Daily Report Thursday, 4 February 2021

This report shows written answers and statements provided on 4 February 2021 and the information is correct at the time of publication (06:30 P.M., 04 February 2021). For the latest information on written questions and answers, ministerial corrections, and written statements, please visit: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/

CONTENTS ANSWERS 7 Integrated Security, Defence, ATTORNEY GENERAL 7 Development and Foreign Policy Review 13 Attorney General: Apprentices 7 Leader of the House of Courts: Coronavirus 7 Commons: Apprentices 13 Crown Prosecution Service: Shipping: Quarantine 14 Recruitment 7 Transparency of Lobbying, Rule of Law 8 Non-party Campaigning and Sexual Offences: Prosecutions 8 Trade Union Administration BUSINESS, ENERGY AND Act 2014 14 INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY 8 UK Trade with EU: Customs 14 Additional Restrictions Grant 8 UK Trade with EU: Freight 15 Business Improvement UK-EU Partnership Council 15 Districts: Operating Costs 9 Voting Methods: Visual Business: Coronavirus 9 Impairment 15 Climate Change and DEFENCE 16 Research: Finance 10 Armed Forces Covenant Fund Coronavirus: Vaccination 10 Trust 16 Disability 11 Armed Forces: Northern Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Ireland 16 Industries 11 Army Families Federation 16 Small Businesses: RAF Scampton 17 Coronavirus 11 Saudi Arabia: Military aid 17 CABINET OFFICE 12 Veterans: Foreign Nationals 17 Arts: UK Relations with EU 12 DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND Government Departments: SPORT 18 Procurement 13 [Subject Heading to be Assigned] 18 Amusement Arcades: Schools: Mental Health Coronavirus 19 Services 35 Broadband: Coronavirus 20 Service Pupil Premium 36 Broadband: Prices 21 Special Educational Needs: Broadband: Regulation 21 Coronavirus 36 Cinemas: Coronavirus 22 Vocational Education: Coronavirus 37 Events Industry: Coronavirus 23 ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND Festival UK* 2022 23 RURAL AFFAIRS 39 Film and Television: Agriculture: Carbon Emissions 39 Coronavirus 23 Department for Environment, Gambling Commission: Food and Rural Affairs: Surveys 24 Apprentices 39 Hospitality Industry and Food: Coronavirus 40 Leisure: Coronavirus 24 Peat Bogs: Fires 40 Musicians: Visas 25 FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH Social Media: Disinformation 26 AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 41 Sports: Coronavirus 26 Anne Sacoolas 41 Technology: Coronavirus 27 Armed Conflict: Sexual Technology: Regulation 27 Offences 41 Tourism: Suffolk 28 Bahrain: Political Prisoners 42 EDUCATION 28 Bosnia and Herzegovina: Apprentices: Public Sector 28 Peace Negotiations 43 Assessments: Coronavirus 29 Chen Quanguo 43 Department for Education: Developing Countries: Female Staff 30 Genital Mutilation 43 Family Courts: Foster Care 30 Developing Countries: Remote Education 44 Further Education: Assessments 31 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Further Education: Apprentices 44 Coronavirus 31 Iran: Nuclear Fuels 45 Further Education: South Yorkshire 32 Kashmir: Human Rights 45 Obesity: Children 33 Myanmar: Military Coups 46 Remote Education: Greater Oman: Customs 46 34 Overseas Aid: LGBT People 46 Palestinians: Coronavirus 47 Palestinians: Remote Public Transport: Protective Education 48 Clothing 60 Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade 48 Road Traffic Offences 60 Schengen Agreement: Borders 48 Shoplifting 61 Sexual Offences: Armed Veterans: Deportation 61 Conflict 49 Veterans: Hong Kong 62 Uganda: Politics and Visas: British National Government 49 (Overseas) 62 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 50 HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND Cancer: Screening 50 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 63 Care Homes: Visits 51 Buildings: Insulation 63 Coronavirus: Vaccination 51 Council Housing 63 Genetics: Screening 53 Harlow Council: Coronavirus 64 Hospital Beds: Yorkshire and Help to Buy Scheme 65 the Humber 53 Housing First 65 Rare Diseases: Finance 53 Ministry of Housing, HOME OFFICE 54 Communities and Local [Subject Heading to be Government: Marketing 67 Assigned] 54 Owner Occupation: Low Action Fraud 54 Incomes 67 Asylum: Housing 55 Park Homes: Fees and Charges 67 Asylum: Military Bases 55 Park Homes: Sales 68 Asylum: Napier Barracks 56 Sleeping Rough: Coronavirus 68 Asylum: Penally Camp 56 Social Rented Housing: Dangerous Dogs: Police Finance 69 Custody 57 INTERNATIONAL TRADE 69 Gosport War Memorial Hospital 57 Department for International Trade: Apprentices 69 Home Office: Apprentices 57 Department for International Home Office: Marketing 57 Trade: Staff 70 Home Office: Staff 58 Overseas Trade: Mexico 70 Members: Correspondence 58 JUSTICE 71 Napier Barracks: Fires 59 [Subject Heading to be Police: West Yorkshire 59 Assigned] 71 Berwyn Prison: Welsh TREASURY 83 Language 72 Advertising: Taxation 83 Prisons: Wales 72 Aviation: Coronavirus 83 Youth Custody: Coronavirus 74 Bounce Back Loan Scheme 84 74 Build Back Better Council: : Public Appointments 84 Apprentices 74 Business: VAT 85 SCOTLAND 75 Cash Dispensing 85 Food Standards Scotland: Coronavirus Job Retention Staff 75 Scheme: Pregnancy 86 Scotland Office: Apprentices 75 Coronavirus: Quarantine 86 Scotland Office: Marketing 76 Customs Grant Scheme 87 Sovereignty: Scotland 76 Eat Out to Help Out Scheme 87 Surveys: Scotland 77 Financial Services: Fraud 88 Union Connectivity Review 77 Free Zones: National Security 88 TRANSPORT 77 Free Zones: Non-domestic Air Routes: Volcanoes 77 Rates 89 Alternative Fuels 78 Gaming Machines: VAT 89 Delivery Services: Standards 78 Gyms: Coronavirus 90 Department for Transport: Gyms: Taxation 91 Apprentices 78 Health Professions: Tax Driver and Vehicle Licensing Avoidance 91 Agency: Coronavirus 79 High Rise Flats: VAT 91 Driving Instruction: Hospitality Industry and Retail Coronavirus 79 Trade: Coronavirus 93 Driving Tests: Coronavirus 79 Hospitality Industry and Retail Electric Scooters 80 Trade: Non-domestic Rates 93 Electric Scooters: Sales 80 London Capital and Finance: Electric Scooters: York 81 Insolvency 94 High Speed Two: Staff 81 Mortgages: Coronavirus 94 Motorcycles: Driving Tests 81 Museums and Galleries: Tax Allowances 95 Motorcycles: Training 82 Non-domestic Rates 95 Railway Stations: Billingham 82 Non-domestic Rates: Tax Union Connectivity Review 83 Allowances 96 Personal Care Services: VAT 96 Retail Trade: Non-domestic Kickstart Scheme: Third Rates 96 Sector 105 Revenue and Customs: Audit 97 Pensions: Canada 106 Roads: Fees and Charges 97 Sick Pay: Coronavirus 106 Self-employment Income Social Security Benefits: Support Scheme 97 Disability 106 Small Businesses: Non- Social Security Benefits: domestic Rates 98 Standards 107 Stamp Duties 98 Universal Credit 108 Stock Market: Internet 99 Universal Credit: Veterans 108 Taxation (Post-transition Ventilation: Coronavirus 108 Period) Act 2020: Impact MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS 110 Assessments 99 DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND Taxation: Self-assessment 99 SPORT 110 Treasury: Apprentices 100 National League: Coronavirus 110 Treasury: Marketing 100 WORK AND PENSIONS 111 Treasury: Staff 101 Kickstart Scheme 111 UK Trade with EU: VAT 101 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 113 VAT: Surveys 101 DEFENCE 113 WALES 102 Ministry of Defence Votes A Wales Office: Apprentices 102 Annual Estimate 2021/22. 113 WOMEN AND EQUALITIES 102 Ministry of Defence Votes A Gender Recognition: Supplementary Votes 2020/21 113 Companies 102 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 113 WORK AND PENSIONS 103 COVID-19 update 113 Access to Work Programme 103 HOME OFFICE 114 Children: Maintenance 103 Police Grant Report (England Contracts: Appeals 104 and Wales) 2021/22 114 Department for Work and HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND Pensions: Staff 104 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 115 Employment: Coronavirus 104 Local Government Finance 115 Employment: Disability 104 JUSTICE 118 Jobcentres: Staff 105 Eleventh Annual Report of the UK’s National Preventive Kickstart Scheme: Disability 105 Mechanism 118 PRIME MINISTER 119 Public Service Pensions Ministerial and Other Maternity Consultation Response and Allowances Bill 119 Update 121 TREASURY 120 The Van Benefit and Car and Van Fuel Benefit Order 2021 123 HMRC Powers and Safeguards 120

Notes: Questions marked thus [R] indicate that a relevant interest has been declared. Questions with identification numbers of 900000 or greater indicate that the question was originally tabled as an oral question and has since been unstarred. ANSWERS

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General: Apprentices Tulip Siddiq: [146972] To ask the Attorney General, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by her Department are apprentices. Michael Ellis: The Attorney General’s Office currently have no apprentices. As staffing levels are below 250 the Department does not meet the criteria for the 2.3% target. However, plans are nevertheless in place to recruit 2 or 3 apprentices.

Courts: Coronavirus Rachel Hopkins: [911881] What steps she is taking with the Lord Chancellor to tackle the court backlog. : I have seen first-hand how innovatively and resiliently criminal justice agencies have responded to the pandemic to boost court capacity – in June 2020, I observed virtual hearings conducted via the Cloud Video Platform in Bristol Magistrates’ Court. I have also met with various CPS Areas to discuss their approach, and know that the CPS is committed to working closely with the courts service and judiciary on court recovery work. This is an unprecedented challenge, but I have been impressed with the truly collaborative approach criminal justice partners have taken.

Crown Prosecution Service: Recruitment Ellie Reeves: [146996] To ask the Attorney General, with reference to the CPS annual report 2019-20, how many (a) additional prosecutors have been recruited, (b) operational delivery staff have been recruited and (c) offers of employment have been made to new lawyers since 2019. Michael Ellis: As of 2nd February 2021, the CPS has recruited: • 399 additional prosecutors, with a further 75 due to start by April 2021; • 155 Paralegal Officers and Assistants (Operational Delivery Staff); • and made 570 offers of employment to new lawyers since 2019. (Source data – CPS HR Recruitment records) Rule of Law Allan Dorans: [911871] What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the importance of upholding the rule of law. Suella Braverman: The rule of law is at the heart of the UK constitution. The duty of the Law Officers is to ensure that the Government acts lawfully at all times. I take that responsibility seriously including in my role as legal adviser to the Government and when attending Cabinet, and that will not change. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Government Legal Department lawyers for their heroic work in contributing to the Rule of Law during the pandemic, as the Government continues to be successful in Covid-related challenges.

Sexual Offences: Prosecutions Kerry McCarthy: [911874] What steps she has taken to increase the number of prosecutions relating to rape and sexual assault. Suella Braverman: I am committed to ensuring rape and sexual assault cases are conducted effectively – in fact, I recently successfully referred a point of law to the Court of Appeal to ensure that the law is clear in cases of sexual assault. I have also engaged closely on CPS rape work, including meeting with CPS South East in December 2020 to discuss how their RASSO unit approaches these complex cases. The CPS and police also published their Joint National Action Plan on rape in January 2021 which shows their commitment to improvement.

BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

Additional Restrictions Grant Anneliese Dodds: [147039] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with local authority representatives on the effectiveness of criteria for the disbursement of the Additional Restrictions Grant. Paul Scully: The Additional Restrictions Grant is a discretionary scheme for which Local Authorities set eligibility criteria in the way that best fits their local area. Guidance makes clear that Local authorities may use this funding for grants or for other related business support. The Government is working closely with local authorities in England to support the implementation of business grants during the Covid-19 pandemic and monitor the distribution of grant funds. Officials have engaged with the local government sector, including the Local Government Association, throughout the pandemic. This engagement has been through local government working groups and live-streams with all 314 local authorities managing grant schemes. In addition to the scheme guidance, we publish Frequently Asked Questions documents to help local authorities with their administration of grant schemes.

Business Improvement Districts: Operating Costs Kate Hollern: [146902] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to support Business Improvement Districts with their operational costs. Paul Scully: BIDs are a proven and effective vehicle for leveraging private investment and have a significant role to play in high street regeneration: in 2019, 259 BIDs across England raised over £106.7 million through levy payments to invest back into their respective towns and cities. Their role will be even more important in the recovery phase from the current crisis. During 2020, the Government paid £5.8m of support funding to 260 BIDs in England to assist with their core running costs. The funding was delivered through non- ringfenced section 31 grants to Local Authorities, who distributed this to the BID bodies in their area. The Government included provisions within the Coronavirus Act 2020 that enables BIDs to delay any renewal ballots due to take place before 31 December 2020, until 31 March 2021. This is to allow businesses to focus on recovery from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic before deciding whether to participate in future BID arrangements. While this extension will come to an end on 31 March 2021, we have heard many positive examples of BIDs who have undertaken successful renewal ballots. We also know that many are also seeing the BID levy continuing to be paid by members.

Business: Coronavirus Colleen Fletcher: [146910] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the (a) economic and (b) other effects of the covid-19 outbreak on businesses in (i) Coventry North East constituency, (ii) Coventry and (iii) the , by sector. Paul Scully: The Government continues to engage closely with partners on the ground across the country to understand the economic impact of Covid-19 and to support businesses. Through the Growth Hubs programme, we are reaching thousands of businesses to provide free and impartial advice and support regardless of size and sector. The Coventry and Warwickshire LEP self-reported that between 1 st April and 31 st October 2020 their Growth Hub engaged with more than 50,000 businesses with advice and support. Where businesses are required to close due to Covid-19 restrictions they can receive grants of up to £4,500 per 6 week period of closure as well as a one off payment of up to £9,000. Local Authorities have been allocated an additional £1.6bn in Additional Restrictions Grant to provide other businesses with support in their area.

Climate Change and Research: Finance Layla Moran: [147034] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what effect the 30 per cent reduction in his Department’s Official Development Assistance allocation will have on the Government’s ringfenced climate change and R&D funding commitments. Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The difficult finance situation we face due to the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a temporary reduction in the UK’s aid spending target from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5%. ODA allocations for all departments were determined in light of this by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in consultation with HM Treasury, and with regard to wider commitments including the R&D ringfence. The Government’s commitment to research and innovation is clearly demonstrated through the recently published R&D Roadmap, and the £400m uplift in R&D spending announced in the Spending Review. The Department remains committed to supporting my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s pledge to double the UK’s International Climate Finance to £11.6bn between 2021/22 and 2025/26, and we will deliver ambitious programmes to support both this commitment and the Prime Minister’s recent pledge to spend £3bn of our climate finance on nature. This significant uplift of our climate finance sets a clear benchmark for the international community towards COP26 and beyond.

Coronavirus: Vaccination Mr Mark Harper: [R] [146803] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will proactively plan for and stock the Novavax and Johnson and Johnson vaccines, pending the completion of their clinical trials and UK approval process. : The UK Government has secured early access to 407 million vaccines doses through agreements with seven separate vaccine developers. This includes agreements with Novavax for 60 million doses and Janssen for 30 million doses. Subject to regulatory approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which will review and analyse the relevant data to see if the vaccines meet their strict standards of safety and effectiveness, these vaccines are expected to be delivered in the second half of this year. The Government is committed to ensuring access to vaccines as soon as is safely possible, which is why it is considering all options to help achieve this objective.

Disability Marion Fellows: [146918] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2021 to Question 133029 on Disability: EU Law, what steps the Government is taking to improve and enhance accessibility through domestic legislation. Paul Scully: The UK has robust legislation on accessibility through the protections covered by the Equality Act 2006, Equality Act 2010, and equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland. The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on grounds of disability and imposes a duty on providers of goods and services to make reasonable adjustments to prevent this.

Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries Colleen Fletcher: [146907] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had with key stakeholders in the automotive industry on the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on that sector. Nadhim Zahawi: Throughout the pandemic, the Government has regularly engaged with manufacturers and automotive trade associations on opportunities to support the growth and competitiveness of the sector in the UK. All Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are published in Quarterly Transparency returns published by relevant Departments.

Small Businesses: Coronavirus Colleen Fletcher: [146909] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to protect small and micro businesses from closure as a result of the covid-19 outbreak in (a) Coventry North East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) the West Midlands and (d) England. Paul Scully: The Government introduced an unprecedented and comprehensive package of business support measures to help as many individuals and businesses as possible during this difficult period. This support package included measures such as the small business grants, the coronavirus loan guarantee schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), the deferral of VAT and income tax payments, and more. These measures were designed to be accessible to businesses in most sectors and across the UK. Further measures were also announced by my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer that build on the significant support already available, as well as set out how current support will evolve and adapt. This includes the extension of the CJRS until the end of April 2021, the extension of the coronavirus loan guarantee schemes until 31 March 2021, and the introduction of Pay As You Grow measures, meaning businesses now have the option to repay their Bounce Back Loans over a period of up to ten years. Businesses who also deferred VAT due from 20 March to 30 June 2020 will now have the option to opt-in to a scheme to allow them to pay in smaller instalments up to the end of March 2022, interest free. Businesses and individuals can use our checker tool on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support to quickly and easily determine whether they are eligible for any further financial support at this time. Additionally, businesses and individuals are able to access tailored advice through our Freephone Business Support Helpline, online via the Business Support website, or through their local Growth Hubs in England. The Government will also continue to work closely with Local Authorities, businesses, Business Representative Organisations, and the financial services sector to monitor the implementation of current support. During this period of national restrictions business mandated to close have been able to access grants of up to £4,500 per six-week closure period. The Government has also announced an additional payment for closed businesses of £9,000 to help businesses through to the Spring. For those businesses not mandated to close but who have had their trade adversely affected by restrictions local authorities have been allocated a further £500m in discretionary funding via the Additional Restrictions Grant, in addition to £1.1bn already allocated in November 2020.

CABINET OFFICE

Arts: UK Relations with EU Rachel Reeves: [142905] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions the Cabinet Office has had with organisations representing the creative industries since the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement was agreed. Penny Mordaunt: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport leads on the relationship with the UK's creative industries. Where appropriate, officials from Cabinet Office and other departments, participate in discussions. Details of ministerial meetings are published on gov.uk.

Government Departments: Procurement Rachel Reeves: [146861] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the total sum is that (a) the Government has assessed for claw back following unsatisfactory delivery of covid-19 related contracts, (b) has been instigated and (c) returned to date. Julia Lopez: This information is not held centrally.

Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review Preet Kaur Gill: [146989] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many submissions his Department received in response to its August 2020 Integrated Review call for evidence. Preet Kaur Gill: [146990] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to publish the findings of his Department's August 2020 Integrated Review call for evidence. Penny Mordaunt: The Government launched a call for evidence to support the Integrated Review on 13 August 2020, which ran for four weeks. Over 450 submissions were received in response. The Government intends to publish submissions to the Integrated Review call for evidence on the government website GOV.UK. Publication is expected in spring this year alongside publication of the Integrated Review.

Leader of the House of Commons: Apprentices Wes Streeting: [146955] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Tulip Siddiq: [146973] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by No 10 Downing Street are apprentices. Julia Lopez: As has been the case under successive administrations, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Government in Parliament are an integral part of the Cabinet Office. As of 31 January 2021, apprentices make up 2.13% of the department’s workforce.

Shipping: Quarantine Rosie Cooper: [146826] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential exemption of maritime key workers from covid-19 quarantine restrictions, in line with previous exemptions granted. Penny Mordaunt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ132929.

Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 Dan Carden: [147025] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the correspondence from the Minister for the Constitution to the Executive Secretary of the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) on 24 July 2020, what progress he has made on the post-legislative review of Part 1 of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014; which organisations have been contacted as part of that review; and what the timeline is for implementing recommendations that come out of that review. Julia Lopez: As set out in the Minister for the Constitution and Devolution’s letter of 24 July 2020 to GRECO, the Government has now commenced post-legislative scrutiny of Part 1 of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014. In January, I hosted two discussions with stakeholders to gather views, including with industry and civil society representatives. These stakeholders were also invited to feed in the views of their wider networks. The Government is currently considering the views gathered and will set out its position in due course.

UK Trade with EU: Customs Rachel Reeves: [144669] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the preparedness of the UK's new Border Control Posts and related infrastructure for the new customs procedures coming into force on 1 July 2021. Julia Lopez: The UK announced that it would introduce new border controls on imports coming into Great Britain from the EU in three stages up until 1 July 2021, as set out by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancester by Written Ministerial Statement on 15 June 2020. Government is supporting the infrastructure needed for these changes through £470m of investment, including £200 million for the Port Infrastructure Fund (PIF) and a further £270m allocated to the provision of inland facilities. We are keeping progress on infrastructure and wider preparedness continually under review.

UK Trade with EU: Freight Rachel Reeves: [146862] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of when the volume of GB-EU freight crossings may return to the level at 1 November 2020. Rachel Reeves: [146863] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what additional support his Department plans to provide to tackle the problems experienced by hauliers at UK borders since 1 January 2021. Penny Mordaunt: The Government is monitoring freight flow across UK ports through the Border Operations Centre in the Cabinet Office. November 2020 is not a baseline for 'normal' flow levels but freight levels have been increasing over recent weeks. The Government has announced a wide range of support for businesses, traders and hauliers - full details are available on gov.uk. Future announcements will be made in the usual way.

UK-EU Partnership Council Hilary Benn: [147740] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, who will represent the UK as Co-Chair on the UK-EU Partnership Council. Penny Mordaunt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ138410 on 20 January 2021.

Voting Methods: Visual Impairment Marion Fellows: [146920] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the timescale is for the full roll-out of new provisions to enable all blind and partially sighted people to vote independently and in private. Marion Fellows: [146921] To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to consult an adequate number of blind and partially sighted people in the evaluation of audio voting devices. Chloe Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ143043 on 28 January. DEFENCE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Stephen Morgan: [145121] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many applications to the Covenant Fund Trust were received by local authorities in each of the last five years; and what amount was distributed to successful applicants. Johnny Mercer: All grants made by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust are available to view on their website: https://covenantfund.org.uk/. A total of 164 grants have been requested by Local Authorities since Financial Year (FY) 2015-16: 20 in FY 2015-16, 37 in FY 2016-17, 30 in FY 2017-18, 42 in FY 2018- 19, 31 in FY 2019-20 and four in 2020-21. 117 of these applications were successful with grants being awarded. The total value of grants awarded to Local Authorities between FY 2015-16 and FY 2020-21 is £8,753,332.

Armed Forces: Northern Ireland Stephen Morgan: [147033] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Northern Ireland Protocol (a) places limits on his Department's ability to conduct operations and (b) causes delays to those operations. Stephen Farry: [147095] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK's departure from the EU has created obstacles to moving military equipment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. James Heappey: The Protocol is clear that it respects the essential state functions and territorial integrity of the UK. It therefore places no restrictions on military movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Army Families Federation Dan Jarvis: [146887] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many cases the additional Army Families Federation immigration advisor appointed through the Armed Forces Covenant Trust has handled; and how many of those cases have resulted in a successful application since their appointment. Johnny Mercer: In 2018, the Army Families Federation received a LIBOR grant distributed via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), to employ an additional adviser for a period of five years to provide support to Army families. The AFCFT had no role in the appointment of that adviser or oversight of their work. The Army Families Federation is an independent charity. As such the Ministry of Defence is not required to collect information about their work.

RAF Scampton Sir : [144594] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with parties interested in the future use of RAF Scampton after its decommissioning. Jeremy Quin: The Department is engaging with both Lincolnshire and West Lindsey Councils to explore potential uses for the site. However in line with disposals guidelines, no discussions have been held with any potential acquirors of the RAF Scampton site. Any interested third parties should register their interest with the department via [email protected].

