obtain Department when she plans to report to the House the authority from their line manager to use a private outcome of her Department’s review of extradition. vehicle for official travel before undertaking any journey. [33184] Nick Herbert [holding answer 12 January 2011]: In DNA: Databases line with the written ministerial statement of 8 September 2010, Official Report, column 18WS, the independent Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the panel undertaking the review of extradition are due to Home Department who will have responsibility for the publish their findings in September 2011. Once the National DNA database after the National Policing Government have considered the panel’s report and Improvement Agency has been phased out. [32464] examined whether changes need to be made to the UK’s extradition arrangements, they will report their conclusions Nick Herbert: The Home Office is currently working to Parliament. with the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), Firearms: Licensing and the wider police service, to determine appropriate arrangements for running those functions that will continue Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the after the NPIA is phased out. Home Department how many firearms licences were granted to people 25 years of age or under in each of Entry Clearances: Dalai Lama the last five years in (a) Newcastle upon Tyne and (b) the UK. [31698] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire [holding answer 20 December 2010]: the Home Department what applications for visas to The total number of firearm and shotgun certificates visit the UK her Department has received from the granted to people aged 25 years or under in each Dalai Lama in the last five years. [33744] calendar year from 2006 to 2010 are set out in the following tables for: (1) Northumbria police force and Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not (2) England and Wales. The data were extracted from routinely comment on individual cases. the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS) which holds data at the police force area level Entry Clearances: Married People for police forces in England and Wales. It is therefore not possible to provide data specific to Newcastle-upon- Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Tyne or for the UK. Home Department how many applications were made Data relating to firearm and shotgun certificates for marriage visas to enter the UK where the intended issued by police forces in Scotland are submitted to, and spouse was resident in the London borough of Bexley published by, the Scottish Government. The provided in the last 12 months. [33585] data are provisional and subject to revision or change. NFLMS data are normally used for management and Damian Green: The information requested could be operational information only, and are not subject to the obtained only by the detailed examination of individual detailed quality checks applied to datasets used for case records at disproportionate cost. National Statistics publications. Table 1: Number of firearm and shotgun certificates granted to people aged 25 Entry Clearances: Overseas Students years or under by Northumbria police force in each calendar year from 2006-10 Number of persons Number of certificates

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 70 86 the Home Department how many overseas students 2007 72 83 have had their visas revoked for breach of their visa 2008 69 77 conditions in each year since 2001. [33730] 2009 71 82 2010 70 81 Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not Notes: 1. Some individuals were granted more than one certificate (ie one for firearms keep a central record of the number of individuals and one for shotguns). whose leave was curtailed or application refused for 2. The figures do not include certificates renewed or already held. breaching their visa conditions. This information could 3. The provided data are provisional and subject to revision or change. NFLMS data are normally used for management and operational information only, and be obtained only by the detailed examination of individual are not subject to the detailed quality checks applied to datasets used for case records at disproportionate cost. National Statistics publications. 491W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 492W

Table 2: Number of firearm and shotgun certificates granted to people Criminal Justice System (CJS). It is their collective view aged 25 years or under by all police forces in England and Wales in that a managed closure is in the best interests of the each calendar year from 2006-10 system as a whole. Number of Number of persons certificates ACPO have been clear that the forensics market can cope with the managed wind-down of the FSS. Feedback 2006 3,400 3,799 from the police and suppliers suggests that a managed 2007 3,205 3,516 wind-down will allow for an orderly transfer of capacity 2008 3,677 4,106 that minimises the cost to the taxpayer and enables us 2009 3,648 4,000 to manage the risks to the CJS. 2010 3,288 3,592 We are working closely with ACPO, National Policing Notes: Improvement Agency (NPIA) and the FSS board to put 1. Some individuals were granted more than one certificate (ie one for firearms and one for shotguns). in place plans to maintain a sustainable operational and 2. The figures do not include certificates renewed or already held. research capability within the forensics market both 3. The provided data are provisional and subject to revision or during and after the transition. We are committed to change. NFLMS data are normally used for management and operational minimising the impact on the CJS and the continued information only, and are not subject to the detailed quality checks provision of effective forensics is a priority for the applied to datasets used for National Statistics publications. Home Office. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Greater Manchester Police: Grants Home Department how many persons convicted of offences for which they have served terms of imprisonment of less than three years hold (a) Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the shotgun and (b) firearm certificates in the (i) Home Department what discussions she has had with Metropolitan Police Service area, (ii) West Midlands the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police on Police Service area and (iii) Greater Manchester Police the effects on that police force of proposed reductions in police grants to Greater Manchester Police Service area. [32751] Authority in 2011-12. [29634] Nick Herbert: The information requested is not held centrally. Court proceedings data collated centrally by Nick Herbert: Ministers have regular discussions with the Ministry of Justice include information on defendants chief constables on a range of issues about policing. and offences committed in England and Wales. No Decisions about the number of police officers and other information about the circumstances of offences, including police staff engaged by the Greater Manchester police whether or not defendants held firearm certificates, is are a matter for the chief constable and the police held unless specified in a statute. authority. In a recent statement, available at: Fixated Threat Assessment Centre http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/pages/de394f0db 5390748802577dc003ef9d5.htm Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the chief constable of Greater Manchester police stated the Home Department what future plans she has for that: the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre; and if she will “the end result will be more resources put into frontline policing make a statement. [32115] and a more efficient and effective service for the people of Greater Manchester.’ Nick Herbert: The Fixated Threat Assessment Centre Immigration (FTAC) is a joint Home Office-NHS funded body. Information about its activities can be found at: Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the www.fixatedthreat.com Home Department how many applications for leave to The Home Office will continue to endorse and use remain in the UK were made outside the immigration the principles developed by FTAC in responding to the rules in the last 12 months. [33588] serious issue of stalking. The Home Office expects to continue to financially Damian Green: The numbers of applications for leave contribute towards supporting FTAC over this spending to remain in the UK made outside the immigration period. rules in the last 12 months between 1 January and 31 December 2010 was 11,588. Forensic Science Service This is internal management information and is subject to change. This information has not been quality assured Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for the under the National Statistics protocols. Home Department what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential effects of Immigration: EU Nationals abolishing the Forensic Science Service Ltd on the forensic science sector. [33303] Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate has been James Brokenshire: We made the decision to manage made of the number of non-EEA residents who the closure of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) in entered the UK after having gained (a) citizenship and close consultation with the Association of Chief Police (b) indefinite leave to remain in other EU member Officers (ACPO), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of states in each of the last five years; and if she will make Constabulary (HMIC) and other partners across the a statement. [33194] 493W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 494W

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not Code of Practice A on (a) race relations and (b) hold this information. When a citizen of the EU enters relations between communities and the police. [25466] the United Kingdom, it is not evident from their passport or national identity card how they obtained EU citizenship Nick Herbert: The reduction in recording requirements in another country. for stop and search was part of the previous government’s When a non-EEA citizen wishes to enter the United Crime and Security Act 2010, and as such went through Kingdom, the individual is not required to provide a formal equality impact assessment which was published evidence of having obtained indefinite leave to remain in 2009. The assessment found that the reduced recording in another EU member state, and it may not be evident time should help improve the quality of each encounter, from their passport that such status was held. This is which in turn should help improve relations between the because at the point of arrival into the United Kingdom, police service and the communities they serve. non-EEA passengers must instead provide a valid United The proposal to abolish the national recording Kingdom entry clearance visa. requirement for stop and account has been assessed and a draft equality impact assessment is due to be published Immigration: Health shortly. The proposals make it clear that some forces may wish to continue to monitor the ethnicity of people Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the stopped, where there are local concerns about the use of Home Department what estimate she has made of the stop and account. number of non-EU nationals who have been granted These changes encourage the police to work closely temporary leave to remain in the UK on medical with their community to ensure they understand and grounds in each of the last five years. [33586] act on local concerns, rather than being directed to collect data from a central source. Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not record the number of all non-EU nationals who have Police Community Support Officers: Aberconwy been granted temporary leave to remain in the UK on medical grounds in their standard reports. Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for the To obtain such information for previous years would Home Department how many police community involve a case by case search or significant report support officers were assigned to duties in Aberconwy development work at disproportionate cost. constituency in the latest period for which figures are Missing Persons: Dementia available. [31896] Nick Herbert: Constituency level data of this type are Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the not collected centrally. The latest available data that Home Department what estimate her Department has show police community support officer strength for made of the number of calls police forces received north Wales by basic command unit, as at 31 March concerning a missing person diagnosed with a form of 2010, is provided in the following table: dementia in the latest period for which figures are available; and the cost to the public purse of responding Police community support officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101, 2 to such calls. [33305] Police force Basic command unit Full-time equivalents

Nick Herbert: This information is not held centrally. North Wales North Wales Central 41 Naturalisation North Wales Eastern 65 North Wales Western 51 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Central Services 0 the Home Department whether time spent in the UK by a foreign national on a student visa counts towards Total 156 the qualifying period for naturalisation as a British 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been citizen; and if she will make a statement. [33729] rounded to the nearest whole number Figures include those officers on career breaks and maternity/paternity leave. Damian Green: The position has not changed since 2 my response of 21 July 2010, Official Report, column Source: Home Office using data received from police forces via the Annual 445W. Time spent in the United Kingdom on a student Data Requirement. visa can count towards the residence requirements for naturalisation if a person meets the statutory requirements Police Community Support Officers: Wales on the date of application. Any change to the requirements for naturalisation Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for the would require legislative change. There are no plans to Home Department what plans she has for future do so at the current time. protection of the budget allocation for recruitment and retention of police community support officers in Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Code of North Wales Police. [32391] Practice A Nick Herbert: The Government announced on Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for the 13 December as part of the police funding settlement Home Department whether she has made an assessment that, in recognition of the essential role the police of the likely effects of the implementation of proposed community support officers (PCSOs) play, the changes to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Neighbourhood Policing Fund will be maintained over 495W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 496W the next two years, before being devolved to Police and Nick Herbert [holding answer 20 December 2010]: Crime Commissioners. About 90% of the grant is ring- The coalition Government take the threat of online fenced for PCSOs—contributing up to 75% of their Islamic extremism very seriously. Where unlawful content salary costs. is hosted in the United Kingdom, the police are able to require its removal under powers provided in the Terrorism Police: Conduct Act 2006. In cases where unlawful content is hosted overseas, we work closely with our international partners and the internet industry to effect their removal. Dr Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has made an assessment of the responses of police forces to Independent Police Special Constables Complaints Commission reports on police conduct during investigations of allegations of rape; and if she will Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for the make a statement. [32165] Home Department how many volunteers are registered to work for each police force. [32124] Nick Herbert [holding answer 10 January 2011]: The response by a police force to any report into its conduct Nick Herbert: The most recent figures for the numbers by the Independent Police Complaints Commission is a of special constables in each police force area in England matter for that force and its respective police authority, and Wales as at 31 March 2010 are contained in the and such information is not held centrally by the Home following table. These figures were published in July Office. 2010 in the Home Office statistical bulletin ‘Police Service Strength, England and Wales, 31 March 2010’, which is Police: Helicopters available online at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1410.pdf Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Home Office does not collect figures on the Home Department what guidance she issues to police numbers of voluntary police staff or voluntary police authorities on the criteria to be used in assessing cadets. requirements for police helicopters; and whether such Special constable strength as at 31 March 2010 by police force area, criteria include the use of helicopters for (a) missing England and Wales person searches, (b) safety in coastal areas and (c) Police force Total strength other non-criminal uses. [34108] Avon and Somerset 449 Bedfordshire 210 Nick Herbert: There is no guidance issued to police Cambridgeshire 167 authorities or police forces on the criteria to be used in Cheshire 300 assessing requirements for police helicopters. The decision Cleveland 238 on whether to use a helicopter for missing person searches, safety in coastal areas, and other non-criminal uses is Cumbria 115 one for chief officers to make in accordance with local Derbyshire 302 priorities. Devon and Cornwall 592 Dorset 300 Durham 131 Prince William: Security Essex 682 Gloucestershire 167 Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Greater Manchester 400 Home Department what estimate she has made of the Hampshire 449 annual cost to the public purse of security provided for Hertfordshire 344 HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Anglesey; Humberside 341 and whether she has made an estimate of any change in Kent 310 that amount following the announcement of their Lancashire 470 [31723] engagement. Leicestershire 240 Lincolnshire 163 Nick Herbert: We are unable to provide detailed London, City of 79 information on the cost of security to protected individuals Merseyside 446 or to confirm which individuals do or do not receive Metropolitan Police 3,177 protection. To do so would compromise the integrity of Norfolk 266 the security arrangements of the individuals concerned. Northamptonshire 180 On the issue of the costs of personal protection, I Northumbria 178 refer the hon. Member to the written answer given on North Yorkshire 184 13 September 2010, Official Report, columns 885-86W. Nottinghamshire 298 South Yorkshire 227 Radicalism: Internet Staffordshire 334 Suffolk 328 Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Surrey 327 Home Department what recent steps her Department Sussex 240 has taken against websites hosting content which promote Thames Valley 408 violent radical activities linked to Islam. [31953] Warwickshire 212 497W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 498W

Special constable strength as at 31 March 2010 by police force area, Mr Pickles: Our latest assessment is that at least 193 England and Wales local authorities are publishing their spending data Police force Total strength online. West Mercia 233 Efficiency Savings West Midlands 591 West Yorkshire 421 23. Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Wiltshire 250 Communities and Local Government what steps his Dyfed-Powys 171 Department is taking to reward local authorities for Gwent 144 making efficiencies. [33568] North Wales 193 South Wales 248 Grant Shapps: This Government believe that efficiency Total all 43 forces 15,505 is its own reward. Note: Special constable figures are given as headcount measures. The public will not tolerate waste and duplication and will, rightly, hold their local authority to account Terrorism: Islam for the decisions they take in relation to how services are managed. More councils should follow the example Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the of authorities like West Oxfordshire and Cotswolds Home Department what her policy is on encouraging who are already sharing chief executives and a senior Muslim mosque leaders who expel extremists of their manager. obligations to alert the appropriate authorities; and if Regulatory Burden she will make a statement. [32153]

Nick Herbert [holding answer 21 December 2010]: 24. Jessica Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for All institutions and citizens have a responsibility to Communities and Local Government if he will bring alert the authorities about any threats to national security forward proposals to reduce the burden of regulation or public safety of which they become aware. The on local government. [33569] Home Office and the Department for Communities and Local Government actively support local partnerships Mr Pickles: This Government are committed to radically of the police, local government and other statutory reducing the burden of regulation on local government. agencies to develop good relationships with community We have already freed councils from the top down and faith organisations. This helps build the mutual controls of comprehensive area assessment and local trust and confidence important to creating communication area agreement targets. The Localism Bill will go further, channels in which information of relevance to the protection scrapping regional strategies and housing targets, the of the public can be shared. Standards Board regime, and the duty to promote local democracy. Any member of the public can also report information to the National Terrorist Hotline and to Crimestoppers. Provision of Local Services A review of Prevent is under way and the outcome will be announced in due course. Nigel Adams: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to encourage the provision of local services by community groups. [33549] COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Greg Clark: The Localism Bill, which has its second Gypsy and Traveller Sites reading today, includes a Community Right to Challenge. This will enable voluntary and community bodies, as well as parish councils and local authority employees, 21. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for to express an interest in running a local authority Communities and Local Government when he plans to service, which may trigger a procurement exercise for withdraw planning circulars 04/2007 and 01/2006 on that service. Gypsy and Traveller sites. [33565] Affordable Housing: Construction Robert Neill: The Government have announced their intention to withdraw circulars 01/2006 on Gypsy and Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Traveller sites and 04/2007 on Travelling Showpeople Communities and Local Government how many new sites, subject to necessary impact assessments. The circulars social home builds he expects to be started in (a) will be replaced with a short, light-touch new policy. Gateshead local authority, (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) There will be a full public consultation on our proposed England in each year of the spending review period. new policy shortly. [33202]

Local Authority Spending Details: Online Publication Andrew Stunell: In the spending review we announced almost £4.5 billion investment in new affordable housing 22. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for to deliver up to 150,000 affordable homes. We are giving Communities and Local Government how many local housing associations much more flexibility on rents and authorities have published online details of their use of assets thus increasing their financial capacity, so spending over £500 to date. [33566] our aspiration is to deliver as many as homes as possible 499W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 500W through our investment and reforms. The number of and Communities Agency for funding on a case by case homes started and delivered in each year will be dependent basis in order to assist a shared owner who meets the on agreements between housing associations and the eligibility criteria for the national scheme. Homes and Communities Agency, in consultation with local authorities. Fire Services: Finance

Affordable Housing: Mortgages Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his estimate Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for is of the likely average change in the budgets of fire and Communities and Local Government if he will make it rescue services in each year of the comprehensive his policy to allow those who purchased their home spending review period. [33022] through the Homebuy scheme to apply for assistance under the Mortgage Rescue Scheme. [33520] Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and Local Government is responsible for distributing central Andrew Stunell: The Government’s Mortgage Rescue Government funding across the fire and rescue service Scheme aims to help vulnerable homeowners who are at in England. However individual fire and rescue authority risk of repossession to remain in their home. This budgets are made up of a number of elements in includes Homebuy purchasers who bought their home addition to central Government funding and all fire and with the assistance of an equity loan. Eligible applicants rescue authority budgets are set by the individual authority, are homeowners with dependent children, elderly and not by Government. vulnerable groups who cannot afford their mortgage payments and who would be legally entitled to homelessness Fire Services: Manpower assistance if repossessed. Applicants for the scheme are considered by local authorities as part of their homelessness John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for prevention duties. Communities and Local Government how many whole-time Homebuy purchasers who buy on a shared ownership firefighters were employed by (a) the London Fire basis are not eligible for assistance under the Mortgage Brigade and (b) each metropolitan fire authority in Rescue Scheme because they already have additional each year since 1996. [34204] protections through the support offered by housing associations, including flexible tenure arrangements under Robert Neill: The numbers of whole-time firefighters which their housing association landlord may buy back employed by (a) the London Fire and Emergency some or all of the shared owner’s equity. Housing Planning Authority and (b) each metropolitan fire associations may reinvest capital grant to provide flexible authority in each year since 1996 are shown in the tenure and, if this is not available, apply to the Homes following table.

Whole-time firefighters (full-time equivalent) in metropolitan fire authorities, 1996 to 2010 London Tyne and At 31 March1: FEPA Greater Manchester Merseyside South Yorkshire Wear West Midlands West Yorkshire

1996 6,235 2,173 1,485 888 1,057 2,089 1,758 1997 6,131 2,151 1,515 900 1,034 2,070 1,747 1998 5,909 2,150 1,481 916 1,023 2,044 1,723 1999 5,973 2,135 1,457 907 994 2,060 1,723 2000 5,639 2,071 1,420 919 1,017 2,033 1,680 2001 5,693 2,090 1,369 920 1,010 2,031 1,683 2002 5,913 2,148 1,317 923 1,009 2,028 1,660 2003 5,875 2,139 1,342 914 999 1,971 1,678 2004 5,986 2,100 1,319 916 970 1,968 1,653 2005 5,924 2,028 1,249 878 945 1,944 1,602 2006 5,953 1,900 1,148 870 921 1,836 1,550 2007 5,929 1,938 1,105 834 902 1,904 1,512 2008 5,910 1,943 1,044 834 912 1,937 1,501 2009 6.026 1,925 990 831 891 1,831 1,489 2010 5,900 1,887 923 786 867 1,868 1.476 1 Data for 1996 to 1998 at 1 January. Source: Annual Returns to DCLG

Fire Services: Tyne and Wear determine their budget, taking into account the amount of Government grant that they will receive and the Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for income that they can raise. Communities and Local Government for what reasons the proposed budget reductions for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are twice the national average for Green Belt fire and rescue service budget reductions. [33717] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: It is the responsibility of local authorities, Communities and Local Government (1) what his including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to policy is on the future of the green belt; [34193] 501W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 502W

(2) what steps his Department is taking to protect the Local Government Finance: Gateshead green belt in England. [34194] Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: In the coalition agreement the Government Communities and Local Government what committed themselves to maintaining the green belt. representations he has received from Gateshead local National planning policy on green belt is currently set authority following the provisional Local Government out in PPG2 (Planning Policy Guidance Note 2, “Green Finance settlement. [33203] Belts”), which establishes a presumption against inappropriate development on green belt land. Green belt prevents urban sprawl by keeping land permanently Robert Neill: I have not, as of 12 January 2011, open. Local planning authorities must have regard to received a representation from Gateshead council on PPG2 when plan-making or deciding planning proposals the provisional Local Government Finance settlement affecting green belt. for 2011-12. The consultation period on the settlement ends on 17 January 2011. In December we announced the start of work to create a National Planning Policy Framework. As part Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for of this process, we will consider how best to update Communities and Local Government (1) what green belt policy. The abolition of Regional Strategies assessment he has made of the effects of the proposed via the Localism Bill will help protect the green belt by reduction in formula grant funding for local authorities removing top-down directives to review or weaken green on Gateshead local authority; [33204] belt protection in over 30 towns and areas across England. (2) what assessment he has made of the likely effects of his Department’s funding levels for local authorities Local Government Finance on the community and voluntary sector in Gateshead. [33206] Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was Robert Neill: Spending decisions are, and will continue provided to each local authority in Supporting People to be, a matter for local authorities, and we do not Grant in the financial year 2010-11; and how much he intend to place restrictions on any decisions they might plans to allocate to each local authority from that grant make on funding, including grants to the voluntary in the financial year 2011-12. [33066] sector. We do not expect authorities to respond to reductions in their budgets by passing on disproportionate Robert Neill: In distributing the 2010-11 Supporting cuts to other service providers, especially the voluntary People allocations via Area Based Grant, the allocations sector. to local authorities were damped to ensure that no authority received a large cut year-on-year. The damped Measures to be taken in the Localism Bill will establish 2010-11 allocations by local authority can be found at: new rights for voluntary and community groups to deliver local services. The Government have also created http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/ xls/153658811.xls a Transition Fund that will support the voluntary and community sector during the first year of the spending Since Supporting People was one of the services review and have made available a transition grant of transferred into formula grant from 2011-12 it is no £85 million in 2012-13 and £14 million in 2012-13 to longer damped separately but instead is included in the protect those authorities most in need. damping applied to total formula grant which also ensures that no authority receives a large cut year-on-year on a like-for-like basis. For this reason, and due to the Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for fact that formula grant is an unhypothecated block Communities and Local Government what proportion grant, it is not possible to say how much grant has been of the overall reduction in formula grant funding for provided to each local authority after floor damping for Gateshead local authority over the spending review supporting people. The spending review has secured period is expected to fall in (a) 2011-12 and (b) £6.5 billion of investment in supporting people over the 2012-13. [33205] next four years. Robert Neill: Details of the provisional local government Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for finance settlements for 2011-12 and 2012-13 can be Communities and Local Government if he will bring found at: forward proposals to enable local government capital http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/1112/grant.htm receipts to be used for revenue functions in 2011-12. Details of spending review departmental settlements [33761] are available on the Treasury website at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_index.htm Robert Neill: The use of capital receipts by local government for revenue purposes is capitalisation. Whether it is through borrowing or use of capital receipts, Non-domestic Rates capitalisation counts as public spending, and has implications for the wider economy and national deficit Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for reduction. As such it is strictly controlled and subject to Communities and Local Government which local an application process. authorities collected more in non-domestic rates than As announced in the spending review, there will be they retained to be spent locally in 2009-10; and what £200 million of capitalisation available in 2011-12, and net contribution each such local authority made to the the Government intend to issue full guidance in February. Exchequer in 2009-10. [33007] 503W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 504W

Robert Neill: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Wind Power: Planning Permission given to the hon. Member for Corby (Ms Bagshawe) on 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 57W. Mr Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property his Department issues to local planning authorities on (a) distances from residential properties and (b) Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for preservation of open land in relation to wind turbines; Communities and Local Government what assessment and if he will make a statement. [33834] his Department has made of the likely effect of the Robert Neill: Current planning policy for renewable reduction of the empty property rates threshold on the energy is supported by a practice guide. The guide business sector. [33609] provides advice on how to implement the planning policy and avoid unacceptable impacts from wind turbines, Robert Neill: This Government recognises the problems including on residential property and open land. In caused by the previous Government’s reforms of empty doing so, the guidance provides advice on safe separation property rates. distances between wind turbines and occupied property Our ability to take action on this needs to be balanced and how to assess landscape and visual impacts. against the costs involved, the targeted support that we have already provided on business rates and the overriding need to reduce public expenditure and support the economy generally by reducing the deficit. PRIME MINISTER We therefore have no immediate plans to reverse the Banks: Incentives reforms, and taking the above matters into consideration, the empty property rate threshold will revert to £2,600 John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister on which from 1 April 2011. We will, however, certainly keep this occasions he has discussed with the chief executives of matter under review. (a) Royal Bank of Scotland Group, (b) Lloyds No assessment has been made of the effect of the Banking Group and (c) Barclays (i) the bonuses paid reduction of the empty property rates threshold on the to their staff and (ii) their personal bonus since business centre sector. 1 December 2010. [34025] As I outlined in my written statement of 13 December The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the 2010, Official Report, columns 61-62WS, it would cost list of official meetings by Ministers with external £400 million to continue with the temporary empty organisations which is published on a quarterly basis, in rates measure, which unfortunately is not fiscally sustainable accordance with the Ministerial Code. I also refer the given the public finances that the new Government have hon. Member to the press briefing given by my official inherited from the last administration. spokesman on 12 January 2011. A copy of the transcript is available on the No. 10 website Planning http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/press-briefings/2011/01/ morning-press-briefing-from-12-ianuary-2011-58711 Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Press Releases Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to strengthen planning enforcement in relation Caroline Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister on how to unauthorised development. [33800] many occasions his Office has provided embargoed media briefings prior to an oral statement to the House Robert Neill: The Government take the problem of since 26 May 2010; in respect of how many such unauthorised development seriously. The Localism Bill, briefings his Office was informed that the embargo had introduced to Parliament on 13 December, includes been breached; what steps were taken as a result of provisions aimed at strengthening local planning authorities’ each such breach; and on how many occasions his powers to tackle the problem. A revised enforcement Office has provided media briefings without an policy will be included in the National Planning Policy embargo prior to an oral statement to the House since Framework and consulted on in due course. 26 May 2010. [31926]

Sure Start Programme: Hammersmith and Fulham The Prime Minister: On 15 June 2010 I made a statement in relation to the publication of the Bloody Sunday report. With the agreement of the Speaker and Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for under strictly controlled conditions, accredited media Communities and Local Government what communications representatives were allowed advance sight of the report his Department has had with Hammersmith and Fulham one hour before the oral statement. The embargo was council on Sure Start programmes since the date of the not breached. announcement of the provisional local government finance settlement for 2011-12. [33738] Local Government

Robert Neill: The Department holds no record of Jon Trickett: To ask the Prime Minister which (a) communications with representatives of London borough meetings and (b) other events have been held at Downing of Hammersmith and Fulham on Sure Start programmes street for local authority leaders and councillors and since the provisional local government finance settlement which have been attended by councillors and hon. Members was announced on 13 December 2010. since the general election. [33825] 505W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 506W

The Prime Minister: Information on official and charity Contract name Spend (£) receptions held at 10 Downing street is published by means of an annual list as soon as it is ready at the end Total 31,607,233 of the financial year. Spend for April to December 2010-11 when compared to the same period last year has reduced by over 30% across these contracts and we continue to scrutinise all LEADER OF THE HOUSE departmental expenditure with a view to driving out Grand Committee System inefficiencies and delivering value for money for the taxpayer. Mr Offord: To ask the Leader of the House whether he has assessed the value for money of the Grand Council Tax Benefits Committee system of the House. [33440] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Sir George Young: I have made no such assessment. Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the likely change in the level of (a) in-work and (b) child poverty in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales, (iii) Northern INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Ireland, (iv) England and (v) the UK consequent on STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE local authorities having discretion over levels of council tax benefit. [34042] Speaker’s Committee Steve Webb: We are still in the process of finalising Sir John Stanley: To ask the hon. Member for decisions on the future of council tax benefit, including Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for how it will be delivered. We will publish an impact the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, assessment for the proposed changes to council tax on what dates the Speaker’s Committee on the Independent benefit in the normal way, accompanying the relevant Parliamentary Standards Authority has met; and what legislation when introduced in Parliament. the date is of its next meeting. [33332] Crisis Loans Mr Charles Walker: The Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority met Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work on 30 June, 5 July, 6 July and 12 July 2010, as required and Pensions how many crisis loans his Department by the statute in order to consider IPSA’s draft estimate has issued to residents of (a) North West Durham for 2010-11. No date has yet been announced for its constituency, (b) the North East and (c) England in next meeting, but the process for consideration of the the last 12 months. [32952] 2011-12 draft estimate is expected to commence shortly. Steve Webb: The information available is as follows: Initial crisis loan awards made from January to December 2010 WORK AND PENSIONS Number

