Monday Volume 545 21 May 2012 No. 7

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 21 May 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 823 21 MAY 2012 824

that forces up and down the country are now looking—as House of Commons they have done for several years, including under the last Labour Government—at bringing in the private Monday 21 May 2012 sector to their forces where they feel that functions can be done more cost-effectively by the private sector. But I have also made it clear—as I did at the Police Federation The House met at half-past Two o’clock conference last week—that we will not move the powers of warranted officers from officers to the private sector. PRAYERS Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): One of the most pointless, expensive and time-wasting aspects of the bureaucracy [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] that the police have to deal with is the equality and diversity industry that mushroomed under the last Labour Government, which I saw for myself when I visited on Friday. Could I meet the Oral Answers to Questions Home Secretary or the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice to discuss how we can streamline this process so that we can get more resources on to the front line? HOME DEPARTMENT Mrs May: It is entirely right that we encourage the police to see more diversity in their ranks. There are The Secretary of State was asked— many ways in which we do want to see more women and people from black and minority ethnic communities Police (Administrative Burden) joining the police force and being able to press through the ranks, but my hon. Friend makes the important 1. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): point that in looking at these issues we do not want What steps she is taking to reduce the burden of bureaucratic processes to take over. Either I or my right administration on police. [108027] hon. Friend the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice will meet him to discuss this. The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): I have made it clear that police Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Even if I accepted should focus on cutting crime and not on doing paperwork. what the Home Secretary said about the changes in That is why I have already announced a package of administrative burdens, the reality is that 16,000 police policies that will cut police bureaucracy, saving up to officers are being lost. Last week at the Police Federation 4.5 million police hours per year, the equivalent of putting conference, they told me that 20% cuts would lead to more than 2,100 officers back on the beat. administrative workloads increasing, not decreasing. Only today, the chief constable of Dyfed-Powys warned Eric Ollerenshaw: Does my right hon. Friend agree of “an austerity crime wave”as a result of the Government’s that the election of police commissioners in six months’ approach to policing. Will the Home Secretary now time should allow a much more localised focus on recognise that despite any package of policies she takes lifting these burdens and enabling more police time to forward on administration, there will be fewer police on be spent on the front line? the beat and more administrative work to do?

Mrs May: I do agree. My hon. Friend makes an Mrs May: No, the whole point of the approach the important point about role of police and crime Government are taking is that we are cutting the commissioners. They will indeed be the voice of local bureaucracy for police to enable them to spend more policing, and I am sure that as such they will want to time on the beat. The challenge is this: I was willing to ensure that police officers are spending as much of their go to the Police Federation conference and be absolutely time fighting crime—and not doing paperwork—as they honest with the police about what we are doing. I trust can, and that they will be a powerful force in removing that the message that the shadow Home Secretary and bureaucracy from the police. the shadow policing Minister gave to the police was that Labour Front Benchers support the same level of cuts Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): In evidence to the Select in funding as the Government are putting through, and Committee, the chief constables of the West Midlands the impact that that would have. I wonder if the shadow and Surrey informed the Committee that £5 million had policing Minister told the police about his view that been allocated to work with the private sector in order £600 million should be taken out of police overtime. to cut costs and reduce administrative burdens. Given what happened at the Police Federation conference Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): last week, would it not be a good idea for the Home Exempting the from the Freedom Secretary to sit down with all the stakeholders to discuss of Information Act will reduce the administrative burden exactly what the role of the police should be in the on the police, but will the Home Secretary set out how 21st century, rather than there being a public dispute the principles of transparency and accountability will between the Government and the police? be upheld in the way that the NCA operates?

Mrs May: I have made it absolutely clear that the Mrs May: I am happy to give my right hon. Friend focus of the police is on fighting crime. I have set them what I hope will be reassurance on this issue. We are only one target, which is to cut crime. Indeed, it is right clear that the NCA, when it is set up, should be transparent 825 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 826 about how it operates and we will set out clearly those Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): No, it’s not. aspects that we expect it to be transparent about and publish information on. However, given the nature of Karen Bradley: I apologise; I meant migration. Will many of the cases that it will deal with and some of the the Minister tell the House what the Government are information behind those cases, it is right that we exempt doing to break the link between coming here temporarily it from the FOI. It is our intention that, on those and settling here permanently? matters that it can tell the public about, it is as transparent as possible. Damian Green: One of the many failures of the previous Government was that they made settlement an Non-EU Migrant Cap automatic consequence of five years’ residence in the UK. Settlement in the UK is a privilege, not a right, and 2. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): unrestricted settlement rights are not in the UK’s best What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of interests. The changes we implemented in April will the permanent cap on non-EU work migrants after its mean that, from April 2016, those wishing to settle here first year of operation. [108028] will have to earn a minimum salary of £35,000 or the appropriate rate for the job, whichever is higher. That is 4. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): What better for the long-term health of our immigration system. assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the permanent cap on non-EU work migrants after its first Mr Frank Field () (Lab): Given that the year of operation. [108030] Government have just released data showing that one in five unemployed households contain a member who has 10. Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): never had a job, is there not a case, while this recession What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of lasts, for temporarily restricting movement generally the permanent cap on non-EU work migrants after its from Europe, so that the Government’s welfare reforms first year of operation. [108036] can have a fair wind?

The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): The Damian Green: I have great admiration for the right annual limit, together with other measures such as hon. Gentleman’s work on immigration and welfare, raising the minimum skills level, has ensured that we but I do not think that closing off the European labour have kept the numbers of non-EU workers at sustainable market would be appropriate in a recession, because it levels while allowing employers to access the brightest would presumably apply both ways, meaning that British and best migrants. workers looking for jobs in the rest of the EU would also be badly affected. He is quite right to suggest, Harriett Baldwin: The seasonal agricultural workers however, that the problems of the British economy need scheme, which expires in December 2013, allows farmers to be solved at the same time as the severe problems in and growers to bring in workers from as far away as the eurozone. Ukraine and Moldova. Does the Minister agree that welfare reform should make it more attractive for British Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): My impression is crops to be picked by British workers? that the fact that companies have never reached the cap in the number of available work permits suggests that it Damian Green: My hon. Friend makes a good point. is not the Government-imposed cap that has affected Immigration reform is one necessary element of creating this. One consequence that I see is that companies are a more balanced labour force, but the other two elements exporting the work that would have been done in the are welfare and educational reform, which will ensure UK to other countries, or using intra-company transfers. that British workers are trained and have the right What is the Minister doing to ensure that we keep work attitude to take the jobs available, in agriculture or in in Britain? other sectors. [Interruption.] The Opposition Front-Bench team appear to deride these types of jobs. I suggest that Damian Green: First, we are putting limits on intra- is a big mistake. company transfers—limits that were never there under the previous Government. We have set a minimum Iain Stewart: I welcome the new income and language salary threshold of £40,000 for those who stay for criteria introduced alongside the cap. Does the Minister longer than one year and a minimum salary of £24,000 agree that these measures give the public confidence for those who stay for less than one year. The hon. Lady that economic migrants are here to benefit the economy identifies a potential problem, in that people could use and contribute to society? intra-company transfers to try to drive out British workers, but that is precisely why we have taken these effective Damian Green: It is important that we create, as we measures—to stop that kind of abuse of the system. are doing, a more selective immigration system designed to attract and reward migrants who can make the biggest 18. [108044] Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): contribution to our economy. By raising the minimum Is the Minister concerned that France now attracts skills threshold and the English-language requirements, 50% more visitors from India than we do and that we have ensured that only migrants who are highly Switzerland, which has joined Schengen, is also experiencing skilled or who have skills that are in short supply can a disproportionate surge in business visitors and tourists come to the UK to work and settle. as a result? Is it reasonable to impose a £78 visa charge? People have to travel hundreds of miles to visit Britain Karen Bradley: Of course, immigration is not just about for any reason. We might be open for business, but we those coming but about those leaving the country. are jolly well closed to foreigners under this Government. 827 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 828

Damian Green: I have to say that that is complete Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): When nonsense. Our tourism industry is doing better than those responsible for antisocial behaviour are arrested, ever before. Somebody planning to fly here on holiday they should surely be dispatched to the police cells as from India would have to pay £78 for a six-month visa, quickly as possible. Does the Home Secretary therefore which would not be an even remotely significant part of share my disappointment at the ’s the total cost of their holiday, so I have to say that the decision to close all the cells at Harrow police station, right hon. Gentleman has simply got it wrong. leaving us with no cells at all—we are one of the few London boroughs in that position—and causing significant Alcohol-related Antisocial Behaviour logistical and administrative problems for the police in Harrow? 3. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): What steps she is taking to tackle alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. Mrs May: It is a matter for the Metropolitan police [108029] how it chooses to arrange the provision of cells and operational matters on the ground. It is for the police to 8. Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): What decide operational matters because they have operational steps she is taking to tackle alcohol-related antisocial independence—something that I would have thought behaviour. [108034] the hon. Gentleman supported.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): (Mrs Theresa May): On 23 March, I published the The Government might talk tough on tackling antisocial Government’s alcohol strategy, which set out radical behaviour, but their policies do not live up to that proposals to tackle the harms caused by alcohol misuse rhetoric. Will the Home Secretary explain to my constituents and builds on the legislative steps we have already taken why the Government are weakening powers to tackle to give the police and local communities more powers antisocial behaviour and, in particular, why their to tackle problem premises and deal with late-night replacement for antisocial behaviour orders does not drinking problems. constitute a breach of a criminal record?

Jason McCartney: Will my right hon. Friend introduce Mrs May: We are not weakening the powers to deal measures to encourage safe and responsible drinking in with antisocial behaviour. What we have proposed—I community, family-friendly pubs, rather than pre-loading will be publishing a White Paper on this tomorrow—will at home on cheap bargain booze? ensure that it is easier for people at the local level, including the police, local councils and others, to exercise Mrs May: I know that my hon. Friend has long powers on antisocial behaviour. Crucially, for the first championed the cause of rural pubs in particular, and time we are also giving individuals and communities an pubs that are a key part of their local communities. One opportunity to trigger action to ensure that when there of the proposals that we have put forward in the alcohol is long-standing antisocial behaviour that has not been strategy, on which we are consulting, is the introduction dealt with, action must be taken. of a minimum unit price, as well as banning bulk discount offers. We believe that both will have a significant Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): Will the Home impact on preventing people from pre-loading—which Secretary join me in paying tribute to the work of is so often a lot of the problem—after buying cheap special constables in tackling antisocial behaviour associated alcohol from supermarkets. Those measures will have a with alcohol? A group of special constables from Brixton real impact in helping friendly, local, well-run community are in the Gallery today. Between them they have put in pubs. more than 680 hours of voluntary work, and they are quite clear that the bulk of antisocial behaviour is Anne Marie Morris: Alongside one of my local town associated with alcohol and/or drugs. councillors, I am working on a Safer Streets campaign in Newton Abbot, which will involve our asking local businesses to become safe havens for those who encounter Mr Speaker: The sentiment is greatly appreciated, but antisocial behaviour in the town centre. Does the Minister just for future reference, we do not in this place refer to agree that such schemes are effective in creating a safe the Gallery, no matter how distinguished or worthy the environment for businesses to thrive, while also helping people in it are. our attempts to deal not just with alcohol-related incidents but with all forms of antisocial behaviour? Mrs May: I value the work done by special constables. There are many examples, like the one my hon. Friend cited, Mrs May: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I of special constables actively working in the community commend those in Newton Abbot who have put forward to reduce antisocial behaviour. Special constables do a the scheme and are putting it in place. I think it will good job all the time, so I would encourage more people have a real impact. We see responsible businesses coming to become special constables, which is a valuable way together with local agencies in a number of towns and of volunteering and giving a great deal back to local cities around the country to provide people with safe communities. drinking places, which will ensure that we can reduce alcohol-related violence and antisocial behaviour. The Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): Breach of an ASBO evidence from many places—including Durham, for is a serious business. That is why it is a crime. Will example, which put forward such a plan—is that such Ministers confirm that a breach of their proposed schemes are good for the local economy, as well as for replacement—the crime prevention injunction—will not reducing crime. be a criminal offence? 829 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 830

Mrs May: The Government intend to produce a White 7. Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): If she Paper. I have said that it will be published tomorrow, so will bring forward proposals to amend the immigration I suggest the hon. Lady waits to see what is in it. rules to prevent misuse of article 8 of the European convention on human rights. [108033]

Border Controls 20. Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): If she will bring forward proposals to amend the 5. Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) immigration rules to prevent misuse of article 8 of the (Lab/Co-op): What recent assessment she has made of European convention on human rights. [108046] the effectiveness of UK border controls. [108031] The Secretary of State for the Home Department The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): Security (Mrs Theresa May): By this summer, we will have in of the border is our top priority. In February, the place new immigration rules, which will help to end independent chief inspector published his report into abuse of article 8. The Government are considering border security checks last summer. We have accepted responses to the public consultation on changes to the all the report’s recommendations, and we are implementing family migration rules carried out last year, and expect important changes to improve the effectiveness of UK to announce the results shortly. This will include changes border controls. relating to article 8.

Tom Greatrex: I thank the Minister for that reply, but Sajid Javid: The UK Border Agency recently reported given that up until as recently as last week people are that almost 4,000 foreign criminals are free to walk our waiting up to three hours to come into the country streets. My Bromsgrove constituents know that it was through Heathrow, should not the Minister, instead of the previous Labour Government who put the rights of accepting whatever this week’s excuse is—whether it be criminals before the rights of ordinary law-abiding citizens. the royal wedding, the snow, the rain, the wrong type of What steps does my right hon. Friend plan to take to rain or the wrong type of wind—accept that it is his start deporting these criminals? responsibility, and get on and sort the problem out before the Olympics? Mrs May: My hon. Friend rightly raises an issue that causes considerable concern to members of the public. Damian Green: I am happy to assure the hon. Gentleman We have changed the way in which we deal with foreign that we have already introduced more staff at peak national offenders. We now start deportation action times and established mobile teams that can be moved 18 months before the end of the sentence, and in order around. Within a couple of weeks, a new control room to speed up the process we are chartering more flights will be operating at Heathrow, which will enable us to to remove foreign offenders, but we are indeed having to have better real-time information about what is happening make good a system that was of course put in place by in each of the terminals. We are already seeing considerable the last Labour Government. When we deal with article 8, improvements. If the hon. Gentleman does not want to we will ensure that it provides less reason for people to take that from me, he should take it from Colin Matthews, claim that they need to remain here in the UK. the chief executive of BAA, who said at the Home Affairs Select Committee last week: Mr Stewart Jackson: The abuse of article 8 undermines “we can detect some improvement in the last week or so since that faith not only in our own criminal justice system but in announcement was made.” human rights generally, as envisaged by the original British jurists who founded the convention in 1946. Will Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): Will the my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government will Government take a look at the case for restoring the hold true to the Brighton declaration and make it clear discretion of immigration officers in countries of origin—a that the sovereignty of our Parliament and our UK discretion that was undermined by the previous courts must be sacrosanct? Government, who made it all too easy for the wrong people to enter the country? Mrs May: As my hon. Friend knows, we are making a number of efforts to ensure that the operation of the Damian Green: Yes, I am happy to give my hon. Friend European convention in relation to the United Kingdom the assurance not only that we will do that, but that we and the United Kingdom courts is as we believe it already are doing it. We have instituted a pilot scheme should be. That does indeed entail the decisions made for extended interviewing in some countries, showing at the Brighton conference concerning changes in the significant positive results in ensuring that people cannot operation of the European Court of Human Rights. It get on a plane to this country if they do not have the also involves what we are doing to clarify the fact that right to do so. article 8 is a qualified right and not an absolute right.

European Convention on Human Rights (Immigration) Mr Evennett: There is real concern in my constituency about appeals being lodged under article 8 allowing people to remain in the UK longer without leave to 6. Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): If she will bring remain. Does my right hon. Friend agree that changes forward proposals to amend the immigration rules to in article 8 will complement the Government’s changes prevent misuse of article 8 of the European convention to the family route of settlement policy, and will prevent on human rights. [108032] further abuse of the system? 831 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 832

Mrs May: Yes. That is why the Government will be according to Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary making changes in the family migration route along the figure is closer to 800. Even if the more cautious with their changes to article 8. Given that article 8 is figure were correct, does the Minister really believe that about the right to a private and family life, the two are a drop of 800 would have no effect whatsoever on crime relevant to each other. What is crucial, however, is that in Wales? article 8 is not an absolute right. It is qualified, and it allows the Government to operate a system under which Nick Herbert: The hon. Gentleman ought to ask people do not have an automatic right to stay here for what police officers are doing. If they are tied up in red the purposes of a family life. We want our courts to tape, as they were by the last Government, or if they are operate article 8 in the way in which it is written in the in back-room positions in which they do not need to be, convention. that is not necessarily the best possible deployment of resources. The latest official figures show that in south Luciana Berger (, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): Wales overall crime has fallen by 7%, and at the end of I listened carefully to what the Home Secretary said last year the chief constable of south Wales said: about changes that might be forthcoming. Does she “We are not just treading water, we are improving the service believe that decisions should be made in a timely manner? and improving the way that we deal with members of the communities My constituent Daniel Omonkhua was told by the UK we serve.” Border Agency back in October 2010 that his article 8 application would be determined within a month. Why Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Is my right hon. is he still waiting a year and a half later? Friend aware that the number of burglaries in Harlow has fallen by 15% in the past year, and that similar Mrs May: We do indeed want decisions to be made in results have been produced by many other crime indicators? a timely manner. That is better for the individuals That is thanks to not just the excellent work of Essex themselves and for their families, if it is possible. If the police, but the work of community organisations such hon. Lady writes to my hon. Friend the Minister for as Harlow Street Pastors which are doing so much to Immigration, he will look into the case. reduce crime.

Police Numbers Nick Herbert: I congratulate on that achievement. Up and down the country, police forces 9. Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): What assessment are showing that, despite having to make savings, they she has made of the effect of change in police numbers are continuing to reduce crime. What matters is the on the level of crime since May 2010. [108035] effective deployment of resources to ensure that we maximise the use of the sworn officer. 16. Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): What assessment she has made of the effect of change in police numbers Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): on the level of crime since May 2010. [108042] Overall crime is down in my constituency, with a massive drop in antisocial behaviour. However, repeat antisocial The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick behaviour can destroy the quality of people’s lives. Herbert): The Home Affairs Committee said last year: What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that “We accept that there is no simple relationship between numbers the police act in such circumstances? of police officers and levels of crime.” The Government agree. Nick Herbert: Tomorrow my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will launch the Government’s proposals Bill Esterson: There are 385 fewer front-line police to combat antisocial behaviour, strengthening the powers officers in than there were in March 2010. available to the police to deal with antisocial behaviour According to the British crime survey, there has been and giving citizens greater power to tackle repeat antisocial the biggest increase in recorded crime for a decade. behaviour that they feel insufficient action is being People in Merseyside could be forgiven for thinking taken to address. that there was a link between the two. Will the Minister now stand at the Dispatch Box and deny the existence Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): of that link? The Home Secretary has frequently claimed that her 20% cuts to police funding will not reduce front-line Nick Herbert: I have already quoted the Select policing. I am sure we all agree that 999 first responders, Committee’s view that there is no simple link. However, including traffic, CID and neighbourhood police, are, I can tell the hon. Gentleman that according to the indeed, front-line officers. Will the Minister therefore latest official figures relating to crime in Merseyside, confirm that recent freedom of information requests published earlier this year, in December last year overall show that front-line police numbers have fallen by 5,261 crime had fallen by 2% and the number of instances of since March 2010? violence against the person had fallen by 7%. There are areas of specific concern, but it is not true to say that Nick Herbert: Why does the Labour party never overall crime has been rising in the hon. Gentleman’s admit that its proposed spending reductions of over police force area. £1 billion would also result in a reduction in the police work force, and why does it also never admit that it Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): The Minister supports the two-year pay freeze, and that the right said that there was “no simple link”. The Police Federation hon. Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson), the shadow has suggested that by 2015 the number of serving police policing Minister, supports further savings to the police officers in Wales will have fallen by about 1,600, and budget, which means it is committed to a greater saving 833 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 834 than we are? That is a fact, and the hon. Member for tools. We are looking at how to extend them, and to Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) should make them more flexible and speedier, so as to bring attend to the real issue, which is that there have been relief to social tenants and others who are victims of 25,000 police officers in backroom positions rather than antisocial behaviour. on the front line. We are seeking to redress that.

Antisocial Behaviour Heathrow (Delays)

11. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): 13. Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): What Whether her Department has carried out an impact recent reports she has received on the time taken to assessment on removing the deterrent of a criminal enter the UK through Heathrow airport; and if she will record in dealing with antisocial behaviour. [108037] make a statement. [108039] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (James Brokenshire): No, because we The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): I receive are not removing the deterrent of a criminal record in daily reports on queuing times at Heathrow. Our sampling dealing with antisocial behaviour. of queues shows that the vast majority of European economic area passengers at Heathrow pass through Robert Flello: I thank the Minister for that interesting immigration control quickly. However, queue lengths answer. Under Labour, antisocial behaviour was driven have on occasions reached unacceptable levels and we down and my constituents saw the real benefit. With introduced a range of measures to combat this. front-line policing now being hit by Tory cuts, my constituents are facing a weakening of powers to tackle Nicholas Soames: May I welcome the steps that my antisocial behaviour, despite the spin we heard a moment hon. Friend has taken to improve this situation? However, ago. In drafting the upcoming White Paper, will the does he agree that all other law enforcement agencies, Minister acknowledge that public confidence is low and including the police and the Revenue, use risk assessment a weakened rebranding of antisocial behaviour orders in the normal planned course of their business? As is the wrong priority at the wrong time? security is such a major issue, will he assure this House that every available desk at Heathrow will be manned at James Brokenshire: It may not surprise the hon. busy times? Gentleman to learn that I do not share his characterisation of the antisocial behaviour measures on which we have Damian Green: My right hon. Friend will know that been consulting. The criminal behaviour order would we have introduced more staff, as well as the range of carry a tough criminal sanction for breach, and other other measures that I mentioned in answer to an earlier measures, such as the crime prevention injunction, are question. Not only BAA—but the airlines themselves, about having speedier justice to bring relief to communities. including the head of safety and security at Virgin These measures are about strengthening the response Atlantic—has said that we have seen some improvement to antisocial behaviour, not weakening it. The hon. in the last few weeks. I am also able to assure my right Gentleman will see that when the White Paper is published hon. Friend and the House that more people are working tomorrow. there this week than there were last week, and that there will be more next week. As the summer gets busier and Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): Does my hon. busier, there will be an increasing number of staff on Friend agree that one of the best ways to strengthen the the desks. impact of antisocial behaviour legislation would be to extend the welcome category of offences that he and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary are considering Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I thought that the for which the police can themselves prosecute, without whole point of hosting the Olympics was to try to having to go through all the bureaucracy of the Crown increase the number of visitors to this country. Our Prosecution Service? anxiety is not just about the queues now, but about the queues when the Olympics are over. There is one thing James Brokenshire: I absolutely agree. This is about that the Minister just does not seem to grasp, so let me reducing bureaucracy and giving discretion to the police ask him a very simple question, which a schoolchild to be able to get on and conduct such charges. My right could answer: if it takes 400 passengers 60 minutes to hon. Friend the Home Secretary is examining precisely pass through 10 manned controls, how long would it that issue and the relevant offences which may apply. take those passengers to pass through if the number of controls is cut by 20% to eight? Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): Stockport Homes is very effective in dealing with antisocial behaviour by its Damian Green: I can tell the hon. Gentleman about tenants, using a number of measures made available the Olympics, as he is, for once, right about that. I, too, under legislation introduced by the previous Labour am concerned about what happens after the games. Government. Does the Minister agree that civil orders That is why I announced last week that we are bringing and injunctions should still be available to social landlords, forward the recruitment of the first wave of people who on application, in any future proposals? will be needed for terminal 2 when it reopens, so that they will be available after the Olympics. We will have James Brokenshire: I agree with the hon. Lady about extra people at the border not only up to and during the the role social landlords can play in dealing with antisocial Olympics, but after the Olympics. I am happy to tell the behaviour. Injunctions and civil orders are important hon. Gentleman that his concerns have been fully met. 835 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 836

Olympics (Police Preparedness) Jeremy Corbyn: When the coalition Government made their unequivocal statement in May 2010 that they 14. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): What recent assessment would end all she has made of the preparedness of the police for the “detention of children for immigration purposes”, London 2012 Olympics. [108040] many of us welcomed that, because we had always thought such detention to be wrong. Will the Minister The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the therefore explain what response she has given to the Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Government Refugee Council’s “Not a minor offence” report, which and everyone involved are focused on delivering a safe, describes the detention of unaccompanied children arriving secure and successful games. We are confident in police in this country from Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq? These preparations, which are at an advanced stage of readiness children arrive deeply disturbed and very frightened, and are on track for the Olympic and Paralympic and they find that their first interaction with this country games. is to be put in detention and kept there. Will she please guarantee that no more children will be kept in detention, Mark Pawsey: I thank the Minister for his reassuring and that instead cases will be referred to the relevant words. To ensure a safe Olympics, it will be important local authority immediately where children arrive in for the police to work closely with other blue light this country? services, such as the fire and ambulance services. What discussions have taken place on collaboration between Lynne Featherstone: The hon. Gentleman raises the all the emergency services? issue of the report by the Refugee Council that was published this morning. Obviously, we will consider the James Brokenshire: I thank my hon. Friend for his Refugee Council’s recommendations as we continue to question, and I know that as chair of the all-party improve at all levels, but I point out to the hon. Gentleman group on emergency services he takes a keen interest in that under the Labour Government it was 28 days these issues—indeed, I understand that he recently arranged before Ministers got involved, whereas under this a visit to the Olympic park. I can assure him that the Government it is 72 hours. Home Secretary has chaired various cross-governmental meetings with ACPO, the fire service and the ambulance Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What happens service to ensure that there is a strong and co-ordinated to families who are claiming asylum in this country blue light response, enhancing our emergency services. having passed through other safe countries before getting here? Are we returning them to the last safe country Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Of course, the that they left or do we offer them the opportunity to 2012 Olympics are not only taking place in London; stay in this country indefinitely? many events will also be held in Cardiff, including the first one, before the opening ceremony, at the millennium Lynne Featherstone: We return where we can, obviously, stadium. What consultation has the Minister had with but the important point is that we have a process for to make sure that people attending returning and we follow it. the Olympics in Cardiff and other cities across the country have just the same level of safety as will be Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): Many of the children whom enjoyed in London? the Minister describes are age-disputed young people. Will she confirm that the appalling and shambolic James Brokenshire: The hon. Gentleman is right to X-ray pilot—described as “appalling” by the four UK highlight the connections; indeed I visited Weymouth Children’s Commissioners and subsequently abandoned— last week to examine the preparations for the Olympic will not resume and that she will work with children’s sailing event, which we are very much looking forward professionals and medical experts to find an effective to there. The police and the national Olympic co-ordinator solution to the very difficult problem of determining have been actively bringing the police response together. the age of children? We have been testing and carrying out exercises, and focusing not simply on London, but on all parts of the Lynne Featherstone: The hon. Lady might or might country involved in the Olympic games. We look forward not know that, in light of the view expressed by the to celebrating them very much. National Research Ethics Service that that trial is research and therefore requires NRES approval, we have paused Child Detention (Immigration Centres) it while we work with our partners to seek formal ethical approval. 15. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): How many children and their families are being held in Khat immigration detention. [108041] 17. Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the What recent assessment she has made of any link Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): During 2011, between sales of the drug khat and serious organised 99 children entered immigration removal centres, short-term crime; and if she will make a statement. [108043] holding facilities and pre-departure accommodation, which compares with 436 in 2010 and with 1,119 in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the 2009. The numbers held at any one time in 2011 were Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Government very low; snapshot figures from the end of each quarter are currently reviewing the case for control of khat ranged from zero to one child. under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Advisory 837 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 838

Council on the Misuse of Drugs will consider all available Short-term Visas (Appeals) evidence, including any links with serious organised crime. Its advice will inform the Home Secretary’s decision. 22. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): What her policy is on appeals against refusals of applications for visas Mark Lancaster: The UK will shortly become the for short-term visits. [108048] only legal port of entry for the drug khat in western Europe, so what steps will the Government take to The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): Genuine ensure that the UK does not become a drug smuggling visitors will always be welcome to visit the UK. Only hub for the rest of Europe? the family visitor route currently offers a right of appeal. Subject to parliamentary approval, that will be removed James Brokenshire: I know that my hon. Friend has by 2014. followed this issue with close interest. The Government are monitoring the situation carefully and seeking evidence Mr Spellar: That reply will be heard with very from the Serious Organised Crime Agency and others considerable concern and anger in many communities to inform the advice of the Advisory Council on the across the country. Families who are trying genuinely to Misuse of Drugs. That advice is due in October, earlier have family reunions, weddings and so on are being than expected, and we will form our final decision on held up. Does the Minister not recognise that the main the basis of that. problem is that the appeals process is jammed up because of the low level of decision making in the UK Border Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Will the Minister Agency and the stubborn refusal of managers to review study the evidence that every ban on every new drug that, saying that it will be sorted out in the appeals since 1971 has resulted in an increase in that drug’s use? system? I have letters to that effect. Why does not the A ban on khat will not only increase its use but drive a Minister address the issues and look after the community? wedge between the police and the Somali and Yemeni communities. Is this a sensible idea? Damian Green: I am addressing precisely those issues. Clearly, the right hon. Gentleman missed the first part James Brokenshire: We will form our decision based of the answer—genuine visitors will always be welcome on the evidence and the information provided by the to visit the UK. The current appeals process takes Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. I do not around eight months. Re-applying takes about 15 days, accept the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation; bans can so it is quicker and easier for people to apply again. The be very effective. For example, part of the problem with current visit visa appeal system costs about £29 million legal highs has been that young people have been taking a year to administer—money that could be much better them because they equated legality with safety. That is spent on other parts of the immigration system. why we have taken action in that sphere and we will continue to take action on the legal framework. Topical Questions

Human Trafficking T1. [108052] Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): If she will make a statement on her departmental 21. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): responsibilities. What recent steps she has taken to eradicate human trafficking. [108047] The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): On 10 May we introduced in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the other place the Crime and Courts Bill, which will establish Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): In 2011, the the National Crime Agency. The NCA will be a powerful Government published their human trafficking strategy, operational crime-fighting agency which will defend opted into the EU directive and improved the support our borders, fight serious and organised crime, tackle arrangements for adult trafficking victims. Since then economic and cybercrime, and protect children and we have been working across Government and with vulnerable people. I will be further discussing the workings stakeholders further to strengthen and improve our of this important new agency when I meet representatives approach to tackling human trafficking. of the Association of Chief Police Officers later this week.

Andrew Selous: Many people believe that trafficking Stephen Hammond: The weekly e-mail from Commander is about foreigners being trafficked into the UK, but do Williams showed that crime in Merton and Wimbledon the Government accept the need for great vigilance on was falling again last week. Residents of the Wimbledon the question of British citizens being trafficked within constituency rightly attribute that to the Mayor of the United Kingdom and outside it, which has recently London ensuring that police numbers were kept up been shown to be happening? during his first period of office, so what can the Home Secretary say to the residents of Merton who want to Lynne Featherstone: Of course, the terrible incident ensure that the police can recruit the brightest and the in Bedfordshire highlighted the issue of internal trafficking best talent? and the Government have taken action. We recently passed clauses in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Mrs May: That was one of the issues that Tom to make internal labour trafficking a criminal offence, Winsor looked at in the second part of his review of which will come into force in April 2013. We also made pay, terms and conditions for police, and he has proposed it an offence for a UK national to traffic a person for a number of ways for direct entry at various levels in the sexual or other exploitation, regardless of where in the police for those from outside the police so that we can world the trafficking occurs or is intended to occur. see a broader range of experience and skills being brought 839 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 840 into policing. Those proposals, like other proposals France which, as has recently been mentioned, was able from the Winsor report part 2, are currently going to deport two individuals rather more quickly than we through the appropriate police negotiating body and have been able to deport Abu Qatada. I will report to other bodies. the Commons when that work is complete. We want to be able to deport as quickly as possible people who Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) should not be in the United Kingdom, and I am pleased (Lab): The borders inspector has said that the number that we are now closer to deporting Abu Qatada than of people absconding at border control, slipping through we ever have been. without permission, escaping from detention or disappearing after temporary admission has more than T2. [108053] Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): doubled since the election, and the number who are Given that the vast majority of international students later caught has fallen. Can the Home Secretary explain leave the UK at the end of their courses, why do the why that has happened? Government insist on counting them when calculating net migration figures, which other countries do not Mrs May: We take the issue of security at the border count, to the detriment of institutions such as Edinburgh extremely seriously. That is why we have been following university in my constituency that are competing with up the report of the chief inspector of the UK Border other countries for those students? Agency, as his title then was, in relation to the and ensuring that the—sadly—poor situation The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): First, that had developed over a number of years under the I assure the hon. Lady that there is not a limit on the Labour Government is being addressed. number of students coming in. The reason we include them in the immigration system is simply that the UN Yvette Cooper: The problem has got substantially definition of an immigrant is someone who comes to a worse since the election. At terminal 3 alone the number country with the intention of staying there for more of absconders was 115 in 2009; in 2011 the report than a year, so any student who comes to stay for more estimates that it was “between 300 and 350, significantly than a year, according to the UN definition, is an higher than previous years”, and the proportion being immigrant. caught later has halved. That is what the report says. Time and again, the situation is getting worse month on T5. [108056] Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): Of month, not better. Is not the truth that this is another course, controlling immigration does not happen only example of failing border control and weaker action on at our borders; it also involves ensuring that migrants illegal immigration on the Home Secretary’s watch? We abide by their obligations under immigration rules. have controls being downgraded hundreds of times, With that in mind, what more is being done to tackle hundreds of staff being cut and at the last minute the problem of persistent over-stayers? re-recruited, drugs and gun checks stopped, and more people like Raed Salah managing to walk through, Damian Green: We have taken action against employers, when they should have been stopped. Will the Home in particular, as the main reason for people over-staying Secretary get a grip? is in order to work illegally. Last summer we had a big effort against over-staying illegal workers. I am happy Mrs May: I say to the right hon. Lady that it is this to report to my hon. Friend that that is working. The Government who are putting in place controls on our last quarter of 2011 showed an increase in enforced immigration system; it was the previous Labour removals and voluntary departures of those who should Government who allowed people to come in without not be here, on both the previous quarter and the last any controls on the immigration system. We are putting quarter of 2010, so the effective and tough measures we in place a policy that will see the number of people are taking are now visibly working. coming into this country reduce and, in both the UK Border Agency and the UK Border Force, we are putting T7. [108058] Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) right the problems that grew up under the previous (Lab): A 20% cut will see 1,200 police officers go in the Labour Government. She talks about the relaxation of west midlands. A further 20% cut in the next comprehensive controls, but the inspector said that that had been spending review would mean, in the view of the police happening since 2007. It is about time that the Labour service, the end of community policing. Has the Home party accepted responsibility for what it did in government. Secretary told the Chancellor of the Exchequer that, and can she rule it out? T4. [108055] Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): I commend my right hon. Friend’s steely The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick determination in dealing with Abu Qatada and his Herbert): The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well slippery legal team, but the fact remains that such a that we are not going to speculate about a future situation might happen again. That man has cost the spending review. He might have pointed out that the British taxpayer £3.2 million over the past 10 years. In latest figures show that recorded crime in the west light of that, will she report what progress she has midlands has fallen by 7% overall, and he might have made in investigating how the Italian Government congratulated the chief constable on that achievement, made early deportations of suspected ne’er-do-wells despite the fact that, like every other chief constable, he like Abu Qatada? is having to make savings.