Saudi Arabia: Military aid Brendan O'Hara: [146903] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2021 to Question 143011 on Saudi Arabia: Training, for what reason disclosing that information would prejudice relations between the UK and another state; and for what reason disclosing similar information in the Answers of 6 July 2020 to Question 69656 and of 9 July 2020 to Question 69657 on Saudi Arabia: Military Aid was not deemed prejudicial to those relations. James Heappey: The UK has an ongoing and wide-ranging defence engagement relationship with Saudi Arabia which is an important partner regionally and in tackling potential security and terrorist threats to both the UK and other countries. We consider the circumstances for disclosing information related to international training on a case-by-case basis. With regards to the information sought in the hon. Member's question, we have concluded that its release could prejudice international relations.

Veterans: Foreign Nationals Dan Jarvis: [146885] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the immigration status of non-UK born veterans. Johnny Mercer: The Secretary of State for Defence has met with the Home Secretary on a number of occasions, most recently in December 2020, to discuss how we could offer greater flexibility in future to serving personnel wishing to remain in the UK on discharge. Subject to collective agreement we will launch a public consultation in due course. The Office of Veterans Affairs in the Cabinet Office is the lead in relation to veterans with immigration concerns, and I met with the Immigration Minister in the Home Office last year to discuss the issue. Dan Jarvis: [146886] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of support that is available to non-UK born veterans on their Indefinite Leave to Remain visa applications (a) during their service and (b) once discharged. Johnny Mercer: Information and advice is provided to Serving personnel from their Chain of Command, welfare staff Joint Service Publications, Defence Information Notices and the Service Leavers Guide. If the issue cannot be resolved at Unit level, or where specialist immigration advice or support is required, individuals will be sign posted to the appropriate organisations such as the Home Office. During transition from and after leaving the service, the Defence Transition Service (DTS) delivers a full range of transition support for individuals. This includes the provision of, tailored information and guidance. DTS will also facilitate access to support a service leaver may need, from other Government departments, local authorities, the NHS or trusted charities. After discharge, the Veterans UK Welfare Service provides support to all veterans both overseas and in the UK, regardless of nationality. This includes helping them to access the relevant information and advice about their individual circumstances. Dan Jarvis: [146888] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many non-UK born veterans have sought judicial review of their Indefinite Leave to Remain applications in each the last 10 years. Johnny Mercer: Judicial Reviews relating to immigration decisions including those seeking reviews of Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK applications are a matter for the Home Office. The Home Office have advised that most such cases would be dealt with via an Immigration Tribunal and there is no central data held on that.

DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

[Subject Heading to be Assigned] David Simmonds: [911829] What steps he is taking to allocate to good causes the dormant assets identified by the Dormant Assets Scheme. : The Dormant Assets Scheme enables money sitting in forgotten accounts to be unlocked for social or environmental purposes. UK-wide, the Scheme has so far released over £745m, including £150m for coronavirus recovery last year. Following the government’s consultation response, and years of close industry engagement, I’m delighted to say that the Scheme is now set to be expanded, potentially unlocking over £800m for good causes over the coming years. Liz Twist: [911832] What plans he has to provide additional financial support to the civil and voluntary sector during the national covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021. Matt Warman: The £750 million sector funding package offered unprecedented support to allow charities and social enterprises to continue their vital work and support our national response to the pandemic. In addition, the Government continues to make a package of support available across the economy to enable organisations to get through the months ahead. This includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which continues to be a lifeline to a multitude of organisations.

Amusement Arcades: Coronavirus Andrew Rosindell: [143714] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the financial support required by the arcade sector to support its re-opening when it is safe to do so. : The government recognises that the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be extremely challenging for businesses, including in the arcades sector. The government has introduced a number of unprecedented financial packages to help to ease pressures and help businesses navigate through this crisis. We have provided support for millions of jobs and businesses by extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of April 2021. Struggling businesses will also have until the end of March 2021 to access the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. On 5 January, the Chancellor announced £4.6 billion in new lockdown grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through the Spring. A further £594 million of discretionary funding through the Additional Restrictions Grant has also been made available to support other impacted businesses. This comes in addition to £1.1 billion discretionary funding for Local Authorities through Local Restriction Support Grants worth up to to £3,000 a month. We are continuing to work with organisations in the land-based gambling sector to understand what they need and how we may be able to support them.

Broadband: Coronavirus Dame Diana Johnson: [146811] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment the Government has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on people’s access to broadband; and what steps the Government is taking to (a) ensure the affordability of broadband and (b) reduce the digital divide. Matt Warman: In response to Covid-19, the Government and Ofcom agreed a set of commitments with the UK’s major broadband and mobile providers to support vulnerable consumers during the pandemic. Providers committed to working with customers who are finding it difficult to pay their bill as a result of Covid-19 to ensure that they were treated fairly and appropriately supported. They also committed to removing fixed broadband data caps, in addition to providing new and generous landline and mobile offers, such as free or low cost mobile data boosts. There are already social tariffs available which offer low cost landline and broadband services for those on certain means-tested benefits. However, in line with Ofcom’s recommendation in their Affordability Report published in December 2020, the Government is encouraging those providers who do not currently offer social tariff packages to do so. In addition, Government and Ofcom have taken action to help support switching to more affordable services. The Government has promoted the DevicesDotNow campaign, which worked with community organisations to distribute devices to vulnerable adults and help them get online. The aim was to enable elderly and vulnerable people, particularly those to who are shielding, to communicate with the outside world and get access to vital services. Catherine West: [146981] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that customers who have been identified as being of vulnerable or priority status under coronavirus guidance, and therefore in need of broadband services as critical infrastructure, are able to ensure prompt repair and resumption of their broadband services where those are suspended. Matt Warman: The Government recognises the importance of digital connectivity, particularly during this difficult period. For repairs, broadband providers are able to send new equipment to their consumers via postal delivery or using click and collect services, and telecoms engineers are able to visit residential properties to instal or fix broadband connections under the current Covid-19 guidelines. More broadly, Ofcom has rules in place, known as general conditions, which all providers must follow, that mandate communication providers to have procedures and policies in place to identify and support vulnerable consumers. Under these industry rules, providers must provide a priority fault repair service for disabled consumers of landline, broadband and mobile services. Ofcom has also recently published a vulnerability guide for providers, setting out their expectations and good practice on how vulnerable telecoms consumers should be supported. This includes steps providers can take to identify vulnerable consumers, and an expectation that all providers implement specialist teams in order to provide extra support for vulnerable consumers.

Broadband: Prices Dame Diana Johnson: [146812] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring broadband providers to offer affordable tariffs for people on low incomes. Matt Warman: The government recognises the importance of digital connectivity, particularly during this difficult period. We have worked closely with industry to develop a number of voluntary commitments. Providers have committed to working with customers who are finding it difficult to pay their bill as a result of COVID-19, to ensure that customers were treated fairly and appropriately supported. This is in addition to lifting all fixed broadband data caps and providing new and generous landline and mobile offers, such as free or low cost mobile data boosts. In line with Ofcom’s recommendation in their Affordability Report published in December 2020, the government encourages those providers who do not currently offer social tariff packages to do so and we will monitor the situation closely.

Broadband: Regulation Catherine West: [146980] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how each regulatory mechanism governing consumer-compensation schemes with respect to broadband service providers is monitored to ensure it is (a) accessible to and (b) practically functional for individual consumers. Matt Warman: To help protect telecoms consumers, the Government strengthened Ofcom’s powers through the Digital Economy Act 2017. As a result, in April 2019, Ofcom introduced a voluntary automatic compensation scheme for customers of broadband and landline services for when things go wrong, such as missed engineer appointments, delayed start of a service or delayed repairs. BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media, Zen Internet, Utility Warehouse and Hyperoptic have all signed up to the scheme. The scheme is designed to help ensure customers receive appropriate redress when things go wrong and, over time, incentivise companies to improve their service. Since its launch, Ofcom has been monitoring the scheme through regular engagement with the signatory companies, Openreach and with telecoms alternative dispute resolution providers. Under the voluntary agreement, signatories are also required to provide information to Ofcom, such as volumes of issues and the amounts of compensation paid. Following a review of the scheme in August 2020, Ofcom concluded that the scheme was launched successfully, that it covered around 80% of the broadband market, and that it had increased compensation payments to consumers where repairs or installations had been delayed.

Cinemas: Coronavirus Tulip Siddiq: [145824] To ask Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to provide additional financial support to cinemas at risk of permanent closure during the national covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021. Caroline Dinenage: The government recognises the significant cultural and economic value of cinemas, and has supported them through both sector-specific and economy-wide measures. More than 200 independent cinemas have so far received funding of £16 million in the first round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. This funding is being administered by the BFI on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as part of the biggest ever single investment in this country’s cultural sectors. Grants have been awarded to cinema sites in every corner of the country, with cinemas outside London benefitting from 78% of funding to date. Further to this, we announced in December that cinemas will be able to apply for a share of an additional £14 million in grants as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund. This second round closed on 1 February, and will provide support for cinemas into the next financial year. Cinemas have also been eligible to apply to the second round of Arts Council England’s Repayable Finance scheme, with a total of £100 million available. Recognising that cinemas need content, during this crisis the Government’s Film and TV Production Restart Scheme has helped keep the cameras rolling at the other end of the screen supply chain. The £500 million scheme, which opened for applications in October 2020, has assured over 100 productions that they will be supported if future losses are incurred due to Covid-19 and provided the confidence they need to restart filming. In addition, most cinemas have been and are continuing to benefit from economy- wide measures including the VAT cut on tickets and concessions, a business rates holiday, access to Bounce Back Loans, the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and Local Restrictions Support Grants. Together these measures are providing a comprehensive package of support to the cinema industry to support it through the pandemic.

Events Industry: Coronavirus Derek Twigg: [911825] What recent assessment he has made of the financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on people working in the large entertainment events industry. Caroline Dinenage: We appreciate that the entertainment and events sector has been significantly affected by COVID19. That’s why the Government has maintained a regular dialogue with the sectors via various working groups since the outbreak of the pandemic. We have undertaken assessments of the financial impact of the pandemic through the DCMS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact Business Survey, which is available on GOV.UK.

Festival UK* 2022 Alan Brown: [145813] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the total budget is of the Festival UK 2022; and what the spend is to date. Caroline Dinenage: The total budget for the Festival UK 2022 is £120m. The spend to the end of December 2020 is £10.2m, including £3m for the R&D phase which has helped fund 30 creative teams from across the UK. These teams are made up of some of our leading organisations and individuals from science, technology and culture, and this investment has provided paid work for over 100 freelancers. This does not include any spend by the Devolved Administrations as this budget is subject to the Barnett formula, and is therefore not within the control of DCMS. Kenny MacAskill: [147075] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the estimated costs are of holding Festival UK 2022. Caroline Dinenage: The announced budget for the Festival UK 2022 is £120 million, which includes the Barnett share to the devolved nations.

Film and Television: Coronavirus Dean Russell: [911827] What steps his Department is taking to support UK film and TV productions during the covid-19 outbreak. Caroline Dinenage: The Government’s Film & TV Production Restart Scheme and our industry-led guidance has enabled production to continue on film sets up and down the country - including at Warner Bros studios in Leavesden, home to the Harry Potter and Mission Impossible franchises. This week the Secretary of State spoke to the BFI’s CEO and Colin Firth about how important the Restart Scheme has been to restoring sector confidence and kickstarting new productions - ensuring the UK remains a world leader in Film and TV.

Gambling Commission: Surveys Philip Davies: [R] [144977] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Gambling Commission (a) received any external support or advice and (b) used the same framework for assessment of affordability thresholds as set out in the consultation’s call for evidence ahead of publishing its short survey seeking views on how gambling companies interact with their customers, published on 18 January 2021. Nigel Huddleston: The Gambling Commission’s consultation and call for evidence on Remote Customer Interaction explores new requirements for operators on identifying and intervening where customers may be at risk of experiencing gambling related harm. It covers a range of issues around identifying consumers in vulnerable situations and assessing affordability. The Commission is working to obtain a wide range of evidence and will be led by the evidence it receives in deciding how to proceed. It has extended the consultation by a month to allow for more evidence to be submitted. The Commission designed its short survey to be consistent with the main consultation and call for evidence and to give the widest range of stakeholders an opportunity to contribute.

Hospitality Industry and Leisure: Coronavirus Catherine McKinnell: [911826] What steps his Department is taking to support businesses in the (a) hospitality, (b) entertainment and (c) arts and culture sectors. Caroline Dinenage: We know that businesses in arts, culture, entertainment and hospitality have been hit hard by this pandemic. That's why we secured an unprecedented £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund of which over £1 billion has so far been allocated so far to over 3000 organisations. This is along a world class package of broader economy measures worth hundreds of billions, including the furloughing scheme and the Self Employed Income Support Scheme Musicians: Visas Rachel Reeves: [146864] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Digital and Culture of 19 January 2021, Official report, col 774-789, on what dates the EU rejected the UK’s offer during the negotiations to include musicians on the list of independent professions for short-term business visitors. Caroline Dinenage: During the negotiations, this Government proposed that musicians and technical staff be added to the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors in the entry and temporary stay chapter of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This would allow them to travel and perform in the EU more easily, without needing work- permits. As with legal text shared in confidence, publishing correspondence and details exchanged between parties related to the development of legal text for trade agreements would not be appropriate. A DCMS Working Group with key cultural sector representatives and other key government departments has been established to tackle the range of specific issues with a view to assisting the sector as far as possible to confidently work in the EU. Rachel Reeves: [146865] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the EU’s standard definition of short-term business visitors which explicitly excludes any situation in which the visitor is selling services to the general public during their visit and receiving payment from people in the country they are visiting, what assessment the Government made during the EU-UK negotiations of the (a) viability of that category for touring musicians and (b) compatibility of that category with the requirements of music touring. Caroline Dinenage: During the negotiations, the EU tabled a declaration accompanying their proposals on visa-free travel. The declaration identified which paid activities could be allowed as part of visa-free visits. However, these proposals would not have addressed the creative and cultural sectors’ concerns. The proposals were non-binding, did not include touring but only ‘ad hoc’ performances, did not include technical staff, and did not address work permits. The EU’s proposals were also part of a package on visa- free travel that was not consistent with the UK’s manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders. During our negotiations with the EU, the UK proposed measures, reflecting the views of the music industry itself, that would have allowed musicians to travel and perform in the UK and the EU more easily, without needing work-permits. This would have delivered an outcome that is closer to the UK’s approach to incoming musicians, artists and entertainers from non-visa national countries, such as EU Member States and the US. Regrettably, these proposals were repeatedly rejected by the EU. The Government recognises the importance of touring for UK musicians and other creative professionals. A DCMS Working Group with key cultural sector representatives and other key government departments has been established to tackle the range of specific issues with a view to assisting the sector as far as possible to confidently work in the EU.

Social Media: Disinformation Owen Thompson: [146940] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the report entitled Industrialized Disinformation: 2020 Global Inventory of Organized Social Media Manipulation, published by the University of Oxford, what data the Government has collected on cyber troop activity in the UK. Owen Thompson: [146941] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment the Government has made of the implications for its policies of the findings of the report entitled Industrialized Disinformation: 2020 Global Inventory of Organized Social Media Manipulation, published by the University of Oxford. Caroline Dinenage: The Government takes the issue of disinformation and misinformation very seriously. Disinformation and misinformation threaten our democratic freedoms, and can cause harm to individuals and to our society. We welcome the valuable analysis and insights from academia and other experts who have a huge amount of expertise in this space. We take their findings and recommendations very seriously and engage widely with academia and civil society to ensure we are able to benefit from this work.

Sports: Coronavirus Jon Trickett: [146787] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which (a) sports and (b) institutions have received funding from Sport England's £220 million Covid-19 grassroots sport support fund; and how much each (i) sport and (ii) institution has received. Nigel Huddleston: Sports and physical activity are incredibly important for our physical and mental health, and are a vital weapon against coronavirus. The Government has provided unprecedented support to businesses through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. The Treasury estimates that around £1.5 billion of public money has gone into sports. As part of this, Sport England has committed £220m of National Lottery and Exchequer funding since March 2020 to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic. Up to 27 January 2021, £162m of this funding has been distributed to a range of sports activities. This sector support was recently boosted by an extra £50million to help grassroots sports clubs and organisations as part of Sport England’s new strategy Uniting the Movement. Further details of Sport England funding including the organisations that have benefited can be found at: https://www.sportengland.org/why-were-here. The £300m Sports Winter Survival Package also aims to protect the immediate futures of major spectator sports in England over the winter period. On 22 October 2020, the Government also announced a £100m support fund for local authority leisure centres. We are continuing to work with organisations to understand what they need and how we may be able to support them. We will also continue to promote exercise throughout the pandemic and encourage the usage of sports facilities when they are able to open again.

Technology: Coronavirus Dr Neil Hudson: [911828] What steps his Department has taken to support the (a) tech and (b) digital sectors during the covid-19 outbreak. Caroline Dinenage: The tech and digital sector has really stepped up to the challenges posed by the pandemic, which has seen tech adoption reportedly advancing 10 years in 2 months. TO support them in this vital work, the Government Future Fund has distributed over £1bn in loans to over 1000 companies. Our local digital skills partnerships are helping to address tech companies workforce and skills needs.

Technology: Regulation Dan Carden: [911840] What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UK regulation on global tech companies. Caroline Dinenage: We want to make the UK the safest place to go online and the best place in the world to set up a digital company. To achieve this aim we need a step change in our regulatory approach. From establishing the new pro-competition regime for digital markets to our world leading work on online harms this will drive competition, keep people safe and promote our democracy online. Tourism: Suffolk Dr Dan Poulter: [144663] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will provide financial support to the tourism sector in Suffolk during the period of the national covid-19 lockdown that was introduced in January 2021. Nigel Huddleston: We have introduced a number of measures since the start of the pandemic to support tourism businesses, including those in Suffolk. This includes the extended furlough and self-employed schemes and various government-backed loans, grant schemes, business rates relief and a reduced VAT rate. To help the sector through the current lockdown, we have announced one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property. This is in addition to the monthly Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed). Local Authorities in England have also been given an additional £594 million discretionary funding to support their local businesses. This builds on the £1.1 billion discretionary funding which local authorities in England have already received to support their local economies and help businesses impacted. Both my Department and VisitEngland remain in regular contact with regional tourism stakeholders to assess the substantial economic effects around the country.

EDUCATION

Apprentices: Public Sector Karin Smyth: [145050] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of public sector organisations have met the public sector apprentice target in each year since the target was introduced. Gillian Keegan: Public sector bodies with 250 or more staff in England have a target to employ an average of at least 2.3% of their staff as new apprentice starts over the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2021. While the target period is divided into 4 reporting periods lasting a year each, the regulations state that the target will be measured as an average over the full 4-year target period. As such, we cannot determine which organisations have or have not met the target until the final returns for the 2020-21 reporting period have been made later this year. The latest public sector apprenticeship statistics cover the first 3 years of the target. The target-monitoring data returns that have been submitted so far by individual organisations are published via the following link: https://content.explore-education- statistics.service.gov.uk/api/download/apprenticeships-and-traineeships/2020- 21/ancillary/e931cffc-3aab-4ce6-366a-08d8b2fbc21f. This data shows that, of the 865 public sector organisations that submitted returns in the latest 2019-20 reporting period (and have been included in national aggregates), 99 (11.4%) had employed, on average, at least 2.3% of staff as new apprenticeship starts over the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020. The percentage above has been calculated based only on those organisations that made a return in the latest reporting period (2019-20). The average percentage of staff employed as new apprenticeship starts in each organisation is calculated across all the returns made by that organisation over the target period. Those that have not submitted in each of the 3 years have an average based just on the returns that have been made. Not all public sector organisations are in the scope of the target (for instance, those with headcounts of fewer than 250 employees are exempt). Additionally, in their returns, public bodies provide self-reported information on the employment period and headcount relating to the target. The onus is on individual bodies to be accountable for their programme and to publish this information independently as well as report progress to the department. The underlying data for the associated statistical releases exactly replicates the information supplied by public sector bodies. As such, the accuracy of these submissions cannot be completely verified in all aspects.

Assessments: Coronavirus Preet Kaur Gill: [143057] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how external candidates who have no one to prepare an assessment of their progress or ability will be awarded grades in the context of examinations being cancelled. Nick Gibb: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Government considers that exams cannot be held in a way which is fair. We have therefore announced that GCSE, AS and A level exams will not go ahead this summer as planned. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has asked the interim Chief Regulator at Ofqual to find a clear and accessible route for private candidates, and those not in school this year, to be assessed and receive a grade. To ensure our approach is developed with the sector, the Department and Ofqual have now concluded a two-week consultation on how to fairly award all pupils a grade that supports them to progress to the next stage of their lives, including consulting specifically on four different approaches for private candidates to receive a grade. We have consulted on the following options: • For private candidates to complete the papers set by the exam boards for use in schools and colleges. • For private candidates to work with a school or college willing to assess the standard at which they are performing, using the same type of evidence the school or college is considering for its students. • For the exam boards to run normal exams for private candidates to take in the summer of 2021. • For the exam boards to run normal exams for private candidates to take in the autumn of 2021.

We are working at pace to provide further clarity to the sector and will publish the results of the consultation by the end of February 2021. The Department and Ofqual have strongly encouraged all our stakeholders, including private candidates and their parents, to respond to the consultation. We will continue to engage with a range of relevant stakeholders when developing plans for our policy on GCSE, AS and A level assessments in 2021, as will the exams regulator, Ofqual.

Department for Education: Staff Darren Jones: [144808] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many officials in their Department were dedicated to their Department's responsibilities associated with the delivery of the Industrial Strategy in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019, (d) 2020 and (e) 2021. Gillian Keegan: Numerous teams across the department have worked to develop and deliver policies that contribute to delivering the Industrial Strategy, so we are unable to quantify staff numbers in this respect. This includes teams focusing on: the introduction of ground-breaking T Levels; establishing new Institutes of Technology; developing the National Skills Fund; increasing funding for 16-19 provision; improving take up of science and maths at A level; improving digital education at all levels through changes to the curriculum and a new digital entitlements for adults; and the introduction of Skills Advisory Panels and the Skills Productivity Board.

Family Courts: Foster Care Mr Kevan Jones: [144624] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of delays in family court cases involving foster children on foster families. : The COVID-19 outbreak has had an impact on backlogs of cases in family courts. We are working closely with the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice and other key partners in the family justice system to make sure that we prioritise children’s welfare during this difficult and unprecedented time. I recognise the additional support that foster families need at this time. That is why we have provided £125,000 in additional funding for Fosterline to deliver free-to- access and specialist one-to-one support to foster families. The service has focussed on reducing the risk of breakdown in fostering placements to ensure stability for looked-after children and increasing capacity by providing new or prospective carers with access to the specialist information they need.

Further Education: Assessments Thangam Debbonaire: [144716] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will support further education colleges to provide safe in-person practical exams where necessary. Gillian Keegan: Following the recent announcement by the government that it is no longer viable for some exams and assessments to go ahead this academic year, exams and assessments for vocational and technical qualifications that require a student to demonstrate professional or occupational competence can continue to proceed in February and March 2021, with protective measures in place in line with Public Health England’s measures. The position on exams and assessments scheduled for April 2021 onwards is being considered in our joint consultation with Ofqual. Where exams and assessments can continue, public health guidance has been produced for all exam centres on the arrangements they should have in place to deliver exams and assessments, including those of a practical nature: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/responsibility-for-autumn-gcse-as-and-a- level-exam-series/public-health-arrangements-for-autumn-exams.

Further Education: Coronavirus Rachael Maskell: [145069] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what criteria will be used to determine when to re-open further education colleges during the covid-19 outbreak. Gillian Keegan: On Wednesday 27 January 2021, the government confirmed that education attendance restrictions should continue post-half term. This follows my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister’s announcement on 4 January 2021 of national restrictions and that the position would be kept under review during January, with pupils and young people expected to return to face to face learning at school and college after the February half term at the earliest if the public health data permitted this. Following an in-depth analysis of both the COVID-19 prevalence data and the data on NHS capacity, it has been concluded that this will not yet be possible, and that school and college attendance must continue to be limited to help support the reduction in the overall number of social contacts in communities. Further education (FE) providers will remain open for onsite attendance to vulnerable students, the children of critical workers and a small number of FE students and apprentices who would otherwise be completing their courses or apprenticeships in January, February or March 2021, where it is not possible for their training or assessment to be completed remotely. This includes: • Those who are due to do a licence to practise, or other occupational competence, assessment in January, February or March 2021. • Those training for some critical worker roles, for example engineering, health and social care, manufacturing technologies, nursing and subjects and vocations allied to medicine, transportation operations and maintenance, agriculture, education and training and building and construction (where this is connected to utilities and communications) that are due to complete in the next 3 months. The decision to continue restricting attendance does not suggest that schools and colleges have become significantly less safe places for young people. Instead, limiting attendance is about continuing to support the reduction in the overall number of social contacts in our communities. This is a vital intervention in the context of a current stubbornly high prevalence of COVID-19. When Parliament returns from recess in the week commencing 22 February 2021, we intend to set out the results of our review and publish our plan for taking the country out of lockdown. We will continue to review restrictions in education and will ensure that remaining students and apprentices return to face-to-face education as soon as possible.