Capita North East 173,360 England 2,188,620 Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Notes: and Pensions how many contracts his Department has 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using official/national statistics with Capita; and how much it has paid to Capita under but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is such contracts in 2010-11 to date. [18622] not quality assured to the same extent as official/national statistics and there are some issues with the data; for example, the numbers Chris Grayling: I apologise for the delay in replying. given do not include awards processed clerically which had not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. The Department for Work and Pensions has seven 2. The number of initial crisis loan awards is not available by constituency, contracts with the Capita plc Group of companies. The but only by Government office region or Jobcentre Plus social fund contract descriptions and their actual spend in the budget area. financial year 1 April to 31 December 2010 are shown 3. The North East has been interpreted as the Government office in the following table. region of that name. 4. Numbers are for initial awards only and do not include awards made after review. Contract name Spend (£) 5. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest ten. Source: Professional and Specialist Interim 19,820,999 Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund Policy, Budget and Personnel Management Information System. Record Storage 11,304,383 Principal Civil Service Pensions 133,708 Employment Schemes: Further Education and Senior Level Recruitment Recruitment 66,709 Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Voice Risk Analysis 10,543 Work and Pensions how many individuals Jobcentre Extending Working Life National 270,891 Guidance Initiative Plus referred to a further education college for education PPF Service Secure Environment 0 and training in each region in each of the last five years. [32914] 507W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 508W

Chris Grayling: This information is not available. winter fuel bills. For winter 2010-11, individuals who Jobcentre Plus refers customers in England to Skills have reached women’s state pension age will receive this Funding Agency funded providers. Some of these are payment worth £250 for households with someone aged colleges and some of these are private sector providers, up to 79, and £400 for households with someone aged but Jobcentre Plus can not disaggregate referral data 80 or over. Each winter we spend around £2.7 billion on between college and non college providers. more than 12 million payments. My Department works closely with other Government Employment Schemes: Watford Departments on this issue and has regular discussions with other Ministers. Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Watford who Funeral Payments have taken part in jobseeker’s schemes delivered for his Department by Kennedy-Scott Ltd have found Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work permanent employment since 2005. [34164] and Pensions what financial support his Department provides to terminally-ill people without an estate, next Chris Grayling: We hold data on paid outcomes (not of kin or life insurance to assist in making funeral individuals) for contract package areas going back to arrangements. [27322] 2007. We are unable to provide data in the form requested. Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for We do not provide any financial support to people Work and Pensions how much his Department paid to who wish to make their own funeral arrangements. Kennedy-Scott Ltd for the delivery of jobseeker’s The social fund funeral payment scheme provides a schemes in Watford in each year since 2005. [34165] contribution towards the costs of a simple, respectful low cost funeral. This payment is available to people Chris Grayling: Information on spending in support who receive income-related benefits and tax credits (or of Welfare to Work programmes at a local level would the partners of such people) who take responsibility for be available only at a disproportionate cost. Our spending the funeral of a close relative or close friend. with Kennedy-Scott Ltd on Welfare to Work programmes on a national basis in each financial year since 2004-05 Headaches is provided in the following table. Supplier: Kennedy-Scott Ltd Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Spend (£) and Pensions if he will take steps to reduce the number of working days lost due to headaches and migraines. 2004-05 0 [31482] 2005-06 0 2006-07 0 Paul Burstow: I have been asked to reply. 2007-08 2,784,373 2008-09 2,023,484 Most headaches are harmless and can be relieved 2009-10 3,089,618 with self-help measures and pharmacy painkillers. Only a few (around 5%) are a sign that something is seriously 2010-11 2,267,297 wrong. These more serious headaches are often Total 10,164,772 accompanied by other warning signs. Fuel Poverty The key to reducing the number of working days lost to headaches and migraines is ensuring that patients are able to access help and support from a general practitioner, Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work or migraine clinic, to effectively manage their condition. and Pensions if he will discuss with the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland emergency Housing Benefit measures to reduce fuel poverty in households as a result of recent extreme cold temperatures; and if he Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work will make a statement. [33619] and Pensions how much was paid in housing benefit to individuals in (a) Northumberland county and (b) the Steve Webb: The Government remain committed to UK in each of the last five years. [23041] doing all that is reasonably practicable to help eradicate fuel poverty and we are currently considering the ways Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. in which we can make further progress towards our 2016 (2018 in Wales) fuel poverty target. The information requested can be found in the following table. DWP only covers Great Britain, figures for which The cold weather payment scheme provides financial are supplied below. Spending in Northern Ireland is a support for the most vulnerable during periods of matter for the Northern Ireland Executive. exceptionally cold weather. So far this winter we have provided over £440 million of support across the UK Housing benefit expenditure, nominal terms through the scheme. In addition, this Government have £ million made permanent the previously temporary increase to Northumberland £25 in the weekly cold weather payment amount. Great Britain county The Government have also made a commitment to 2005-06 13,928 48 protect financial support provided via the winter fuel 2006-07 14,841 50 payment, which makes a significant contribution towards 2007-08 15,732 52 509W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 510W

Housing benefit expenditure, nominal terms (2) how many people in (a) Wallasey constituency, £ million (b) the Wirral borough council area, (c) the North Northumberland West and (d) the UK are in receipt of housing benefit Great Britain county and have been claiming jobseeker’s allowance for 2008-09 17,103 58 12 months or more. [33867] 2009-10 19,978 69 Notes: Steve Webb: Information is not available for those 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest million. housing benefit recipients who also have JSA nor is the 2. Housing benefit expenditure tables can also be found at the information available by constituency. following URL: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page= hbandctb_expenditure Source: Local Authority Subsidy Returns. The data we have are shown in the following table: Housing benefit recipients September 2010 David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Total HB recipients and Pensions if he will take steps to support the direct payment of housing benefit to private landlords. Great Britain 4,797,460 [31515] North-west 607,010 Wirral local authority 29,930 Steve Webb: We continue to support the principle Notes: that tenants in the private rented sector should be 1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. responsible for managing their rental payments. There 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. are safeguards in place so that housing benefit can be 3. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct paid to the landlord if the tenant is unable or unlikely to from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate pay their rent. Benefit is also paid direct to the landlord clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2008 if the tenant is in arrears by eight weeks’ rent. and September 2010 are the latest available. 4. Housing benefit caseload and average weekly amounts are available From April 2011 we are widening local authority at local authority area level and these are published on the Department’s discretion to pay housing benefit direct to the landlord website at: only if it would help the customer secure a new tenancy http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbctb.asp or remain in their current home at a reduced rent. We 5. At present geographic breakdowns are available at local authority will work closely with local authorities to ensure this or regional level, as data are provided by local authorities. provision is used in very specific circumstances where Housing Benefit: Expenditure landlords are reducing rents to a level that is affordable for customers. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of Pensions how many local housing allowance claims the change in his Department’s expenditure on housing where the claimant was (a) in work and on non-passported benefit attributable to rent reductions in the 12 months benefits, (b) not working and on non-passported benefit, following the implementation of his reforms to housing (c) in receipt of income-based jobseeker’s allowance, benefit. [26090] (d) in receipt of income-related jobseeker’s allowance and employment and support allowance and (e) in Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. receipt of pension guarantee credit in each local authority The information is not available. area over the reference period for his Department’s impact assessment on local housing allowance. [31808] Housing benefit expenditure has risen from £11 billion in 2000-01 to an expected £21.5 billion in 2010-11 in Steve Webb [holding answer 20 December 2010]: I cash terms. apologise for the delay in replying. The package of measures announced in the June A copy of the information has been placed in the Budget and being introduced for the local housing Library. allowance in 2011-12, including the removal of the £15 excess planned by the previous administration, will Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for achieve savings of around £1 billion by 2015-16. The Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to other changes to housing benefit announced in the June exempt families with children from his proposed reduction Budget are estimated to save a further £1.1 billion in in housing benefit for people in receipt of jobseeker’s 2015-16. Overall, this represents a reduction of 9% in allowance for more than one year. [33300] the total 2015-16 expenditure on housing benefit.

Steve Webb: We are carefully considering the impact Housing Benefit: Kilmarnock on benefit customers as we develop the detailed policy for introduction of this measure in the Welfare Reform Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill. People for whom jobseeker’s allowance is not Work and Pensions how many people who are (a) not appropriate, including lone parent families with very of working age, (b) in work and (c) not in work are in young children aged less than five, will not be affected. receipt of housing benefit in Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency. [17128] Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people in (a) Wallasey constituency, (b) the Wirral borough council Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. area, (c) the North West and (d) the UK are in receipt The information requested is not available at the of housing benefit; [33866] constituency level. 511W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 512W

From February 2007, DWP has been collecting more to organise their staff. The Department holds no estimate detailed housing benefit/council tax benefit data of the proportion of time these workers spend administering electronically from local authorities. Over time this will these benefits. To develop one would be an enormous improve the accuracy, timeliness and level of detail undertaking and incur disproportionate cost. available in the published statistics, as the information supplied is quality assured. Housing benefit caseload and average weekly amounts Housing Benefit: Poverty are available at local authority area level and these are published on the Department’s website at: Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbctb.asp for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer to the At present geographic breakdowns are available only hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood of 3 November for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is 2011, Official Report, columns 820-1W, on housing being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the benefit: poverty, if he will place in the Library a copy of data: this will include parliamentary constituencies. the initial assessment of the effects on child poverty of his Department’s planned changes to housing benefit. Housing Benefit: Liverpool [33400]

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve Webb: The initial assessment of the effects on Work and Pensions how many housing benefit claimants child poverty of the housing benefit reforms showed in (a) Liverpool, Wavertree constituency and (b) Liverpool that over the next three years there is no measurable receive a weekly excess of £15 or less. [31778] impact of the emergency Budget HB reforms on relative child poverty rates. Steve Webb: The Department published a document This analysis will be provided to the House of Commons on ’Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to Library but it should be noted that the impact of the the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12’ housing benefit measures should not be considered in on 23 July. Based on this analysis, in March 2010, isolation of the wider package of measures that have around 6,320 housing benefit recipients on the local been announced, in particular the extra money distributed housing allowance in Liverpool local authority receive to families with children through the tax credit system. a weekly excess of £15 or lower and will be affected by the removal of the excess. This information is not available at constituency level. Housing Benefit: St Albans Housing Benefit: Pensioners Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how much was paid in housing benefit to Work and Pensions what estimate has been made of the individuals in the St Albans district council area in number of pensioners whose income is likely to fall each year from 1996-97 to 2009-10; and if he will make below the 60 per cent. median poverty line as a result of a statement. [23301] the (a) proposed weekly cap on housing benefit and (b) up-rating of housing benefit with reference to the Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. consumer price index. [18601] The information requested can be found in the following table. Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. St Albans The information is not available in the format requested. HB expenditure nominal terms On 23 July, the Department published a document on (£ million) “Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the 1996-97 13.9 Local Housing Allowance” to be introduced in 2011-12, 1997-98 13.6 which includes detailed analysis of the impacts of the 1998-99 13.1 June Budget measures. A copy of the document has 1999-2000 12.9 been placed in the Library. 2000-01 13.0 Housing Benefit: Personnel 2001-02 13.3 2002-03 14.7 Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003-04 14.9 Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the 2004-05 15.6 number of local authority staff employed to administer 2005-06 17.1 (a) housing and (b) council tax benefit. [25035] 2006-07 18.5 2007-08 19.9 Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. 2008-09 21.8 The Department for Work and Pensions estimates 2009-10 25.4 that 20,000 local authority staff work on housing benefit Source: and council tax benefit. The processing of these benefits Local Authority Subsidy Returns is largely combined and therefore we do not have an Housing benefit expenditure tables can be found at estimate of the number of staff working on each benefit. the following URL: However, these individuals may have many other http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page= functions, depending on how local authorities choose hbandctb_expenditure 513W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 514W

Housing Benefit: Sunderland Burdens, which has proposed an exemption for ’very small firms undertaking certain low risk activities’ from Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the requirement to possess a record of the risk assessment. and Pensions how much was paid on average in (a) The European Commission is undertaking an evaluation local housing allowance and (b) housing benefit to of the costs and benefits of this requirement, with recipients in each type of housing tenure in Sunderland which the UK will be closely involved. Central constituency in the most recent period for which figures are available. [30364] Jobcentre Plus: Greater London

Steve Webb: The information is not available. Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for At present geographic breakdowns are only available Work and Pensions what the running cost was of each for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is Jobcentre Plus service in each Jobcentre in the London being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the borough of (a) Barnet, (b) Islington, (c) Bromley, data; this will include parliamentary constituencies. (d) Lewisham, (e) Lambeth, (f) Brent, (g) Ealing, (h) Hammersmith and Fulham and (i) Hounslow in Housing Benefit: Unemployed People the last 12 months for which figures are available. [33639] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of recipients Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus of jobseeker’s allowance receive housing benefit. is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, [29024] Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. Letter from Darra Singh: Information is collected on the number of claimants The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions in receipt of a passported benefit, however this information asking what the running cost was of each Jobcentre Plus service has not yet been quality assured to National Statistics in each Jobcentre in the London Borough of (a) Barnet (b) standard. Islington (c) Bromley (d) Lewisham (e) Lambeth (f) Brent (g) From February 2007, DWP has been collecting more Ealing (h) Hammersmith and Fulham and (i) Hounslow in the last 12 months for which figures are available. This is something detailed housing benefit and council tax benefit data which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief electronically from local authorities. Over time this will Executive of Jobcentre Plus. improve the accuracy, timeliness and level of detail The running costs for the Jobcentre Plus staff based at the available in the published statistics. specified 27 sites for the year 2009/10 are listed in the table in Annex 1. These include both salary costs and associated discretionary Income Support: Mortgages spend. In the interests of transparency estimates of the costs for the Jobcentre Plus staff at these 27 sites for year to date 30th Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for November 2010 have also been obtained, but has not been Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the formally reported or subject to audit review. number of recipients of Support for Mortgage Interest Jobcentre Plus is an agency of the Department for Work and who receive less in support than the amount of Pensions and many costs are reported outside of Jobcentre Plus mortgage interest they pay as a result of the recent at the Department level. The totals in Annex 1 do not, therefore, include charges from DWP for elements such as estate costs, reduction in the interest rate at which payment is made; information technology services costs or other items handled at a and if he will make a statement. [20991] Departmental level. Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. Annex 1: Running costs for selected Jobcentre Plus sites Estimated cost This information is not available because the Department Running cost (£) 1 April 2010 does not collect management information on the actual (£) 1 April 2009 to to 30 November interest rates that apply to support for mortgage interest London borough Jobcentre 31 March 2010 2010 customers’ loans. Barnet Barnet Hill 1,873,464 1,356,526 Industrial Health and Safety: EU Law Edgware 1,500,574 1,052,917 Finchley 1,266,361 881,422 Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Hendon 2,170,287 1,549,060 Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to implement the recommendation in Lord Young’s report on health and safety that the UK should take the lead in co-operating Islington Barnsbury 2,978,357 2,115,081 with other member states to ensure the EU health and Finsbury 2,729,964 1,892,733 safety rules for low risk businesses are not overly prescriptive, Highgate 2,934,098 2,175,196 are proportionate and do not attempt to achieve the elimination of all risk. [31512] Bromley Bromley 4,709,409 3,256,903

Chris Grayling: The Government very much welcome Lewisham Deptford 1,852,641 1,205,344 Lord Young’s recommendation in this area and I, with Forest Hill 1,996,506 1,482,074 support from the Health and Safety Executive, will take it forward. The UK continues to be supportive of the Lewisham 3,886,285 2,764,628 opinion of the European Commission’s High-Level Group of Independent Stakeholders on Administrative Lambeth Brixton 2,992,166 1,958,180 515W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 516W

Annex 1: Running costs for selected Jobcentre Plus sites Cost per square metre 2009-10 Estimated cost Cost per m2 (£) Running cost (£) 1 April 2010 (£) 1 April 2009 to (d) London borough of Lewisham to 30 November London borough Jobcentre 31 March 2010 2010 Lewisham 406.18 Forest Hill 337.15 Clapham 1,946,450 1,586,575 Deptford 352.52 Common Kennington Park 2,079,642 1,278,888 (e) London borough of Lambeth Stockwell 1,699,054 1,124,330 Streatham 413.18 Streatham 4,509,279 3,072,891 Brixton 588.08 Kennington Park 577.30 Brent Harlesden 2,078,702 1,426,468 Stockwell 584.66 Kilburn 1,812,340 1,252,010 Clapham Common 484.44 Wembley 1,796,556 1,301,668 Willesden 2,119,719 1,374,275 (f) London borough of Brent Willesden (Neasden) 380.32 Harlesden 354.85 Ealing Acton 1,902,518 1,435,419 Kilburn 529.65 Ealing 3,266,827 2,307,488 Wembley 453.22 Southall 2,026,719 1,481,080 Hammersmith Fulham 1,892,106 1,321,170 and Fulham (g) London borough of Ealing Hammersmith 1,607,528 1,141,961 Ealing 577.56 Shepherds Bush 1,555,067 1,008,040 Southall 400.97 Acton 576.67 Hounslow Hounslow 3,432,933 2,448,901 Source data: Oracle Financial Analyser (OFA) (h) London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Hammersmith 490.15 and Pensions what the cost per square metre was of Fulham 357.98 each of the Jobcentre premises in the London borough Shepherd’s Bush 624.05 of (a) Barnet, (b) Islington, (c) Bromley, (d) Lewisham, (e) Lambeth, (f) Brent, (g) Ealing, (h) Hammersmith (i) London borough of Hounslow and Fulham and (i) Hounslow in 2009-10. [33640] Hounslow 401.26 Source: Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus DWP Commercial Directorate Estates Charging Database is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Jobseeker’s Allowance Member with the information requested. Letter from Darra Singh: Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has made a recent The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what the cost per square metre was of each of the assessment of the merits of reviewing the two-year Jobcentre premises in the London Borough of (a) Barnet (b) national insurance assessment period in respect of Islington (c) Bromley (d) Lewisham (e) Lambeth (f) Brent (g) contributions-based jobseeker’s allowance; and whether Ealing (h) Hammersmith and Fulham and (i) Hounslow in 2009-10. he has made a recent assessment of the effects of that This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated arrangement on mature graduate students who have to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. taken a career break to study. [33148] The facility unit cost which includes the service accommodation costs per square metre of the specified 27 sites for the year Chris Grayling: The contribution conditions for 2009/10 are listed below in the following table: jobseeker’s allowance were reviewed in 2010, resulting Cost per square metre 2009-10 in the Social Security (Contribution Conditions for Cost per m2 (£) Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance) Regulations 2010/2446, which came into (a) London borough of Barnet effect on 1 November 2010. Barnet Hill 341.20 Those regulations broadly aligned the contribution Edgware 402.41 conditions for jobseeker’s allowance and employment Hendon 368.43 and support allowance, strengthening the connection Finchley 476.18 between recent employment and contributory benefits, and making the system fairer and simpler. (b) London borough of Islington A person who fails to meet the contribution conditions Highgate 340.08 may be eligible for income-based jobseeker’s allowance. Barnsbury 403.73 Finsbury 403.76 Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Scotland, (c) London borough of Bromley (b) Wales and (c) each region in England were in Bromley 531.39 receipt of jobseeker’s allowance in the latest period for 517W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 518W which figures are available; and how many of these in A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 13 January each category were in receipt of housing benefit in the 2011. same period. [33838] Mortgages: Government Assistance Steve Webb: The following table provides the number of people in (a) the UK, (b) each region of England, (c) Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland and (d) Wales who are in receipt of jobseeker’s Work and Pensions what estimate he made of the allowance. monetary value of support for mortgage interest payments made to claimants in Kilmarnock and Loudoun The information on jobseeker’s allowance claimants constituency in each of the last five years. [17125] also in receipt of housing benefit is not available. Information is collected on the number of housing Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. benefit claimants in receipt of a passporting benefit, The information is as follows: which includes income-based jobseeker’s allowance. Average weekly payments of support for mortgage interest in Kilmarnock and However, the total number of jobseeker’s allowance Loudoun, February 2006 to February 2010 claimants receiving housing benefit is not available. £ Jobseeker’s Government office region Caseload February Income support allowance Pension credit

North-east 80,900 2006 27.36 1— 14.81 North-west 178,900 2007 30.01 1— 17.99 Yorkshire and The Humber 144,300 2008 32.74 1— 17.81 East midlands 96,800 2009 35.68 1— 19.94 West midlands 157,900 2010 35.56 1— 16.90 East 108,600 1 Nil or negligible claimants receiving jobseeker’s allowance, so average amounts London 216,300 not included for these customers. Notes: South-east 131,700 1. Average weekly amounts are shown as pounds per week and rounded to the South-west 82,000 nearest penny. Wales 71,200 2. Figures have been up-rated using 5% proportions against 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) totals. Scotland 135,600 3. For jobseekers allowance mortgage interest can be claimed only on income-based jobseeker’s allowance. 4. Pension credit was introduced on 6 October 2003 and replaced minimum United Kingdom 1,462,700 income guarantee (income support for people aged 60 or over). The vast Notes: majority of people who were previously in receipt of the minimum income 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. guarantee transferred to pension credit in October 2003. 2. United Kingdom figures include Northern Ireland. 5. Monthly figures are not available therefore the last four quarters data have 3. These figures are published at: been provided. https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/Default.asp Source: Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% samples. NOMIS Claimant Count (Seasonally Adjusted), November 2010. Life Expectancy Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claimants in Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency received Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work support for mortgage interest payments in each of the and Pensions what recent research his Department has last five years. [17126] (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the (i) life expectancy and (ii) healthy and disability-free life expectancy Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. of people in each social cohort. [19469] The information is as follows: Number of support for mortgage interest claimants in Kilmarnock and Loudoun, Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in replying. February 2006 to February 2010 Data published by the Office for National Statistics Number constitute the Department’s main source of information Jobseeker’s on life expectancy and on healthy and disability-free life February Income support allowance Pension credit expectancy. To help evaluate improvements in life 2006 1200 2— 1400 expectancy of people in each social cohort, the Department 2007 1200 2— 500 has commissioned the Office for National Statistics to 2008 1100 2— 500 produce from its Longitudinal Study detailed life tables 2009 1100 2— 500 covering the periods from 1977-81 to 2002-05. 2010 1100 2— 1400 These data will be published as part of the Government’s 1 Figures are subject to a high degree of sampling error and should only be used full response to the review of state pension age. Copies as a guide. 2 Nil or negligible claimants receiving jobseeker’s allowance. will be placed in the Library of the House. Notes: 1. Figures rounded to the nearest 100. Members: Correspondence 2. Figures have been up-rated using 5% proportions against 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) totals. 3. For jobseeker’s allowance mortgage interest can be claimed only on income-based Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work jobseeker’s allowance. and Pensions when he plans to respond to the letter 4. Pension credit was introduced on 6 October 2003 and replaced minimum income guarantee (income support for people aged 60 or over). The vast from the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye of 30 majority of people who were previously in receipt of the minimum income September 2010, reference AR/TS/305. [33768] guarantee transferred to pension credit in October 2003. 5. Monthly figures are not available therefore the last four quarters data have been provided. Steve Webb: I apologise for the delay in responding to Source: the hon. Member. Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% samples. 519W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 520W

Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work winter fuel payments will remain exactly as budgeted and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 7 December for by the previous Government—as we promised. We 2010, Official Report, columns 167-8W, on mortgages: have also made the temporary increase in the cold Government assistance, what progress he has made on weather payment to £25 permanent. exploring the scope for mortgage lenders to freeze We want to ensure that older people receive the help benefit claimants’ mortgage accounts and apply a that they are entitled to, and we are conducting a standard interest rate for a fixed period; and if he will research study into the feasibility of using existing data make a statement. [33340] to help to improve the take-up of pension credit. We will help prevent people from falling into poverty Steve Webb: We are continuing to look at a number in later life by simplifying the rules and regulations of options for support for mortgage interest, including relating to pensions to help reinvigorate occupational assessing the scope for mortgage lenders to freeze benefit pensions. We will encourage companies to offer high-quality claimants’ mortgage accounts. There are a number of pensions to all employees and, from October 2012, all possible solutions, and it will take time to reach a employers will be required to automatically enrol their sensible conclusion on the long-term future design of eligible workers into a qualifying workplace pension support for homeowners. scheme. We expect this to radically increase the number of people saving into a pension and lead to between Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 4 million and 8 million people newly saving or saving and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 7 December more in all forms of workplace pension schemes. 2010, Official Report, column 167W, on mortgages: Government assistance, when he expects to publish the All these changes will have a positive impact on results of the model to estimate the effects of changes pensioners’ incomes. to support for mortgage interest on the number of repossessions; and for what purposes his Department Pensions plans to utilise this model. [33341] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Steve Webb: The Department is in the process of for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of developing a model to estimate the impact of changes the change in lifetime pension incomes of retired to Support for Mortgage Interest on the number of households in each income decile that will result from repossessions. However, any estimates will always be his Department’s plans to accelerate the increase in the limited since detailed case-by-case information, such as age at which (a) people become entitled to guarantee arrears at the start of a claim, is not collected by the credit and (b) women become entitled to the basic Department. Furthermore, the relationship between arrears state pension. [33394] and continued home ownership is a complex one dependent on more than the level of Support for Mortgage Interest Steve Webb: The information required is not available payable. in the form requested on a household basis. The Department intends to use this model for internal The impact assessment published as part of the White policy development, appraisal and evaluation, but we Paper ‘A sustainable State Pension: when the State will consider whether the results are robust enough to Pension age will increase to 66’ included information on be used publicly, and the findings placed in the Library, the proportionate change in lifetime pension income for once this work is complete, which we would expect to be hypothetical high, median and low earning individual in spring 2011. men and women resulting from the increase in state pension age and pension credit qualifying age. Pensioners: Poverty Poverty: EU Action Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Work and Pensions what progress his Department is number of pensioners living in poverty in each year making on the determination of (a) targets and (b) from 2011 to 2020. [34027] indicators to measure its contribution to the EU strategy against poverty. [33468] Steve Webb: The Department does not publish projections on pensioner poverty and has not produced Chris Grayling: As part of the Europe 2020 strategy long-term trend estimates of pensioner poverty that for smart, sustainable growth EU Heads agreed in June take full account of current and announced policies. 2010 to a number of EU level targets, including “promoting The Government have restored the earnings link for social inclusion, in particular through the reduction of the basic state pension with a triple guarantee that the poverty, by aiming to lift at least 20 million people out basic state pension will increase by the highest of the growth of the risk of poverty and exclusion”. The at risk in average earnings, prices (as measured by the consumer population is defined as the number of persons who are prices index) or 2.5%. We estimate this will mean that at risk of poverty and exclusion according to three the average person reaching state pension age in 2011 indicators: will receive an additional £15,000 in basic state pension at risk of poverty, defined as those falling below 60% of over their retirement than they would have done under national median income; the old prices link. material deprivation, defined as those missing four out of nine The Government are protecting key benefits for items from a specified list; or pensioners. Free eye tests; free prescription charges; free living in a jobless household, i.e., all adults in the household bus passes; free television licences for the over 75s; and are working for less than 20% of available time. 521W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 522W

These headline indicators, as well as a number of Retirement: Age subsidiary indicators, are published by Eurostat. Both the target and the indicators are EU-wide and progress Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for will be aggregated across all 27 member states. Work and Pensions what plans he has in respect of In contributing to the EU ambition, member states changes to the age of retirement for those who started are free to set their own national targets on the basis of their working lives at the age of 14 years. [33686] the most appropriate indicators, taking account of their national circumstances and priorities. The UK contribution Steve Webb: The school leaving age was raised to will be: 15 in 1947 and to 16 from September 1972. Therefore The proportion of children living in workless households; and no one with a school leaving age of 14 is affected by The Child Poverty Act Commitment to ending child poverty either the current or proposed changes to state pension by 2020. age. The changes we have announced, to bring forward Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the timing of the increase in state pension age to 66, will Work and Pensions what recent progress he has made affect people born between April 1953 and April 1960. on the implementation in the UK of the EU strategy These changes are necessary to keep the state pension against poverty. [33469] system sustainable and fair to each generation as average life expectancy increases. Chris Grayling: There is no top-down EU strategy against poverty. Rather the UK has, along with all other Social Security Benefits member states, decided its own national strategy which will contribute to the overall EU 2020 poverty strategy. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State The UK has decided to target the proportion of children for Work and Pensions which categories of households living in workless households in conjunction with achieving will be exempt from the household benefit cap to be the aims of the Child Poverty Act, which requires that implemented in 2013. [29025] the child poverty rate is among the best in Europe by the year 2020. Steve Webb: The cap will only apply to working age The Government are now considering the report on households. There will be an exemption for war widows poverty and life chances by the right hon. Member for and households with a member entitled to disability Birkenhead (Mr Field) and will respond to the report in living allowance or working tax credit. the Child Poverty Strategy. The report makes recommendations about measures that the Government Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for will need to explore before deciding its preferred way Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure forward, along with all the other issues that the strategy that digitisation of the benefits system does not will cover. It did not suggest abandoning the 2020 disadvantage older claimants. [33288] targets and the Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty by 2020 has not diminished. Steve Webb: We are always seeking to improve The UK will be providing details of its strategy for accessibility of our communications and services which contributing to the EU-wide target on poverty and means that increasingly we make use of digital media. social exclusion in the National Reform Programme We recognise, however, that older people in particular which will be submitted to Commission in April 2011. make less use of the internet, so we will ensure that our plans do not introduce inequality and disadvantage, and cater for the needs of older people. We will continue Remploy: Bonuses to consult customers, and work closely with organisations which represent them, as we develop new services and processes to ensure that we continue to meet their needs. Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid in In addition, the Pensions Disability and Carers Service bonuses to the (a) senior management and (b) and Jobcentre Plus commitments to Race Online 2012 recognise that we need to support customers to help directors of Remploy in each year since 2008. [30892] them take advantage of online services. Through projects like Get Digital, which seeks to help people in sheltered Maria Miller [holding answer 14 December 2010]: housing get online, and by working closely with key The available information on bonuses paid to Remploy partner organisations like the BBC and Digital Unite to senior management and directors is detailed in the support their initiatives such as First Click and Silver following table: Surfer’s Day, we are helping to provide older people with the skills and access to IT that will enable them to Financial year Managers Directors Total (£) use digital services if they wish. 2007-08 1,656,501 110,600 1,767,101 2008-09 589,000 72,000 661,000 State Retirement Pensions: Payments 2009-10 1,315,000 51,000 1,366,000 Note: Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Figures for 2008-09 and 2009-10 have been rounded to the nearest 1,000. and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Source: potential savings to the public purse of the payment of Remploy pensions one week in arrears. [33670] 523W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 524W