Mrs May: I have indeed undertaken, as I think my T6. [108057] Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): hon. Friend knows, to look at how deportations are I, like many other MPs, was horrified and disappointed managed in other countries, and not just in Italy but in to receive an e-mail today from the Police Federation 841 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 842 implying that Tom Winsor was effectively discriminating though the first two films were. We have looked at the against black and minority ethnic applicants to the issue of alcohol advertising in relation to the alcohol police. Instead of trying to smear Tom Winsor as a strategy, but I will certainly take on board his point racist, would it not be better for the Police Federation to about cinemas. look at how to increase the number of successful BME applicants? Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I thank the security Minister for the interest that he has taken in the Nick Herbert: I share my hon. Friend’s view about superfluous security fencing at Milngavie reservoir since the e-mail that the Police Federation sent this morning, I raised the issue with him in 2010. Can he confirm that which included the absurd claim that British policing the Home Office has now acted, along with the Centre will be transformed into some kind of paramilitary for the Protection of National Infrastructure, to give model, which is palpable nonsense. Tom Winsor’s Scottish Water the power to remove any unnecessary independent report included an equality statement and and unsightly security fences? the Home Secretary specifically asked the negotiating bodies to consider the impact of his proposals on equality The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the and diversity. Home Department (James Brokenshire): I am grateful to the hon. Lady for highlighting that important constituency T9. [108060] Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and issue. As she knows, the Centre for the Protection of Saddleworth) (Lab): The crimes of the nine Oldham National Infrastructure has reassessed the site following and Rochdale men convicted of the appalling sexual the installation of a water treatment facility and confirmed exploitation of vulnerable and young children have the security measures, and I can confirm that I have been condemned throughout the community. In signed the necessary direction. Oldham, the police are working across agencies and on Operation Messenger to prevent such attacks, which Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): As they say exist across the UK in all communities and in the Minister responsible for national security, will the all kinds of homes. What is the Home Secretary doing Home Secretary provide us with her understanding of to ensure that such vital work does not suffer under the the comments made yesterday by the Justice Secretary, police cuts, and will she commit to ensuring that the who told the BBC that he has revised his proposals for Government’s response to these crimes is based on closed material proceedings in civil cases so that judges evidence, not on a knee-jerk reaction? always have the final say on when they are used? Mrs May: The hon. Lady raises a very important issue in relation to the terrible situation that we have Mrs May: The right hon. Gentleman will see the seen in Rochdale, but, as she and others have said, sadly Government’s proposals when the relevant Bill is published, we see too many such cases throughout the country of but I am sure that with his wealth of knowledge and grooming and sexually exploiting girls. We have already experience he will know that, on a number of issues had a report from the Child Exploitation and Online such as control orders in the past and terrorism prevention Protection Centre into the issue, and we will look at it and investigation measures now, the decision to hear again and at how it is dealt with across the country. We such matters in closed proceedings, and the decision on have made sure that in the Police Reform and Social whether they should go ahead, is initially taken by the Responsibility Act 2011 there is a specific duty on Secretary of State and then put to the court for the police forces and on police and crime commissioners in court to agree. relation to the care of children. Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): T8. [108059] Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) In recent times there have been a number of controversial (Con): Will the Minister join me in congratulating applications to extradite British citizens to the United and, in particular, Chief Constable States, including that of Mr Christopher Tappin. Some Mike Cunningham on meeting the requirements of appear to have been based on American police sting the budget reductions in the spending review while operations on British soil. How are they approved, and maintaining visible front-line policing? how many have been approved in recent times?

Nick Herbert: I will happily join my hon. Friend in Nick Herbert: I appreciate my right hon. Friend’s congratulating Staffordshire police on that achievement. concern about the matter. Operational activities such as They, like many other forces, have seen an overall fall in covert investigative action would have to be approved in crime—in their case, of 7%—despite having to make this country by the relevant law enforcement agency. As savings, and the chief constable has made a particular to the types of investigation, the approval processes and commitment to protect neighbourhood policing. the numbers, I am about to write to my right hon. Friend, and I will set them out in detail for him. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Binge drinking by young people is a serious public health issue. “Men Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): Does the Minister in Black 3” will be on our screens soon, and cinemas are share my concern that the former chief constable of important channels for alcohol marketing, so will the North Yorkshire, having been deemed guilty of serious Home Secretary take the lead on more effective controls misconduct, was nevertheless paid £250,000 in on advertising in cinemas? compensation when the police authority decided not to extend his contract? Will the Minister take some action Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman makes a very interesting to stop the use of public money in this way? How many point. I am not quite sure why he felt that “Men in police officers would £250,000 pay if the money had Black 3” had to be promoted in his question, good been used for that instead? 843 Oral Answers21 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 844

Mr Speaker: I did not realise that the hon. Gentleman human trafficking, that re-trafficking is an important still had two thirds of his important question to go. I issue. However, those who have expertise in looking apologise for almost stopping him in his tracks, but after children are, by and large, in local authorities, so I should know that nothing can stop the hon. Gentleman that is a natural place for children to be put where they in his tracks. can be kept safely. Where there is the problem of re-trafficking, clearly it is for the Government and for Nick Herbert: I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern local authorities to look at ways of better protecting about that matter. Such a payment is permissible under children from the traffickers. the current law. Tom Winsor has made recommendations in his independent review relating to the matter, which Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): In December, we are looking at carefully. I can understand that the the Home Secretary announced a national review of people of north Yorkshire, and indeed more widely, stop and search as used by the police. What progress is would be concerned about this payment. being made with that review and when will the report be published? Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Home Secretary can be proud of the fact that adult victims of Mrs May: Initially, I asked the Association of Chief human trafficking are being looked after better than Police Officers to look at good practice in relation to ever before, but there remains the scandal that some stop and search. It has been doing that, and it is child victims of human trafficking, instead of being put currently putting the results together. Alongside that, into special safe homes, are returned to local authority similar activity is taking place in a number of police care only to be re-trafficked time and again. That scandal forces, particularly the Metropolitan police, who have needs to be ended; what can be done? been looking at their stop-and-search arrangements and actively working with communities to ensure that Damian Green: I agree with my hon. Friend, who this important power remains available to them but that does a lot of essential work with the all-party group on they are operating it in the correct and proper manner. 845 21 MAY 2012 846

Speaker’s Statement Employment Law (Beecroft Report)

3.32 pm 3.33 pm Mr Speaker: I wish to make a short statement on a matter of privilege before we move on to the main Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): (Urgent Question): business. The hon. Member for Maldon (Mr Whittingdale) To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, has written to me concerning the conclusions of the Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for Hertford Culture, Media and Sport Committee, as set out in and Stortford (Mr Prisk), if he will make a statement on chapter 8 of its 11th report of Session 2010-12, on the Government’s plans in respect of the report on News International and phone hacking. Having considered employment prepared for the Government by Adrian the issue, I have decided that this is a matter to which I Beecroft. should allow the precedence accorded to matters of privilege. Therefore, under the rules set out at pages 273 to 274 of “Erskine May”, the hon. Gentleman may The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation table a motion today for debate at the commencement and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): May I apologise to you and of public business tomorrow, Tuesday 22 May. The hon. to the House, Mr Speaker, for the absence of the Gentleman’s motion will appear on tomorrow’s Order Secretary of State? He is currently travelling back from Paper to be taken after any statements. the north of England, where he has been visiting a number of businesses, and will return to the House later this evening. The Beecroft report was commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as part of the red tape challenge and the employment law review. Mr Beecroft was asked to give his initial thoughts on areas of employment law that could be improved or simplified to help businesses and for the purposes of job creation. The report was intended to feed into the work that the Department is carrying out to review employment laws to ensure that they maximise flexibility and reflect modern workplace practices. That is important to employers and employees. The report was designed specifically to strengthen our international competitiveness in difficult economic times. It is worth noting that the UK is considered to have the third most flexible labour market in the OECD. That is good for jobs, and we intend to maintain that situation. Mr Beecroft was asked to take a candid look at a wide range of issues. He submitted his report in October last year. Over the past few months, Ministers have been working on the red tape challenge and the employment law review. We are already actioning 17 of the 23 topics that he raised. On considering the Beecroft report, it was clear that further evidence was required, most notably on the issue of no-fault dismissal for micro-businesses. The call for evidence on that began on 15 March and will conclude on 8 June. Given that that date falls when the House is not sitting, the Government decided to bring forward publication of the report to this week, so that it could inform the debate. Last week, the Home Secretary announced the outcome of the equalities red tape challenge, which impinges directly on employment and workplace issues. Our intention was therefore to publish the Beecroft report this week, in time for Business, Innovation and Skills oral questions. However, I noticed in the press today that an earlier draft of the report is in circulation. Therefore, in the interests of accuracy and so that the House has the correct information before it, I confirm that I have instructed officials that the report will be published later this afternoon. Copies will be placed in both Houses. The Government are taking positive action to reform the labour market and to ensure that we can help more people get back to work as soon as possible. 847 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 848

Mr Umunna: What a complete and utter shambles! I Mr Prisk: A lot of clichés but not a lot of substance, understand, as the Minister said, that the Secretary of I am afraid. State is in the north-east today. However, will he explain The hon. Gentleman asked whether I was complicit why the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation in the production of the report. If he had listened to and Skills, the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman what I said in my statement, he would have heard that Lamb), who is responsible for employment relations the Department commissioned the report. He can use and is the author of this book the term “commissioned”or “complicit”, but we still want “to help you to maximise compensation awards” to check what everyone says. in the employment tribunal, is not responding to this The hon. Gentleman asked where the employment question, given that he would appear to be the expert on relations Minister is. He is in the west country, speaking these matters? to and working with postal workers, who are keen to hear his views, and so he should be. The Secretary of State has called the Beecroft report, which has been promoted by the Prime Minister, “bonkers”. The hon. Gentleman asked about the quote including However, on page 3 of the report, Mr Beecroft says that the word “bonkers”. Let us just clarify that, shall we? he owes a “debt of gratitude” to the deputy director of What the Secretary of State said was that the way in labour law at the Department for Business, Innovation which the current working time directive works is bonkers, and Skills, who helped to produce it. Will the Minister and he was right. It operates in such a way as to prevent confirm that his Department was complicit and fully hard-working people from earning more money. I have co-operated in the production of the report, despite the no problems in supporting the Secretary of State on that. misgivings of the Secretary of State? The hon. Gentleman then turned to the question of how to develop an economy that can grow more jobs. We agree that improvements can be made to the way He may not have spotted the fact that 600,000 new jobs in which employment tribunals operate, for the sake of have been created in the past 20 months. There is no employees and employers, but we do not think that simple magic solution, and Government Members watering down people’s fundamental rights at work is a understand that although Mr Beecroft has his views, substitute for a growth strategy. there are others, and we want to listen to them. That is The Secretary of State has said that there is a “reasonably why we have issued a call for evidence and want to good balance” between workers’ rights and employers’ consider that evidence. flexibility.The Prime Minister and the Chancellor, however, Last week, I had the privilege of meeting the work suggest that the balance has gone too far in favour of force at Vauxhall, where there are to be 700 additional employees. Will the Minister tell us who is determining jobs, with a potential 4,000 extra jobs in the supply Government policy in this area—his boss or his ultimate chain. Why? Because the staff there are prepared to be masters in Downing street? flexible and work on a modern basis. It is a shame that On growth, Beecroft suggests that his recommendations the Labour party does not understand that. will solve all our problems. However, the double-dip recession that we are in is not a consequence of people’s Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): What is the right not to be unfairly dismissed or of our employment Department’s estimate of the increase in output if all law regime; it is a consequence of the huge drop in the measures recommended by Beecroft were adopted? demand that has flowed from the loss of business and consumer confidence caused by the Government’s policies. Mr Prisk: I do not have a specific estimate, and that is why we have issued a call for evidence. My right hon. Is it not the case that putting people in fear of being Friend is right to ask about that issue, which the hon. fired at will, far from promoting growth, will have a Member for Streatham (Mr Umunna) unfortunately huge detrimental impact on consumer confidence? I ask did not mention. We need to understand that there is a that because Mr Beecroft proposes to give businesses of cost to every regulatory measure that is brought forth, fewer than 10 employees the power to fire at will through not only economically but for people on the edge of the compensated no-fault dismissal. That could affect more labour market who want the chance to have a job. If we than 3.6 million workers in the private sector. Mr Beecroft regulate them out of work, we have to take responsibility said: for that, so my right hon. Friend is right to reflect on the “The downside of the proposal is that some people would be costs. dismissed simply because their employer did not like them.” Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Does the That, he said, was “a price worth paying”. That is wrong. Minister not understand that if the recommendations Does the Minister agree? go forward, it will be an appalling attack on millions of Does not the noise from Government around this employees? Their basic security at their place of work report demonstrate what our business leaders have made will be taken away. Is that not characteristic of a Tory-led very clear: that the Government have lost the plot on Government? growth? Having sought to blame British businesses for the lack of growth, with Ministers telling firms to stop Mr Prisk: May I suggest that the hon. Gentleman “whinging” and to “work harder”, the Government reads the report this afternoon, looks at what it says now want to blame the hard-working employees in and understands what is in it before condemning it? those businesses for the mess that they created. The There is a balance to be struck. We need to ensure that truth is that they have run out of excuses for tipping the we have modern workplaces, but also that we can compete country into a double-dip recession. Everyone wants in a world in which there are real pressures. The workers them to change course to get more people into work. at Vauxhall and elsewhere understand that. I hope that That is what they should concentrate on, not on making he will read the report, and then we will be happy to it easier to do precisely the opposite. have a conversation with him. 849 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 850

Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The Minister is Both things are important, as the right hon. Gentleman aware that vast amounts of European legislation affect knows all too well. What matters in that context is the workplace. He also knows of the Prime Minister’s ensuring we have the workplaces, access to credit and promises on that matter before the last general election. industrial investment that will enable our businesses to Will the Minister confirm that we will not merely have a grow. We saw good news last week; I am sorry the report on the outcome of Beecroft, which has much to Labour party seems unable to reflect on it. commend it, but actually deal with the enormous amount of damage done to small and medium-sized businesses Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): Has the by excessive European legislation, which costs billions Minister had the opportunity to read the World Economic of pounds and a huge percentage of our gross domestic Forum global competitiveness report, which showed product? Will we have action and not just words? that between 1997 and 2011, the UK fell from seventh to 10th in the years when the Labour party was in Mr Prisk: I am delighted to confirm to my hon. power? Does he agree that if the Beecroft report leads Friend, who studies these matters very closely and is to a new focus on deregulation and the undoing of the right that European legislation impinges on small businesses, burdens placed on business by the Labour party, it will that we have ensured that there will no longer be gold-plating be welcomed by small business throughout the UK, of directives from Brussels. Just as importantly, we have which we rely on to be the engine of economic recovery? secured the agreement of the European Commission that small businesses will now be exempted as a point of Mr Prisk: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend, who principle unless the Commission can show that they is right to point out that we need to restore the sad should not be. We need to make that work, and I hope decline in our competitiveness that we saw before the I will have his support in ensuring that we do. last election. We need to restore not just the Government finances, but the strength of the economy. Ensuring Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): May I take that flexible workplaces and modern work practices are this opportunity to apologise to business organisations? in place is part of that. When this idea was discussed previously, I said that they were driving it. However, business organisations have Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): been in touch with me and told me that they do not There is a flaw in the Minister’s logic. He cannot on the support the proposed legislation. one hand claim credit for the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the private sector, including the Mr Prisk: With respect to the hon. Gentleman, welcome announcement at Ellesmere Port last week, Mr Beecroft has submitted his report and we have and then say there is a huge problem for employers submitted a call for evidence. Business organisations wanting to hire people. Flexibility in labour markets is a are now providing that evidence, and when we publish good thing, but does he accept that what is really the report later this afternoon they will be able to stopping companies from hiring is the lack of confidence comment on it. They recognise the value of ensuring in economic prospects in this country and the eurozone? that we have modern, flexible workplaces. In that context, are not the proposals fiddling while Athens burns? Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I agree with the Minister on the need for balance, but does he agree that we Mr Prisk: It was worth the right hon. Gentleman would create a climate of fear in employees by introducing getting to that metaphor at the end. He is right that a fire-at-will option, which will not help productivity or confidence is one of the critical issues in the corporate growth, and which could be just plain bonkers? sector. The Government need to understand that, which is why we have ensured that we look at all such issues, Mr Prisk: Absolutely. We need to ensure we get the whether workplaces or employment tribunals. Government balance right so that businesses are competitive and we Departments are working hard on those things—they do not tie them with the red tape they suffered under are all important—but he is right that we need to ensure the previous Government, but as the hon. Lady rightly we get the appropriate balance. He says there is surely says, we also need to ensure we do not strip away those no problem if we have all those extra jobs, but we must basic rights. I understand that and we are sensitive to it, compete in a tough world. I am proud that there are but we need to recognise that we face tough economic 600,000 extra private sector jobs, but we need more. circumstances. I want to ensure that everybody who has the opportunity to get a job can do so. Red tape can Mr Sam Gyimah (East Surrey) (Con): Does the Minister sometimes make that very difficult to achieve. agree that when we look at employment legislation, we should look not only at no-fault dismissal, but at all Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): What such legislation in the round? Activation policies that does the Minister think will do most for growth in this help people to get into work are as important as focusing country: the introduction of a fire-at-will culture, or on what happens when the relationship between an tackling the banks that are failing to lend to small employer and employee goes wrong. business? If the latter, why is there so much more activity from the Government on employment legislation Mr Prisk: Absolutely. One of the encouraging things and pathetically little action on getting bank lending about the Beecroft report and other submissions is that going? they look at the issue in the round, and not just at employment tribunals, and the challenges of Criminal Mr Prisk: Sadly, because of the failure of the previous Records Bureau checks and visas. We need to ensure we Government, we had to ensure we tackled credit and think about the issue in the round and have an effective the problems of red tape so that businesses can grow. work programme alongside that. 851 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 852

Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Is not this new the Prime Minister wants to make it easier to sack workers. proposal of stripping employment rights for workers With 1 million young people out of work, should not another example of how this Tory and Lib Dem the Government concentrate on making it easier to hire Government are determined to attack workers’ rights workers, rather than to fire them? while letting the bosses off the hook? Workers have already had a pay freeze and have to work longer for Mr Prisk: Again, I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman pensions, while the bosses get bonuses and even fatter is at a disadvantage because he has not read the report; pensions. Whatever happened to “We are all in it together”? the question that he raises shows that rather clearly. If I may, I would suggest that he has a look at it. He will see Mr Prisk: The hon. Gentleman needs to read the that we are focusing on how to make the market more report and see what it says. I would also remind him flexible so that it is easier to hire people. That is important. that it is this Government who are ensuring that parents He is right about the workers at Vauxhall; they have have much better rights. We have put those rights in done a fantastic job and I respect that. That is the place because we want to ensure that we balance work attitude of this Government. and home life. The analysis that he offers is somewhat out of date. John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Although the Opposition’s fantasy finance will not solve the growth Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): As a former shop problems, will the Minister accept that there are supporters steward and proud trade unionist, I welcome many of of the Government who, when they read the report, will these proposals. Does the Minister agree that we need want to see that workers’ rights are protected? to change many of our rules and regulations so that, instead of having a “can’t do” culture, we have a “can Mr Prisk: Absolutely. That is why I have ensured that do” culture? the report is published this week, while the House is sitting, as a matter of respect for the House. The call for Mr Prisk: I totally agree, and I only wish that that were evidence will close on 8 June, when we are not sitting. I the case on the Opposition Benches. hope that Members will take the opportunity to participate in it; I am sure that the Secretary of State will be Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): If the Business delighted to hear from colleagues on the matter. Secretary has read the report, why did he say to the BBC this morning: Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): “Britain has already got a very flexible co-operative labour On the question of clichés versus substance, may I force…We don’t need to scare the wits out of workers with threats remind the Minister that the deal at Vauxhall was of dismissal. It’s completely the wrong approach”? struck under the law as it is, rather than under the law as he would like it to be? Will he therefore list his top 10 Mr Prisk: Because, as the Secretary of State rightly priorities for changing the law to make such deals more points out, we need to ensure that we are able to likely to happen? continue to compete. It is good that we have been able to secure 600,000 jobs in the private sector, but we need Mr Prisk: Mr Speaker, I would test your patience if I more. We are not in the business of trying to scare the were to list the full 10 elements of employment law as workers. We are not somehow trying to rip up their the hon. Gentleman requests, but he is right to say that basic rights. We want to ensure that an effective modern that deal was struck under the current law. We do not economy has the quality and calibre of employees that live in a static world, however, and we need to ensure it needs. That is at the heart of our policies, and I hope that we have examined all the changes in the workplace, that the Opposition will join us and ensure that they do whether in a large car plant or a small firm. not seek to scare people. George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Does the Minister Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Adrian Beecroft, who agree that, when the Government have decided how to is a constituent of mine, has spent a considerable amount respond to the report, it will be important to listen more of time on this report. Would it not be sensible for right to the small businessmen and women around the country hon. and hon. Members to take the time to read what than to those on the Labour Front Bench—I do not he has to say before expressing views on a document, think that any of them have started a business—and to the conclusions of which none of them has yet had the remember that micro-businesses are the key to the growth opportunity to consider? When they do get around to that we all want to see? Does he acknowledge that too reading it, perhaps the only test should be whether each many of our small companies are struggling with big- recommendation would make the UK more or less company legislation, and that well intentioned employment competitive. legislation often has the opposite effect, in that it puts employers off taking the risk of employing people and Mr Prisk: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend; he is creates a licence for spurious claims at employment absolutely right. That is why I have made sure that the appeals tribunals? report will be available to the House, so that we can look at the facts and not just at the speculation in the Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We saw newspapers. an unreformed employment tribunal system that—as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): Last and Climate Change, who used to be an employment week, the Secretary of State paid warm tribute to Minister, knows all too well—had failed under the last workers and their union, Unite, for their role in the Government. This Government changed it, and that is transformation of the automotive industry. This week, a record we can be proud of. 853 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 854

Mr Frank Doran (Aberdeen North) (Lab): The last Mr Prisk: As I said before, I genuinely advise the hon. Labour Government were just as concerned about flexibility Gentleman to read the Beecroft report. This is not a in the workplace as this Government, and the last Government who will go about firing at will in the way Government asked the TUC and the CBI to report on he has described. what changes needed to be made. Those changes were put in legislation. Both those organisations have the Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Over 50% most intimate knowledge of the workplace. What special of Britain’s smallest businesses say that they would hire qualifications does Adrian Beecroft have, as a venture more staff if they were given greater clarity about how capitalist, to report on the situation in the workplace? to end an employment relationship. Does my hon. Friend agree that there may be a voluntary third way for Mr Prisk: Mr Beecroft is an employer. He has a no-fault dismissal, and will he meet me and bring along significant record. He works in the marketplace not the Secretary of State? only as a venture capitalist but as an employer in his own right. He has tremendous business experience. We Mr Prisk: I welcome that positive suggestion, and want to hear all voices; that is why we have a call for I am more than happy to accede to it—as I am sure will evidence. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will contribute. be the Secretary of State.

Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con): Mrs Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): The Minister Does my hon. Friend agree that overt and extreme said in answer to a previous question that confidence is employment protection can be a disincentive to enterprise all important. Can he explain for those of us who have and growth, and that that is the case especially for small not read the report exactly how firing at will will increase businesses? I say that as the owner of one. consumer confidence?

Mr Prisk: There we have the practical evidence of Mr Prisk: If I may repeat my point, I urge the hon. someone who is actually running a small business. Lady to read the report. This is not a Government who When we put in well intentioned legislation to try to are in the business of hiring and firing at will. We are remove every possible risk from the employment market, about ensuring that employers have the confidence to the greatest danger is that the most vulnerable workers— know that if something goes wrong, they have the those on the edge for whom it takes a lot of effort to ability to unpick that in a reasonable fashion. Many of bring into the labour market—can be kept out by such them are deterred from taking on anyone in the first legislation. That is what we always have to bear in mind. place, and that is bad for those on the edge of the labour market. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Lab): I hope that the Secretary of State Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): The enjoyed his visit to Teesside Cast Products today, itself Minister will recall that under the previous Government, a control of major accident hazards site and protected businesses faced 14 new regulations every working day. workplace. What are the implications of the Beecroft May I assure the Minister that, on the Government report on chemical and other process industries on Benches, we support businesses, want to reduce their COMAH site safety? burdens and stand on the side of businesses that want to grow and be competitive? Mr Prisk: The Beecroft report does not relate specifically Mr Prisk: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his to COMAH, which is a specific area. We always want to support. This is an important matter and we need to ensure a careful balance, especially where health and have an intelligent debate, which is why we are publishing safety issues are a special concern. the report.

Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Last Friday, I David Wright (Telford) (Lab): Consumer confidence met various business leaders from my constituency. One is low and the housing market is fragile. In towns such of their major concerns was the complexity of employment as Telford, thousands of public sector workers fear law. May I urge my hon. Friend to take whatever action losing their jobs. How does compounding this problem is necessary to simplify employment laws, cut red tape by making private sector workers fear for their jobs and get the unemployed back to work in my constituency? help? When will the Government come forward with a definitive statement—they need to do it now—on their Mr Prisk: Absolutely, and by making sure we revert position regarding this policy? to the position where someone has to work for an employer for two years and not one year before unfair Mr Prisk: Again, surely the point is to involve experts dismissal procedures apply, we have already started and ask them for their evidence, and then to make a down that positive path. decision. Sadly, I detect among the Opposition a wish to make up policy and then to try to make it fit the Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): Does the evidence. That is not how we do things. Minister recognise that one of the fundamental problems with lack of growth is the lack of domestic demand Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): May I caused by lack of confidence and the unwillingness of reassure the Minister, not least on behalf of many of employers to invest because of that lack of confidence? my younger constituents, who are unemployed, that Does he think that introducing this fire-at-will concept Government Members strongly welcome these labour will do anything to boost domestic consumer confidence? market reforms? Will he take with a pinch of salt the 855 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 856 obvious opportunism of the Labour party, which, while like—is a challenge and a risk for them, which is why we in office, doubled the number of households not in need to rebalance the law. I am happy, then, to take a work and doubled the number that had never worked? knife to bad red tape, but I will ensure that our workplaces are modern and flexible, which is good for both employers Mr Prisk: That is the point. Striking a balance is and employees. crucial. Not only is my hon. Friend absolutely right but youth unemployment rose by 40% under the previous Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op): Government. The Opposition claim that they care about Will the Minister concede that given the huge problems this issue, but caring is not enough; we need to get the facing our economy of a lack of aggregate demand and law right to ensure that those on the edge of the labour confidence, further adding to job insecurity, as the market have the chance to work. That is what we report suggests, could make the UK’s recession even will do. worse? People who fear for their jobs do not spend their money. Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): Is there not a danger that having a different employment regime for workers Mr Prisk: In a sense, that is why we want to get this in small businesses employing fewer than 10 people report into the public domain—to get past some of the could be a disincentive to growing that business? speculation in the newspapers. We are concerned to ensure that good policy is based not on rife speculation Mr Prisk: The hon. Gentleman is right that when but on facts. That is what we are working on. devising policies we have to be careful not to create unintended ceilings to growth. That is certainly something Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What thought we will want to consider carefully. has the Minister given to ensuring that no-fault dismissal cannot be applied unfairly so as to discriminate against Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): Fifty per cent. workers looking to start families, especially young women? of SME 500 companies were set up during the recession. Now is the time to encourage entrepreneurs. It takes Mr Prisk: This is precisely one of the issues that Beecroft courage, grit and determination to be an entrepreneur. is considering and one that the Department is reviewing. May I urge the Minister to do all he can to help people Some good, positive ideas have been made since we to set up businesses and create employment? called for evidence on 8 March, and we will continue to reflect on it and seek to strike the right balance. Mr Prisk: Absolutely. It is crucial to ensure that when we devise employment law we recognise that often those small micro-businesses cannot cope with the kind of Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): The Minister well-intentioned red tape that often comes from Whitehall said that there was always a cost to regulation, but there and Westminster. We need to get the balance right. will also be a cost from weakening employment protection. Those are the people in my mind when we devise these I suspect that women, especially those with caring laws. responsibilities, will pay a higher price. Will he promise the House that the report and any proposals will be Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Out of the 36 richest subject to an equality impact assessment? countries, Britain is 34th for employment protection. That means it is already very easy to get rid of people in Mr Prisk: As I said in my statement, we did not Britain. What evidence does the Minister have that his progress this matter until the Home Secretary spelled policy will do anything for growth, rather than making out the equalities aspect last week. The hon. Lady is people more frightened of losing their jobs and not right: we need to look at the issue in the round. In the spend their money? end, however, I want to ensure that flexibility in the workplace is paramount. Why? Because for women, Mr Prisk: Again, I urge the hon. Lady to look at the being able to balance home and work life is often crucial. report and talk to employers, who make it clear that the law needs to allow them to take people on in comfort, Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): In 2005, knowing that if something goes badly wrong, they can Germany exempted businesses with fewer than 10 workers change things. This is not only about employment law, from unfair dismissal regulations, as well as introducing however, but about looking at the whole of the workplace. a new category of mini and midi-jobs. Since then, youth What matters is looking at all the issues in the round unemployment has halved and more women have found and we are working on each of them. their way into the workplace. What can we learn from countries such as Germany? Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): A key reason the eurozone crisis is unfolding is that politicians Mr Prisk: That we need to look at this issue in the are failing to introduce the sweeping supply-side reforms round—that is, not just at specific aspects of employment needed to generate growth and close the gap between law, but at other aspects throughout the workplace. My what Governments earn and spend. Will the Minister hon. Friend is absolutely right: we need fresh ideas. It is therefore ignore the cries from the Opposition and take just a shame that we do not get them from Labour. a knife to employment regulations, which SMEs believe are the key reason they are not taking on new staff? Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Can the Minister explain the evidence base on which the “fire at Mr Prisk: Ensuring that SME owners have the confidence will” recommendation has been made? Is the rushed to take on that next member of staff—perhaps even consultation not an admission that there was no evidence someone who is not as experienced as they would and that the recommendation was based on prejudice? 857 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 858

Mr Prisk: I think we need some balance in this Mr Prisk: As the right hon. Lady should realise, the debate. We are talking about one element in a report of discrimination laws will not be changed or affected in nearly 25 or 30 different elements, and this idea—“firing any way, so the description she gives is completely false. at will”, as the hon. Gentleman cavalierly described it—is not something on which the Government intend Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): Is the to proceed. The whole point of having a call for evidence Minister aware that 70% of the micro-business community is to ensure that we get things grounded properly. That are sole traders? When asked why they are sole traders, is very important. they say that the prime reason is the complexity and bureaucracy of employment legislation. Does he agree Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Any idea that that if we changed the rules as he suggests in the unites the shadow Business Secretary and Lord Oakeshott consultation, we would increase the number of jobs and from the other place has to be worthy of proper thought deal with our unemployment problem? and attention. I would urge my hon. Friend to consult not only with those two individuals, but with small Mr Prisk: There has been a substantial shift within businesses in general, because I think he will find a huge the small business base, so that we have seen a higher amount of support for the ideas contained in the Beecroft proportion being sole traders rather than employers. report. We need to try to encourage more of them to take people on; my hon. Friend is absolutely right. Mr Prisk: A number of areas—perhaps, sometimes, parts of the work force and the employer-employee Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): Given relationship—support the idea of looking at this issue the falls in consumption in the economy and given the in a fresh way. That is an important part of the process. chronic lack of business confidence, would it not be better for the Minister to come to the Dispatch Box Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): Has to announce some workable schemes to support the Minister not considered the report by Howard Reed manufacturing investment and schemes to support business for the TUC two years ago, which concluded that access to financial credit rather than making it easier to slashing employment protection at work could increase sack people? the problems of job creation and decrease productivity? With 6.3 million people desperately trying to find full-time Mr Prisk: I say to the hon. Gentleman “Vauxhall”. jobs but unable to get them, will the Minister explain We are making sure that the British automotive industry how his proposals would increase demand in the economy? is alive and well with £4 billion-worth of investment. I will not be lectured by a party that saw more than a Mr Prisk: With the greatest of respect to the hon. million manufacturing jobs lost. Gentleman, employment law, whether good or bad, does not increase demand in the economy. The important Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): When I thing is to ensure that employment law enables employers worked in a large company, it was difficult at times to to have the confidence to take people on. That is crucial, do what was best for it because of the employment and the idea behind the temporary measures that we restrictions and the advice of lawyers. Let me provide have had from Labour, which would give perhaps one an example. When we had a redundancy programme, year or 18 months of support, is complete nonsense. several people were asked to be put out of its scope because of risk, which was unfair on the people who Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): A few years ago I were not in certain special groups as determined by the ran a small company with 20 employees. One of them lawyers. It is that kind of complexity that we need to was grossly inefficient and incompetent. That person remove to ensure that employers do what they do best— was highly unpopular and should have gone, but I was providing British jobs and growing the economy. unable to remove them. It cost a great deal of money and effort, and in the end I failed. I hope that we will get Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is legislation that allows good employers to deal with the sort of informed and balanced overall debate that people like that. we want. That is why we have called for evidence and why we are publishing this report. The issue should not Mr Prisk: The whole point is to ensure that the be about just the clichés we have heard from the Opposition, balance between the employer and employee is struck in as it should be about making sure that we get the whole a way that enables us to resolve exactly that kind of workplace right. dispute. It is no good for the hard-working people left in my hon. Friend’s business to see someone who is clearly Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) (Lab): Will not able or willing to play their part. We need to ensure the Minister tell me how making British workers terrified that they have the opportunity. of their employers will deliver growth and confidence in the British economy—or is it that the Government Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): The Minister simply cannot resist the Tory habits of a lifetime? talks about introducing new practices. I would suggest that he is actually reintroducing some pretty old practices, Mr Prisk: I wish the hon. Gentleman would read the in allowing someone to be dismissed because someone report and stop using words such as “terrified”. Does does not like the look of their face. Will he reflect on he really think that that helps small business owners or what he is saying today and think seriously about people in work? Language like that will be taken up by whether he wants to return to the really bad old days, the media and spun, and I do not think it helps anybody when people were summarily dismissed for no apparent to use that kind of language in half an hour of partisan reason? banter. 859 Employment Law (Beecroft Report)21 MAY 2012 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 860

Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Some critics Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): Does the Minister of the Government policy to let parents choose how agree that employment tribunals are a huge cost not they share parental leave have a view of family life that only to business, but to taxpayers who actually fund is, frankly, stuck in the 1950s. They fail to take account them. Is it not right that there needs to be more balance of the benefits to business of employing mothers who in the system so that taxpayers do not have to pay so might be able to return to work more quickly or the much and businesses can get on with growing their benefits to the wider economy of giving parents the business? flexibility to play a fuller role in the labour market. Whatever is in this report, will the Minister confirm Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am that the Government are committed to introducing pleased to say that the Ministry of Justice is leading the shared parental leave, with the benefits it will bring both way in streamlining the process to reduce the costs and to families and the economy? remove red tape which, sadly—as he says—existed in the past. Mr Prisk: It was made very clear in the coalition commitment that we understand how important it is to Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): There get the balance right. That is why I can confirm that is no international evidence of any connection between that commitment has not changed in any way. the weakening of employment protection and growth. We have yet to see the report, but will the Minister tell Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ us whether it contains any evidence to justify its conclusions, Co-op): Is it not a totally bizarre approach to policy or whether it simply contains the author’s opinions? making to publish a report and then call afterwards for evidence to back it up? Does that not confirm the views Mr Prisk: As my hon. Friend the Member for South of many of us, here and outside, that the Government West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss) pointed out a moment have made up their minds on this issue? The fact is that ago, Germany has made important reforms recently, the Government have not been able to provide a single and that has helped. We will look at all the evidence. We piece of real evidence to show how this will support have a call for evidence, which will close in June, and economic growth. The questions put on both sides of I hope that the hon. Lady will contribute. the Chamber illustrate that this approach is motivated not by policy, but by ideology? Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Opposition Members might be more able to discuss the issue if they Mr Prisk: No, what the Government do is to set out had read the report. It has been kicking around in an agenda and then to seek evidence, which is an Government for several months, but the Government important part of the process, on the basis of which have resisted calls for its publication. Why do the Minister policy is made. That is how it should be done—not how and his colleagues persistently repeat the statement that it was done under Labour, when policy was made in they have created 600,000 jobs since the election, when between the phone throwing at No. 10. the Minister knows that—in the words of his own Prime Minister—the first 500,000 were created in the Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): The British first six months, and were clearly a result of the stimulus Chambers of Commerce reckons that the last Labour created by the last Government? Government burdened British business with £77 billion- worth of bureaucracy. Does not the attitude of Labour Members, who have not even read the Beecroft report, Mr Prisk: It is true that 600,000 private sector jobs this afternoon demonstrate that they have learned nothing have been created since the last election, and we are and forgotten nothing from their time in office, and that proud of that. However, as the hon. Lady ought to they remain viscerally anti-business? recognise, Governments do not create wealth and jobs but business does, and our job is to ensure that it can do so more confidently. Mr Prisk: Sadly, I am afraid that my hon. Friend is absolutely right. Several hon. Members rose— Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): This can hardly be described as an independent report. Beecroft is a paid-up Mr Speaker: Order. There is a growing phenomenon member of the Tory party and he funds the Tory party. in the House whereby Members who were not standing When will the constant and continuing barrage of attacks at the start of a statement are suddenly motivated to on hard-working people stop and the focus shift to the pop up towards its conclusion—but I would not want people who created the problems in the first place—the the hon. Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones) to be bankers? disappointed, so I think we had better hear him.