Further Education: South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis: [R] [144682] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the progress being made on tackling the digital divide for further education students in South Yorkshire. Gillian Keegan: For students in further education across England, we have extended the Get Help with Technology service to provide support with devices and connectivity. We have allocated over 82,000 laptops and tablets to further education providers. Secondary schools with sixth forms have also received devices for their 16-19 pupils. Colleges and other further education institutions are eligible to receive devices where they have students aged 16-19 who are in receipt of free school meals, and where they have students aged 19 and over with an education, health and care plan who are also in receipt of free school meals. Further education providers will own the laptops and tablets provided under this scheme and can lend these to the young people who need them the most. All further education providers with eligible students have already been invited to order devices and orders are currently being fulfilled within 5 working days. Once providers have joined the service and placed an order for devices, they will also be eligible to request 4G wireless routers for financially disadvantaged students who do not have a broadband connection at home. Prior to extending the Get Help with Technology service to further education, we encouraged providers to use their 16-19 bursary funding to purchase devices and connectivity for disadvantaged students aged 16-19 where this is a barrier to learning. During the summer term last year, additional bursary funding was made available to providers via a business case process to provide further support with the additional costs arising from students participating online. We are also in regular discussions with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the coverage of high-speed internet connectivity and affordability to tackle data poverty, as well as working with Department for Work and Pensions to test approaches to help low-income families to get online and stay online.

Obesity: Children Bambos Charalambous: [145093] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the closure of wraparound childcare providers on childhood obesity. Vicky Ford: The government recognises the vital role wraparound childcare plays in providing enriching activities which provide such an enormous benefit to the health and wellbeing of children. That is why we have ensured that all before and after-school clubs, holiday clubs, and other out-of-school settings have been able to continue to stay open for children eligible to attend school on-site (i.e. for critical worker children, and vulnerable children and young people), for the duration of the national lockdown, in line with the protective measures guidance for the sector which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after- school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus- covid-19-outbreak. We have also made clear that schools should be continuing to offer before and after- school provision for those pupils eligible to attend for on-site provision, where it is feasible for them to do so. We have provided guidance for schools to support them to resume this provision. A copy of the guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the- coronavirus-outbreak. The department does not hold a central register of all wraparound provision and is therefore not able to give an assessment on the potential effects to childhood obesity due to the closure of wraparound childcare providers. We do, however, recognise the value this sector offers to our children and young people, as well as the valuable support they provide to our critical worker parents, and vulnerable children. That is why we have encouraged all local authorities to consider what local grants could be used to bolster this part of the childcare sector in their areas, to safeguard sufficient childcare provision for children of critical workers and vulnerable children. This includes funding streams such as the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. The expanded programme, which comprises a £220 million fund to be delivered through grants to local authorities, will be expanded to reach all local authority areas over the Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays in 2021. Although there has been no official assessment made around the effects wraparound closures has on levels of children’s physical activity, the government is acutely aware of the benefits to children’s physical and mental wellbeing of attending these settings. The Department of Health and Social Care published ‘Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives’ in July 2020, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tackling-obesity-government- strategy/tackling-obesity-empowering-adults-and-children-to-live-healthier- lives?dm_i=21A8,6YUMT,1HTV5R,S1TJS,1. The strategy demonstrates an overarching campaign to reduce obesity, takes forward actions from previous chapters of the childhood obesity plan, including our ambition to halve the number of children living with obesity by 2030, and sets out measures to get the nation fit and healthy, protect against COVID-19 and protect the NHS.

Remote Education: Greater London Sir David Evennett: [142797] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many laptops have been requested by schools in (a) Greater London, (b) the London Borough of Bexley and (c) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown to date. Nick Gibb: The Government is investing over £400 million to support access to remote education and online social care services, by securing 1.3 million laptops and tablets for disadvantaged children and young people. This includes over 920,000 laptops and tablets that were delivered to schools, academy trusts, local authorities and Further Education providers by 1 February 2021, who are responsible for distributing them onward to disadvantaged children and families. All schools, trusts and local authorities have now been given the opportunity to order devices. Laptops and tablets are owned by schools, trusts or local authorities to lend to children and young people who need them most during the current COVID-19 restrictions. Figures on the number of devices delivered, broken down by local authority and academy trust are available at: https://explore-education- statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/laptops-and-tablets-data/2021-week-5. This includes 39,374 delivered to Greater London local authorities, 742 of which delivered were to Bexley. Regional figures for delivery of devices are currently not available for the period requested and figures by Parliamentary constituency are also not available. Where schools need additional devices, above their allocations, they should contact the Department’s service team at [email protected]. They should include the number of disadvantaged children in Years 3 to 11 who require support and an explanation of how they have gathered this evidence.

Schools: Mental Health Services Charlotte Nichols: [144867] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress he has made on ensuring that every school and college has a designated lead in mental health. Vicky Ford: It is up to schools and colleges to decide whether to put in place a lead for mental health and more are doing so. Our latest figures from a survey in 2018 reported that over 80% of schools and colleges had a lead (82% of schools, 91% of further education colleges). An earlier survey in 2016 had suggested that around half had a lead (49% of schools, 69% of colleges). In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government has prioritised providing bespoke training and support to as many schools and colleges as possible to meet the immediate challenges that they face in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people during the COVID-19 outbreak. We provided seminars during the summer term last year which were accessed by thousands of staff in education and have funded the £8 million Wellbeing for Education Return scheme to provide advisers and further training to schools and colleges. All upper tier local authorities in England have identified a lead contact for Wellbeing for Education Return in September and October 2020 our national training provider, the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, trained 438 local experts. 85% of local authorities report that they are already delivering additional training and support to local schools and further education providers using the funding, with feedback indicating that this training and support is reaching more than 15,000 schools. In the longer term, to further incentivise schools and to support leads to put in place whole school approaches to promoting good mental health and wellbeing, the department has committed to provide training for senior mental health leads in all state-funded schools and colleges in England. This is part of our commitment to our joint green paper delivery programme with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, which also includes introducing new mental health support teams for all schools and colleges and testing approaches to faster access to NHS specialist support. The training will equip senior mental health leads with the knowledge to introduce or develop their whole school/college approach to positive mental health and implement effective processes for ensuring pupils and students with mental health problems receive appropriate support. Since the autumn term the department has been undertaking a review of the needs of senior mental health leads in the light of COVID-19 outbreak and to incorporate learning from the Wellbeing for Education Return. Whole school approaches will include the new requirement for schools to teach about mental wellbeing as part of Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). The department is committed to supporting all schools in their preparations to teach RSHE and has developed an online service featuring innovative training materials and an implementation guide. This support will cover all of the teaching requirements in the statutory guidance and will be inclusive of all pupils. We prioritised the production of the training module covering mental wellbeing, so that it was available before the end of the summer term last year: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/teaching- about-mental-wellbeing. The mental wellbeing module has been downloaded over 21,000 times.

Service Pupil Premium Stephen Morgan: [145124] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many local authority-maintained schools were in receipt of the Service Pupil Premium in each of the last five years. Vicky Ford: The number of local authority-maintained schools in receipt of the Service Child element of the Pupil Premium in each of the last five years are shown below. The figures have decreased over the period due to the number of academy conversions in that time. The figures for financial year 2020/21 are also shown but are provisional, as the new and growing schools are due to be incorporated in the final quarterly update later this year.

NUMBER OF LA MAINTAINED SCHOOLS IN FINANCIAL YEAR RECEIPT OF THE SERVICE PUPIL PREMIUM

2015-16 7,102

2016-17 6,868

2017-18 6,405

2018-19 6,062

2019-20 5,855

2020-21 (provisional) 5,820

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: [145105] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps he has taken to ensure that pupils with autism and other special educational needs and disabilities are adequately supported while schools are closed during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown period. Vicky Ford: During this period of national lockdown, primary schools, secondary schools, further education (FE) colleges, alternative provision and special settings will remain open to vulnerable children and young people, including those with education, health and care plans (EHCPs). Where, for any reason, it is not possible for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – including children both with an EHCP and those who are supported through SEND support – to attend their education setting during this period, they should receive remote education and support. The legal duty on schools and FE colleges to use their best endeavours to meet the special educational needs of their pupils and students, including those supported through SEND support, remains unchanged, whether they are attending school or FE college or are at home for any period. To support remote learning, the department has made £4.84 million available for Oak National Academy, both for the summer term of the academic year 2019-20, and then for the 2020-21 academic year, to provide video lessons in a broad range of subjects for Reception up to year 11. This includes specialist content for pupils with SEND, along with therapy-based lessons and resources across occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory therapy and speech and language therapy. A link to the Oak National Academy’s specialist resources can be found here: https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist. To support schools to make up for lost learning time, the department has also provided a £1 billion package of support. This includes a £650 million catch up premium directly allocated to schools, with additional weighting for specialist settings, recognising the significantly higher per-pupil costs that they face. The package also includes a £350 million National Tutoring Programme, which will increase access to high-quality tuition for disadvantaged pupils, helping to accelerate their academic progress and tackling the attainment gap between them and their peers. To specifically support children and young people with autism, the department has funded the Autism Education Trust (AET) since 2011 to deliver autism awareness training to staff in early years settings, schools and colleges. To date, the AET has trained more than 287,000 people – promoting a whole-school approach to support for pupils with autism. Resources and training via the AET have been available throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

Vocational Education: Coronavirus Dame Angela Eagle: [142795] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on creating an apprenticeship scheme for students on vocational courses who have been unable to attend in-person practical courses as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. Gillian Keegan: We are committed to supporting learners in Further Education to safely continue with, and complete, their programmes during the COVID-19 outbreak. Following the announcement of a new national lockdown on 4 January 2021, our guidance for further education providers on restricting attendance sets out that providers should use their best endeavours to deliver remotely as much of students’ planned hours as possible. The guidance can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining- further-education-provision. We recognise that this may be more challenging for some students, for example where a course necessitates the use of specialist equipment and supervision, or with respect to work experience and placements. Schools and colleges have been able to continue with the vocational and technical qualification (VTQ) exams that were due to take place in January, where they judged it right to do so. This may have been particularly important for occupational competence VTQs which can only be fulfilled through practical assessment, for example electrician. It was for providers to decide whether to put on the exam. If a student was unable to take their assessment this January, they may be able to take the assessment at a later date. In the event that is not possible, we will put in place arrangements to ensure they are not disadvantaged. Students have prepared for the assessments which are critical for them. It is right, given the importance, that those assessments were given priority alongside vulnerable students and children of key workers. Apprenticeships are jobs created by employers which provide apprentices with high- quality on and off-the-job training. They will be more important than ever in helping businesses to recruit the right people and develop the skills they need to recover and grow. We have introduced flexibilities to support apprenticeship training to continue, including encouraging the remote delivery of training where possible, and have also introduced flexibilities to 120 apprenticeships to allow end-point assessments for these standards to continue. Where it is not possible and practicable for the apprentice to continue training, a break in learning can be used to allow the apprentice to return to learning at a future date. To encourage employers to offer new apprenticeship opportunities we have introduced incentive payments for employers of up to £2000 for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25 as part of our Plan for Jobs. These payments were extended until the end of March 2021 in the November 2020 Spending Review. We continue to work closely with employers and providers, and across government, to ensure a range of training opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to gain the skills they need. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Carbon Emissions Sir Greg Knight: [146790] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to extend financial support for carbon negative farming and land use beyond the existing schemes for woodland and peatland; and if he will make a statement. Victoria Prentis: Yes we do. Reaching our Net Zero target is one of this government's top priorities. This will mean changes to the way land is managed to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. We will support the sector to make these changes through the schemes set out in our Agricultural Transition Plan, which was published in November using the powers in the Agriculture Act 2020. Specifically, our new environmental land management schemes, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery, will all help support farming and land management to contribute to Net Zero. The Agricultural Transition Plan set out examples of the types of actions that we envisage paying for under the schemes and the timetable for those schemes opening to applicants. We are also offering new agreements and extensions to existing agreements under the legacy Countryside Stewardship scheme. This scheme continues to help farmers manage their land sustainably and contribute to Net Zero whilst we test and roll out our future environmental land management schemes.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Apprentices Tulip Siddiq: [146975] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Victoria Prentis: As of 31 March 2020, the Civil Service has achieved a total of 2.1% of its total workforce as apprentices against the legislative target for the public sector of 2.3% by March 2021. Core Defra has achieved 1% of the total staff employed within the department. A further 57 apprentices are currently being enrolled and we expect these to be fully enrolled by 31/03/21. This target is a percentage of the total workforce so the percentage attained will change in line with workforce fluctuations over time, making it challenging to predict when a department will meet it. The data for 2018/19 can be found here. The data for 2019/20 can be found here. Defra has an apprenticeship strategy which has the following priorities: 1. Increase the use of apprenticeships in external recruitment 2. Use targeted apprenticeship recruitment to improve inclusion/ diversity of workforce 3. Promote the use of apprenticeships to support the development of existing employees at all grades 4. Increase/maximise levy usage Defra is launching three recruitment campaigns in National Apprenticeship Week (8– 14 February) for the following apprenticeships: Project Management Level 4; Policy Officer Level 4; Business Administration Level 3. Departments are committed to increasing the number of apprentices across the Civil Service and continue to work towards the 2.3% target.

Food: Coronavirus Alex Davies-Jones: [147088] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the value is of service credits applied to the contracts awarded to (a) Brake Brothers and (b) BFS Group to provide food boxes for shielding vulnerable adults. Victoria Prentis: The Defra Contracts with Brakes and Bidfood delivered 4.7 million food boxes to the doorsteps of the clinically extremely vulnerable in England between 27 March and 1 August 2020. The contract contained Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to cover on- time, in-full and zero defect delivery. KPIs were monitored on a daily and weekly basis. Brakes and Bidfood delivered the service in accordance with these KPIs and therefore service credits were not required.

Peat Bogs: Fires Olivia Blake: [147100] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New rules for burning on protected blanket bog habitats, published on gov.uk on 30 January 2020, in what circumstances a license would be granted for the burning of vegetation on peat over 40 cm in depth. Rebecca Pow: The Government has always been clear of the need to phase out rotational burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. There is an established scientific consensus that burning of vegetation on such sites is damaging. That is why we are taking action to prevent further damage by bringing forward legislation that will limit burning of vegetation. The proposed legislation will not apply on land that has steep slopes or in circumstances where more than half of the area is covered by exposed rock and scree. Where these exemptions do not apply landowners will be able to apply to the Secretary of State for a licence to undertake managed burning in strictly limited circumstances. Such as for purposes of wildfire prevention where it is necessary and expedient and there is no practicable alternative, and for the purposes of peatland restoration as part of a cohesive management plan that aims to return that land to a natural wet state and the land is inaccessible to cutting or mowing machinery. The proposed regulations will be laid before parliament as soon as parliamentary time allows with accompanying guidance being published later this year.

FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Anne Sacoolas Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: [145865] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to take diplomatic steps to secure the lawful arrest of Anne Sacoolas in the US or any other country she may visit; and if he will make a statement. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 3 February 2021]: This is a tragic case. The Government has been doing everything it can to support the family and get justice for Harry. We are disappointed with the US' refusal to extradite Ms Sacoolas, which we feel amounts to a denial of justice. We have already raised the case with the Biden Administration.

Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences Preet Kaur Gill: [146992] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the budget has been of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict team in each year since 2012. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: Since 2012, the FCO has allocated over £55 million to Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI)-related activities. This includes funding to support survivors, contributions to international and civil society organisations, and deployments of the UK PSVI Team of Experts. On average, the UK has committed over £6 million per year to the PSVI since its launch. In 2014-15, £20 million was allocated, including £5.2 million to develop and deliver the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in 2014.

12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21

Total £1.3m £5m £20m £8.5m £7.6m £2.7m £3.19m £4.14m £2.6m

Preet Kaur Gill: [146993] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many times the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative UK team of experts has been deployed in each year since 2012. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: Since 2012, the Team of Experts have been deployed 94 times to build capacity of governments, the UN, and non-governmental organisations. Deployments have included Mali, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Uganda. The number of deployments per year were as follows: two deployments in 2012; 20 deployments in 2013, including to Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina; 27 deployments in 2014, including to Turkey, Mali, and Kenya; 16 deployments in 2015; six deployments in 2016; six deployments in 2017, 11 deployments in 2018 including to Dhaka, Mali and Zimbabwe; six deployments in 2019; and one deployment in 2020.

Bahrain: Political Prisoners Brendan O'Hara: [146904] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the letter of the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute of 21 December 2020, what the most recent date was upon which the Government made representations to the Government of Bahrain on the cases of medical negligence against the Bahraini political prisoners Hasan Mushaima, Dr Abduljalil AlSingace and Sheikh AlMuqdad. James Cleverly: We continue to monitor and raise the cases of Hassan Mushaima, Dr Abduljalil Al Singace and Sheikh Abduljalil Al Muqdad. The Government of Bahrain has been clear in public statements that access to medical care for those in detention is guaranteed by the Constitution of Bahrain. We welcome those assurances. Those with concerns regarding the treatment of a prisoner should contact the relevant authorities as well as the appropriate national oversight body. Brendan O'Hara: [146906] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of (a) torture allegations which include beatings, electric shocks, and sexual abuse against political prisoners at the Royal Academy of Policing in Bahrain and (b) reports that local oversight bodies have failed to credibly investigate those allegations. James Cleverly: The British Government's policy is clear - we condemn the use of torture or mistreatment in all circumstances. We take allegations or concerns of torture and mistreatment very seriously. We urge that all allegations of this nature are reported to the appropriate national oversight body and continue to encourage these bodies to carry out swift, transparent and thorough investigations into any such claims. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Peace Negotiations Alicia Kearns: [145171] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to take forward the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina following reports that a new High Representative will be installed in the next six months. : The United Kingdom is an active partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting its transition to a peaceful, functional and multi-ethnic state, and its Euro-Atlantic future. We are using our political influence and programme assistance to help bring about reforms in the rule of law and justice, defence and security, democracy, human rights and the economy. We work together on tackling COVID-19 and building back stronger. Our COP26 Presidency positions us to advocate for real action on climate change. We champion reconciliation and a focus on a shared future which encourages the disillusioned to stay; and we call out the ethnic division which looks backwards. In this we engage with the authorities at all levels, but also civil society organisations, youth and women, the media, business and academia. Working with international partners is key to achieving progress. This includes the Office of the High Representative, which continues to have the United Kingdom's full support.

Chen Quanguo Patrick Grady: [146917] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of imposing (a) a UK travel ban and (b) an asset freeze on Chen Quanguo, senior official in the Chinese Communist Party, under the terms of the UK's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: The Government remains gravely concerned about the human rights situation in Xinjiang. On 12 January the Foreign Secretary announced robust, targeted measures to help ensure that British organisations, whether public or private sector, are not complicit in, nor profiting from, the human rights violations in Xinjiang. We also continue to play a leading role in holding China to account for its human rights violations in the region, working closely with international partners, including at the UN. The FCDO are carefully considering further designations under the Global Human Rights sanctions regime, introduced in July 2020. We will keep all evidence and potential listings under close review. It is not appropriate to speculate on who may be designated in the future, as to do so could reduce their impact.

Developing Countries: Female Genital Mutilation Yasmin Qureshi: [144987] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to enable the UK to use its presidencies of the G7 and COP26 to ensure that it and other nations (a) build on initial progress on eradicating female genital mutilation and (b) make a renewed commitment to SDG 4. Wendy Morton: The UK Government has led international efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM). Since 2013, UK aid has helped over 10,000 communities (representing over 27 million people) pledge to abandon FGM. Over 4 million girls and women have received health, social and legal services related to FGM. The UK will use its G7 Presidency to spearhead international action on Gender Equality - focusing on educating girls, empowering women, and ending violence against women and girls. As part of advancing SDG 4, we will seek to build support for ambitious new targets of getting 40 million more girls into education by 2025 and achieving a one-third improvement in girls' reading by age 10. We will also work towards a successful replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education. We are committed to delivering an inclusive COP26, including by addressing the needs and priorities of women and girls and advancing gender equality within climate action and finance. Quality education, especially for girls, is central to tackling climate change effectively.

Developing Countries: Remote Education Preet Kaur Gill: [145839] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to Answer of 14 January 2021 to Question 134525 on Developing Countries: Schools, which 18 countries his Department has adapted bilateral education programmes in. Wendy Morton: The FCDO has bilateral education programmes in 18 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Lebanon, Malawi, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. These programmes have adapted and responded to the COVID-19 context in each country. This has included a strong focus on safety such as WASH in schools, child protection including safeguarding messaging and training for teachers, and learning such as developing and distributing learning materials, back to school campaigns and catch up classes, as well as systems strengthening and support to governments.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Apprentices Kate Green: [146875] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Nigel Adams: As of 31 December 2020, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) employed 122 apprentices, of whom 49 work for our Trading Fund, FCDO Services. This is 1.4% of the total of FCDO and FCDO Services UK Based (or "UK- registered") staff worldwide, and 1.9% of our staff working in the UK. We expect a further 2 FCDO staff to enrol on an apprenticeship by 31 March 2021.

Iran: Nuclear Fuels Robert Halfon: [146847] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2021 to Question 140775 on Iran: Nuclear Fuels, what the timetable is for action to tackle Iran’s non-compliance with the JCPoA. James Cleverly: We have made our position clear to Iran in recent E3 statements, at the Joint Commission and at the JCPoA ministerial meeting on 21 December, that implementation of the new nuclear law is jeopardising our efforts to preserve the JCPoA and risks compromising the important opportunity for a return to diplomacy with the new US Administration. We remain in close contact with the other remaining JCPoA participants to assess how to best address Iran's non-compliance within the framework of the JCPoA.

Kashmir: Human Rights Afzal Khan: [147047] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussion he has had with human rights organisations on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: The UK continues to follow the situation in Kashmir closely. Officials at the British High Commission in New Delhi engage regularly with human rights organisations on the situation. We continue to be in regular contact with the governments of India and Pakistan, both through our diplomatic networks in New Delhi and Islamabad, and in London. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, and transparently. Afzal Khan: [147995] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps to support the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: The UK condemns the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar, and the arbitrary detention of democratically elected politicians and civil society by the military. It is essential that Aung San Suu Kyi, and all those arbitrarily detained, are released. Under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and the Myanmar Sanctions Regime the UK had already sanctioned 16 individuals, responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar. In July 2020, we sanctioned the Commander-in-Chief and his Deputy, in our first tranche of sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions regime. We are working closely with international partners to consider next steps with the aim of ensuring that democratic wishes of Myanmar's people are respected and politicians and civil society leaders are released.

Myanmar: Military Coups Dr Rupa Huq: [146967] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to impose further sanctions against the Burmese military following the military coup in Myanmar. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: The UK condemns the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar, and the arbitrary detention of democratically elected politicians and civil society by the military. It is essential that Aung San Suu Kyi, and all those arbitrarily detained, are released. Under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and the Myanmar Sanctions Regime the UK had already sanctioned 16 individuals, responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar. In July 2020, we sanctioned the Commander-in-Chief and his Deputy, in our first tranche of sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions regime. We are working closely with international partners to consider next steps with the aim of ensuring that democratic wishes of Myanmar's people are respected and politicians and civil society leaders are released.

Oman: Customs Brendan O'Hara: [146905] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much was spent through the Integrated Activity Fund on the customs project provided to the Royal Oman Police Customs in collaboration with the British Embassy Muscat in October 2019; and whether an Overseas Security and Justice Assistance assessment was conducted prior to the delivery of that project. James Cleverly: We do not disclose information related to individual IAF projects to maintain the confidence and confidentiality of our Gulf partners.