Steve Webb: State pension has been paid in arrears to The Government’s recent announcement that they people reaching state pension age on or after 6 April would give local authorities more say on the administration 2010. Payments can be made four weekly, fortnightly or of council tax benefit will have implications for universal weekly. Payments to existing pensioners were unaffected. credit. As stated in the recent White Paper ‘Universal No estimate has been made of potential savings arising Credit: Welfare That Works’, the Government will work from this change. We expect that the change to payment closely with local government and the devolved in arrears will be cost-effective in the longer term because Administrations to develop the details of the proposal it makes it more likely that the Department can action and to ensure that this reform does not undermine the any necessary changes before a payment is issued, thus positive impact of universal credit on work incentives. reducing the number of overpayments and in particular reducing the distress which may be caused when Welfare State: Reform overpayments are made following a death. Dame Anne Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Travel to Interview Work and Pensions when his Department plans to publish the draft regulations for the proposed Welfare Reform Bill. [33650] Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will introduce guidance to ensure Chris Grayling: We will shortly introduce the Welfare that the travel costs of attending job interviews by Reform Bill. Additional information on the regulation those who are out of work and who were previously making powers included in the Bill will be made available self-employed are met by potential employers. [33804] in the Delegated Powers Memorandum which will be published alongside the Welfare Reform Bill on Chris Grayling: For people receiving a qualifying introduction. benefit discretionary help with expenses for attending job interviews is available through the Travel to Interview Scheme (TIS) administered by Jobcentre Plus (JCP). Payment under TIS in respect of these costs is subject to DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER certain conditions including whether or not there is a reasonable prospect of employment and the prospective Childhood and Families Task Force employer itself will reimburse the travel costs. Reimbursement by employers is a matter for them. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many meetings of the Childhood and Families Universal Credit Taskforce have taken place; who attended each meeting; and what was discussed on each occasion; [32853] Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what work has been completed by the Childhood Work and Pensions whether he plans to include child and Families Taskforce; and if he will make a tax credit and childcare tax credit within his proposed statement. [32854] universal credit. [33299] The Deputy Prime Minister: The work of the Childhood and Families taskforce is ongoing. Any work completed Chris Grayling: We announced in the White Paper by the taskforce will be announced by Government in ‘Universal Credit: Welfare That Works’ that we will the usual manner. include fixed amounts within universal credit to cover children’s living costs, based on those currently provided It is longstanding Government practice not to disclose through child tax credit. They will be additional to child information relating to ministerial meetings, including benefit. the proceedings of Cabinet and Cabinet committees, as to do so would put at risk the public interest in the full As promised in the White Paper, we are working with and frank discussion of policy by Ministers. key stakeholders to establish how support for child care costs could best be delivered as part of, or alongside, Constituencies universal credit. We continue to work on this and will set out our conclusions in the coming months. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will bring forward proposals to amend the Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975 to lower the Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 10 January limit on the number of Government Ministers in line 2011, Official Report, columns 137-8W, on universal with his proposed reduction in the number of credit, whether his calculation of the marginal reduction parliamentary constituencies. [33068] rate before full implementation of universal credit includes the 20 per cent. council tax benefit taper. [34254] Mr Harper: The Government have been clear that they recognise the principle that there is a link between Chris Grayling: All analysis presented to date includes the legislature and the size of the executive; but this the 20% council tax benefit taper when calculating issue does not need to be resolved now, since the reduction marginal deduction rates in the current tax and benefit in the size of the House of Commons would not take system. It has also been assumed for modelling purposes effect until 2015. The Government intend to reflect on that council tax benefit is included within the universal the arguments made during the passage of the credit and is subject to the single overall taper of 65% Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, when calculating marginal deduction rates under universal and set out their plans once there is greater clarity on credit. the composition of the second Chamber, including how 525W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 526W many Ministers would be drawn from there. The annually, made up of reduced salary costs of £4.1 million Government remains committed to strengthening and £8.1 million in reduced expenditure on MPs’ expenses. Parliament in relation to the Executive. House of Lords: Reform House of Commons: Reform Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress he has made on developing Mr Offord: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proposals for a wholly or mainly elected second recent assessment he has made of the prospects for the chamber. [33656] political and constitutional reforms proposed in the coalition agreement; and if he will make a statement. Mr Harper: The cross-party Committee, chaired by [32745] the Deputy Prime Minister, is considering proposals for a wholly or mainly elected second chamber. We will Mr Harper: The political and constitutional reforms publish a draft Bill early this year. The Bill will then be proposed in the coalition agreement are proceeding subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by, we hope, a joint apace. committee of both Houses. The Government have introduced several of the Bills which were foreshadowed in the coalition agreement. Mental Health Act 1983 This includes the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill and the Scotland Bill, which gives effect to proposals from the Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Calman Commission. The Parliamentary Voting System what plans he has to review the operation of section and Constituencies Bill, to introduce a referendum on 141 of the Mental Health Act 1983. [33991] using the Alternative Vote for elections to this House, as well as fewer and more equal sized constituencies, has Mr Harper: The Government are considering the been passed by the House of Commons. We have introduced operation of section 141 of the Mental Health Act the Localism Bill which will devolve greater powers to 1983, and hope to make an announcement shortly. councils and neighbourhoods and give local communities more control over housing and planning decisions, and Parliament: Reform the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which will among other matters introduce elected police Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Deputy Prime commissioners. Minister what estimate he has made of the potential The Government have also implemented saving to the public purse of his plans to reduce the size recommendations of the Committee on Reform of the of the House of Commons; and what estimate he has House of Commons, including the establishment of a made of the cost to the public purse of increasing the Backbench Business Committee and facilitating the size of the House of Lords. [33704] election of chairs and members of Select Committees. Parliament has approved the regulations necessary for Mr Harper: We estimate (subject to decisions made the referendum on further devolution in Wales, which by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority) will take place on 3 March 2011. that 50 fewer MPs would result in a saving of £12.2 million annually, made up of reduced salary costs of This year the Government will set out their plans in £4.1 million and £8.1 million in reduced expenditure on more areas, including publishing legislation in draft on MPs’ expenses. the recall of MPs, on speeding up the move to individual electoral registration, and on the reform of the House The cross-party Committee on House of Lords reform, of Lords, and consulting on a statutory register of lobbyists. chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, is considering the size of a reformed second chamber and other issues Mr Offord: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what which will determine the overall cost. The Government estimate he has made of the effects on levels of public will publish an estimate of the costs alongside a draft expenditure of implementation of his proposals to Bill early this year. reduce the size of the House of Commons to 600. Urban Areas [32747] Gavin Shuker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Mr Harper: We estimate that the total cost of the next when the result of the city status competition will be boundary reviews in each part of the UK will be announced. [33664] £11.2 million. This includes the costs of staffing, accommodation, IT, printing, production of maps, Mr Harper: The result of the competition for a grant advertising and publishing the final reports. Under the of city status to mark HM the Queen’s diamond jubilee terms of the legislation presently in force, (Parliamentary will be announced in the early months of jubilee year, Constituencies Act 1986), and on the basis of the 2012. duration of the fifth general review in each part of the UK, we estimate that a general review would commence Voting Rights: Offenders in any event within the next three years in England and in Scotland; and in the next five years in Wales and in Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Northern Ireland. The total cost of the fifth reviews in if he will bring forward proposals to give judges each part of the UK was £13.6 million. discretion to determine at the point of sentencing We estimate (subject to decisions made by the whether offenders sentenced to a custodial term have Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority) that the right to vote while in custody; and if he will make a 50 fewer MPs would result in a saving of £12.2 million statement. [33614] 527W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 528W

Mr Harper: As I announced by written ministerial the MDGs have an impact on children. There are no statement on 20 December 2010, Official Report, columns current plans to appoint an individual to champion 150-151WS, the Government intend to implement the children within DFID as considerations for the rights Hirst judgment of the European Court of Human and issues surrounding child poverty are already addressed Rights in a way that meets our legal obligations, but in all aspects of the Department’s work. does not go further than that. DFID is currently reviewing its aid programmes to The Government’s proposed legislation will provide ensure we continue to fund the most effective means of that offenders sentenced to a custodial sentence of four achieving the MDGs. The review will conclude in February years or more will lose the right to vote in all circumstances, 2011. reflecting the seriousness of the offence that resulted in their imprisonment. Developing Countries: Climate Change Additionally, the sentencing judge will be able to remove the right to vote from offenders sentenced to a Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for custodial sentence of less than four years if they consider International Development if he will take steps to that appropriate. We are considering what criteria judges encourage multilateral development banks to provide should apply when exercising their discretion in such further support for investment and lending for the cases. purpose of mitigating climate change. [32966]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We will continue to use our INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Board position to encourage the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to increase their lending in areas important China: Overseas Aid for climate change, such as renewable energy and forestry. We also regularly engage at a technical level with the Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for MDBs to support the development of their climate and International Development when he expects his energy strategies. Department’s bilateral aid programmes in China to end. [34159] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment his Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Department has made of the effects of climate change Development’s bilateral aid programmes in China will on agriculture and food security in developing end in March 2011. countries. [33125]

Civil Society Challenge Fund Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) has supported a number of recent Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for studies which have helped to define the likely impact of International Development pursuant to the answer of 7 climate change on agriculture and food security in December 2010, Official Report, column 209W, on the developing countries. In 2010, a DFID-supported Civil Society Challenge Fund, which trade unions assessment by the World Bank found that climate change received funding from the Fund in 2009-10; and how would significantly affect crops yields, especially irrigated much funding each such union received. [33877] and rain-fed cereals, and that south Asia would see the greatest fall in production. Mr O’Brien: Details of funding to trade unions through DFID is supporting a major new programme on the Civil Society Challenge Fund for 2009-10 are available Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security in the Library of the House. implemented by the Consultative Group on International The Department for International Development (DFID) Agricultural Research. By 2020, the research aims to is reviewing all of its aid programmes, including aid help reduce poverty and malnutrition in target areas, channelled through trade unions, to ensure that it makes while enabling farmers in developing countries to contribute a real difference to the world’s poorest people. to climate change mitigation by enhancing carbon storage or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Developing Countries: Children DFID and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have co-sponsored research by the Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for UK Government Office for Science Foresight programme International Development what plans he has to on the Future of Global Food and Farming. This increase the priority given to programmes relating to research has including modelling of the impact of major children within his Department’s work; and if he will climate shocks on global food supply and food prices. appoint an individual to champion children within his The final report will be published on the 25 January Department. [31513] 2011. Mr O’Brien: The UK Government recognise the importance of focusing on the rights of women, children Developing Countries: Food and disabled people to access services for achievement of the millennium development goals (MDGs). The Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for International Development’s (DFID) International Development what recent assessment he Business Plan 2011-15 prioritises support for the MDGs has made of the effect of the operation of commodity and includes specific objectives to increase access to index funds on food supply in the developing world. education and reduce infant mortality. However, all of [33423] 529W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 530W

Mr O’Brien: Commodity index funds have become (6) what budgetary guidance on (a) existing and (b) popular vehicles for speculation and investment in future spending programmes has been issued to his commodity markets in recent years. It is difficult to be Department’s office in Tanzania since his appointment; definitive about the role of speculation in agricultural [33478] price spikes. Food supply and prices in developing (5) what budgetary agreements have been made in countries are affected by a number of factors including respect of funding for his Department’s programmes in global energy prices, global stock levels, the size of Tanzania in advance of the publication of the bilateral harvests, changes in exchange rates and national agricultural spending review; [33477] trade and marketing policies. On balance we are sceptical about the degree to which speculation played a significant (7) what budgetary agreements have been made in causal role in 2007-08. The Government continue to respect of funding for his Department’s programmes in monitor relevant research in this area with interest. Zambia in advance of the publication of the bilateral spending review; [33479] (8) what budgetary guidance on (a) existing and (b) Nigeria: Education future spending programmes has been issued to his Department’s office in Zambia since his appointment. Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for [33480] International Development what discussions his Department has held with the Nigerian Government Mr Andrew Mitchell: I refer the hon. Member to my on UK support for the Nigerian education sector; and answer to the right hon. and learned Member for if he will make a statement. [33116] Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman) on 16 December 2010, Official Report, column 919W, which outlines the Mr O’Brien: The Department for International action I have taken. Development (DFID) has regular discussions with Nigeria’s Federal and State Governments on support for the education sector. Our approach to education is to strengthen Sudan: Overseas Aid the management of the sector as a whole, together with activities targeted directly at schools and students. As I saw for myself on my recent visit DFID has contributed Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State to a number of gains in education in Nigeria including for International Development what steps he has taken improving access to nearly 800 schools to help increase to protect from violence aid agencies operating in the number of girls in school; helping nearly 2,000 southern Sudan. [34134] women from rural areas of northern Nigeria to undertake teacher training; and providing training to improve the management of 2,000 schools. Mr Andrew Mitchell: In southern Sudan relations between aid workers, communities and the authorities are generally very good. This is an important element of the UN Mission’s (UNMIS) security and protection Overseas Aid agenda. The UK lobbied hard to ensure that an agreement was reached between UNMIS and NGO staff on the Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for evacuation of NGO staff in emergency situations. International Development whether his Department However, some abuses of aid workers by security provides funding to diaspora organisations based in the forces are occurring. The UK is deeply concerned about UK. [33317] any such abuses and I raised this issue with President Salva Kiir during my visit to southern Sudan in November Mr Andrew Mitchell: I refer the right hon. Member 2010. UK Government officials in southern Sudan have also to my answer of 10 January 2010, Official Report, raised this issue with senior Government of southern column 62W, on Overseas Aid. Sudan Ministers on a regular basis. The UK will continue to keep this issue under review including through consultation Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for with NGOs, UNMIS and the Government. International Development (1) what budgetary agreements have been made in respect of funding for his Department’s programmes in Ghana in advance of Tanzania: Overseas Aid the publication of the bilateral spending review; [33473] (2) what budgetary guidance on (a) existing and (b) future spending programmes has been issued to his Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Department’s office in Ghana since his appointment; for International Development how much his [33474] Department has provided in development aid to (3) what budgetary agreements have been made in Tanzania in each of the last five years; and what respect of funding for his Department’s programmes in proportion of such aid was funded (a) centrally and Malawi in advance of the publication of the bilateral (b) for specific projects. [33492] spending review; [33475] (4) what budgetary guidance on (a) existing and (b) Mr Duncan: The Department for International future spending programmes has been issued to his Development (DFID), through its country programme Department’s office in Malawi since his appointment; in Tanzania, has provided the following amounts in [33476] development aid to Tanzania over the last five years. 531W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 532W

Proportion of Proportion of Aid given centrally as programme given as programme given as Financial year budget support (£000) budget support (%) Project support (£000) project support (%) Total programme (£000)

2010-11 103,500 69 46,500 31 150,000 2009-10 103,500 74 36,500 26 140,000 2008-09 105,500 80 24,500 20 130,000 2007-08 105,500 88 14,500 12 120,000 2006-07 90,000 82 20,000 18 110,000

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried for International Development how much his out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of Department has provided in development aid to earnings information in the United Kingdom. Annual levels of Tanzania for (a) democracy building, (b) training earnings are estimated from the ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, who have been in the same job police and (c) strengthening the judiciary in each of for more than a year. the last five years. [33493] I attach a table showing the median gross annual earnings in 2010 for full-time employees in South Shields constituency, Colchester Mr Duncan: The Department for International constituency and England.

Development (DFID), through its country programme 1 in Tanzania, has provided the following amount in Median gross annual earnings for full-time employee jobs : 2010 development aid to Tanzania in these areas over the last Median (£) five years. South Shields constituency **19,100 Colchester constituency *24,400 £000 England 26,300 (a) (c) 1 Full-time employees on adult rates of pay who have been in the same Democracy (b) Training Strengthening job for more than a year. As at April 2010. 1 Financial year building police the judiciary Guide to quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the 2010-11 2,000 200 0 smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to 2009-10 4,000 0 0 lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a 2008-09 5,400 0 0 CV of 5%, we would expect the average to be within the range 180 to 2007-08 200 0 0 220. Key: 2006-07 0 0 0 CV <= 5% 1 Including support to Tanzania’s 2010 general election. *CV>5%and<=10% ** CV > 10% and <=20% Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Source: for International Development whether he plans to Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National review the level of UK aid to Tanzania. [33494] Statistics. Big Society Bank Mr Duncan: In June 2010 the Secretary of State for International Development announced a Bilateral Aid Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Review of all the Department for International Cabinet Office when he plans to publish details of his Development’s country programmes. The aid programme Department’s plans for the proposed Big Society Bank; to Tanzania is included in that review, which will conclude and if he will make a statement. [32170] in February 2011. Mr Hurd [holding answer 12 January 2011]: Government have stated their commitment to have some functions of the Big Society Bank established by April 2011, and CABINET OFFICE expects it to start making investments from summer 2011 when dormant accounts are expected to be released. Average Earnings We will be announcing more details on the establishment of the bank in the new year. Bob Russell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Business: West Midlands Office what the average annual wage was in (a) South Shields constituency, (b) Colchester constituency and (c) England in the latest period for which figures are Chris White: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet available. [34370] Office how many new businesses were created in (a) Warwick and Leamington constituency, (b) Warwickshire Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the and (c) the West Midlands in each year since 2005. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have [33970] asked the authority to reply. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I asked the authority to reply. have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average annual wage was in (a) South Shields Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: constituency, (b) Colchester constituency and (c) England in the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I latest period for which figures are available. (34370) have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question 533W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 534W concerning how many new businesses were created in (a) Warwick that evidence shows are harder to enumerate, particularly inner and Leamington constituency, (b) Warwickshire and (c) the West city areas, and areas of high migration and population change. Midlands in each year since 2005. [33970] During the field operation, all questionnaire returns will be Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births, deaths tracked and, where levels of response are low, additional field and survivals are available from the ONS release on Business staff will be deployed to provide help on the doorstep and to Demography at: collect the outstanding questionnaires. The amount of resource directed towards collecting outstanding questionnaires is three www.statistics.gov.uk times greater than that in 2001 overall and four times greater in The table below contains the latest statistics available, which show London and some other urban areas. enterprise births for Warwick and Leamington Constituency, Recruitment of field staff Warwickshire County and the West Midlands from 2005 to 2009. Recruitment of the field force has been outsourced to Capita, Enterprise births for Warwick and Leamington constituency, an organisation with expertise and experience of large scale Warwickshire county and the west midlands, 2005-09 recruitment. Good progress is being made, with high numbers 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 and quality of applicants. We are working with local authorities and community groups to encourage applications for census jobs Warwick 800 705 785 715 555 from ethnic minority populations or from candidates with specific and language skills and with local knowledge of the areas in which Leamington they will work. We are looking to make full use of their language Warwickshire 3,005 2,610 2,900 2,690 2,195 skills and the support they can provide for local communities West 23,115 21,025 22,805 20,585 18,245 groups. We specify that additional languages are desirable for all midlands posts, and information about any staff with language skills will be provided to their field managers. This should enable them to Census manage their team on a local basis and move staff to any particular area where their language skills will be of most use. This approach worked well in the Census Rehearsal in 2009. Lyn Brown: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps his Department has taken to ensure Community liaison that the 2011 Census captures accurate population data ONS is placing more emphasis on community engagement for for areas with high levels of (a) ethnic and cultural the 2011 Census than in any previous census. Local area managers are promoting the census in their areas and engaging directly with diversity and (b) population change. [33175] local groups. As part of ONS’s local engagement activity, a number of community panels have been set up to help develop Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the community engagement plans for each target population group. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have These plans will be used by all area managers and community asked the authority to reply. advisors to engage more effectively with the black and minority ethnic populations and other diverse communities, such as short-term Letter from Stephen Penneck: migrants. ONS appointed 41 community advisors (with language As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) I skills) in August 2010, 24 of whom are working in London, to have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what encourage the involvement of black and minority ethnic population steps are being taken to ensure that the 2011 Census captures groups in the 2011 Census. Community advisors will support the accurate population data for areas with high levels of (a) ethnic area managers in liaising with community groups representative and cultural diversity and (b) population change. (33175) of the target population groups. The objective of the 2011 Census is to provide high quality, Assistance in place to help people complete their questionnaires value for money population statistics as required by key users, on ONS has set up a wide range of measures to help people a consistent and comparable basis, for small areas and small during the 2011 Census. There is a telephone help centre and an population groups. online help website. By accessing these facilities, the public will be In preparing for the 2011 Census, ONS recognised changes in able to find out more information about the census, get answers to society and technology that have taken place in the last 10 years questions that they may have, or arrange for field staff to visit (including increasing numbers of migrants, students, an ageing their homes to help them with their questionnaire or collect population, changing work patterns and complex living patterns). completed ones. Such assistance will be available in 56 different ONS has also addressed the key lessons learned from 2001, and languages. the small number of localised concerns about 2001 Census population We are also working with a wide range of bodies including estimates. local authorities, community groups and charities to see how they New questions can help us engage with those people who may need more help to Extensive research and testing has been undertaken in the complete their questionnaires, and to try and arrange events to development of new questions for the 2011 Census which reflect help people complete their questionnaires. Such events are designed user demand for information about changes in society. There are to compliment the different assistance already on offer to those six new questions including details of any second address which people within communities who have difficulty in completing will demonstrate where people actually spend their time and use their census questionnaires. Such difficulties may arise because of public services. This will improve the population counts in those disability, literacy or language issues. It is envisaged that such local authority areas that have a high proportion of people who events will be run by volunteers trained to assist with the completion live in the area during the week for work, but who return to of questionnaires and to answer questions on the 2011 Census in another residential address at weekends. Additional questions general. Guidance on running such events, as well as training, has about national identity, intention of migrants to stay and citizenship been prepared by ONS. will support a more detailed understanding of migration and Publicity and community media population change. ONS is increasing publicity and communication with a wide Online completion range of stakeholders and the general public. ONS plans to use In 2011 there is an option to complete a questionnaire online different methods depending on the audience needing to be for the first time, quickly and securely. This may particularly targeted. There will be a national advertising campaign including appeal to some harder to count groups such as young adults, TV, press, radio, and online advertising as well as billboards, and students and the visually impaired. transport advertising (such as tube, bus etc). Publicity will also be tailored to reach many target population groups such as black Resources targeted towards harder to count areas and minority ethnic groups and young people. As London has a ONS is recruiting 35,000 field staff for the field operation. A large concentration of these groups it will benefit, in particular, high proportion of field staff has been allocated to those areas from this approach. 535W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 536W

The publicity campaign will focus on the importance of the Table 1: Levels and proportions of the working population of UK, census in identifying the needs of different communities so that North West, Wirral unitary authority, Wallasey parliamentary local and national government, and other service providers, can constituency and the South East employed in (i) public and (ii) deliver what the community needs. The campaign puts this principle private sector at the very centre of all communication and marketing. July 2009 to June 2010 Level (thousand) Proportion (percentage) Community Organisers Public Private Public Private Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Wallasey ***11 ***26 29 71 Office what account will be taken of individuals’ South-east *918 *3,180 22 78 previous experience of charitable and community work Note: in the recruitment of Community Organisers to work Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality [33182] as part of the Big Society initiative. below. Guide to Quality: Mr Hurd: The overarching criteria for recruitment The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, will be developed by the National Partner once appointed the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely in partnership with the Cabinet Office. to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within Employment the range 180-220. Key: *0≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered Office what proportion of the working population of reasonably precise (a) Wallasey constituency, (b) the Wirral borough *** 10 ≤ CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable council area, (c) the North West, (d) the South East **** CV ≤ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too and (e) the UK are (i) employed in the (A) public unreliable for practical purposes sector and (B) private sector and (ii) unemployed. CV ≥ Coefficient of Variation [33864] Source: Annual Population Survey Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Table 2: Number of persons claiming jobseeker’s allowance resident in UK, North West, Wirral unitary authority, Wallasey parliamentary responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have constituency and the South East asked the authority to reply. November 2010 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: Proportion As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Level (percentage) have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what proportion of the working population of (a) Wallasey UK 1,407,975 3.5 constituency, (b) the Wirral Borough Council area, (c) the North North-west 172,855 3.9 West, (d) the South East and (e) the UK are (i) employed in (A) Wirral 8,125 4.3 the public sector, (B) the private sector and (ii) unemployed. Wallasey 2,740 4.9 (033864) South-east 126,770 2.3 Public sector employment statistics for local areas can be Source: calculated from the Annual Population Survey (APS). Table 1 Jobcentre Plus administrative system shows the levels and proportions of the working population employed in the private and public sector in (a) Wallasey, (b) the Wirral, (c) the North West, (d) the South East and (e) the UK. Environment Protection: West Midlands Data has been provided for the most recent APS period, July 2009 to June 2010. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject Chris White: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to a margin of uncertainty. Office how many people were employed in the Table 2 shows the number and proportions of persons resident environmental sector in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the in (a) Wallasey, (b) the Wirral, (c) the North West, (d) the South West Midlands on the latest date for which figures are East and (e) the UK claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for available. [33965] November 2010, the most recent period for which figures are available. JSA proportions are calculated using resident population aged 16-64. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the National and local area estimates for many labour market responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant asked the authority to reply. count are available on the NOMIS website at: Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Table 1: Levels and proportions of the working population of UK, have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking North West, Wirral unitary authority, Wallasey parliamentary how many people were employed in the environmental sector in a) constituency and the South East employed in (i) public and (ii) Warwickshire and b) the West Midlands on the latest date for private sector which figures are available (33965). July 2009 to June 2010 ONS does not currently publish estimates for the number of Level (thousand) Proportion (percentage) people employed in the environmental sector. Public Private Public Private

UK *7,189 *21,391 25 75 Chris White: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet North- *806 *2,255 26 74 Office how many businesses were created in the west environmental sector in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the Wirral **40 **88 31 69 West Midlands in each year since 2005. [33966] 537W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 538W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Enterprise births in Warwickshire county and the West Midlands for responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the manufacturing sector 2005-09 asked the authority to reply. Warwickshire West Midlands Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: 2007 1,300 155 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 2008 1,090 130 have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question 2009 1,035 110 asking how many businesses were created in the environmental sector in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the West Midlands in each year since 2005. [33966] ONS does not produce statistics on the number of businesses Public Sector: Procurement in the environmental sector. Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births, deaths and survivals are available from the ONS Stephen Mosley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet release on Business Demography at: Office if he will make an assessment of the merits of www.statistics.gov.uk authorising suppliers on the Office of Government Government Departments: Shared Services Commerce framework on a regional basis for the purpose of assisting small and medium-sized enterprises to tender for Government and local authority business in their Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet regions. [27396] Office whether he has plans to encourage Government Departments to co-locate and share services to reduce their costs; and if he will make a statement. [32261] Mr Maude: From March 2011 small businesses will be able to search for public sector procurement opportunities Mr Maude: Increased sharing of services across on the new ‘Contracts Finder’ facility. Not only will Departments presents an opportunity for significant suppliers be able to set search parameters to enable savings and improvements in service quality. The them to search for regional and local opportunities but Government’s Efficiency and Reform Group is working they will also get free e-mail alerts based on these with Departments to accelerate their use of shared preferences. services for back office services, such as finance, HR There are a number of buying organisations in the and procurement so that significant economies of scale United Kingdom which purchase on behalf of contracting can be delivered. authorities and Buying Solutions, part of the Efficiency Furthermore, the Government announced in the 2010 and Reform Group in Cabinet Office, is one of these. spending review that as a first step to introducing a Regional supply is often a consideration in Buying more co-ordinated approach to property asset management Solutions frameworks. Examples include regional lots in the public sector it would set up Property Vehicles for for NHS building and engineering maintenance and the Central London and Bristol office estate from 2011-12. regional pricing for provision of administration and The Government will announce further details in due clerical staff. All suppliers on Buying Solutions frameworks course. can subcontract to regional SMEs if required. Manufacturing Industries: West Midlands Mr Sanders: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps to (a) simplify and (b) standardise Chris White: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the pre-qualification procedure for small businesses Office how many businesses in the manufacturing wishing to tender for public contracts he is considering; sector were created in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the and when he expects to announce the outcome of his West Midlands in each year since 2005. [33968] consideration. [33510] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mr Maude: We issued a simplified, standardised pre- responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have qualification questionnaire last autumn, which since 1 asked the authority to reply. December has been mandated to central Government Letter from Stephen Penneck: Departments including their agents and agencies and As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I all non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Further have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question we are investigating ways in which suppliers can be asking how many businesses in the manufacturing sector were enabled to tell us their pre-qualification data once. created in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the West Midlands in each year since 2005. [33968] Announcements will be made on this work in due course. Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births, deaths and survivals are available from the ONS release on Business Demography at: Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Minister for the www.statistics.gov.uk Cabinet Office if he will bring forward proposals to The table below contains the latest statistics available, which encourage small and medium-sized businesses to apply show enterprise births in the Manufacturing sector for Warwickshire for Government contracts. [33519] County and the West Midlands from 2005 to 2009. Enterprise births in Warwickshire county and the West Midlands for Mr Maude: I made a number of announcements on the manufacturing sector 2005-09 opening up public procurement for SMEs at the Small Warwickshire West Midlands Business Summit on 1 November 2010. We are progressing 2005 1,260 155 those proposals as quickly as possible and we will be 2006 1,135 150 making announcements on further measures over the next few months. 539W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 540W