Mr Prisk: There is one slight flaw in the hon. Gentleman’s Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): Thank you, question. The Department for Business, Innovation and Mr Speaker. I recently attended a meeting with people Skills, which commissioned the Beecroft report, is led who run small businesses in my constituency. Many of by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and them said that they were keen to take on more employees, Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince but were often put off by the additional red tape and Cable) and then there was his colleague, who is now the regulation that had been imposed on them by the Labour Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the party. Can my hon. Friend confirm that this Government right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey). will take account of the issues raised by my constituents, The last time I looked, both were members of the and will try to help them to create more employment in Liberal Democrat party. my constituency? 861 Employment Law (Beecroft Report) 21 MAY 2012 862

Mr Prisk: Absolutely. Not only have we already taken Points of Order action in the last two years, but this programme will enable us to try to do even more to help the businesses in my hon. Friend’s constituency. 4.18 pm Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab): On a point of order, Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Adrian Beecroft Mr Speaker. May I thank you personally, and also is an asset-stripping venture capitalist. Is not putting thank the whole House—whose opinion was expressed him in charge of a inquiry into whether it is a good idea in an early-day motion sponsored by the right hon. to make it easier to sack workers—I mean no disrespect Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis) and to the absent Business Secretary—a bit like putting my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside Hannibal Lecter in charge of deciding on the nutritional and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) in the last Session—for benefits of cannibalism? supporting me in connection with the prosecution brought by the Northern Ireland Attorney-General? It is perhaps Mr Prisk: I hope that the hon. Gentleman has got his no coincidence that common sense finally prevailed last press release out, because that is a good joke. However, week and the Attorney-General dropped the prosecution, I think that he should be careful about referring to but issues of free speech for Members and the ancient asset-stripping vultures and so forth. If we want people offence of scandalising a judge are still unresolved. Will to develop and create jobs, and to invest in this country, you consider, Mr Speaker, how the House could present we need to watch our language very carefully. proposals to give greater protection to freedom of speech for Members over contempt actions—whether or not Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Will the Prime statements are made in the House or outside—and Minister demonstrate his new enthusiasm for sacking make recommendations to the House? failures by example and exhortation, and sack the Culture Secretary? A sacking delayed is a disgrace multiplied. Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): Further to the point of order, Mr Speaker. As you Mr Prisk: I think that you, Mr Speaker, would rightly might imagine, since the right hon. Member for Neath rule me out of order if I went as far as that; and if you (Mr Hain) has been suffering this burden, a number of did not, the Prime Minister might. us have been looking into the possibilities. If you are able to answer the right hon. Gentleman’s question in Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Minister, and to the affirmative, will you tell us whether the House could colleagues for their pithy questioning. also consider recommending legislation to the Government, given that it is almost certainly necessary?

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Member for Neath (Mr Hain) for his point of order, and for notice of it. I am also grateful to the right hon. Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis) for his follow-up. Let me first say, for the benefit of both the right hon. Member for Neath and the House, that, as he will recall, my concern was that Members who wish to table an early-day motion upon this matter should be free to do so in terms that reflect their beliefs—and it was then up to them to seek support from other Members of the House, which, indeed, was forthcoming in very substantial number. I note the thanks the right hon. Gentleman has given, but I simply thought I was doing my democratic duty by the House. Secondly, I may disappoint the right hon. Gentleman by saying the following, but it remains a fact: it would not be for me to recommend any such course of action in relation to the ancient offence to which he referred. That is not a matter for the Speaker, but the right hon. Gentleman, or any other non-ministerial Member, is free to propose legislation by way of a private Member’s Bill. Moreover, the right hon. Members for Neath and for Haltemprice and Howden and other Members are very well versed in the use of the procedures of this House to highlight what they judge to be a continuing omission or an area of policy that requires, let us say, corrective action. Knowing the right hon. Member for Neath and his track record of public campaigning on matters big and small over four decades, I doubt that he will require any further encouragement from the Chair.

Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. On 19 March 1997, the House passed a resolution which said, among other things: 863 Points of Order 21 MAY 2012 864

“Ministers should be as open as possible with Parliament, Local Government Finance Bill refusing to provide information only when disclosure would not be in the public interest”. Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Recently, I tabled the following question to the Prime Committee Minister: “To ask the Prime Minister whether he was aware at the time New Clause 9 that on 13 December 2010 Rebekah Brooks had discussed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer News Corporation’s bid for REGULATIONS ABOUT POWERS TO REQUIRE BSkyB.” INFORMATION, OFFENCES AND PENALTIES If ever there was a question that required a yes or no ‘(1) The LGFA 1992 is amended as follows. answer, that was it. I accept entirely that, like your predecessors, you, Mr Speaker, have always said you (2) After section 14 insert— have no responsibility for ministerial replies—and I am “14A Regulations about powers to require information sure you are very pleased about that. However, the Prime (1) The appropriate authority may by regulations provide for Minister replied: the exercise, for prescribed council tax purposes, of— “I had no role in the BSkyB takeover nor did I seek to (a) powers to require the provision of information; influence the decision.”—[Official Report, 17 May 2012; Vol. 545, (b) powers to require a person to enter into arrangements c. 246W.] under which access is permitted to the person’s electronic records. I never asked him that; I asked him the question I have quoted. I therefore wonder whether the Prime Minister (2) The appropriate authority may by regulations make provision about arrangements for access to electronic records for is in some way in conflict with the resolution passed by prescribed council tax purposes where the arrangements are the House on 19 March 1997. entered into otherwise than under a requirement of the kind mentioned in subsection (1)(b). Mr Speaker: The short answer to the hon. Gentleman’s (3) The appropriate authority may by regulations— point of order is that I am not aware that there is any (a) make provision about the persons by whom powers conflict with the terms of the resolution. As the hon. conferred by regulations under this section may be Gentleman also noted in his point of order, the Chair is exercised; not responsible for the content of answers. The obligation (b) make provision about the persons by whom arrangements upon a Minister is to provide an answer to the question under regulations under this section may be made; posed. Whether it is an answer of sufficient quality to (c) in particular, make provision for the authorisation by satisfy Members, and in this instance the hon. Gentleman, billing authorities of persons to exercise those powers is, sadly, another matter. However, the hon. Gentleman or make those arrangements. may wish to return to this matter, and it is open to him (4) The provision that may be made by regulations under this to do so in a variety of ways—which, as he first entered section includes, in particular, provision equivalent to— the House 46 years ago last March, he will not require (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or advice from me to identify. (b) provision that is capable of being made under a relevant enactment, LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE BILL with such modifications as the appropriate authority thinks fit (PROGRAMME) (NO. 2) (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), each of the following Ordered, enactments as it had effect on the day on which the Local Government Finance Act 2012 was passed is a “relevant enactment”— That the Order of 10 January 2012 in the last Session of (a) section 109A(8) of the Social Security Administration Parliament (Local Government Finance Bill (Programme)) be Act 1992 (application of section 109B of that Act to varied as follows: the Crown); 1. Paragraphs 5 and 6 of the Order shall be omitted. (b) section 109B of that Act (powers to require information); 2. Proceedings on Consideration shall be taken in the following (c) section 110A of that Act (authorisations by local order: New Clauses and New Schedules relating to council tax; authorities to exercise powers of investigation); Amendments to Clauses 8 to 12; Amendments to Schedule 4; New Clauses and New Schedules relating to nondomestic rating; (d) section 110AA of that Act (power of local authority to Amendments to Clauses 1 to 7; Amendments to Schedules 1 to 3; require electronic access to information); and remaining proceedings on Consideration. (e) section 121DA of that Act (interpretation of Part 6 of 3. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously that Act); concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the (f) section 191 of that Act (interpretation of that Act). moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings (6) This section does not affect the operation of Schedule 2 are commenced. (administration of council tax). 4. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously (7) In this section “council tax purposes” means purposes concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption relating to a person’s liability to pay council tax. on that day.—(Robert Neill.) 14B Regulations about offences ‘(1) The appropriate authority may by regulations provide for the creation of offences that may be committed by a person in prescribed circumstances— (a) by intentionally delaying or obstructing a person in the exercise of a power conferred by regulations under section 14A(1); (b) by refusing or failing to comply with any requirement under regulations under section 14A(1)(b) or with the requirements of any arrangements entered into in accordance with such regulations; 865 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 866

(c) by refusing or failing, when required to do so by or (e) about the determination of issues arising in such under this Act or by or under regulations made under proceedings; this Act, to provide any information or document in (f) about other matters of procedure and evidence in connection with a person’s liability to pay council relation to such offences. tax; (9) The provision that may be made by regulations under this (d) by making a false statement or representation in section includes, in particular, provision equivalent to— connection with such liability; (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or (e) by providing, or causing or allowing to be provided, in (b) provision that is capable of being made under a connection with such liability, a document or relevant enactment, information which is false; with such modifications as the appropriate authority thinks fit (f) by failing to notify, or causing or allowing a person to fail to notify, a matter that is relevant to such liability (10) For the purposes of subsection (9), each of the following (including in particular any matter that is required to enactments as it had effect on the day on which the Local be notified by or under this Act or by or under Government Finance Act 2012 was passed is a “relevant regulations made under this Act). enactment”— (2) Regulations under subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c)— (a) section 111 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (offences relating to powers under that Act); (a) must provide for an offence under the regulations to be triable only summarily; (b) section 111A of that Act (dishonest representations for obtaining benefit etc); (b) may not provide for such an offence to be punishable (c) section 112 of that Act (false representations for with a fine exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. obtaining benefit etc.); (3) Regulations under subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c)— (d) section 115 of that Act (offences by bodies corporate); (a) may provide, in a case where a person is convicted of (e) section 116 of that Act (legal proceedings); an offence under the regulations and the act or (f) section 121DA of that Act (interpretation of Part 6 of omission constituting the offence continues after the that Act); conviction, for the person to be guilty of a further offence and liable on summary conviction to a daily (g) section 191 of that Act (interpretation of that Act). fine; 14C Regulations about penalties (b) may not provide for the daily fine to exceed £40. ‘(1) The appropriate authority may by regulations make (4) Regulations under subsection (1)(d), (e) or (f) that create an provision for the imposition of a penalty by a billing authority offence that may only be committed by a person acting on a person where in prescribed circumstances— dishonestly— (a) that person’s act or omission results or could result in (a) must provide for the offence to be triable summarily or the amount of council tax that a person (“P”) is on indictment; liable to pay being reduced or subject to a discount, and (b) may not provide for the offence to be punishable on summary conviction with imprisonment for a term (b) P is not or will not be entitled to that reduction or exceeding 12 months or with a fine exceeding the discount. statutory maximum; (2) The appropriate authority may by regulations make (c) may not provide for the offence to be punishable on provision for the imposition of a penalty by a billing authority conviction on indictment with imprisonment for a on a person where in prescribed circumstances— term exceeding 7 years (and may provide for the (a) that person’s act or omission results or could result in a offence to be punishable on conviction on indictment dwelling in respect of which a person (“P”) would with a fine). otherwise be liable to pay council tax being treated as an exempt dwelling for a period, and (5) Regulations under this section which create an offence within subsection (4) that may be committed before the date that (b) the dwelling is not or will not be an exempt dwelling section 154(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force for all or part of that period. may not provide for such an offence committed before that date (3) Regulations under this section must— to be punishable on summary conviction with imprisonment for (a) make provision with the effect that a penalty may only a term exceeding 6 months. be imposed on a person where the person agrees to (6) Regulations under subsection (1)(d), (e) or (f) that create an the imposition of the penalty as an alternative to offence that may be committed by a person acting otherwise than criminal proceedings being taken against the person dishonestly— in respect of the act or omission to which the penalty (a) must provide for the offence to be triable only summarily; relates, (b) may not provide for the offence to be punishable with (b) make provision with the effect that a penalty may only imprisonment for a term exceeding 51 weeks or with be imposed on a person where the person has not a fine exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. been charged with an offence in respect of the act or omission to which the penalty relates, or (7) Regulations under this section which create an offence (c) make provision within paragraph (a) and (b). within subsection (6) that may be committed before the date that section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force (4) This section does not affect the operation of Schedule 3 may not provide for such an offence committed before that date (penalties). to be punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding (5) The provision that may be made by regulations under this 3 months. section includes, in particular, provision equivalent to— (8) The appropriate authority may by regulations make (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or provision— (b) provision that is capable of being made under a (a) about defences to an offence under regulations under relevant enactment, this section; with such modifications as the appropriate authority thinks fit. (b) about the commission by a body corporate of such an (6) For the purposes of subsection (5), each of the following is offence; a “relevant enactment”— (c) about the conduct of proceedings for such an offence; (a) section 115A of the Social Security Administration (d) about the time limits for bringing such proceedings; Act 1992 (penalty as alternative to prosecution); 867 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 868

(b) section 115B of that Act (penalty as alternative to (a) the number of people receiving council tax support in prosecution: colluding employers etc); each local authority including the number in employment, (c) section 115C of that Act (penalties in respect of the number actively seeking work, and the number of incorrect statements etc); pensionable age, and (d) section 115D of that Act (penalties in respect of (b) the costs incurred by each authority in running the failures to disclose information); scheme, including the cost of appeals.’. (e) section 121DA of that Act (interpretation of Part 6 of New clause 7—Power to set higher amount for second that Act); homes— (f) section 191 of that Act (interpretation of that Act). ‘(1) The LGFA 1992 is amended as follows. (7) The reference in subsection (6)— (2) After section 11A insert— (a) to section 115C or 115D of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 is to that section without “11C Higher amount for second homes: England the repeals in it contained in Part 1 of Schedule 14 to (1) For any financial year, a billing authority in England may the Welfare Reform Act 2012; by determination provide in relation to its area, or such part of (b) to any other provision of that Act is to the provision its area as it may specify in the determination, that if on any day as it had effect on the day on which the Local a dwelling is a second home— Government Finance Act 2012 was passed. (a) the discount under section 11(2)(a) shall not apply, and 14D Sections 14A to 14C: supplementary (b) the amount of council tax payable in respect of that ‘(1) In sections 14A to 14C— dwelling and that day shall be increased by such “the appropriate authority” means— percentage of not more than 50 as it may so specify. (a) the Secretary of State, in relation to England, (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe one or and more classes of dwelling in relation to which a billing authority (b) the Welsh Ministers, in relation to Wales; may not make a determination under this section. “prescribed”, in relation to regulations made by the (3) A class of dwellings may be prescribed under subsection (2) Welsh Ministers, means prescribed by such regulations. by reference to such factors as the Secretary of State thinks fit (2) A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the and may, in particular, be prescribed by reference to— Secretary of State under any of sections 14A to 14C may not be (a) the physical characteristics of, or other matters relating made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and to, dwellings; approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. (b) the circumstances of, or other matters relating to, any (3) A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the person who is liable to the amount of council tax Welsh Ministers under any of sections 14A to 14C may not be concerned. made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales.” (4) Where a determination under this section has effect in (3) In section 113(3) (application of negative procedure to relation to a class of dwellings— orders and regulations under the Act), after “except in the case (a) the billing authority may not make a determination of regulations under section” insert “14A, 14B, 14C or”.’.— under section 11A(3), (4) or (4A) in relation to that (Andrew Stunell.) class, and Brought up, and read the First time. (b) any determination that has been made under section 11A(3), 4.24 pm (4) or (4A) ceases to have effect in relation to that class. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for (5) A billing authority may make a determination varying or Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): I revoking a determination under this section for a financial year, beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. but only before the beginning of the year. Mr Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss (6) A billing authority which makes a determination under this the following: section must publish a notice of it in at least one newspaper Government new clause 10—Power for HMRC to circulating in its area and do so before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date of the determination. supply information for purposes of council tax New clause 2—Discounts— (7) Failure to comply with subsection (6) does not affect the validity of a determination. ‘(1) Section 11 of the LGFA 1992 is amended as follows. (8) For the purposes of this section, the Secretary of State may (2) In subsection (1), for the word “shall”, substitute “may”. by regulations prescribe the definition of a dwelling to be (3) In subsection (2)— considered a “second home”. (a) for the word “shall”, substitute the word “may”; (3) In section 11(2) (discounts: no chargeable residents) after (b) for the word “twice”, substitute the words “a multiple “sections 11A”, insert “, 11C”. of”. (4) In section 11A (discounts: special provision for England) (4) Omit subsections (3) and (4) and insert— after subsection (4B) (inserted by section 9) insert— (a) In this section “the appropriate percentage” and “(4D) Subsections (3), (4) and (4A) are subject to section 11C “multiple” are to be determined by the relevant local (4).”. authority and approved as part of their Council Tax Reduction Scheme as set out in Schedule 1A. (5) In section 66(2)(b) (matters to be questioned only by judicial review), after “section 8(2), 11A”, insert “, 11C”. “(b) The eligibility for any reduction shall be determined as part of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. (6) In section 67(2)(a) (functions to be discharged only by (4) Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect for determining who authority), after “section 8(2), 11A”, insert “, 11C”.’. shall be disregarded for the purposes of discount.”.’. Government amendments 42 to 48. New clause 5—Report on effects of provisions— Amendment 6, in clause 8, page 5, line 28, leave out ‘At a date no later than three years from the implementation of ‘2013’ and insert ‘2014’. this Act the Secretary of State shall prepare a report detailing the Amendment 7, page 5, line 29, leave out ‘2013’ and effects of these provisions on— insert ‘2014’. 869 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 870

[Mr Speaker] its Committee stage. Does the Minister accept that to anyone outside this House it looks as though, at every Amendment 4, in clause 10, page 7, line 41, at end stage, this Government are going out of their way to insert— avoid people being able to take a proper look at this and ‘(12A) After sub-paragraph (7) insert— to avoid this House being able to do its job of scrutinising this Bill properly? We will be leaving too much to the (7A) In this paragraph, “increase” means an increase under section 11C(1)(b) (higher amount for second homes: England).”.’. other House to do. Government amendments 49 and 50. Andrew Stunell: I am extremely disappointed by the Amendment 1, in schedule 4, page 48, line 43, at end right hon. Gentleman’s intervention. May I just remind insert— him that when I assured the House that these papers ‘(8A) Before making regulations under sub-paragraph (8), the would be published, there was universal astonishment Secretary of State must consult with local authorities regarding that we proposed to do that before the Bill left this any proposed requirements for schemes.’. House? There was a universal assumption that I had Government amendment 51. somehow misspoken and that we actually meant to do Amendment 9, page 49, line 15, at end insert— this at a later stage. It is very much for the convenience (d) notify all persons within their area receiving council of this House today that it should have these very tax benefit on or immediately following 1 April 2012, important documents available for consideration, but of the implications of the draft scheme, including the the right hon. Gentleman is right to say that Members estimated impact of that scheme on their living standards.’. of the other place will have every opportunity to give Government amendment 52. further consideration to the information. Of course, the Amendment 2, page 49, line 22, leave out sub-paragraphs reason for publishing these papers in advance of the Bill (4) and (5). completing its passages through the two Houses is to Amendment 10, page 49, line 44, leave out ‘2013’ and give local authorities and those who have to work on insert ‘2014’. these schemes the maximum length of time to implement the necessary provisions, so that an appropriate and Government amendments 53 and 54. speedy commencement can be made next year. Amendment 11, page 50, line 2, at end insert— ‘(3A) The default scheme must be designed in such a way as to Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): In fact, the ensure, insofar as can reasonably be assessed, that no person Minister promised us not statements of intent, but draft below pensionable age, in or seeking employment, shall receive a regulations. He said: lesser entitlement to a council tax reduction than that to which they would have been entitled under council tax benefit.’. “we intend to publish draft regulations while the Bill is still before the House.”—[Official Report, 31 January 2012; Vol. 539, c. 777.] Amendment 12, page 50, line 2, at end insert— Where are they? ‘(3B) If the default scheme has the effect of reducing or removing a reduction to which any class of persons was entitled under council Andrew Stunell: When the hon. Lady has taken the tax benefit, it must include such transitional provision relating to that reduction or removal as the Secretary of State, after consultation opportunity to look at the statements of intent, she will with representatives of local government, thinks fit.’. see that they are in effect—indeed, my note refers to Amendment 13, page 50, line 5, leave out ‘2013’ and it—draft statutory instruments. I remind her that we insert ‘2014’. cannot publish draft statutory instruments until we have a Bill to publish them against. We have brought the Amendment 3, page 50, line 14, leave out sub-paragraphs statements of intent before both Houses so that matters (2) and (3). for consideration are fully in view. Government amendments 55 to 61. New clause 9 allows the Secretary of State to make Andrew Stunell: I am delighted to be taking part in regulations to introduce the necessary powers for local the resumption of the debate from the previous Session, authorities to tackle fraud in claims for a reduction in as it is good to be resuming our consideration of this liability to pay council tax, which will be effective from important Bill and these important provisions. The Bill next April. Powers to investigate potential fraudulent is a major step forward in localising fundraising and claims for reductions in liability to pay council tax and decision making to local councils and restoring to them to issue the appropriate penalties are a vital weapon for local control. Discussing local government finance is local authorities if they are properly to administer very much an acquired taste, albeit one that I can see schemes and protect the public purse. The change from has not been acquired by too many hon. Members today. the existing scheme to the new scheme means that the May I draw the House’s attention to the publication new clause is needed to provide the necessary safeguards. of the statements of intent, which the Department has Rather than simply reintroducing all the powers that tabled for the benefit of hon. Members over the past local authorities have to tackle council tax benefit fraud, few days? The statements bring to the House’s attention the clause allows us to work with local authorities to a great deal of the technical work behind the Bill and of identify those powers and offences that will be needed how the Government intend the scheme should be to make local schemes work. The overall aim is that the implemented over the coming months. regulations will reinstate only the necessary powers, offences, penalties and safeguards that are appropriate John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): The for the new scheme. Minister mentions the seven technical notes. Dozens and dozens of pages about how the Government are Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): It would be going to approach this were released on the working very helpful if the Minister explained to my constituents day before Report and Third Reading in this House, what extra power is being granted to the council and and three and a half months after this House finished how it will prevent fraud. 871 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 872

Andrew Stunell: The provision allows us to enter into Andrew Stunell: The hon. Lady is well aware that discussions with local authorities about the point my there are such things as negligence and avoidance of right hon. Friend raises. It is our intention not to increase reality. We are all aware of such cases. I see quite a few the powers of local authorities but simply to transpose examples in the House from time to time. them from the existing scheme to the new scheme while New clause 10 inserts into the Bill powers allowing recognising that a range of provisions in the current scheme Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to supply information needs to be considered rather than simply transposed for prescribed purposes relating to council tax to billing without any further thought. New section 14A, which authorities in England and Wales and to local authorities the Bill inserts into the Local Government Finance in Scotland, and provides for offences relating to the Act 1992, will allow the Secretary of State to make misuse of that information. It is the matching part of regulations giving local authorities the power to authorise the preceding clause, the one that gives local authorities officers to carry out investigations. Regulations may the power to ask bodies for information. This clause provide that officers so authorised may require relevant allows HMRC to supply that information. information from specified bodies to check whether a Data sharing will be an important way of maximising claim that they believe to be fraudulent is in fact so. The convenience and reducing complexity for claimants, regulations may also provide authorities with powers to while also helping to reduce administrative costs. It will require that certain bodies must enter into arrangements reduce the need for individuals to have to provide the allowing access to a person’s electronic records. same information repeatedly to different public bodies and produce evidence about their situation to those Mr Redwood: That is the point I am trying to get at. It bodies. Section 131 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 is already an offence to make a fraudulent declaration provides for the sharing of information relating to and to try to get out of paying this tax, and we all want social security benefits and welfare services with a qualifying to stop the fraud, but we also want to keep some civil person for prescribed purposes relating to welfare services liberties in this country. I must press the Minister again. or council tax. The two new clauses, together with that What extra powers to investigate people and get access provision, will enable data held by the Department for to their data are being taken? Work and Pensions in relation to current benefits and, in future, to universal credit, to be provided to English Andrew Stunell: I am sorry if I did not make myself and Welsh billing authorities and Scottish local authorities clear. The powers that local authorities rely on to guard for the administration of local council tax reduction against fraud in the current council tax benefit scheme schemes. will, in effect, lapse with the introduction of the new scheme. They are not competent to be used under the Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): I understand the new scheme, so we need a new scheme. The purpose of point that the Minister is making about requiring the new clause is to ensure that the scheme takes account organisations such as DWP to offer information relating not just of concerns such as those held by my right hon. to individuals, but section 14A(1)(b) refers to Friend but of the need to protect the public purse and “powers to require a person to enter into arrangements under that they are kept in proper and proportionate balance. which access is permitted to the person’s electronic records.” We will not be giving local authorities powers to enter I find it hard to see that that is to do with the Department premises or to conduct inquiries and remove and copy for Work and Pensions. Can the hon. Gentleman assure documents from such premises. I hope my right hon. the House that this does not relate to individual council Friend finds that assurance helpful. The powers we are tax payers and any electronic records that they have—for giving will require people to enter into arrangements example, held on personal computers? under which access is permitted to relevant records and will, in our view, be sufficient for council tax purposes. Andrew Stunell: I may wish to return to the right hon. New section 14C will enable the Secretary of State to Gentleman’s point later in the debate, if the opportunity make regulations providing that authorities may issue arises. My understanding is that there is nothing in the penalties as an alternative to prosecution or where a provision that in any way takes the powers of public person has not been charged with an offence. That will bodies beyond what they are currently able to do in ensure that local authorities are able to take proportionate pursuit of council tax benefit and alleged fraud and action, rather than being faced with the choice of pursuing misuse of council tax benefit. As I understand it, these prosecution or doing nothing. Before the debate on the powers are absolutely parallel to the existing provisions. amendments in the other place, we intend to publish a I am sure that I will have an opportunity to return to detailed statement of intent that will spell out clearly that point later in the debate if I have in any way our proposals for regulations in accordance with the misguided the House. new clause. We have also made it clear in the new clause New clause 10 inserts paragraphs 15A and 15B into that any regulations will be subject to the affirmative schedule 2 to the Local Government Finance Act 1992. procedure and will therefore be debated by both Houses. Paragraph 15A(1) and (2) will allow Her Majesty’s I hope my right hon. Friend will be somewhat reassured Revenue and Customs to supply information held for by what I have said. the purposes of its functions to billing authorities in England, as well as to a person authorised to exercise Helen Jones: Will the Minister explain to the House, any of an authority’s functions on its behalf. for my benefit and, presumably, for the benefit of others, how regulations in this section can Mr Redwood: On new clause 10, when the Revenue “create an offence that may be committed by a person acting has shared information with a local authority, what otherwise than dishonestly”? right will the individual concerned have to make sure Presumably, if a person is not acting dishonestly, they that the Treasury has shared the correct information are acting honestly. How can that create an offence? and has not made a mistake? 873 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 874

Andrew Stunell: HMRC is obviously under the same Proposed newparagraph 15B(7), of schedule 2 to the obligations when transferring data in such a case as it is 1992 Act, sets out the procedure that Welsh Ministers in every other case; it must ensure that the data are must follow when making these regulations, which will relevant to the question being asked, accurate and be through a statutory instrument, subject to annulment appropriate, and there are of course safeguards via the procedures. Proposed new paragraph 15C(7) sets out Information Commissioner should that be broken. HMRC the procedure that Scottish Ministers must follow when takes data protection extremely seriously, and the provisions making regulations in respect of the data-sharing provisions, in the Bill, which lie on top of the provisions in the which will be through a Scottish statutory instrument, Welfare Reform Act, are needed precisely because it is subject to the negative procedure. Without that legal necessary to ensure that we have safeguarded HMRC gateway, HMRC would not be able to provide the and given it specific, explicit and closely confined powers information that billing authorities need for council tax on the transfer of data. purposes, such as calculating an entitlement to a reduction under a council tax reduction scheme, and if that were the case it would clearly increase the complexity for Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): claimants and the administrative costs for billing authorities. I must say that that is not an adequate response to the question asked by the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood). We have seen a lot of evidence on data 4.45 pm sharing recently. The Electoral Commission has been Government amendments 42 to 50 and 56 to 60 would undertaking data-matching exercises that have revealed provide Welsh Ministers with the powers to place a duty huge problems of inaccuracy in data shared between on specified bodies in Wales to introduce council tax Government Departments. This is a serious matter and reduction schemes in Wales. Welsh Ministers have developed the Minister is not justified in brushing it aside like that. plans for locally delivered council tax reductions and There needs to be more certainty and more checks and asked for these amendments, which will enable them to safeguards need to be in place. prescribe, by regulations, for establishing in Wales council tax reduction schemes that are broadly similar to those that billing authorities in England will be required to Andrew Stunell: I remind the right hon. Gentleman introduce in accordance with the Bill. Those powers that at the moment HMRC shares these data with would provide Welsh Ministers with the scope to establish DWP, which then takes a view on an individual’s income the remit for council tax reduction schemes in Wales and shares it with the local authority that administers that were appropriate for Wales. the benefit. Under the provision, that information will go directly from HMRC to the billing authority. We Welsh Ministers have said that they intend to use the absolutely share the view, expressed by both the right powers to introduce a single national scheme set out in hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) regulations and include the reforms necessary to meet and my right hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham the 10% reduction in funding. They intend local authorities (Mr Redwood), that it is extremely important that that to be given an amount of local flexibility in the new creates neither opportunities for error nor opportunities scheme’s delivery, and deviation from the national scheme for the misuse of data in any other way. will be funded locally. Welsh Ministers have recently consulted on the policy’s detail, and they intend to set out their proposals on vulnerable groups, including David Wright (Telford) (Lab): The real danger, as the pensioners, in due course. right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) Amendment 44, to section 13A of the Local Government said, is that there will be mission creep. Experience Finance Act 1992, would provide Welsh Ministers with under previous Governments, including the Labour the power to require specified bodies in Wales to introduce Government, shows that there is mission creep on data council tax reduction schemes, and the proposed change exchange. Discs are produced and information is passed details the scope of the regulations that Welsh Ministers around. What we really need from the Government is a would be able to make. Amendment 45 sets out the definitive statement on what data can be passed between procedure that Welsh Ministers would have to follow Departments, because there is a danger that people’s when making regulations on the introduction of council information will be passed around and that the parameters tax reduction schemes. and scope of the data that ought to be shared will be The amendments include a series of provisions that extended. I am very happy to bring to the House’s attention if Members would like me to do so, but it might be sensible Andrew Stunell: I am certainly keen to offer, on behalf if I proceed by saying simply that the amendments set of the Department and the Government, a clear out a range of requirements and rules that are intended undertaking that it is not the intention that that should entirely to ensure that the scheme can be applied as happen, and that the provisions before the House do Welsh Ministers determine in the Welsh environment. not create the opportunity for that to happen. Amendments 51 and 54 are technical amendments to To return to the question asked by the right hon. ensure that we can deliver our policy to protect pensioners, Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn), proposed enabling regulations to provide for a default scheme new section 14A, which relates to the investigation of that largely replicates current council tax benefit, and fraud, will enable local authorities to investigate the providing reassurance to local authorities that their eligibility of a person for a council tax reduction, which schemes can incorporate certain features of current might require access to the individual’s records, in the council tax benefit when they choose them to do so. same way as can currently be done for council tax Taken together the amendments to schedule 4 would benefit. That is separate to the provisions elsewhere achieve that aim by ensuring that regulations prescribing relating to HMRC’s sharing of data with local authorities. requirements for schemes and regulations prescribing 875 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 876 the default scheme may incorporate provisions equivalent how a billing authority will prepare a scheme because to those that are, or could be, provided for in the that would not enhance the existing requirements and sections of existing legislation relating directly to council duties of authorities in consulting and involving local tax benefit. people. It therefore does not make sense to prevent billing authorities, after consulting their major precepting Helen Jones: Why does the default scheme replicate authorities, from proceeding to publish their scheme the existing scheme on a 10% cut? Is the intention to and to consult others if they are in a position to do so penalise financially those councils that do not come up prior to the Bill’s receiving Royal Assent. Amendment 52 with their own scheme in time? allows councils to proceed in that direction if they wish. In other words, if, after consulting its major precepting Andrew Stunell: There is certainly an incentive for authorities, a billing authority wants to publish its local local authorities to introduce a scheme of their own scheme and to consult any other person with an interest choosing. The whole point of this is that local authorities in the scheme, it can do so straight away without should have the capacity to have their own scheme, running any additional risks arising from carrying out designed as they see fit. If they have not formed such a those steps in advance of Royal Assent. scheme by the relevant date in January, the default scheme comes into play, and that scheme will, in essence, Helen Jones: Are not the Government too often continue with the existing council tax benefit scheme in taking steps to implement legislation before it has been its entirety. Taken together, the amendments to schedule 4 passed? We saw that with the Health and Social Care Bill ensure that regulations prescribing requirements for and we are seeing it again now. The essence of a democratic schemes and prescribing the default scheme allow local Parliament is that legislation has to go through two authorities to take this approach and, if they so wish, to Houses and get Royal Assent before it becomes law. Are adopt the existing scheme lock, stock and barrel. not the Government trying to compensate for the fact The Government have already confirmed their that they are rushing this change in far too quickly, commitment to protecting pensioners on low incomes instead of giving local authorities time to prepare properly? and have said that there should be no change in support to them as a result of the introduction of this reform. Andrew Stunell: In the last Session, the hon. Lady spent Support will continue to be rules-based, with provisions a lot of time telling us that we had not produced enough about the calculations to be made set out in regulations detail, nor given local authorities enough warning or under paragraphs 2(8) and 2(9) of new schedule 1A to flexibility. It seems a little perverse for her to say now that the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which is she does not want local authorities to have the flexibility inserted by schedule 4 to the Bill. As the House is aware, to get a scheme under way pronto, if they are in a position it is intended that the support scheme for pensioners to do so. I do not understand her confused logic. will be protected so that their support is as close as possible to what they receive at present. Paragraph 4 of Government amendment 53 is a minor technical new schedule 1A provides powers for the Secretary of amendment, which will ensure that the first financial State to prescribe a default scheme in regulations to year to which the default scheme relates is the same as take effect in any authority that has not made its own that specified for the implementation of council tax scheme by 31 January. The default scheme will cover those reduction schemes in clause 8(4). Amendment 55 relates who have attained the qualifying age for state pension to claims that are in progress when the schemes come credit and those who have not yet attained it. The into force: in essence, any claims in the pipeline will be Government have been clear that they intend the default rolled over, rather than applicants being required to scheme to be as similar as possible to the existing scheme. start again with a new scheme. These technical amendments will enable regulations That completes my remarks about the Government prescribing the requirements for pensioner protection proposals, but it is right and proper that I comment on and the default scheme to make use of the same powers, the proposals from other parts of the House. New definitions and treatments as set out in the detail of the clause 2, tabled by the right hon. Member for Wentworth existing council tax benefit legislation. The Government and Dearne (John Healey), would do away with the believe that that will help to facilitate their provision of automatic entitlement to the single person discount, protection for those of pension credit age and provide which has been a feature of council tax since its introduction. the legal backstop of a default scheme that can take I remind the House that households with just one adult effect should a local authority not complete its own are eligible to claim the single person discount on their scheme. In particular, amendment 51, new schedule 1A, council tax bill, and that is not a benefit but a tax paragraph 2 and sub-paragraph (10) will allow the discount that has been a fundamental feature of council Government, when they set up the scheme, to make tax since its creation in 1993. Eight million households equivalent provision to that contained in the one of in England receive the single person discount, of which the enactments listed in sub-paragraph (12). New 90% are in bands A to D; it is therefore not a subsidy for paragraph (3A) in amendment 54 allows the default the wealthy. Indeed, 29% of households in Great Britain scheme to make equivalent provision to that capable of are single-person households and another 7% are single- being made under the same enactment. parent households, which are also eligible for the tax discount. There is a great deal of detail that I am happy to bring to the House should Members wish to have it, and New clause 2 would pass to local authorities discretion more in the statements of intent. If the House is content on whether to grant a discount to such people and the at this point, I will move on to Government amendment 52. size of the discount as part of setting their council tax As set out in the statements of intent that we have reduction scheme. Clause 8(2) provides that published on our plans for localising support, the “Each billing authority in England must make a scheme specifying Government do not propose to make regulations as to the reductions which are to apply to amounts of council tax”. 877 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 878

Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): Is this not Taken together, amendments 10, 13, 6 and 7 would another example of not giving local councils freedom, delay by a year the localisation of the council tax but trying to push the blame on to local authorities? reduction scheme, pushing it back from 2013 to 2014. Would it not cause chaos in places such as London, The Government are very clear that the reform needs to where the 32 boroughs could have 32 different schemes? be implemented in 2013 to secure the agreed savings set How does the Minister think that could be run efficiently? out in the 2010 comprehensive spending review. I think the Labour party is still struggling to come to terms Andrew Stunell: That is a severe criticism of new with the fact that in 2010, £1 was being borrowed for clause 2, which would pass down to councils the capacity every £4 spent and we were adding £400 million to the to change single person discounts. As the hon. Gentleman national debt every day.Tackling the deficit and establishing rightly points out, that would create difficulties in fiscal responsibility is a central part of the coalition implementation. I am sure that the right hon. Member Government’s strategy, and the changes to the scheme for Wentworth and Dearne, when he speaks in favour of are fundamental to achieving the savings set out in the new clause, will explain to the hon. Gentleman the CSR. exactly how it would work. There are things that councils should already be New clause 2 would not only interfere with the single doing to prepare for the change, and we are supporting person discount, but give billing authorities discretion them in doing so, not least through the provision that on whether a 50% discount should be granted in other the hon. Lady queried a few minutes ago. They should circumstances. Currently, that applies when a dwelling understand the circumstances of those in their area is not unoccupied but is no one’s sole or main residence. who currently claim support, ensure that elected members At one time, that would have meant second homes, but are aware of the decisions that they will need to take the provision on those was amended in the Local and engage with precepting authorities, such as police Government Act 2003. The 50% discount still applies in and fire authorities. They have the opportunity to prepare some cases, when the second home is job-related. That for and carry out consultation as soon as they are ready is a matter of particular importance to the clergy and to to do so—Government amendment 52 supports local service personnel. I suspect that the new clause would authorities in their preparations by making that clear. have an effect that the right hon. Gentleman does not The Government therefore believe that the amendments intend. to delay the scheme are inappropriate and would create an unnecessary burden for local authorities, which will continue to be subject to their existing equalities duty 5pm and so will have to take that fully into account in their Whatever the superficial attractions of the new clause— decisions. particularly to billing authorities, whose revenue-raising powers would be increased—it would certainly not be The public sector equality duty includes a requirement attractive to the 29% of households in which people live for local authorities to have regard to advancing equality alone or the 7% of households that are single-parent of opportunity between people who share a protected families. Those categories include many older people, characteristic and those who do not, and to the need to including widows and widowers, and the Government eliminate unlawful discrimination. That continuous process have made it clear that we intend that they retain their requires relevant decision makers in local authorities to protection. We have prefigured that with our two-year consider equality issues. That has a bearing not only on council tax freeze, and our clear intention is to ensure the question of delaying the scheme, which would incur that there is no loss of single person discount. costs and difficulties, but on amendment 9, which would require local authorities to notify current claimants of New clause 5 is interesting. The Government will the potential impact of the draft scheme. Local authorities monitor and review changes as part of the equality are already required, by paragraph 3(1) or proposed impact assessment process, as they do after every Act is new schedule 1A to the 1992 Act, to consult on the implemented to check that it works as planned and to draft scheme with such persons as they consider screen for unexpected equality impacts. There are already “are likely to have an interest in the operation of the scheme”. powers in the Bill to allow for that. Schedule 4 will insert into the Local Government Finance Act 1992 a Furthermore, public sector bodies, including local new schedule 1A, which will enable the Secretary of authorities, are obliged to comply fully with the public State to require authorities to supply specified information sector equality duty. to him. In the Government’s equality impact assessment of that reform, we made it clear that those powers could Helen Jones: On a point of clarification, the Minister be used to collect information to support future evaluation appears to be saying that local authorities have a duty of the policy. In other words, new clause 5 is not to consider those with protected characteristics. The necessary, as what it suggests is already covered entirely problem he is not grappling with is that if local authorities in the Bill. seek to do that in their council tax schemes—in respect of disabled people, for example—the cut imposed on Helen Jones: Is the Minister therefore committing to the working poor will be even greater. Which mode of produce a report, as requested in new clause 5? operation is he arguing they should undertake? Is he arguing that there should be equal cuts for everyone Andrew Stunell: If the hon. Lady looks at the impact except pensioners, or that cuts should fall more on assessment submitted alongside the Bill, she will see people who are in work? that the specific question of whether the policy will be reviewed is addressed. The answer to her question is yes, Andrew Stunell: The Government have made it absolutely and, if I remember correctly, the time interval before clear that that is a matter on which local authorities the publication will be three years. should take a decision. I remind the hon. Lady—she 879 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 880 made this point—that it is open to councils to continue John Healey: How can the Minister say that? He talks with the default scheme if they wish to do so; to look at about protecting pensioners. In Rotherham, there are other provisions in the Bill relating to discounts for 2,600 people who are in work but on incomes so low empty and second homes; to take resources from other that they need the support of council tax benefit to get parts of their budget, which they could choose to do; by, week to week and month to month. They will lose and to scale back the benefits they provide in a scheme out as a result of this measure, and they will do so by on which they have consulted. significantly more than 10% of the overall cut, so how can the Minister piously say that work incentives matter Mr Kevan Jones: My hon. Friend the Member for to this Government? Warrington North (Helen Jones) raises an interesting point. Clearly, many northern councils whose grants Andrew Stunell: It would be interesting to hear the have been slashed have very little room for manoeuvre right hon. Gentleman tell the House how many of those compared with Wokingham, whose grant has been 2,000 people received an income tax rebate as a result of increased. Does the Minister agree with the Under-Secretary the decisions taken by this Government. Indeed, I suspect of State for Communities and Local Government, the that many of them will have been taken out of income hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert tax altogether. Neill), who said that those in greatest need will ultimately bear the cost of the cuts? How can that be equal and Hilary Benn: You are giving with one hand and taking fair? away with the other. Andrew Stunell: At least the right hon. Gentleman Andrew Stunell: The hon. Gentleman has made his acknowledges that we are giving with one hand. It is point. I should make it absolutely clear that, from the right for local authorities and local communities to take Government’s point of view, it is right for local councils account of the circumstances they face, and I hope that to take account of the local circumstances in their the council in Rotherham will do precisely that. communities and to draw up a scheme that they believe is appropriate for them. I again make the point that Mr Kevan Jones: Is not the Minister making it quite other measures in the Bill give greater discretion to local clear that this is not about the reform of local government authorities on raising council tax on second and empty finance, but about deficit reduction? The point that my homes. The vast majority of local authorities potentially right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds Central (Hilary have a substantial stream of additional income, if they Benn) has just made is that those people might well believe they will face difficulties because of the reductions have been taken out of tax, but they will now be hit by in income resulting from this part of the Bill. The Bill this measure as well as by housing benefit cuts. Furthermore, has to be taken as a whole. the poorest are the hardest hit by the VAT increase—a policy that he once believed in. John Healey: The Minister has just said that the Government want councils to be able to draw up schemes Andrew Stunell: The hon. Gentleman needs to take to take account of local circumstances. Why then is he stock of just how much council tax benefit someone in putting this funding noose around their necks by cutting band A in his local authority might be getting and the available money by 10% from the start? compare it with the discount that they might receive through the raising of tax thresholds. He might then Andrew Stunell: I dealt with that point a minute or grudgingly have to agree that the situation is not as bad two ago, when I pointed out that the UK-wide reduction as he maintains. announced in the 2010 comprehensive spending review Amendment 1 would require the Government to of some £500 million—with an impact of approximately consult on regulations prescribing requirements for schemes. £440 million in England—was part of the Government’s Of course external scrutiny of plans for the framework deficit reduction programme. Of course that has is important, which is why the Government have published implications, as Opposition Members have pointed out. the detailed statements of intent for the key regulations We think that pensioners are the important group to that will deliver the policy. We will publish further safeguard, which is why we are putting the statutory statements of intent at each stage, as necessary. That safeguard in the scheme and saying that local authorities will provide an opportunity for us to engage with local should have regard to the most vulnerable in their area government on the detail of our plans before draft when drawing up their schemes. regulations are produced, and give local authorities the key information they need to develop their schemes. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Will the Minister There is no need for additional requirements to consult acknowledge that yet more demand and stimulus will with local authorities, such as amendment 1 would be taken out of local economies as a result of the impose. In addition, we are working closely with local measure? Will not the Government then have to revise government representatives to design the framework their borrowing figure yet again, and borrow even more within which local authorities will be required to operate, than £150 billion? including considering what—if any—provision needs to be made for how local authorities should prepare schemes. Andrew Stunell: I think the hon. Gentleman has got that slightly topsy-turvy. We are ensuring that it will always be better to work and that it will always pay to 5.15 pm work. One of the statements of intent sets out the Amendment 3 is a bit of a stray. It would remove the Government’s view on how that can sensibly be integrated deadline of 31 January for making revisions to or with universal credit, which will start in a year or two. wholly revising schemes. The Government are clear that 881 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 882 schemes cannot be amended in-year, but changes can be discount provisions, which give local authorities in those made between years. It is necessary to set a deadline of areas the opportunity to bring their council tax bills up 31 January for revisions to schemes to provide certainty to 100%. His new clause proposes a premium on top for council tax payers about when a final scheme will be of that. I am sure that, in the years ahead, he and I issued. To remove the deadline could create significant will work jointly on proposals for a Liberal Democrat uncertainty for low-income groups concerned about Government beyond 2015, and I look forward to working what support they will be able to claim. with him on that proposition. Amendments 11 and 12 relate to the default scheme. I hope that I have already said enough to make it clear Helen Jones: The Minister keeps referring to the right that the Government propose that the default scheme the Bill gives councils to increase the charge on second should retain the criteria and allowances currently in homes, as though all councils could gain a lot of money place for council tax benefit. We published a detailed from that. Will he accept that in the poorest authorities, statement of intent setting out how we expect to provide which will be hit hardest by the Bill—places such as for the default scheme of regulations. As it is not Gateshead, Rotherham and so on—there is not an awful intended that the default scheme will provide for any lot of second homes? reductions in support, there will—as the hon. Member for Warrington North (Helen Jones) said—be a strong Andrew Stunell: I understand the hon. Lady’s point, financial incentive for local authorities to avoid that, but in Rotherham the funding gap is £1.8 million and but the amendments are designed to guarantee that the total value of discounts and exemptions granted under the default scheme there will be no reduction in by the Bill £1.9 million. To be clear, a 10% reduction the level of support. Well, the scheme itself will have no for Rotherham is easily covered by the discounts and reduction in the level of support. exemptions in the Bill. That is not true of every local authority, but it perhaps illustrates that there is a good Mr Raynsford: As I am responsible for the amendments, deal of unnecessary trouble stirring by the Opposition. may I remind the Minister that the first of the two he They are paid to do it, I understand that; but sometimes described simply requires that there should be no reduction it is important to refer to the facts. In particular, I in benefit entitlement for pensioners. As he has already noticed that one of the leading financial officials on given that commitment to the House, how can he possibly whom the Local Government Association draws for object to that amendment? advice is the chief finance officer of Rotherham, so I am sure that those figures, which he submitted to the Department, are correct. Andrew Stunell: It is completely unnecessary. The right hon. Gentleman could have tabled an amendment I am extremely sorry to have detained the House for that said today is Monday, and I would have resisted it so long, but I hope that I have provided a good foundation on the grounds that we already know that. We do not for the debate. The Government believe these to be need it. important and significant reforms that will return power and responsibility to local government and take them New clause 7 was tabled by my hon. Friends on the out of Whitehall. We believe that is the right direction Liberal Democrat Benches. It would introduce a premium in which to head. I commend the Government’s proposals on second homes that is an exact mirror of the to the House and urge right hon. and hon. Friends and Government’s proposal for the council tax premium on Members not to support the other amendments and empty homes. The empty homes premium came from new clauses. the Liberal Democrat stable and I am pleased that it is in the Bill. I am sure that my hon. Friends will be Mr Raynsford: I draw attention to my interests as eloquent in supporting their proposition, but I have to declared in the register. tell them that the Government believe that it is right to invest heavily in bringing empty homes back into use, This is a shocking example of how not to legislate. It and that is why we are using the policy levers available is three months and 21 days since we completed a to us. Certainly, there are difficulties in the second home rushed Committee stage on the Floor of the House, and sector; we fully acknowledge that and we fully understand during that time, the Government have sat on their the concerns that my hon. Friends have expressed. hands. Why, during that period, did we not have proper time to discuss the Bill’s very serious implications? Why did the Government not use it to publish the draft Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): I regulations that the Minister promised in the debate on thank the Minister for addressing our new clause. Does 31 January? I remind him what he said: he accept that there is a real problem with second “I recognise, of course, that local authorities and suppliers homes in some parts of the country? If that problem need as much information as possible as soon as possible. For that does not decrease as a result of the changes, will the reason, we intend to publish draft regulations while the Bill is still Government look again at measures to ensure that such before the House.” areas are protected from a massive increase in the My right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and number of second homes? Dearne (John Healey) sharply picked up on that and asked the Minister whether he meant Andrew Stunell: My hon. Friend makes a very good “this House or the other House”. point. For some rural areas, especially tourist-focused The Minister replied: ones, a significant fraction of the housing stock may be occupied—or perhaps unoccupied—as second homes, “I am looking for a nod somewhere”— which makes it very difficult for those who live and he was clearly in need of guidance— work in the areas to secure accommodation. I am sure “but let us stick with this House.”—[Official Report, 31 January 2012; he has taken note of our changes to the second home Vol. 539, c. 777.] 883 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 884

That was his commitment on 31 January 2012. As I Mr Raynsford: My hon. Friend is absolutely right: said, three months and 21 days later, we still do not have this measure is not about reforming the benefits system the draft regulations. The Government, belatedly and or creating a benefit; it is about imposing crude cuts in to cover their embarrassment, pushed out a series of expenditure either on individual recipients or on local positioning papers on 17 May—four days before this authorities. It is about the Government passing the debate—rightly provoking anger and criticism in local buck, putting the responsibility and blame elsewhere. government that it had not been given time to consider Let us look at the timetable. We know how many the detail far enough in advance of today’s Report tasks are involved if a local authority is properly to stage to issue briefings. We had the worst possible introduce its own local scheme of council tax benefit example of the Government rushing the Committee next April. What will a local authority have to do? It stage, preventing proper scrutiny. I remember well the will first have to consider in detail the implications of lack of detailed scrutiny, with a number of amendments the regulations—it has to know what law it has to comply simply not being called because of the lack of time. The with. Over the last year or so we have heard about Government then did nothing for three months and various aspirations from the Government. We heard the 21 days, and now they have come to this House without Minister say that no pensioner should lose; we have also draft regulations. They should be deeply ashamed heard the aspiration that there should not be any work of themselves and should apologise to the House for disincentives. How those two are compatible we have the shambles they have made of introducing this never had explained to us. If we have a benefit that goes legislation. to a substantial number of pensioners and a substantial number of people in low-paid work, and if we exempt John Healey: Does my right hon. Friend agree that one of those groups from any losses and then announce one other consequence of taking the Committee stage a 10% cut overall, the other group has to face that loss on the Floor of the House, rather than in a Public Bill by definition. It is, I am afraid, a simple piece of logic. Committee, was that those organisations responsible The Government have not come forward with any for implementing the system with concerns about its explanation of how the aspiration that there should be consequences did not have the opportunity formally to no work disincentives can possibly be achieved. It is the give evidence to the House, and thereby inform the most flabbergasting case of what George Orwell would debate and scrutiny, and ensure that the legislation was have described as “doublethink”. better than it is now? The first task of local authorities, when they have seen the regulations, will therefore be to consider the Mr Raynsford: My right hon. Friend, who is extremely implications. Then they will have to devise a draft experienced in these matters, makes a telling point. That scheme, taking account of the needs of the area and was just one further way in which the Government local aspirations. Many people in this House support could have ensured proper scrutiny, giving a proper the concept of localisation, but want it done properly. opportunity to those most profoundly affected by the That would require local authorities to have the opportunity changes to give evidence to us and to help shape a better to consider what the best shape of a local council tax Bill than the one we face today. But no, the Government benefit scheme would be for it to respond to the needs simply did not want scrutiny because, as we shall see, of the area. Having done that, they should consult, they are pushing through a crude measure that will have which we all know is part of good administration. a profound impact—of some £500 million—either on Consulting the considerable numbers of people affected individuals or on local authority budgets, and they are is not trivial—we are talking about 6 million households doing so without proper care or consideration of those nationally, which means tens of thousands in every consequences. As I have said, they should be deeply local authority area. After a proper consultation, whereby ashamed of themselves. individuals will know the likely implications, local authorities should finalise their schemes and then brief their IT This is a complex matter. The introduction of housing suppliers to produce the software necessary to administer benefit in the 1980s, many years ago, was bungled. It them. was bungled because it was rushed and local authorities did not have enough time to prepare. There were horror 5.30 pm stories from all over the country of people not receiving Ministers are seriously suggesting that local authorities the benefits to which they were entitled, and huge should conduct that particular process in a matter of backlogs of cases building up in local authorities. One little more than eight months, because January next would think that a Government who had experienced year is the cut-off date by which the benefits scheme has that in their history—or at least the Conservative part, to be finalised. What world are they living in? What which went through that experience in government—would experience do they have of implementing complex changes want to avoid doing the same thing again. But here we in benefits? If they had any real-world experience, they are, with a Government once again rushing to introduce would immediately realise that they have set local authorities complex changes in benefits that will have profound an impossible task. impacts on many individuals’ potential entitlement, and What makes this sinister is the fact that we know doing so to a ridiculously tight timetable. what the Government expect to happen. They know that local authorities will probably respond by saying, Mr Kevan Jones: I think the Minister answered the “This is too difficult, so we had better take the hit question earlier: this measure is not about reform of ourselves. We will take the cost of the reduction in local government finance, but about deficit reduction. subsidy and absorb it into our own budget to avoid However, is it not also about devolving the responsibility— upsetting too many of our local residents by imposing and the blame—for implementing these proposals to harsh cuts on them.” That, we know, is the reality. As local authorities? I said earlier, that is why the Government are guilty of 885 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 886 trying to offload this £500 million package of cuts Amendment 12 concerns transitional protection. If either on recipients or on local authorities. That is why the Minister argues that there will be no losses under amendments 6, 7, 10 and 13 seek to get the Government the Government’s default scheme, his argument will off the hook by delaying implementation for 12 months suggest that there is no need for such protection. The to allow proper consideration and a proper orderly amendment would ensure that if losses are implicit in transition so that implementation will not lead to the the default scheme, the scheme must include the transitional problems I have described. protection that is proposed. That is an entirely reasonable There is no logical case against that course. The and logical formulation, and I am surprised that the Select Committee was adamant when it looked at the Government are reluctant to accept it. problem, and it recommended that the Government This series of badly thought out proposals will cause should delay. Local authorities are all backing these widespread hardship and serious financial difficulty to amendments, so why will the Government not accept local authorities, and it is being rushed through a way them? We have heard the feeble excuse offered once that will make it difficult to implement properly. It is a again by the Minister, “Oh, it’s due to cuts. We can’t do sad and sorry saga, and I find it regrettable that the anything else because of cuts.” I am sorry to say that Government have not the realism and the sense of this is not a Government looking intelligently or carefully respectability to admit that they have made a serious at how to make savings without causing difficulties and mistake. They have got themselves into a difficult mess, hardship; rather, they are simply trying to offload these and the only honest thing that they can, and should, problems. do now is agree to the amendments that would defer There is one other consideration to which the implementation until 2014. That would provide time for Government should give some thought, and I suspect the issues to be considered seriously and properly by all some local authority lawyers are already giving thought involved, and would enable the Government to escape to it. If it is impossible for local authorities to administer from this mess. the scheme in a way that makes the savings by reducing benefits, and they conclude that they have to absorb the Mr Kevan Jones: As my right hon. Friend the Member costs themselves, this amounts to a new burden imposed for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) pointed by the Government. Under the new burdens doctrine, out, the Bill has not changed greatly since we last Governments have said repeatedly—and this Government debated it. The underlying theme remains. As the Minister have repeated it—that they should cover any additional made clear, it has nothing to do with reform or enabling costs imposed on local government that result from councils to implement a local scheme; it is actually Government decision. about the Government’s deficit reduction targets. That I therefore advise Ministers to think a bit more about is why they are so keen to aim for implementation the implications of their new burdens doctrine. The in 2014. Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local The Minister seems to think—and I recall that the Government, the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette (Robert Neill), who, when in opposition, was only too Brooke) said this during our last debate—that all local keen to talk about new burdens and to attack the authorities are on a level playing field, but they are Labour Government of the time for not honouring the clearly not. The Minister suggested that, following the new burdens doctrine, would do better if he now ensured 10% cut in council tax benefit, councils could make up that his own Government followed the words he used the difference if they wished to, which may be all well then. It is an interesting case of someone changing their and good for councils in areas where the benefit is being tack once they find themselves on the Treasury Benches— increased. I hate to return to my favourite example of briefly, I suspect, in his case. [Interruption.] This is not Wokingham, but a few weeks ago a very good article in a unique or personal sleight to the Under-Secretary, as the Financial Times stated that its budget was rising by I would apply it to the entire Government Bench. 3%—unlike the budgets of authorities such as Durham, Amendment 9 seeks to impose an obligation whereby which are declining by as much as 15%. councils, in devising their local scheme, should inform We are not dealing with level playing fields; we are recipients in advance of what the impact will be “on dealing with a strategy that the Government have worked their living standards”. This is a fairly straightforward out quite well. As we can see from the playbook according and sensible proposal to make people aware of what the to which the Conservative part of the coalition is working, local authority is proposing. It was suggested for that it is nothing new. The same strategy was adopted by the reason, and I would have thought that any reasonable Conservatives in Canada in the 1990s. They made savage Government would support it. cuts in public services and devolved decision-making to Amendments 11 and 12 deal with the default scheme local level: in their case, federal level. What they were that the Government are going to produce. Amendment 11 saying was “We are giving you freedoms, but we are simply confirms what the Under-Secretary of State for ensuring that you take all the blame for the cuts.” The Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member flexibility that councils will be given will, in fact, cause for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell) has said he intends—that them great difficulty, unless they are in Wokingham. there should be no pensioner losers. It is extraordinary, That very good article in the Financial Times, published therefore, that he is so reluctant to accept it. He says on 7 May, was headed “The well-to-do towns that that it is not necessary. However, because we know that austerity forgot”. I think that it is worth looking at, and so many Government pledges unfortunately prove worthless, not just because it makes plain that the Government are we would rather have this on the statute book than in rewarding their own councils while penalising poor the form of a ministerial assurance, and we will draw areas. Let us look at the calculations for Wokingham. It our own conclusions from his refusal to accept the is among the 8% of local authority areas—out of a amendment. total of 152—that are expecting a real increase in local 887 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 888 government spending over the period set out by the the poorest in our society and those councils with the Government. Meanwhile, 20% of councils, including largest need—growing aged populations and increasing Durham, are taking cuts in excess of 15%. numbers of looked-after children, for example—will We are being told that we are all in this together and suffer the most. that what is being done is fair, but let us look at the difference between Wokingham and Wigan. In the index Nic Dakin: My hon. Friend is making a powerful case, of multiple-deprivation, Wokingham scores 5.5 whereas identifying the regional inequalities at the heart of these Wigan scores 26. On average, there is an additional proposals. 1% increase in local government spending cuts between 2009-10 and 2011-12. Not only are local authorities in the north-east and other deprived areas suffering because 5.45 pm their grants are being cut, but they are now going to be Mr Jones: Huge regional inequalities are involved. In hit again by the council tax benefit cut. Local authorities addition, the pressures on councils in South Yorkshire, will be told they are being given the flexibility to administer and in Middlesbrough and South Tyneside, which I the scheme, but the result will be a 10% cut. cited in a previous debate, compared with leafy Wokingham, mean that if services such as providing for looked-after John Healey: My hon. Friend mentions Wigan in the children and a growing elderly population are to be north-west and authorities in the north-east, but the protected, the scope for cuts is very limited. The Minister case he makes is equally true for many authorities in laid it bare in his response: this is not about reforming Yorkshire and the Humber, such as Barnsley and or giving local councils the ability to be flexible; it is Rotherham. As he has access to the figures, he might about implementing the deficit reduction strategy of care to look at them in this regard. Wokingham may be this coalition Government. As my hon. Friend said, facing an increase in its grant, which is astonishing that will take demand out of areas such as mine. It is given that local government is taking such a hit across impossible to implement this system without further the board, but Barnsley and Rotherham are facing cutting the support for some of the most vulnerable in double-digit reductions in their grant, despite increasing our society. need and increasing pressure on services in their communities. Mr Raynsford: My hon. Friend is making a powerful case, and I wholly agree with him about the adverse Mr Jones: I agree. My right hon. Friend’s authority impact on some of the most deprived areas. Does he and mine are among the authorities that are having to also recognise that one of the bizarre features of the take £152 million out of the budget over the next four Government’s proposals is that they will inflict losses years. In Wokingham, however, the council is planning on people throughout the country? There are 6 million to overhaul its town centre at a cost of £30 million, recipients of council tax benefit, many of whom are in and it is not closing its libraries and its voluntary sector low-paid work in parts of the country that are relatively groups have not lost their funding. In communities more affluent than the area he represents, and those such as mine and that of my right hon. Friend, councils people will suffer, too. Although he is absolutely right in are having to find savings—and they are having to what he is saying, the impact of the Government’s find them in areas such as libraries and non-statutory proposal will be even more savage and unfair. services. In Durham, the bulk of expenditure goes on adult Mr Jones: Well it will be. The mistake that the social care. The Labour-run local authority is rightly Government are making in the spin they are clearly putting making sure the most vulnerable are protected, but that out is in saying that this will affect only the “undeserving restricts where savings in the budget can be made. I send poor”—the workshy and feckless. As my right hon. Friend a clear message to the Liberal Democrats sitting on rightly points out, many people in receipt of council tax Durham county council that, as a result of their Ministers’ benefit are in low-paid work. In sectors where jobs are actions and their Members’ votes on this Bill, Durham growing, the increases are mainly in part-time, low-paid and other local authorities are having to make savage and low-skilled jobs, so more people might come into cuts. The idea that they can be found simply through this bracket. efficiencies is complete nonsense. No organisation could This measure will affect people, and not only in terms reduce expenditure so much without affecting front-line of their council tax benefit; we need to add on the services. ludicrous nonsense in the housing benefit changes, which will result in individuals in my constituency who have John Healey: Does my hon. Friend agree that not an extra bedroom suddenly finding themselves up to only is the current settlement unfair, but it is the baseline £10 to £15 a week worse off. The Government’s measures for the future system, and the Bill will lock in that will have a cumulative effect on the poorest communities unfairness for at least a decade? and, I have to say, some of the hardest-working individuals in this country. We might add to that this Government’s Mr Jones: That is a very important point. That will VAT increases, which the Liberal Democrats and the limit the ability of my council in County Durham and Deputy Prime Minister were clear in opposing before my right hon. Friend’s authority to effect any change. the election only then to implement and turn a blind eye That will lock in the unfair and disproportionate effects, to, saying, “It does not really matter because we have a which have been caused by no account having been commitment to reducing income tax.” The cumulative taken of deprivation. We have just heard a Minister effect of these measures will be to take a vast amount of saying this Bill takes account of equality, but it must be money out of the poorest communities in the country. the first Bill in history that supports a system by which The opportunity to gain full-time employment is very 889 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 890

[Mr Kevan Jones] the way to get growth is to slash employment rights. The Government are living in cloud cuckoo land if they limited in some areas, because of short-time working, think that that will not have an effect on local people. which means lower wages, and the growth in the number I was in local government for about 11 years, and I of part-time workers. know that if a Government tinker with the system only The Under-Secretary of State for Communities and to get it wrong they pay for it dearly. I remember the Local Government, the hon. Member for Bromley and Conservative Government getting the poll tax wrong. Chislehurst (Robert Neill) has at least admitted that Even when it was quite evident that it was going to be this is exactly what the Government are doing. I have complete chaos, they would not change their mind. We a cutting here from the Daily Mail of 11 June 2010 are trying to rush through a system that will affect some headlined, “Tory minister under fire for gaffe as he tells of the poorest people and the poorest councils, adding MPs: ‘Those in most need will bear the burden of to the injustice about the skewed way in which the cuts’”. The article states: Government have rewarded their friends on councils in “Unveiling a 1.2 billion package of cuts to councils, Local the south. We are setting local government an absolutely Government minister Bob Neill suggested the poorest areas would horrendous task. The idea that the system can somehow suffer the most. be changed tomorrow at the flick of a switch is complete Asked why northern cities were losing…more than southern nonsense and I hate to think of the sleepless nights areas, Mr Neill said: ‘Those in greatest need ultimately bear the these provisions will give local treasurers. The practicalities burden of paying off the debt.’” will have an effect on councils’ individual income while That comes from exactly the same Government who they try to work out the system. were happy to slash the income tax rate from 50p to 45p, giving huge tax breaks to some of the wealthiest in Mr Raynsford: One of the nightmares that local authority the country. The Minister should come to North Durham treasurers might well be thinking about is the downside to speak to some of my constituents in low-paid work risk in future years. Up to now, we have been talking who are earning less than what some of these individuals only about the 10% cut, which totals £500 million, but are going to get in tax breaks in a year. That clearly under the scheme local authorities will be liable if there shows that the Government do not have a clue about is an increase in demand for council tax benefit, possibly the effect on the poorest in our society. The idea that we because of the closure of a local business or because the are all in this together is complete nonsense. double-dip recession, which the Government have created, has caused further hardship and unemployment, meaning Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): that more people are claiming council tax benefit. That The hon. Gentleman will be aware that for nearly the risk is clearly now with the local authority and many entirety of the period for which his party was in office treasurers will be nervous about the implications for the higher rate of tax was lower than it is today. As for them. the hypocrisy we are hearing from the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues who put this country in a position Mr Jones: My right hon. Friend makes a good point. where public expenditure must necessarily be brought Let me take my constituency as an example. Compared under control, his party always leaves office with with April last year, 384 more people are unemployed. unemployment higher that when it entered it and it is The figure represents nearly 7.2% of the population and under his party that the money has all gone. This shows no sign of decreasing. The demand will not be on Government are having to deal with that, and he should the central pot but on the councils. If councils have show some shame for his part in the situation. the large pressures that we see in Durham and others, because of the number of children in care and adults Mr Jones: I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman with social needs, where will that money come from? We is old enough to remember records—I think he is—but can add the 10% cut to those pressures, too. if he does he will remember that trying to play a broken As for the chaos that the process will lead to, although record is very difficult. The rhetoric from the election, some councils—certainly Wokingham—will be able to when the Government blamed everything, including the afford to absorb such a reduction to their budget, not world recession, on the Labour party, has now become many will be. The mechanics of putting the system in a broken record. We are now into another recession in place will be very difficult. What will happen if, with the this country that was of this Government’s making. It is best of intentions and advice, the computer systems interesting that the Chancellor of the Exchequer now cannot be put in place? Where will a local council find argues that the British economy is not doing well because its money? What will happen if a scheme is put in place of the eurozone. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, when the that has teething problems that lead to mistakes? What banking crisis hit, it was all Labour’s fault: now it is all will happen with appeals and with the process of dealing Europe’s fault. The only people who are not accepting with the situation? There is no remedy at all. any responsibility are this coalition Government. Chaos and uncertainty will be faced by many low-paid Was our borrowing in 2008 and 2009 the right thing families in this country and they will not know how the to do? Yes, it was. It was the right thing to do to ensure a change will affect them. That is why amendment 9, growing and stable economy. We do not have that now; tabled by my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich we have a recession that has been made in Downing and Woolwich, is right. It must be made crystal clear street by this coalition Government. The idea that the what the effect will be on individuals. I support my right fair way of dealing with that is to reduce the top rate of hon. Friend’s amendment, but I think that it might be income tax so that it will, through Reaganomics, trickle playing into the Government’s hands, as they will want down to boost the economy is complete nonsense. We to blame the local council—in my case, Durham—for have also heard complete nonsense this afternoon that what is happening. Councils need to make it very clear 891 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 892 that responsibility for the cuts lies with this Conservative must take one section of society out of that scheme and Liberal Democrat coalition Government. If they from day 1, along with a 10% cut. If it were genuine do not do that, the tactics that the Conservatives are devolution, it would not have been so rushed, and if the using and that the Liberal Democrats have sleepwalked Minister genuinely believed in devolving power, although into mean that local people will blame local councils. I have never believed that Whitehall would want to give Local Liberal Democrat councillors in Durham, for truly devolved powers to local authorities, there would example, are arguing against changes to library hours be no ring-fencing. The Government are doing that and to local leisure centres. They will sign petitions to because they know that the measure will be unpopular their hearts’ content. Small equatorial rainforests are with a large section of the population who actually decimated for local Liberal Democrat copies of “Focus” vote. That is the only reason why older people are excluded that state that they are supporting decisions against from the provision. such moves by Labour Durham county council. They A delay is needed, but the Minister let the cat out of are not explaining to the people, however, that their the bag and said that the measure is nothing to do with coalition with the Conservatives in government nationally local government finance, but is aimed at deficit reduction. is cutting the county council’s budget savagely while The Opposition would enter into dialogue with the helping the leafy Wokinghams of this world. That is the Government about genuine devolution and proper reform message we must get across to people: these cuts and of local government finance, but they have shied away their effect on local services and on people’s income are from the elephant in the room—the re-banding of council down to the coalition Government. tax. Ministers will not go near that for fear of upsetting I reiterate what I have said before: not one single a lot of people. If there is going to be radical change in piece of the legislation that has such an effect could local government finance, it must include a review of go through without the complicity and support of the council tax bandings. I am sorry if that scares members Liberal Democrats. They must take as much of the of my own Front-Bench team. Without that, the Bill is blame for the pain and heartache coming the way of no more than a short-term measure to achieve savings, many people in County Durham over the next 12 months as the Minister admitted, as a means of deficit reduction. as the Conservatives and it is no good hiding behind the The strategy has clearly failed. We are now in a idea that County Durham has somehow been given the continuing double-dip recession, which this time will be freedom to come up with this scheme. blamed on the euro crisis. Why pay for that on the back of some of the poorest parts of the country? That is 6pm inexcusable in the Government’s approach to the Bill. My other concern is the differentials between schemes. Let us do away with the pretence that it is about reform. That will create particular problems in parts of London, It is about deficit reduction and about hitting the poorest where there is a transient population and people frequently hardest. We need to remind people at local level that the move around. They understand the present scheme and decisions taken in this place by Conservatives and Liberal know what is expected of them. Different schemes in Democrats will take financial support from the poorest operation in different boroughs will lead to chaos and in our communities and some of the most hard-working confusion not only for individuals but for borough families in this country. treasurers trying to keep track of what people earn. The Minister made it clear today that the measure is John Healey: It is a pleasure to follow my hon. Friend about deficit reduction. It is no great radical idea about the Member for North Durham (Mr Jones), who has devolving responsibility to local authorities, and no more than a decade’s experience in local government great victory for the Liberal Democrats who believe in and knows what it is like for local authorities trying to the devolution of local decision making. If the scheme deal with central Government cuts and central Government has been properly worked out, why can we not have a diktats. He knows that local government across the transitional scheme, as my right hon. Friend the Member board, irrespective of party, is willing to change but for Greenwich and Woolwich suggested, so that the wants that change to be implemented properly and people and the councils affected have time to adjust? fairly. Much in the Bill will make that more difficult for That would give some local authorities the stability that local government in the months ahead. they will not get from the proposed scheme. The Bill signals that council tax benefit is no longer a I hate to say it, but, as my right hon. Friend said, in benefit or an entitlement for those whose incomes are 12 months or less, we will say we told you so. The misery such that they need help with council tax costs. In and heartache that will be created for some of the most future, there will be a means-tested, cash-limited discount vulnerable people in our society is shameful. That is to on council tax bills. That limit next year will be 10% less be expected of Conservatives, but not of Liberal Democrats. than the spend on and cost of council tax benefit this The Minister may say that according to his impact year. I have the figures released recently by the Under- study, equality is taken into account, but it is not. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, measure will affect some of the poorest in society, the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert including many women, who will not be protected in Neill), showing the total subsidy properly paid by councils any way. The only group to have been taken out of the to those entitled and then properly reclaimed from system for electoral reasons is the elderly. Having borne Government in 2010-11. In Rotherham, the figure was the wrath resulting from the granny tax, the Government £22.5 million; in the other local authority that my clearly did not want to upset the elderly by allowing the constituency partly covers, Barnsley, it was nearly council tax benefit reduction to affect them. £20 million; and the total for South Yorkshire was But the Government cannot have it both ways. They £112 million. That money went to many of the poorest, cannot say that they are devolving responsibility to who need help with their council tax costs and who local councils, and then tell local councils that they currently have an entitlement to that help. In future 893 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 894