Overseas Aid: LGBT People Alicia Kearns: [143931] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, in which countries his Department is (a) funding programmes or (b) supporting bilateral or multilateral efforts to protect the freedoms and international human rights of LGBTQ+ people. Wendy Morton: The UK plays an active role across the world in support of LGBT rights. We work through our embassies and high commissions and through international organisations, including the UN, Council of Europe, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Commonwealth, to promote non- discrimination towards LGBT people, and to address discriminatory laws. In our role as co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) with Argentina, we are ambitious about what we can achieve through delivery of the ERC's first UK led strategy that seeks to shape, guide and re-energise the ERC's work to advance LGBT equality. Due to its highly sensitive and sometimes dangerous nature, it would not be appropriate to specify the countries our LGBT programmes operate in, but we have consistently committed funding to LGBT rights programme work. In addition to funding through our UK Aid Connect Programme and International Programme Fund, in October, we announced £3.2m of new funding to continue the work we announced during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2018 that works with civil society to support countries seeking legislative reform. We also prioritised £800,000 of funding for The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) to support civil society work to advance LGBT equality.

Palestinians: Coronavirus Dame Diana Johnson: [146813] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the vaccination roll-out programme in Palestine. Dame Diana Johnson: [146814] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department will take to ensure that the citizens of Palestine receive the covid- 19 vaccine. James Cleverly: The UK remains committed to ensuring equitable access to effective vaccines as demonstrated by our £548 million contribution to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) - the international initiative to support global equitable access to vaccines. Through match funding, the commitment was leveraged to encourage other donors to commit $1 billion in 2020. We are pleased to note that the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) will be among the first to benefit from the COVAX scheme with delivery of a first batch anticipated in mid-February. We remain in regular, close contact with the Palestinian Authority to discuss their plans for access to safe COVID-19 vaccines in the OPTs, including rollout of the doses provided through the COVAX scheme. Palestinians: Remote Education Robert Halfon: [145776] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 January 2021 to Question 140776, how many Palestinian children received copies of UNRWA’s self-learning material; and what steps UNRWA is taking to retrieve that material and counter harmful educational messages. James Cleverly: We contacted UNRWA directly regarding this issue. UNRWA informed us that they had identified the material in question through its own regular monitoring and took swift action to correct the issue. The Agency also conducted a review to address any education materials in breach of its policies. UNRWA has reported that these materials are no longer circulated and are not used in current lessons. The issue was rectified by November 2020. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure self-learning materials remain in line with UN values.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade Patrick Grady: [146916] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the new US Administration on the cessation of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. James Cleverly: Ministers have not yet discussed with the Biden Administration the reported US suspension of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The UK takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and we assess all export licenses in accordance with strict licensing criteria.

Schengen Agreement: Borders Hilary Benn: [144602] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 26 January 2021 to Question 138871, which of the UK’s European network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates have received contact from UK nationals regarding disruption at the Schengen border since 1 January 2021. Wendy Morton: As the Government has stated, fewer than 200 UK nationals have contacted our European network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates regarding disruption at the Schengen border since 1 January 2021. Enquiries have been received regarding Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, Latvia, Finland, Denmark, Bulgaria, Italy and Malta. The Government has worked to resolve this disruption by raising concerns with the European Commission, as well as engaging bilaterally with Member States and carriers. The steps taken by the Government have resulted in a reduction in enquiries. We are continuing to monitor the situation, to ensure that UK nationals' rights are upheld across the EU. Hilary Benn: [144603] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 January 2021 to Question 138871, if the UK Government will raise the matter of UK nationals with residence rights in the EU protected by the Withdrawal Agreement being refused entry at the Schengen border since 1 January 2021 at the next meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens' Rights; and when that meeting is scheduled to take place. Wendy Morton: The Government is committed to upholding the rights of UK nationals in the EU and EU citizens in the UK, as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. The Government is monitoring the situation at the Schengen border closely and is in regular contact with the EU and Member States to ensure the correct rules are applied. The Government will continue to hold the EU to account for the correct implementation and application of the Citizens' Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement. This includes through the Specialised Committee on Citizens' Rights. The UK and the EU have agreed that the Committee will meet regularly throughout 2021 and the next meeting has been scheduled to take place in February.

Sexual Offences: Armed Conflict Preet Kaur Gill: [146991] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff, and at what grades, the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative team has had in each year since 2012. Nigel Adams: [Holding answer 4 February 2021]: This information is not held centrally.

Uganda: Politics and Government Ed Davey: [146763] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Uganda. Ed Davey: [146764] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance the UK is providing in Uganda to support the development of transparent and peaceful democratic processes. : GROUPED WITH PQ 146764. The UK Government has significant concerns about the treatment of opposition candidates in the run-up to and since the Ugandan elections, as well as the internet shutdown immediately before and during the elections. This does not provide for an open political landscape, within which democracy can flourish. I [Minister Duddridge] set out our concerns in a statement on 17 January about the political climate surrounding the elections and have urged the Government of Uganda to meet its international human rights commitments. Our High Commissioner has met with both President Museveni and leader of the opposition, Robert Kyagulanyi (also known as Bobi Wine), to convey our concerns and discuss democratic process. The UK Government supports programmes for civil society groups and organisations in Uganda that promote democracy and transparent elections. We have spent more than £30 million since 2014 helping to strengthen institutions in Uganda to uphold democratic freedoms and advocate for the equal treatment of all Ugandans according to the terms of the Ugandan constitution and laws. As a long-standing partner to Uganda, the UK will continue to follow post-election developments closely, and engage with the Ugandan Government and Ugandans to advocate for democracy.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Cancer: Screening Chris Green: [143794] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timescale is for NHS England to expand access to routine genomic profiling for eligible cancer patients with metastatic/locally-advanced disease. : In the NHS Long Term Plan, NHS England and NHS Improvement outlined the commitment to offer more extensive genomic testing to patients who are newly diagnosed with cancers so that by 2023 over 100,000 people a year can access these tests. A range of genomic testing for patients with cancer covering both adult and paediatric solid and haematological cancers is already available through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service as outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory. Chris Green: [143797] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS cancer patients in England received a fusion gene mutation test for (a) ALK, (b) NTRK, (c) RET, and (d) ROS1 in 2020. Edward Argar: NHS England and NHS Improvement currently do not hold this data. Care Homes: Visits Rachael Maskell: [146933] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, after residents of care homes have received their second covid-19 vaccine, when visiting restrictions are planned to be lifted, what steps he plans to take to ensure that those visits are safe; and when the Government plans to publish guidance on that matter. Helen Whately: Care home visits can continue to take place with arrangements such as outdoor visiting, substantial screens, or visiting pods. Close-contact indoor visits should not be taking place, other than in exceptional circumstances such as end of life. We will be looking to ensure that a wider range of visiting arrangements are made available when it is safe to do so. We will publish updated guidance as this period of national lockdown ends.

Coronavirus: Vaccination Rachael Maskell: [109485] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether health and care professions that can currently administer medicines, through Patient Group Directions and Independent Prescribing Rights, will be granted rights to assist with the roll out of any covid-19 vaccination programme. Jo Churchill: Secondary legislation enabling more healthcare workers to administer flu and potential COVID-19 vaccines has been introduced. This means that the National Health Service can expand the vaccination workforce by recruiting to clinical roles needed to support mass vaccinations in a safe way. This includes drawing on the skills of those who have volunteered through the NHS Bring Back Scheme, considering the use of a wider range of professionals such as registered dentists, midwives, occupational therapists, paramedics, physiotherapists and radiographers, trainee doctors and nurses, as well as those currently working outside of the NHS such as St John’s Ambulance and independent nurses and occupational health service providers. This expanded workforce will work alongside GPs, nurses, pharmacists and other professionals in primary, community and acute care experienced in delivering vaccination programmes. There are many other people in the UK who have experience and vital skills that can be adapted to support vaccination services. For example, cabin crew are being recruited and trained to work alongside NHS colleagues at vaccination sites. Tulip Siddiq: [122821] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to issue certification to vaccinated individuals after a covid-19 vaccine becomes available. Nadhim Zahawi: There are no plans to introduce vaccine certification following this vaccination programme. As with other vaccination programmes, when patients are vaccinated, they are likely to receive a vaccine record card that notes the date of their vaccination, the suggested date for their second dose and details of the vaccine type and batch. This is a vaccine record card, similar to those given to patients for other NHS vaccinations as a note of when they received their vaccine. It is not intended to be used for any other purpose, or as an immunity certificate. All vaccinations are recorded on the patient’s record with their GP. Ben Lake: [145100] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding has been allocated to research on the effectiveness of the (a) Pfizer/Biontech vaccine and (b) AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine for immuno-suppressed people; and which organisations have received funding to conduct that research. Edward Argar: [Holding answer 2 February 2021]: UK Research and Innovation is providing around £2 million towards the Immunity programme, as part of the National Core Studies, to support research on vaccine responses in groups of immune-supressed individuals, including those with inflammatory disorders, high risk cancer patient groups, and patients with severe kidney and liver disease. Public Health England will be monitoring vaccine effectiveness to examine how it varies by subgroup such as by age or clinical risk groups including immunosuppression. Evidence will be generated through routine data sources, including routine testing data and GP electronic health records, as well as through enhanced surveillance. Jane Stevenson: [147057] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to roll out covid-19 vaccines to people who are not registered with a GP. Nadhim Zahawi: NHS England and NHS Improvement have sought to ensure that vaccinations are accessible to those who are not registered with a general practitioner (GP). NHS England and NHS Improvement commissioned the general practice COVID-19 vaccination service as an enhanced service (ES). The ES enables practices to vaccinate unregistered patients provided they are eligible for a vaccination. Individuals who are not registered with a GP practice will therefore be able to access the vaccine in line with the priority groups outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations. National Health Service regional teams working with appropriate local systems will reach out to unregistered people to ensure they are offered the vaccine. In the immediate period we are asking partners including voluntary community, social enterprise, and inclusion health provider partners to support their clients and service users to register with a GP.

Genetics: Screening Chris Green: [143796] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timescale is for NHS England to consult on the national service specification for clinical genomics. Edward Argar: NHS England and NHS Improvement are currently progressing the updating of the Clinical Genomics Service Specification. Stakeholder testing on the Clinical Genomics Service Specification will be undertaken in line with the NHS England and NHS Improvement policy and is expected to take place in early 2021.

Hospital Beds: Yorkshire and the Humber Jon Trickett: [146770] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS overnight beds there were in Yorkshire and the Humber region in (a) 2010 and (b) 2020. Edward Argar: This information is not available in the format requested. Since 2010/11 data on overnight bed availability is published on a quarterly rather than annual basis. Data is available at trust level, for the seven regions and nationally.

Rare Diseases: Finance : [124728] To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what funding he plans to allocate to support the Rare Disease Framework. Jo Churchill: The Government published a new United Kingdom Rare Diseases Framework in January 2021, which replaces the UK Rare Diseases Strategy. There is no new funding allocated in new Framework. However, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Framework is a success and will publish subsequent action plans that outline how the priorities and underlying themes in the Framework will be addressed. The details of the action plans will be released in due course. HOME OFFICE

[Subject Heading to be Assigned] Mr David Davis: [911869] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to limit the use of child sources in criminal investigations. Kit Malthouse: Young people under 18 years of age are only deployed as Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) in extremely rare and exceptional circumstances and are authorised in very small numbers. For example, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) confirmed that between January 2015 and December 2018, there were only 17 instances where law enforcement bodies deployed under 18s as CHIS. In his response on this issue to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, the then Investigatory Powers Commissioner noted that in the “vast majority of cases” deployment of young people as CHIS is only considered “when the juvenile is already engaged in the relevant criminality or is a member of a criminal gang, and that they are not asked to participate in activity that they were not already undertaking.” While investigators may wish to avoid the use of young people as CHIS, we must recognise that some young people are involved in serious crimes, as perpetrators and victims. Consequently, young people may have unique access to information that is important in preventing and prosecuting gang violence and terrorism. This includes the troubling ‘county lines’ phenomenon which, along with the associated violence, drug dealing and exploitation, has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities. Those operating these powers have a duty to ensure they promote the best interests of the young person as a primary consideration. Extensive guidance and enhanced safeguards exist to ensure that the powers are used appropriately, and that young people are suitably safeguarded.

Action Fraud Dame Cheryl Gillan: [146731] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many cases are awaiting investigation by Action Fraud. Dame Cheryl Gillan: [146733] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the backlog of cases being investigated by Action Fraud. Kit Malthouse: The Home Office does not hold information requested in question 146731 on the proportion of cases awaiting investigation. Reports submitted to Action Fraud are evaluated by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and allocated to local forces. As neither Action Fraud or NFIB possess investigatory powers, the decision on whether to investigate a crime rests solely with local force. However, data on the number of fraud cases disseminated by the NFIB to police forces are published annually as part of the Home Office’s ‘Crime Outcomes in England and Wales’ publication. The latest data can be found here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/cri meinenglandandwales/yearendingjune2020.

Asylum: Housing Alex Norris: [147017] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the ban on evictions applies to people who receive leave to remain and are asked to leave NASS accommodation. Chris Philp: Throughout the pandemic we have taken decisive action to ensure those seeking asylum in the UK have the support they need. This has included providing accommodation for everyone who required it and pausing the cessation of support so that appropriate public health guidance could be followed. It was made clear from the outset that this was a temporary measure which would be brought to an end as soon as it was safe to do so. The cessation of asylum support and transition to mainstream provision for those granted refugee status is taking a careful, phased approach in conjunction with relevant partners including the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and local authorities. We have shared our approach with public health authorities and will continue to work within heath guidelines and legal advice. Those who have been granted asylum receive a cessation notice affording a 28-day grace period and Move-on support is provided throughout by the Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility (AIRE) service, operated by Migrant Help.

Asylum: Military Bases Dr Rupa Huq: [146968] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2021 to Question 143018, what steps the Government is taking to improve living conditions at the (a) Napier and (b) Penally barracks temporary asylum seeker accommodation sites. Chris Philp: We expect the highest standards from our providers, and we provide asylum seekers with safe, warm, suitable accommodation that is fit for purpose and correctly equipped in line with existing asylum accommodation standards and contractual requirements. Accommodation provider Clearsprings Ready Homes have acted upon feedback and worked with voluntary organisations to provide activities and entertainment at both sites, to the extent Covid restrictions allow, and local faith leaders to provide further support and provision to meet religious needs. We continue to work closely with our provider and partners to identify opportunities for improvement, as we do across our entire accommodation estate.

Asylum: Napier Barracks Zarah Sultana: [147079] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department was aware of the presence of asbestos at Napier barracks in Kent when it authorised the site to house people seeking asylum in the UK. Chris Philp: We expect the highest standards from our providers and we provide asylum seekers with safe, warm, suitable accommodation that is fit for purpose and correctly equipped in line with existing asylum accommodation standards and contractual requirements. Risk assessments for the site included consideration of asbestos, given as with many older properties the possibility that asbestos may be present. The risk assessment concluded there was minimal risk through use of the buildings. In tackling the fire on 29 January, Kent Fire and Rescue Services confirmed that the risk from asbestos remained minimal, and firefighters followed full asbestos procedures and protocols in the course of their duties.

Asylum: Penally Camp Nia Griffith: [144635] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to Dyfed Powys Police has been of policing in connection with the asylum seeker accommodation in Penally for the financial year 2020-2021, over and above any additional funding allocated by her Department for that purpose. Nia Griffith: [144636] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the projected cost to Dyfed Powys Police is of policing in connection with the asylum seeker accommodation in Penally for the financial year 2021-22, over and above any additional funding allocated by her Department for that purpose. Nia Griffith: [144637] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to provide additional funding to Dyfed Powys Police to ensure that the cost of policing in relation to the asylum seeker accommodation in Penally is not taken from its existing budget. Kit Malthouse: The Home Office has agreed to provide £2.5m of Special Grant funding to Dyfed- Powys Police in respect of these costs up to September 2021.

Dangerous Dogs: Police Custody Andrew Rosindell: [144955] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that dogs taken into custody under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 are not abused, harmed or mistreated while being apprehended. Kit Malthouse: Dogs seized by police in England under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 are held in confidence in kennels licensed under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. Such kennels must meet statutory minimum animal welfare conditions. The 2018 Regulations are enforced by local authorities.

Gosport War Memorial Hospital Stephen Morgan: [144825] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made on Operation Magenta. Kit Malthouse: Police forces are independent of government and investigations are operational matters for the force concerned. Enquiries concerning the progress of Operation Magenta, the independent police investigation into deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Hampshire, between 1987 and 2001, should be addressed to [email protected] .

Home Office: Apprentices Kate Green: [146876] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by her Department are apprentices. Kit Malthouse: The number of staff currently employed by the Home Office who have started an apprenticeship is 735, which is 2.29% of the department headcount calculated on 31/12/20 (this does not include individuals in the pipeline preparing to start and/or undergoing security checks).

Home Office: Marketing Owen Thompson: [144754] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department spent on (a) communications, (b) advertising and (c) marketing in (i) the UK, (ii) England, (iii) Northern Ireland, (iv) Scotland and (v) Wales in each month from August 2020 to December 2020. Kit Malthouse: I refer to the answer UIN 118130 on 2nd December 2020: Data on expenditure categories are published within the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts (ARA). However, this data is only published once the accounts are closed and the figures have been audited by the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO’s role is to inspect and agree with the accounts and this data may be subject to change, therefore due to the risks of releasing current year data that is yet to go through the typical due diligence conducted by the NAO may result in us misleading Parliament. Information on the above expenditure categories for the current financial year will be collated and made available in the 2020/21 Home office Statement of Accounts. The financial year runs from 01 st April to 31 st March in the preceding year. We only release full year figures and do not release data on partial months. Subsequently, you may also find it useful to refer to the ARA for FY1920 to obtain the data for the total spent on the aforementioned categories. However, please note that the data we collect and report in the ARA is not captured under the specific headings set out in the question above. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm ent_data/file/902593/HO_Annual_Report_and_Accounts_2019-20_FINAL.pdf

Home Office: Staff Darren Jones: [144815] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many officials in their Department were dedicated to their Department's responsibilities associated with the delivery of the Industrial Strategy in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019, (d) 2020 and (e) 2021. Kit Malthouse: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) own the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As the Home Office contributes to delivery of the aims of the Industrial Strategy through existing workstreams rather than dedicated resource, it is not possible to provide the information requested.

Members: Correspondence Tony Lloyd: [144936] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Rochdale of 11 November 2020, on the deportations of members of the Rochdale Grooming Gang. Chris Philp: I apologise for the delay. The Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts will respond shortly.

Napier Barracks: Fires Holly Lynch: [146934] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect of the recent fire at Napier Barracks. Holly Lynch: [146935] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what damage was caused by the fire at Napier barracks; and how that fire has affected its ability to be used as asylum accommodation. Holly Lynch: [146936] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any (a) asylum seekers and (b) staff sustained injuries as a result of the fire at Napier Barracks. Chris Philp: A number of asylum seekers at Napier Barracks previously tested positive for coronavirus. In line with advice from Public Health England, over the last week the Home Office moved a number of asylum seekers from the site. The purpose of this was to allow others at Napier to self-isolate more easily and conduct a site-wide deep cleaning exercise. On Friday, 29 January, a number of asylum seekers who remained at Napier objected to not being moved off site. They became aggressive toward staff on site, turned violent and set about destroying the barracks, putting lives in danger. An accommodation block was set on fire resulting in a kitchen and canteen being badly damaged. The fire-damaged block has been secured and cordoned off and other blocks remain in use. Meals continue to be provided to those accommodated at the site. Kent Police and Fire & Rescue Service attended the site to maintain order and extinguish the fire. The situation is now under control: a number of arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing. We are aware of one person with minor injuries, from which they are expected to make a full recovery. We are clear that this type of action will not be tolerated, and the Home Office will support the police to take robust action against those vandalising property, threatening staff and putting lives at risk.

Police: West Yorkshire Andrea Jenkyns: [144764] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to encourage more people to join the police force in West Yorkshire. Kit Malthouse: The Government is committed to increasing the number of police officers by 20,000 by March 2023. Today we announced that as at 31 December 2020, 6,620 additional officers had been recruited in England and Wales showing that we are on track to deliver this commitment. We have made £700m additional funding available for PCCs in 2020-21, and in the next financial year, 2021-22, we are giving PCCs an additional £415m to support the recruitment of a further 6,000 additional police officers by March 2022. West Yorkshire Police has been allocated 256 additional officers in the first year of the Police Uplift Programme, supported by £484.5M for the force. At 31 December 2020 the force has recruited an additional 390 uplift officers against its baseline and has therefore already exceeded its year one allocation. For year two of the uplift, the force has been allocated 239 additional officers and additional funding of £511.9M – an increase of £27.3M on last year. The national uplift programme is also supporting all forces with a variety of attraction and recruitment strategies, whilst delivering a campaign that’s been designed to reach diverse audiences.

Public Transport: Protective Clothing Sarah Olney: [146986] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to publish the figures for people prosecuted for not wearing a mask on public transport. Kit Malthouse: The Crown Prosecution Service publishes data on the number of coronavirus related prosecutions, however, this is not broken down by the type of offence or type of Fixed Penalty Notice. Further information can be found here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/6500-coronavirus-related-prosecutions-first-six- months-pandemic

Road Traffic Offences Mark Pritchard: [144982] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many drivers were summonsed for driving (a) without insurance and (b) without a valid MOT using evidence from ANPR technology in England and Wales in the latest 12 month period for which figures are available. Kit Malthouse: The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of vehicle insurance offences and vehicle test offences that resulted in court action. The latest published data can be found in the accompanying table FPN_03 of ‘Police Powers and Procedures, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin, which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-powers-and-procedures-england- and-wales Information on whether or not evidence from ANPR technology was used to detect these offences is not collected by the Home Office.

Shoplifting Bambos Charalambous: [145096] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has been made on assessing the effectiveness of section 176 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing 2014 Act. Kit Malthouse: Review of the effectiveness of Section 176 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing 2014 Act would form part of wider post-legislative review of the Act. No date has been set for this. Bambos Charalambous: [145097] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with Police and Crime Commissioners since her letter to PCCs and Chief Constables setting out that the theft of goods valued up to £200 from a shop should be prosecuted as a criminal offence. Kit Malthouse: I wrote to all chief constables and Police and Crime Commissioners in September 2020, stating that section 176 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 does not constrain the ability of the police to arrest or prosecute someone for shop theft in the way they feel is most appropriate, and urging them to consider the impact on local shops when dealing with this crime type. It is for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to decide on individual cases.

Veterans: Deportation Dan Jarvis: [146889] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) armed forces veterans and (b) their dependents have been deported in each of the last 10 years. Chris Philp: The information is not available to the level of detail requested as armed forces veterans are not exempt from any deportation provisions. The Home Office publishes data on Returns in the ‘ Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release ’. Data on the number of Returns from the UK by return type (including enforced returns) are published in table Ret_01 of the Returns ‘ summary tables ’. Our priority will always be to keep the British public safe and the Government is clear that foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes, whether or not they are armed forces veterans, should be in no doubt of our determination to deport them.

Veterans: Hong Kong Dr Julian Lewis: [146739] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2020 to Question 53989 on Hong Kong former naval and military personnel and other former servants of the Crown, that the situation was being kept under review, what conclusions have been drawn about the eligibility of the estimated 250-300 veterans and their families, who were not previously selected for resettlement, to (a) apply for British passports and (b) relocate to the UK; and if she will make a statement. Kevin Foster: Under the British Nationality Selection Scheme, introduced in 1990 and run until 1 July 1997, a limited number of Hong Kong Military Service Corps personnel who were settled in Hong Kong could apply to register as British citizens. We are giving careful consideration to representations made on behalf of those former Hong Kong Military Service Corps personnel who did not obtain citizenship through the selection scheme. Hong Kong Military Service Corps personnel who hold British National (Overseas) citizenship or are a relevant family member of someone who holds this status, may be eligible for the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa which was launched on 31 January 2021.

Visas: British National (Overseas) Christine Jardine: [146997] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what preparations she has made for the introduction of the new British National (Overseas) visa; and what plans are in place to ensure the successful integration into the UK of Hongkongers. Kevin Foster: On 31 January 2021 the UK Government introduced a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders in Hong Kong, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. We recognise the integration of BN(O) status holders and their family members is crucial to help arrivals to thrive in their new lives in the UK. We want BN(O) status holders and their families to feel welcome and safe in the UK; have the support to learn English and/or Welsh; to be economically active; and have access to education as appropriate. Work is taking place across the UK Government alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK in the coming months. Further information on specific provisions across the four nations of the UK will be set out in due course.

HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Buildings: Insulation Stephen Doughty: [146896] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what agreements he has reached with (a) RICS, (b) UK Finance and (c) other stakeholders on reducing the requirement for EWS1 forms. : Industry have confirmed that buildings without cladding do not need an EWS1 form. This was announced on 21 November 2020. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-steps-in-to-help-homeowners- caught-up-in-ews1-process. The Department estimates that this clarity will benefit 450,000 leaseholders. RICS has recently completed a consultation on guidance for valuers when using the EWS1 process. When published the final RICS guidance should offer further clarity on the buildings where the EWS1 process should be used. Stephen Doughty: [146898] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce fraud in the assessment and certification of EWS1 forms. Christopher Pincher: RICS are aware of potential fraudulent use of EWS1 forms. RICS coordinate with the police and trading standards on any cases brought to their attention.

Council Housing Navendu Mishra: [147082] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will estimate the number of households on council housing waiting lists in (a) the UK, (b) the North West and (c) Stockport. Navendu Mishra: [147083] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of changes in the level of demand for social housing in (a) the UK, (b) the North West and (c) Stockport since the beginning of the covid-19 outbreak; and what steps he is taking to provide support to local authorities and housing associations during that outbreak. Christopher Pincher: The number of households in local authorities' waiting lists by local authority and region since 1997 is published in live table 600 which is published here https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-rents-lettings-and- tenancies. The latest available figures refer to 31 March 2020 It should be noted that the number of households on the waiting list is not the same as the number of households waiting. Households may apply to multiple authorities and authorities only "clean" their lists periodically. Local authority waiting list size can be affected by other factors, including reviews by local authorities to remove households who no longer require housing. The frequency of reviews varies considerably and so the total number of households on waiting lists is likely to overstate the number of households who still require housing. The Government is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and is investing over £12 billion in affordable housing over 5 years, the largest investment in affordable housing in a decade. This includes the new £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme, which will provide up to 180,000 new homes across the country, should economic conditions allow. The new Affordable Homes Programme will deliver more than double the social rent than the current programme, with around 32,000 social rent homes due to be delivered At Budget 2020 we introduced a lower PWLB rate for borrowing for a local authority’s Housing Revenue Account to support the delivery of new council housing The Government has also taken steps to ensure that home moves can continue to take place, including into and within social housing, and that landlords can take steps to carry out repairs and safety inspections, provided these are undertaken in line with public health advice and the relevant coronavirus (COVID-19) legislation. The government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak includes advice for social landlords which makes clear that they will need to consider how to carry out their allocation and lettings activities in line with the current guidance on practical steps to reduce transmission of the virus, including for example how they conduct viewings and tenancy sign-ups. Guidance for landlords and tenants provides advice on how to carry out repairs and maintenance safely.

Harlow Council: Coronavirus Robert Halfon: [146846] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much additional financial support the Government has provided to Harlow Council to support its response to the covid-19 outbreak. Luke Hall: The Government has allocated over £8 billion directly to councils since the start of the pandemic, and at the Spending Review the Chancellor announced that councils are expected to receive an estimated £3 billion of additional support for COVID-19 in 2021-22. This takes the total support committed to councils in England to tackle the impacts of COVID-19 to over £11 billion. For Harlow Council, this means over £500k of additional unringfenced grant funding next year, on top of over £2 million of additional funding already allocated, of which over £1.5 million is unringfenced. For Essex County Council, this means over £28.8 million of additional unringfenced grant funding next year on top of over £153 million of additional funding already allocated, of which over £84.5 million is unringfenced.

Help to Buy Scheme Dame Cheryl Gillan: [146729] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether potential home owners who have had their Help to Buy application approved under the previous scheme are allowed to use that loan until their property purchase is completed. Dame Cheryl Gillan: [146730] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Help to Buy scheme by a further six months. Christopher Pincher: The Government recognises that there have been delays caused by COVID-19. Following the initial effects of COVID-19 with the hiatus to construction during the first national lockdown, on 31 July we announced changes to the scheme’s contractual deadlines which provided developers using Help to Buy an extra two months build time. Since then Homes England announced on 15 January that it will not enforce the practical completion deadline of 28 February 2021 for the current scheme, so maximising the remaining time available time for developers to build out. Further to this, reservations agreed before 30 June 2020, have been granted additional flexibility allowing such reservations to practically complete by 30 April and legally complete by 31 May 2021. Moreover, working in line with sector guidance, the construction industry has been allowed to continue during the subsequent covid-19 restrictions. Reservations for the current scheme were closed on 15 December providing builders sufficient time to complete their orders. These measures provide relief for developers to build out homes delayed by COVID- 19. We nevertheless continue to monitor the situation closely.

Housing First Ms Lyn Brown: [144648] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the steps required to scale up Housing First programmes to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness. Eddie Hughes: Housing First has an impressive international record in helping people with complex needs to recover and stay off the streets for good, which is why we awarded £28 million to pilot it at scale in three areas (the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region). The Government committed to expanding Housing First in its latest manifesto. We will use the findings of our comprehensive evaluation that is already underway, together with the experience of the three pilots, to inform next steps. Published Housing First evaluation reports can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-first-pilot-national-evaluation- reports Ms Lyn Brown: [144650] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the report, Implementing Housing First across England, Scotland and Wales, published by Crisis in August 2018, what recent estimate he has made of the number of people for whom Housing First homelessness provision would be effective; what the capacity is for Housing First homelessness provision; and how many additional Housing First homelessness places he plans to create over the next two years. Eddie Hughes: Housing First has an impressive international record in helping people with complex needs to recover and stay off the streets for good, which is why we awarded £28 million to pilot it at scale in three areas (the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region). The pilots are now in their third year (ending in 2022/23) and have currently supported over 770 individuals across 23 local authorities into both permanent and temporary accommodation with over 560 clients moved into tenancies. Government committed to expanding Housing First in its latest manifesto and we will use the findings of our evaluation, together with our experiences from the three pilots, to inform next steps. Alongside Housing First pilots, the Government has funded a number of Housing First style schemes through the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) and Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) where local partners have identified a local need for this type of provision. We are also putting in place an unprecedented level of support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over 2021/22. This includes £676 million in resource funding, a 60 per cent increase compared to the Spending Review in 2019. On 28 January we launched RSI 2021/22 and will continue to work closely with local authorities to understand their local needs. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Marketing Owen Thompson: [144756] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much his Department spent on (a) communications, (b) advertising and (c) marketing in (i) the UK, (ii) England, (iii) Northern Ireland, (iv) Scotland and (v) Wales in each month from August 2020 to December 2020. Eddie Hughes: Cabinet Office publishes expenditure on COVID-19 and other national campaigns on a rolling monthly basis on gov.uk as part of routine Government transparency arrangements.

Owner Occupation: Low Incomes Colleen Fletcher: [146908] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of trends in home ownership for people on low incomes in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands, (c) Coventry and (d) Coventry North East constituency over the last five years. Christopher Pincher: The English Housing Survey is a continuous national survey that reports on housing trends at the national and regional level. Published tables, including the annual Headline reports, can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/english-housing-survey. The English Housing Survey is not designed to provide data at a sub-regional level.

Park Homes: Fees and Charges Giles Watling: [144843] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2020 to Question 982 on Park Homes: Fees and Charges, what progress has been made on the introduction of primary legislation to change the pitch fee review inflationary index from the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) . Eddie Hughes: The Government remains committed to improving protections for park home residents and this includes changing the pitch fee review inflationary index from the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). We are carefully considering the detailed policy of this and other commitments, to ensure they can be delivered effectively and will introduce the required legislation when the parliamentary timetable allows. Last year we delivered on our commitment to make Regulations introducing a fit and proper test for park home site owners or their manager. Park Homes: Sales Giles Watling: [144842] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress has been made in the review of the 10 per cent commission of the price of a mobile home upon sale. Eddie Hughes: We undertook an initial scoping study last year to identify gaps in the existing evidence base to ensure the research is thorough and comprehensive. The tendering process for the research will be concluded shortly. We will make residents and site owners aware of the timetable for the research before it commences to ensure they are able to fully participate and contribute to this important work.

Sleeping Rough: Coronavirus Ms Lyn Brown: [144647] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on facilitating moving on from emergency accommodation of the findings published in paragraph 15 on page 8 of the National Audit Office Investigation into the housing of rough sleepers during the COVID- 19 pandemic, published on 14 January 2021. Eddie Hughes: This Government has taken unprecedented steps to protect rough sleepers during the pandemic. This work has not stopped, and through Everyone In, by November we had supported around 33,000 people with nearly 10,000 in emergency accommodation and over 23,000 already moved on into longer-term accommodation. We have been in close contact with councils to develop plans for the coming months, supported by the Next Steps Accommodation Programme, which aims to ensure that as few people as possible return to the streets. This includes bringing forward 3,300 new homes this year for rough sleepers, backed by £150 million, leaving a national legacy of the Government’s support for these individuals. Through this programme and as part of the move on process, local authorities could bid for support for individuals, in line with legal restrictions, to determine or resolve their immigration status. Local authorities were also able to bid for funding to facilitate reconnections with friends or family through voluntary returns and provide employment support. The Home Office has also put in place a dedicated Rough Sleeping Support Service to prioritise support work and help people who sleep rough resolve their immigration status. For some people, who have received all available support, they may decide to return to their home country. For people who have no means of doing so, or who need some assistance, the Voluntary Returns Service can provide practical support to assist those who wish to return. The Government is also providing funding for charities and voluntary organisations across the country to provide help and information to vulnerable EU citizens applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Social Rented Housing: Finance Navendu Mishra: [147084] To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support is being provided to local authorities and housing associations facing increased costs for maintaining and improving their ageing housing stock to meet current standards and those under the Charter for Social Housing Residents: Social Housing White Paper. Christopher Pincher: The Charter for Social Housing Residents: Social Housing White Paper sets out a package of measures that will improve the lives of social housing residents in England, including a review of standards on decency and energy efficiency of existing stock. The Regulator of Social Housing requires homes to be maintained to at least Decent Homes Standard. The Decent Homes Standard has driven improvements to the quality of social housing. Between 2011 and 2016 Government provided a total of £1.76 billion to 45 councils across England to tackle the backlog of non-decent homes, making over 158,000 homes decent. In 2019, 12 per cent of dwellings in the social rented sector failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard. This is lower than the proportion of private rented (23 per cent) and owner occupied (16 per cent) homes. At the Chancellor’s summer economic update, the Government announced a £50 million demonstrator project and at the Spending Review 2020, the Chancellor announced £60 million of further funding to upgrade the least efficient social housing. The Fund will bring a significant amount of the social housing stock that is currently below EPC C up to that standard.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Department for International Trade: Apprentices Tulip Siddiq: [146976] To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by her Department are apprentices. Greg Hands: As of 31 March 2020, the Civil Service has achieved a total of 2.1% of its total workforce as apprentices against the legislative target for the public sector of 2.3% by March 2021. As of 31st December 2020, there were 115 apprentices employed by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK Export Finance (UKEF). It equates to 3.2% of the total domestic staff employed by DIT and UKEF. This target is a percentage of the total workforce so the percentage attained will change in line with workforce fluctuations over time, making it challenging to predict when a department will meet it. The data for 2018/19 can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-apprenticeship-data-2018- to-2019. The data for 2019/20 can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-apprenticeship-data-2019- to-2020. Departments are committed to increasing the number of apprentices across the Civil Service and continue to work towards the 2.3% target.

Department for International Trade: Staff Darren Jones: [144810] To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many officials in their Department were dedicated to their Department's responsibilities associated with the delivery of the Industrial Strategy in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019, (d) 2020 and (e) 2021. Greg Hands: The Industrial Strategy is a cross-government policy which comprises and drives a significant number of initiatives. These span a wide array of policy areas across 20 government departments and arms-length bodies. Trade is a critical element of the Industrial Strategy. Global trade has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on prosperity in the UK and around the world. International trade and investment are linked to increased jobs, productivity, growth, prosperity and development. The structure and networks the Department for International Trade (DIT) has put in place ensure the Department can deliver on the international aspects of the Industrial Strategy. Given the breadth of the delivery work, it is difficult to obtain accurate figures for resources associated with the Industrial Strategy in teams within DIT. This information is unlikely to be retrievable at this point in time and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Overseas Trade: Mexico Gareth Thomas: [144911] To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions her Department had with UK asparagus producers before resizing the Tariff Rate Quota on fresh asparagus from Mexico; and if she will make a statement. Greg Hands: The UK’s continuity mandate and negotiating strategy, and in particular the necessary resizing of all Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs), has been informed by the government’s economic analysis, alongside other evidence, strategic priorities, and consultation with businesses and other stakeholders. As the Government progresses with negotiations, it brings together the best evidence from across Whitehall, insight from external stakeholders, and a range of data and analytical tools. The Department for International Trade (DIT) maintains regular contact with businesses, including frequently meeting with business representation organisations, and trade and industry associations, across a range of sections to keep them informed on the developments in our work.

JUSTICE

[Subject Heading to be Assigned] Jamie Stone: [911895] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the treatment of autistic people in the criminal justice system. : The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is committed to meeting the needs of all vulnerable people who come into contact with the criminal justice system, including those with neurodivergent conditions such as autism. We understand the importance of working closely with partners across government to support this cohort. That is why the Ministry of Justice have commissioned HMI Prisons and Probation, with support from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, to conduct an Independent Call for Evidence (CfE) on neurodiversity in the criminal justice system. The scope of the CfE includes requiring the police to provide a more holistic picture of a neurodivergent individual’s contact with the CJS. The review was launched on 18 th December 2020, with findings planned to be published in Summer 2021. The findings of this CfE will inform a national neurodiversity training toolkit for frontline staff in the Criminal Justice System that was announced in our Sentencing White Paper and we will work closely with the Home Office on next steps to support the needs of neurodivergent individuals that enter the CJS. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Social Care are currently leading a refresh of the cross-government Autism Strategy, and the MoJ contribution to the strategy includes work to improve data capture on autism, and to increase – through training and awareness – the ability of prison and probation staff to better understand and support individuals with autism. The MoJ is also working with officials across government, including the Home Office, as part of the Cabinet Office-led National Strategy for Disabled People. This represents an opportunity to develop cross-government wide policies to support people with disabilities, including autism. Berwyn Prison: Welsh Language Liz Saville Roberts: [146978] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many Incentives and Earned Privileges warnings have been issued for use of the Welsh language in HMP Berwyn since 2017. Lucy Frazer: No IEP warnings have been issued at HMP Berwyn for use of the Welsh Language since 2017. The Incentives and Earned Privilege policy at HMP Berwyn aims to incentivise residents to abide with community rules and engage in the prison regime to support rehabilitation and help prepare prisoners to lead crime-free lives on release, whilst allowing the establishment to consistently and fairly tackle poor behaviour. HMP Berwyn is committed to supporting its prisoners, which includes meeting the expectations of the Welsh Language Commissioner and helping encourage Welsh speaking at the prison. Every prison in Wales, including HMP Berwyn, has a Welsh Language Action plan and HMP Berwyn has a dedicated Welsh Language Lead who provide updates to their Diversity & Inclusion Committee, chaired by the Governor.

Prisons: Wales Liz Saville Roberts: [146979] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) cases of covid-19 and (b) covid- 19 related deaths there have been in each prison in Wales as at 1 February 2021. Lucy Frazer: COVID statistics relating to prisoners are published every month. The latest published data covers the time period up until 31st Dec 2020 is provided below. The next monthly publication will cover data up to the end of Jan 2021 and will be published on 12th Feb here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hm-prison- and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-monthly. The below cumulative positive cases of COVID-19 and COVID-19 related deaths have been confirmed for prisoners in prisons in Wales. All deaths listed have either had a laboratory confirmed positive test within 28 days of passing, a laboratory confirmed positive test within 60 days of passing or COVID 19 has appeared on the death certificate.

PRISONER CASES AS AT 31 ST PRISONER DEATHS AS AT 1 ST DEC 2020 FEB 2021

HMP Berwyn 79 1

HMP Cardiff 198 1

HMP Parc 141 2 PRISONER CASES AS AT 31 ST PRISONER DEATHS AS AT 1 ST DEC 2020 FEB 2021

HMP Swansea 25 0

HMP Usk/Prescoed 93 1

536 5

COVID statistics relating to staff are published every quarter. The latest published data covers the time period up until 31 st Oct 2020 and is provided below. The next statistical release will cover the time period up until the end of January 2021 and will be published on 18 th February here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-offender-management-service- workforce-statistics. The below cumulative positive cases of COVID-19 and COVID-19 related deaths have been confirmed for staff in prisons in Wales:

STAFF CASES AS AT 31 ST OCT STAFF DEATHS AS AT 31 ST OCT 2020 2020

HMP Berwyn 66 0

HMP Cardiff 30 0

HMP Parc 31 0

HMP Swansea 14 0

HMP Usk/Prescoed 22 1

163 1

These figures include both directly and non-directly employed staff. Data on positive cases is self-reported with staff members notifying their manager of a positive test result. Staff deaths related to COVID-19 includes deaths where HMPPS staff have died having tested positive for COVID-19 or where there was a clinical assessment that COVID-19 was a contributory factor in their death. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. Much of the data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic has been done at pace, with recording practices evolving as we understand more about the requirements and conditions we are facing. In order to present the timeliest information, the data presented has not been subjected to the usual standard of quality assurance associated with official statistics. The safety of our staff and all those under our supervision remains our top priority. We have taken quick and decisive action – backed by Public Health England and Wales – to limit the spread of the virus.

Youth Custody: Coronavirus Peter Kyle: [146959] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to page 11 of the Criminal Justice Inspectorates January 2021 report, Impact of the pandemic on the Criminal Justice System, what steps he is taking to reduce the digital divide amongst children under youth offending supervision. Lucy Frazer: As a direct response to the lack of digital access amongst some of the children with whom Youth Offending Teams work, the Youth Justice Board has amended the terms and conditions in the Youth Justice Grant for 2020/21 to allow Youth Offending Teams, where appropriate, to use funds from their annual grant to provide children under their supervision with access to suitable equipment to facilitate regular virtual engagement. The Youth Justice Board is also revising its national protocol for case responsibility as part of new Case Management Guidance, which will take into account remote working and virtual service delivery. This is due for publication later this year. Within the custodial estate, the Youth Custody Service will be rolling out in-room technology in public sector under-18 Young Offender Institutions. This will help enhance connectivity, facilitate education, and improve outcomes for children in custody. It is also providing additional free phone credits and ‘virtual visits’ via the Purple Visits app. Local Authorities are responsible for Youth Offending Teams provision. In recognition of the fact that Local Authorities are best placed to decide how to meet Covid-19 service pressures in their area, the Government has allocated over £8 billion directly to councils since the start of the pandemic. Much of this funding is un-ringfenced and could be used to support any areas of local pressure, including potentially Youth Offending Teams. The Youth Justice Board works with Local Authorities and Directors of Children’s Services to provide strategic support as to how they can best provide for the needs of all their vulnerable children.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland Office: Apprentices Wes Streeting: [146954] To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Mr : The Northern Ireland Office, despite our relatively small size, has had 3 members of staff successfully complete apprenticeship qualifications in recent months. These 3 staff equated to 3% of our London staff, exceeding the public sector target of 2.3%. These staff members completed their apprenticeships at the end of 2020. As a result, we currently have no apprentices; however, we have started recruiting to ensure we can continue to meet this target.

SCOTLAND

Food Standards Scotland: Staff John Lamont: [145853] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what staffing resource has been provided by the UK Government to Food Standards Scotland since the end of the transition period. Mr : The UK Government, through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), have provided two locum vets to Food Standards Scotland (FSS) from 1 February 2021 as requested by FSS. The UK Government has provided all the resource which FSS have requested and will continue to work closely with FSS should any more requests be made.

Scotland Office: Apprentices Wes Streeting: [146957] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Mr Alister Jack: The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland remains committed to apprenticeships as part of a modern employment route into the Civil Service and across the wider economy. The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland does not employ staff directly; all staff that join - including apprentices - do so on an assignment, loan or secondment from other Government bodies. The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, has previously, and continues to recruit Modern Apprentices through Scottish Government and the Ministry of Justice. However, due to the number involved, an estimate of apprentices working at the Department cannot be provided to protect the privacy and identity of those concerned. Scotland Office: Marketing Owen Thompson: [146938] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2021 to Question 141530, if he will publish copies of all the marketing and advertising materials published by his Department costed in his response. Mr Alister Jack: The requested public information campaign materials promoted by the Department are freely and publically available for anyone to view online at the Facebook Ads Library: https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/?active_status=all&ad_type=political_and_issu e_ads&country=GB&view_all_page_id=159100234275780&sort_data[direction]=desc &sort_data[mode]=relevancy_monthly_grouped Owen Thompson: [146939] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how much his Department spends per month on (a) staffing and (b) staffing primarily related to communications, advertising and marketing. Mr Alister Jack: In the last financial year, 2019-20, the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (OSSS) and Office of the Advocate General (OAG) Annual Report and Accounts reported total spend of £9,427,000 in staff costs, including wages, social security, pensions, and VAT charged on staffing costs where applicable. This equates to a monthly average expenditure on staffing of £785,583. In the same financial year, £1,071,553 was spent on staffing costs for staff primarily responsible for media, digital, and stakeholder communications and public information campaigns for OSSS and OAG. This equates to a monthly average expenditure of £89,296.

Sovereignty: Scotland Dr Matthew Offord: [144999] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether the result of a legally held referendum on Scottish independence from the Union is legally binding on the Government. Mr Alister Jack: The referendum on Scottish independence in 2014 was legal, fair and decisive and people in Scotland voted by a significant margin to remain part of the UK. The Agreement committed both the UK and Scottish Governments to respect the referendum’s outcome. The UK Government continues to do that and the Prime Minister wrote to the First Minister of Scotland in January 2020 to confirm he cannot agree to any request for a transfer of power from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament that would lead to further independence referendums. The UK Government’s full focus is on keeping people safe and driving our economic recovery from Covid-19.

Surveys: Scotland Tommy Sheppard: [146922] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many contracts for polling public attitudes his Department has commissioned in Scotland in each of the last three years; and how many of those polls included questions on the (i) constitutional settlement of Scotland and (ii) Scottish independence. Mr Alister Jack: The Office has not commissioned any contracts for polling public attitudes in Scotland in the last three years.

Union Connectivity Review John Lamont: [145852] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking to increase local engagement with the Union Connectivity Review. Mr Alister Jack: Reviewing connections between the nations will be critical as we look to recover the economy from the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, I welcomed the announcement from the Prime Minister of the Union Connectivity Review, which is being led by Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail, and I look forward to seeing the interim report that is due to be published later this month. The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland has worked closely with the Department for Transport on the Union Connectivity Review and has engaged with a number of stakeholders covering a range of industries across the United Kingdom on this. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Minister Stewart, also wrote to all Local Authorities in Scotland, recommending they submit their suggestions for the review into the Call for Evidence that was held in December.

TRANSPORT

Air Routes: Volcanoes Mark Pritchard: [144979] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what contingency planning his Department has undertaken to avoid future disruption to air routes from volcanic activity. Robert Courts: The UK is prepared to deal with a significant Icelandic volcanic eruption. Since 2010, the Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), NATS and industry have developed a bespoke response guidance, which is regularly exercised and updated. We are confident that contingency plans developed by the government and the aviation industry, alongside actions taken by the Icelandic authorities, will reduce significantly the level of disruption arising from a similar eruption to that in 2010. Volcanic activity across Iceland is kept under constant scrutiny and the contingency plans can be deployed quickly if required.

Alternative Fuels Dehenna Davison: [147053] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress his Department has made in introducing E10 fuel to UK forecourts as part of the Government’s Build Back Better and green recovery plans. Rachel Maclean: We plan to publish the Government response to our consultation on the introduction of E10 as soon as possible.