Social Housing: Income ONS does not produce statistics on the number of social enterprises. Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births, deaths and survivals are available from the ONS release on Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Minister for the Business Demography at: Cabinet Office what the median household income was www.statistics.gov.uk of a family in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the private rented sector and (c) owner-occupied accommodation in (i) the Dumfries and Galloway local Unemployment authority area and (ii) Dumfries and Galloway constituency (A) before and (B) after housing costs in Amber Rudd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the latest period for which figures are available. [31539] Office what his most recent estimate is of the number and proportion of workless households in (a) Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply. Hastings, (b) Hastings and Rye constituency, (c) East We use Households Below Average Income data to Sussex and (d) England. [33699] provide estimates of median incomes. However, the sample size of this survey is not sufficient to provide Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the estimates for low-level geographies such as those requested. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have The following table shows the median equivalised asked the authority to reply. disposable household income by tenure for Scotland, Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: before and after housing costs. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Median equivalised disposable household income, for families, by have been asked to reply to your question asking what recent tenure for Scotland, three year average 2006-07 to 2008-09, before and estimate has been made of the number and proportion of workless after housing costs households in (a) Hastings, (b) Hastings and Rye constituency, (c) Median equivalised disposable household East Sussex, and (d) England (33699). income for families The figures in the table attached are from the Annual Population Tenure type BHC AHC Survey (APS) household datasets. The latest data currently available is for 2009. The table shows estimates for England and East Owners 467 424 Sussex. Due to the specific nature of your request it is not Social Renters 291 235 possible to provide reliable estimates for Hastings and Rye constituency Private Renters 346 253 and Hastings unitary authority area because of small sample Notes sizes. 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). to a margin of uncertainty as different samples give different These use disposable household income, adjusted using modified results. These estimates are such that there is 95 per cent certainty OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as that from all samples possible they will lie within the lower and an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. upper bounds. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these Number and proportion of workless households1 in East Sussex and will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. England 3. The reference period for HBAI figures is single financial years. For Lower Upper countries and regions within the UK, three survey years have been Estimate bound2 bound2 combined as single year estimates are subject to volatility. 4. Incomes are presented in 2008-09 prices and have been rounded to Thousand the nearest pound sterling. 5. Families are defined as a single adult or couple living as married January to East 21 16 26 and any dependent children, including same sex couples (civil partnerships December Sussex and cohabitees) from January 2006. A household is made up of one of 2009 more families and is defined as a single person or group of people England 3,085 3,035 3,136 living at the same address as their only or main residence, who either share one meal a day together or share the living accommodation (i.e. a living room). In line with the wording of the question, analysis has Percentage been carried out at the family level. January to East 13.9 11.0 16.8 Source: December Sussex Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2006/07 to 2008/09 2009 England 18.1 17.8 18.4 Social Services: West Midlands 1 Households containing at least one person aged 16 to 64, where all individuals aged 16 or over are not in employment. Chris White: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2 95% confidence interval. Office how many social enterprises were created in the Source: APS household dataset. adult social care sector in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the West Midlands in each year since 2005. [33969] Unemployment: Richmond upon Thames Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asked the authority to reply. Office what recent estimate he has made of the number of workless households in Richmond Park Letter from Stephen Penneck: constituency. [32967] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many social enterprises were created in the adult Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the social care sector in (a) Warwickshire and (b) the West Midlands responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have in each year since 2005. [33969] asked the authority to reply. 541W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 542W

Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2011: Now that the review is complete, departmental officials As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I intend to make further contact with Irish officials to have been asked to reply to your question asking what recent follow up points raised by my hon. Friend the Member estimate has been made of the number of workless households in for Bracknell (Dr Lee) in the backbench debate on 14 Richmond Park constituency (32967). October 2010 and the subsequent meeting of 2 December The requested information is not available. Due to the specific with the hon. Member for Bracknell, my hon. Friend detail of the request, it is not possible to provide estimates for the the Member for North East Cambridgeshire (Stephen Richmond Park constituency because of insufficient sample sizes. Barclay) and my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie). Written Questions: Government Responses Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Mosley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Health pursuant to the answer of 1 November 2010, Office when he plans to answer Question 27396, tabled Official Report, column 630W,on blood: contamination, on 24 November 2010, on small and medium-sized how many patients in respect of whom freedom of enterprises and the OGC framework. [33149] information requests are outstanding because of patient confidentiality issues have been contacted by his Mr Maude: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Department to determine whether they wish to waive given today. patient confidentiality in the interests of disclosure. [33383]

HEALTH Anne Milton: There are currently no outstanding freedom of information requests on blood contamination. Arthritis: Health Services The Department has previously withheld five documents from the period 1975 to 1985 under section 40 of the Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Freedom of Information Act. what plans his Department has for the number of Two of these documents are curricula vitae. One is a rheumatology specialist nurses in the NHS; and if he list of names and curricula vitae. Two contain patient- will make a statement. [33095] identifiable information. As one of the patients concerned is dead, the Data Protection Act does not apply to one Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Information Centre of the documents. Workforce Census records numbers of nurses working The Department is currently considering how to release in some specialties. However, it does not record numbers the information contained within these two documents. of nurses working at rheumatology specialty level. It is for local national health service organisations to Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for recruit and train the staff best placed to serve their local Health (1) if he will make it his policy to (a) end the population. ban on homosexual and bisexual males donating blood, The expectation that the number of rheumatology (b) increase the opportunities for blood screening for specialist nurses is increasing is based on the rounded those wishing to donate blood and (c) fund a public care model for rheumatoid arthritis which is built around education programme for homosexual and bisexual males a multi-disciplinary team approach. Multi-disciplinary for the purposes of raising awareness of opportunities teams within rheumatology services see some of the for blood donation and screening; [33487] functions traditionally carried out by consultant (2) what the evidential basis is for prohibiting (a) rheumatologists appropriately transferred to other members homosexual and bisexual males, (b) male homosexual of the team, such as specialist nurses. couples in long-life monogamous relationships, (c) celibate National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence homosexual and bisexual males, (d) heterosexual males clinical guideline 79 ‘Rheumatoid arthritis: The who have had homosexual relations at school, (e) males management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults’ makes who last had homosexual sex in the 1960s and (f) males the multi-disciplinary team, including a specialist nurse, in the aforementioned categories who have had a blood a key priority for implementation. test to show they are HIV negative from giving blood; [33488] Blood: Contamination (3) when the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs will publish its review to Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for determine whether the ban on homosexual and bisexual Health pursuant to the paper deposited in the Library men donating blood should remain in place; and what consequent on the contribution by the Parliamentary the reasons are for the time taken to complete and Under-Secretary of State of 14 October 2010, Official publish the review; [33489] Report, column 567, on what dates since 14 October 2010 Ministers or officials in his Department have had (4) whether he has had discussions with his discussions on blood product contamination with their counterpart in (a) New Zealand, (b) Spain, (c) Italy, counterparts in the Republic of Ireland. [33335] (d) Japan and (e) Australia on their polices of allowing some homosexual and bisexual males to Anne Milton: There were exchanges of e-mail donate blood in certain circumstances; [33490] correspondence between departmental officials and officials (5) whether he has assessed the potential effects of in the Republic of Ireland regarding the HIV and his policy of banning homosexual and bisexual males Hepatitis C insurance scheme in the Republic of Ireland, from donating blood on the supply of donated blood on 26 and 27 October 2010, and 4 January 2011. available to the National Blood Service. [33491] 543W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 544W

Anne Milton: The Advisory Committee on the Safety blood, what estimate he has made of the number of of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) is currently people with haemophilia who have been infected with reviewing the evidence base for donor deferral in relation hepatitis C and who have received stage 1 relief to sexual behaviours, including the exclusion of men payments who will qualify for stage 2 relief (a) in the who have ever had sex with men. next year, (b) in the next four years and (c) in the next SaBTO had initially expected to report by the end of 10 years. [33892] 2010, but wished to wait for the results of an attitudinal study to current deferral policy, which only became Anne Milton: The measures announced in the Secretary available in late 2010. of State’s statement on 10 January 2011 apply to all The Committee is considering a wide range of data patients who have been infected with hepatitis C by and information, including sufficiency of blood supply. contaminated national health service supplied blood The review has also considered both international practice and blood products, not just haemophilia patients. We and the outcome of other reviews around the world. know of 4,675 people with haemophilia in the United SaBTO have also been in discussion with International Kingdom who were infected with hepatitis C by NHS- experts. In different countries, the epidemiological, social supplied blood products during the 1970s and 1980s. and other factors are unique and as a result, the outcome Published epidemiological estimates suggest that up to of each review may differ. 28,043 other individuals might have been similarly infected with hepatitis C by whole blood transfusions in the UK. SaBTO’s report, summarising the work of the donor deferral group, and SaBTO’s recommendations, once Estimates of those moving from Skipton Fund stage finalised, will be made public in due course. The report 1 payments to Skipton Fund stage 2 payments over the will include analysis of the evidence to support or refute next 10 years were calculated in two parts. First, the a change in deferral criteria in relation to sexual history. number of individuals whose diagnosis progresses to The Department will consider SaBTO’s recommendations allow them to receive stage 2 payments. Second, there once they have been made. may be people who already qualify for a stage 2 payment who have not yet claimed it, and who now come forward Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for to make a claim because of the recent increase. These Health pursuant to the statement of 10 January 2011, two parts are presented as follows. Official Report, columns 33-35, on contaminated blood, what discussions he had with the Health Patients who already qualify but have not Minister in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Scotland and previously come (c) Wales prior to the statement. [33890] Recipients from forward to make a new diagnoses claim

Anne Milton: There was liaison between the departmental 2011-12 64 20 officials and their counterparts in each devolved 2012-13 64 10 Administration. 2013-14 64 5 Departmental officials shared copies of the report of 2014-15 64 5 the clinical expert group and the cost estimates of the 2015-16 15 0 options under consideration with officials in each of the 2016-17 15 0 devolved Administrations during the course of the review 2017-18 15 0 of the support available to individuals infected with 2018-19 15 0 hepatitis C and/or HIV by national health supplied 2019-20 5 0 blood transfusions or blood products and their dependants. 2020-21 5 0 There were no discussions with Health Ministers in the devolved Administrations prior to the Secretary of State’s announcement on 10 January 2011. Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for The devolved Administrations have not yet decided Health pursuant to the statement of 10 January 2011, how they intend to proceed on this issue. Official Report, columns 33-35, on contaminated blood, (1) if he will set out the criteria for additional Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for discretionary payments to be made to people with Health pursuant to the statement of 10 January 2011, haemophilia who have been infected with hepatitis C Official Report, columns 33-35, on contaminated and are in serious financial need; [33893] blood, how many people with haemophilia who have (2) what additional support will be available to those been infected with hepatitis C have (a) received stage 1 people with haemophilia who have been infected with relief payments and (b) received stage 2 relief hepatitis C who qualify for stage 1 relief payments and payments to date. [33891] have other health problems. [33894]

Anne Milton: As at 31 December 2010, 2,173 people Anne Milton: The Secretary of State’s statement of with haemophilia, who have been infected with hepatitis 10 January 2011, Official Report, columns 33-35, announced C, have received an ex-gratia stage 1 payment from the that any individual who has been infected with hepatitis Skipton Fund, of which 354 people with haemophilia C as a result of their treatment with contaminated received a stage 2 payment. national health service supplied blood or blood products, and who is experiencing serious financial hardship, will Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for be eligible to apply for discretionary payments from a Health pursuant to the statement of 10 January 2011, new trust which is being set up. This applies to both Official Report, columns 33-35, on contaminated Skipton Fund stage 1 recipients and Skipton Fund 545W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 546W stage 2 recipients. The schedule for these new discretionary Chronically Sick People payments will be developed by the new trust, once it has been established. Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for The review report can be found at: Health whether he has made a recent estimate of the www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ number of people aged 60 years and over who have PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_123363 been diagnosed with more than one long-term condition. [33073] Care Quality Commission Paul Burstow: The Department does not collect data Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for separately on the number of people who have been Health what his policy is on the future of the (a) Care diagnosed with one or more long-term condition. Quality Commission and (b) General Dental Council; Information from the General Lifestyle Survey (2008) suggests that 6.1 million people in England aged 60 years and if he will make a statement. [32986] and over report themselves as having at least one long-term Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission condition. (CQC) is the independent system regulator of health Source: and adult social care services in England. The White General Lifestyle Survey, 2008 Paper “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS” stated that the role of the CQC would be strengthened Dentistry as an effective quality inspectorate across both health and social care. Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for The General Dental Council is the regulator of individual Health what recent representations he has received dental care professionals in the United Kingdom, and is from the British Dental Association on arrangements independent of the Department. The Department has for dental practices to register with the Care Quality no plans to change this. Commission; and if he will make a statement. [33145]

Cataracts Mr Simon Burns: The Department has recently received correspondence from the chief executive of the British Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Dental Association (BDA) setting out their concerns Health what recent representations he has received over the registration process with the Care Quality from the eye care industry on treating cataract patients Commission (CQC). The BDA postcard campaign raised with high technology lenses. [33164] the following issues: 1. duplication of CQC’s functions with those of other bodies; Mr Simon Burns: No such representations have been 2. registration fees; and received. 3. registration deadline. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for of State (Earl Howe) met with BDA officials last year to Health whether his Department has made a recent discuss the arrangements for registration and a further estimate of the average cost of hospital treatment for meeting is scheduled in early February. elderly patients with poor vision; and if he will make a statement. [33165] Dentists: Finance Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in the format requested. While the Department does collect Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the average costs to national health service providers of what estimate his Department has made of the average eye treatments and procedures, they are not sufficiently cost to dentists’ practices of introduction of the detailed to show the costs of treating elderly patients HTM01-05 control regulations. [33263] with poor vision. Mr Simon Burns: The cost of introducing the essential Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for quality requirements detailed in Health Technical Health when he plans to publish his proposals to give Memorandum (HTM) 01-05 should be minimal as they cataract patients and other health service users greater are very similar to the standards set in guidance on choice and control over their eye lens treatment; and decontamination issued by the British Dental Association whether he plans to allocate funding for the (BDA) with the support of the Department in 2003. For implementation of those proposals. [33167] practices already compliant with the BDA guidance, the only capital costs incurred would be for the installation Mr Simon Burns: As explained in the answers on of an extra sink for rinsing of instruments. 1 December 2010, Official Report, column 890W, and The recent Dental National Dental Decontamination 20 December 2010, Official Report, column 1015W, we Survey, which took place very soon after HTM 01-05 are currently consulting on proposals for giving patients was published, demonstrated that 70% of practices in and service users greater choice and control over their England were already compliant with these essential healthcare. The consultation closed on 14 January. We quality requirements, with approximately 20% very close will publish our response along with further policy to compliance. This demonstrates that for the majority proposals in spring 2011. We are not planning to allocate of practices, compliance with the HTM 01-05 guidance funding for the implementation of the choice commitments. has not been problematic. 547W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 548W

We have not yet set a date set by which dental (2) what research his Department has (a) practices should comply with the best practice requirements undertaken, (b) commissioned and (c) evaluated on set in the HTM. We wish to find out more about the the relationship between food intolerances and the extent and cost of the improvements that would be behaviour of children in the last 10 years. [33291] required. Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has Flu: Vaccination commissioned and funded two studies in 1997 and 2004 which focused on whether there is any association between consumption of certain mixtures of artificial food additives Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and hyperactive behaviour in children. The findings of if he will estimate the number of doses of flu vaccines both studies have been made available and were evaluated available for use in NHS facilities in (a) the London in 2007 along with other relevant information by the borough of Newham and (b) London. [33387] Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (the independent scientific Anne Milton: The information requested is not held committee that advises Government Departments and centrally. General practitioners (GPs) in England order agencies on the toxicity of chemicals) as well as being seasonal flu vaccine direct from the manufacturers, discussed and reviewed by the FSA Board and Health according to their patients needs. Ministers. About 14.5 million doses have been ordered from In addition, the FSA commissioned and funded a vaccine suppliers (both private and national health service) systematic review of the evidence on the effects of for the United Kingdom. Seasonal flu vaccine quantities nutrition, diet and dietary change on children’s learning, each year are usually between 14 and 15 million doses. behaviour and school performance. A total of 29 trials The Department is aware of some reports of seasonal were taken forward in the review, including studies flu vaccine supply issues in some areas. The NHS is examining the effect of breakfast, sugar intake, fish oil working to ensure that any local vaccine shortages are supplements, vitamin and mineral supplements and good managed effectively. nutrition. This review was unable to reach firm conclusions on the effect of diet on children’s performance and The Department is working with the NHS at the behaviour. The findings of the review were made available local level to ensure available supplies of surplus vaccine on the FSA website and published in a peer reviewed are moved to where there is a need for them. The chief journal in 2008. medical officer wrote to GPs in England on 6 January to confirm that they can use the H1N1 monovalent flu There are no plans to commission any further research. vaccine Pandemrix, which will help protect people most Heart Diseases at risk against the H1N1 virus which is causing the most illness. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Library. Health (1) how many planned admissions there were There are potentially over 12 million doses of Pandemrix for heart surgery following acute myocardial infarction available to the NHS if needed. in (a) each primary care trust and (b) England in each of the last five years; [33651] Food Intolerances (2) how many finished consultant episodes there were following acute myocardial infarction in (a) each Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health primary care trust and (b) England in each of the last what the most recent scientific advice he has received is five years. [33654] on the effects on the health of (a) children, (b) the Mr Simon Burns: A table showing the number of elderly and (c) pregnant women of exposure to dioxins finished consultant episodes with a primary diagnosis through the food chain. [33355] of acute myocardial infarction by primary care trust of residence and England from 2005-06 to 2009-10 has Anne Milton: In 2007 the Committee on Toxicity of been placed in the Library. Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Data are not collected for planned admissions for Environment confirmed the tolerable daily intake (TDI) heart surgery following acute myocardial infarction. for dioxins, which would protect humans including children, the elderly and pregnant women from all the Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for toxic effects of these chemicals. In January 2011, the Health how many patients were offered cardiac Food Standards Agency used this TDI as the basis for rehabilitation following acute myocardial infarction in assessing the risks from food products arising from the (a) each primary care trust and (b) England in each of use of liquid pasteurised egg made from eggs laid by the last five years. [33652] hens exposed to contaminated animal feed from Germany. Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect Food Intolerances: Children information about the number of patients who are offered cardiac rehabilitation following an acute myocardial Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for infarction. Health (1) what studies his Department has (a) However, there are data on cardiac rehabilitation undertaken and (b) commissioned in the last 10 years available from the latest National Audit of Cardiac on food ingredients and their effect on children’s Rehabilitation’s (NACR) report which can be found on behaviour; and whether he plans to (i) undertake and the NACR’s website at: (ii) commission further such research; [33293] www.cardiacrehabilitation.org.uk/nacr/docs/2010.pdf 549W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 550W

This includes information about the number of patients Hospital Beds who have had cardiac rehabilitation following a myocardial infarction. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to prevent bed Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for blocking in NHS facilities; [33265] Health what assessment his Department has made of the need for outcome measures in respect of readmission (2) what estimate his Department has made of the rates following acute myocardial infarction within the number of patients who are in hospital because of proposed NHS Outcomes framework. [33653] difficulty in determining a discharge destination. [33266] Mr Simon Burns: On 20 December, we published ‘The NHS Outcomes Framework 2011/12/, which set Paul Burstow: Information on delayed transfers of out the outcomes and corresponding indicators that care has never been collected in the level of detail will be used to hold the NHS Commissioning Board to necessary to estimate how many are due to difficulty account for delivering better outcomes for patients. The determining the discharge destination, because the essential document is available at: business needs of the Department cannot justify the http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ additional administrative burden on the bodies that @dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_123138.pdf would have to provide the data. A copy has already been placed in the Library. It is the responsibility of the national health service and its local partners, including social service departments, In determining the selection of the final indicators to ensure that no patient remains in a hospital bed for for the framework, the Department considered all longer than clinically necessary, and that any ongoing suggestions and comments received through the public care and support can begin promptly and the individual consultation, and analysed all potential indicators against is restored to independent living in the community as a set of criteria. As part of this process, we have quickly as possible. considered outcomes measures relating to readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Detailed This requires better working across the NHS and explanations of the rationales for the selection of the social care and so we have provided the funding and outcomes and indicators are set out in chapter 2 of ‘The clear direction in the NHS Operating Framework for NHS Outcomes Framework 2011/12’ (pages 10-32). the NHS and local government to make this happen. In The outcomes and indicators have been chosen with October, we announced £70 million for re-ablement in a view to creating a balanced set of national outcome 2010-11. From April, this will rise to £150 million and goals, which reflect the breadth of treatment activity for after that, £300 million each year has been earmarked which the national health service is responsible. It will for re-ablement up to March 2015. The NHS Operating therefore, not be possible to include outcome indicators Framework 2011-12 requires the NHS to work with its for all specific diseases and long-term conditions. Instead, social care partners in developing plans for investing in where appropriate, indicators have been selected which re-ablement services. seek to capture those outcomes that an individual with In addition, we announced that following a successful any condition would consider important. efficiency drive, the Department is able to make an extra £162 million available to the NHS for transfer to HIV Infection social care to spend in this financial year on helping people to leave hospital more quickly, get settled back Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health at home with the support they need, and to prevent what steps he is taking to reduce the variation between unnecessary admissions to hospital. local authority areas in respect of infection rates for Influenza: Vaccination HIV. [33177]

Anne Milton: In our White Paper ‘Healthy Lives, Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Healthy People: Our strategy for public health in England’, Health for what reasons GPs were not required to published on 30 November 2010, we set out ambitions contact carers to offer an influenza vaccination in the for the future of public health. Core features are the winter of 2010-11; and if he will encourage GPs to establishment of a new body, Public Health England, as provide vaccinations at home. [33674] part of the Department, and the return to local government of public health leadership and responsibility. A copy Anne Milton: There has been no change to the approach of the White Paper has already been placed in the Library. and guidance in respect of seasonal influenza vaccination On 20 December 2010, we published the consultation and carers this winter. The chief medical officer wrote document ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Transparency to the national health service on 23 June setting out the in Outcomes’. The document sets out how we will be arrangements for the 2010-11 influenza vaccination shifting power to local communities, enabling them to programme. This advice stated that seasonal influenza improve health across people’s lives, reduce inequalities vaccine should be offered to those in receipt of a carer’s and focus on the needs of the local population. We will allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older make it easier for local areas to compare themselves or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the with others across the country, and where possible how carer falls ill. performance is changing within areas, and lever The place where the vaccination is administered is a improvements. One of the proposed indicators is matter to be determined locally. If patients or carers are “Proportion of persons presenting with HIV at a late unable to attend a surgery or clinic for vaccination, we stage of infection”. A copy of the consultation document would expect alternative arrangements, including home has already been placed in the Library. visits, to be undertaken. 551W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 552W

Insulin: Finance Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust Number Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 what steps he is taking to encourage NHS healthcare Nursing support staff 568 540 570 490 446 trusts to provide funding and support for insulin pump (auxiliaries) therapy for children with diabetes. [33339] Notes: 1. The number of qualified bank nurses reported by the trust has Paul Burstow: The 2011-12 NHS operating framework increased by 450 between 2008 and 2009. highlights the provision of insulin pumps. It states that, 2. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but “NHS commissioners and providers must do more to ensure responsibility for data accuracies lies with the organisations insulin pumps are available for those people with diabetes that providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to meet the criteria recommended by the National Institute of improve data quality where changes impact on figures already Health and Clinical Excellence”. published. This is assessed but unless it is a significant at national The NHS National Technology Adoption Centre has level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. published guidance to support national health service Source: organisations in the adoption of insulin pumps. In The NHS Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Centre Non- addition, Dr Rowan Hillson, the National Clinical Director Medical Workforce Census. for Diabetes is currently chairing a working group that focus on the uptake of insulin pumps. Lyme Disease Interim Cancer Drugs Fund Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department holds on the number Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for of people diagnosed with Lyme disease in each region Health what steps he has taken to ensure that patients in each of the last three years; what his most recent with rare cancers have equitable access to funding for estimate is of the incidence of Lyme disease in the their treatment through the Interim Cancer Drugs South East; and what recent steps have been taken to Fund. [33502] prevent the spread of Lyme disease in that area. [33208] Paul Burstow: Decisions on which cancer drugs are funded from the additional £50 million made available Anne Milton: Data on confirmed cases of Lyme in this financial year are a matter for local clinically-led disease are not routinely available by region. Data on panels based on the advice of cancer specialists. We laboratory confirmed cases of Lyme disease in England expect these decisions to be informed by the guidance and Wales for the last three years are provided by the issued by the Department to strategic health authorities Health Protection Agency (HPA) as follows: in July 2010, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Mean annual We are currently consulting on our proposals for the Total reports incidence per Cancer Drugs Fund which will operate from April received 100,000 population 2011. The consultation asks for views on what advice 2007 797 1.49 we can give the clinically-led panels on the specific 2008 813 1.52 challenge posed by rarity and whether guidance should 2009 973 1.79 be issued on prioritising the fund application process, for example to rarer cancers. Specific analysis of provisional data for 2009 by the The consultation document “The Cancer Drugs Fund: HPA indicates that for the south-east health region, the A Consultation” is available at: incidence of confirmed cases of Lyme disease was www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/ 4.85/100,000. DH_120834 Information for the public on prevention and control and a copy has already been placed in the Library. The of Lyme disease is published on the Health Protection consultation is open until 19 January 2011. Agency’s website and is also available for travellers on the National Travel Health Network and Centre. Ipswich Hospital: Manpower Medical Schools Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) nurses and (b) auxiliary nurses were employed at Ipswich hospital in each of the last five Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for years. [33017] Health what proportion of the required national curriculum for medical schools relates to geriatric care. Mr Simon Burns: The following table shows hospital [33072] figures of nurses at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust as at 30 September each year. Anne Milton: There is no required national curriculum for medical schools. Each medical school is responsible Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust for developing its own curriculum. The General Medical Number Council (GMC) has statutory responsibility to determine 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 the extent and knowledge and skill required for the Qualified nursing, 1,327 1,270 1,319 1,275 1,740 granting of primary medical qualifications in the United midwifery and health Kingdom. It is the responsibility of the medical schools visiting staff to ensure that their detailed individual curricula meet 553W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 554W the standards set by the GMC, which are set out in their cognitive impairment, for example from dementia or document Tomorrow’s Doctors. This is available at: delirium, multiple medications (notably sedatives), visual www.gmc-uk.org/education/undergraduate/ impairment, fainting and acute medical illness. tomorrows_doctors_2009.asp The Government have not made a recent estimate of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: costs to the NHS in respect of the treatment in hospital Drugs of elderly patients resulting from falls in the home. The data that the Department collect on hospital admissions are based on diagnosis, as opposed to the cause of Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for illness or accidents. Health what modification criteria are applied by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence NHS: Recruitment when appraising drugs with potential patient numbers of less than 500. [33501] Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the annual Mr Simon Burns: Following the referral of a topic to cost to the NHS of recruiting staff as a consequence of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence the implementation of the European Working Time (NICE), technology appraisal guidance is developed in Directive. [33262] accordance with NICE’S published process and methods guides. Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected In 2009, NICE issued supplementary advice to its centrally. It is for individual national health service Appraisal Committees to clarify the circumstances in trusts to ensure that their service rotas are designed and which it might be appropriate to recommend potentially staffed appropriately. life-extending treatments licensed for terminal illnesses affecting small numbers of patients, as long as other NHS: Waiting Lists criteria are also met. Further information on NICE’S methods of technology Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) appraisal, including the supplementary advice issued in what information (a) primary care trusts, (b) GPs and 2009, is available at: (c) hospitals are required to provide to patients on www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/howwework/devnicetech/ their rights to access services within maximum waiting technologyappraisalprocessguides/guidetothemeth times; and if he will make a statement; [33668] odsoftechnologyappraisal.jsp (2) what forms of redress NHS commissioners are NHS Work Force Consultation able to offer to patients who are not treated within maximum waiting times; and if he will make a Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [33669] Health whether the forthcoming NHS workforce consultation will include the adaptation of that work Mr Simon Burns: On 1 April 2010, the Primary Care force to the requirements of an ageing population. Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities (Waiting Times) [33071] Directions 2010 came into effect. These established the rights for a patient to start consultant-led treatment Mr Simon Burns: “Liberating the NHS: Developing within 18 weeks from referral and be seen by a specialist the healthcare workforce”, a copy of which has already within two weeks of general practitioner referral for been placed in the Library, was published on 20 December suspected cancer, or where this is not possible, for the 2010. It proposes that responsibility for planning and national health service to take all reasonable steps to developing the work force is devolved to healthcare offer the patient a quicker appointment at a range of providers. alternative providers if the patient makes such a request. Healthcare providers are best placed to determine the Guidance for commissioners and providers on fulfilling size and shape of their own work force to respond to the their legal and contractual obligations in relation to needs of their staff, patients and local communities. patients’ rights to access services within maximum waiting times was published on 8 March 2010. This includes NHS: Older People good practice on raising patient awareness of their maximum waiting times rights. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Copies of the directions and guidance have been Health whether he has made a recent estimate of the placed in the Library. cost incurred by the NHS in respect of the treatment in hospital of elderly patients as a result of falls in the Patients: Transport home. [33179] Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: Hip fractures remain the most serious what assessment has he made of the effectiveness of the consequence of a fall and the Department’s recent service provided by Savoy Ventures Ltd under its estimate indicate that around 76,000 hip fractures occur contract for non-urgent patient transport at the South in the United Kingdom each year, and cost the national London Healthcare Trust; and whether this level of health service around £1.4 billion. performance differs from that of the previous Falls are not an inevitable consequence of old age; contractor. [34118] rather they are nearly always due to one or more underlying risk factors. Common risk factors include occurrence of Mr Simon Burns: This is a matter for the local national a previous fall, gait and balance problems, muscle weakness, health service. 555W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 556W

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges PPCs issued or purchased (England) Duration of certificates Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Financial for Health what estimates he has made of the number of year 3 month 4 month 12 month Total people in England who (a) currently use a pre-payment 2010-111 485,195 — 454,134 939,329 certificate and (b) purchased a pre-payment certificate 1 2010-11covers 1 April to 17 December 2010. in each of the last five years. [32627] Source: NHS Help with Health Costs (HwHC) PPC database Mr Simon Burns: Information is not collected on the number of people using a prescription pre-payment Primary Care Trusts: Prisoners certificate (PPC). Information on the number of PPCs valid on 17 December 2010 is shown in the following John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health table. pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Suffolk PPCs active1 on 17 December 2010 (England)2 Coastal of 21 December 2010, Official Report, column Certificate duration Number 1288W, on primary care trusts: prisoners, (1) how much was paid to GPs for drug treatment in Ranby prison in 3 months 166,386 each of the last three years; [33336] 12 months 673,078 (2) for what reason no figures were reported at Total 839,464 Ranby prison in the last three years. [33337] 1 The PPC expiry date was on or after 17 December 2010. 2 PPCs can have a start date one month prior to or one month after the date the application is received by NHS HwHC . Therefore the Paul Burstow: Information on payments to general number of active PPCs on 17 December may increase if backdated practitioners (GPs) for providing prison health care PPCs are issued. services is not collected by the Department. Since 2006, Source: primary care trusts (PCTs) have commissioned health National Health Service Help with Health Costs (HwHC) PPC database services in publicly run prisons in England and available information about payments made to GPs for drug The number of PPCs issued or purchased since 2005-06 services in Ranby prison is held by Bassetlaw PCT. is as follows. In common with many other trainer prisons, Ranby PPCs issued or purchased (England) prison did not disclose, any data to the National Offender Duration of certificates Management Service about the number of prisoners Financial receiving drug treatment in this prison in any of the last year 3 month 4 month 12 month Total three financial years, thus this data is not collected by 2005-06 — 638,413 524,232 1,162,645 the Department in respect of Ranby prison. 2006-07 — 650,782 520,449 1,171,231 The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse 2007-08 474,570 176,503 593,507 1,244,580 collects data on the number of individual prisoners at 2008-09 730,592 — 652,870 1,383,462 Ranby prison who commenced drug treatment in 2008-09 2009-10 714,594 — 662,588 1,377,182 and 2009-10 only and is shown in the following table.