[John Healey] John Healey: I am glad to see my hon. Friend in his place. He has been an active participant in all debates there will be a smaller cash-limited pot and a severe on the Bill, including on Second Reading and in Committee. means test, with that £112 million cut from the outset I have seen that work by the House of Commons by 10%. Scrutiny Unit, which I think is useful and supports the Earlier, from the Dispatch Box, the Minister gave point I am making to the hon. Member for Manchester, some figures—£1.8 million and £1.9 million—which he Withington (Mr Leech). If anything, the 16% figure is said were the figures for the value of the reliefs and probably on the conservative side. My local authority in discounts compared with what he argues is the shortfall Rotherham calculates that non-protected, non-pensioner in Rotherham. Of course, reliefs and discounts are part claimants of council tax benefit are likely to lose, on of the council tax scheme. They bear no relation to the average, 19% of their support. level of council tax subsidy, which under the current system is paid by councils and reclaimed from central Mr Kevan Jones: To clarify my earlier point for the Government. If the Minister was telling the House and hon. Member for Manchester, Withington, who is obviously telling me, as one of the MPs representing Rotherham, having problems with earwax tonight, I was not suggesting that there will be no cut in the pot available for council that pensioners should be taken out of that protection; tax benefit payments next year compared with this year, I was making exactly the same point as my right hon. I will willingly give way to him, but I think he was using Friend is making. The fact of the matter is that the hon. those figures to make a completely different case, entirely Gentleman will go into the Lobby tonight to vote for separate from the challenge that Rotherham and every some swingeing cuts to the lowest paid, including some other council will face next year because of the decision of his constituents in Manchester, who no doubt will taken, as he admitted tonight, for the purposes of crude have their revenge at the next general election. deficit reduction, not as a bold local and localising reform. The Minister has not accepted my offer to give John Healey: My hon. Friend makes clearly and way, so I take it that he accepts the case I made and is succinctly the points he made earlier. not able to sustain the impression that he gave the I am concerned about the percentages, whether 16% House earlier. or 19%, and the averages, such as the LGA’s calculation The problem faced by many of the poorest non- that non-pensioners are likely to lose, on average, £6 a pensioners is that they will lose the most, as the Government week from the support they currently receive to help tell councils to protect pensioners and make everybody pay council tax. Percentages and averages and are one else worse off—in other words, penalise everybody else thing, but the family, household or individual—the one and protect pensioners. That cannot be done without in eight people currently entitled to council tax benefit causing significant pain for many non-pensioners because who are in work but do not earn enough to cover their the overall sum available, irrespective of need or entitlement council tax bills without help—will face a reduction of under the current system, will be cut by £500 million perhaps £10, £12 or £15 a week, at a time when other next April. costs are being loaded on them and they are struggling to make ends meet. They will find such a difference really hard to deal with. I hope that we do not lose sight Mr Leech: Does the right hon. Gentleman endorse the of the sort of pressure that the Bill and the changes the proposal made by the hon. Member for North Durham, Government are making will put on many households, who seems to think that there should be an impact on including many that are working hard and have an pensioners as well? entitlement that they simply will not have under the new system. John Healey: The hon. Gentleman must not have been listening carefully, because that is not the case my Nic Dakin: My right hon. Friend, as ever, speaks with hon. Friend was making. His point was that providing great clarity and integrity. The core of the issue, as he is special protection for pensioners when £500 million is showing, is that it appears that there will be unintended being cut overnight from the available fund means that consequences that create a disincentive to work for those people who are not pensioners but who are currently those very people. entitled to council tax benefit or council tax support will inevitably be hit harder. Local authorities and 6.15 pm charities are making the same case, as did Barnsley Advice Network to me last week when we discussed the John Healey: I wonder—are they unintended consequences? potential challenges and problems that people will be If they are, the degree of negligence in the legislation is forced to face. unforgivable. If they we foreseen and have been calculated as part of the legislation, that speaks volumes about the “doublethink” and “doublespeak” that my right Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): I apologise hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich for coming late to the debate. I had a meeting elsewhere (Mr Raynsford), quoting Orwell, talked about earlier. in the Palace. The Government are making a pious claim to be on My right hon. Friend is making a pertinent point. Is the side of those who are struggling but who are trying he aware of the work done by the House of Commons to do the right thing by staying in work in order to Scrutiny Unit, which has estimated the impact of a support themselves and their families, but those people 10% cut to council tax benefit, with protection for the will find it much harder from next year as a result of the over-65s, using DWP figures? It calculates that non- changes that are going ahead. In Rotherham, just over pensioners will face an average cut of 16% in their council 2,600 people are in that position, in Barnsley, just over tax support. 2,200, and across South Yorkshire there are more than 895 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 896

13,500 people in work who earn so little that they are On work incentives, will not the Secretary of State entitled to support from us and others to help cover therefore use his powers under schedule 4 to specify that their council tax bills. people in work must, and work incentives will, be protected as he proposes, and has pledged, to use them Mr Raynsford: I wholly concur with my right hon. for pensioners? If that is the case, the Minister’s actions Friend’s argument. Does not he, like me, think it will match his words. If that is not the case, exhortations extraordinary that the Government, when they first on the importance of local government schemes reflecting announced the proposals, said specifically that they needs and not damaging work incentives will not be intended the reduction not to create any work disincentives? worth the paper of the circular on which they are sent That has now disappeared from the rhetoric—they appear out, because there will be no protections guaranteeing to have forgotten that objective entirely. Given their the preservation of work incentives until and unless the overall approach and the rhetoric they are adopting in Secretary of State chooses to use his powers as he has relation to other benefit changes, such as saying that pledged to use them for pensioners. they are on the side of people in work, is not it extraordinary Until that point, it is reasonable for Opposition Members, that they are now explicitly accepting the fact that this who are concerned about the future of this support for measure will create serious work disincentives? council tax payments, to continue to press the Minister and to be concerned that non-pensioners are likely to John Healey: I hesitate to disagree with my right hon. bear a heavy cut in their current support. Those on low Friend, but I am not sure that they have forgotten it, incomes who are not pensioners, but who would get the because earlier the Minister said from the Dispatch Box full council tax benefit under the current system, will, as that the scheme will somehow preserve work incentives. the Barnsley advice network has told me, have to find The whole design of the proposal, the framing of the 20% of their council tax bill from their basic income, legislation and everything the Government have published whatever they earn, as councils try to make less go further. do not match the claims he has made from the Dispatch The Minister is old enough, experienced enough and Box. They are hollow words that will hurt many people has been involved in local government long enough for who are working at the moment and others who are not this measure to sound a warning to him and his colleagues. pensioners but who rely on the council tax benefit to This is the return of the poll tax—[Interruption.] There help make ends meet, week to week and month to are a few groans from Tory Members, but let us remember month. that a 20% minimum payment expected of all people, whatever their means, was part of the flaw in, and at the Andrew Stunell rose— heart of the unfairness of, the community charge a couple of decades ago. In practice, that is what we are John Healey: The Minister wants to intervene. Perhaps building in for non-pensioners: a requirement to cover he will give the House the straight account of the for themselves, whatever their income, about 20% of the figures for Rotherham, on which I challenged him five council tax costs in their local area. minutes ago. Given the way in which the measure will work for many, it is a return of the poll tax: rushed into law and Andrew Stunell: I was going to intervene on the right rushed into practice, with a deaf ear to local government, hon. Gentleman’s last point, but I am happy to respond to charities, to experts and to Members, who warn the to the other one as well. On the last point, it is absolutely Government, “You’re pushing too far, too fast with not the case that the Government have made explicit these changes.”I will return in a moment to the amendments anything relating to disadvantaging working recipients. on the legislation’s commencement tabled by my right On the contrary, the statement of intent—I appreciate hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich, that he might not have got to this section—makes it but first let me do my job and introduce new clause 2 clear that it is important for schemes devised by local and the amendments that stand in my name. authorities to link with universal credit and preserve With new clause 2 and amendment 2, I seek to exactly that protection. challenge the Secretary of State’s powers over, and prescription of, the new council tax support schemes. On the other point, Rotherham council, according to My purpose is this: I believe that the House and local the figures it submitted to the Department, will lose government require a justification for the inclusion in approximately £1.8 million of funding, but the discounts this Bill of such powers of prescription from the centre and exemptions that it will be able to recover in future over the local, otherwise their removal from the Bill is will amount to £1.9 million. That is all in the Bill before justified. None of the arguments that I have heard from the House today. Whether the council chooses to join Ministers, on Second Reading, in Committee or today, those two things together is a matter for it, but it is justifies the extent of the centralised powers vested in absolutely the case that, taking the Bill as a whole, the the Secretary of State to design and to enforce a particular council will in fact have a greater capacity to meet the manner of council tax support scheme. needs of the people it serves. The Government claim that the reform is a localising one. If it is, they should localise the decisions on the John Healey: The Minister has just told the House design of, and procedure for preparing, the scheme. and me that, to run the new scheme from April next They should localise the decisions and let the local year, Rotherham will have available no less funding authorities that will run the scheme devise them, in the than it has during this financial year. I will look very Minister’s words, to suit local circumstances. carefully at the facts, and, if they match the Minister’s words, I will welcome them; if they do not, I shall Andrew Gwynne: My right hon. Friend is absolutely demand that he puts the House straight and offers an right that any system has to be flexible enough to ensure apology. that, if there are changes in demand locally, the system 897 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 898

[Andrew Gwynne] that they made in their response to the consultation, where, on page 2, they said that this is can catch up with the increase, but is not the concern “a policy of decentralisation that will give local authorities increased that the Government’s proposals are completely inflexible, financial freedoms”. and that any increase in demand will impact on local services? 6.30 pm John Healey: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Any Mr Kevan Jones: Is not this yet another example of increase in need, demand and, as a consequence, cost the Secretary of State’s schizophrenic approach to local will all have to be borne by the local authority—borne authorities? His previous edicts have given advice on by switching funding from other budgets that perhaps everything from pot plants to levels of chief executives’ support important local services, or borne by cutting pay to publications. He wants to give the impression back within the council tax support scheme the support that he is giving up powers, but in fact he is retaining that is paid to those who remain eligible. them. However, I want to exemplify the challenge that the Minister faces to justify the powers that the Secretary of John Healey: To be honest, no Minister of any State is taking in the Bill in order to prescribe from the Government is immune to that temptation. I am sure centre. In paragraph 3(4) of schedule 4, the Secretary of that it would be possible for the Minister to find one or State may make regulations on the procedure for preparing two examples where I myself might have made such the scheme, including in paragraph 3(5) regulations to moves as a Local Government Minister. However, we in “require the authority to produce documents of a particular this House have a right to challenge the Government on description”; what they claim is the underpinning principle of the Bill regulations to and to point out how the principles they claim are not matched in their legislation. There is a strong, principled “include requirements as to the form and content of documents produced in connection with the preparation of the scheme”; case for the Secretary of State to back off, loosen the reins, and let those in local government devise the regulations on the schemes that they will be obliged and required to run. “requirements…about the manner in which such documents must be published”; There is a principled case and a practical case for the amendments. If the Government are able to set the key regulations to constraints and parameters of any scheme, and to do “require the authority to make copies of such documents available” so at any time, it is entirely possible not only that local in certain ways, and “to supply”copies of such documents flexibility—the ability to tailor to local circumstances—will to certain people; and even regulations to prescribe the be undermined, but that local authorities will devise charges that local councils should make for those their schemes, set about implementing them, and then documents. find that they have to revise them because the Secretary In all honesty, that is the sort of prescription we of State has decided to step in and make regulations expect to find in a memorandum from a publications under the many regulation-making powers that he has manager to a graphic designer and a press officer, not available to him in this primary legislation. If it is from central Government to elected local government pensioners today, could it be carers tomorrow and officials throughout England. If the Minister and the ex-service personnel the day after? Secretary of State are to have any credibility on the claim that this is a localising move and a localising Mr Jones: It could be cat lovers. measure, they should back off and guarantee what they say. If the schemes should be under local control, as the John Healey: Perhaps that is not as serious a case to Minister and Secretary of State claim, the Government put to the Government as ex-service personnel and should give local authorities the powers to control carers, but my hon. Friend makes the point. If the them, not take those powers and exercise them from Secretary of State had a particular concern about cat the centre. lovers, he could indeed use these regulations to make Amendment 1, which is also in my name, is in the special provision for council tax support for them. same vein although more moderate, because it seeks simply to require the Secretary of State to consult Mr Jones: I am sure that my right hon. Friend agrees before making any changes to the requirements that he that given their desperate state after the drubbing they chooses to impose nationally on local schemes. As the got in the local elections, Ministers would do anything Bill stands, there is not even any obligation to consult if it got them votes. local government on the requirements that central Government impose. John Healey: Perhaps, Mr Deputy Speaker, I had Paragraphs (8) and (9) of schedule 4 make it clear better not pursue that. However, it is certainly true that that the Secretary of State may make regulations to given their drubbing a couple of weeks ago, the Liberal require any matter to be included in the design of a Democrats will have to chase votes wherever they can local scheme; may prescribe any class of person to be find them. included in the scheme; may prescribe the reductions Amendment 1 is designed to challenge the Government that cover any class in any area; and, to reinforce my to concede, and to give a commitment to this House, earlier point, may prescribe the way in which the provisions that should they use their powers under the Bill and are made. That completely undermines not only the make stipulations about the schemes that local authorities constant mantra of Ministers across the range of their will run, they will at least consult local government departmental responsibilities but the specific pledge before doing so. 899 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 900

Amendment 3, which also stands in my name, exemplifies to bring these issues before us with little notification and my belief that, as my right hon. Friend the Member for little opportunity to discuss them. Because we have not Greenwich and Woolwich argued, this is a rushed reform been allowed to take evidence on the Bill, we have had that has been introduced without an ear to proper no evidence on the new clauses. We would have benefited consultation or a thought to the consequences. The from evidence on them, particularly from legal experts. amendment attempts to flush out whether the Government Although the Minister assures us that the new clauses have properly considered the impact of the Bill in replicate powers that are already in existence, that is relation to the provisions of the Localism Act 2011, debatable. He could not answer a number of the questions which allows a local authority, in setting its budget and that were put to him about how inaccuracy in data its council tax, to put to the vote in a referendum a level records could be challenged, which electronic records of council tax that it might want to propose for its area, could be accessed under the powers, and how the powers and allows local residents to veto what they may regard would relate to a person’s personal electronic data that as excessive council tax rises. Under those powers, a are held on their own PC. local authority must hold a referendum no later than Every council will, of course, need the right system in the first Thursday in May of the financial year to which place to tackle fraud—nobody would argue otherwise. the council tax would relate. In practice, that means that However, it is interesting that we have heard nothing a local authority will have to run contingency spending from the Government in this debate about the reductions plans, budgets and council tax levels until the result of in council staff, which are making it much more difficult the referendum is known, and if it is unsuccessful, those to tackle fraud, or their desire to abolish the Audit contingency budgets will need to be put in place and Commission, which is the very body that searches out new council tax bills issued. That process must take fraud and assists local councils in tackling it. place around the turn of the financial year, and by early I am concerned about some of the measures in the May at the latest, yet the Bill requires that the council new clauses. Some of them do indeed replicate those in tax support scheme must be designed and in place by the Social Security Administration Act 1992. However, January—before most local authorities finalise and agree the Minister cannot explain how one can commit an their budgets and council tax levels, and certainly before offence other than dishonestly and he cannot explain the level in any referendum might be established. the offence of That mismatch indicates that this reform is ill thought “allowing a person to fail to notify” out, rushed and likely to be wrong, and it reinforces the arguments that my right hon. Friend made about his something. What on earth does that mean? Does one amendments 6, 7, 10 and 13, to which my name has have to be under duress, or not? What is the definition been added. There are good reasons for making this of the word “allowing”? What kind of proof is required? part of the benefits system local, but there is no justification Above all, what will the defence against those offences for doing it by making harsh cuts to the national and be? That is not clear from what is before us. I want to see local totals of spend available, by capping the totals dishonest people banged up in prison or fined, but I against any future rise in needs or costs, by requiring want people who have made an honest mistake to have local councils to carry all the risk of any increases in a proper defence for any charges that are brought claims, or by forcing very big cuts in council tax support against them. It is a great shame that we were not for many of those who need it most. allowed to discuss the new clauses in Committee. I want to concentrate on new clause 5, which I tabled When we last debated this in Committee in January, with my right hon. and hon. Friends. The Government’s my right hon. Friend and I noted that councils were plans for council tax and what we have heard from them faced with an extraordinarily tight timetable of 12 months today clearly demonstrate how remote they are from the until the point at which they would have to have these realities of life for many people in this country. They new schemes in place. That period is now eight months. propose to take money away from some of the poorest There is no time to consult local residents, to design the people, including, as my right hon. and hon. Friends computer software systems necessary to run these schemes have said, people who go to work every day to earn their or to test them and put them into practice, to work out poverty. People with disabilities and families with children how the tapers to the new universal credit system will will pay the price for the incompetence of the Government. have to work with the council tax support system, or to Many of them will already have lost tax credits or plan for the new local scheme in the context of next disability living allowance, which is being cut by £2.7 billion. year’s budget planning by local authorities. It is estimated that about 400,000 disabled people will lose This is a disaster waiting to happen. The Government employment and support allowance when it is time-limited have not done the work needed for local government to to one year for people who have paid national insurance do the work that it needs to do. I say this to Ministers: contributions. Those very people will be hit again by the take a leaf out of the Health Secretary’s book, pause, Government’s plans. listen, and be prepared to put back the start of this The Government consultation document said that scheme from April next year to April 2014. they would “seek to ensure that the most vulnerable in society, in particular Helen Jones: It is a pleasure to follow my right hon. low income pensioners, are protected”. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Pensioners are indeed protected from the cuts, and we Healey), whose speech was not only very passionate but do not disagree with that. However, coupled with the extremely well informed. 10% cut in the amount that is available, that means that Nothing could illustrate better what a shambles of a other people, many of whom are equally vulnerable, Bill this is than the seriousness of the new clauses and will face council tax increases. That is something that amendments that the Government have tabled at this the Liberal Democrats do not seem to understand, but late stage. It is, frankly, a gross discourtesy to the House it is simple mathematics. 901 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 902

[Helen Jones] someone as wilfully blind as him could come out with that, and only someone with no experience of what it is The Government’s default scheme in their so-called liketoliveonalowwage. statement of intent replicates the current scheme and gives protection to many more vulnerable groups. The Andrew Gwynne: My hon. Friend is coming to the intent, I suppose, is to penalise councils financially. crunch. A substantial number of people in receipt of However, it is difficult to argue that we should protect council tax benefit are in work. It is an in-work benefit, vulnerable groups in the default scheme, but not legislate not just an out-of-work benefit as some Government for that protection elsewhere. Members would like to portray it. Given that the There is no protection for people with disabilities—not Government’s statement of intent states: even for those who are placed in the support group for “Local schemes should support work incentives, and in particular ESA. Those people are, by definition, unable to seek avoid disincentives to move into work”, work, even if it was available, which is not likely given the current flatlining economy. There is no protection can my hon. Friend fathom the thought processes of for people placed in the work-related activity group, those who are bringing in this scheme, which will clobber who are not expected to the working poor? “seek paid employment to increase their income”. Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is correct and I will They are asked to take steps to increase their employability, come on to some examples of what he says in a moment. but they are not yet expected to seek work. That shows how spurious is the Government’s claim that they are I received a parliamentary answer from the Minister doing this to spur on local councils to get people into of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the hon. work. That is nonsense. Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), which said that in 2010-11, the last year for which we have the 6.45 pm figures, 743,660 non-passported council tax benefit There is no protection for carers, as defined in the recipients were in work. There were 2,860 such people in regulations on national insurance credits. That means Stockport, which is the area that the Under-Secretary people who provide care for at least 20 hours a week to of State for Communities and Local Government, the one or more disabled person who is in receipt of certain hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell) represents. benefits. Those people carry burdens that most of us That is more than 743,000 people who the Minister for cannot manage, and yet they do it every day. They save Housing and Local Government does not think exist. this country millions of pounds that would otherwise They do not go to Tory fundraisers, I suppose, or attend be spent on residential care. the black and white ball. All the time, his implication has been that council tax benefit goes only to those not in work. The further implication, of course, is that they Mr Raynsford: My hon. Friend is making an extremely are deliberately not in work, which is what underlies important point. The Government are introducing this most of what he says. Coming from a Government Bill at the same time as they are making a number of who preside over unemployment of 2.6 million, that is other changes. That will have a large cumulative impact breathtaking arrogance. on certain households. What is deeply shocking is that the Government are not aware of what that cumulative impact will be, nor of the extent to which what they Mr Kevan Jones: Does my hon. Friend agree that the propose this evening will aggravate an already disastrous people who will be affected are the same group who will situation for people who are suffering other losses of be affected by the crazy bedroom tax? If they have an the sort that she has identified. unoccupied bedroom in their house they will lose housing benefit, which is another in-work benefit. Helen Jones: I could not agree with my right hon. Friend more. The Government simply have no idea of Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is right. The same group the pressures on people on very low incomes. of people is being hit again and again. Whatever the The Prime Minister said that carers were the Government tell us, we are not all in it together. “unsung heroes of our society”. He went on to say: Andrew Gwynne: My hon. Friend mentioned in passing “We should all support, recognize and celebrate the incredible the borough of Stockport. I will leave the Minister to work that carers do”. speak for the people of Hazel Grove, but I assure her That was in 2010, and times have changed. Now he that I am acutely aware that a substantial number of my wants not to support them, but to increase their council constituents in the Reddish part of Stockport are in tax—another broken promise. work and qualify for council tax benefit. The Government also do not want us to talk about those who are receiving council tax benefit and are in Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is quite right. We can work. The Minister for Housing and Local Government, go through every local authority in England and find who is not here this evening, likes to pretend that those the number of such people. people do not exist. He told the Communities and It is not just people in work and on low wages who Local Government Committee that will be affected but disabled people deemed unable to “if somebody is in work they will not be receiving the benefit seek work, carers, and part-time workers who do not because they will not need to.” even show up in the figures. An increasing number of That is another example of why he is tipped for promotion: people are being forced to seek part-time employment, it shows his incisive grasp of complex issues. Only and they will pay the price of the Government’s cuts. 903 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 904

As my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich economy, because money will be taken from people and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) said, there is a form of who would otherwise go out and spend it. It will come “doublethink”. The Minister for Housing and Local as no surprise to my right hon. and hon. Friends to hear Government told the Select Committee that people that the New Policy Institute estimates that five of the could be protected by 10 hardest-hit local authorities will be among the top 10 “getting economic activity going so there are jobs.” most deprived in the country—Hackney, Newham, Liverpool, Islington and Knowsley. The Government are prone to lecturing everybody on getting economic activity going. They lecture councils In the Liverpool city region, it is estimated that the and the European Union, but the one set of people they Government’s proposals will result in cuts of 17.23% for do not seem to lecture is themselves. They have no plan those who are not pensioners. In Halton, a single person for growth at all. will have to find at least £179 more each year. In Sefton, which has a higher than average number of pensioners, Many people in receipt of council tax benefit are a couple in a band A property will have to find an extra in work or not expected to seek work because of their £226 a year. That is probably small change to Government circumstances. For them, the cut will depend not on Members, but to people who struggle to keep their heads their individual circumstances but on where they live above water—those who have to count every penny to and, crucially, how many pensioners there are in their get to the end of the week without getting into debt, local authority area. That varies hugely from one area and without being driven into the arms of the loan sharks to another. Claimants of non-working age make up who are on many of our estates and ready to button on 34% of the total in East Dorset. In Tower Hamlets, the to vulnerable people—it is the difference between surviving figure is 68%. and not surviving. The benefit cut that people receive could vary between I sometimes wonder what Ministers know of that 13% and 25%. The worst thing about it is that it is world. Have they ever stood in a supermarket watching entirely arbitrary, with no pretence of fairness whatever. people put things back because they cannot afford to In fact, in their recently published statements the pay for everything in the basket? Do they understand Government have explicitly rejected the idea of taking the struggle that some families have if a child needs a into account the number of pensioners in a local authority new pair of shoes? They know nothing of it, and they area when setting the funding level. Many Government have no wish to understand it. Members will have cause to regret that in future years. As some of the Opposition amendments point out, Mr Raynsford: Is it not telling that not a single the new system will hit not only those in work or unable Government Back Bencher has contributed to this debate to work but those seeking work. The Government have in support of the Government’s measures? Does that been in such a rush to bring it in that they have failed not indicate that they know deep down that these to align it with universal credit, to which the Minister measures are deeply flawed, deeply unfair and deeply referred earlier. If they are so keen to have universal credit, wrong? they should have waited to align council tax benefit with it. Their own consultation document acknowledged Helen Jones: My right hon. Friend is entirely right. the problem, stating: [Interruption.] The Under-Secretary says that it is because “There is a risk, however, that some of the advantages from the they think the measures are right. Well, if I cannot single Universal Credit taper…could be lost if there is a separate appeal to their moral sense, let me try appealing to their and overlapping withdrawal of council tax support through localised economic sense. The poorest areas will have the biggest schemes. This would produce a marginal deduction rate higher hit to their local economies. The 2010-11 figures show than 76%”. that a 10% cut will mean £10 million being taken out of If millionaires were having to put up with that, the Birmingham, £6.1 million out of Liverpool, £3 million Government would be rushing in to rescue them. What out of Newham, £2.7 million out of Newcastle and sort of Government include those warnings in the £2.9 million out of Gateshead. By contrast, the prosperous consultation and then ignore them? They are either local economies lose less. Runnymede will lose £454,000; incompetent or vicious—one or the other. [Interruption.] Wokingham £518,000; Melton more than £246,000; Both, somebody says, and I am beginning to think so. and Hart £293,000; but—as we might expect with this Government, this is a big “but”—that is not the whole As we have seen with business rates, the areas in greatest story. need will be hit hardest. Let us take the impact on people in work as an example. In Liverpool, there are 6,570 people in work and receiving council tax benefit. 7pm In Durham, there are 5,810, in Birmingham a whopping The figures I gave were calculated on payments made 16,780 and in Hackney 7,910. Just down the road in the in 2010-11, as given in a parliamentary answer by the City of London, there are precisely 40. In Purbeck there Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, are 580, in Runnymede there are 610 and in Wokingham—I the hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate. The total could not pass up another chance to mention Wokingham paid to councils in Great Britain in that year in council —there are 780. tax benefit was £4.8 billion. In their consultation on This change is a triple whammy for the poorest areas. funding, the Government promised to give 90% of the First, it will mean that local authorities with more forecast council tax expenditure for 2013-14, but they people in work and receiving council tax benefit face a expect council tax benefit to have miraculously decreased much bigger risk of default in their council tax collection. by then to a total of £4.2 billion. Secondly, it will make it much harder for them to How did the Government arrive at that assumption? mitigate the effect of the cut on people of working age. Considering unemployment levels and what is happening Thirdly, there will be a bigger impact on their local to the economy, we might expect council tax claims to 905 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 906 go up rather than down. Perhaps that figure was calculated The poorest areas are likely to face the greatest rise in on the earlier optimistic forecasts that the Government claims and have already had their budgets cut. There is gave us, but they have had to be adjusted. Councils no slack in the system and no money to be transferred should be warned, however, that they might face more from elsewhere. The Opposition’s greatest fear is that than the cut they are expecting. Even with the so-called some local authorities will try to manage the system by minor adjustments the Government want to introduce driving down claims and deterring people from claiming. to the distribution of funding, and the creation of I have confidence that Labour authorities will not do ceilings and floors, we do not expect too much difference. that—thankfully, there are many more Labour authorities We have heard those promises before in local government than there were when debates on the Bill began—but I finance settlements, and the measures still ended up have little confidence in Tory and Lib Dem authorities. hitting the poorest most. Equally, setting up an appeals system and dealing with Moreover, if vulnerable people ought to have more what is likely to be a higher level of default will incur protection, as the Under-Secretary of State for Communities costs for local authorities. and Local Government, the hon. Member for Hazel New clause 5 is designed to ensure that the Government Grove appeared to suggest—I assume he was referring cannot ignore those impacts. It is no good the Minister to those on passported benefits—the working poor telling us that there will be reviews, because those could face cuts of up to 40% in their benefits, which reviews do not include people in work and in poverty or wipes out any gains from the increase in personal allowances those looking for work and in poverty. he trumpets. In fact, those gains have been wiped out already by rising VAT, the loss of tax credit, changes to Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): My hon. Friend housing benefits and so on. makes excellent points, but on the confusion in the I know the Minister is anxious for good news—if the appeals process it is not yet clear whether council tax Labour party had lost to Professor Pingu the penguin, I benefit staff will be employed in future by the Department would be looking for some good news—but his proposal for Work and Pensions under the universal credit or will not run, because like most Lib Dem policies it is within local authorities. That changeover adds to the little more than a headline for the latest hocus-pocus. complexity and confusion. Indeed, far from councils being given more freedom, they will bear all the financial risks and most of the Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is entirely right. Even if public anger for the policy. The Government have carefully we supported the Government’s changes in the Bill, ensured that the increased bills dropping through doors their failure to align the changes with universal credit will bear the imprint of the local council, not that of the will cause chaos throughout the system, including for Secretary of State. Councils will pay the price if it goes staff. wrong. The Select Committee on Communities and Many Government amendments relate to Wales, which Local Government called it the Government forgot about when they drafted the “an illusion of delegation with a minimum of real discretion”. Bill—to lose a county is unfortunate; to lose a whole We know, for instance, that only between 57% and country is rather careless—but the Welsh Government 66% of pensioners claim their benefit. The likelihood is have said they are profoundly concerned by the plan. that the number claiming the benefit will increase when Some 327,000 people in Wales will be affected, whom it is shown as a discount on a bill rather than as a the Government also seem to have forgotten about—they benefit. That is a good thing, but councils must bear the have developed a habit of absent-mindedly mislaying burden of the extra cost. Increased unemployment in a citizens, such as those in work or those who happen to council area, especially from the closure of a large live in Wales. company, will mean that council tax benefit claims The Government have tabled a series of amendments increase. What will happen then? on council tax reduction schemes and default schemes, The Government want to include council tax support which could have been discussed properly had draft in their business rate retention scheme, but what is the regulations been brought before the House, as the Minister consequence of that? According to the Government’s promised us on 31 January. Instead, we are once again consultation, a local authority will come into the safety being asked to grant wide powers to the Secretary of net category only if its revenues fall by between 7.5% State without any idea how they will be exercised, which and 10% below the baseline, which is a massive fall is extremely worrying and a poor way to make legislation. before getting any support. My right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and This is the crux of the matter. The Government have Woolwich raised the rushed implementation of the said that the measure will inspire councils to create proposals, an important problem we raised in Committee. employment and get more people into jobs, but how do Last week, we received statements of intent, but not the councils do that in a double-dip recession? The Government draft regulations we were promised. I get the feeling have an in-built belief that local authorities do not want the Government are simply not ready to implement the to encourage economic growth, but I challenge the proposals. It is as if someone, somewhere in the Department Minister to name one, as I have throughout debates on for Communities and Local Government—I suspect the Bill. I am willing to give way to him if he wants to the Minister for Housing and Local Government—had name one, but he cannot do so. Local councils have not a wizard wheeze and said, “I know. Let’s cut council tax caused the double-dip recession; the Government have. benefit,”but did not work out the details. The Government, It is not local authorities that are causing firms to go following the example set by the Prime Minister, do not into administration, but the economic failure of the seem to do detail. They just wave a languid hand and Chancellor, who seems to have been too busy entertaining say, “Detail will follow.” But, in government, details Rebekah Brooks at Dorneywood to notice what is matter. They affect the lives of the people whom we happening to the economy. represent. The Bill will result in enormous changes for 907 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 908 local authorities, which are being asked to cope with Andrew Stunell: I should like to remind the House changes to non-domestic rates and with the localisation that, contrary to some of the wild assertions from the of council tax benefit, all at the same time. Opposition, the Bill represents a major step towards By next year, local authorities will have to be ready to bringing power back to local government and local run their own local schemes, yet the Bill was rushed communities. The business rates retention scheme, the with indecent haste through the Committee—because localisation of the council tax benefit system and the the Government did not appear to understand the rules return of the power to set discounts and reductions in for carrying over a Bill—then kept hanging about like council tax for empty homes and second homes are all some kind of slow-cooking stew until after the Queen’s measures that the previous Government failed to Speech. It will not have a Second Reading in the other introduce, notwithstanding a lot of hot air about what place until, I believe, 12 June, and its first Committee they might have done or would not do, as the case sitting there is scheduled for 3 July. If, as I am told, the may be— other place will not be sitting in September, who knows when the Bill will complete its passage? 7.15 pm Amendments will have to come back here, and if they are not agreed to—[Interruption.] The Under-Secretary Mr Raynsford rose— of State for Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Andrew Stunell: No, I am not going to give way. Neill) talks about the recess, but he has perhaps forgotten that this House is sitting in September, although the Mr Raynsford: On a point of order, Mr Deputy other place does not appear to be doing so. That is the Speaker. The Minister has made a factually incorrect kind of detail that matters when we are trying to get statement that I would not want to remain on the legislation through. There could well be ping-pong between record without giving him the opportunity to reconsider the two Houses. Regulations will also have to be set and it. I hope that he will therefore take an intervention. passed by both Houses. In the meantime, councils are being expected to draw up a scheme without knowing Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): The right the precise rules that they will need to follow, and with hon. Gentleman has pointed out that he believes the no certainty about their funding. That is not sensible Minister’s statement to be incorrect. It is up to the government—it is pass-the-buck government. Minister to decide whether he wishes to give way. I do We have also heard about the difficulty of producing not think that he is willing to do so at this stage, but I the software required to implement the changes. Councils am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will try again. will need to be very clear about what they want from the firms that are designing that software, but they do not Andrew Stunell: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have the necessary information at the moment. Why are am sure that the opportunity to give way will arise, and the Government so determined to meet the 2013 date I shall certainly do so in due course to those who think that they will not listen either to local authorities or to that there is anything to be said against our view that the experts who design the system? I would call them the Bill represents a significant localisation for local pig-headed, but that would probably be unfair to pigs. government and local communities. The return of business Why are they so keen to impose cuts on the poorest rates to local authorities, the capacity to set council tax people and chaos on local authorities? We know the without having capping limits set by the Secretary of answer: it is simply that they are out of touch. State, and the transfer of the benefits system to local The people who will suffer are the poorest people. authorities are all significant measures. Councils are in a no-win situation. If they protect vulnerable groups other than pensioners, those in work I want to restate my point about the return to local or seeking work will face even larger reductions in their authorities of the ability to set council tax discounts. If income. This Government believe that the poor must every local authority chose to exercise the changes that pay for the poor, while tax cuts are given to the rich. are being passed into their hands, that would generate They believe that the living standards of those who have for English local authorities a total of more than very little have to be cut, while bankers in partly state-owned £400 million. There is no direct connection in the Bill, banks swan off for courses on executive nutrition at a but I want to make it clear that, whatever might be said spa. I am sure that many of the poorest people in this about the proposals in the Bill, that discount change country would love to have to worry about the type of will be of significant benefit to local authorities. nutrition that they got; most of them have to settle for I shall deal with some of the points raised in the what they can afford. debate. The right hon. Member for Greenwich and The Government do not call the money given to Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) suggested that we ought to bankers a handout, but that is what they call the money accept at least some of his amendments, simply because given to local councils. They do not call their tax cuts they were already in the Government’s plans. Well, it is for millionaires a handout, but that is the term they use because they are already in the Government’s plans that for the money they give to local councils to run essential we do not need to accept them. Some of his other services. This is a Government without a proper sense amendments were intended to dismantle the Bill and its of direction and without a proper sense of right and provisions, but I made it clear that this is not just a wrong. We will continue to monitor the effects of the localism measure but a component part of putting our Bill. We will press our amendments to the vote, and we finances right. At no point have we disguised the fact will ensure that the plight of the poorest people who are that localisation and deficit reduction are both involved being hit by these provisions is not forgotten. It is for in the proposals. that reason that I urge my hon. Friends to vote in support of new clause 5. Graham Jones rose— 909 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 910