Delivery Services: Standards Mark Pritchard: [144980] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will hold discussions with (a) Uber Eats and (b) other mobile delivery companies on ensuring that their delivery drivers and vehicles (i) are roadworthy, (ii) hold comprehensive and public liability insurance, (iii) have undertaken driver standards training, (iv) do not undertake deliveries using pavements or other pedestrian only areas and (v) are equipped with adequate lights for night time deliveries. Rachel Maclean: The safety of anyone driving on our roads is a priority, and that includes those who drive for work. Employers have a duty to manage the risks of their work activities, and employees have a responsibility to drive safely; both are expected to take these responsibilities seriously. Anyone using a bicycle or moped on the highway has a responsibility to ensure that their driving and vehicle meets specific standards that comply with the law in the interests of their own safety and that of other road users and risk prosecution if they do not.

Department for Transport: Apprentices Kate Green: [146873] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department for Transport (DfT) remains fully committed to the Government’s apprenticeship agenda. Due to the diverse nature of our work, the central department (DfTc) and our executive agencies (DfT Group) have developed localised strategies to allow us to work towards the Government target. As of 3 rd February 2021, there were 302 staff across the Department who are apprentices. This figure includes apprentices across the central department (DfTc) and our four Executive Agencies (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Vehicle Certification Agency). This is 1.92% of the total staff employed across the DfT Group (headcount data taken as of 31 December 2020). This figure is made up of apprentices who have been externally recruited as well as existing employees currently undertaking an apprenticeship. This figure does not include apprentices recently recruited by the Department who are waiting to start their apprenticeship programme.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Coronavirus Jonathan Edwards: [146839] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Answer of 28 January 2021 to Question 142892, if he will publish the correspondence from the First Minister of Wales. Rachel Maclean: The Department has received correspondence from the First Minister of Wales but does not intend to publish this correspondence.

Driving Instruction: Coronavirus Kim Johnson: [145178] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to extend (a) provisional licences and (b) theory test certificates in response to the discontinuation of driving lessons during the covid-19 outbreak. Rachel Maclean: The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving a licence is using the online service, which is available as normal. There are no plans to extend provisional driving licences. The law requires drivers who hold a provisional photocard licence to renew it every ten years. A maximum duration of two years is permitted between passing a theory test and a subsequent practical test. This is provided for in law and is in place for road safety reasons.

Driving Tests: Coronavirus Drew Hendry: [146925] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the DVLA on planning for (a) the restarting of driving theory testing and (b) ensuring the maximum number of driving theory tests are available once covid-19 lockdown restrictions have ended. Rachel Maclean: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is responsible for the conduct of theory driving tests. The DVSA has been working closely with Pearson VUE, its theory test provider, to explore ways in which it can expand theory testing capacity and reduce waiting times for theory tests once testing can resume. Since theory tests re-started in August 2020 after the first lockdown, the DVSA has implemented various solutions which provided more testing capacity. This included extending opening and closing times where possible and extending the booking window from three months to four months to give candidates more choice of available dates. The DVSA also moved to one metre plus social distancing at test centres in England, which increased the number of candidates able to take their test at any one time. Theory tests have again had to cease in all home nations. The DVSA will build on the experience it acquired from restarting and increasing test capacity after the first and second lockdowns to ensure it can offer maximum testing capacity as soon as it is safe to restart tests.

Electric Scooters Mark Pritchard: [144981] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he Department is taking to prohibit adults from using e-scooters on the public highway while carrying (a) infants and (b) other passengers. Rachel Maclean: It is illegal for e-scooters to be used on public roads other than as part of government approved e-scooter trials, which were launched last summer and will run in a number of areas across most of 2021. Only rental e-scooters can be used in trial areas, and they can only be ridden by a single person. The police in local areas across the country have a range of sanctions at their disposal to enforce illegal e-scooter use, including on the spot fines and placing points on any licence held by the user.

Electric Scooters: Sales Rachael Maskell: [145816] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information his Department holds on the number of (a) scooters and (b) e-scooters sold in each month of 2020. Rachel Maclean: The Department does not hold information on the sale of scooters and e-scooters. Electric Scooters: York Rachael Maskell: [145059] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the cost of hire charges for e-scooters on the level of take-up during the e-scooter pilot in York. Rachel Maclean: An assessment of the impact that e-scooter hire charges have on the level and nature of take-up in the trials will be made as part of our comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of national trials. Initial findings are due in the Autumn.

High Speed Two: Staff Dame Cheryl Gillan: [146734] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many people working on the Crossrail project have left that project to take up positions with HS2 Ltd. Chris Heaton-Harris: Crossrail Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London. Crossrail Ltd are responsible for holding the data on how many people working on the Crossrail project have left to take up positions with HS2 Ltd.

Motorcycles: Driving Tests Dr Julian Lewis: [146738] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason solo motorcycle driving tests have been suspended during covid-19 lockdown; whether learner-riders of motorcycles who have already passed their theory tests are liable to financial loss caused by having to re-sit them in future, as a result of the suspension of the practical test modules; and what his policy is on people who have lost their employment because of the covid-19 outbreak being facilitated to retrain as motorcycle dispatch riders. Rachel Maclean: While social distancing can be achieved during motorcycle training and testing to an extent, there is still an element of exchanging equipment, such as radio microphones. This cannot be avoided and increases the risk of virus transmission. In addition, attending motorcycle training and tests is not in line with the current Government’s guidance and would be considered non-essential travel. It is also contrary to the ‘stay at home’ message and would increase movement of both people and vehicles. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) pays its contractor, Pearson, per theory test delivered. If candidates were exempted from having to pay for a re-take, then the DVSA, and in turn other fee payers, would incur the costs. This would be unfair to the other fee payers who would not benefit from the arrangement. When it is safe to resume testing, the DVSA will put measures in place to increase testing availability wherever possible; this will include offering overtime to examiners and buying back annual leave, asking all those qualified but who do not normally do so to carry out tests, and conducting out of hours testing (such as on public holidays). These measures will also enable those wishing to retrain as motorcycle dispatch riders to take a practical test. The DVSA will continue to assess further options for increasing testing capacity and reducing the backlog as quickly as possible.

Motorcycles: Training Caroline Lucas: [144662] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2021 to Question 140769, how critical workers who cannot work from home can (a) take their full motorcylce test and (b) renew their Compulsory Basic Training while test centres are closed during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement. Rachel Maclean: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is making available a practical testing service in England for mobile emergency workers who need to ride a motorcycle as part of their job. The DVSA is not accepting requests for mobile emergency worker tests direct from individuals. Those employing mobile emergency workers need to apply to the DVSA for their existing test to be conducted earlier as a mobile emergency worker test; the DVSA has contacted organisations eligible to tell them how to do this. Learner motorcyclists meeting the mobile emergency worker criteria and who have a valid compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate and wish to apply for a motorcycle licence are eligible for the mobile emergency worker service. Learner motorcyclists whose CBT certificate has expired are unable to renew it during the current restrictions. They will not be able take a practical motorcycle test until conditions allow CBT to re-start and they have acquired a fresh CBT certificate.

Railway Stations: Billingham Alex Cunningham: [146877] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received on the delay to planned accessibility works at Billingham Station under the Access for All scheme; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such a delay on local residents who have disabilities. Chris Heaton-Harris: We have received no representations about Billingham since it was included in the Access for All programme. Although the deadline for completing Access for All projects is 2024, Billingham is due to finish in 2022. Development and design work are well advanced and construction is due to start early next year. Union Connectivity Review John Lamont: [145851] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the Union Connectivity Review. Rachel Maclean: The Transport Secretary has had discussions with Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport Michael Matheson about the Union Connectivity Review ahead of its launch in October 2020.

TREASURY

Advertising: Taxation Andrew Rosindell: [144956] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions his Department has had with stakeholders on the potential merits of introducing an advertising tax credit for UK media companies in order to stimulate the economy. : The Government keeps all tax policy under review and regularly receives proposals for sector-specific tax reliefs. When considering any new tax reliefs, HM Treasury must ensure they provide support to businesses across the economy in a fair way and represent good value for money for the taxpayer.

Aviation: Coronavirus Mr Ben Bradshaw: [144591] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what new fiscal steps he plans to take to support the aviation sector in response to the potential economic effects of the Government’s hotel quarantine policy on that sector. Kemi Badenoch: The Government recognises the challenging circumstances facing the aviation industry as a result of Covid-19 and firms experiencing difficulties can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital and flexibilities with tax bills. The aerospace sector and its aviation customers are being supported with almost £11 billion made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility and grants for research and development. This includes £8bn of UK Export Finance Guarantees. The Chancellor also announced on 17 December that the CJRS will be extended until April, with employees receiving 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. This will continue to protect jobs and businesses across the UK in light of recent developments in the path of the virus. The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme announced on 24 November will also provide support for eligible businesses, up to the equivalent of their business rates liabilities in the 2020/21 financial year, subject to certain conditions and a cap per claimant of £8m. This is intended to help reduce cash burn and could unlock shareholder and lender support.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme Ian Mearns: [146851] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has plans to extend the 12 month interest and payment holiday under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme for (a) hospitality and (b) other businesses that may still be closed or operating at a reduced capacity when the first payment is due. John Glen: Under the Bounce Back Loan scheme, no repayments are due from the borrower for the first 12 months of the loan, giving businesses the breathing space they need during this difficult time. In addition, the Government covers the first 12 months of interest payments charged to the business by the lender. In order to give businesses further support and flexibility in making their repayments, the Chancellor has announced “Pay as You Grow” (PAYG) options. PAYG will give businesses the option to repay their Bounce Back loan over ten years. This will reduce their average monthly repayments on the loan by almost half. Businesses will also have the option to move temporarily to interest-only payments for periods of up to six months (an option which they can use up to three times), or to pause their repayments entirely for up to six months (an option they can use once and only after having made six payments). Together, the 12-month payment holiday and interest-free period for borrowers, along with the PAYG options, form part of the Government’s unprecedented £280 billion support package for businesses to protect jobs - including paying wages through the furlough schemes and self-employed support payments, generous grants, tax deferrals.

Build Back Better Council: Public Appointments Lilian Greenwood: [146858] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will appoint a representative from public transport to the Build Back Better Council. Lilian Greenwood: [146859] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the criteria by which members of the Build Back Better Council were appointed. Lilian Greenwood: [146860] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on appointing a public transport representative to the Build Back Better Council. Kemi Badenoch: All members of the Build Back Better Business Council were appointed by the Prime Minister in an individual capacity in January 2021. The Council is co-chaired by the Prime Minister and Chancellor, with the Business Secretary as a standing member, and other Cabinet Ministers attending as required. Members have been selected to bring together a broad range of business leaders from across the whole British economy to work in partnership with the government to unlock investment, boost job creation, promote Global Britain and level up the whole of the UK. The terms of reference will be published on Gov.uk. This council is in addition to the regular and ongoing engagement with the transport sector across Downing Street and other Government departments. The Public Transport sector and related bodies are important stakeholders and continue to feed into work across Government on economic recovery and future growth.

Business: VAT Alan Brown: [145814] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of further business VAT deferrals in response to the ongoing covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement. Jesse Norman: The Government continues to make timely decisions to support businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 600,000 payments were deferred to the value of £34bn through the VAT payments deferral scheme, which ended on 30 June 2020. As part of the Winter Economy Plan, the Government announced further support for those with deferred VAT. Instead of paying the full deferred VAT outstanding by 31 March 2021, businesses can spread what they owe over up to 11 smaller monthly payments. More information is available at www.gov.uk/hmrc/vat-deferral. There are currently no plans to launch another VAT deferral scheme.

Cash Dispensing : [145771] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to maintain banking industry membership of (a) LINK and (b) the Post Office Banking Framework. John Glen: The Government continues to be fully supportive of the Post Office Banking Framework Agreement. The agreement allows 95% of business and 99% of personal banking customers to carry out their everyday banking at 11,500 Post Office branches in the UK until December 2022. The terms of future Banking Framework Agreements are commercial decisions between industry and the Post Office. The Government will continue to engage with industry and the Post Office to ensure that that all customers, wherever they live, continue to have access to over the counter banking services. Since 1998, all the major UK banks and building societies have participated in LINK, enabling their ATMs to be used by customers of the other members of the network. Presently, ATMs are the most commonly used means of withdrawing cash. Membership to LINK is a commercial decision.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Pregnancy Wera Hobhouse: [145832] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the letter of 12 January 2021 from Maternity Action, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives recommending that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme be amended to enable employers to recover the full cost of a maternity suspension on full pay of a woman who is 28 weeks pregnant or more, what estimate his Department has made of the monthly cost to the Exchequer of implementing that proposal. Jesse Norman: The objective of the CJRS is to enable employers to keep people in employment. In order to achieve this, the grants compensate employers for the payments that they are contractually obliged to make in order to avoid the need for redundancies. Covering maternity suspension would go beyond the objectives of the scheme. It is also the case that the level of support provided through the CJRS must remain the same for all employers and employees, and that the CJRS is only one part of a wider package of support for business and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, the Government has provided support for people, businesses and public services totalling an estimated £280 billion. In particular, businesses have received billions in loans, tax deferrals, Business Rate reliefs, and general and sector-specific grants. This support can be used by businesses to top up the CJRS grant, ensuring that they can suspend pregnant employees on full pay.

Coronavirus: Quarantine Dan Carden: [147023] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of financial hardship on compliance with self-isolation rules during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement. Jesse Norman: Self-isolation is an essential part of the Test, Trace and Isolate system. If an employee is unable to work due to self-isolating, they may be eligible for their employer’s sick pay policy or Statutory Sick Pay. In order to reduce the financial barriers to self-isolation compliance, the Government has introduced the Test and Trace Support Payment. People who are instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace and are on a qualifying means tested benefit, unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, may be entitled to a payment of £500 from their local authority. Those who are not on a qualifying benefit but meet the other criteria and will face financial hardship while self-isolating, may be eligible for a £500 discretionary payment. People who are self-isolating may also receive support with everyday tasks, such as collecting shopping, through the NHS Volunteer Responder scheme.

Customs Grant Scheme Angus Brendan MacNeil: [144640] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether additional funding will be made available for the Customs Grant Scheme. Jesse Norman: Businesses have been applying enthusiastically to the Grant Scheme and the Government is nearing full allocation of the funds. Applications are considered on a first come first served basis. If applications cannot be fulfilled due to funding, applicants will be placed on a waiting list to have funds allocated if and when funds are returned. There is also support available for businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), and related schemes. These schemes can be accessed even if a business has applied for grants, and they provide support for businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans can be used for any purpose, including for growth.

Eat Out to Help Out Scheme Bridget Phillipson: [146866] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will publish a dataset for the take-up of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme which lists the location of every individual participating venue, including those which are part of participating chain businesses with a number of venues at different locations. Jesse Norman: When registering for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, businesses agreed to names and addresses being published. This was made available publicly through a Restaurant Finder that is now closed. A separate list of the Scheme’s registration data for software developers is still available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eat-out-to-help-out-scheme-registration- data-for-software-developers/eat-out-to-help-out-scheme-registration-data-for- software-developers. This contains the details of all establishments for businesses with 25 or fewer establishments and the names of all large businesses (those with 26 or more establishments). Large businesses were not required to provide names and addresses of individual establishments. Not every registered establishment went on to participate in the scheme. Bridget Phillipson: [146867] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will publish a dataset for the take-up of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme which provides, in respect of every individual participating venue, including those which are part of participating chain businesses with a number of venues at different locations, the number of meals funded by the scheme at each and every participating location, both (a) for each individual day of the scheme's operation and (b) in total. Jesse Norman: HMRC are unable to provide claim details for individual businesses. There is a statutory requirement on HMRC to maintain the confidentiality of individual businesses’ affairs, with very limited exceptions, none of which applies to the information requested.

Financial Services: Fraud Pat McFadden: [146831] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether fraud is an agenda item for the memorandum of understanding to be negotiated between the UK and the EU on financial services; and if he will make a statement. John Glen: We have committed, with the EU, to agreeing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for regulatory cooperation. This will allow for ongoing bilateral exchanges of views and analysis relating to regulatory initiatives and other issues of interest. This is not a prescriptive or exhaustive approach and will allow for discussions on a range of regulatory issues which are of common interest.

Free Zones: National Security Bridget Phillipson: [146869] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the potential effect of Freeports on national security; what the outcomes of those discussions were; and if he will make a statement. Steve Barclay: Our Freeport model ensures that the UK’s high standards with respect to security will not be compromised. The Freeports Consultation Response committed that Freeports will adhere to the OECD Code of Conduct for Clean Free Trade Zones and the specific anti-illicit trade and security measures therein, and that the current obligations set out in the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations 2017 will be maintained. As part of the bidding process, bidders will have to show how they will meet the minimum standard of security in customs and tax sites before being able to operate as a Freeport.

Free Zones: Non-domestic Rates Bridget Phillipson: [146868] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect on local government finances for particular authorities in the event that existing businesses paying national non-domestic rates use Freeport status in neighbouring authorities to relocate their premises, rendering their previous premises eligible for empty relief; what estimate he has made of (a) the number of businesses that may move to existing premises in respect of either particular Freeports or the wider Freeports policy and (b) the total amount of empty relief in respect of national non-domestic rates as a result of the Freeports policy; and if he will publish the model assumptions, parameters, calculations and methods which underpin those assessments. Steve Barclay: Tax measures have been carefully designed to avoid displacement and the government will ensure it has the power to prevent access where businesses or operators are found to be abusing reliefs Bidders will be required to explain how their choice of tax site locations minimise displacement of economic activity from wider local areas, especially other economically disadvantaged areas. Freeports will encourage investment from around the world and within the UK to create new businesses and new economic activity in Freeports. This will create jobs in deprived communities across the country, rather than harmful displacement.

Gaming Machines: VAT Sir Peter Bottomley: [144923] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the trade association for the amusement machine industry and supply chain (BACTA) on its eligibility for the VAT reduction to 5 per cent; and if he agree to attend a meeting with BACTA. Jesse Norman: The Government has provided extensive guidance on the VAT treatment of cross- border goods and services following the end of the transition period and is committed to supporting businesses to enable them to continue to trade. As with all tax measures, where new changes have been introduced, the Government includes its assessment of the impacts of the changes in Tax Information and Impact Notes. Notes for measures recently legislated for in the Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act were published alongside that legislation. Gyms: Coronavirus Andrew Rosindell: [144954] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has in place to financially support the gym and fitness sector (a) during the covid-19 lockdown and (b) after the lockdown restrictions are eased. Kemi Badenoch: The Government recognises the significant disruption the necessary actions to combat Covid-19 are having on sectors such as the gym and fitness industry. During this difficult time the Treasury has worked intensively with employers, delivery partners, industry groups, and other government departments to understand the long- term impact of Covid-19 on all key areas of the economy and continues to do so. The Government has already announced considerable and unprecedented support for businesses and individuals. Businesses forced to close can claim grants of up to £3,000 per month (worth over £1 billion per month) through the Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed). Any business in England forced to close due to national or local restrictions can claim grants, via their local authority, of up to £3,000 per month, per business premises, depending on rateable value. In addition, on 5th January, the Government announced an extra £4.6 billion to protect jobs and support affected businesses as restrictions tightened. Businesses forced to close can claim a one-off grant of up to £9,000. Local authorities in England have also been awarded an additional £500 million discretionary funding to support their local businesses. This builds on the £1.1 billion discretionary funding (worth £20 per head of population) which local authorities in England have already received to support their local economies and help businesses that have been impacted. The government has introduced the £100 million National Leisure Recovery Fund, to support publicly owned leisure facilities through this crisis. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been extended until the end of April. This provides a substantial grant for employers to cover 80% of the wages of their employees. As of 13 December, CJRS has supported 9.9 million jobs at the cost of approximately £46.4bn. We will continue to monitor the impact of government support on public services, businesses, individuals and sectors, including the gym and fitness sector, as we respond to this pandemic. The upcoming Budget will be an opportunity to take stock of our wider support and set out the next stage of our economic response to the pandemic; however it must be recognised that it will not be possible to preserve every job or business indefinitely, nor stand in the way of the economy adapting and people finding new jobs or starting new businesses. Gyms: Taxation Andrew Rosindell: [144953] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what measures he is taking to reduce the burden of taxation on gyms and exercise centres during the covid-19 outbreak. Jesse Norman: The Government has introduced an unprecedented full business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties which is worth about £10 billion to businesses in 2020-21. This is just one part of a much wider package of support for those affected by the pandemic. The Government is considering options for reliefs for 2021-22 and will outline the next round of COVID-19 support measures at Budget.

Health Professions: Tax Avoidance Jim Shannon: [145018] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of doctors and nurses who have (a) been subject to the Loan Charge and (b) settled to avoid that charge. Jim Shannon: [145019] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many armed forces veterans (a) are subject to the Loan Charge and (b) have settled to avoid that charge. Jesse Norman: I refer the Honourable Member to the answers given on 26 January 2021 to UIN 140966 and 140967.

High Rise Flats: VAT Emily Thornberry: [146820] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many high-rise private residential properties have had their work to remove defective cladding subject to (a) the zero rate, (b) the 5 per cent reduced rate and (c) the standard rate of VAT in each financial year since 2017- 18. Jesse Norman: The Government does not keep figures of the number of cladding cases that have had the zero, reduced or standard rate of VAT applied to them because businesses are not required to provide that level of detail in their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden. The Government has provided £1.6 billion for the remediation of unsafe cladding from the highest risk buildings. Building owners are responsible for keeping their buildings and residents safe and should meet remediation costs without passing them on to leaseholders, where possible. Emily Thornberry: [146821] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue that has accrued to the public purse from the charging of VAT on work to remove defective cladding from high-rise private residential properties in each financial year since 2017-18. Jesse Norman: The Government does not hold information on the amount of VAT collected on work to remove defective cladding from high-rise private residential properties. Businesses are not required to provide information at this level in their tax returns as this would impose an excessive administrative burden. The Government has provided £1.6 billion for the remediation of unsafe cladding from the highest risk buildings. Building owners are responsible for keeping their buildings and residents safe and should meet remediation costs without passing them on to leaseholders, where possible. Emily Thornberry: [146822] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on the charging of VAT on the mandatory provision of Waking Watch services in high-rise private residential properties with defective cladding. Jesse Norman: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption with the standard rate (20 per cent) applying to most goods and services. While the Government keeps all taxes under review, there are currently no plans to introduce a relief for Waking Watch services. On 17 December 2020 the Government announced a new £30 million Waking Watch Relief Fund which is designed to incentivise the installation of a common alarm system in high rise residential buildings with unsafe cladding and reduce the dependency on expensive Waking Watch measures. The Waking Watch Relief Fund Full Fund Application Guidance, which sets out eligibility criteria and details of the application process, was published on 31 January and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waking-watch-relief-fund. Emily Thornberry: [146823] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much revenue her Department has collected from VAT on the provision of Waking Watch services in high-rise private residential properties with defective cladding in each financial year since 2017-18. Jesse Norman: The Government does not hold information on the amount of VAT collected from Waking Watch services. Businesses are not required to provide information at this level in their tax returns as this would impose an excessive administrative burden. On 17 December 2020 the Government announced a new £30 million Waking Watch Relief Fund which is designed to incentivise the installation of a common alarm system in high rise residential buildings with unsafe cladding and reduce the dependency on expensive Waking Watch measures. The Waking Watch Relief Fund Full Fund Application Guidance, which sets out eligibility criteria and details of the application process, was published on 31 January and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waking-watch-relief-fund.

Hospitality Industry and Retail Trade: Coronavirus Andrea Jenkyns: [144762] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether plans he has to provide further support to (a) retail and (b) hospitality businesses after the national covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021. Kemi Badenoch: The Government understands that this is a very challenging time for the UK’s retail and hospitality sector, and at the upcoming budget the Government will outline the next stages of its plan for jobs to support businesses and families across the UK. In January the Chancellor announced one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring. The cash is provided on a per-property basis to support businesses through the latest restrictions, and is expected to benefit over 600,000 business properties, worth £4 billion in total across all nations of the UK. This grant comes in addition to the Local Restriction Support Grants worth up to £3,000 a month for closed businesses. A further £594 million is also being made available for Local Authorities and the Devolved Administrations to support other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions. This funding also comes in addition to £1.1 billion further discretionary grant funding for Local Authorities. The Government is also delivering support to the retail and hospitality sector through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) which has been extended until April; Government backed finance through loan schemes, ‘Pay as You Grow’ long-term repayments options, a VAT cut, a VAT deferral for up to 12 months, a 12-month business rates holiday; and a moratorium on evictions to protect commercial tenants.