Ranby prison: number of individuals commencing drug treatment and clinical performance in 2008-09 and 2009-10 No. of initial health care No. of new screens that receptions % of new result in (No. of No. receptions clinical No. No. of opioid initial entering entering substance receiving No. of opioid No. of opioid maintenance health care drug drug misuse first night stabilisations detoxifications prescriptions screens) treatment treatment1 assessment prescribing commenced commenced commenced

2008-09 2,111 472 22 238 10 0 0 16 2009-10 1,960 559 29 100 23 12 2 35 1 Data for numbers entering drug treatment may include alcohol clients and is the CARATS (Counselling, Assessment, Referral and Throughcare Services) caseload number of clients requiring non-clinical, lower level interventions. Source: National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse—Performance Data

Thame Community Hospital The primary care trust (PCT) schedule for the Thame scheme had previously indicated a requirement for funding of £4 million over the 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial John Howell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health years, and the Department had provisionally allocated what financial support his Department has provided £2.28 million for 2010-11. As a result of revisions made for the re-development of Thame Community to the project timetable by the PCT, in the light of Hospital; and what recent assessment he has made of changing local priorities, the project no longer requires the delivery of that project. [33024] any financial support from the Department in the 2010-11 financial year. Capital allocations for 2011-12 have yet to be finalised. Mr Simon Burns: The Thame Community Hospital redevelopment is one of 28 schemes approved under the community hospital programme. 557W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 558W

With respect to an assessment of the delivery of the Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign project, South Central Strategic Health Authority will and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received assess this when they receive the outline business case any requests for assistance from the Government of later this year. Australia in dealing with the recent serious floods in that country. [33906] Tobacco: Retail Trade Mr Jeremy Browne: I can confirm that I have received Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health no request for assistance from the Government of Australia what his timetable is for introducing the proposed ban in dealing with the recent serious flooding in Queensland, on the display of tobacco products in retail outlets. but we continue to stay in close contact with them. [33752] British Nationals Abroad: Homicide Anne Milton: The legislation ending displays of tobacco products is scheduled to commence for large shops on Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 1 October 2011 and for small shops on 1 October 2013. and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department plans to discuss the Support After Murder and The Government are looking at options around the Manslaughter Abroad draft Memorandum of display of tobacco in shops, recognising the need to Understanding with the (a) Home Office and (b) take action both to reduce tobacco consumption and to Ministry of Justice. [33797] reduce burdens on businesses. Mr Jeremy Browne: Consular officials are discussing the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the National Policing Improvement Agency, who are FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE co-ordinating with the other possible parties—Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Coroners Arab States: Overseas Trade Society. We will discuss with the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office, if appropriate, in due course. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for China: EU External Trade Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on promoting trade with Arab Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for countries and formulating strategic government assistance Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is to UK companies trying to export to the Arab world. on the EU embargo on exports of arms and military [33720] technology to China. [33595]

Alistair Burt: The Government are committed to Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government’s view is that building closer relationships with all our partners in the the time is not right to lift the EU Arms Embargo on Gulf and the wider middle east and north Africa, and China. promoting more UK trade and investment with the Departmental Visits Abroad region. I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on this. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which foreign counties have Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are working not been visited by a Minister from his Department in closely with my noble Friend the Minister of State for the last three years. [29477] Trade and Investment, Lord Green, and colleagues in UK Trade and Investment, in delivering advice and Alistair Burt: The following table shows countries assistance to UK exporters in line with the Foreign and visited by Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers Commonwealth Office’s Gulf and Commercial Diplomacy where costs incurred exceeded £500 in the last three Initiatives. financial years: 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. We do not hold records of trips under £500 centrally, and Australia: Floods obtaining this information would incur disproportionate cost. Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Between May and December 2010, Foreign and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Commonwealth Office Ministers visited the following Department is taking to assist Australia in respect of countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Australia, Austria, recent flooding in Queensland. [33629] Azerbaijan, Belgium, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Germany, Mr Jeremy Browne: My right hon. Friend the Prime Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Minister has spoken to Australian Prime Minister Julia Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Gillard and offered UK assistance should it be required. Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Despite the scale of the floods, her advice was that they Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, Panama, Philippines, did not need international support at this stage. Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, in coordination with Whitehall Departments, are actively United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, engaged with the Australian authorities on what assistance Yemen, and the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla the UK may be able to provide. and the Turks & Caicos Islands. 559W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 560W

Further details on Ministerial visits can be found at: 2007-08 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ministers- Country overseas-travel Minister of State Germany 2007-08 South Africa Country

Right hon. Margaret Beckett MP Belgium Right hon. Dr Kim Howells MP Afghanistan Secretary of State China Minister of State Bahrain Egypt Barbados Germany Brazil Japan Canada Luxembourg Chile USA Colombia Egypt

Right hon. David Miliband MP Afghanistan Ghana Secretary of State Bangladesh India Belgium Iraq China Jamaica Denmark Jordan Egypt Lebanon Finland Libya France Nigeria Germany Norway Iraq Oman Israel Pakistan Italy Peru Jordan Portugal Kuwait Qatar Luxembourg Saudi Arabia Pakistan Sri Lanka Palestine Turkey Portugal Uruguay Romania USA Slovenia

Spain Right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown Afghanistan Sweden MP Minister of State China Switzerland Egypt Turkey Ethiopia Uganda India USA Japan Kenya Right hon. Geoff Hoon MP Belgium Mongolia Minister of State Cyprus France Pakistan Greece Sudan Slovenia Switzerland Uganda

Jim Murphy MP Belgium USA Minister of State Bosnia France Lord Triesman Dominican Republic Germany Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Panama State Luxembourg Spain Netherlands Slovenia Meg Munn MP Ascension Spain Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Bermuda Turkey State Cayman Islands

Right hon. Ian McCartney MP Botswana Dominican Republic 561W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 562W

2007-08 2008-09 Country Country

Falkland Islands Yemen Jamaica Right hon. Jim Murphy MP Azerbaijan Mexico Minister of State Belgium New Zealand Czech Republic Panama France Singapore Georgia Thailand Germany Gibraltar 2008-09 Country Hungary Italy Right hon. David Miliband Afghanistan Secretary of State Belgium Luxembourg Bosnia Poland China Spain Czech Republic USA Egypt Finland Right hon. Caroline Flint MP Belgium France Minister of State Bulgaria Croatia Georgia Cyprus Germany Czech Republic India France Iraq Germany Ireland Greece Israel Ireland Japan Macedonia Kosovo Spain Kuwait Turkey Lebanon Ukraine Luxembourg Norway Right hon. Lord Malloch Brown Argentina Occupied Palestinian Territories Minister of State Bangladesh Pakistan Brazil Romania China Saudi Arabia Democratic Republic of Congo Serbia Egypt Slovakia Ethiopia Slovenia France South Africa Ghana Sudan India Sweden Japan Syria Kenya Turkey Maldives Ukraine Myanmar United Arab Emirates Nepal USA Netherlands Nigeria Right hon. Dr Kim Howells MP Algeria Norway Minister of State Bolivia Brazil Russia Germany Rwanda Morocco Saudi Arabia Peru Sierra Leone Qatar Singapore South Africa South Africa 563W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 564W

2008-09 2009-10 Country Country

Sri Lanka Poland Switzerland Portugal Thailand Russia USA Saudi Arabia Zambia Spain Sri Lanka Bill Rammell MP China Sweden Minister of State Indonesia Switzerland Israel the Netherlands Japan Trinidad and Tobago Libya Turkey Occupied Palestinian Territories USA South Korea Syria Bill Rammell MP Bahrain Tunisia Minister of State Cambodia Egypt Gillian Merron MP Brazil USA Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Jamaica Vietnam State Pakistan Right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown Angola Trinidad MP Minister of State Libya Meg Munn MP Australia Mozambique Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Barbados South Africa State Switzerland Belize USA Cambodia Costa Rica Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead Belgium Guatemala Minister of State Bosnia Malaysia Democratic Republic of Congo Mexico Ethiopia New Zealand France Niue (Pacific) Georgia Philippines Jamaica Singapore Kazakhstan Spain Kenya 2009-10 Luxembourg Country Nigeria

Right hon. David Miliband Afghanistan South Africa Secretary of State Belgium Sudan Bermuda Sweden Bosnia Switzerland Canada Trinidad and Tobago China Uganda Czech Republic USA Denmark France Ivan Lewis MP China Germany Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Dubai Gibraltar State Greece Egypt Ireland Iraq Italy Israel Jordan Lebanon Luxembourg Mali Pakistan Morocco 565W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 566W

2009-10 Mr Lidington: The Government’s priority is the EU Country Bill. This will increase democratic and parliamentary Palestine control, scrutiny and accountability in EU decision making. We have also begun initial work to review the Syria EU’s existing competences, to see if they strike the right Tibet balance between what should be done at EU level and USA national level. We will look at individual dossiers, such Yemen as the application of the working time directive in the UK, as well as the bigger picture. But, in accordance with the coalition agreement, we have been clear that Gillian Merron MP British Virgin Islands there will be no transfer of power or competence from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Colombia State the UK to the EU during the lifespan of this Parliament. USA Germany: Anti-Semitism

Chris Bryant MP Australia Belgium Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has Chile received of anti-Semitism in Brandenburg, Germany Colombia and the surrounding area; what recent representations Cyprus he has made to the Government of Germany on Germany anti-Semitism in that country; and if he will make a Greece statement. [33895] Laos Mr Lidington: The state Government of Brandenburg Luxembourg have said that in 2009 there were 109 instances of Mexico anti-Semitic crime in Brandenburg, four of them violent. New Zealand I have made no representations to the Federal Government Papua New Guinea of Germany on this matter. Peru The German Government take the rights of their citizens seriously. The German constitution, the basic Russia law, enshrines legal rights, including in matters of religion Spain or race. Article 1 provides for ’The Protection of Human Thailand Dignity’, Article 3 provides for ’Equality before the Turkey Law’ and Article 4 provides for ’Freedom of Faith, of Venezuela Conscience and of Creed.’ Section 130 of Germany’s Penal Code also criminalises Departmental Written Questions ’incitement to hatred’ against any segment of the population. This carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Gulf States: Politics and Government answer of 10 November 2010, Official Report, columns 325-26W, on the diplomatic service, what constitutes the calculation of disproportionate cost; and on how David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for many other occasions has this answer been provided by Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what work his his Department since May 2010. [33826] Department is undertaking with the government of Kuwait to encourage democratic reform amongst Gulf Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Cooperation Council countries. [33278] (FCO) provides written answers in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance which can be found at: Alistair Burt: We work closely with the Government http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/ of Kuwait to support their democratic process through guide_to_parliamentary_work.pdf ministerial, ambassadorial and working level discussions. Guidance on the disproportionate cost threshold is We also work closely with other Gulf partners on issued by Her Majesty’s Treasury in the form of a such issues. written ministerial statement. This was last issued in Mechanisms such as the annual European Union/Gulf January 2010 (20 January 2010, Official Report, column Cooperation Council Joint Ministerial Council, at which 15WS). Kuwait is represented, also allow for wider discussions No record is kept of the number of answers the FCO with all Gulf Cooperation Council partners. gives using disproportionate cost. These will be available in the Official Report. Ivory Coast: Elections

European Union Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for assistance he has offered in resolving the dispute in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which powers he establishing a legitimate government in the Ivory is seeking to repatriate from the EU. [33124] Coast. [34135] 567W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 568W

Mr Bellingham: The British Government fully support Alistair Burt: The UN inquiry panel, headed by Geoffrey the position taken by the African Union and the Economic Palmer, last delivered a progress report to the UN Community of West African States that Mr Alassane Secretary-General on 15 September 2010. The report Ouattara was the winner of the presidential elections in was largely procedural in nature, explaining the panel’s Cote d’Ivoire. We support the efforts of these bodies to understanding of the tasks at hand and working methods. resolve the political crisis. We will continue to support We understand the panel is due to deliver its final report measures that maintain pressure on Mr Laurent Gbagbo in March 2011 at the earliest. to cede power including sanctions against those impeding My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary welcomed the will of the democratic majority. the UN Secretary-General’s establishment of a panel of inquiry, and both Israel and Turkey’s commitment to Kuwait: Counter-terrorism participate. The panel has an important role to play in investigating and resolving the dispute over the Gaza flotilla incident and preventing future recurrence. It is David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for also vital that the existing national investigations proceed Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his swiftly, transparently and rigorously to ensure full Department provides to the government of Kuwait to accountability. combat terrorist organisations in the Middle East. [33273] Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Alistair Burt: The UK and Kuwait maintain close answer of 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 515W, co-operation on counter-terrorism policy. On 9 August on Palestinians: international assistance, what recent 2010 the UK and Kuwait signed a Memorandum of progress he has made together with his EU counterparts Understanding for security cooperation to facilitate the on further EU action for peace and security for Palestinians sharing of expertise and cooperate in the field of security and Israelis. [33371] in order to tackle any threats facing the two countries including fighting terrorism, organised crime and money laundering. Alistair Burt: The middle east peace process remains among the government’s highest foreign policy priorities. The recent visit to Kuwait made by my noble Friend My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Baroness Neville-Jones to speak at the Fourth Anti Israel and the Occupied Territories on 3-4 November Money-Laundering Conference highlighted the valuable 2010, during which he spoke with both Palestinian and work undertaken by the UK and Kuwait to combat Israeli Ministers to urge them to make progress. illicit financing across the globe. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary also continues to work closely with his EU counterparts and Middle East: Peace Negotiations the right hon. Baroness Ashton to explore the scope for further EU action. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for The UK supported the December 2010 EU Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what the Affairs Council conclusions which reaffirmed the EU’s objectives of Government policy on the Middle East stance supporting a negotiated two state solution. It Peace Process are for 2011; [33759] remains the UK view that this is the only sustainable (2) what his most recent assessment is of progress on solution with a viable Palestinian state existing alongside the Middle East Peace Process. [33760] a secure Israel recognised by her neighbours. These conclusions also expressed the EU’s concern over the prevailing situation in Gaza. The EU reiterated its call Alistair Burt: The window for peace in the middle for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening east is closing as the facts on the ground change: there is of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial an urgent need for progress to secure a two state solution, goods and persons to and from Gaza. based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two states and with a fair settlement for refugees. This is important for Israelis, for Palestinians Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for and for the international community, including the UK. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the We understand the depth of Israeli security concerns. answers of 14 June 2010, Official Report, column But the strength of our friendship means that we can 301W, and 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 515W, and must say frankly that we were disappointed that on Palestinians: international assistance, what recent Israel did not renew the freeze on settlement construction progress has been made on lifting the Gaza blockade; and that peace talks are currently on hold. We will and if he will make a statement. [33372] continue to work with the United States, the parties to the conflict and with our EU and UN partners to return Alistair Burt: Israel’s recent announcement on exports to direct negotiations to achieve a two state solution. was an encouraging step. The key will be implementation. We discuss these issues regularly with the Government of Israel and will continue to do so. Following the Palestinians: International Assistance recent announcement the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for had positive discussions with the Government of Israel Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress about the type and levels of exports they plan to achieve has been made by the UN inquiry panel chaired by in 2011. We want to see a return to pre-2007 levels of Geoffrey Palmer investigating the interception on 31 May exports in 2011 and have made clear that we stand ready, 2010 of the Free Gaza movement flotilla. [33294] with EU partners, to work with Israel to achieve this. 569W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 570W

Singapore: Press Freedom high commissioner spoke to Dr Slaa, Secretary-General of the Chama cha Maendeleo na Demokrasia (Party Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for for Democracy and Development) (CHADEMA), on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent 12 January 2011, following the funerals of those killed representations his Department has made to the during the demonstrations, to stress the need for a Government of Singapore on behalf of Mr Alan peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue. Shadrake; and if he will make a statement. [33829] Turkey: Religious Freedom Mr Jeremy Browne: In my statement of 16 November 2010, I expressed dismay that Mr Shadrake had been Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for convicted and sentenced to six weeks in jail in Singapore Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet his for expressing his personal views on the Singaporean Turkish counterpart to discuss the religious (a) rights legal system. and (b) properties of the Greek Christian minority in In January 2011, our high commissioner, Paul Madden, Turkey. [33402] raised Mr Shadrake’s case during his farewell call on Singapore’s Foreign Minister, George Yeo, highlighting Mr Lidington: Our embassy in Ankara raises the the UK position on freedom of expression. We will issue of respect for all religious minorities in its wider continue to call on all countries, including Singapore, to discussions on human rights with its Turkish counterparts. recognise the right to freedom of expression as set out Respect for religious minority groups was also raised in in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. the 2010 Progress Report on Turkey’s EU Accession process. Our high commission in Singapore will continue to provide consular assistance to Mr Shadrake, as they have done since his arrest in July 2010. Mr Shadrake is West Africa: EU Immigration currently appealing against his conviction. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Tanzania Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on financial assistance for North African Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State countries to deal with humanitarian issues relating to for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent West African migrants coming to the EU. [33722] reports he has received of the deaths of protesters in Arusha, Tanzania. [33495] Alistair Burt: Through the EU, the UK provides support to some north African countries to help implement Mr Bellingham: I was saddened to hear of the deaths their agreed country action plans. These funds support in Arusha of protesters who were demonstrating against work across a number of areas, including migration and the outcome of the mayoral election held in December strengthening the rule of law. The Department for 2010. Our high commission in Tanzania is monitoring International Development does not provide direct support the situation closely. Our high commissioner is in contact because it prioritises assistance to less developed countries. at the highest level with the Government of Tanzania and Opposition leaders to clarify the circumstances of these tragic deaths, and to urge for a resolution through political dialogue. TREASURY

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Banks: Northern Ireland for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had recent discussions with his Tanzanian counterpart; and if he will make a statement. [33496] Naomi Long: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the (a) Northern Mr Bellingham: The Under-Secretary of State for Ireland Executive, (b) Secretary of State for Northern International Development, the hon. Member for Eddisbury Ireland and (c) Secretary of State for Business, Innovation (Mr O’Brien) and I have had numerous discussions with and Skills on the effects on Northern Ireland of banking senior members of the Tanzanian Government concerning regulation. [33741] all aspects of our bilateral relationship. These discussions have included the future of our trade and development Mr Hoban: Treasury Ministers and officials have relationships, and our joint work to advance peace and discussions with a wide variety of organisations in the security in East Africa, in particular on the growing public and private sectors as part of the process of problem of piracy in the Indian ocean. policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State practice to provide details of all such discussions. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact the British High Commission in Tanzania has had with Capital Gains Tax opposition leaders in that country since their arrest in January 2010. [33497] Bill Esterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek a refund of the capital gains tax levied by Mr Bellingham: Our high commission staff have been the Spanish Government on British citizens which the in touch with senior representatives of the opposition European Court of Justice has declared to be discriminatory. party since news broke of their arrest on 5 January. Our [33672] 571W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 572W

Mr Gauke: These cases concern tax paid by individuals Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the to a foreign state. It follows that the UK Government answer given to him on 23 November 2010, Official has no direct involvement and it is for the individuals Report, column 271W. themselves to take forward any action if they believe Information on the annual turnover for each of the they have paid too much tax following a decision by the 15 years up to 2005 could be provided only at ECJ. disproportionate cost. Commodity Markets: Regulation Departmental Press: Subscriptions

Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the (1) what recent discussions he has had with his EU Exchequer how much his Department spent on press counterparts on the regulation of commodity cuttings services in each year since 1997. [28141] derivative markets; [33421] Justine Greening: Spending on press cuttings since (2) what steps he is taking to ensure transparency in 2002-03 is shown in the following table. Because of a commodity derivative markets for (a) regulators, (b) change in accounting system in 2002-03, information in market participants and (c) the public. [33424] relation to earlier years could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Hoban: A number of European initiatives seek to increase transparency in derivatives markets, including £ commodity derivative markets. These include: A proposed regulation on derivatives transactions, central 2002-03 279,717 counterparties and trade repositories, the detail of which is 2003-04 319,692 currently under negotiation in the European Council; 2004-05 268,198 A review of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 2005-06 300,825 (MiFID), on which the European Commission has recently issued 2006-07 229,632 a consultation paper; and 2007-08 201,509 A proposed regulation on energy market integrity and transparency, 2008-09 395,651 currently in the early stages of discussion in the European Council. 2009-10 322,729 The UK supports the G20 commitment to improve transparency in financial and commodity markets and EU: Budget is closely engaged in these processes. Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Departmental Bonuses Exchequer what the (a) gross and (b) net UK contribution to the EU budget was in each of the last John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 10 years. [34010] on which occasions he has discussed with the chief executives of (a) Royal Bank of Scotland Group, (b) Justine Greening: Figures for the UK’s gross and net Lloyds Banking Group and (c) Barclays (i) the contributions are available in the annual White Paper bonuses paid to their staff and (ii) their personal bonus on the “EU Budget and measures to counter fraud and since 1 December 2010. [34024] financial mismanagement”. The latest publication is available in the House Library as well as online at: Mr Hoban: The Chancellor of the Exchequer meets http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/european_union chief executives of UK banks on a range of issues. It is _finances_2010.pdf not the Government’s practice to provide details of all For convenience, the UK’s gross and net contributions such meetings and discussions. for the last 10 financial years are shown in the following table. Departmental Buildings UK contributions to EU budget1 £ billion John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gross contribution2 Net receipts3 how many windows of his Department’s premises in Whitehall were broken in (a) November and (b) 2001-02 4.8 -1.5 December 2010; and on what dates such breakages 2002-03 6.5 -3.1 occurred. [33407] 2003-04 7.5 -3.3 2004-05 8.5 -3.9 Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply as the windows 2005-06 8.1 -4.4 that were broken were in HM Revenue and Customs’ 2006-07 8.7 -3.5 office at 100 Parliament street. 2007-08 9.8 -4.2 Four window panels were broken on 24 November 2008-09 7.6 -3.0 2010 and 41 window panels were broken on 9 December 2009-10 9.5 -4.7 2010. 2010-11 12.6 -7.9 1 Source—Various editions of the EU budget White Paper, 2010-11 Departmental Labour Turnover projection from the OBR Autumn Forecast (Public Finances Supplementary Data, Table 1.6): http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/econ-fiscal- Jesse Norman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer outlook.html what the staff turnover rate in his Department was in 2 After UK abatement. each of the 15 years up to 2005. [33409] 3 Net of public sector receipts. 573W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 574W

Excise Duties: Fuels Department will undertake a study of the effects of such prices on rural economies; [34074] Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the (2) what the timetable is for discussions with the Exchequer if he will estimate revenue to accrue to the European Commission on his plans for a rural fuel Exchequer in a financial year from fuel duty levied at duty rebate; and if he will make a statement. [34075] the present rate on unleaded petrol and diesel on the basis of (a) the volume of fuel purchased in the most Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the recent financial year for which figures are available and answer given to the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an (b) an average price of £1.30 for diesel and £1.26 for Iar (Mr MacNeil) on 21 December 2010, Official Report, petrol. [34011] column 1143W. A range of evidence is being considered as part of the Justine Greening: Table C11 on page 100 of the June work prior to submitting a formal proposal to the Budget (HC61) forecasts receipts from fuel duty in European Commission for a pilot scheme that will 2010-11 and through to 2015-16. An update will be deliver a maximum of five pence per litre duty discount provided in Budget 2011 on 23 March. Information on on petrol and diesel in remote rural areas. fuel supply volumes is available at: www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=bulloil Income Tax Financial Services: Post Offices Matthew Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how many people will be taken out of if he will assess the merits of delivering independent income tax as a result of the £1,000 increase in the financial advice through the Post Office network. personal allowance in each (a) region, (b) local [33516] authority and (c) parliamentary constituency. [33367]

Mr Hoban: The Government have asked the Consumer Mr Gauke: June 2010 Budget estimates of the number Financial Education Body (CFEB) to deliver a free and of persons taken out of income tax as a result of the impartial national financial advice service that will be £1,000 increase in the personal allowance in 2011-12 by available to everyone in the UK online, over the phone Government office region are provided in the following and face-to-face, by spring 2011. This will increase table. levels of financial literacy and empower people to take charge of their finances. Number taken out of tax Government office region (thousand) CFEB invited bids to deliver the service last year. Post Office Ltd decided not to compete for the contract North East 38 as they did not have the capacity to provide the advice North West and Merseyside 107 required. Yorkshire and the Humber 79 East Midlands 64 Fuels: Prices West Midlands 77 East of England 83 Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the London 110 Exchequer if he will consider the merits of introducing South East 108 a fuel price stabiliser for the price of petrol. [33405] South West 76 Wales 41 Julian Sturdy: To ask the Chancellor of the Scotland 71 Exchequer whether his Department is considering the Northern Ireland 25 introduction of a fuel duty stabiliser. [33611] All 880