Andrew Stunell: I am happy to give way to the hon. person discount. Some 29% of households are single Gentleman, even though he could not find the time to person, and another 7% are single-parent households. be present earlier. I do not believe that he would want to put those people under additional pressure. The Government do not Graham Jones: I am very grateful to the Minister for accept that new clause 2 is the way forward. giving way. He keeps using the word “localisation”, but The right hon. Gentleman also made an interesting it is obvious that what he is doing is localising cuts. He point, of the kind that only a former Secretary of State has spoken about raising £400 million and about the might make, about what would happen if a council tax empty homes premium and the council tax discounts. referendum failed and the impact that would have on Why are central Government being prescriptive about the scheme. The scheme that a local authority sets up by such measures? Why are they stating that homes must 31 January each year will have statutory force and have been empty for two years? Why will they not give cannot be changed for the following 12 months, so it local authorities the power to decide how long a home would be required to be considered in any reduced needs to have been empty in order to qualify for the budget. Of course, when a local council sets up its empty homes premium? scheme, it will be with the full knowledge of its intended settlement. As I say, the right hon. Gentleman welcomes Andrew Stunell: The flexibility on discounts will apply localism, but he does not want it yet. to all empty homes from day one, not just to those that have been empty for two years. The two-year condition I draw to the attention of the hon. Member for relates to the empty homes premium, which is a separate Warrington North (Helen Jones) one of the documents provision that is being put in the hands of councils by we published last week, “Localising Support for Council the Bill. Tax: Vulnerable people—key local authority duties”, The hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) which sets out clearly the factors that a local authority made some interesting points, but he did not seem to be needs to have in mind when it exercises its discretion aware that, whereas Wokingham has the capacity to and introduces a scheme. When she studies that, she will generate £700,000 extra income, Wigan, which he mentioned find that many of the questions that she raised are specifically, has the capacity to generate £2.2 million answered and her concerns are dealt with. from the discounts. If Wigan chose to implement those The hon. Lady commented on the introduction of measures, that would completely offset the funding gap the Welsh Assembly clauses. She will know from what he talked about. the Government said previously that we took the time To be clear, much of the shroud-waving from the to consult with our colleagues in the Welsh Administration, Opposition is completely misplaced. It was strange that and it is at their behest that the clauses take their the hon. Member for North Durham argued—although present form. That is an example of the Government he tried to back out of it—for additional cuts in council taking a measured approach, consulting with the relevant tax benefit for pensioners, because he wants councils to bodies and introducing proposals entirely in accordance have the flexibility to switch their spending on pensioners with the Welsh Administration’s views. to others whom he thinks are more worthy of protection. The hon. Lady also drew attention to an amendment That is a point of view, but it is not one that the on consulting with those affected. There is a requirement Government share. on local authorities, when they have drawn up their I have a lot of time for the right hon. Member for scheme, to consult with those whom they believe will be Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey). He served time affected. That clearly will involve a consultation with all in the Treasury, during which I believe he was party to the groups the hon. Lady mentioned. the introduction of the 10p tax rate—[Interruption.] We all have skeletons we wish we could keep in the Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): I apologise cupboard. When it comes to protecting the low-paid, it for not being here earlier, but I was at a Select Committee is this Government who have raised tax thresholds for meeting. low-paid people, many of whom are women, of course, and will take 2 million people out of tax over the next My right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and three years. Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) apparently raised the point The right hon. Gentleman did get round to welcoming about the time local authorities will have to propose a the localism measure, but—not for the first time—he scheme, consult on it—as the Minister has just described— wants localism, but not yet. The Opposition do not and then get their providers of services, such as Capita, have a strong track record on localism, but they have to design the schemes and implement them. In January, realised just how important it is to the people we represent. Capita raised concerns about the time constraints that They now pay lip service to it at every opportunity, but it would face and its real worry that it would have I see no sign that it goes beyond lip service to their inadequate time to do that. Is the Minister convinced agreeing to implement localism in practice. At every that local authorities will have adequate time and that turn, they try to delay, dismantle and divert the successful there will be no problems with the delivery of services attempts of the Government to localise decision making to constituents? and give local communities the power to take decisions about their services. Andrew Stunell: That is exactly why we produced the I answered the right hon. Gentleman regarding statements of intent—to give local authorities and their Rotherham’s figures. He mentioned Barnsley, and its providers the longest possible time to understand how figures are an almost exactly equal balance, just slightly they might best design and develop a scheme. That is in favour of Barnsley, with £1.6 million in each direction. also why we have provided a significant sum of money He also waxed lyrical about the new clause 2 single to assist them in doing that. 911 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 912

The hon. Member for Warrington North also asked (3) Information supplied under this paragraph may be used for about criminal offences being created by the Bill. The another prescribed purpose relating to council tax. Social Security Administration Act 1992 creates several (4) Information supplied under this paragraph may be criminal offences in relation to council tax benefit, supplied to another qualifying person for a prescribed purpose including an offence of dishonestly making a false relating to council tax (whether or not that is a purpose for which statement and one of knowingly making a false statement it was supplied). for the purpose of obtaining council tax benefit. There (5) In this paragraph— is a different standard of proof for each offence, as I (a) suspect that the hon. Lady knows better than I do. “Revenue and Customs official”, Greater penalties apply if it can be shown that a person “the Revenue and Customs”, and has acted dishonestly. “function of the Revenue and Customs”, have the same meaning as in section 18 of the Commissioners Helen Jones: Can the Minister explain what the position for Revenue and Customs Act 2005. is when a person has not acted dishonestly? We have 15B (1) A Revenue and Customs official may supply information asked him several times. He has referred to acting which is held by the Revenue and Customs in connection with a knowingly and to acting dishonestly, but the his proposed function of the Revenue and Customs to a qualifying person for provisions refer to offences that can be committed other prescribed purposes relating to council tax. than dishonestly. (2) The following are qualifying persons for the purpose of this paragraph— Andrew Stunell: I am surrounded by lawyers, and the (a) a billing authority in Wales; Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local (b) a person authorised to exercise any function of such an Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley authority relating to council tax; and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), is giving me helpful (c) a person providing services to such an authority advice, but let me say that there are two separate categories, relating to council tax. which I think the hon. Lady has just restated: dishonestly (3) Information supplied under this paragraph may be used for making a false statement and knowingly making a false another prescribed purpose relating to council tax. statement for the purpose of obtaining council tax (4) Information supplied under this paragraph may be supplied benefit. To underline a point I made when introducing to another qualifying person for a prescribed purpose relating to the debate, those provisions mirror and replicate the council tax (whether or not that is a purpose for which it was supplied). existing situation as far as the council tax benefit fraud prevention scheme is concerned. Another relevant point (5) In this paragraph— I made earlier is that we are conducting a full review to “Revenue and Customs official”, “the Revenue and Customs” and “function of the Revenue and ensure that what is put into the new scheme is wholly Customs” have the same meaning as in section 18 proportionate to the new situation. of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005; 7.30 pm “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by These proposals are designed to localise council tax the Welsh Ministers. benefit and the council tax reduction scheme, are part (6) Regulations under this paragraph must not be made except of a much broader package of localisation to local with the consent of the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s government and are consistent with the Government’s Revenue and Customs. deficit reduction plan. I commend new clause 9 and the (7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this other Government amendments and new clauses to the paragraph is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales. House. 15C (1) A Revenue and Customs official may supply information Question put and agreed to. which is held by the Revenue and Customs in connection with a New clause 9 accordingly read a Second time, and added function of the Revenue and Customs to a qualifying person for to the Bill. prescribed purposes relating to council tax. (2) The following are qualifying persons for the purpose of this paragraph— New Clause 10 (a) a local authority; (b) a person authorised to exercise any function of such an POWER FOR HMRC TO SUPPLY INFORMATION FOR authority relating to council tax; PURPOSES OF COUNCIL TAX (c) a person providing services to such an authority ‘(1) Schedule 2 to the LGFA 1992 (administration) is amended relating to council tax. as follows. (3) Information supplied under this paragraph may be used for another prescribed purpose relating to council tax. (2) After paragraph 15 insert— (4) Information supplied under this paragraph may be 15A (1) A Revenue and Customs official may supply information supplied to another qualifying person for a prescribed purpose which is held by the Revenue and Customs in connection with a relating to council tax (whether or not that is a purpose for which function of the Revenue and Customs to a qualifying person for it was supplied). prescribed purposes relating to council tax. (5) In this paragraph— (2) The following are qualifying persons for the purpose of this paragraph— “Revenue and Customs official”, “the Revenue and Customs” and “function of the Revenue and (a) a billing authority in England; Customs” have the same meaning as in section 18 (b) a person authorised to exercise any function of such an of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs authority relating to council tax; Act 2005; (c) a person providing services to such an authority relating “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by to council tax. the Scottish Ministers. 913 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 914

(6) Regulations under this paragraph must not be made except “(1A) Information may be prescribed under sub-paragraph with the consent of the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s (1)(d) by reference to— Revenue and Customs. (a) how the person concerned came to be in possession or (7) Regulations under this paragraph— control of the information; (a) are subject to the negative procedure; and (b) the purpose for which it is requested by the authority.” (b) may make— (5) In paragraph 16 (supply of information by authorities), (i) different provision for different purposes, including after sub-paragraph (2) insert— different provision for different areas or for different “(3) Information may be prescribed under sub-paragraph (2)(c) authorities, and by reference to— (ii) such incidental, consequential, transitional or (a) how the first-mentioned authority obtained the supplementary provision as the Scottish Ministers information; think necessary or expedient. (b) the purpose for which the first-mentioned authority 15D (1) A person to whom sub-paragraph (2) applies is guilty believes that the information would be useful to the of an offence if the person discloses without lawful authority any other authority.” information— (6) This section comes into force at the end of the period of (a) which comes to the person by virtue of paragraph 15A, 2 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.’. 15B or 15C, and —(Andrew Stunell.) (b) which relates to a particular person. Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added (2) This sub-paragraph applies to— to the Bill. (a) a qualifying person for the purpose of paragraph 15A, 15B or 15C; (b) a person who is or has been a director, member of the New Clause 5 committee of management, manager, secretary or other similar officer of a person within paragraph REPORT ON EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS (a); ‘At a date no later than three years from the implementation of (c) a person who is or has been an employee of such a this Act the Secretary of State shall prepare a report detailing the person. effects of these provisions on— (3) A person guilty of an offence under this paragraph is (a) the number of people receiving council tax support in liable— each local authority including the number in employment, (a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a the number actively seeking work, and the number of term not exceeding 2 years or a fine, or both; pensionable age, and (b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term (b) the costs incurred by each authority in running the not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the scheme, including the cost of appeals.’.—(Helen statutory maximum, or both. Jones.) (4) It is not an offence under this paragraph— Brought up, and read the First time. (a) to disclose information in the form of a summary or Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:— collection of information so framed as not to enable information relating to any particular person to be The House divided: Ayes 201, Noes 271. identified from it; Division No. 5] [7.31 pm (b) to disclose information which has previously been disclosed to the public with lawful authority. AYES (5) It is a defence for a person (“D”) charged with an offence Abbott, Ms Diane Chapman, Mrs Jenny under this paragraph to prove that at the time of the alleged Abrahams, Debbie Clarke, rh Mr Tom offence— Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Clwyd, rh Ann (a) D believed that D was making the disclosure in question Alexander, Heidi Coffey, Ann with lawful authority and had no reasonable cause to Anderson, Mr David Connarty, Michael believe otherwise, or Ashworth, Jonathan Cooper, Rosie (b) D believed that the information in question had Austin, Ian Corbyn, Jeremy previously been disclosed to the public with lawful Bailey, Mr Adrian Crausby, Mr David authority and had no reasonable cause to believe Bain, Mr William Creagh, Mary otherwise. Banks, Gordon Creasy, Stella (6) For the purposes of this paragraph, “lawful authority” has Barron, rh Mr Kevin Cruddas, Jon the meaning given by section 123 of the Social Security Bayley, Hugh Cunningham, Alex Administration Act 1992. Beckett, rh Margaret Cunningham, Mr Jim (7) In relation to an offence under this paragraph committed Benn, rh Hilary Cunningham, Tony in England and Wales before the commencement of Benton, Mr Joe Curran, Margaret Dakin, Nic section 154(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (increase in Berger, Luciana maximum term that may be imposed on summary conviction of Danczuk, Simon Betts, Mr Clive offence triable either way) the reference in sub-paragraph (3)(b) David, Mr Wayne Blears, rh Hazel to 12 months is to be taken as a reference to 6 months.” Davidson, Mr Ian Blenkinsop, Tom (3) In paragraph 11 (supply of information to authorities: De Piero, Gloria Blomfield, Paul England and Wales), after sub-paragraph (1) insert— Denham, rh Mr John Blunkett, rh Mr David Dobson, rh Frank “(1A) Information may be prescribed under sub-paragraph Brennan, Kevin (1)(d) by reference to— Docherty, Thomas Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Doran, Mr Frank (a) how the person concerned came to be in possession or Bryant, Chris Dowd, Jim control of the information; Byrne, rh Mr Liam Doyle, Gemma (b) the purpose for which it is requested by the authority.” Campbell, Mr Alan Dromey, Jack (4) In paragraph 12 (supply of information to authorities: Campbell, Mr Ronnie Durkan, Mark Scotland), after sub-paragraph (1) insert— Caton, Martin Eagle, Ms Angela 915 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 916

Eagle, Maria McClymont, Gregg Wood, Mike Tellers for the Ayes: Elliott, Julie McDonagh, Siobhain Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Phil Wilson and Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonnell, John Wright, David Yvonne Fovargue Engel, Natascha McFadden, rh Mr Pat Wright, Mr Iain Esterson, Bill McGovern, Jim Evans, Chris McGuire, rh Mrs Anne NOES Farrelly, Paul McKechin, Ann Adams, Nigel Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Fitzpatrick, Jim McKenzie, Mr Iain McKinnell, Catherine Afriyie, Adam Ellis, Michael Flello, Robert Meacher, rh Mr Michael Amess, Mr David Ellison, Jane Flynn, Paul Mearns, Ian Bacon, Mr Richard Eustice, George Francis, Dr Hywel Michael, rh Alun Baker, Norman Evans, Graham Gardiner, Barry Miller, Andrew Baker, Steve Evans, Jonathan Gilmore, Sheila Mitchell, Austin Baldry, Tony Evennett, Mr David Glass, Pat Moon, Mrs Madeleine Baldwin, Harriett Fabricant, Michael Glindon, Mrs Mary Morden, Jessica Barclay, Stephen Fallon, Michael Godsiff, Mr Roger Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Barwell, Gavin Farron, Tim Goggins, rh Paul Morris, Grahame M. Benyon, Richard Featherstone, Lynne Goodman, Helen (Easington) Beresford, Sir Paul Field, Mark Greatrex, Tom Munn, Meg Berry, Jake Foster, rh Mr Don Green, Kate Murphy, rh Paul Bingham, Andrew Fox,rhDrLiam Greenwood, Lilian Murray, Ian Binley, Mr Brian Francois, rh Mr Mark Gwynne, Andrew Nandy, Lisa Birtwistle, Gordon Freeman, George Hain, rh Mr Peter Nash, Pamela Blackman, Bob Freer, Mike Blackwood, Nicola Fuller, Richard Hamilton, Mr David O’Donnell, Fiona Blunt, Mr Crispin Gale, Sir Roger Hamilton, Fabian Onwurah, Chi Boles, Nick Garnier, Mark Hanson, rh Mr David Osborne, Sandra Bone, Mr Peter Gauke, Mr David Harman, rh Ms Harriet Owen, Albert Bradley, Karen Gibb, Mr Nick Harris, Mr Tom Pearce, Teresa Perkins, Toby Brady, Mr Graham Gilbert, Stephen Havard, Mr Dai Phillipson, Bridget Bray, Angie Glen, John Healey, rh John Pound, Stephen Brazier, Mr Julian Goodwill, Mr Robert Hendrick, Mark Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Bridgen, Andrew Gove, rh Michael Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reed, Mr Jamie Brine, Steve Graham, Richard Hillier, Meg Reeves, Rachel Brokenshire, James Grant, Mrs Helen Hilling, Julie Reynolds, Emma Bruce, Fiona Grayling, rh Chris Hodge, rh Margaret Reynolds, Jonathan Bruce, rh Malcolm Green, Damian Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Riordan, Mrs Linda Burley, Mr Aidan Greening, rh Justine Hoey, Kate Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Burns, Conor Griffiths, Andrew Hood, Mr Jim Rotheram, Steve Burns, rh Mr Simon Gummer, Ben Hopkins, Kelvin Roy, Mr Frank Burrowes, Mr David Gyimah, Mr Sam Howarth, rh Mr George Roy, Lindsay Burstow, Paul Halfon, Robert Hunt, Tristram Ruane, Chris Burt, Lorely Hames, Duncan Irranca-Davies, Huw Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Byles, Dan Hammond, Stephen Jackson, Glenda Sarwar, Anas Cable, rh Vince Hancock, Matthew Cairns, Alun Hands, Greg Jamieson, Cathy Seabeck, Alison Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Harper, Mr Mark Jarvis, Dan Sharma, Mr Virendra Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harrington, Richard Johnson, rh Alan Sheridan, Jim Carmichael, Neil Harris, Rebecca Johnson, Diana Shuker, Gavin Carswell, Mr Douglas Hart, Simon Jones, Graham Simpson, David Skinner, Mr Dennis Cash, Mr William Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Jones, Helen Smith, rh Mr Andrew Chishti, Rehman Heald, Oliver Jones, Mr Kevan Smith, Angela Clappison, Mr James Heath, Mr David Jones, Susan Elan Smith, Nick Clark, rh Greg Heaton-Harris, Chris Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Smith, Owen Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hemming, John Keeley, Barbara Spellar, rh Mr John Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Khan, rh Sadiq Straw, rh Mr Jack Coffey, Dr Thérèse Herbert, rh Nick Lavery, Ian Stringer, Graham Collins, Damian Hinds, Damian Leslie, Chris Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Colvile, Oliver Hoban, Mr Mark Lewis, Mr Ivan Thomas, Mr Gareth Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hollingbery, George Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Timms, rh Stephen Crabb, Stephen Hollobone, Mr Philip Long, Naomi Trickett, Jon Crockart, Mike Horwood, Martin Love, Mr Andrew Turner, Karl Crouch, Tracey Howarth, Mr Gerald Lucas, Ian Twigg, Derek Davey, rh Mr Edward Howell, John MacShane, rh Mr Denis Twigg, Stephen Davies, Glyn Hughes, rh Simon Mactaggart, Fiona Umunna, Mr Chuka Davies, Philip Huhne, rh Chris Mahmood, Shabana Vaz, rh Keith Dinenage, Caroline Huppert, Dr Julian Malhotra, Seema Watts, Mr Dave Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jackson, Mr Stewart Mann, John Williams, Hywel Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen James, Margot Marsden, Mr Gordon Williamson, Chris Doyle-Price, Jackie Javid, Sajid McCann, Mr Michael Winnick, Mr David Duddridge, James Jenkin, Mr Bernard McCarthy, Kerry Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Duncan, rh Mr Alan Johnson, Gareth 917 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 918

Johnson, Joseph Pugh, John Question accordingly negatived. Jones, Mr Marcus Raab, Mr Dominic Kelly, Chris Randall, rh Mr John Clause 8 Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Redwood, rh Mr John Kirby, Simon Rees-Mogg, Jacob COUNCIL TAX Knight, rh Mr Greg Reevell, Simon Amendments made: 42, page 5, line 2, at end insert— Kwarteng, Kwasi Reid, Mr Alan ‘(aa) in the case of a dwelling situated in the area of a Laing, Mrs Eleanor Robathan, rh Mr Andrew billing authority in Wales, is to be reduced to the Lancaster, Mark Rogerson, Dan extent, if any, required by any council tax reduction Latham, Pauline Rudd, Amber scheme made under regulations under subsection (2B) Leadsom, Andrea Ruffley, Mr David which applies to that dwelling;’. Lee, Jessica Russell, Sir Bob Amendment 43, page 5, line 4, after ‘paragraph (a)’ Lee, Dr Phillip Rutley, David insert ‘or (aa)’. Leech, Mr John Sanders, Mr Adrian Amendment 44, page 5, line 12, at end insert— Lefroy, Jeremy Sandys, Laura Leigh, Mr Edward Scott, Mr Lee “(2A) Schedule 1A (which contains provisions about schemes Leslie, Charlotte Shapps, rh Grant under subsection (2)) has effect. Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Sharma, Alok (2B) The Welsh Ministers may by regulations— Lewis, Brandon Shelbrooke, Alec (a) require a person or body specified in the regulations to Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Shepherd, Mr Richard make a scheme specifying the reductions which are to Lloyd, Stephen Simmonds, Mark apply to amounts of council tax payable, in respect Lopresti, Jack Simpson, Mr Keith of dwellings to which the scheme applies, by persons Loughton, Tim Skidmore, Chris to whom the scheme applies, Luff, Peter Smith, Miss Chloe (b) impose requirements on that person or body regarding Macleod, Mary Smith, Henry the matters which must be included in that scheme, Main, Mrs Anne Smith, Julian and Maude, rh Mr Francis Smith, Sir Robert (c) make other provision for and in connection with such Maynard, Paul Soames, rh Nicholas schemes. McCartney, Jason Soubry, Anna (2C) Schedule 1B (which contains further provisions about McCartney, Karl Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline regulations under subsection (2B) and about schemes under McIntosh, Miss Anne Stanley, rh Sir John those regulations) has effect.’. McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stephenson, Andrew Amendment 45, page 5, leave out lines 18 and 19 and McPartland, Stephen Stevenson, John McVey, Esther Stewart, Bob insert— Mensch, Louise Stewart, Iain “( ) No regulations under subsection (2B) are to be made Menzies, Mark Streeter, Mr Gary unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing them has Mercer, Patrick Stride, Mel been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the National Metcalfe, Stephen Stunell, Andrew Assembly for Wales.’. Miller, Maria Sturdy, Julian Amendment 46, page 5, line 21, at end insert Mills, Nigel Swales, Ian ‘or regulations under subsection (2B)’. Milton, Anne Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Amendment 47, page 5, line 24, leave out ‘Schedule Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Swinson, Jo to be inserted as Schedule 1A’and insert Moore, rh Michael Syms, Mr Robert Mordaunt, Penny Teather, Sarah ‘Schedules to be inserted as Schedules 1A and 1B’. Morgan, Nicky Thurso, John Amendment 48, page 5, line 27, at end insert Morris, Anne Marie Timpson, Mr Edward ‘under section 13A(2) of the LGFA 1992’.—(Robert Neill.) Morris, David Tomlinson, Justin Morris, James Truss, Elizabeth Schedule 4 Mosley, Stephen Turner, Mr Andrew Mowat, David Tyrie, Mr Andrew AMENDMENTS RELATING TO COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION Mulholland, Greg Vara, Mr Shailesh SCHEMES Mundell, rh David Vickers, Martin Amendments made: 49, page 47, line 32, after ‘schemes’ Munt, Tessa Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa insert ‘: England’. Murrison, Dr Andrew Walker, Mr Charles Amendment 50, page 47, line 35, after second ‘scheme’ Neill, Robert Wallace, Mr Ben insert ‘under section 13A(2)’. Norman, Jesse Ward, Mr David Nuttall, Mr David Watkinson, Angela Amendment 51, page 49, line 7, at end insert— Offord, Mr Matthew Wharton, James ‘(10) Regulations under sub-paragraph (8) may in particular Ollerenshaw, Eric White, Chris set out provision to be included in a scheme that is equivalent Opperman, Guy Wiggin, Bill to— Ottaway, Richard Willetts, rh Mr David (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or Parish, Neil Williams, Stephen (b) provision that is capable of being made under a relevant Patel, Priti Williamson, Gavin enactment, Willott, Jenny Pawsey, Mark with such modifications as the Secretary of State thinks fit. Penning, Mike Wilson, Mr Rob Penrose, John Wollaston, Dr Sarah (11) Subject to compliance with regulations under sub- paragraph (8), a scheme may make provision that is equivalent Perry, Claire Wright, Jeremy to— Phillips, Stephen Yeo, Mr Tim Pickles, rh Mr Eric Young, rh Sir George (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or Pincher, Christopher Tellers for the Noes: (b) provision that is capable of being made under a relevant Poulter, Dr Daniel Mr Philip Dunne and enactment, Prisk, Mr Mark Mark Hunter with such modifications as the authority thinks fit. 919 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 920

(12) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (10) and (11), each of (b) the first financial year to which it must relate. the following enactments as it had effect on the day on which the Persons entitled to reductions Local Government Finance Act 2012 was passed is a “relevant enactment”— 3 (1) The regulations may prescribe— (a) sections 131 to 133 of the Social Security Contributions (a) classes of person who are to be entitled to a reduction and Benefits Act 1992 (council tax benefit); under schemes; (b) sections 134 to 137 of that Act (general provisions (b) classes of person who must not be entitled to a about income-related benefits) so far as applying in reduction under schemes. relation to council tax benefit; (2) The regulations may— (c) section 1 of the Social Security Administration (a) allow specified authorities to determine (subject to Act 1992 (entitlement to benefit dependent on claim) regulations under sub-paragraph (1)) classes of person so far as applying in relation to council tax benefit; who are to be entitled to a reduction under schemes, (d) section 6 of that Act (regulations about council tax or benefit administration).’. (b) provide that specified authorities may not determine Amendment 52, page 49, line 16, leave out ‘consultation such classes. under sub-paragraph (1)(a) took place’ and insert (3) The regulations may require each scheme to state the classes ‘any step described in sub-paragraph (1) was taken’. of person (prescribed under sub-paragraph (1)(a) or determined under sub-paragraph (2)(a)) who are to be entitled to a reduction Amendment 53, page 49, line 44, at end insert under the scheme. ‘(or such other year as is specified in section8(4) of the Local (4) Any class of person prescribed under sub-paragraph (1)(a) Government Finance Act 2012)’. may be determined by reference to, in particular, the matters Amendment 54, page 50, line 2, at end insert— listed in sub-paragraph (7). ‘(3A) The default scheme may in particular make provision (5) The regulations may require any class of person determined that is equivalent to— under sub-paragraph (2)(a) to be determined by reference to (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or specified matters (which may include those listed in sub-paragraph (b) provision that is capable of being made under a (7)). relevant enactment, (6) If the regulations do not require a class a person to be with such modifications as the Secretary of State thinks fit. determined as mentioned in sub-paragraph (5), the specified authority may determine that class by reference to, in particular, (3B) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3A), each of the the matters listed in sub-paragraph (7). following enactments as it had effect on the day on which the Local Government Finance Act 2012 was passed is a “relevant (7) Those matters are— enactment”— (a) whether the Welsh Ministers consider, or the specified (a) sections 131 to 133 of the Social Security Contributions authority considers, any person to be in financial and Benefits Act 1992 (council tax benefit); need; (b) sections 134 to 137 of that Act (general provisions (b) the income of any person liable to pay council tax in about income-related benefits) so far as applying in respect of any dwelling to which a scheme is to apply; relation to council tax benefit; (c) the capital of any such person; (c) section 1 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (d) whether any such person is in receipt of any specified (entitlement to benefit dependent on claim) so far as benefit; applying in relation to council tax benefit; (e) the income and capital of any other person who is a (d) section 6 of that Act (regulations about council tax resident of the dwelling, or whether any such person benefit administration).’. is in receipt of any specified benefit; Amendment 55, page 51, line 30, after ‘benefit’ insert (f) the number of dependants of any person within ‘, or who makes or has made a claim for that benefit,’. paragraph (b) or (e); Amendment 56, page 51, line 31, at end insert— (g) whether the person has made an application for the reduction. ‘Schedule 1B Section 13A Reductions 4 (1) The regulations may prescribe reductions, including COUNCIL TAX REDUCTIONS SCHEMES:WALES minimum and maximum reductions, to which persons in each Interpretation class (whether prescribed under paragraph 3(1)(a) or determined under paragraph 3(2)(a)) are to be entitled under schemes. 1 In this Schedule— (2) The regulations may— (a) “the regulations” means regulations under section 13A(2B); (a) allow specified authorities to determine (subject to (b) “scheme” means council tax reduction scheme under the regulations under sub-paragraph (1)) reductions to regulations; which persons in each class set out in the scheme are (c) “specified” means specified in the regulations; to be entitled, or (d) “specified authority” means a person or body required by (b) provide that specified authorities may not determine the regulations to make a scheme (and, in relation to a particular such reductions. scheme, means the authority which made the scheme or is under (3) The regulations may require each scheme to set out the a duty to make it). reductions (whether prescribed under sub-paragraph (1) or Application of schemes determined under sub-paragraph (2)(a)) to which persons in each 2 (1) The regulations may— class set out in the scheme are to be entitled. (a) prescribe, for each scheme that is to be made, the (4) Different reductions may be set out for different classes. dwellings to which that scheme is to apply; (5) A reduction under a scheme may be— (b) require each scheme to state the dwellings to which it is (a) a discount calculated as a percentage of the amount to apply. which would be payable apart from the scheme, (2) The regulations may prescribe— (b) a discount of an amount set out in the scheme or to be (a) the date by which each scheme is to be made, and calculated in accordance with the scheme, 921 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 922

(c) expressed as an amount of council tax to be paid (lower Transitional provision than the amount which would be payable apart from 7 (1) The regulations may make such transitional provision the scheme) which is set out in the scheme or is to be regarding the commencement of schemes as the Welsh Ministers calculated in accordance with it, or think fit. (d) the whole amount of council tax (so that the amount (2) Such provision may include, in particular, provision for and payable is nil). in connection with treating a person who is or was in receipt of Other matters council tax benefit, or who makes or has made a claim for that 5 (1) The regulations may require each scheme to state— benefit, as having made an application for a reduction under a (a) the procedure by which a person may apply for a scheme. reduction under the scheme; Guidance (b) the procedure by which a person can make an appeal 8 In exercising any function relating to schemes, a specified under section 16 against any decision which affects authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh the person’s entitlement to a reduction under the Ministers.”’. scheme or the amount of any reduction to which the person is entitled; Amendment 57, page 52, line 7, after ‘scheme’ insert (c) the procedure by which a person can apply to the ‘under section 13A(2)’. relevant billing authority for a reduction under Amendment 58, page 52, line 11, leave out ‘a billing section 13A(1)(b). authority’. (2) In sub-paragraph (1)(c), the relevant billing authority for Amendment 59, page 52, line 12, at beginning insert any dwelling to which the scheme applies is the billing authority in whose area the dwelling is situated. ‘a billing authority in England or a specified authority (within the meaning of Schedule 1B) in Wales’. (3) The regulations may prescribe requirements which must be met by the procedure mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b). Amendment 60, page 52, line 13, at beginning insert ‘a billing authority’.—(Robert Neill.) 6 (1) The regulations may— (a) require other matters to be included in schemes; (b) allow schemes to make provision that is equivalent to provision made by a relevant enactment, or provision New Clause 1 that is capable of being made under a relevant enactment, with such modifications as specified TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SCHEMES authorities think fit; ‘(1) The Secretary of State may provide in regulations under (c) prescribe the procedure which a specified authority paragraphs 20, 23 or 26 of Schedule 1 (levy payments, safety net must follow when making a scheme (including payments and safety net payments on account) for the calculated requirements regarding consultation and other steps amount for an area in which a tax increment financing scheme is to be taken before and after making the scheme); in place to disregard the levy and any re-set. (d) require or allow functions conferred by the regulations (2) Regulations under subsection (1) shall be made by statutory to be exercised by specified authorities jointly with instrument and may not be made unless a draft has been laid other authorities; before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.’.— (e) prescribe a default scheme which is to take effect, if a (John Healey.) specified authority fails to make a scheme in accordance with the regulations, in respect of dwellings to which Brought up, and read the First time. that scheme would have applied; (f) impose requirements on specified authorities relating to John Healey: I beg to move, That the clause be read a the review, revision or replacement of schemes; Second time. (g) enable specified authorities to make reasonable charges for the supply of copies of documents relating to Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it schemes; will be convenient to discuss the following: (h) require specified authorities to provide to the Welsh New clause 6—Determination of central and local Ministers information about schemes. shares— (2) In particular, the regulations may under sub-paragraph ‘(1) In determining the central share and the local share for (1)(a) set out provision to be included in schemes, and a default any relevant authority, the Secretary of State must have regard scheme prescribed under sub-paragraph (1)(d) may make to— provision, that is equivalent to— (a) the level of need in that authority, and (a) provision made by a relevant enactment, or (b) provision that is capable of being made under a (b) the likely capacity of the authority to benefit from relevant enactment, business rate growth. with such modifications as the Welsh Ministers think fit. (2) Any assessment of the level of need shall include— (3) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (1)(b) and (2), each of (a) the ranking of the local authority in the Index of the following enactments as it had effect on the day on which the Multiple Deprivation, Local Government Finance Act 2012 was passed is a “relevant (b) the level of unemployment within the authority’s area, enactment”— (c) the proportion of adults within the authority’s area (a) sections 131 to 133 of the Social Security Contributions who have a limiting long-term illness, and Benefits Act 1992 (council tax benefit); (d) the number of adults within the area who are in receipt (b) sections 134 to 137 of that Act (general provisions of social care, about income-related benefits) so far as applying in relation to council tax benefit; (e) the number of looked-after children within the authority, and (c) section 1 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (entitlement to benefit dependent on claim) so far as (f) the level of child poverty within the authority’s area. applying in relation to council tax benefit; (3) The Secretary of State must lay his assessment before the (d) section 6 of that Act (regulations about council tax House at the same time as the Local Government Finance benefit administration). Report.’. 923 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 924