Hospitality Industry and Retail Trade: Non-domestic Rates : [145165] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will confirm that business rates for hospitality and non-essential retail businesses will be waived for a further 12 months covering the 2021-22 financial year to aid them in their recovery from the covid-19 outbreak. Jesse Norman: This year the Government has provided an unprecedented business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties due to the direct adverse effects of COVID-19, worth about £10 billion, and has frozen the business rates multiplier for all businesses for 2021-22. The Government is considering options for further COVID-19 related support through business rates reliefs. In order to ensure that any decisions best meet the evolving challenges presented by COVID-19, the Government will outline plans for 2021-22 reliefs in due course.

London Capital and Finance: Insolvency Neale Hanvey: [148019] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to publish details on the Government’s approach to the compensation scheme for London Capital & Finance bondholders. Neale Hanvey: [148020] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the report of the Independent Investigation into the Financial Conduct Authority’s Regulation of London Capital & Finance plc by Dame Elizabeth Gloster, published in November 2020, whether the 11,625 London Capital & Finance bondholders will be offered compensation for their losses. John Glen: I refer the Honourable Member to my answer given on 28 January to PQ UIN 143081. The Written Ministerial Statement of 17 December 2020 set out the three main channels through which London Capital & Finance plc (LCF) bondholders can seek compensation. These are the administration process, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Complaints Scheme. The Written Ministerial Statement also set out that, taking into consideration the specific and complex set of circumstances surrounding the collapse of LCF, the Treasury will set up a compensation scheme which will assess whether there is justification for further one-off compensation payments in certain circumstances for some LCF bondholders. The Government will announce further details in due course.

Mortgages: Coronavirus Sarah Olney: [146983] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the mortgage payment holiday scheme for business owners in financial difficulties as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. John Glen: We have extended the period that borrowers can apply for a mortgage holiday to support all homeowners in financial distress. Mortgage borrowers who have not yet taken a payment holiday are able to take a payment holiday for up to six months. Borrowers who have taken an initial payment holiday can top this up to six months. The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) guidance released on 17 November sets out that mortgage holidays (up to a maximum of 6 months) will remain an option for borrowers until 31 March 2021. However, the FCA guidance also notes that all payment holidays will need to end by 31 July 2021. For borrowers that have already taken a full six months payment holiday, the FCA’s guidance sets out that firms should continue to provide support through tailored forbearance options for those borrowers that are facing ongoing financial difficulties. This could include granting new mortgage payment holidays. For businesses and business owners needing further support the business lending schemes are still open for applications, these loans can be used for any business purposes.

Museums and Galleries: Tax Allowances Claire Hanna: [144871] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of extending the Museums and Galleries Exhibitions Tax Relief due to conclude in April 2022. Jesse Norman: Since the Museums and Galleries Exhibitions Tax Relief (MGETR) was introduced in 2017, the Government has provided a total of £20 million of support to 1,345 exhibitions. The Government has committed to reviewing MGETR before its expiry in 2022. Further information will be provided in due course.

Non-domestic Rates Caroline Lucas: [144989] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to extend the temporary full business rates holiday for the (a) retail, (b) hospitality, (c) leisure and (d) childcare sectors to the 2021-22 financial year: and if he will make a statement. Jesse Norman: This year the Government has provided an unprecedented business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, and nurseries, due to the direct adverse effects of COVID-19, worth over £10 billion. In the 2020 Spending Review, the Government committed further support to businesses by freezing the business rates multiplier for 2021-22, and providing £44 million next year to increase hourly rates paid to childcare providers. This is on top of the additional £66 million increase confirmed in Spending Round 2019. The Government is considering options for reliefs for 2021-22, and will outline the next round of COVID-19 support measures at Budget. Non-domestic Rates: Tax Allowances Giles Watling: [145879] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to extend business rates relief for non-essential businesses beyond the 2020-21 tax year. Jesse Norman: This year the Government has provided an unprecedented business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, and nurseries, due to the direct adverse effects of COVID-19, worth about £10 billion. At the 2020 Spending Review, the Government committed further support to all businesses by freezing the business rates multiplier for 2021-22. The Government is considering options for reliefs for 2021-22. As announced in a Written Ministerial Statement on 3 February, the Government will outline the next round of COVID-19 support measures at Budget.

Personal Care Services: VAT Stephen Morgan: [144830] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the temporary VAT reduction to 5 per cent to hair salons. Jesse Norman: The temporary reduced rate of VAT was introduced on 15 July to support the cash flow and viability of over 150,000 businesses and protect 2.4 million jobs in the hospitality and tourism sectors, and will run until 31 March 2021. This policy will cost over £2 billion, and it is necessary for a boundary for eligibility to be drawn. The Government keeps all taxes under review, and any future decisions on tax policy will be made at Budget. The Government has announced a significant support package to help businesses from a whole range of sectors through the winter months, which includes an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, an extension of the Self- Employment Income Support Scheme grant, and an extension of the application window for the Government-backed loan schemes.

Retail Trade: Non-domestic Rates Bambos Charalambous: [145098] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the removal of business rates relief on independent retailers. Jesse Norman: The unprecedented full business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties for the financial year is worth about £10 billion to business in 2020-21. The Government will continue to look at how to adjust its support in a way that ensures people can get back to work, protecting both the UK economy and the livelihoods of people across the country. The Government is considering options for reliefs for 2021-22 and will outline the next round of COVID-19 support measures at Budget.

Revenue and Customs: Audit Jim Shannon: [145020] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the HMRC was last audited. Jesse Norman: The National Audit Office undertake an annual audit of the HMRC accounts. The latest audit findings were published on 5 November 2020 alongside the HMRC Annual Report and covered the period 2019-20.

Roads: Fees and Charges Sarah Olney: [146984] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he had had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of introducing road pricing for inter-urban journeys. Sarah Olney: [146985] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to reduce fuel duty and vehicle excise duty income streams and replace that income with revenue from inter- urban road pricing in a manner that is revenue neutral for the average motorist. Kemi Badenoch: The Government is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the transition towards electric vehicles and the phase out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will make a vital contribution to this. As we move forward with this transition, we will need to ensure that revenue from motoring taxes keeps pace with this change, so that we can continue to fund the first- class public services and infrastructure that people and families across the UK expect. The Government has not set out that it will introduce road pricing. Any changes to the tax system will be considered by the Chancellor and any further steps will be announced in due course.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme Sam Tarry: [144876] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints (a) his Department and (b) HMRC received from self-employed people who were unable to access the self- employment income support scheme; and whether his Department has conducted an impact assessment for that scheme on people with protected characteristics. Jesse Norman: The information requested in point (a) is not held centrally by HM Treasury, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. On point (b), the Customer Services Group at HMRC received 7,253 complaints about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Of this number, 89 per cent were not fully upheld. Approximately 82 per cent of the total complaints were in relation to eligibility for the SEISS. The Government takes equality considerations seriously and has been careful to give due regard to its Public Sector Equality Duties throughout its response to the COVID- 19 pandemic. In designing and refining the SEISS scheme, the Treasury undertook an analysis of how this may affect individuals with protected characteristics, in line with its Public Sector Equality Duty, and to ensure that equalities considerations inform the decisions taken by ministers.

Small Businesses: Non-domestic Rates : [145785] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending small business rate relief to landlords that have lost rental income from commercial properties as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. Jesse Norman: Businesses in receipt of their own business rates assessment and which meet the criteria may be eligible for business rate reliefs, including Small Business Rate Relief. The Government has no plan to change eligibility for SBRR. The Government recognises the impact that the continued non-payment of rent has on landlords. The Government has made available over £330 billion of guarantees through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Coronavirus Corporate Financing Facility. These are available to businesses across different sizes and sectors, and directly support landlords with their cashflow issues. The Government is also continuing to work with lenders to ensure flexible support is being provided to commercial landlords.

Stamp Duties Stephen Morgan: [144831] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing all housing sales agreed during the period of reduced stamp duty rates that complete after the cut ends to be eligible for that discount. Jesse Norman: The temporary SDLT relief was designed to stimulate immediate momentum in a property market where property transactions fell by as much as 50 per cent during the COVID-19 lockdown in March. This has also supported the jobs of people whose employment relies on custom from the property industry, such as retailers and tradespeople. The relief applies to sales that have completed or have been substantially performed before 31 March 2021. Completion and substantial performance are recognised legal concepts and using them as trigger points for Stamp Duty Land Tax provides certainty to consumers and to HMRC. There is no standard definition of “sale agreed” in a housing transaction and so moving the trigger point for a transaction to “sale agreed” would lead to uncertainty and confusion amongst home buyers. This lack of certainty would also mean that such a trigger point would be open to abuse.

Stock Market: Internet Alyn Smith: [147054] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) Trading 212, (b) Robinhood and (c) other stock trading companies protect consumer rights to buy and sell stocks. John Glen: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s financial markets conduct regulator and is responsible for protecting consumers, ensuring market integrity and promoting effective competition. As set out in the FCA’s statement of 29 January, broking firms are not obliged to offer trading facilities to clients and may withdraw or suspend services if it is necessary or prudent to do so. The FCA’s statement also said that they would take appropriate action wherever they see evidence of UK firms or individuals causing harm to UK consumers or markets. The Government recognises that the pace and creativity of innovation in UK financial services creates new opportunities for businesses and consumers to participate in markets through technologies such as app-based platforms. However, investors should be aware that investing in securities comes with risks. The FCA’s statement of 29 January warned consumers that any losses that result from such investments are unlikely to be covered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020: Impact Assessments Caroline Lucas: [144659] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he has made an impact assessment of the Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020; and if he will make a statement. Jesse Norman: Tax Information and Impact Notes were published for each measure in the Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020, and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/taxation-post-transition-period-bill.

Taxation: Self-assessment Taiwo Owatemi: [144855] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason HMRC do not accept Commonwealth, EU or other overseas passports as proof of identification for people completing their self-assessment tax returns online. Jesse Norman: HMRC do not have access to other countries’ passport databases so they are unable to check the validity of overseas passports in the same way as they can with UK passports.

Treasury: Apprentices Tulip Siddiq: [146974] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. Kemi Badenoch: The headcount and proportion of apprentices within HM Treasury as at the 31st of December are:

NUMBER OF APPRENTICES 83

Proportion of department 4.2%

Treasury: Marketing Owen Thompson: [144753] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department spent on (a) communications, (b) advertising and (c) marketing in (i) the UK, (ii) England, (iii) Northern Ireland, (iv) Scotland and (v) Wales in each month from August 2020 to December 2020. Kemi Badenoch: The table below shows the costs spent across the three Spending Categories in the period 1st August 2020 to 31st December 2020. The figure for (a) communications is the costs of the Communications Team in HM Treasury. For (b) most of the spend is on advertising recruitment opportunities across a variety of platforms. For (c) no marketing spend was incurred in this period and the Department very rarely incurs such costs.

CATEGORY AUG-20 SEP-20 OCT-20 NOV-20 DEC-20 TOTAL

(a) comms £209,806 £216,615 £207,735 £220,642 £207,065 £1,061,863

(b) £0 £6,331 £1,575 £11,818 £7,227 £26,951 advertising

Grand Total £209,806 £222,946 £209,309 £232,460 £214,292 £1,088,814

It is not appropriate to split this across the countries requested as all spend incurred is relevant across the UK and is not targeted to specific nations. Treasury: Staff Darren Jones: [144804] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many officials in their Department were dedicated to their Department's responsibilities associated with the delivery of the Industrial Strategy in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019, (d) 2020 and (e) 2021. Kemi Badenoch: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is responsible for the overall delivery of the Industrial Strategy.

UK Trade with EU: VAT Caroline Lucas: [144657] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what impact assessment the Government has undertaken of the (a) compliance costs of the UK’s exit from the EU VAT area and (b) additional costs for UK traders and consumers receiving direct mail order supplies from EU businesses; and if he will make a statement. Jesse Norman: As with all new tax measures the Government includes its assessment of the impacts of the changes in Tax Information and Impact Notes. Notes for measures recently legislated for in the Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act were published alongside that legislation. Caroline Lucas: [144658] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what statutory provisions effected the changes to the UK’s VAT regime at the end of the transition period; and what estimate he has made of the cost to business of complying with each provision. Jesse Norman: The changes to the UK’s VAT regime for the end of the transition period were made in the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018, the Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020 and a number of statutory instruments. The impact of these changes is included in various impact assessments and Tax Information and Impact Notes. Links to the legislation and relevant documents are available on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/government/collections/customs-vat-and-excise-uk-transition-legislation- from-1-january-2021 and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/taxation-post- transition-period-bill.

VAT: Surveys Caroline Lucas: [144660] To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish a comprehensive survey of the UK’s VAT regime after the transition period; and if he will make a statement. Jesse Norman: The Government has provided extensive guidance on the VAT treatment of cross- border goods and services following the end of the transition period and is committed to supporting businesses to enable them to continue to trade. As with all tax measures, where new changes have been introduced, the Government includes its assessment of the impacts of the changes in Tax Information and Impact Notes. Notes for measures recently legislated for in the Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act were published alongside that legislation.

WALES

Wales Office: Apprentices Wes Streeting: [146956] To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many and what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices. David T C Davies: As at 1 February, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales employed one apprentice. This is 2.04% of the total staff employed within the Department. Three current members of staff have completed their apprenticeships at the Wales Office.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Gender Recognition: Companies Alex Sobel: [145876] To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will take steps to encourage companies to include the gender-neutral title Mx on application and administrative forms. Alex Sobel: [145877] To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will take steps to encourage public bodies to include the gender-neutral title Mx on application and administrative forms. Alex Sobel: [145878] To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what progress she has made on encouraging organisations to include the gender-neutral title Mx on their forms; and if she will make a statement. Kemi Badenoch: We are aware that some people use titles that do not indicate gender – for example Dr, Rev, Major or Mx. Individuals can decide what title they want to use on forms, without going through a formal process, and organisations are free to decide the best way of collecting titles for their needs. WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Work Programme Marion Fellows: [145808] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications have been received by the Access to Work programme in each year since its launch. Justin Tomlinson: The information requested on number of applications received is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate costs. However, the Access to Work statistics includes how many applications results in provision being approved from 2007/08 to 2019/20. Please see Table 3 of the Access to Work statistics. The latest Access to Work statistics can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/access-to-work-statistics-april-2007-to- march-2020 Marion Fellows: [145809] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many disabled workers have had their Access to Work application delayed; and for what reasons those applications were delayed. Justin Tomlinson: The information requested about Access to Work applications that have been delayed is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Children: Maintenance Wendy Chamberlain: [147074] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of cases transferred from the Child Support Agency to the Child Maintenance Service where the debt has been written off; and what the value of debt that has been written off is to date. Guy Opperman: Information regarding the legacy debt accrued under the Child Support Agency (CSA) that has been written off in cases which were transferred and held on Child Maintenance Service (CMS) systems is available on Gov.UK. Chapter 2: Main Stories, and bullet point 3 refers. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-support-agency-quarterly- summary-of-statistics-september-2020-experimental/child-support-agency-quarterly- summary-of-statistics-data-to-september-2020-experimental Paragraph 6 refers entitled. ‘CSA debt written off’. Contracts: Appeals Martyn Day: [145820] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of holding external contractors liable for costs incurred when appeals against decisions made by Assessment Centres are upheld by tribunal. Justin Tomlinson: Assessment Providers do not make decisions on benefit claims. Decision Makers in the Department for Work and Pensions make the decision using all available evidence including the recommendations of the Assessment Provider.

Department for Work and Pensions: Staff Darren Jones: [144812] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many officials in their Department were dedicated to their Department's responsibilities associated with the delivery of the Industrial Strategy in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019, (d) 2020 and (e) 2021. Mims Davies: Given DWP’s strong focus on supporting individuals into employment a significant number of officials have been and continue to be involved in aspects of Industrial Strategy design and delivery. However, the Department does not keep this information centrally and to provide it would incur disproportionate costs.

Employment: Coronavirus Andrea Jenkyns: [144758] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support people who are considering changing careers as a result of the covid- 19. Mims Davies: Through our Plan for Jobs, the department is providing broad ranging support for all jobseekers who want to change career or employment sector, including those who are looking for work as a result of Covid 19. Currently, support includes Job Finding Support (JFS), Sector Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS) and Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS). In addition, the Restart programme is due to launch later this year, furthering support options.

Employment: Disability Lilian Greenwood: [146856] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 6 January 2021 to Question 133801 on Disability Employment Advisors, how many disability employment advisors were employed in 2019-20; and what estimate she has made of the number who will be in employment by the end of the 2021-22 financial year. Guy Opperman: During the 19/20 financial year, DWP employed approximately 685 Disability Employment Advisers across England, Scotland and Wales. DWP aims to increase this number during the 21/22 financial year.

Jobcentres: Staff Cat Smith: [143816] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Kickstart scheme, how many work coaches have been employed to date; and what their average salary is. Mims Davies: Work Coach Recruitment is separate to the Kickstart Scheme but both are key tools to help people into the labour market. All Job Centre Plus Work Coaches are able to refer young people to the Kickstart scheme. As at 22 January, 8,685 new work coaches have started since March 2020. Work Coaches are employed in the Executive Officer grade for which DWP applies a spot rate, which is currently £27,565.

Kickstart Scheme: Disability Lilian Greenwood: [146857] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 6 January 2021 to Question 133802 on Kickstart Scheme: Disability, what plans she has to record the main disability of participants by type of disability; and whether deafness will be one of the types of disability recorded. Mims Davies: The Universal Credit system collects data on claimants disabilities but as this is voluntary we do not currently record specific type of disability or health condition of Kickstart participants. While we do plan to evaluate the experiences of disabled people participating in Kickstart, it will not be possible to quantify specific types of disability owing to the small sample sizes involved.

Kickstart Scheme: Third Sector Rachael Maskell: [145064] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) charities and (b) social enterprises have offered placements under the Kickstart scheme. Mims Davies: We are currently not able to publish the number of approved placements by region or sector. Pensions: Canada Caroline Lucas: [144988] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to UK pensioners living in Canada, if she will make it her policy to agree to the formal request made by the Canadian Government for a reciprocal agreement covering the uprating of pensions. Guy Opperman: The Department for Work and Pensions plans to respond shortly on this issue.

Sick Pay: Coronavirus Dan Carden: [147024] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of the rate of Statutory Sick Pay on the level of compliance with self-isolation rules during the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement. Justin Tomlinson: This government has a strong safety net that helps people who are facing hardship and are unable to support themselves financially and we have taken steps to strengthen that safety net as part of the government’s response to the pandemic. As part of strengthening this safety net we have made Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payable from the first day of sickness absence from work, rather than the fourth – where an individual is self-isolating or shielding due to coronavirus and meets all SSP eligibility conditions. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides a minimum level of income for employees when they are sick or incapable of work. Employers are legally required to pay SSP to eligible employees who are off work sick or incapable of work, where employees meet the qualifying conditions. Some employers may also decide to pay more, and for longer, through Occupational Sick Pay. SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider government offer to support people in times of need. Where an individual’s income is reduced while off work sick and they require further financial support, they may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances. Working people on low incomes who are required to remain at home by NHS Test and Trace to help stop the spread of the virus and cannot work from home could be eligible for a £500 payment to financially support them while self-isolating.

Social Security Benefits: Disability Helen Hayes: [146965] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2021 to Question 141547 on Social Security Benefits: Disability, what comparison her Department has made between the adequacy of (a) legacy benefits rates for disabled people and (b) universal credit following its £20 uplift. Helen Hayes: [146966] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2021 to Question 141547 on Social Security Benefits: Disability, what plans her Department has to review the rate of legacy benefits for disabled people in response to the covid-19 outbreak and the £20 uplift to universal credit. Will Quince: No such assessment has been carried out. It should be noted we will spend over £55 billion this year (2020/21) on benefits to support people with health conditions and disabilities. This will increase by £1.6 billion to £57 billion in 2021/22. There are no plans to extend the temporary £20 uplift to legacy benefits. Claimants on legacy benefits can make a claim for Universal Credit (UC) if they think they will be better off and should check carefully their eligibility and entitlements under UC before applying, as legacy benefits will end when claimants submit their UC claim and they will not be able to return to them in the future. For this reason, prospective claimants are signposted to independent benefits calculators on GOV.UK. Neither DWP nor HMRC can advise individual claimants whether they would be better off moving to UC or remaining on legacy benefits. There are special arrangements for those in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium, who are now able to make a new claim to Universal Credit.

Social Security Benefits: Standards Martyn Day: [145821] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate her Department has made of the average waiting time at welfare assessment centres in the most recent period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. Justin Tomlinson: I have interpreted your question to mean the average waiting time at Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Work Capability Assessment (WCA) assessment centres. The department does not monitor the average waiting time at the assessment centres for claims to PIP. The average waiting time at assessment centres for WCA in February 2020, was 14.9 minutes. As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, all face to face assessments for health and disability benefits have been suspended in line with public health advice since March 2020. Where possible, paper based assessments are completed. However, the department has worked collaboratively with the health assessment providers and introduced telephone assessments. We have also introduced a trial of video assessments and once completed this will be evaluated and a decision made on the feasibility of wider roll-out. Once face to face assessments are reinstated we will work closely with suppliers to improve waiting times, whilst maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Universal Credit Mr Barry Sheerman: [144928] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to reduce the taper rate of universal credit during the covid-19 outbreak to help alleviate staff shortages. Will Quince: Throughout the pandemic this Government has continued to support the lowest-paid families by targeting our support to those most in need by raising the national living wage, spending hundreds of billions to safeguard jobs, boosting welfare support by billions and introducing the £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme. It has also pledged to put an extra £1.7 billion a year into Work Allowances by 2023/24, increasing them by £1,040 a year for working parents and disabled claimants. There are currently no plans to reduce the Universal Credit taper rate. This Government has already made significant investment to reduce it from 65% to 63% in 2017.

Universal Credit: Veterans Stephen Morgan: [145119] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of armed forces veterans who have been subject to universal credit sanctions since the rollout of the scheme. Mims Davies: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Ventilation: Coronavirus Stephen Timms: [146756] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of (a) formal written advice notices and (b) enforcement notices issued by HSE in each month since March 2020 were in relation to (i) employee safety concerns arising from covid-19 and (ii) concerns of inadequate ventilation as a risk of covid-19 transmission. Mims Davies: Since March 2020, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has dealt with 18337 COVID-19 workplace concerns and has carried out a total of 103011 COVID-19 spot checks. Table 1 below shows the numbers of COVID-19 workplace concerns and spot checks resulting in written correspondence and enforcement notices. HSE’s systems do not record the level of detail which would be required to establish how many concerns related to inadequate ventilation, therefore it is not possible to determine what proportion of the cases identified related specifically to ventilation concerns. Table 1

COVID SPOT COVID CONCERNS CHECKS WITH AN COVID SPOT WITH AN OUTCOME COVID CONCERNS OUTCOME OF CHECKS WITH AN OF 'WRITTEN WITH AN OUTCOME ‘WRITTEN OUTCOME OF CORRESPONDENCE' OF NOTICE CORRESPONDENCE’ NOTICE

Mar-20 0 0 0 0

Apr-20 45 1 0 0

May-20 42 8 3 1

Jun-20 38 10 18 8

Jul-20 41 4 128 25

Aug-20 22 3 134 23

Sep-20 39 5 160 30

Oct-20 32 0 251 30

Nov-20 36 1 127 22

Dec-20 16 0 104 14

Jan-21 15 1 63 7

February 2021 0 0 2 0 (to 02.02.21)

Totals 326 33 990 160

Note: This data was extracted from HSE’s live operational database on 3 rd February 2021 and is subject to change e.g. as there can be a delay of up to 10 working days before actions are updated on the database. MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

National League: Coronavirus Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: [145866] To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent support he has made available to National League football clubs in (a) Slough and (b) England to ensure they can continue playing for the rest of the season. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 3 February 2021. The correct answer should have been: Nigel Huddleston: We have introduced a number of measures since the start of the pandemic to support tourism businesses, including those in Suffolk. This includes the extended furlough and self-employed schemes and various government-backed loans, grant schemes, business rates relief and a reduced VAT rate. To help the sector through the current lockdown, we have announced one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property. This is in addition to the monthly Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed). Local Authorities in England have also been given an additional £594 million discretionary funding to support their local businesses. This builds on the £1.1 billion discretionary funding which local authorities in England have already received to support their local economies and help businesses impacted. Both my Department and VisitEngland remain in regular contact with regional tourism stakeholders to assess the substantial economic effects around the country. On 19 November 2020, the government announced a £300 million Sports Winter Survival Package (SWSP) to provide a lifeline to organisations that would otherwise not survive the winter as a result of the restriction on spectators announced from 1 October. A provisional allocation of £25 million was made to support the National League, covering steps one to six, aiming to protect the immediate future of non-league football in England. A further announcement on 27 January 2021 confirmed that Steps 3-6 of the National League system will receive up to £10 million of grant support from the Package to protect the immediate future of approximately 850 clubs over the winter period. Sport England and the Independent Board are currently finalising the details of this support, which will include any support for National League clubs in Slough, should they be eligible.