Mr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer These estimates are calculated using the HMRC Personal what plans he has to introduce a fuel price stabiliser. Tax Model, based on 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes [33613] data projected to 2011-12 in line with the June 2010 Budget assumptions. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the It not possible to produce reliable estimates for local Exchequer what consideration his Department has authorities and parliamentary constituencies due to given to the introduction of a fuel price stabiliser for small sample sizes at these levels of geography. petrol prices. [34121] Information on the distribution of taxpayer numbers Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Members for Hartlepool by LA and PC in 2007-08 is available on the HMRC (Mr Wright), York Outer (Julian Sturdy), Hendon (Mr website: Offord) and the right hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu-by- Bruce) to the answer given on 1 November 2010, Official year.htm#315 Report, column 665W,to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith). Matthew Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many basic rate taxpayers will pay less Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer tax as a result of the £1,000 increase in the personal (1) whether he has made an assessment of petrol prices allowance in each financial year from 2011-12 to in (a) rural and (b) island petrol forecourts; and if his 2014-15. [33368] 575W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 576W

Mr Gauke: In the June 2010 Budget it was estimated Northumbria in 2009-10. The exact number of awards that 23 million basic rate taxpayers will gain an average for a second or subsequent maternity for Northumbria of £170 in 2011-12. in 2009-10 is not available, but is estimated to be 52% of This estimate is calculated using HMRC Personal all awards, namely 2,500. Tax Model, based on 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes Notes: data projected to 2011-12 in line with June 2010 Budget 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our assumptions. preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using official/ Numbers of basic rate taxpayers who will benefit in national statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent later years will be broadly comparable, increasing gradually as official/national statistics and there are some issues with the over time assuming indexation of the basic rate limit. data; for example, the total number of Sure Start maternity grant Jobseeker’s Allowance awards for Northumbria does not include claims which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the 2. Both numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100. Exchequer if he will assess the likely effects of changes Source: to the claimant count forecast in the November Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund Policy, Budget Economic and Fiscal Outlook on projections for and Management Information System (for total number of awards expenditure on (a) jobseeker’s allowance and (b) for Northumbria). housing benefit. [33369] The estimate of 52% was obtained by analysing families in Great Britain with a child (or children) aged under one from the Mr Gauke: The information requested falls within Department for Work and Pensions Income Support and Jobseeker’s the responsibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility Allowance Quarterly Statistical Enquiries for August 2009. (OBR), and I have asked the OBR to reply. Letter from Robert Chote, dated 13 January 2011: Oil and Food: Prices As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the Office for Budget Responsibility I have been asked to reply to your Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer recent question. what assessment his Department has made of the effect The forecast effects of changes to the claimant count forecast on (a) inflation and (b) economic growth of likely in the November 2010 “Economic and fiscal outlook” on the increases in (i) oil and (ii) food prices in 2011. [33354] forecast for these benefits are shown in Table 4.16 of the “Economic and fiscal outlook” document. The figures are contained in the Justine Greening: The Government consider a range line in Table 4.16 that shows the change in DWP benefit payments of factors when making their assessment of the UK on account of changes in the economic assumption for unemployment. economy.The independent Office for Budget Responsibility The effects on benefits from the changes to the claimant count (OBR) set out its forecast for the economy in its November forecast shown in that table are in the order of £0.2 billion, or less. These figures cover changes to jobseeker’s allowance and housing 2010 “Economic and Fiscal Outlook”. The OBR’s inflation benefits, and also some negligible amounts to council tax benefit. forecast is broadly consistent with the Bank of England The OBR only shows forecasts of spending to the nearest £0.1 billion, and HM Treasury’s latest average of independent forecasts. and most of the changes to the underlying benefits are less than £0.1 billion. Pensions and Benefits: Uprating Lloyds TSB: Compensation Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Julian Sturdy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to consult the UK Exchequer whether his Department plans to take steps Statistics Authority on his proposed changes to the to address Lloyds TSB shareholders’ compensation index-linking arrangements for pensions and benefits; claims arising from the HBOS/Lloyds TSB merger. and if he will make a statement. [32020] [32128] Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply, and I apologise Mr Hoban: Treasury has received a letter written on for the delay in replying. behalf of certain shareholders in Lloyds, alleging that I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the the circular sent out by Lloyds to its shareholders in hon. Member for Glasgow North East (Mr Bain) on 8 advance of the HBOS acquisition was misleading, and November 2010, Official Report, column 100W. that Treasury is responsible for that. Treasury has replied, strongly refuting the allegation. Renewables Obligation Maternity Payments: Gateshead Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 23 November Ian Mearns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2010, Official Report, column 209W, on the renewables how many Sure Start maternity grants were made to obligation, if he will estimate the contribution of the mothers for a second or subsequent child by the renewables obligation to the total tax burden; and if he Jobcentre Plus social fund budget area that covers will estimate the sum attributed from the renewables Gateshead constituency in 2009-10. [19131] obligation to public expenditure. [33365]

Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply. Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility The Jobcentre Plus social fund budget area that covers (OBR) has published a forecast of the Renewables the constituency of Gateshead is Northumbria. A total Obligation (RO) in its “Economic and fiscal outlook” of 4,800 Sure Start maternity grants were awarded for on 29 November 2010. This forecast is consistent with 577W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 578W the ONS’s current methodology for evaluating tax and people had tax debts of under £10,000 in the latest spend through the RO, though the ONS are currently period for which figures are available; and how many reviewing this. and what proportion of these cases he estimates will be RO outturn and forecast data can be found in table referred to private sector debt collection agencies; 1.3 at: [33481] http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/ (2) whether his Department plans to allow private fiscal_supplementary_tables_291110.xls sector debt collection agencies to undertake door-to- The OBR also produce forecasts for the total tax door visits to taxpayers to recover debts. [33482] burden, known as National Accounts taxes in table 4.6 (p91) of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook. This is Mr Gauke: Centrally collated information on the available at: number and proportion of people who have tax debts of http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/ under £10,000 is not readily available and could be econ_fiscal_outlook_291110.pdf provided only at disproportionate cost. HMRC will be referring a range of types, sizes and Revenue and Customs: Liverpool ages of debts to private sector debt collection agencies in 2010-11 including debts relating to both individual Mrs Ellman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and business debtors. This will accelerate the collection (1) which individuals and organisations he plans to of lower value debts and is expected to generate an consult on the future of HM Revenue and Customs additional £140 million from debts that might otherwise staff and buildings in Liverpool following the outcome be written off. of the comprehensive spending review; and when he HMRC do not currently refer cases to private sector expects such consultation processes to commence; debt collection agencies for door-to-door visits and this [33219] work is currently undertaken in-house by HMRC. There (2) whom he plans to consult on the future of the are no current plans to change this approach. HM Revenue and Customs estate in Liverpool; and when he expects the consultation to take place. [34120] Taxation Mr Gauke: The purpose of the review of the Liverpool estate is to establish business requirements for the future Mr Byrne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and how this will shape estate requirements. As part of what the monetary value was of tax receipts for (a) this, HMRC will consult with the Government Property business services, (b) education, health and social Unit about the estate requirements of other Government work, (c) financial intermediation, (d) manufacturing Departments in the Liverpool area and internally with and (e) other wholesale and retail trade from (i) business managers and, via the trade unions, with members personal tax, (ii) direct business tax, (iii) consumption of staff. Consultation has already started and will be tax, (iv) property tax and (v) environmental tax in (A) taken forward jointly by HMRC’s Workforce Management 1998-99, (B) 1999-2000, (C) 2000-01, (D) 2001-02 and Programme and the Estate Consolidation Programme. (E) 2002-03. [33788]

Mrs Ellman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I if he will publish the results of the latest review of the gave him on 13 January 2011, Official Report, columns HM Revenue and Customs estate in Liverpool; and 463-64W. what options he is considering for the future of that The full breakdown of tax receipts outlined in the estate. [33220] question is not available. HMRC produce a breakdown by broad industrial Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has sector for corporation tax, PAYE income tax and class 1 not yet completed the latest review of its estate in national insurance contributions (NICs) and value added Liverpool. Options under consideration include the vacation tax (VAT), No breakdown by industrial sector for self- of its building at Queens Dock but no decisions have yet assessment taxation or property and environmental taxes been taken. This was communicated to staff at the four is available. offices in Liverpool in December. Discussions with As for the previous answer, historical figures for internal business units and the Government Property corporation tax receipts paid by several broadly-defined Unit in relation to wider civil estate needs have already business sectors for the years requested are published in started and HMRC expects to be able to publish the Table 11.1 on the HMRC National Statistics website: outcome of the review of the Liverpool estate in spring 2011. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/corporate_tax/table11_1.pdf Tax Collection: Debts For personal taxes a breakdown by sector can be produced for PAYE income tax and class 1 NICs received Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the by HMRC in respect of employee and employer liabilities. Exchequer (1) how many and what proportion of Figures for the requested sectors are as follows:

£ million 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03

Business services 22,830 26,582 28,050 27,948 Education 11,441 12,442 13,206 14,105 Health and social work 8,648 9,035 9,659 10,845 579W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 580W

£ million 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03

Financial intermediation 11,866 15,525 15,115 15,536 Manufacturing 24,185 24,752 23,925 23,731 Wholesale and retail trade 14,944 15,824 15,978 17,025

Figures are not available for years prior to 1999-2000. Mr Gauke: The impact assessment includes relevant The sectors are defined by the Office for National information to assess the costs, benefits and risks of Statistics’ Standard Industrial Classification 2003. proposed legislation and forms the basis on which decisions Declared VAT is published by trade group in the VAT are made. factsheet, table 2.3: There is no intention to prepare additional material https://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=factvat for publication other than has already been published. Archived factsheets provide figures for earlier years: The key findings and Government response set out in the document were informed by representations received https://www.uktradeinfo.com/ and meetings held with interested parties. index.cfm?task=factarchive&factcategory=8 Responses to question 5 in the consultation were not Figures for 2001, 2002 and 2003 not contained in the categorised as supportive or negative as this was a archived factsheets are in the following table. These factual question seeking evidence on regional variations. data relate to calendar years and are not available in financial year format. Figures for earlier years are not Taxation: International Co-operation available. Total net tax Dr Whiteford: To ask the Chancellor of the £ million Exchequer what tax information exchange agreements 2001 2002 2003 the Government have established with other countries; and whether he has any plans to review such Business 14,792 16,618 18,315 services agreements. [33384] Education 118 53 50 Health and 167 205 215 Mr Gauke: Tax information exchange agreements are social work in force with Bermuda, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Financial 500 725 969 the British Virgin Islands, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar and intermediation the Bahamas. Similar agreements have been signed with Manufacturing 9,733 12,267 12,924 Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua and Wholesale 18,886 19,350 20,759 Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and and retail the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, Belize, San Marino, trade the former Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and Liberia but these have yet to enter into force. The United Kingdom These sectors are defined by the Office for National can also exchange information with over 100 other Statistics’ Standard Industrial Classification 2003. jurisdictions through our network of agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and under bilateral agreements Taxation: Holiday Accommodation regarding the taxation of income from savings. All international tax agreements are kept under review. Mr Weir: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Information on all the UK’s international tax agreements with reference to his Department’s document, is available on the HMRC website. Furnished Holiday Lettings: a summary of responses, VAT: Charities (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the metrics (a) used in the impact assessment to calculate the anticipated differential impact on businesses in remote Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the and rural areas of changes to related eligibility criteria Exchequer what assessment he has made of the cost to and (b) which underpinned the conclusion that charities in 2011 of raising the value added tax rate to evidence suggested that the projected asymmetry was 20%; and if he will make a statement. [33809] not of sufficient scale to outweigh the considerations which led to the Government’s proposals; [33846] Mr Gauke: Charities benefit from a range of tax reliefs which for 2009-10 the Government estimate are (2) if he will place in the Library the numerical basis worth approximately £3 billion per annum. These include used to inform the impact assessment; [33847] reliefs from VAT; for example: VAT zero-rating on the (3) what field research was undertaken in Scotland sale of donated goods, medical and scientific equipment and Northern Ireland; and in what ways the findings of and, for qualifying charities, goods for use by disabled such research influenced the position set out in the key people. All zero rates are derogations from the normal findings and the Government’s response; [33848] EU VAT rules, and represent benefits not enjoyed by (4) how many (a) supportive and (b) negative responses charities elsewhere in Europe. were received to question five in his Department’s Charities carrying out non-taxable activities may incur consultation on furnished holiday lettings from respondents irrecoverable VAT on their purchases, but information in (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and is not available to assess accurately the amount or the (d) each region in England. [33802] effect of the increase in the standard rate of VAT. 581W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 582W

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: The Department has received no Exchequer if he will consider the merits of changing representations from Visit Britain on these points. The the value added tax (VAT) rules to ensure that charities hospitality sector has long argued that it should be are not adversely affected by the recent rise in VAT; and subject to a reduced rate of VAT. if he will make a statement. [33810] Ways and Means: Financial Statement

Mr Gauke: The Government inherited an exceptional Miss McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the fiscal challenge. The most urgent priority is to tackle the Exchequer pursuant to his contribution of 22 June record budget deficit to restore confidence in our economy 2010, Official Report, column 178, on ways and means: and support the recovery. We recognise that the increase financial statement, what progress has been made in the rate of VAT is unwelcome, but it is necessary to towards the introduction of a fuel stabiliser; if he will sustain public finances and ensure long-term fiscal stability. introduce a fuel rebate for residents of remote rural The Government support charities. Charity tax reliefs areas; and if he will make a statement. [34228] are currently worth around £3 billion a year, of which Gift Aid makes up over £1 billion, and the Government Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the are committed to retaining the existing VAT zero rates answers given to the hon. Member for Richmond Park for charities, which provide them with a benefit of (Zac Goldsmith) on 1 November 2010, Official Report, around £200 million. We will continue to look at options column 665W and to the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan within the VAT system where these are available to us an Iar (Mr MacNeil) on 21 December 2010, Official and affordable within agreed funding arrangements. Report, column 1143W.

VAT: Pensioners DEFENCE 15 Brigade Headquarters Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the average Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for annual cost to a pensioner of the increase in the rate of Defence if he will estimate the annual amount of value added tax. [34028] carbon dioxide emissions arising from travel of personnel between 15 Brigade headquarters and the Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I units under its command at (a) its current location in gave the hon. Member for Clwyd South (Susan Elan York and (b) a new location at Catterick. [33513] Jones) on 19 July 2010, Official Report, column 170W. Mr Gerald Howarth: It is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the carbon dioxide emissions VAT: Third Sector arising from the travel of between 15 (North East) Brigade headquarters and the units under its command at this time. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the amount Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for of additional value added tax to be paid by charities, Defence how many disabled service and ex-service voluntary organisations, and the third sector in each personnel work at (a) 15 Brigade headquarters and financial year to 2015-16 attributable to the increase in (b) other locations at Imphal Barracks, York. [33514] the basic rate of this tax on 4 January 2011. [33345] Mr Gerald Howarth: There are no disabled service Mr Gauke: Charities benefit from a range of tax personnel currently working at Imphal Barracks, York, reliefs which for 2009-10 the Government estimate are but 13 civilians working at the barracks have declared worth approximately £3 billion per annum. These include themselves as disabled. We are unable to say how many reliefs from VAT; for example: VAT zero-rating on the of those civilians are ex-service personnel, as civilian sale of donated goods, medical and scientific equipment personnel are not required to declare whether they are and, for qualifying charities, goods for use by disabled ex-service. people. All zero rates are derogations from the normal EU VAT rules, and represent benefits not enjoyed by Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for charities elsewhere in Europe. Defence if he will commission an equality and diversity report to assess the suitability of (a) the 15 Brigade Charities carrying out non-taxable activities may incur headquarters premises at York and (b) Bourlon irrecoverable VAT on their purchases but information is Barracks at Catterick for employment of disabled not available to assess accurately the amount or the service and ex-service personnel. [33515] effect of the increase in the standard rate of VAT. Mr Gerald Howarth: We regularly review our obligations under equality and diversity policies at all our bases and VAT: Tourism a review was conducted at 15 Brigade Headquarters in December 2010. Mr Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer There are no firm plans at present to locate further what recent representations his Department has units at Bourlon Barracks in Catterick. However, should received from (a) Visit Britain and (b) other interested a decision be made to develop Bourlon Barracks, we bodies on the effect on businesses in the (i) restaurant would comply with the legal requirements of the Disability and (ii) hotel sectors of the level of value added tax. Discrimination Act 1995, to ensure that the needs of all [33524] disabled personnel are taken into account. 583W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 584W

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Mr Gerald Howarth: None. Despite adverse weather if he will estimate the capital cost of bringing Bourlon conditions and technical issues, all members of the Barracks at Catterick up to the standard required for armed forces serving in Afghanistan who were due to be use as a brigade or garrison headquarters; if he will back in the UK for rest and recuperation over the estimate the staff redundancy and recruitment costs Christmas period arrived before 25 December 2010. which would arise from moving 15 Brigade headquarters from York to Catterick; and if he will carry out a full Armed Forces: Pensions investment appraisal before deciding where to locate the 15 Brigade headquarters. [33518] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of the level Mr Gerald Howarth: Bourlon Barracks is being retained of poverty among armed forces veterans who retired as a site for future development within the Catterick before 1975 and do not receive a full armed forces Long Term Development Plan, which could see additional pension; and what welfare provision his Department units being moved to Catterick. No estimate of costs offers to people who retired from the armed forces involved has been made since there are no firm plans at before 1975. [33079] present. A project team has been set up to review the headquarters Mr Gerald Howarth: No such estimate has been structure of the Regional Divisions and Brigades within made. The Government provide a comprehensive the UK and it is currently looking at the functional programme of support for all ex-service personnel. All responsibilities and span of control of each of the former service personnel facing difficulties in their civilian Brigades. This work is expected to be completed later lives, regardless of when they retired from service, have this year. access to the free Veterans Helpline and the Veterans Welfare Service which provides tailored advice and support to those in need. Afghanistan We are committed to rebuilding the Military Covenant and officials are in regular discussion with the Department Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for of Health, Ministry of Justice, Department of Communities Defence for what reasons the recently planned official and Local Government and the Department of Work visit to Afghanistan of James Blunt and Katherine and Pensions, the devolved Administrations and others Jenkins did not take place; and if he will make a to ensure that former servicemen and women receive statement. [33758] the services they deserve. Nick Harvey: Katherine Jenkins and James Blunt Former service personnel injured as a result of service were due to fly to Afghanistan on a civilian chartered before 6 April 2005 can apply for compensation in the aircraft on 20 December 2010. Due to a technical issue form of a war pension, and this includes those who a spare part was required. Unfortunately, by the time it served before 1975 and who are not in receipt of a full took to arrive and once a time to enter European armed forces occupational pension. For those whose airspace was reallocated (which was beyond our control), disablement affects their ability to work, additional the crew had exceeded their duty time, necessitating the provision may be made in the form of supplementary cancellation of the flight. With the general disruption allowances, paid in addition to the war pension. All to the airbridge and to civilian flights into and out of pensions and allowances are tax-free and can be worth the UK as a result of snow, they were understandably up to £520 per week. unable to rearrange their schedules. Therefore regrettably, the visit did not take place. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the criteria for entitlement to a full armed forces pension for people who retired from the Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations armed forces before 1975 were last reviewed; and if he will make a statement. [33209] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much rest and recuperation a soldier Mr Robathan: No such review has been conducted as serving in Afghanistan has received on average in each the criteria for entitlement to a full armed forces pension of the last three years. [33366] is the same for those who retired both before and after 1975. Mr Gerald Howarth: The information is not held Prior to 1975 officers who left service at age 55 with centrally and could be obtained only through a manual 34 years reckonable service and other ranks who left at search of records. However, on 22 July 2010, Official age 55 with 37 years reckonable service were entitled to Report, columns 29-30WS, my right hon. Friend the a full career pension. This qualifying period remained Secretary of State for Defence announced that all service the same when the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 personnel serving tours in Afghanistan and Iraq of six was introduced. months or longer will continue to receive two weeks mid-tour leave, but now with a guarantee that any days Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for lost owing to delays in transit or for any other operational Defence if he will assess the merits of extending reason, will be made up at the end of their tour. eligibility for an armed forces pension to those who retired from the armed forces before 1975. [33210] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers serving in Afghanistan Mr Robathan: No. It is a principle of public service assigned to home leave for Christmas 2010 did not pensions policy, and one that has been upheld by successive return to the UK by 25 December 2010. [33436] Governments, that any changes to pension schemes are 585W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 586W not made retrospective. It is a legal principle that individuals Nick Harvey: The following table gives the total receive the benefits in accordance with the scheme rules flying hours undertaken by each airframe of the VC10, in place at the time of their retirement. TriStar and Nimrod R1 fleets. Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred hours. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public Tail number Total flying hours purse of extending eligibility for a full armed forces VC10 pension to those who retired from the armed forces before 1975; and what proportion of his Department’s XV101 43,000 XV102 41,400 budget this would represent in 2011-12. [33211] XV104 38,700 Mr Robathan: No specific estimate has been made of XV105 38,000 the cost of backdating armed forces’ preserved pensions XV106 41,500 prior to 1975 but as the number of those affected is XV107 38,800 large, the costs would be considerable and likely to run XV108 38,400 into billions of pounds. XR808 43,200 ZA147 48,800 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for ZA148 47,400 Defence how many armed forces veterans who retired ZA149 41,700 before 1975 and do not receive a full armed forces ZA150 39,200 pension live in (a) Wigan constituency, (b) the North ZD241 52,100 West and (c) the UK. [33212]

Mr Robathan: This information is not held. TriStar ZD948 33,400 Greece: World War II ZD949 29,700 ZD950 31,300 Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for ZD951 29,900 Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that the ZD952 35,700 Red Arrows and the Royal Navy participate in the ZD953 29,900 Kalamata Memorial Service for the Greek Campaign ZE704 50,100 in May 2011. [34127] ZE705 51,800 ZE706 38,400 Mr Gerald Howarth: The Government fully endorse the importance of commemorating past conflicts in which UK forces were involved, showing respect for Nimrod R1 those who gave their lives in many parts of the world for XW664 21,100 their country. XW249 18,200 I can confirm that a request has been made for Royal The total flying hours of an aircraft do not on their Navy and Royal Air Force (Red Arrows) support at the own determine the operational utility, condition or Kalamata Memorial Service for the Greek Campaign in remaining service life. All aircraft have appropriate 2011 and this is currently under consideration. scheduled and preventative maintenance programmes. Met Office Aircraft can also be extended in service through specific programmes to extend fatigue-life and additional or Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State upgraded capabilities can be fitted to older aircraft. for Defence for what reason the Met Office published estimates in October 2010 which showed a 60 to 80 per Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for cent chance of warmer-than-average temperatures in Defence on what factors his Department’s decision of the winter of 2010; and what the scientific basis of such 28 February 2002 to discontinue the Sea Harrier FA2 estimates was. [33130] was based. [33742]

Mr Robathan: This was one piece of raw computer Nick Harvey: This decision to discontinue the Sea model output, published in the science area of the Met Harrier was made by the previous Government. I refer Office website for international collaboration with other the hon. Member to the answer provided by the then scientists and not issued as a long range forecast to the Minister for the Armed Forces on 28 February 2002, public. Met Office forecasts are produced by weighing Official Report, column 1453W. up all available evidence. In late October 2010, based on Military Bases: Okehampton all available evidence, the Met Office advised that there was an increased risk for a cold and wintry start to the winter season. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Military Aircraft room booking schedule for accommodation at Okehampton Training Camp for August 2011; and if Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for he will make a statement; [33617] Defence how many flight hours there are on each (2) how many beds there are at Okehampton airframe in the (a) VC-10, (b) TriStar and (c) Nimrod Training Camp; on what basis such beds are allocated; R 1 fleets. [33449] and if he will make a statement. [33618] 587W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 588W

Mr Gerald Howarth: A copy of the August 2011 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for electronic room schedule for Okehampton Training Camp Defence (1) how much less exceptionally severe is being placed in the Library of the House. disablement allowance a member of the armed forces Of the 776 beds at Okehampton Training Camp, only in each of the three forces retiring at each rank would 517 are covered by the contractual agreement between receive as a result of the change to link pensions to the Defence Estates and Landmarc Support Services. The consumer prices index from the retail prices index if use of any beds above that number is charged at a they lived until (a) 60, (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, higher rate. The current assessment is that all 517 beds (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) 95 and (i) 100 years; [34176] are required in August 2011 for military training purposes (2) how much less mobility allowance a member of (and on the basis of previous years it is likely that all the armed forces in each of the three forces retiring at 776 beds may be required in August for military personnel). each rank would receive as a result of the change to Beds are allocated in accordance with the military link pensions to the consumer prices index from the booking priorities set out in Joint Service Publication retail prices index if they lived to the age of (a) 60, (b) 907. A copy has been placed in the Library of the 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) 95 and House. (i) 100 years; [34177] (3) how much less invalidity allowance a member of RAF Kinloss the armed forces in each of the three forces retiring at each rank would receive as a result of the change to Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for link pensions to the consumer prices index from the Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of retail prices index if they lived to the age of (a) 60, returning the RAF Kinloss site to its original owners in (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) 95 its (a) current state and (b) original condition as and (i) 100 years; [34178] agricultural land. [33011] (4) how much less constant attendance allowance a member of the armed forces in each of the three forces Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has retiring at each rank would receive as a result of the not yet made an assessment. change to link pensions to the consumer prices index When an airfield is declared surplus to Defence from the retail prices index if they lived to the age of requirements it is normal for MOD to investigate the (a) 60, (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, Crichel Down (Former Owner) position. Whatever the (h) 95 and (i) 100 years; [34179] outcome of any eventual investigation, there is no obligation (5) how much less comforts allowance a member of to return it to its original condition. the armed forces in each of the three forces retiring at The Strategic Defence and Security Review concluded each rank would receive as a result of the change to that the RAF would not need Kinloss and two other link pensions to the consumer prices index from the bases; no final decisions have been made about alternative retail prices index if they lived to the age of (a) 60, military use. (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) 95 and (i) 100 years. [34180] War Pensions Mr Gerald Howarth: No assessment of the kind Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for requested can be made as future movements of the Defence (1) if he will estimate the change in retail price index and consumer price index rates are not unemployability allowance payable to a member of known. each of the armed forces at each rank living until (a) Such is the scale of the country’s economic problems 60, (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) that we inherited, no part of society—not even the 95 and (i) 100 years as a result of the use of the armed forces—can be fully exempt from the need to consumer price index rather than the retail price index find ways to reduce the budget deficit, and some tough to calculate such allowances; [34123] policy decisions have therefore had to be made. Armed (2) if he will estimate the change in disablement forces pensions and compensation benefits cannot be gratuity for each specified minor injury to a member of treated in isolation from other public sector schemes each of the armed forces at each rank living until (a) and benefits. 60, (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) 95 The emergency Budget announced that from April and (i) 100 years as a result of the use of the consumer 2011 the indexation of benefits, tax credits and the state price index rather than the retail price index to second pension will be based on the consumer prices calculate such sums; [34124] index (CPI) instead of the retail price index (RPI). This (3) if he will estimate the change in disability pension change will also apply to public service pensions through payable to a member of each of the armed forces at the statutory link to the indexation of the additional each rank living until (a) 60, (b) 65, (c) 70, (d) 75, pensions in long-term benefits. This link has been in (e) 80, (f) 85, (g) 90, (h) 95 and (i) 100 years as a place since 1979. result of the use of the consumer price index rather Legislation which governs the uprating of pensions than the retail price index to calculate such pensions; requires consideration to be given to increases in the [34125] general level of prices estimated in such manner as the (4) what estimate he has made of the savings which Secretary of State for Work and Pensions thinks fit—and will accrue to his Department from the change in therefore contemplates that different methods of doing pension indexation from the retail price index to the so may be used from time to time. The Government consumer price index in each financial year to 2019-20. consider that CPI, already used to set the inflation [34182] target for the Bank of England, is the appropriate index 589W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 590W to use going forward, and will provide protection against The review panel will be issuing an interim report in inflation. Unlike the RPI, the way the index is constructed spring 2011 and a final report in September 2011. is designed to take account of the fact that consumers Future decisions about CAFCASS and the wider family will tend to ‘shop around’, switching to cheaper alternatives justice system will be made in light of the panel’s when relative prices for similar goods change. conclusions. The change in indexation is forward looking, so future increases in the value of deferred pensions, or Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for pensions in payment will be based on the CPI. For this Education what the average time taken for the Children reason the Government believe that this is not a reduction and Family Court Advisory and Support Service to of accrued rights—public service pensions will continue allocate cases in each region was in the latest period for to be index linked and continue to protect individual which figures are available. [31753] pensions against increases in the cost of living. Tim Loughton: This question relates to an operational matter for which CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is responsible. I have EDUCATION asked CAFCASS’s chief executive, Anthony Douglas, to write to the hon. Gentleman with the requested Building Schools for the Future Programme information. A copy of the letter will be laid in the House Library in due course. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 1 November 2010, Official Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 607W, on Building Schools for the Education how many people the Children and Family Future programme, how many pieces of correspondence Court Advisory and Support Service employed in (a) his Department received in support of the ending of the its head office and (b) England in the latest period for Building Schools for the Future programme. [24810] which figures are available. [31755]

Mr Gibb: As noted in my reply to the hon. Member Tim Loughton: The Children and Family Court Advisory given on 1 November 2010, Official Report, column and Support Service (CAFCASS) England employs a 607W, the Department for Education is able to provide total of 2,037 staff. Of this number, 154 staff are information on the number of items of correspondence employed in its national office and the remaining 1,883 received on a specific subject but is unable to provide are based across England. This information was correct information on specific correspondence content. at 15 December 2010. Children in Care Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children (a) in total, (b) of asylum seekers Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for and (c) who had been trafficked entered local Education what plans he has for the future of the authority care in each of the last five years. [32389] Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. [31751] Tim Loughton [holding answer 10 January 2011]: The number of children who have entered care including Tim Loughton: The future of the Children and Family unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the last five Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) is years is included in the following table. We do not being considered as part of the Family Justice Review, centrally collect the number of looked-after children which is currently under way. who may have been trafficked into the country.