New clause 11—National business rate policy changes: “We will introduce new borrowing powers to enable authorities consultation— to carry out Tax Increment Financing”. ‘The Secretary of State may not make any changes to national In response to the consultation, the Government also business rate policy which impact on local business rate yields made a commitment to without first consulting with all interested parties.’. “allow a limited number of Tax Increment Financing Projects to Government amendments 15 to 17. be exempted from any levy and reset for 25 years.” Amendment 62, page 12, line 13, schedule 1, leave out That is the crucial commitment that I want to test ‘each year’ and insert— against the content of the Bill before us. I expressed my concern about the freedom of the ring-fencing from any ‘each financial year until the end of the financial year beginning 1 April 2014’. effects of reset to the Secretary of State on Second Reading on 10 January. He had no answer: either he did Government amendments 18 and 19. not know, or he did not want to say. Amendment 63, page 23, line 40, at end insert— Let me therefore point the Minister to the source of ‘(ca) by reference to the volatility caused by rating appeals my concern, which relates to paragraph 37(1)(d) of following a revaluation;’. schedule 1 on page 32. This deals with the regulation- Government amendments 20 to 41. making powers of the Secretary of State, referring to regulations that can Government new clause 8—Payments to and from authorities. “provide for that amount or that proportion to be disregarded for the purposes of calculations under any of the following provisions”— John Healey: I rise to speak to new clauses 1 and 11, in other words, regulation-making powers that can lead and amendments 62 and 63. to the disregard of a proportion of business rates in specified areas, namely TIF areas, for particular payments My purpose with new clause 1 is to encourage the that would otherwise be due. The provision goes on to Minister to confirm, on behalf of the Government, that identify payments to the central share, payments by the necessary powers exist in legislation to make tax billing to precepting local authorities, levy payments, increment financing work in future, and also to confirm safety net payments, payments on account and payments Ministers’ intent and commitment to using those powers. that follow from changes either to the local government The case for TIFs—tax increment financing schemes—is finance report or to an amending report of a local unarguable. I myself have been arguing it for a number government financing report. There is no power, however, of years, first in the Treasury and then in the Department to make regulations to exempt payments as a result of for Communities and Local Government. There are changes through a reset. local government regulations in Scotland to allow six TIF pilots to go ahead. The use of TIFs is widespread in If I am mistaken, I would like the Minister to indicate Canada and the US, particularly in areas where regeneration where that power lies. If no such provision exists in the is required; indeed, only one state in the US—Arizona— legislation, will he confirm that the Government will does not have TIF legislation. TIFs build on the honour the commitment they made in their response to commitment that Labour made in government, in the the consultation and will amend the Bill so that any Budget 2010, a commitment that was backed by a payments resulting from a reset can be disregarded—and capital down payment of £120 million. disregarded in full—for the purpose of the TIF areas? The Minister would be welcome to accept my new However, if the TIFs system is to work—that is, clause if he needs to do so. if local authorities are to borrow money for up-front infrastructure investment against the anticipated increase Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): in business rate income as a result of the new infrastructure The right hon. Gentleman has made admirably clear his —there must above all be certainty for those long-term concerns about the potential lack of commercial certainty. investments to be made. There needs to be certainty for One of the advantages of going down the route of tax a clear business plan and, then, an investment plan to be increment financing is that there would be ring fence put in place, otherwise TIFs will not get off the ground and over the 25 to 30-year period. Does he not see, however, will not work. That certainty is required over a 20 to that in very uncertain economic times, that is a very long 30-year time scale, which is why it is needed in legislation. period, so it might be unwise, where a major change As the Centre for Cities said in response to the Government’s required a major reset in a particular area, perhaps where consultation: new towns were being built, not to allow the Government “When the Government introduces Tax Increment Financing…it a certain amount of leeway? Is that not more important should be based on ‘Option 2’—a ringfenced TIF which is best than the exclusion of a reset from the ring fence? suited for local investment finance within the proposed business rate retention system.” John Healey: I would have thought the hon. Gentleman, That point was echoed by the British Property Federation, who represents the Cities of London and Westminster, which said: would recognise more than anyone else that for the sort “Failing to ring-fence the income stream for that length of of commercial investment required to get TIFs off the time”— ground in circumscribed and specific areas, certainty is its submission referred to a 25 to 30-year period— a premium. If the 25 or 30-year commitment required “would generally render the upfront investment unbankable, because to make this work could be periodically completely set the risks associated with it become too difficult to model, understand to one side in a reset process, I put it to him that the and price. TIF will only work with the sort of total ring-fencing inherent risk created by that and the inherent lack of proposed under Option 2”. certainty entailed by it would undermine the ability to The Government made the commitment to ring-fencing, raise the finance necessary to get the TIFs off the stating in the White Paper of October 2010: ground. 925 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 926

[John Healey] terms. Alongside that, the projected yield from business rates is set to go up by nearly £1 billion next year and by As to the hon. Gentleman’s point about new towns, more than half a billion the year after that. That means the regulations allow the disregard in the specified areas that the gap between the projected business rates yield that are designated as TIF areas only. The disregard on and central Government’s commitment to resource spending business rate payments, a proportion of which would on local government is more than £2 billion for next otherwise become payable by the local authority, would year, and £4 billion for the year after that. There is a be allowed under various headings, but this would not significant and growing gap between the business rates apply to the reset. Fundamentally, that is the biggest yield and spending on local government. upset factor of all, so the case for disregarding that is probably stronger than it is for the smaller-beer measures for which regulations can be designed to protect. 8pm I accept, as do my colleagues on the Opposition Mark Field: I accept what the right hon. Gentleman Front Bench, the need for the business rates retention says and he is absolutely right about commercial certainty, system not to undermine the Chancellor’s announced which is of great importance to any would-be investor. plans for deficit reduction during the current spending Instead of the notion of absolute certainty embodied in review period. However, I do not want central Government new clause 1, would the right hon. Gentleman not be to keep helping themselves to a growing yield from satisfied, particularly in view of the important effect of business rates after 2014-15, given that the system is building a new town or a huge new industrial estate for designed to return that yield to local government as an which the notion of a reset would apply, by reassurances incentive for it to support economic development. from the Minister that the Government do not intend to make the changes he has in mind? Would that not be Andrew Gwynne: It is not yet clear how local authorities’ better than going down the route of absolutely certainty, needs will be assessed for the purpose of determining which provides little flexibility either to central or local the proportion of the business rate that they will retain. government, for an incredibly long period of 25 or We need to see the bigger picture, not least because 30 years? We need go back only two and a half or three services and needs vary widely, as does the ability to decades to recognise the great changes that have taken generate income locally. place in many of the industrial areas that we represent and to understand that absolute certainty of the sort John Healey: My hon. Friend, who has experience of that he— local government, has put his finger on the button. What worries me is that the Bill gives the Secretary of Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. State power to set the central and local shares—in other [Interruption.] Order—the hon. Gentleman must not words, to determine the division of the business rates test my patience even more. Interventions are welcome, take—in each and every year, indefinitely. I am not and I am prepared to give a little leeway, but the hon. talking just about what will happen next year and the Gentleman is almost making a speech. year after that, or about what will happen until the end of the current spending review period. From year to John Healey: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I got year, local government simply will not know where it the gist. I welcome this Bill and I want it to work. My stands until the Secretary of State makes the decision. fear is that without the certainty around potential resets—we The central and local shares could vary, and central do not know when or how often they might happen; we Government could decide to take a greater share. do not know whether they will happen every 10 years; The Government’s top-slicing of at least 50% of the we do not know how they will work in future—there business rates revenue and 50% of the business rates will be huge risk and uncertainty in the system. It is not growth above the baseline will reduce the incentives for a question of whether I am satisfied by the provision; it local authorities to support growth, which were meant is a question of whether the potential investors, who to be part of the design of the system. It will also reduce will determine whether the TIFs work or not, are satisfied. the certainty that would enable authorities to plan their I am trying to convey the sentiment that I have picked finances on more than a year-by-year basis, and reduce up from my discussions with banks, commercial the Government’s own ability to claim that this is a organisations, the British Property Federation and some localising reform. I am sure that we will hear from of the City’s policy experts, who all say, “Look, we the Minister—and I have heard this before—that the require a ring fence; it must be total”. Thus leaving out Government have declared their intention of returning the reset, which the Government promised they would the revenues in the central share to local government; not do, does not make sense if we want the provisions to but, as has been pointed out by my hon. Friend the work. I hope the Minister will be able to provide the Member for Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne), confirmation we need and be able to build it into the we have been given no details, and we do not know what Bill. This issue will certainly need to be confirmed at purposes or constraints that may entail. later stages of the Bill. Amendment 62 is designed to get to the heart of the Mr Betts: My right hon. Friend has raised an important relative share of the business rate take between central point about what the Government may choose to do and local government. The figures for projected resource with the extra money from the business rates that will spending on local government under the current spending accrue each year. The suspicion has been expressed that review demonstrate a significant reduction for next year they will use it to ensure that local authorities must and the year after that—of nearly half a billion between fund more and more council tax benefits. That would this year and the next, and of more than £1.5 billion be a simple way of transferring responsibility for benefits between next year and the year after that in nominal to local authorities. 927 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 928

John Healey: My hon. Friend may well be right, and the City of London was lost as a result of successful his Select Committee will doubtless keep a close eye on backdated appeals. So the appeals add another important, the matter. I hope that the Minister will give us some volatile element to the system of business rates. answers tonight, but I am sure that, if he does not, Those appeals are made against decisions by the Ministers in the other place will be pressed on the point. Valuation Office Agency, not local authorities. The system The other gaping hole in the Bill is the absence of any is managed by the VOA and tribunals, not the local specific measure that would tell us when and how the authority, and it brings benefits to the companies that Government would deal with the reset in the future. The are successful, not the local authorities. We must ensure two options that they presented in their statement of that the impacts of appeals do not affect the funding intent last week could lead to fundamentally different base of the local authorities; we must not expose authorities outcomes. There could be a full reset, whereby all the to vagaries in the system and to the impact of appeals, business rate growth up to the point of the reset was when they cannot predict them, control the risk of them redistributed—meaning, in effect, that the baseline of or benefit from them. Actually, neither can they benefit the whole system would be reset by means of the new, from business rate increases through revaluation, at and total, business rates pot—or there could be a partial least while the Government put in place transition reset, meaning that business growth would be retained relief. at local level, and just the initial baseline would be reset. I tabled amendment 63 because the Government are That represents a very wide range of possibilities for creating a one-way bet, in which the Chancellor wins local authorities. If the Minister wants authorities to be each way and the councils lose each time. If the appeals able to plan for the future on the basis of the new are won by the company, the local authority has to system, he must provide them with some of the answers manage the volatility and has to bear the loss up to the to such questions, sooner rather than later. level of the safety net threshold—which, according to the statement of intent in the Government’s publications Andrew Gwynne: Getting the reset procedure right is of Thursday last week, is likely to be somewhere between important not least because the initial baseline is so 7.5% and 10%. Amendment 63 is an attempt to make unfair. It locks in unfair local government settlements sure that once the calculations and the thresholds are and in-year cuts. It is crucially important for local determined, safety net payments take full account of government to be certain that the reset procedure will rating appeals. Linked to that, I hope the Government work in the future, because otherwise the gaps will will accept the case for fully compensating local authorities continue to widen. from the levy pot for the impact of any successful business appeals—over which they have no control, and John Healey: Indeed. I have my misgivings about which they cannot predict. whether any approach to the reset procedure can make New clause 11 is relatively modest, and I hope the the system fair after more than a few years. Indeed, I am Minister will accept it in principle, if not in practice at still to be convinced that the system can be reset in a fair this stage. The power for setting and changing business and proper way. But, Mr Deputy Speaker, I digress rates policy—business rate reliefs, which are mandatory, beyond the scope of the amendments that I tabled. as well as the payment schedules for business rates and Let me now turn to amendment 63. During earlier the transition periods for business rate increases—will debates on the Bill in the Chamber, I argued that this continue to rest with the Secretary of State and the was an unsuitable system for long-term Government national Government. Currently, any national business funding. Ultimately, business rates yield is too volatile, rate policy changes have no direct impact on local and it is too volatile on a year-by-year basis. Let me give authority finances or local authority budgets. In future three examples, a couple of which will be close to home they will, however. They will not be local government for those on both Front Benches. decisions, but they will create consequences that local In Warrington the business rates yield has dropped government will have to deal with. If the Government by £10 million over the last 10 years, from £53 million to decide to change the rate or the type of mandatory rate just £43 million. In Sunderland there was a £17 million reliefs, or to allow the deferral of part of the change in drop between 2010 and 2011, and in the year before that business rate bills, that will have a direct impact on that there had been a £12 million rise. I can tell the Under- year’s yield in the area concerned, and therefore on the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, local authority’s funding. Local authorities will be hit the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert by the consequences of decisions that they did not Neill), that in the middle of 2005-06, the business rates make and that they cannot control. That is unfair and income in his borough of Bromley halved. In two of the unreasonable. last four years, the changes—up and down, and up and It may surprise some Members to learn that the down again—have amounted to more than 10%. The Federation of Small Businesses has also made that funding stream is inherently volatile, and, in my view, is argument. It said in response to the consultation of inherently unsuitable as a basis for the funding of October 2011 that essential local government services. “the FSB is concerned that the incentive system could actually deter local authorities from promoting and utilising the reliefs The main purpose of amendment 63, however, is to available to small businesses such as small business rate relief, draw attention to concern about the volatility caused by rural rate relief and hardship relief…It would mean that a local appeals. I believe that areas in which there is a particular authority would lose out on income if it increased the proportion concentration of a single or consistent business type are of businesses that received rate relief or would make money if the particularly vulnerable to a big impact from them. The number of businesses able to get reliefs fell.” hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster I am sure the Minister does not want to design into the (Mark Field), who has just left the Chamber, may recall new system perverse incentives that will hit small firms that in 2007-08, a full 20% of the business rates yield of in that way. 929 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 930

[John Healey] reduction in resource equalisation. Under this scheme, the gap between richer and poorer authorities will widen. As currently proposed, the new system will be bad for First, as the Yorkshire and Humberside councils have local authorities, and could be bad for local small and said, medium-sized firms. My new clause requires that, at the “a baseline may not reflect the actual levels of funding councils very least, the Secretary of State must consult the need to deliver services from April 2013.” parties that would be affected by changes in national They were right about that. Secondly, as we have discussed business rates policy before making such decisions. Under during the passage of this Bill, some authorities will the new system, the stakes for councils will be higher, so find it easier to grow their business rates than others. It the guarantee to consult them before any changes are has been estimated that even if the top-ups and tariffs made is the minimum that Ministers should promise. increased in line with the retail prices index, the gap between the richest and the poorest authorities, and 8.15 pm between the north and the south, will widen. Cash Helen Jones: Once again, I am very pleased to follow growth in the City of London could be 139% over four an interesting, passionate and well-informed speech years and the figure for Westminster could be 90%, from my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth whereas the estimate for Liverpool and Knowsley is and Dearne (John Healey). I can add little to the case he 21.9% and that for South Tyneside is 22.7%. made for his amendments, so, given the time constraints, When we add into that this Government’s abject I shall focus on new clause 6, which stands in my name failure to take into account the differing tax bases of and that of other right hon. and hon. Friends. local authorities, the situation becomes even worse. We make no apologies for returning to the issue of That failure means that local authorities do not start on need and the different levels of need within local authorities the level playing field that the Deputy Prime Minister —the elephant in the room that the Government want kept telling us about—although he was the man who to ignore. This issue has been raised time and again in said he was not going to raise tuition fees, so I am not our debates on the Bill by hon. Friends, many of whom sure that anyone takes much notice of him. In the long represent some of the most deprived communities in term, fortunate local councils might reduce or even get this country and have seen at first hand the impact of rid of council tax, whereas others whose tax base is low the Government’s policies on those communities. and where it is harder to attract investment will be Why are the Government so wilfully blind to the unable to do so. When we also take into account the effects of their policies? They have already hit local amount that some councils will lose through changes in authorities with cuts that are larger than those inflicted council tax benefit, it is clear that they could be heading on any Government Department, and we have heard for the perfect storm. from Opposition Members about the real and serious impact the cuts are having on front-line services—the Andrew Gwynne: May I use the example of my cuts in school food provision, increases in home care constituency to illustrate precisely the issue that my charges, library closures in the poorest communities. hon. Friend is raising? My constituency covers two However, none of this has any influence on Ministers, metropolitan boroughs that lie side by side; Tameside so out of touch are they with most people’s lives, and it predominantly contains band A and band B properties, now appears that they are going to make things worse. so its ability to increase its income from council tax is less than that of neighbouring Stockport, which contains First, they entrench unfairness in the system by basing a much larger amount of properties in a wider range of it on the current local government finance settlement, bands. Is that not the fundamental unfairness of all so the inequalities and unfairness of the current scheme this? will form the basis of the settlement for years to come. We have heard many times during our debates on this Helen Jones: It is the fundamental thing that the Bill about cities that are losing spending power: Manchester Government fail to understand: councils are not starting is losing spending power of £186 per person, Birmingham from the same baseline. Those who pay the price for £155 and Nottingham £147. Those are the cities that the these inequalities, which will increase, are those most in Government think will drive the economic recovery; need. Need is the thing that the Government do not there is no linked-up policy here. Wokingham, of course, want to talk about. That is why our new clause 6 seeks gains, however. Basingstoke and Deane gains £6.30 per to require the Government to take into account both person. East Dorset gains £3 per person. the likely capacity of an authority to benefit from According to the Government’s statement of intent—it business rate growth and the authority’s level of need. is one of many, so I am unsure how much weight we can place on any of their statements of intent—each authority When the Secretary of State issued all these statements will keep 50% of its business rates and the Government of intent last week, he sought to dismiss the whole will provide a revenue support grant to make up the concept of need. He talked of grants as a difference between the local share of business rates at “system of Government handouts to local authorities”. the outset of the scheme and the spending controls for He said that this local government. However, they will, it seems, have “encourages a begging bowl mentality, with each council vying to top-sliced that for the new homes bonus first, which be more deprived than its neighbour.”—[Official Report, 17 May 2012; already benefits most those authorities with a high tax Vol. 545, c. 39WS.] base, and it appears that many other grants will also be I have never heard such an appalling slur on local included, as listed in the statement of intent. councils or such an arrogant dismissal of the needs of We already know how the grant system has been used many of the poorest people in this country, and he to penalise the poorest authorities with communities should apologise for that. Is he really suggesting that that are most in need, and there has been a significant councils are pretending to represent areas that are poorer 931 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 932 than they actually are, simply to get Government grants? Coming from this Government that is a bit like King That is nonsense. So why is it that under this Government Herod accusing someone of child cruelty.Local authorities the needs of people who are out of work, of people who are still having to cope with the long-term legacy of have long-term illnesses and of people in poverty can be heavy industry, followed by de-industrialisation. treated as if they do not exist? These people do not have loud voices, because most of them are just trying to get Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): I am loth to by from week to week. They do not share mulled wine interrupt my hon. Friend, who is making a powerful and mince pies with the Prime Minister or get invited and passionate case that I have no doubt will sway even to dinner at Dorneywood. By contrast, those who pay those stern Gradgrinds on the Government Benches. 50% tax—millionaires, who are apparently squeezed Does she accept that constituencies such as mine have beyond endurance—must be relieved of their burdens. islands of deprivation in a sea of affluence and that we [Interruption.] The Under-Secretary of State for have a post-industrial working class in parts of west Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member London? Is it coincidence that the royal borough of for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill) says that Kensington and Chelsea has the longest life expectancy that is a cliché. It is not a cliché; it points out the moral of anywhere in the United Kingdom, whereas places laxity of this Government, who cannot see that treating such as her constituency and mine are at the other end, poor people unfairly while giving handouts to rich not through any fault, but because of industrial history? people is exactly what most of the country finds wrong. What can be done to address this cruelty?

Andrew Gwynne: My hon. Friend is making precisely Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is quite right. In the the point that needs to be made in these debates, which first place, we could ensure that we address those legacies is that the demands on local services vary widely and of ill health and poverty, which create a greater demand that it is often the poorest communities that have the for services and mean that fewer people are able to greatest demands. I am very pleased that her proposal contribute to them. For example, why does Durham recognises children in care, because they are a big issue council need to spend more on older people than a for local authorities in need. That argument needs to be similarly sized council such as Surrey? It is not because made in this debate. it is profligate, but because it has higher deprivation and ill health, which lead to greater demand for home care Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is right about that, and services but mean that fewer people are able to finance I shall discuss the number of people in care later. It is that care. Fifteen times as many people receive a community important that we recognise that many of the things we service in Durham than in Surrey and two and a half are discussing are statutory services, which the local times more receive a home care service. That demonstrates authority has to provide. the huge variation in need across the country. Let us examine some of the differences between Those levels do not bear any relation to an authority’s areas. In Knowsley, whose case was put forcefully in ability to generate income. In Surrey, for example, 75% Committee by my right hon. Friend the Member for of the properties are in band D or above. Surrey can Knowsley (Mr Howarth), 58,000 people—more than generate more income from band D council tax than a one third—live in areas that are among the top five similarly sized authority, which is a point that was made most deprived in the country. In the north-east, 32.7% of earlier. Unless those factors are taken into account in people live in the most deprived 20% of areas. Those are any financial settlement, there is a huge risk to services the areas that will struggle as the gap between needs and for those in need. resources widens. Such authorities are often the same ones that are having to cope with the biggest increases 8.30 pm in unemployment. That both reduces the finance available to local councils, because more people are claiming A similar combination of need and a more difficult benefit, and increases the demand for their services. local economic situation can be seen in Halton, my neighbouring authority. One in five people in Halton The Secretary of State seems to think that authorities has a limiting long-term illness, yet its ability to benefit are competing to be the most deprived, so let me ask from increased economic growth is more limited than him something—I would if he were here, but he seems that of other authorities for one simple reason: 22.3% of to take these debates so lightly that he has not even its business property already has an empty rating assessment, bothered to turn for most of this one. So let me ask this and even if it were all brought back into use it would Minister: is unemployment in Birmingham, Ladywood generate little by way of extra income. The same is true higher or lower than in Henley? In Birmingham, Ladywood, of Liverpool and other big cities, where so much spare it stands at 11.2%, whereas in Henley it is 1.1%. capacity exists that even if an extra 15,000 jobs were Does Middlesbrough have a higher or lower created, they would get no additional business rate unemployment rate than North East Hampshire? income. When the Government insist that councils Middlesbrough’s rate is 9.7%, whereas that for North concentrate on increasing commercial floor space, the East Hampshire is 1.1%. Is the figure for Liverpool, problem is that those who have surplus capacity find Walton higher or lower than that for Wokingham? The things increasingly difficult. figure for Liverpool, Walton is 8.5%, whereas that for Wokingham is 1.3%. Does he think that councils are Andrew Gwynne: The question of developing local making this up and deliberately causing unemployment economies also does not take into account the relationship to get Government grants? Not even he could get up to between city regions. Often the drivers for economic argue that. It is not local councils that have caused this growth might be outside a borough’s boundaries, or in a recession, yet still we hear from Government Members neighbouring local authority to which people will travel that councils are “reluctant”to promote economic growth. for work. 933 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 934

Helen Jones: My hon. Friend is quite right and that is must be. We are dealing with some extremely damaged true in many urban conurbations, such as Manchester and vulnerable children in local authority care. Surrey and London, for example. has 32 looked-after children per 10,000 of population, Let us also consider the need for children’s services. and Wokingham has 22, compared with 104 per 10,000 in Levels of child poverty, and thus the demand for services, Middlesbrough and 100 per 10,000 in Newcastle. That vary hugely between authorities. In Hartlepool, 29% of is a stark example of the differing levels of need between children are in poverty. In Newcastle, the figure is 27%, local authorities, and the idea that those services should as it is in Liverpool. That is 91,000 children. I could be left to the vagaries of the market is breathtaking. not resist looking at that often mentioned authority, My right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth Wokingham, where the level of child poverty is 7%. and Dearne, who is no longer in his place, gave some Which area has the most need for services, yet which is good examples of how business rates can vary from benefiting most and is likely to benefit more from this year to year. It is entirely unpredictable, yet this Government Government’s plans? still refuse to recognise those different levels of need Such high levels of child poverty mean a higher within local authorities. demand for children’s services. In Liverpool, for example, 77% of the children in poverty are in single-parent Mr Betts: Am I being a little cynical when I say that families, meaning there is an even greater need for child the Government have devised a scheme that is now so care and support for families to help parents go to complicated—top-ups, tariffs, set-asides, then revaluations, work, as well as for other support. Children in those and on top of that the fact that only 50% of business areas need better service, not worse, and they need more rates will be returned to local authorities, and a rate help. There is no point in the Deputy Prime Minister’s support grant element as well—that when they achieve banging on about the need to address inequalities in what they are trying to do, the transfer of money from education unless the Government recognise that to deprived communities to more affluent communities, it make a real difference those inequalities must be tackled will be virtually impossible to explain to anybody what before children get to school. they have done? So, we have places such as Middlesbrough—the hon. Helen Jones: I do not think my hon. Friend is at all Member for St Austell and Newquay (Stephen Gilbert) cynical. He is exactly right. The whole point of the Bill, is shaking his head, but anyone in education knows that as we have said throughout, is to centralise power and to make a real difference to educational attainment we devolve the blame. We saw it earlier when we were debating need to tackle the inequalities before the children reach council tax. We are seeing it now in the Government’s the age of five. By the time they get to school, those plans for business rates. I believe their aims are simple. inequalities are entrenched and, if he does not think They go about it in a complicated way, but the basic aim that that is true, I suggest he asks some teachers. is very simple: to ensure that whoever gets the blame for Middlesbrough is the ninth most deprived local authority cuts in local services, it is not them. It is also to ensure in England and has seven times as many children receiving that the voices of those who are most in need are free school meals as Wokingham does. It clearly needs excluded from this debate. greater investment in children’s services. Poverty also We believe that the views of those people ought to be drives the number of children being taken into care. We heard. Let us think about who they are. They are elderly spoke earlier in the passage of the Bill about the huge men and women who have contributed all their lives increase in the number of referrals and children taken and who are not getting the home care that they need in into care following the case of baby Peter, but the their old age, or are paying too much. It is a child in a differences between authorities are stark. There was a family who may not be well-off but is dependent on 10% increase nationally in safeguarding referrals in the local libraries for his or her education. It is the most period around 2009-10, but in Liverpool the increase vulnerable children in need of care and protection. was 60%. Those are the differences that we are dealing These are the people to whom this Government pay no with. The same applies to the numbers of looked-after heed. We have moved the new clause because we do not children—children for whom the authority has a legal intend their needs to be forgotten. I urge my hon. obligation to be the corporate parent and to provide. It Friends to support it in the Lobby. It might help if I cannot cut those services, it cannot trim them and it indicate that we will press it to a vote. cannot decide how great the demand is. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Perhaps it is Andrew Gwynne: I ought to declare an interest, as my sign of the complexity of the subject and the fact that wife, Councillor Allison Gwynne, is the cabinet member we have not exactly taken the nation with us that there for children’s services in Tameside council. My hon. are so few Members in the Chamber tonight to discuss Friend’s point about children’s services and the cost of local government funding. We ought to remember that those services is absolutely correct, not least because local government funding underpins local authority children’s services, particularly for looked-after children, services, which support our most vulnerable people—the is such a resource-intensive service and cannot easily be elderly and the disabled—and that it is women who are cut, nor should it be. It is those councils that often have the heaviest users of local authority services and who the least ability to raise business rates that are likely to are hardest hit when services are cut or funding is be penalised the most. changed. Any changes to local authority funding need to be considered carefully and time must be taken to Helen Jones: I could not have put it better than did ensure that all intended and unintended consequences my hon. Friend. These services are demand-led; they are known before those changes are made, not after, but are not within the control of the local authority, and adequate time and proper consideration are precisely they are, as he said, very expensive to provide, as they what the Government’s proposals are lacking. 935 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 936

We heard only this morning that nine of the 10 poorest Treasury civil servants initially pointed the finger at areas in the country are in the north-west, and the local authorities and said that they were creaming off 10th is in the north-east. We know that Government the money. There was naming and shaming of local cuts to local authority funding have already led to every authorities, which came out very firmly and screamed person in the average north-west local authority losing that they were not creaming off the money. The civil £133. Every person in my local authority has lost £70, servants looked again and then pointed the finger at yet every person in deepest deprived Surrey has special educational needs, saying that the growth in the gained £2. SEN sector and its increasing cost was draining money Because of the complexities of local government that had been meant for the schools. A proper review funding, even slight changes in one area often have found that it was not special educational needs, but a major impacts elsewhere. We are beginning to see clear Treasury anorak—[Interruption.] I am sorry, but Ministers evidence that the pupil premium, although well intended, should listen to this, because it is important. It was a is responsible for a shift in funding from the poorest Treasury anorak who tweaked the system in one area areas to the most affluent, and from schools with high and caused a Mexican wave in another. Local authority concentrations of children on free school meals to funding is complex. If the Government do not take the schools with lower concentrations of those children. time to consider it properly, the most vulnerable people The Government have already signalled their intention in our society will be the most affected. to shift health funding away from need and deprivation and towards the elderly population. That will have an 8.45 pm impact on areas such as mine that have high concentrations of people who, because of our industrial heritage, are in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for need of health provision and live in deprivation, because Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): I the funding will be transferred to areas in the south agree with the point that the hon. Member for North where the more affluent and the elderly live. West Durham (Pat Glass) makes: local authority funding is complex. I spent 16 years in a local authority and Now the Government propose changing business another eight on the Greater London authority dealing rates, which will simply carry on their work of siphoning with funding issues, so I say to her gently, because I funding from the poorest areas to the most affluent. recognise the sincerity of her point, that the instance to Those policies on business rates are not new or untried; which she refers occurred on the previous Government’s they were used in the USA in the 1990s and resulted in watch. Despite her indication that it was a risk in the cities such as Detroit and New Orleans becoming derelict system, it was a risk because of the opacity and complication cities, because everyone who could move out did so and of the funding system and the operation of the formula left the cities to the poorest and most vulnerable. The grant, which this Government inherited and are changing. Government’s proposals on business rates take absolutely I understand that there is a problem, but this Government no account of the ability of individual local authorities are fixing it. to raise rates without the support of the Government. The Government’s proposals also take no account of Mr Betts: Will the Minister give way? geography. Any area that is not within the golden triangle of south-east England, northern France and Robert Neill: I am going to make some progress if the Germany needs the support of Government infrastructure hon. Gentleman will forgive me—[Interruption.] Very to attract businesses and business rates. We have heard well, I will give way on that point, but I may not again. tonight how, as a result of these proposals, the City of London will see cash growth of almost 140% over four Mr Betts: The Minister says that the system is being years, yet places such as Liverpool, Knowsley, Bury, reformed because of the complications of the current Wirral and south Tyneside will see cash growth over the system. The Secretary of State, in his initial statement same period of about 20%. to the House, said that the Government’s objective was The Government’s proposals take no account of the to create a new and simpler system. Does the Minister number of children living in poverty in a local authority think that the Government have achieved that objective? or the number in need of local authority care and protection. They take no account of the number of elderly Robert Neill: Compared with formula grant that the poor, the quality of housing or the number of people Labour Government left behind, yes I do. That view living in substandard housing or with chronic ill health. was shared by the Lyons inquiry, which the previous They do not take account of what local authorities need Government very conveniently buried because it did to spend; only of what they can raise. not suit their purposes. I am asking the Government to agree to carry out Might I now turn, Mr Deputy Speaker, specifically to and publish an independent assessment of the needs of the two sets of amendments and new clauses before us? different local authorities before deciding how much of I am sorry that the right hon. Member for Wentworth their business rate they can keep. Local authority funding and Dearne (John Healey) is not in his place, because he formulae are complex and any review must be properly made a thoughtful and well considered speech. I had handled and carefully considered. I know that the the pleasure of shadowing him for a time and I respect Government do not do detail, but that is what local his concern about the matter, so in fairness to his authority funding formulae are all about. If they get the arguments, I will deal with the points he made. detail wrong, they will cause chaos for our most vulnerable New clause 1 relates to the operation of set-aside and people. the position of tax increment financing schemes—TIFs. I remember that some years ago the previous The Government are committed to making TIFs option 2, Government were levering additional funding for schools, which is what we are talking about, successful. I am but the schools were saying that they were not getting it. glad to learn that when he was in government the right 937 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 938

[Robert Neill] that is why we could not accept his amendment and constrain ourselves in the way that is intended. However, hon. Gentleman was an advocate of TIFs. He was not, we have always made it clear that, over time and particularly unfortunately, able to persuade those further up the once we have the public finances back on track, we hope governmental pay scale to introduce them, but I do not to increase the proportion of business rates that are doubt that he tried hard. This Government are doing part of the rates retention scheme. We are starting at what everybody asked and succeeding in introducing 50%, which is a considerable step forward in giving them. He is quite right that for TIFs to operate properly local authorities greater financial autonomy, and the there has to be a degree of certainty, but the change he provisions in the Bill allow the figure to be increased if proposes is not necessary because the provisions in the circumstances permit. Equally, however, one has to be Bill already enable that to happen. realistic and recognise that in an economically difficult The Government’s intention, as indicated in the White world it would be imprudent to presuppose that the Paper, is that a ring fence exempts TIFs from the central share could be removed altogether. I do not calculations of the levy, the set-aside and any reset, and think that any Government would envisage that. It is the Bill already permits that. We also intend that, under conceivable that in dire circumstances the share could the system, the additional uplift in rates retained be be increased, but that is certainly not the Government’s disregarded when setting tariffs and top-ups not only in intention; we intend to reduce it as soon as economic relation to the option 2 TIF scheme, but in respect of circumstances permit. It is therefore appropriate to enterprise zones. That is why “proportion” is used in the maintain the existing provisions, which enable the alterations regulations about which the right hon. Gentleman is in shares between local and central Government to be concerned. The intention for TIFs is 100% ring-fencing, considered alongside the need to maintain affordability but in relation to enterprise zones, as hon. Members and to protect the interests of the taxpayer and the will know, the uplift in rates is retained from a starting wider economy. Whatever the proportion, be it 50% or point, so there is a proportion. The wording is used higher, I repeat the assurance that, as is consistent simply to cover both types of scheme and to enable with the 1988 Act, it remains the case that business rates both to be ring-fenced. paid to central Government through the central share will be returned to local government through other grants. Mr Raynsford: Given the Minister’s response to the Chair of the Communities and Local Government On amendment 63, we are alive to the point that the Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne makes, South East (Mr Betts), insisting that the new system is and we will take it on board when drafting final regulations. simpler, will he now explain how that mechanism, involving We are conscious of the potential interaction of the not only the set-aside and the levy but the reset and the incentive with loss of revenue at appeals, and we have differential arrangements in enterprise zones, will work said that we will consult further on that during the in practice to achieve the objective, which my right hon. summer. We have already scheduled meetings between Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John officials and local authority officials. Against that Healey) rightly stressed, of giving investors the certainty background, I hope that the he will feel able, albeit in that there will be a ring fence? absentia, to withdraw his amendment. Let me turn to new clause 6 and the related proposals Robert Neill: I think that the right hon. Gentleman from Opposition Front Benchers. I could not help but will have to make do with a potted version given that I note a slightly different tone in the debate when we have only 10 minutes left and want to deal with other discussed them. I think that earlier the hon. Member for points as well. Suffice it to say that if he casts his eye North Durham (Mr Jones) alluded to one-tune records. over paragraph 37(1)(d)(iv) and (vi) of part 10 of new With respect to the hon. Member for Warrington North schedule 7B to the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (Helen Jones), a one-tune record is still a one-tune —I know that he will want to do detail as we wish to do record however long you play it, and I am afraid that detail—he will see that the regulations permit those that is what we heard from the Opposition Front Bench. uplifts to be disregarded. It is also, I am sorry to say, a rather inaccurate one-tune Those provisions have the same effect as the new record, because when one analyses the hon. Lady’s clause tabled by the right hon. Member for Wentworth argument, one sees that it is not only a serious indictment and Dearne would have. The Government have said of the system that we inherited from the Labour that it is not our intention to reset the system until 2020, Government but does not accurately portray what we save in exceptional circumstances. I accept that for are seeking to do. It is a serious indictment of the option 2 TIFs it may well be desirable to have a longer Labour Government’s record because the list of undoubted period than that, and the regulations will permit that. differences and inequalities between regions in the UK Enterprise zones and option 2 TIFs will be disregarded that she set out is in some measure, if she will forgive my at the reset and could be disregarded for subsequent saying so, the legacy of the failed, highly centralist periods. It will therefore be convenient to align future policies of the Labour Government. It is pretty scandalous resets with the revaluation period from 2015 onwards. that after 13 years of regional policy and of a highly The system will work perfectly well in practice. centralised local government finance system, the inequalities to which she referred exist. That is what Labour left In amendments 62 and 63, the right hon. Member for behind. Wentworth and Dearne fairly recognises that central Government have, and always will have, an interest in The coalition has sought to address that legacy, even public spending. It is unrealistic to think that central within the existing system. First, we have increased the Government would not have a macro-economic view on weighting given to the needs element of the formula the overall level of control over local government, and grant, which precisely reflects those issues, from 73% to 939 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 940