The SWSP support is in addition to the £10 million emergency package we facilitated for the National League from the National Lottery, in October last year, has benefitted the 66 clubs in the steps 1 and 2, and has enabled them to continue playing behind closed doors after the return of fans was paused last autumn.

The support packages that have been available to the National League are in addition to the multi-billion pound package of cross-sector business support from the Government that has enabled many sports clubs and leisure businesses to survive, including the furlough scheme and business interruption loan scheme. Sports have accessed many hundreds of millions of pounds of support through this.

The Government remains committed to engaging across the sector to maintain a complete picture of the financial impact of Covid-19 to ensure sports venues survive this difficult period wherever possible.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Kickstart Scheme Alison McGovern: [140062] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate she has made of the number of (a) jobs created by, (b) placement started at and (c) applications made to the Kickstart scheme. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 25 January 2021. The correct answer should have been: Mims Davies: As of 19/01/2021, there have been (a) 120,548over 110,000 job placements created, (b) 1,916 young people starting job placements and (c) 6,530 applications to, the Department for Work and Pensions’ Kickstart Scheme. Cat Smith: [140159] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many work placements have been created under the Kickstart scheme as of January 2021. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 25 January 2021. The correct answer should have been: Mims Davies: As of 19/01/2021 there have been 120,538over 110,000 jobs approved by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Kickstart Scheme. Alison McGovern: [141975] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many new job placements are being funded by the Kickstart programme. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 27 January 2021. The correct answer should have been: Mims Davies: As of 22/01/2021, there have been 123,898over 110,000 new job placements approved for funding by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Kickstart scheme. We are actively seeking more Kickstart job placements that can start before December 2021 and would welcome further applications from employers. WRITTEN STATEMENTS

DEFENCE

Ministry of Defence Votes A Annual Estimate 2021/22. Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Ben Wallace): [HCWS759] The Ministry of Defence Votes A Estimate 2021/22, will be laid before the House on 4 February 2021 as HC 1125. This outlines the maximum numbers of personnel to be maintained for each Service in the Armed Forces during Financial Year 2021/22.

Ministry of Defence Votes A Supplementary Votes 2020/21 Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Ben Wallace): [HCWS760] The Ministry of Defence Votes A Supplementary Votes 2020/21, will be laid before the House on 4 February 2021 as HC 1126. This outlines the increased maximum numbers of personnel to be maintained for Service in the Army Reserve full-time service (FTRS) and Air Force during Financial Year 2020/21.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

COVID-19 update Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Matt Hancock): [HCWS761] On 5 January 2021, the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (All Tier Regulations) were amended. These amendments instructed people across England to stay at home and only to leave where they have a legally permitted reasonable excuse, as well as requiring the closure of many businesses and venues. We are getting the virus under control, however the numbers of Covid-19 cases, hospital and ICU admissions, and deaths remain extremely high nationally. As a result, our hospitals are still under significant pressure from Covid-19. As of 1 February, the weekly case rate in England has decreased to 294 per 100,000 for all ages, compared to a rate of 421 the week before and 233 per 100,000 in people aged 60 and over, in comparison to 332 per 100,000. There are 7 local authorities with case rates greater than 500 per 100,000. Overall positivity for England is 11.9%, which is a 1.8% decrease over the last 7 days. Case rates for all ages have decreased but remain high or very high across all regions. Case rates also remain very high in the West Midlands (350 per 100,000), the East of England (308 per 100,000) and the North West (320 per 100,000). The lowest case rates are in the South West (200 per 100,000) – a 30% decrease from last week. The highest positivity is in London (22%) and lowest in the South West (6.9%). The measures the government have put in place are bringing down the number of cases however, these figures are significantly higher in comparison to early December and there still remains considerable pressure on NHS systems nationwide as although hospitalisations are now decreasing bed occupancy is still high and remains ~50% above the peak of the first wave. General and acute bed occupancy for COVID-19 across England has decreased by 4,023 to 26,216 from 30,239 last week. Mechanical ventilation bed occupancy for COVID-19 across England has similarly decreased to 3,366 from 3,736 in the previous week. Deaths within 28 days of a positive test remain high, there have been 7,898 COVID-19 related deaths in England, from 18 January 2021 to 24 January 2021. In line with our commitments, I have kept the measures in place for the national lockdown under ongoing review. On 2 February I completed a review of the geographical allocations as required by the regulations and have determined that it is necessary for all areas in England to remain in Tier 4 in order to tackle the threat posed by the COVID-19. Whilst there are early indications that new infections may have started to decline in those areas which have been under stricter measures for the longest, scientific advice and the latest epidemiological data is clear that lifting restrictions now would be too early. We recognise the strain that these restrictions have placed on people across the country, but we must continue to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. The restrictions are kept under continual review and will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.

HOME OFFICE

Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2021/22 The Minister of State for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse): [HCWS758] My Rt Hon Friend, the Home Secretary, has today laid before the House the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2021/22 (HC 1162). The Report sets out the Home Secretary’s determination for 2021/22 of the aggregate amount of grants that she proposes to pay under section 46(2) of the Police Act 1996. Copies of the Report are available from the Vote Office. The allocations that have been laid before the House today are as set out in my Statement and provisional Police Grant Report of 17 December 2020. Available funding to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) is made up of Government grants and police precept. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has today set out the council tax referendum principles that will apply to the police precept, for approval by the House of Commons. Council tax levels are a local decision and elected PCCs will rightly want to consider what they are asking people to pay to fulfil their strong desire to keep our streets safe. The council tax referendum principles are not a cap, nor do they force local authorities to set taxes at the threshold level. Rather they are an additional local democratic check to prevent excessive increases. The forthcoming PCC elections also provide an opportunity for local taxpayers to have their say on the spending decisions of their elected representatives. In 2021/22, the overall funding settlement for the policing system will total up to £15.8 billion, a £636 million increase on the 2020/21 funding settlement. Depending on local decisions, available funding to PCCs could increase next year by up to an additional £703 million. This would represent an increase to PCC funding of up to 5.4% in cash terms on the 2020/21 police funding settlement. If the public were asked to approve greater increases via a local referendum, and voted for such changes, precept funding would increase accordingly. The attached table documents funding to PCCs for 2021/22, including Capital grant and precept.

Attachments: 1. Table PCCs funding [Funding to PCCs (Table).pdf]

HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local Government Finance Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (): [HCWS764] Today I laid before the House, the ‘Report on Local Government Finance (England) 2021-22’, the ‘Council Tax referendum principles report 2021-22’ and ‘Council Tax alternative notional amounts report 2021-2022’, which together form the annual local government finance settlement for local authorities in England. My Ministers and I have held meetings with representative groups including the Local Government Association and with councils and MPs. Representations from 155 organisations or individuals have been carefully considered before finalising the settlement. Social care This Government is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable, which is why this settlement provides access of up to an additional £1 billion of funding for Adult and Children’s Social Care, comprising £300 million in grant and a 3% Adult Social Care precept. In the interests of stability, the Government proposes to roll-forward allocations of the £1.41 billion 2020-21 Social Care Grant and continue the 2020-21 improved Better Care Fund at £2.1 billion. Our proposal is to use £240 million of the additional £300 million Social Care Grant as an ‘equalisation’ component – to level the playing field, recognising that the distribution of resources generated through the Adult Social Care precept does not match the pattern of assessed need. The remaining £60 million will be allocated directly through the existing Adult Social Care funding formula. New Homes Bonus Following consultation, the Government is proposing a new round of 2021-22 (year 11) New Homes Bonus payments. This will be the final set of allocations under the current approach. The Government is committed to developing a more efficient and effective way of incentivising housing growth, which is why I am pleased to announce that we plan to consult shortly on the future of the New Homes Bonus. Lower Tier Services Grant The Government is proposing a new unringfenced Lower Tier Services Grant in 2021-22, which will allocate £111 million to local authorities with responsibility for lower tier services. As part of this, the Government is proposing a minimum funding floor, at a cost of £25 million, so that no authority - either upper or lower tier - will have less funding available in 2021-22 than last year. This minimum funding floor is in response to the current exceptional circumstances and is a one-off. Minor changes have been made to all allocations proposed at the provisional settlement to take account of changes to New Homes Bonus allocations arising from updated house completion statistics. Rural Services Delivery Grant The Government will be increasing the Rural Services Delivery Grant by £4 million, taking the total to £85 million – the highest ever. As in previous years, this grant will be distributed to the top quartile of local authorities on the ‘super-sparsity’ indicator. Independent Living Fund I can confirm that the Former Independent Living Fund Recipient Grant will continue to be paid to local authorities in 2021-22. The total value of the grant will be maintained at the 2020-21 value of £160.6 million, with the same approach to individual local authority allocations. Details will be published shortly. Council tax The Government’s manifesto commits to continuing to protect local taxpayers from excessive council tax increases, and it is for the House of Commons to set an annual threshold at which a council tax referendum is triggered. This is an additional local democratic check and balance to avoid the repeat seen under the last Labour Government when council tax more than doubled. Next year, local authorities can increase council tax levels by up to 2% without holding a referendum and, where councils have adult social care responsibilities, they will be able to increase by a further 3% specifically for these services. To provide greater flexibility for councils, who must take into consideration the situations of their residents when making council tax decisions, this 3% increase for adult social care can be deferred for use in 2022/23. A referendum principle of up to 2% or £5 - whichever is greater - will apply to shire district councils, and £15 on Band D for Police and Crime Commissioners. This package of referendum principles strikes a fair balance. The council tax referendum provisions are not a cap, nor do they force councils to set taxes at the threshold level. Councillors, mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners and local councils will rightly want to consider the financial needs of local residents at this challenging point in time, alongside the public’s support for action on keeping our streets safe and providing key services. Following the Mayor of London’s request, I have decided to place before Parliament a principle for the Greater London Authority which reflects the Mayor’s request for an increase of £15 (on Band D) to fund transport concessions above the average level available elsewhere in England. The final decision on the increase in tax will be for the Mayor of London to take. The reasoning is set out in a letter to the Mayor, which I have placed in the Library. At the same time as providing councils with the flexibility to set increases where they consider it appropriate, the Government also recognises the importance of providing support to those least able to pay. That is why we are providing councils with £670 million of new funding alongside the settlement, to enable them to continue reducing council tax bills for low-income households. This is in addition to the funding that is already built into the local government finance system to fund local council tax support (which is a local discount, rather than a benefit payment). Future of local government finance As announced earlier in the year, the Government will not proceed with widescale funding reform in 2021-22, including the implementation of the Review of Relative Needs and Resources, 75% business rates retention, and a reset of accumulated growth under the business rates retention system. Our decision to postpone reform has been taken in the interest of creating stability for local authorities and has allowed both the Government and councils to focus on meeting the immediate public health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will revisit the priorities for finance reform in time for the next Spending Review, taking account of wider work on the future of business rates and how best to organise and finance adult social care. Covid-19 support Councils have welcomed our estimated £3 billion package of support to respond to additional expenditure pressures and loss of income from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021-22. This package, on which I will provide further details shortly, includes £1.55 billion of unringfenced grant funding; a commitment to meet 75% of councils’ irrecoverable losses in council tax and business rates income for 2020-21, worth an estimated £800 million; an extension to the existing Sales, Fees and Charges scheme for three further months, from April to June 2021; and an additional £670 million Local Council Tax Support grant. Conclusion Depending on local decisions, Core Spending Power in England may rise from £49.0 billion in 2020-21 to up to £51.3 billion in 2021-22, a 4.6% increase in cash terms. This settlement and the additional COVID-19 resources build on the largest year-on-year increase in spending power in a decade last year, and recognise the resources and flexibility councils need to maintain critical services and their role at the heart of the national recovery from COVID-19. The settlement provides further stability for the whole sector by maintaining Core Spending Power at pre-pandemic levels – as a minimum – for every authority in England. This stands alongside an unprecedented package of COVID- 19 support this year and next year, totalling over £11 billion in direct support for councils and £30 billion in additional support for local councils, businesses and communities.

JUSTICE

Eleventh Annual Report of the UK’s National Preventive Mechanism The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Robert Buckland): [HCWS766] The United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), which the UK ratified in December 2003, requires States Parties to establish a “National Preventive Mechanism” (NPM) to carry out visits to places of detention to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The Government established the UK NPM in March 2009 (Hansard 31 March 2009, Vol. 490, Part No. 57, Column 56WS). The UK NPM is currently composed of 21 scrutiny bodies covering the whole of the UK. Following previous practice, I have presented to Parliament the 11 th NPM’s annual report (Command Paper 366). This report covers the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. I again commend the important work that the NPM has carried out over the year and the NPM’s independent role in safeguarding the human rights of detainees across the UK and its role in preventing torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. The Government takes allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment very seriously and any allegations are investigated fully. The Government does not participate in, solicit, encourage or condone the use of torture for any purpose. The NPM report includes observations in relation to prisons, mental health detention and social care, children in detention, immigration detention and police and court custody. Notably, the report sets out the NPM’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Government action since the beginning of the pandemic has helped to limit the spread of the virus in prisons. With the country now in national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, prisons have introduced tougher measures to help save lives and protect the NHS. These include routinely testing all staff as well as new prisoners so we can better protect our staff and isolate those who test positive even earlier, and rolling out of the vaccine to older prisoners, mirroring the community roll-out and beginning with those aged 80+ this month, to protect the most vulnerable. This is in addition to the stringent safety measures already in place to protect staff, prisoners and children in custody, which Public Health England endorsed as being effective in limiting the spread of the virus, and ultimately in saving lives.

PRIME MINISTER

Ministerial and Other Maternity Allowances Bill Prime Minister (): [HCWS765] The Government has today introduced the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Bill in order to make provision for ministers and opposition office holders to be able to take maternity leave. I am grateful to Her Majesty’s Opposition for its constructive engagement in preparation of the Bill and welcome its support for the measure. The choice between taking leave to recover from childbirth and care for a new-born child or resigning from office is not acceptable in modern times. The current provision for Statutory Maternity Pay for employees has in contrast been in place since 1987, and some form of maternity grant, even for those who are not employed, has been in place since the National Insurance Act of 1911. Changes that I made to The Ministerial Code on becoming Prime Minister set out provision for junior ministers to be able to take maternity leave. However, this work- around relies on another minister taking on additional responsibilities and cannot be used for Secretary of State or individual offices, such as the Law Officers or the Lord Chancellor. Until now, the limits on the number of salaries that can be paid overall, and for individual offices has left the Government with limited flexibility to appoint cover should a Minister want to go on maternity leave. In the absence of that flexibility, a senior minister wishing to go on maternity leave would likely need to resign from the Government. The Bill creates a designation of “Minister on Leave” which provides for ministers to take maternity leave. This will also apply to certain Opposition post holders too. Ministers on leave will remain part of the government and be able to be briefed on matters and kept in touch with work, but will not be responsible for exercising the functions of the office from which they are on leave. This is a necessary piece of legislation. However, it does not resolve wider issues such as adoption and parental leave, absences for sickness and other reasons, and unpaid roles. These are complex issues which require careful consideration, taking into account modern working practices and the wider constitutional context. The Government will present a report to Parliament setting out considerations and proposals. I am placing in the Libraries of the House a policy document titled Maternity Leave and other absences by Ministers which provides further information, including on the practicalities of these arrangements. The Bill and its explanatory notes are being published today. TREASURY

HMRC Powers and Safeguards The Financial Secretary to the Tresaury (Jesse Norman): [HCWS762] On 22 July 2019, I announced a comprehensive package of measures that HMRC were taking to maintain and develop public trust in their operations (HCWS1785). Today, HMRC have published a major part of this package; a report on their evaluation of the implementation of powers introduced since 2012: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-hmrcs-implementation-of- powers-obligations-and-safeguards. I asked HMRC to engage with stakeholders, including taxpayers and their representatives, and I am very grateful, in particular, to the 16 external stakeholder organisations that have offered constructive challenge to HMRC throughout the evaluation. Alongside changes that HMRC are already introducing, the evaluation has highlighted further opportunities for improvements that will build and maintain public trust in the tax system. HMRC are making a number of commitments as a result of the evaluation. These include commitments to improve communications with taxpayers about powers, obligations and compliance enquiries; to update and clarify guidance on taxpayers’ rights and obligations; to increase awareness of HMRC’s internal decision-making and governance processes; and to make further improvements to taxpayers’ customer experience. The commitments are designed to ensure that HMRC consistently meet the high standards that taxpayers expect, including those who do not have a tax agent, and especially where people may need extra support. All but one of the measures that I announced in my July 2019 statement have now been delivered by HMRC. They have created the new Professional Standards Committee, published responses to the 2019 and 2020 Adjudicator's reports and published new principles regarding help for taxpayers who may need extra support. HMRC have also expanded the range of data published regularly to include new data that will help taxpayers to understand how HMRC approach compliance work and how they use relevant powers, and to assess the effectiveness of HMRC’s safeguards for taxpayers. On the final measure I announced in my July 2019 statement, HMRC continue to take forward a range of actions to improve taxpayer experience. They have reviewed and improved over six hundred of HMRC’s most commonly used letters and factsheets, simplifying the language used. They have put processes in place to keep letters under review, and to respond where further areas for improvement are identified. Last year HMRC also set up a new Extra Support Team to improve their identification of, and assistance to, taxpayers who may need additional help during compliance checks. HMRC have already responded to over 1,000 referrals and provided training to nearly 12,000 caseworkers. HMRC have also made substantial progress in other areas. In particular, they are continuing to strengthen the guidance available to taxpayers to help them understand better the compliance check process, in order to reduce any stress involved and to build greater confidence and trust in HMRC. In December, HMRC launched a series of bitesize YouTube videos on key aspects of this process, and they are also trialling a new introductory pack which taxpayers will receive when a compliance check is opened. HMRC’s programme of work on powers and safeguards is an important contribution towards the vision that the Government set out in July 2020 for a trusted and modern tax administration system. HMRC will implement the commitments in this report and continue to work with taxpayers, tax agents and their representatives, to maintain and develop public trust in their operations.

Public Service Pensions Consultation Response and Update The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay): [HCWS757] The government published a consultation document (CP 253, HCWS380) in July 2020 outlining proposals regarding public service pensions. I have today laid in Parliament the government’s response to the consultation: ‘Public service pension schemes: changes to the transitional arrangements to the 2015 schemes. Government response to consultation’ (CP 373). The main public service pension schemes were reformed in 2015 to make them fairer – especially for lower earners – and more affordable for the taxpayer. Public service pensions continue to be among the best in the workplace, providing a generous level of pension provision for public servants. Following negotiations with trade unions and other member representative bodies, the government agreed that those closer to retirement should be either fully or partially protected from the changes and allowed to remain in their legacy schemes, known as ‘transitional protection’. In December 2018 this transitional protection was found by the Court of Appeal to discriminate unlawfully against younger judges and firefighters who were members of the legacy schemes before 1 April 2012 but did not benefit from transitional protection. The reformed schemes themselves are not discriminatory. As set out in the July 2019 written statement (HCWS1725), the government accepted that the ruling reads across to other public service pension schemes, affecting around 3 million public servants. In July 2020 I launched a consultation, seeking views on proposals to address this. More than 3,000 responses to the consultation were received, and the Treasury also conducted engagement sessions with a wide range of stakeholders. I am grateful for the many responses to the consultation we received from public servants, employers, administrators, financial advisers, trade unions and member representative bodies. They were insightful and crucial for further developing the government’s proposals, understanding the impacts of the proposals, and coming to informed decisions. Having considered the responses to the consultation, the government is today announcing that it will implement the deferred choice underpin (DCU). This will give eligible scheme members a choice at the point their pension becomes payable, whether they wish to receive benefits from their legacy scheme or benefits equivalent to those that would have been available under their reformed schemes in relation to their service between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022. In the meantime, eligible members will be deemed to have been members of their legacy schemes for any period of service between those dates. In implementing the DCU, rather than an immediate choice exercise, we have recognised that members will have more certainty around their personal circumstances at the point they need to make their choice. This approach considerably reduces the need for members to make assumptions around their future career, their retirement, health and dependants, which would increase the risk of members, particularly younger members, making an incorrect decision. I strongly believe that the DCU is the correct approach given its key advantage of providing members with greater certainty about their choice of pension benefits. I am also confirming that the legacy schemes will close on 31 March 2022. From 1 April 2022, all those who remain in service will do so as members of the reformed schemes that were introduced in 2015. Benefits built up in the legacy schemes will be protected. The reasons for closing the legacy schemes and moving to the reformed schemes are as valid now as they were when the reforms were introduced: the schemes should continue to provide guaranteed pension benefits to public servants, but do so on a fairer basis, and in a way that ensures that they are affordable and sustainable into the future. Public service pensions continue to reward public servants generously for their dedicated service. The government will bring forward new primary legislation, when parliamentary time allows, to provide requisite powers to deliver these changes to public service pension schemes. Cost control mechanism and 2020 valuations update Alongside the launch of the consultation in July 2020, I announced that the pause to the cost control mechanism – which was introduced as a consequence of the uncertainty regarding the value of schemes to members resulting from the court judgments – would be lifted, and the cost control element of the 2016 valuations process completed. I also announced that the Government Actuary (GA) would proceed with the review to assess whether the mechanism is operating as intended. As I previously set out, the increased value of schemes to members as a result of the McCloud remedy will be taken into account in the completion of the 2016 valuations. Given that this will lead to higher costs than would otherwise have been expected, early estimates indicate that some schemes could breach the ceiling. If normal statutory procedure were followed, any ceiling breaches would lead to a reduction in member benefits in order to bring costs back to target. The GA review is ongoing, and I have decided that it would be inappropriate to reduce member benefits based on a mechanism that may not be working as intended. This means any ceiling breaches that do occur during the completion of the 2016 valuations will therefore not be implemented, and benefit levels will not be reduced. However, I have also decided that should any floor breaches occur, they will be honoured, and member benefits increased in order to bring costs back to target. These decisions apply only to the cost control element of the 2016 valuations. Future cost control policy for future valuations will be set out once the GA’s review of the mechanism has concluded and any recommendations have been fully considered by the government. Changes in the employer contribution rates resulting from the 2020 valuations process were due to be implemented from April 2023 for the majority of unfunded public service pension schemes. These valuations have already begun, and require intensive work across schemes, departments and the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) over several years. Due to interactions with wider pension policies, in particular the implementation of the McCloud remedy reforms, completion of the 2016 valuation process and the review of the cost control mechanism, work would need to be undertaken in unprecedentedly short timescales to amend employer contribution rates in April 2023. Any changes to employer contribution rates resulting from the 2020 valuations will therefore be delayed from April 2023 to April 2024. This is an exceptional but necessary decision taken in light of the wider public service pensions landscape. Today’s announcements set out the steps the government will take to ensure that members of public service pension schemes are treated equally – taking an approach which is fair for members as well as other taxpayers. Copies of the government’s response document to the consultation (CP 373) are available in the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office, and it is published on gov.uk.

The Van Benefit and Car and Van Fuel Benefit Order 2021 The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Kemi Badenoch): [HCWS763] The van benefit charge and fuel benefit charges for cars and vans will be uprated by the Consumer Price Index from 6 April 2021. The uprate will take effect as follows: • Van Benefit Charge will uprate from £3,490 to £3,500 • Car Fuel Benefit Charge multiplier will uprate from £24,500 to £24,600 • Van Fuel Benefit Charge will uprate from £666 to £669 This measure is being announced outside of the normal fiscal process to ensure employers and HMRC are given enough time to prepare for the uprate, ahead of the 2021-22 tax year. The Government will lay the statutory instrument to uprate these charges before the House on 9 March 2021. A tax information and impact note (TIIN) will be published at Budget 2021 and will be available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/tax-information- and-impact-notes-tiins.