Children who started to be looked-after during the years ending 31 March1, 2, 3, 4, years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010, coverage: England Number 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

All children who started to be looked-after 24,600 24,000 23,300 25,700 27,800 Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who started to be looked-after 2,300 2,200 2,200 2,600 1,600 1 Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100. 2 Only the first occasion on which a child started to be looked-after in the year has been counted. 3 Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. 4 Figures exclude children looked-after under an agreed series of short-term placements. Source: SSDA903.

Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education asylum-seeking children, is included in the following how many children (a) in total, (b) of asylum seekers table. We do not centrally collect the number of looked-after and (c) who had been trafficked went missing from children who may have been trafficked into the country local authority care in each of the last five years. [32390] and who have gone missing from care.

Tim Loughton [holding answer 10 January 2011]: The number of children in care who went missing from care in the last five years, including unaccompanied 591W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 592W

Children looked-after who went missing from care during the year ending 31 March1, 2, 3, 4, 5, years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010, coverage: England Number 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

All children looked-after who went missing from care 890 970 980 930 810 Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children looked-after who went missing from 110 90 110 90 90 care 1 Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2 Figures exclude children looked-after under an agreed series of short-term placements. 3 Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. 4 Children who went missing on more than one occasion during the year have been counted once. 5 Includes looked-after children who were missing from care for a period of more than 24 hours. Source: SSDA903.

Children: Databases At the end of the 19 October meeting, I drew out some clear propositions which had emerged from the discussion as a starting point for further work. If a new ICT system is the solution, or Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for part of the solution, the children in scope should be limited to: Education what plans he has for the National Signposting those who are looked after; those with child protection plans; Service following the end of the ContactPoint database; and, subject to further consideration of legal issues particularly relating to consent, those who have been the subject of section 47 and if he will make a statement. [34126] investigations, it is important that any database only contains details of children known to be at risk, otherwise it could fall into Tim Loughton: The Department for Education has disrepute. Clear criteria would also need to be in place for the been exploring the practicality of a new national signposting removal of a child’s details from the database. service in detail, together with relevant partners. I have As you know, the Department has already explored the feasibility recently written to Professor Eileen Munro, to ask her of a ’national signposting system’. This work has concluded that: to consider this issue as part of her wider review into such a signposting service is technically feasible child protection, and she has agreed to take this on as among practitioners and their representatives there is no consensus part of her remit. I have placed a copy of the letter, over scope and purpose, but a presumption that if it goes which details some of the progress to date, and lays out ahead, its coverage should be tightly defined. As I have indicated, the scope for Professor Munro to consider this issue, in this is the presumption that I shall make the House Libraries. similarly there is a range of views on the practitioners who may need access, whether direct or mediated, to a signposting Professor Munro and I are agreed on the importance system of avoiding the creation of any unnecessary demands on social workers and others at the front line. Any there may be scope for improvement of existing protocols and local practice, rather than, or in addition to, a new tool solution must be firmly focused on helping front-line professionals to spend as much time as possible helping uncertainty over costs makes it problematic to commit to an vulnerable children and families. ICT-based project, and to judge the value as against other possible uses of the likely resource Professor Munro’s interim report is due at the end of the relationship between use of any new ICT system and January and she will submit her final report to Ministers professional practice is key, with a need to align with your by the end of April 2011. review’s recommendations on frontline practice. Letter from Tim Loughton, dated 8 November 2010: Given the discussions thus far on a national signposting service, and the stage you have reached on your review, you and I have I am writing further to the meeting with key partners on agreed an appropriate way forward. You will consider the key 19 October to confirm next steps in relation to a possible national underlying issues, notably: signposting service and the implications for your further work on your review of child protection. What do practitioners need to help them to quickly identify children who are the subject of protection plans or who are We share the starting position set out in my Written Ministerial looked after and who come to the notice of professionals working Statement of 22 July. Frontline practitioners need to be able to with them or who are presented for help by parents/carers in local provide support for the most vulnerable children when they move services outside their home areas? across local authority boundaries or access services in more than one area. Experience and research have shown the potential value Should any other categories of children be regarded as so of a quick and reliable means of discovering whether a child or vulnerable that practitioners need to identify them quickly, such young person has been or is the subject of a child protection plan as those who have been looked after or the subject of child and/or whether they are or have been a looked after child or protection plans in the past, or those who have been the subject of young person. Following the roundtable discussion, we agreed section 47 investigations? that it is worth considering a national approach to these issues. How effective are existing measures for supporting mobile We agree that any national approach must be fit for purpose, vulnerable children, and how might they be improved, including proportionate and relate to a clear need. It must also be cost the measures, in place across police and health services? effective and have benefits for the front line of child protection. What new or changed processes or tools, which may include This was not the case with ContactPoint. However, while recognising ICT solutions, would help frontline practitioners? that ICT can never be the whole answer to improving frontline The interactions of ’signposting’ with your review, including practice, it is worth considering whether ICT might play a useful any possible effects of a new IT system on social work practice role in supporting aspects of social work and the protection of children and young people—as indeed you have pointed out in and in the light of that, and of the cost-effectiveness of any your first review report. Our next steps on a possible national ICT solution, what priority should be given to development of signposting service must therefore be taken forward in that context. the kind of signposting service that has been discussed? 593W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 594W

The Department will support your consideration by gathering Departmental Marketing evidence by a variety of means, including in-depth studies in frontline settings and other forms of stakeholder engagement, and undertaking analysis. There will be no fixed assumption that Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education ContactPoint assets should be re-used. Issues to be considered in how much (a) his Department and (b) its non- this work will include: departmental public bodies spent on (i) literature-based, a. The use of small-scale pilots with LAs and/or busy A&Es, as (ii) television-based, (iii) telecommunications-based, (iv) well as other ways of gathering information, to clarify the scale electronic and (v) other campaigns and communications and nature of the ’problem’, model current and desirable practice targeted at young people aged 16 to 24 years on (A) and potential aids and solutions. employment (B) training opportunities and (C) welfare b. Use made currently of the current Missing Children Notifications in the last year for which figures are available. [27129] system, and how the system could be improved. To include (i) establishing the purpose of the system, investigating current Tim Loughton [holding answer 29 November 2010]: use, its strengths, and known issues There were no campaigns specifically aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds. (ii) collecting feedback from local practitioners and understanding what works/potential barriers However, the Department did run a campaign in 2009/10 to raise awareness of Connexions Direct among (iii) analysing evidence 13 to 19-year-old males and females, at a total cost of (iv) drawing conclusions on how the system could be improved £217,559.00. c. Use made currently of police databases; potential for further use of these systems and the new Police National Database. Departmental Operating Costs d. And specifically in case an IT solution looks desirable (i) The nature of any such solution that would offer best value Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for for money Education how much his Department and each of its (ii) which professionals should have access, directly or indirectly, non-departmental public bodies spent on administration and how likely are they to use it and find it useful in (a) 1997, (b) 2005 and (c) the latest year for which (iii) what data should be included, including possible inclusion figures are available. [32322] of school and GP registration data as an aid to signposting Tim Loughton: The Department’s spend on (iv) archiving and exit criteria for data in any IT system administration is set out in the following table: (v) the cost profile and affordability, embodying realistic assumptions about development and operational costs and the Administration costs (£000) implementation date. I should be grateful if you would participate at the appropriate 1997/98 247,107 level in the governance arrangements for this work, together with 2005/06 240,212 Sue White and officials who support your review. The Department 2009/10 184,090 will not start to develop any detailed documentation required for any ICT project until after a decision is taken to proceed. We do not have the information for our non-departmental I look forward to seeing an update on progress in your January public bodies as they do not record the costs for report and a final recommendation in your April report. administration separately in their Financial Resource Accounts. Letter from Professor Eileen Munro: 2005/06 and 2009/10 figures were taken from the Thank you for your letter dated 8 November confirming the Department’s Financial Resource Accounts and 1997/98 next steps we agreed in consideration of a national signposting service for children known to be at risk. I am happy to incorporate figures were taken from the Department’s Appropriation this issue and its implications into my review of child protection Accounts. in England and welcome your offer of support in gathering The figures are not directly comparable over the evidence to inform my recommendations. stated years due to changes in the Department’s I concur with your view that a national approach to signposting, responsibilities and the difference in accounting methods including any potential case for an ICT-based service, should be used. The 1997 figures were prepared on a cash basis shaped by what practitioners need to help them carry out their whereas all other figures were prepared using the accruals work to protect children. As you have highlighted, it will be method of accounting. important to give very careful consideration to the criteria for including children on the system and for removing their names. As you have suggested, I will work with Professor Sue White, Departmental Procurement other members of my reference group and officials working on the review, to consider what practice tools or systems are already Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State in place which could be built upon to meet practitioners’ identified for Education what steps (a) his Department and (b) needs rather than creating an unnecessary additional system. It goes without saying that the cost-effectiveness of any recommendations the non-departmental public bodies for which he is will be central to my thinking, particularly with regard to the responsible have taken to comply with the Guidance of wider issue my review is addressing of unnecessary bureaucratic the Office of Government Commerce on promoting demands on social work time. skills through public procurement issued in 2009. I would ask in addition that you consider preserving some [31314] funding for the national signposting work, in order that any recommendations I am minded to make are, if necessary, supported Tim Loughton: The Department and the non- by available resource. departmental public bodies (NDPBs) for which I am As you request, I will update you on my progress in January responsible have fully adopted the guidance issued by and seek to provide you with a final recommendation in my April the Office of Government Commerce on promoting report. skills through public procurement. 595W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 596W

Internal guidance has been produced and training Authority Level, but not at constituency level. EMA take-up is workshops have been delivered to all procurement staff defined as young people who have received one or more EMA in both the Department and NDPBs, on practical ways payments in the academic year. to implement this guidance. The 2010/11 take-up for Northumberland Local Authority area shows that at 31st October 2010 there were 3,059 young There is a requirement in all contracts for employees people in receipt of EMA. to have skills appropriate for the job, and clauses on From 2011/12, Education Maintenance Allowances will be basic skills and skill development are included when replaced by an enhanced learner support fund that will be administered appropriate. A requirement for apprenticeship places in by schools and colleges themselves, targeting those young people included in our standard terms and conditions, and the who face a real financial barrier to participation. The number of number of apprenticeship places secured through contracts young people who benefit from these new arrangements will is monitored at regular intervals. reflect local decisions so it is not possible to judge how many will receive financial support in future. Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who what (a) steps he is taking to encourage small businesses have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, to bid for contracts let by his Department and (b) 2006/07, 2007/08 2008/09 and 2009/10 is available on the YPLA recent guidance he has provided to small businesses on website, at the following address: bidding for such contracts. [32031] http://ema.ypla.gov.uk/resources/research/takeup/ Foster Care: Easington Tim Loughton: The Department fully complies with the package of support to open up Government procurement to help small and medium-sized enterprises Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for and third sector organisations recently announced by Education how many people in (a) Easington constituency, the Cabinet Office. (b) the North East and (c) England are (i) foster parents and (ii) registered for fostering. [31726] This includes streamlining the procurement process to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and waste, improving Tim Loughton: Ofsted’s data set (based on around an the transparency of public procurement opportunities 80% return from local authority and independent fostering and ensuring the timely payment by contractors to service providers) estimated that on 31 March 2009 sub-contractors. there were 33,008 approved fostering households in In addition to those measures, my Department already England. During 2008-09 there was a net increase of advertises all suitable contracts on the supply2gov website 1,005 households. A fostering household may consist of (a website aimed at SMEs), flags up any contract advert a single foster carer or a fostering couple. placed in the Official Journal of the European Union if Data on the number of foster carers with a child in there may be sub-contracting opportunities for SMEs, placement are not collected centrally. On 31 March uses simplified contractual documentation, encourages 2010, 47,200 children were looked after in a foster innovation through output based specifications, splitting placement (73% of all looked-after children)1. requirements into smaller lots, encourages the use of consortia, publicises tender documents on Contracts Data on the number of fostering households, and on Finder and supports new businesses through flexibility the number of foster carers with a child in placement, on qualifying documentation, e.g. financial accounts. are not centrally collected by constituency or by region. Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that Our external website contains guidance on bidding there are sufficient placements to meet the needs of the for business which includes how to prepare a tender, looked-after children in their area. tender evaluation, debriefing, departmental model terms 1 and conditions, prompt payment policy and promotes Source: the ‘Winning the Contract’ on-line course for small Statistical First Release for year ending 31 March 2010. businesses. Free Schools Education Maintenance Allowance: Northumberland Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Education how many applications his Department has whether he has made a recent estimate of the number of received from (a) teachers, (b) parents and (c) students in (a) Wansbeck constituency and (b) charitable groups wishing to establish a free school. Northumberland that will be affected by the ending of [23044] the education maintenance allowance scheme. [22932] Mr Gibb: To date, the Department has received over Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s 180 proposals to set up free schools. Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education Proposals come from a diverse range of groups. We maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. do not, however, require proposers to categorise themselves Peter Lauener the YPLA’s chief executive, has written as either teachers, parents or charitable groups. to the hon. Member with the information requested and Even if we were to do so, such information would be a copy of his reply has been placed in the House misleading as these categories are not mutually exclusive. Libraries. Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 17 November 2010: Health Education: Sex I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question PQ22932: Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Information on the number of young people who have received Education pursuant to the answer of 30 November Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available at Local 2010, Official Report, column 728W,on health education: 597W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 598W sex and his contribution of 17 November 2010, Official Nursery Schools: Finance Report, column 973, on funding and schools reform, whether sex and relationships education is (a) part of Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for the national curriculum and (b) within the scope of the Education what plans his Department has for the curriculum review. [32350] future funding of nursery education. [27101]

Mr Gibb [holding answer 21 December 2010]: Both Sarah Teather: Investment in the early years is absolutely primary and secondary schools must deliver the statutory critical in supporting child development. In his statement science curriculum which includes age appropriate on the outcome of the spending review on 20 October information on human biology; this is part of the 2010, the Chancellor announced that all three and national curriculum. In addition secondary schools are four-year-olds would continue to receive 15 hours per required to provide sex education as part of the basic week of free early education, and that, through an curriculum which must include education about HIV/AIDS additional investment of £300 million, this would be and other sexually transmitted infections. However, all extended to all disadvantaged two-year-olds by the end schools are encouraged to provide a broad programme of the spending review period. of sex and relationships education (SRE) through non- statutory personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) We are reforming the way in which funding for nursery education. education is distributed, helping to make the market fairer and more equitable by introducing a locally agreed I refer my hon. Friend to the response given on early years single funding formula (EYSFF), from April 30 November 2010, Official Report, column 728W,which 2011, to be applied transparently across schools and the explains that SRE will not be within scope of the wider early years sector. We will be consulting on the national curriculum review and that we intend to conduct future of school funding, including whether to introduce an internal review to determine how we can support a national funding formula, in spring 2011. As part of schools to improve the quality of all PSHE teaching. that consultation, we will also seek views on funding early years provision. Health Visitors: Finance Further announcements will be made about funding for other aspects of government support to nurseries Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for shortly as part of wider announcements on local authority Education what recent discussions he has had with the funding. This includes the support local authorities Secretary of State for Health on the Government’s provide to providers to drive improvements in quality plans for new funding for Sure Start health visitors and secure sufficient child care provision. proposed in the comprehensive spending review. [26685] The Government also provide support to parents who need to purchase additional child care to enable Sarah Teather: Ministers meet regularly to discuss a them to work through subsidies to parents through range of issues. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of child tax credit, tax relief on employer supported child State for Health and I have had meetings to discuss the care vouchers. Government’s commitment to recruit 4,200 new health visitors, and officials in the Department for Education and the Department of Health are working together Outdoor Recreational Activities: Disability closely. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Martyn Rose of the Big Society Network Education if he will take steps to increase the provision of outdoor recreational activities for disabled young people; and if he will make a statement. [31800] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether the (a) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families and (b) his officials have had Tim Loughton: Local authorities are responsible, under (i) discussions and (ii) correspondence with Martyn the general equality duty contained in the Disability Rose of the Big Society Network since his appointment; Discrimination Act, to promote equality of opportunity and if he will make a statement. [30950] for disabled people, encourage participation by disabled people and take steps to account of disabled people’s disabilities in respect of the services that they provide—so Tim Loughton [holding answer 15 December 2010]: in providing such services as outdoor recreational activities, On 18 October 2010 Mr Martyn Rose attended a National local authorities should be considering the needs of the Citizen Service Ministerial steering group to discuss disabled children that use them. external support for the NCS programme. At the meeting, Mr Rose offered to explore how potential NCS sponsors Over time, the National Citizen Service will give all could be best encouraged to organise any contributions 16-year-olds the opportunity to take part in a structured to the NCS programme during the pilot year. An initial programme and develop the skills needed to be active proposal was shared with the Department for consideration and responsible citizens, mix with people from different on 26 November, and the Department has yet to respond. backgrounds, get involved and do something positive in their communities. This will include a week long residential There is no record of any further written correspondence experience where young people will participate in a between Mr Rose and the Department between May series of outdoor challenges. We are working closely 2010 and now. with pilot providers to ensure that barriers to participation Tim Loughton and Mr Rose met for dinner on 23 June are removed and that young people with disabilities are 2010 and 17 November 2010. supported to participate fully. 599W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 600W

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education to tackle the deficit. The Department has no plans in the next spending review period to fund a central capital Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for programme dedicated to improving play facilities. It Education what steps he is taking as part of his will be for each local authority, with its local partners, Department’s review of personal, social health and to determine its own local priorities. economic education to improve financial advice and For the future, Government want to move control education for young people. [32488] over local expenditure away from the centre, so that decisions on what gets built where are taken locally, to Tim Loughton: We firmly believe that all young people make the most of the limited resource available. should benefit from high-quality Personal Social Health One of the big successes of the current play programme and Economic (PSHE) education, which includes financial has been the involvement of community groups in capability. Our aim for the PSHE review is to determine helping to improve the availability and quality of local how we can support schools to improve the quality of play areas, and we want this level of community engagement all PSHE teaching, including giving teachers the flexibility to continue. This should provide an opportunity for to use their judgment about how best to deliver PSHE children and young people, committed individuals and education. We will set out more details about the review local groups to continue to influence the development in due course. of play facilities in their areas. Private Education: Pupil Numbers Playgrounds: Capital Investment Mr Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of (a) Education what plans he has for capital expenditure on primary and (b) secondary school pupils in (i) Reading children’s playgrounds after the end of the Play East constituency and (ii) England attended Pathfinder funding scheme period in 2011. [26635] independent schools in each of the last five years. [29105] Sarah Teather: The Government acknowledge how important it is that children and families have safe, free Mr Gibb: The available information is shown in the local places to play and also recognise the benefits these following table. Since information for independent schools places bring to the wider community more generally. is only collected at school level, it is not possible to give However, the fiscal position that Government have figures for the number of pupils resident in a particular inherited means that difficult decisions have to be taken area attending independent schools.

Independent schools1: number and percentage of pupils aged 5 to 10 and 11 to 152,3 Position in January each year 2006 to 2010 Reading East parliamentary constituency England Pupils aged 5 to 10 Pupils aged 11 to 15 Pupils aged 5 to 10 Pupils aged 11 to 15 Number Percentage4 Number Percentage4 Number Percentage4 Number Percentage4

2006 540 8.7 1,310 24.9 200,440 5.5 233,820 7.2 2007 500 8.2 1,310 24.9 199,030 5.6 232,620 7.3 2008 490 8.2 1,280 25.2 198,480 5.6 233,710 7.4 2009 450 7.6 1,290 25.6 196,620 5.6 233,970 7.5 2010 490 8.2 1,300 25.7 192,400 5.5 234,110 7.6 1 Excludes city technology colleges and academies. 2 Age as at 31 August in previous year (start of academic year). 3 Information given is the number of pupils attending independent schools in Reading East parliamentary constituency and England, and not those that are resident in the constituency or England. 4 Number of pupils in independent schools expressed as a percentage of number of pupils in same age group across all schools (excludes dually registered pupils). Source: School Census

Pupils: Bullying Similarly, the national health service records information about the medical cause of a hospital admission through Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for its hospital episode statistics. Information about the Education whether his Department holds figures on reason behind an incident, however, may not be known the number of cases of (a) attempted suicide and (b) at the time of this recording, which means all attempted suicide among children and young people which are suicides are recorded as an admission due to intentional attributed to bullying. [32015] self-harm. In the 12 months proceeding October 2009, the most recent figures available, 12,279 children and Tim Loughton: The Office for National Statistics young people aged 0-17 were admitted to hospital in publishes death registration data, which includes data England having self-harmed. on the number of suicides of children and young people. However, only the medical cause of death is reported, Pupils: Per Capita Costs not the reason behind the incident, which is not always known and may be subject to further investigation after Mr Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for the registration of the death. We cannot therefore determine Education what funding per school pupil in the how many deaths registered as suicide are associated maintained sector was in England in each of the last with bullying. five years. [28965] 601W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 602W

Mr Gibb: The available information on funding per Education Act 2005. Ofsted records all judgements made by school pupil in the maintained sector in England in inspectors in section 5 inspections, including the judgement for each of the last five years is shown in the following overall effectiveness of the school. table: In 2008/09 and 2009/10 maintained schools inspected under the section 5 framework include nursery, primary, secondary Combined LEA and school based expenditure per pupil from 2004-05 to 2008-09 (including academies and city technology colleges), special schools England Expenditure per pupil (£) and pupil referral units. 2004-05 4,140 In Cumbria there were 96 maintained school inspections in 2005-06 4,450 2008/09, of which 7 schools inspected were judged outstanding for their overall effectiveness. In 2009/10 there were 104 maintained 2006-07 4,710 school inspections, of which 11 schools inspected were judged 2007-08 5,050 outstanding for their overall effectiveness. Table A below shows 2008-09 5,340 this information by parliamentary constituency. Schools: Inspections In the North West government office region there were 1,003 maintained school inspections in 2008/09, of which 216 schools inspected were judged outstanding for their overall effectiveness. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2009/10 there were 898 maintained school inspections, of Education how many schools received a classification which 116 schools inspected were judged outstanding for their of outstanding in Ofsted reports in (a) each overall effectiveness. constituency in Cumbria, (b) the North West and (c) In 2008/09 there were 7,065 maintained school inspections in England in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [28077] England, of which 1,327 schools inspected were judged outstanding for their overall effectiveness. In 2009/10 there were 6,171 maintained Mr Gibb [holding answer 2 December 2010]: This is a schools inspections, of which 782 schools inspected were judged outstanding for their overall effectiveness. matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to my hon. Friend and a copy of her Ofsted releases the outcomes of maintained school inspections as official statistics three times a year on the website. Statistics response has been place in the House Libraries. covering the outcomes of maintained school inspections carried Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 30 November out during 2009/10 were released on 23 November and can be 2010: accessed at: Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as www.ofsted.gov.uk Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister During the 2008/09 and 2009/10 academic years, maintained of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both school inspections have been carried out under section 5 of the Houses.

Table A: Number of schools in Cumbria, North West and England where the overall effectiveness judgment was found to be outstanding in academic years 2008/09 and 2009/10 Schools overall effectiveness graded ‘outstanding’ Total inspections 2008/09 2009/10 2008/09 2009/10

Barrow and Furness 0 3 11 16 Carlisle 0 0 7 13 Copeland 2 2 18 17 Penrith and the Border 1 1 20 25 Westmorland and Lonsdale 1 4 15 17 Workington 3 1 25 16 Cumbria total 7 11 96 104

North West 216 116 1,003 898

England 1,327 782 7,065 16,171 1 There were 6,172 inspections in the 2009/10 academic year, One primary school is excluded from this analysis because its inspection report is currently withheld from publication.

Schools: Management Sure Start Programme: Disability

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for what steps he has taken to refocus Sure Start on improving Education whether he plans to set upper and lower the life chances of disadvantaged children since the limits for pupil numbers in free schools; and if he will announcement of the outcomes of the comprehensive make a statement. [4808] spending review. [26614]

Sarah Teather: The comprehensive spending review Mr Gibb: Free schools, like academies, have the flexibility settlement reflected the Government’s commitment to in making a wide range of decisions. Free schools will Sure Start. It has been protected in cash terms, including have the freedom in deciding the number of pupils in new investment in health visitors. This includes retaining the school. Free schools must have a minimum of five a national network of children’s centres with a core pupils of compulsory school age. the upper limit of universal offer while also ensuring they deliver proven pupils in a free school will be dependent on the size of early intervention programmes to support families in the school. the greatest need. 603W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 604W

As set out in my Department’s Business Plan, we are: Tim Loughton: The information requested is not currently developing a Sure Start children’s centres reform programme, held centrally as the data available does not separate by March 2011; newly qualified teachers nor provide information on the working with local authorities to develop a plan to increase class of teachers’ degree qualifications. voluntary and community sector involvement within Sure Start children’s centres, improve accountability arrangements, increase The most relevant data available in answer to parts the use of evidence-based interventions and introduce greater (a) and (c) of the question are taken from the Secondary payment by results by March 2011; Schools Curriculum and Staffing survey (SSCSS) in introducing a new Early Intervention Grant to provide local 20071 and are provided in the following tables. Table 1 authorities with the funding they need to support Sure Start gives the numbers and proportions of all science teachers and other intervention programmes, by June 2011. of year groups 7-13 by level of qualification (in any Teachers: Qualifications subject). Table 2 gives the numbers and proportions of all science teachers by level of qualification in the subject they taught to year groups 7-13. The same Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for information is provided for maths and English teachers Education how many and what proportion of newly- as a comparison. qualified science teachers have (a) a degree, (b) an upper second class degree or higher, (c) a degree in a 1 http://publications.education.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/ science subject and (d) an upper second class degree or DCSF-RR026.pdf higher in a science subject. [32204]

Table 1: Highest post A-level qualifications1 held by full-time equivalent secondary school teachers2 of year groups 7-13 in England 2007

Highest post A-level qualification in any subject

Degree3 BEd PGCE Cert Ed Other qual. No qual. Any No. of post teachers A-level qual.

%±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 % Thousand

Combined/ 61 ± 2 6 ± 1 15 ± 2 1 ± 0 2 ± 1 16 ± 2 84 32.1 General science

Biology4 85±35±24±21±11±13±2978.9

Chemistry4 83±24±28±21±11±14±2968.0

Physics4 75±57±39±41±12±27±3937.3

Other 73 ± 6 7 ± 2 6 ± 1 1 ± 1 3 ± 2 10 ± 6 90 5.0 sciences4

Mathematics 54 ± 2 10 ± 1 14 ± 2 2 ± 1 3 ± 1 16 ± 2 84 30.8

English 71 ± 2 9 ± 2 5 ± 1 2 ± 1 1 ± 0 11 ± 3 89 32.8

All 59 ± 2 10 ± 2 9 ± 1 2 ± 1 3 ± 1 17 ± 2 83 214.3 subjects3,5

1 Where a teacher has more than one post A-level qualification in the same subject, the qualification level is determined by the highest level reading from left (Degree) to right (Other Qual.). For example, teachers shown under PGCE have a PGCE but not a degree or BEd in the subject, while those with a PGCE and a degree are shown only under Degree. 2 Teachers are counted once against each subject which they are teaching. 3 Includes higher degrees but excludes BEds. 4 Teachers qualified in combined/general science are treated as qualified to teach biology, chemistry, or physics. Teachers qualified in biology, chemistry or physics are treated as qualified to teach combined/general science. 5 “Other” not included in total percentages. 6 The confidence intervals provide an indication of the accuracy of the percentage estimate. Source: Secondary Schools Curriculum and Staffing Survey 2007. Base: 214,270 teachers. Table 2: Highest post A-level qualifications1 held by full-time equivalent teachers in the subjects2 they taught to year groups 7-13 in England 2007 Highest post A-level qualification in the subject taught Degree3 BEd PGCE Cert Ed Other qual. No qual. Any No. of post teachers A-level qual. %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 % Thousand

Combined/ 58 ± 2 5 ± 1 15 ± 2 1 ± 0 2 ± 1 19 ± 2 81 32.1 General science Biology4 85±35±24±21±11±14±2968.9 Chemistry4 83±24±27±21±11±14±2968.0 Physics4 72 ± 4 6 ± 2 8 ± 3 1 ± 1 2 ± 1 10 ± 3 90 7.3 Other 39 ± 5 1 ± 1 2 ± 1 1 ± 1 4 ± 2 53 ± 5 47 5.0 sciences4 Mathematics 47 ± 2 9 ± 1 14 ± 2 2 ± 1 3 ± 1 25 ± 2 75 30.8 English 62 ± 2 9 ± 1 5 ± 1 2 ± 1 1 ± 0 21 ± 2 79 32.8 605W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 606W

Table 2: Highest post A-level qualifications1 held by full-time equivalent teachers in the subjects2 they taught to year groups 7-13 in England 2007 Highest post A-level qualification in the subject taught Degree3 BEd PGCE Cert Ed Other qual. No qual. Any No. of post teachers A-level qual. %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 %±CI6 % Thousand

All 43 ± 1 7 ± 0 7 ± 0 1 ± 0 2 ± 0 38 ± 1 62 214.3 subjects3,5 1 Where a teacher has more than one post A-level qualification in the same subject, the qualification level is determined by the highest level reading from left (Degree) to right (Other Qual.). For example, teachers shown under PGCE have a PGCE but not a degree or BEd in the subject, while those with a PGCE and a degree are shown only under Degree. 2 Teachers are counted once against each subject which they are teaching. 3 Includes higher degrees but excludes BEds. 4 Teachers qualified in combined/general science are treated as qualified to teach biology, chemistry, or physics. Teachers qualified in biology, chemistry or physics are treated as qualified to teach combined/general science. 5 “Other” not included in total percentages. 6 The confidence intervals provide an indication of the accuracy of the percentage estimate. Source: Secondary Schools Curriculum and Staffing Survey 2007. Base: 214,270 teachers.

Regarding part (b) of the question, the Training and courses held a 2:2 or above in their first degree, 91% of Development Agency (TDA) for Schools holds information those who gained QTS via employment based routes on the degree classification of final year trainee teachers held a 2:2 or above. Table 3 provides the numbers and who have gained qualified teacher status (QTS). In the percentages of final year trainees who have gained QTS academic year 2008/09, 88% of all final year trainees specialising in science, by classification of their first specialising in science who gained QTS via mainstream degree.

Table 3: Postgraduate initial teacher training courses: Final year trainees who have gained QTS specialising in science by classification of their first degree, Years: 2004/05 to 2008/09, Coverage: England Mainstream courses Number Percentage 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

1st 210 230 230 200 230 10.0 10.1 10.3 9.3 10.7 2:1 900 990 990 960 950 43.1 43.9 43.8 44.3 43.5 2:2 700 780 810 730 740 33.2 34.8 35.8 33.7 33.8 Third 170 140 130 150 140 8.1 6.1 5.9 7.1 6.5 Pass 70 60 50 80 70 3.2 2.7 2.4 3.7 3.1 Total with 1,110 1,220 1,220 1,160 1,180 53.1 54.0 54.1 53.7 54.2 2:1 and above Total with 1,810 2,000 2,030 1,890 1,920 86.3 88.7 89.9 87.3 88.0 2:2 and above Unclassified 50 60 40 40 50 2.3 2.5 1.8 1.8 2.4 Total 2,090 2,250 2,250 2,160 2,180 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Employment based courses Number Percentage 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

1st 40 50 50 60 60 10.7 13.0 12.2 15.5 14.4 2:1 160 160 200 160 190 40.1 41.7 48.3 44.8 48.2 2:2 110 120 100 100 110 28.2 30.0 24.4 27.6 28.0 Third 30 30 30 20 20 7.6 6.4 6.5 6.6 4.0 Pass 50 30 40 20 20 13.5 8.7 8.6 5.5 5.3 Total with 200 220 250 220 250 50.8 54.7 60.5 60.2 62.6 2:1 and above Total with 310 330 360 320 360 78.9 84.7 84.9 87.8 90.7 2:2 and above Unclassified 000000.00.30.00.00.0 Total 390 390 420 360 400 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Notes: 1. Includes final year trainees who have gained QTS via postgraduate initial teacher training courses. 2. Includes those with UK degree on entry. 3. Selects those trainees specialising in science. 4. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: TDA’s Performance Profiles. 607W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 608W

In future more complete information will be available Tim Loughton: The information requested is not currently centrally from the new School Workforce Census. The held centrally as the data available do not separate census will collect annual information on the qualifications newly qualified teachers nor provide information on the of all teachers in maintained secondary schools in class of teachers’ degree qualifications. England, the subjects that they are teaching and an The most relevant data available in answer to parts indicator, which will enable us to determine whether (a) and (c) of the question are taken from the Secondary they are a newly qualified teacher. The first full collection Schools Curriculum and Staffing survey (SSCSS) in of the census is currently under way and the findings 20071 and is provided in the following tables. Table 1 are due to be published in April 2011. gives the numbers and proportions of all maths teachers of year groups 7-13 by level of qualification (in any subject). Table 2 gives the numbers and proportions of Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for all maths teachers by level of qualification in the subject Education how many and what proportion of newly- they taught to year groups 7-13. The same information qualified mathematics teachers have (a) a degree, (b) is provided for Combined/General Science and English an upper second class degree or higher, (c) a degree in teachers as a comparison. mathematics and (d) an upper second class degree or 1 http://publications.education.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/ higher in mathematics. [32205] DCSF-RR026.pdf

Table 1: Highest post A-level qualifications1,2 held by full-time equivalent secondary school teachers of year groups 7-13 in England 2007 Highest post A-level qualification in any subject Degree3 BEd PGCE Cert Ed Other qual. No qual. Any post A- level qual. (%) No. of teachers % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 (thousand)

Mathematics 54 ± 2 10 ± 1 14 ± 2 2 ± 1 3 ± 1 16 ± 2 84 30.8 Combined/ 61 ± 2 6 ± 1 15 ± 2 1 ± 0 2 ± 1 16 ± 2 84 32.1 General science4 English 71 ± 2 9 ± 2 5 ± 1 2 ± 1 1 ± 0 11 ± 3 89 32.8 All subjects3,5 59 ± 2 10 ± 2 9 ± 1 2 ± 1 3 ± 1 17 ± 2 83 214.3 1 Where a teacher has more than one post A level qualification in the same subject, the qualification level is determined by the highest level reading from left (Degree) to right (Other Qual.). For example, teachers shown under PGCE have a PGCE but not a degree or BEd in the subject, while those with a PGCE and a degree are shown only under Degree. 2 Teachers are counted once against each subject which they are teaching. 3 Includes higher degrees but excludes BEds. 4 Teachers qualified in combined/general science are treated as qualified to teach biology, chemistry, or physics. Teachers qualified in biology, chemistry or physics are treated as qualified to teach combined/general science. 5‘Other’ not included in total percentages. 6 The confidence intervals provide an indication of the accuracy of the percentage estimate. Source: Secondary Schools Curriculum and Staffing Survey 2007 Base: 214,270 teachers Table 2: Highest post A-level qualifications1 held by full-time equivalent teachers in the subjects2 they taught to year groups 7-13 in England 2007 Highest post A-level qualification in the subject taught Degree3 BEd PGCE Cert Ed Other qual. No qual. Any post A- level qual. (%) No. of teachers % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 % ±CI6 (thousand)

Mathematics 47 ± 2 9 ± 1 14 ± 2 2 ± 1 3 ± 1 25 ± 2 75 30.8 Combined/ 58 ± 2 5 ± 1 15 ± 2 1 ± 0 2 ± 1 19 ± 2 81 32.1 General science4 English 62 ± 2 9 ± 1 5 ± 1 2 ± 1 1 ± 0 21 ± 2 79 32.8 All subjects3,5 43 ± 1 7 ± 0 7 ± 0 1 ± 0 2 ± 0 38 ± 1 62 214.3 1 Where a teacher has more than one post A level qualification in the same subject, the qualification level is determined by the highest level reading from left (Degree) to right (Other Qual.). For example, teachers shown under PGCE have a PGCE but not a degree or BEd in the subject, while those with a PGCE and a degree are shown only under Degree. 2 Teachers are counted once against each subject which they are teaching. 3 Includes higher degrees but excludes BEds. 4 Teachers qualified in combined/general science are treated as qualified to teach biology, chemistry, or physics. Teachers qualified in biology, chemistry or physics are treated as qualified to teach combined/general science. 5 ‘Other’ not included in total percentages. 6 The confidence intervals provide an indication of the accuracy of the percentage estimate. Source: Secondary Schools Curriculum and Staffing Survey 2007 Base: 214,270 teachers

Regarding part (b) of the question, the Training and on the degree classification of final year trainee teachers Development Agency (TDA) for Schools holds information who have gained qualified teacher status (QTS). In the 609W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 610W academic year 2008/2009, 81% of all final year trainees held a 2:2 or above. Table 3 provides the numbers and specialising in maths who gained QTS via mainstream percentages of final year trainees who have gained QTS courses held a 2:2 or above in their first degree, 78% of specialising in maths, by classification of their first those who gained QTS via employment based routes degree.

Postgraduate initial teacher training courses: Final year trainees who have gained QTS specialising in Maths by classification of their first degree. Years: 2004/05 to 2008/09. Coverage: England Mainstream courses Number Percentage 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

1st 170 210 190 180 170 12.4 14.9 13.0 14.4 13.1 2:1 460 470 490 440 460 33.3 33.6 34.6 35.9 34.6 2:2 480 440 500 400 470 34.7 31.3 35.1 32.5 35.3 Third 160 160 150 120 110 11.2 11.1 10.7 9.4 8.4 Pass 80 70 60 50 60 6.0 4.9 3.9 3.9 4.8 Total with 2:1 and 640 680 680 620 630 45.8 48.6 47.6 50.3 47.8 above Total with 2:2 and 1,120 1,110 1,170 1,010 1,090 80.5 79.8 82.7 82.8 83.1 above Unclassified 30 60 40 50 50 2.2 4.2 2.6 3.8 3.8 Total 1,390 1,390 1,420 1,220 1,320 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Employment based courses Number Percentage 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

1st 40 50 50 40 50 13.1 16.0 17.7 13.9 15.6 2:1 90 100 90 110 110 32.5 34.9 33.2 37.9 37.1 2:2 80 80 80 80 80 28.8 28.8 27.7 26.8 26.9 Third 30 30 30 20 30 9.9 8.9 9.2 7.5 8.5 Pass 40 30 30 40 30 15.7 9.6 12.2 13.9 11.6 Total with 2:1 and above 130 140 140 150 160 45.6 50.9 50.9 51.8 52.7 Total with 2:2 and above 200 220 210 220 230 74.5 79.7 78.6 78.6 79.6 Unclassified 0 100000.01.80.00.00.3 Total 270 280 270 280 290 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Notes: 1. Includes final year trainees who have gained QTS via postgraduate initial teacher training courses. 2. Includes those with UK degree on entry. 3. Selects those trainees specialising in Maths 4. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: TDA’s Performance Profiles

In future more complete information will be available to Postgraduate Certificate of Education courses had centrally from the new School Workforce Census. The (a) a first class degree, (b) an upper second class census will collect annual information on the qualifications degree, (c) a lower second class degree, (d) a third of all teachers in maintained secondary schools in class degree and (e) lower than a third class degree in England, the subjects that they are teaching and an the last year for which figures are available. [32206] indicator, which will enable us to determine whether they are a newly qualified teacher. The first full collection of the census is currently under way and the findings Tim Loughton: The number and percentage of first are due to be published in April 2011. year trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses by the classification of their first degree is Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for given in the following table. This information is provided Education how many and what proportion of entrants for the latest year for which final data are available.

Proportion of postgraduate trainees in their first year of ITT courses by classification of first degree, year: 2008/09 Coverage: England Mainstream Employment based Number Percentage Number Percentage

Total with 2:1 and above 12,990 60.8 3,070 59.6 Total with 2:2 and above 19,770 92.6 4,670 90.6 1st 1,850 8.6 510 9.9 2:1 11,150 52.2 2,560 49.7 2:2 6,780 31.7 1,590 30.9 3 680 3.2 210 4.1 Pass 460 2.2 280 5.4 Unclassified 440 2.1 * * 611W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 612W

Proportion of postgraduate trainees in their first year of ITT courses by classification of first degree, year: 2008/09 Coverage: England Mainstream Employment based Number Percentage Number Percentage

Total 21,360 100.0 5,150 100.0 “*” = less than 5 or a rate based on less than 5. Notes: 1. First year entrants to post graduate ITT courses. Includes universities and other Higher Education Institutions, SCITT and Open University and employment based routes. 2. Classification of first UK degree only. 3. Unclassified includes cases where degree class was undefined or unknown. 4. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: TDA’s Performance Profiles

Teachers: Training Mr Gibb [holding answer 2 December 2010]: The following table provides the full-time teacher vacancies Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education in local authority maintained nursery/primary and what training his Department plans to provide to non- secondary schools in Cumbria local authority and England specialist primary school teachers in respect of (a) in each January, 1979 to 2010. physical education and (b) after school clubs after Teacher vacancies in local authority maintained nursery/primary and secondary schools. Each January 1979 to 2010. Coverage: Cumbria local authority and April 2011. [25029] England Cumbria local authority England Tim Loughton: The Department confirmed in February Nursery and Nursery and 2010 that there will be 18,640 primary initial teacher primary Secondary primary Secondary training places in 2010/11. We are currently considering the position for future years. 19791 n/a n/a n/a n/a All primary trainees must demonstrate that they have 19801 n/a n/a n/a 3,310 met the requirements of the Qualified Teacher Status 19811 n/a n/a n/a 2,060 standards before being awarded that status. Trainees 19821 n/a n/a n/a 2,060 must know and understand the relevant statutory and 19831 n/a n/a n/a 1,840 non-statutory curricula and frameworks for their subjects 19842 n/a n/a n/a 1,830 and curriculum areas, and other relevant information 19852 n/a n/a n/a 1,900 applicable to the age and ability range for which they 19862 n/a n/a n/a 2,400 are trained. 19872 n/a n/a n/a 2,510 We are committed to improving the quality and status 19882 n/a n/a 2,400 2,000 of teaching which will include improving the quality 19892 n/a n/a 3,120 2,420 and rigour of initial teacher training. We also want to 19902 n/a n/a 3,720 2,780 establish a strong culture of professional development 2 where schools think actively about how their staff contribute 1991 16 15 3,250 1,980 2 to pupils’ achievement and teachers take responsibility 1992 0 0 1,070 820 for leading their own and others’ development by sharing 19932 2 0 790 550 effective practice. Further details on both of these points 19942 1 0 760 620 will be set out in the forthcoming Schools White Paper. 19952 1 1 790 520 19962 2 1 860 590 Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 19972 0 4 1,090 730 Education what procedure a school wishing to become 19982 1 1 1,390 970 a training school will be required to follow. [28054] 19992 0 2 1,370 940

2 Mr Gibb: In the White Paper “The Importance of 2000 0 0 1,420 1,250 2 Teaching” we announced our intention to bring together 2001 4 2 2,110 2,590 the training school and national teaching school models 20022 8 8 1,800 2,450 to create a new national network of teaching schools 20032 3 6 1,110 2,050 from September 2011. We will make an announcement 20042 5 2 790 1,660 about schools which can apply to become teaching 20052 1 9 740 1,550 schools shortly. 20062 2 5 710 1,340 In the meantime, any schools wishing to express an 20072 1 2 660 1,210 interest in applying for the new designation should 20082 3 4 870 1,470 register their interest with the national college at: 20092 3 8 760 1,310 [email protected] 20102 n/a n/a 630 830 n/a = Not available Teachers: Vacancies 1 Between 1979 and 1983 vacancies have been included for full-time permanent appointments including appointments for at least one term’s duration. 2 Advertised vacancies for full-time permanent appointments (or appointments Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for of at least one term’s duration). Includes vacancies being filled on a temporary Education how many unfilled teaching vacancies at (a) basis of less than one term. primary and (b) secondary school level there were in Note: England figures are rounded to the nearest 10. (i) Cumbria and (ii) England in each year since 1979. Source: [28076] Form 618g 613W Written Answers17 JANUARY 2011 Written Answers 614W

Written Questions: Government Responses Tim Loughton [holding answer 15 December 2010]: A response to PQ29707 was issued to the hon. Member on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for 20 December 2010, Official Report, column 1064W. Education when he plans to reply to Question (a) 27202, on the Schools Sports Partnership, tabled on Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for 24 November, (b) 27204, on school sports, tabled on Education when he plans to provide a substantive 24 November, (c) 26598, on the Schools Sports answer to question 29330, on RM, on 2 December Partnerships, tabled on 22 November and (d) 26599 on 2010 and for named day answer on 7 December 2010. funding for the Schools Sports Partnership, tabled on [30948] 22 November; and what the reasons are for the time taken to reply in each case. [30197] Tim Loughton [holding answer 15 December 2010]: A response to PQ29330 was issued to the hon. Member on Tim Loughton [holding answer 13 December 2010]: I 14 December 2010, Official Report, column 735W. apologise for delay in answering these PQs. PQ replies Youth Services: Finance have been temporarily delayed due to the sharp rise in quantity of PQs received in this specific policy area and the heavy demand on existing resources to enable the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State PQs to be processed to meet deadline. I can confirm for Education what plans his Department has for that PQ 26599 and 27203 have now been replied to on future funding for youth centres; and if he will make a 16 December 2010, Official Report, column 859W and statement. [32079] 10 January 2011, Official Report, column 92W,respectively. However, 26598 has been withdrawn so we are unable to Tim Loughton [holding answer 12 January 2010]: provide a response to this PQ. The Government have committed £134 million over 2011-13 to complete the myplace programme of capital We aim to reply to all outstanding PQs shortly. investment in 69 youth centres. Alongside this, we have given local authorities the freedoms and flexibilities to Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for determine how future funding is best used to meet the Education when he plans to provide a substantive needs of their communities and to use their local knowledge answer to Question 29706, on Questions tabled for to make efficient investments in facilities that can make answer on a named day, tabled on 6 December 2010 for a real difference to the lives of their young people. This answer on 9 December 2010. [30914] may include making better use of existing buildings such as Children’s Centres and community buildings for Tim Loughton: A response to PQ29706 was issued to youth work at times that suit young people. the hon. Member on 13 January 2011, Official Report, column 446W.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to provide a substantive answer to question 29707, on questions tabled for named day answer, tabled on 6 December 2010 for [Continued in Column 615W] named day answer on 9 December 2010. [30946] ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 17 January 2011

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 527 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Council Tax ...... 530 continued Fire Services (Bassetlaw) ...... 540 Planning Policy ...... 536 Formula Grant Funding (Deprived Areas) ...... 532 Regulatory Burden...... 527 Green Spaces ...... 534 Role of Central Government...... 538 Local Authority Employment (Halifax) ...... 532 Social Home Builds...... 539 Local Authority Spending (Online Publication)..... 528 Topical Questions ...... 541 New Homes Bonus...... 534 Unauthorised Developments...... 540 Planning...... 537 Working Neighbourhoods Fund ...... 541 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 17 January 2011

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 27WS JUSTICE...... 28WS Integrated Merlin Operational Support Contract .. 27WS Trusts (Capital and Income) Bill ...... 28WS PETITIONS

Monday 17 January 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 7P Further and Higher Education Funding ...... 7P

EDUCATION...... 8P Education Maintenance Allowance (Wakefield College)...... 8P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 17 January 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 475W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Control Orders...... 475W continued Sentencing: Prisoners ...... 475W Fire Services: Tyne and Wear ...... 499W Green Belt...... 500W CABINET OFFICE...... 531W Gypsy and Traveller Sites...... 497W Average Earnings ...... 531W Local Authority Spending Details: Online Big Society Bank...... 532W Publication...... 497W Business: West Midlands...... 532W Local Government Finance ...... 501W Census ...... 533W Local Government Finance: Gateshead ...... 502W Community Organisers ...... 535W Non-domestic Rates...... 502W Employment ...... 535W Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property...... 503W Environment Protection: West Midlands ...... 536W Planning...... 503W Government Departments: Shared Services ...... 537W Provision of Local Services...... 498W Manufacturing Industries: West Midlands...... 537W Regulatory Burden...... 498W Public Sector: Procurement...... 538W Sure Start Programme: Hammersmith and Social Housing: Income ...... 539W Fulham ...... 503W Social Services: West Midlands ...... 539W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 504W Unemployment ...... 540W Unemployment: Richmond upon Thames ...... 540W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 467W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 541W British Sky Broadcasting ...... 467W Football Association ...... 467W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 497W Horserace Betting Levy...... 467W Affordable Housing: Construction...... 498W Libraries: Opening Hours ...... 467W Affordable Housing: Mortgages...... 499W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 468W Efficiency Savings ...... 498W Tourism...... 468W Fire Services: Finance ...... 500W DEFENCE...... 582W Fire Services: Manpower...... 500W 15 Brigade Headquarters ...... 582W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Afghanistan ...... 583W Wind Power: Carbon Emissions...... 482W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 583W Wind Power: Manufacturing Industries ...... 483W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 584W Greece: World War II...... 585W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Met Office...... 585W AFFAIRS...... 470W Military Aircraft ...... 585W Animal Feed: Prices ...... 470W Military Bases: Okehampton ...... 586W Dangerous Dogs ...... 470W RAF Kinloss...... 587W Environment Protection: Finance ...... 471W War Pensions ...... 587W Food: Reserves...... 471W Forestry Commission...... 471W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 524W Forests ...... 472W Childhood and Families Task Force...... 524W Nature Reserves ...... 473W Constituencies...... 524W Poultry: Animal Welfare ...... 474W House of Commons: Reform...... 525W Poultry: Swine Flu ...... 475W House of Lords: Reform...... 526W Mental Health Act 1983...... 526W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 557W Parliament: Reform...... 526W Arab States: Overseas Trade...... 557W Urban Areas ...... 526W Australia: Floods ...... 557W Voting Rights: Offenders...... 526W British Nationals Abroad: Homicide ...... 558W China: EU External Trade ...... 558W EDUCATION...... 589W Departmental Visits Abroad ...... 558W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 589W Departmental Written Questions ...... 565W Children and Family Court Advisory and Support European Union ...... 565W Service ...... 589W Germany: Anti-Semitism ...... 566W Children: Databases...... 591W Gulf States: Politics and Government ...... 566W Children in Care...... 590W Ivory Coast: Elections...... 566W Departmental Marketing ...... 594W Kuwait: Counter-terrorism...... 567W Departmental Operating Costs ...... 594W Middle East: Peace Negotiations...... 567W Departmental Procurement...... 594W Palestinians: International Assistance ...... 567W Education Maintenance Allowance: Singapore: Press Freedom...... 569W Northumberland...... 595W Tanzania ...... 569W Foster Care: Easington...... 596W Turkey: Religious Freedom ...... 570W Free Schools...... 596W West Africa: EU Immigration ...... 570W Health Education: Sex ...... 596W Health Visitors: Finance ...... 597W HEALTH...... 541W Martyn Rose of the Big Society Network ...... 597W Arthritis: Health Services...... 541W Nursery Schools: Finance ...... 598W Blood: Contamination ...... 541W Outdoor Recreational Activities: Disability ...... 598W Care Quality Commission...... 545W Personal, Social, Health and Economic Cataracts...... 545W Education ...... 599W Chronically Sick People ...... 546W Playgrounds: Capital Investment...... 599W Dentistry...... 546W Private Education: Pupil Numbers...... 600W Dentists: Finance ...... 546W Pupils: Bullying...... 599W Flu: Vaccination...... 547W Pupils: Per Capita Costs...... 600W Food Intolerances ...... 547W Schools: Inspections...... 601W Food Intolerances: Children...... 547W Schools: Management...... 601W Heart Diseases ...... 548W Sure Start Programme: Disability...... 602W HIV Infection ...... 549W Teachers: Qualifications...... 603W Hospital Beds...... 550W Teachers: Training...... 611W Influenza: Vaccination ...... 550W Teachers: Vacancies...... 611W Insulin: Finance ...... 551W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 613W Interim Cancer Drugs Fund...... 551W Youth Services: Finance...... 614W Ipswich Hospital: Manpower ...... 551W Lyme Disease...... 552W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 476W Medical Schools...... 552W Carbon Emissions...... 476W National Institute for Health and Clinical Electricity: Prices ...... 476W Excellence: Drugs...... 553W Energy...... 477W NHS: Older People ...... 553W Energy: Prices ...... 478W NHS: Recruitment ...... 554W Energy Supply...... 477W NHS: Waiting Lists...... 554W Fuel Oil: Prices...... 479W NHS Work Force Consultation...... 553W Fuel Poverty...... 479W Patients: Transport...... 554W Green Deal...... 480W Prescriptions: Fees and Charges...... 555W Incinerators: Carbon Emissions...... 480W Primary Care Trusts: Prisoners ...... 556W London Energy Meeting ...... 480W Thame Community Hospital ...... 555W Ofgem ...... 481W Tobacco: Retail Trade ...... 557W Renewable Energy...... 481W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 481W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 483W Sellafield ...... 482W Asylum: Finance...... 483W Warm Front Scheme ...... 482W Automatic Number Plate Recognition ...... 484W Wind Power ...... 482W Crime...... 485W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TREASURY—continued Demonstrations: City of Westminster...... 486W Capital Gains Tax ...... 570W Departmental Billing ...... 486W Commodity Markets: Regulation...... 571W Departmental Manpower...... 487W Departmental Bonuses...... 571W Departmental Overtime ...... 487W Departmental Buildings...... 571W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 487W Departmental Labour Turnover...... 571W Departmental Procurement...... 488W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 572W Departmental Travel ...... 488W EU: Budget ...... 572W DNA: Databases...... 489W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 573W Entry Clearances: Dalai Lama...... 489W Financial Services: Post Offices...... 573W Entry Clearances: Married People ...... 489W Fuels: Prices...... 573W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 489W Income Tax ...... 574W Exclusion Orders: USA...... 490W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 575W Extradition...... 490W Lloyds TSB: Compensation ...... 575W Firearms: Licensing ...... 490W Maternity Payments: Gateshead ...... 575W Fixated Threat Assessment Centre...... 491W Oil and Food: Prices...... 576W Forensic Science Service...... 491W Pensions and Benefits: Uprating ...... 576W Greater Manchester Police: Grants ...... 492W Renewables Obligation...... 576W Immigration...... 492W Revenue and Customs: Liverpool...... 577W Immigration: EU Nationals ...... 492W Tax Collection: Debts ...... 577W Immigration: Health ...... 493W Taxation...... 578W Missing Persons: Dementia...... 493W Taxation: Holiday Accommodation...... 579W Naturalisation...... 493W Taxation: International Co-operation ...... 580W Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Code of VAT: Charities ...... 580W Practice A ...... 493W VAT: Pensioners...... 581W Police Community Support Officers: Aberconwy... 494W VAT: Third Sector...... 581W Police Community Support Officers: Wales ...... 494W VAT: Tourism...... 581W Police: Conduct...... 495W Ways and Means: Financial Statement...... 582W Police: Helicopters ...... 495W Prince William: Security...... 495W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 505W Radicalism: Internet...... 495W Capita ...... 505W Special Constables ...... 496W Council Tax Benefits...... 506W Terrorism: Islam...... 497W Crisis Loans ...... 506W Employment Schemes: Further Education...... 506W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Employment Schemes: Watford ...... 507W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ...... 505W Fuel Poverty...... 507W Speaker’s Committee...... 505W Funeral Payments ...... 508W Headaches...... 508W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 527W Housing Benefit ...... 508W China: Overseas Aid ...... 527W Housing Benefit: Expenditure...... 510W Civil Society Challenge Fund...... 527W Housing Benefit: Kilmarnock ...... 510W Developing Countries: Children...... 527W Housing Benefit: Liverpool...... 511W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 528W Housing Benefit: Pensioners ...... 511W Developing Countries: Food ...... 528W Housing Benefit: Personnel...... 511W Nigeria: Education...... 529W Housing Benefit: Poverty ...... 512W Overseas Aid...... 529W Housing Benefit: St Albans...... 512W Sudan: Overseas Aid...... 530W Housing Benefit: Sunderland ...... 513W Tanzania: Overseas Aid...... 530W Housing Benefit: Unemployed People...... 513W Income Support: Mortgages ...... 513W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 505W Industrial Health and Safety: EU Law...... 513W Grand Committee System...... 505W Jobcentre Plus: Greater London...... 514W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 516W PRIME MINISTER...... 504W Life Expectancy ...... 517W Banks: Incentives ...... 504W Members: Correspondence ...... 517W Departmental Press Releases...... 504W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 518W Local Government ...... 504W Pensioners: Poverty ...... 519W Pensions...... 520W TRANSPORT ...... 469W Poverty: EU Action...... 520W Dartford-Thurrock Crossing...... 469W Remploy: Bonuses...... 521W Departmental Press Releases...... 469W Retirement: Age ...... 522W Transport: Capital Investment ...... 469W Social Security Benefits...... 522W Trief Kerbs...... 470W State Retirement Pensions: Payments...... 522W Travel to Interview ...... 523W TREASURY ...... 570W Universal Credit...... 523W Banks: Northern Ireland ...... 570W Welfare State: Reform ...... 524W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Monday 17 January 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 527] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Tunisia [Col. 549] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Lidington)

Localism Bill [Col. 558] Motion for Second Reading—(Mr Pickles) Amendment—(Caroline Flint)—on a Division, negatived Motion agreed to Read a Second time Programme motion—(Mr Vara)—on a Division, agreed to Money resolution—(James Duddridge)—on a Division, agreed to

Mortgage Regulation [Col. 670] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 27WS]

Petitions [Col. 7P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 467W] [see index inside back page]