83%—something that no previous Government have New Clause 6 done. Secondly, we have introduced transitional grant to deal with authorities in the greatest difficulty. DETERMINATION OF CENTRAL AND LOCAL SHARES It is worth bearing in mind that need is built into the ‘(1) In determining the central share and the local share for calculations in the business rate retention system. Need any relevant authority, the Secretary of State must have regard is part of the calculation of the baseline because the to— needs element is part of the formula grant, and we have (a) the level of need in that authority, and indicated that we will take the 2012-13 formula grant as (b) the likely capacity of the authority to benefit from the baseline. The hon. Lady’s examples of the undoubted business rate growth. cost pressures in social services, child care and so on are, (2) Any assessment of the level of need shall include— therefore, reflected in the social services element of the (a) the ranking of the local authority in the Index of formula grant that we have maintained, as well as in the Multiple Deprivation, uplift of the needs element that we have maintained. We (b) the level of unemployment within the authority’s area, have placed such authorities in a better position for the (c) the proportion of adults within the authority’s area starting line. who have a limiting long-term illness, There are undoubtedly significant and sensitive services (d) the number of adults within the area who are in receipt that are under pressure. Reference has been made to of social care, some of the child care cases that we know about. Those (e) the number of looked-after children within the authority, are really tough areas with real cost pressures, but under and our system top-tier authorities in two-tier areas, which (f) the level of child poverty within the authority’s area. make up the majority of the authorities that are responsible (3) The Secretary of State must lay his assessment before the for adult social care and children’s services, will be House at the same time as the Local Government Finance designated as top-up authorities. That means that they Report.’.—(Helen Jones.) will be protected from volatility more than any other Brought up, and read the First time. authorities in the system. They know that their top-up Question put, That the clause be read a Second time. will be fixed for the reset period and index-linked thereafter to the retail prices index. There is particular protection The House divided: Ayes 202, Noes 275. in our system for authorities with the greatest need. The Division No. 6] [9 pm thrust of the Opposition proposals therefore falls at the first point. AYES We have said that we will share the proceeds and the Abbott, Ms Diane Cruddas, Jon risks through the 50:50 split between local and central Abrahams, Debbie Cunningham, Alex Government. We have said that the baseline will take Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Cunningham, Mr Jim into account the issues that we have taken on board. We Alexander, Heidi Cunningham, Tony have said that baseline funding will remain fixed and Anderson, Mr David Curran, Margaret that growth in budgets will be linked to local business Ashworth, Jonathan Dakin, Nic rates growth thereafter, but with protections in place. Austin, Ian Danczuk, Simon Opposition Front Benchers have shown a schizophrenic Bailey, Mr Adrian David, Mr Wayne attitude to the Bill from start to finish. They have Bain, Mr William Davidson, Mr Ian Banks, Gordon De Piero, Gloria played lip service to a degree of localism, and they have Barron, rh Mr Kevin Denham, rh Mr John given examples of over-centralisation that, on analysis, Bayley, Hugh Dobson, rh Frank turn out to be the legacy of their own system. They have Beckett, rh Margaret Docherty, Thomas been in denial throughout about the need to link reform Benn, rh Hilary Doran, Mr Frank of the local government system with a realistic appraisal Benton, Mr Joe Dowd, Jim of the need to reduce the deficit. They have produced a Berger, Luciana Doyle, Gemma set of arguments about as dysfunctional as one could Betts, Mr Clive Dromey, Jack find, making them the Simpson family of British politics. Blears, rh Hazel Durkan, Mark We have heard no credible alternatives. They have played Blenkinsop, Tom Eagle, Ms Angela the same record time and time again, and they do not Blomfield, Paul Eagle, Maria have much credibility. I hope that the House will resist Blunkett, rh Mr David Elliott, Julie the Opposition proposals if they are pressed. Brennan, Kevin Ellman, Mrs Louise Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Engel, Natascha John Healey: Members of another place will study Bryant, Chris Esterson, Bill the Minister’s remarks this evening very carefully and Burnham, rh Andy Evans, Chris return to a number of points. I am grateful to him for Byrne, rh Mr Liam Farrelly, Paul his comments about TIF funding, and I was pleased by Campbell, Mr Alan Fitzpatrick, Jim most, if not all of them. I, too, will study the Hansard Campbell, Mr Ronnie Flello, Robert record of his comments very carefully indeed. I beg to Caton, Martin Flynn, Paul ask leave to withdraw the clause. Chapman, Mrs Jenny Fovargue, Yvonne Clause, by leave, withdrawn. Clarke, rh Mr Tom Francis, Dr Hywel Clwyd, rh Ann Gardiner, Barry 9pm Coffey, Ann Gilmore, Sheila Connarty, Michael Glass, Pat Proceedings interrupted (Programme Orders, 10 January Cooper, Rosie Glindon, Mrs Mary and this day). Corbyn, Jeremy Godsiff, Mr Roger The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary Crausby, Mr David Goggins, rh Paul for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that Creagh, Mary Goodman, Helen time (Standing Order No. 83E). Creasy, Stella Greatrex, Tom 941 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 942

Green, Kate Morris, Grahame M. Barclay, Stephen Freeman, George Greenwood, Lilian (Easington) Barwell, Gavin Freer, Mike Griffith, Nia Mudie, Mr George Beith, rh Sir Alan Fuller, Richard Gwynne, Andrew Munn, Meg Benyon, Richard Gale, Sir Roger Hain, rh Mr Peter Murphy, rh Paul Beresford, Sir Paul Garnier, Mr Edward Hamilton, Fabian Murray, Ian Berry, Jake Garnier, Mark Hanson, rh Mr David Nandy, Lisa Bingham, Andrew Gauke, Mr David Harman, rh Ms Harriet Nash, Pamela Binley, Mr Brian George, Andrew Harris, Mr Tom O’Donnell, Fiona Birtwistle, Gordon Gibb, Mr Nick Havard, Mr Dai Onwurah, Chi Blackman, Bob Gilbert, Stephen Healey, rh John Osborne, Sandra Blackwood, Nicola Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Hendrick, Mark Owen, Albert Blunt, Mr Crispin Glen, John Hepburn, Mr Stephen Pearce, Teresa Boles, Nick Goodwill, Mr Robert Hillier, Meg Perkins, Toby Bone, Mr Peter Graham, Richard Hilling, Julie Phillipson, Bridget Bradley, Karen Grant, Mrs Helen Hodge, rh Margaret Pound, Stephen Brady, Mr Graham Grayling, rh Chris Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Bray, Angie Greening, rh Justine Hoey, Kate Reed, Mr Jamie Bridgen, Andrew Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Hood, Mr Jim Reynolds, Emma Brine, Steve Griffiths, Andrew Hopkins, Kelvin Reynolds, Jonathan Brokenshire, James Gummer, Ben Howarth, rh Mr George Riordan, Mrs Linda Bruce, Fiona Gyimah, Mr Sam Hunt, Tristram Robertson, John Bruce, rh Malcolm Halfon, Robert Irranca-Davies, Huw Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Burley, Mr Aidan Hames, Duncan Jackson, Glenda Rotheram, Steve Burns, Conor Hammond, Stephen Jamieson, Cathy Roy, Mr Frank Burns, rh Mr Simon Hancock, Matthew Jarvis, Dan Roy, Lindsay Burrowes, Mr David Harper, Mr Mark Johnson, rh Alan Ruane, Chris Burstow, Paul Harrington, Richard Johnson, Diana Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Burt, Lorely Harris, Rebecca Jones, Graham Sarwar, Anas Byles, Dan Hart, Simon Jones, Helen Seabeck, Alison Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Jones, Mr Kevan Sharma, Mr Virendra Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Heald, Oliver Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Sheridan, Jim Carmichael, Neil Heaton-Harris, Chris Khan, rh Sadiq Shuker, Gavin Carswell, Mr Douglas Hemming, John Lavery, Ian Simpson, David Cash, Mr William Henderson, Gordon Leslie, Chris Skinner, Mr Dennis Chishti, Rehman Herbert, rh Nick Lewis, Mr Ivan Smith, rh Mr Andrew Clappison, Mr James Hinds, Damian Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Smith, Angela Clark, rh Greg Hoban, Mr Mark Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hollingbery, George Long, Naomi Smith, Nick Love, Mr Andrew Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hollobone, Mr Philip Smith, Owen Lucas, Ian Coffey, Dr Thérèse Horwood, Martin Spellar, rh Mr John Mactaggart, Fiona Collins, Damian Howarth, Mr Gerald Straw, rh Mr Jack Mahmood, Shabana Colvile, Oliver Howell, John Stringer, Graham Malhotra, Seema Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hughes, rh Simon Mann, John Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Crabb, Stephen Huhne, rh Chris Marsden, Mr Gordon Thomas, Mr Gareth Crockart, Mike Huppert, Dr Julian McCann, Mr Michael Timms, rh Stephen Crouch, Tracey Jackson, Mr Stewart McCarthy, Kerry Trickett, Jon Davey, rh Mr Edward James, Margot McClymont, Gregg Turner, Karl Davies, David T. C. Javid, Sajid McCrea, Dr William Twigg, Derek (Monmouth) Jenkin, Mr Bernard McDonagh, Siobhain Twigg, Stephen Davies, Glyn Johnson, Gareth McDonnell, John Vaz, rh Keith Davies, Philip Johnson, Joseph McFadden, rh Mr Pat Watts, Mr Dave Dinenage, Caroline Jones, Andrew McGovern, Jim Williams, Hywel Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jones, Mr Marcus McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Williamson, Chris Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Kelly, Chris McKechin, Ann Wilson, Phil Doyle-Price, Jackie Kennedy, rh Mr Charles McKenzie, Mr Iain Winnick, Mr David Duddridge, James Kirby, Simon McKinnell, Catherine Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Duncan, rh Mr Alan Knight, rh Mr Greg Meacher, rh Mr Michael Wood, Mike Dunne, Mr Philip Kwarteng, Kwasi Ellis, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Mearns, Ian Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Michael, rh Alun Ellison, Jane Lamb, Norman Wright, David Miller, Andrew Eustice, George Lancaster, Mark Wright, Mr Iain Mitchell, Austin Evans, Graham Latham, Pauline Moon, Mrs Madeleine Tellers for the Ayes: Evans, Jonathan Leadsom, Andrea Morden, Jessica Mr David Hamilton and Evennett, Mr David Lee, Jessica Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Susan Elan Jones Fabricant, Michael Lee, Dr Phillip Fallon, Michael Leech, Mr John NOES Farron, Tim Lefroy, Jeremy Adams, Nigel Baker, Norman Featherstone, Lynne Leigh, Mr Edward Field, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Afriyie, Adam Baker, Steve Foster, rh Mr Don Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Amess, Mr David Baldry, Tony Fox,rhDrLiam Lewis, Brandon Bacon, Mr Richard Baldwin, Harriett Francois, rh Mr Mark Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian 943 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 944

Lloyd, Stephen Rutley, David (d) paragraph 28 (regulations about distribution of remaining Lopresti, Jack Sanders, Mr Adrian balance).’.—(Robert Neill.) Loughton, Tim Sandys, Laura Luff, Peter Scott, Mr Lee Clause 3 Macleod, Mary Shapps, rh Grant Main, Mrs Anne Sharma, Alok Maude, rh Mr Francis Shelbrooke, Alec ADDITIONAL GRANT Maynard, Paul Shepherd, Mr Richard Amendment made: 16, page 2, line 30, leave out from McCartney, Jason Simmonds, Mark ‘(7),’ to end of line and insert ‘omit “and 86”.’.—(Robert McCartney, Karl Simpson, Mr Keith Neill.) McIntosh, Miss Anne Skidmore, Chris McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Smith, Miss Chloe McPartland, Stephen Smith, Henry Schedule 1 Mensch, Louise Smith, Julian Menzies, Mark Smith, Sir Robert LOCAL RETENTION OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES Mercer, Patrick Soames, rh Nicholas Amendments made: 17, page 11, line 35, at end insert— Metcalfe, Stephen Soubry, Anna ‘(5) The reference in sub-paragraph (3) to use for the purposes Miller, Maria Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline of local government in England includes the making of Mills, Nigel Spencer, Mr Mark payments under an Act or an instrument made under an Act Milton, Anne Stanley, rh Sir John (whenever passed or made) to— Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stephenson, Andrew (a) billing authorities in England, Moore, rh Michael Stevenson, John Mordaunt, Penny Stewart, Bob (b) precepting authorities in England, Morgan, Nicky Stewart, Iain (c) levying bodies in England (and for this purpose “levying Morris, Anne Marie Streeter, Mr Gary body” has the meaning given by section 74(1)), or Morris, David Stride, Mel (d) bodies to which section 75(1) applies.’. Morris, James Stunell, Andrew Amendment 18, page 20, leave out lines 31 to 33. Mosley, Stephen Sturdy, Julian Mowat, David Swales, Ian Amendment 19, page 21, line 14, at end insert— Mulholland, Greg Swayne, rh Mr Desmond ‘(1A) If a local government finance report for a year has been Mundell, rh David Swinson, Jo approved by resolution of the House of Commons, and that Munt, Tessa Syms, Mr Robert report provides for an amount to be credited to the levy account Murray, Sheryll Teather, Sarah kept for the year, that amount may be credited (as an item of Murrison, Dr Andrew Thurso, John account) to that account.’. Neill, Robert Timpson, Mr Edward Amendment 20, page 25, line 41, leave out ‘this Nokes, Caroline Tomlinson, Justin paragraph has effect’ and insert— Norman, Jesse Truss, Elizabeth Nuttall, Mr David Turner, Mr Andrew ‘the levy account is kept’. Offord, Mr Matthew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Amendment 21, page 25, line 42, at end insert— Ollerenshaw, Eric Uppal, Paul ‘in accordance with subsections (2) to (4).’. Opperman, Guy Vara, Mr Shailesh Amendment 22, page 26, line 3, at end insert— Ottaway, Richard Vickers, Martin ‘, and Parish, Neil Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Patel, Priti Walker, Mr Charles (c) all of the calculations required by regulations under paragraph 26 Pawsey, Mark Wallace, Mr Ben (calculations of safety net payments on account) have been made for the year.’. Penning, Mike Walter, Mr Robert Penrose, John Ward, Mr David Amendment 23, page 26, line 13, at end insert— Perry, Claire Watkinson, Angela ‘Step 2A Phillips, Stephen Wharton, James Add to the amount found under steps 1 and 2 any Pickles, rh Mr Eric White, Chris amount credited to the levy account for the year in Pincher, Christopher Wiggin, Bill accordance with paragraph 18(1A) (credit in Poulter, Dr Daniel Willetts, rh Mr David accordance with local government finance report).’. Prisk, Mr Mark Williams, Stephen Amendment 24, page 26, line 15, leave out ‘and 2’ and Pugh, John Williamson, Gavin insert ‘to 2A’. Raab, Mr Dominic Willott, Jenny Amendment 25, page 26, leave out lines 19 to 21 and Randall, rh Mr John Wilson, Mr Rob insert— Redwood, rh Mr John Wollaston, Dr Sarah Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wright, Jeremy ‘Subtract from the amount found under steps 1 to 3 Reevell, Simon Yeo, Mr Tim the aggregate of all the payments to be made by Reid, Mr Alan the Secretary of State under regulations under Young, rh Sir George Robathan, rh Mr Andrew paragraph 26(4)(b) (adjustments following safety Rogerson, Dan Tellers for the Noes: net payment on account). Rudd, Amber Greg Hands and Step 5 Russell, Sir Bob Mark Hunter Add to the amount found under steps 1 to 4 the aggregate of all the payments to be made to the Question accordingly negatived. Secretary of State under regulations under paragraph 26(4)(b). Clause 1 Step 6 Subtract from the amount found under steps 1 to 5 the LOCAL RETENTION OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES aggregate of all the payments on account to Amendment made: 15, page 2, line 4, at end insert— be made in the year under regulations under ‘; paragraph 26.’. 945 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 946

Amendment 26, page 26, line 22, leave out ‘4’ and New Clause 8 insert ‘6’. Amendment 27, page 26, line 24, at end insert— PAYMENTS TO AND FROM AUTHORITIES ‘(5) Sub-paragraph (6) applies if, in the first year for which the ‘(1) Section 141 of the LGFA 1988 (power to make regulations levy account is kept— about set off of payments to and from receiving authorities) is amended as follows. (a) an amount is credited to the levy account for the year in accordance with paragraph 18(1A), and (2) In subsection (5)(b) (power to require provisions of the Act (b) that amount exceeds the aggregate of all the payments to be read subject to regulations), after “79(2)” insert “, 84H(2) on account to be made in the year under regulations and 86B(2)”. under paragraph 26. (3) In subsection (7) (payments to receiving authorities to (6) The amount of the excess is to be treated as the remaining which regulations may apply)— balance on the levy account for the year.’. (a) after “84C” insert “, 84K, 84N and 86B”, and Amendment 28, page 26, leave out lines 30 to 41 and (b) for the words from “paragraphs 12 and 15 of that insert— Schedule” to the end substitute “and paragraphs 12 and 15 of that Schedule.” ‘(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision (4) In subsection (8) (payments from receiving authorities to about the basis (“the basis of distribution”) on which an amount which regulations may apply), for “and 84C” substitute “, 84C, referred to in sub-paragraph (1) is to be distributed.’. 84K and 84N”. Amendment 29, page 26, line 42, leave out from ‘If’ to ‘, (5) The amendments made by this section have effect in the’ in line 43 and insert— relation to the financial year beginning with 1 April 2013 and ‘the Secretary of State makes a determination under sub- subsequent financial years.’.—(Robert Neill.) paragraph (1)’. Brought up, and added to the Bill. Amendment 30, page 26, line 45, leave out ‘sub- paragraph (1)’ and insert ‘that sub-paragraph’. Clause 16 Amendment 31, page 27, line 1, leave out ‘report is approved’ and insert ‘determination is made’. EXTENT AND SHORT TITLE Amendment 32, page 27, line 4, leave out ‘report’ and Amendment made: 61, page 9, line 14, at end insert insert ‘regulations’. ‘, subject to subsection (1A). Amendment 33, page 27, line 19, at end insert— (1A) Sections (Power for HMRC to supply information for ‘; but any such time must fall within the year to which the purposes of council tax) and 14 extend also to Scotland.’.— remaining balance relates.’. (Robert Neill.) Amendment 34, page 29, line 42, at end insert— Third Reading ‘, unless sub-paragraph (5A) applies. ‘(5A) A revocation made after the Secretary of State has given 9.14 pm that notification has effect for the year for which the notification was given if— Robert Neill: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read (a) it is made in response to a request under sub- the Third time. paragraph (3)(b) made within the period of 28 days This is a bit like coming out in the play-off final after beginning with the date on which the notification was the brief half-time break at Wembley on Saturday. We given, and just need a little bit more to close the deal as far as this (b) it is made before the local government finance report Bill is concerned—[Interruption.] It did not have to go for that year is laid before the House of Commons.’. to penalties. Amendment 35, page 29, line 43, leave out ‘or revoking We have had a lengthy and sometimes constructive a designation’ and insert— debate during the Bill’s progress through the House, ‘a designation, or revoking a designation otherwise than in and it is worth taking stock now. The House has the response to a request under sub-paragraph (3)(b)’. opportunity to make a considerable game shift in the Amendment 36, page 30, line 4, after ‘persons’ insert relationship between central and local government. We ‘(if any)’. are now in a position to move away from what has been, Amendment 37, page 30, line 8, at end insert— on any independent view—as consistently endorsed by ‘, unless sub-paragraph (9) applies. independent experts, going back to Layfield, the Lyons inquiry and the resource review—the unhealthy level of ‘(9) A notification under sub-paragraph (7) of a revocation dependence of local government on central Government made in the circumstances described in sub-paragraph (5A) must be given as soon as is reasonably practicable after it is made.’. for income that has accrued over the years. As part of the Government’s localism agenda, we intend to hand Amendment 38, page 31, leave out lines 36 to 38 and back power to local people and the authorities that insert— represent them. I hope that that principle will be recognised ‘(6) Regulations under paragraph 28 may provide for a pool of by hon. Members on both sides of the House. authorities to be treated as a relevant authority for the purposes of the regulations.’. I shall set out what the Bill does and its wider context as part of the coalition’s localism agenda. It is recognised Amendment 39, page 31, line 40, leave out from ‘23’ that giving greater local control over expenditure and to ‘from’ in line 42 and insert ‘, 26 or 28’. revenue raising is desirable. The principle of business Amendment 40, page 31, line 45, leave out ‘or 24’ and rates retention is therefore supported across the House. insert ‘, 24 or 28(4)’. Once we drill under some of the rhetoric, there is also a Amendment 41, page 31, line 46, leave out from general recognition that welfare spending needs to be ‘regulations’ to end of line 2 on page 32.—(Robert brought under control, and that it is right that local Neill.) authorities should have control over council tax support. 947 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 948

The Bill incentivises local authorities to go for growth, growth fund, the Growing Places fund and the Get because that is the other part of the agenda that the Britain Building fund are providing a £3.3 billion boost coalition regards as critical. We need to encourage to local economies and supporting tens of thousands of sustainable growth and the Bill incentivises local authorities jobs, and through our welfare reforms we are seeking to to grow their tax base by directly linking financial bring welfare spending back under control and to target benefit to the decisions that they take on, for example, support. The 2010 spending review focused on reducing planning permissions that lead to more commercial welfare costs through savings of about £7 billion a year. floor space and economic activity, and in the design of Localising council tax support will help to deliver their council tax support schemes that incentivise them savings of £500 million across Great Britain—this in an to get claimants back into work, which is where we all area of activity where expenditure more than doubled want to see them wherever possible. It enables councils under the Labour Government. It is not a sign of a to decide how best to manage their contribution to healthy economy that expenditure on council tax benefit reducing the deficit. All thoughtful commentators accept should have doubled between 1997 and 2009-10. Instead, that a contribution must be made and that it is more we are providing strong incentives for local authorities likely to be nuanced and effectively delivered if there is to support growth and improve employment opportunities, local input into the design of that contribution. helping to reduce poverty and reliance on support, as Local authorities will also be given the freedom to well as hold down costs in the long term. Speaking as decide how to help provide for the most vulnerable in someone whose grandfather clawed his way out of their communities. I hope that no one seriously thinks poverty in the east end, I, like plenty of other Government that any party has a monopoly on concern for vulnerable Members, have as much personal experience of such people in their communities. The Government regard things as anyone else who has spoken. the vulnerable as a top priority, and that is why we have The Bill has received extensive scrutiny.Its core principles increased the weighting given to the needs element of were set out in the coalition agenda; we then proceeded the formula grant in our financial settlements; why we with the local government resource review in early 2011; have maintained that in the baseline; why we introduced there was a consultation, along with eight detailed, transition grants; and why we will ensure that local technical papers to explain the thinking behind the authorities that deal with some of those areas of greatest reforms; and we have discussed the detail of the scheme cost pressure in relation to adult social care and children’s through our local government finance working group care will be designated as top-up authorities and will and several sub-working groups. We have by no means have a degree of certainty about their funding by index- ignored the views of local authorities; on the contrary, linking and protection from volatility. That is a practical we have sought to engage with them, and will continue commitment to helping to protect the most vulnerable to do so, at every stage in the process. Those groups in society. have been meeting frequently since January. The reforms are also part of our wider approach to Localising council tax is a pragmatic approach to supporting growth, which is our best hope of having the balancing the need for reform with ensuring a sensible money that we need to support services for the vulnerable level of deficit reduction, and builds on the welfare in a sustainable way; to get more people back into work; reform White Paper, published in autumn 2010, setting and to enable us to pay down the deficit, which at the out our broad intentions. We undertook pre-consultation moment ties the hands of central Government in seeking engagement with local authorities and other groups to to deliver the services that we all want to see for our help them to understand the issues, and held delivery communities. We have made real progress on this front partner engagement events last August and September, over the past two years. The Bill sets important incentives as well as a full three-month consultation from August for business rate retention and helping people back into to October that generated about 400 responses. work through council tax support, but that is linked to Against that background of consultation, nobody other parts of the agenda. We are encouraging local can say that the Government have not sought to engage authorities to build new homes, through the new homes with people over our reforms. Against that background bonus, an incentive for both commercial activity and of consultation and information sharing, last Thursday domestic building. Homes as well as jobs are central to we published a series of statements of intent to provide the incentives we are putting in place. clarity and assurance to the House and councils about The local enterprise partnerships are bringing together how the reforms, including our proposal to fund localised businesses and civic leaders to provide strong local support for council tax, will work in practice. leadership and to drive growth. My right hon. Friend I shall tell the House what we have published so far the Secretary of State, I and all the Ministers involved and how much we have sought to set out the agenda. We in the legislation very much hope that the Bill will not have announced that business rates will be split 50:50 only make technical changes but bring about an attitude between central and local government and confirmed change in the relationship between local government that central Government will return their share of business and their business communities. Many of our competitors rates, in its entirety, to local government, and we have have a much closer relationship between their local confirmed that the system will not be reset until 2020 at authorities and the big economic drivers, but that has the earliest to give sufficient reward and long-term not always been incentivised in the UK. The Bill will certainty while ensuring that the scheme will be fiscally enable it to happen and—I hope—help that mindset to sustainable, thus protecting the interests of taxpayers develop. The LEPs will play a part in that by setting up and the wider economy. the structure to enable it to happen. Our economic analysis, which has been independently We have put in place 24 enterprise zones offering verified, suggests that a 50% local share over a seven-year discounted business rates and simplified planning to reset could create an additional £10 billion of gross attract new local business and investment. The regional domestic product. That figure is based on the multiplication 949 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 950

[Robert Neill] perfectly capable of being delivered. That is an important practical step that we have taken. We are determined to of additional commercial floor space created through put local authorities into the best possible position to our incentive effect and, then, the additional gross GDP develop and consult on their local schemes. I stress that that stems from the economic activity in that commercial local authorities have real choices about how they develop floor space. their schemes for working-age council tax payers, what We have set out the statements of intent indicating protection they choose to offer and how they choose to what will be in the secondary legislation, including—as fund that protection. was noted in the previous debate—the safety net threshold, The reality is that, under the circumstances, “one size to be set at between 7.5% and 10%, to protect against fits all” will not work. Different areas face different volatility. challenges, and they have to make different choices. On the localisation of council tax support, we have That is localism. I hope the Opposition will reflect on been clear that we will seek to provide as much detail as the fact that if they talk about being in favour of possible as early as possible. We continue to work with localism, it ill behoves them to seek to obstruct a Bill local authorities and service providers on the design of that, together with the Localism Act 2011, presents the scheme. [Laughter.] I know that the right hon. local authorities with the most significant practical step Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) towards localism that we have seen in many a long day. does not believe that any proposal that he did not make I hope that, rather than repeating the mantra that we could be taken seriously, but that perhaps says rather have heard so far—a mantra on, frankly, rather narrow more about him than about the Government. ideological grounds—the Opposition will use their influence with their representatives in local government to step up Mr Raynsford: Perhaps the Minister will now tell the to the plate, help to design the schemes that we all need House how he believes that publishing everything that to have in place and drive forward what is a real is required to enable early implementation as soon as opportunity for local government in the years ahead. possible is compatible or consistent with the current I commend the Bill to the House. situation, where, eight months before local authorities have to finalise the scheme, they do not yet know what 9.29 pm the legal requirements are. Hilary Benn: I know that the Minister is an enthusiast, but those watching could be forgiven for thinking that Robert Neill: If the right hon. Gentleman deigns to the Bill was the answer to all the nation’s ills—at one read the statements of intent, he will find what is count it was, with one thing and another, solving poverty effectively an executive summary of the regulations, and dealing with the deficit. Also, although I have a which will deal with how the default scheme operates, high regard for the Secretary of State, I am surprised including for pensioners, who we have indicated should that he did not make that speech, because after all, this be protected. We are having regular meetings with our is his flagship Bill. I know that we have a part-time local government working group, which includes Chancellor; I just hope that it is not proving contagious representatives of local authority treasurers, and we are in the Cabinet. [Interruption.] I say that genuinely, as it also in regular contact with the principal software provider would have been nice to hear from the Secretary of and other service providers. We are therefore doing State, who has spoken only once on the Bill—on Second exactly what the right hon. Gentleman would want us Reading. The House will recall that he claimed great to do, although I doubt whether it will satisfy him, things for the Bill, no doubt because the coalition because it is not him doing it. agreement promised We have announced £30 million of initial funding to help meet the costs of planning and analysing draft “a radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to schemes for both billing and precepting authorities, so local government”. we are supporting local authorities. The statements of The truth is, however, that as the Bill has progressed, it intent are, in fact, very detailed. We have also provided has failed to live up to that promise. I shall respond a free online calculator to help local authorities to directly to the Minister’s point here. analyse the potential impacts of their proposed schemes. As we were reminded earlier today, it pays to try to get these things right. I say that because, with one Helen Jones: Wow! exception, those sitting on the Government Front Bench have form. People remember that the last time wonderful Robert Neill: I notice that the hon. Lady is in what words were said about a reform of local government some might uncharitably term “sneering mode” this finance, it was called the poll tax and the consequences evening. I think that says something about the attitude from it included riots on the streets. The people would of Labour Members towards a reform that they know not have it and the Prime Minister lost her job. The needs to be undertaken, but which they never had the Secretary of State argued that the current system gives courage to undertake, which rather undermines their central Government too much power and that he wanted argument. to change that. We would take him at face value if that We have also taken steps in the Bill to make things is what the Bill did, but it does not. easier for local authorities—for example, by clarifying What the Bill does and what the Secretary of State that billing authorities can consult with precepting has created is a system that gives all the power to authorities, produce a draft scheme and consult more himself—the power to determine the central top-slice; widely, all before the Bill receives Royal Assent. It is a the power to set the baseline; and the power to decide fair point to say that the time frame is challenging, but the extent of the tariff for the top-up and when the doing those sensible things in parallel makes the scheme safety-net should kick in. It is a whole list of powers. If 951 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 952 this really is localism—the argument that the Minister touring the country denouncing those who were planning tried to advance—why are there all these central powers? a modest increase in council tax, including a number of It does not sound much like localisation to me, and it Tory-controlled authorities. He said that he was does not feel much like that to local government. “determined to protect hard-working families”, That matters because when local authorities look at but here we have a Bill that will end up doing exactly the way in which this Government have chosen to what he was denouncing. We have legislation that will, exercise the powers they already have, particularly in from next year, impose council tax increases on many relation to spending, they have found, as we know, a unsuspecting people. And whom has the Secretary of pattern of cuts that is utterly unfair and the very opposite State chosen as his target for those higher council tax of “We are all in this together”. It also matters because, bills? In keeping with the Government’s philosophy, he as the Minister will know, although he did not refer to has chosen people on low incomes—people who do not it, one of the real concerns about the Bill that we have have a lot of money—because that is why they get council heard from colleagues in local government is that it will tax benefit in the first place; and on that, he is strangely end up accentuating the gap between more prosperous silent. and less well-off local authorities. That is a real concern. As if to flaunt just how out of touch they are, the The Government’s only reply has been to say, “Don’t Government had the nerve to say, in one of the documents worry about it, because at least you will not be worse off published last week, that the aims of the council tax in year one.” benefit cut included “reducing poverty”. This is a strange That is why the arrangements surrounding the safety way of going about it. The Government are saying to net are so important. As the House knows, some authorities people with not a lot of money “You know what? We are very heavily dependent on the business rate income are going to cut your income to make you work harder”, they get from a particular factory or a big employer. At which is the precise opposite of the policy that they the moment, it does not matter because it all goes into have pursued when it comes to millionaires and the tax the central pot and is then divided and comes back, but cut that was announced in the Budget. They also claim under this Bill, it really will matter, and the consequences that they do not want to affect work incentives, but, as of losing that income—if the business were to close or my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and relocate elsewhere, for instance—would be devastating. Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) pointed out, that is nonsense. In those circumstances, what those local authorities I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for want to know is whether the Government will be there Warrington North (Helen Jones) for the forensic analysis to help. What we find when we look at the papers to which she has subjected the Bill during its passage published last Thursday is that the safety net will kick through this House. I am sure that her cogent arguments in only when authorities meet a threshold for the decline will be considered very carefully by those in the other in their business rate income, and we are advised that place. I also pay tribute to other colleagues, including the threshold will be set between 7.5% and 10%. That is my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and hardly reassuring, because it means that local authorities Woolwich—who chairs the Select Committee—and my could lose a lot of money under this Bill before help right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne arrives. To put it another way, councils are going to have (John Healey). to fall quite a long way before they hit the net. I am genuinely surprised that so few coalition Back Benchers have twigged what is going on in the Bill in The Bill was also supposed to be about trying to get relation to council tax. They do not seem to know what rid of a complex system for funding local government—we they are about to troop through the Lobbies to vote for. heard the argument a few moments ago. Frankly, however, As we pointed out on Second Reading, and as has been all the Bill does is to replace one version of complexity said today, cutting council tax benefit by 10% while— with, in the words of London Councils, another “fiendishly rightly—protecting pensioners means an average 16% cut complex system”. If anything, on the basis of the for everyone else, but the impact will not be felt evenly. documents produced last week, the Bill has grown even more complex during its passage through the House. In one of the other documents that were published last week, the Government said “We considered whether As for enabling local authorities to receive the benefits we should even things out to take account of the of business rate income and its growth, what do we different proportions of pensioners in different local discover? We discover that the Government like the idea authority areas, but we rejected the idea.” As I have of business rate income growth so much that they are said, the impact will not be felt evenly, because some going to take half of it for themselves. That is what was areas contain much higher percentages of pensioners announced last week. It is no wonder that the Local than others. The list is like a roll call of seats represented Government Association has described this as a “tax on by Government Members, but it seems that Government local authorities”, which it strongly opposes. What is Members—with, I think, only two honourable exceptions more, the Government seem to intend that set-aside will during Second Reading and Committee—are either continue beyond 2015. Why? Because they want to be completely unaware that their constituents who are able to continue to impose cuts on local government currently receiving council tax benefit will face higher after the end of the current spending review period. council tax bills than elsewhere, because their areas Having heard the Minister’s argument that this was the contain a higher proportion of protected pensioners be-all and end-all of localism, the Local Government than others, or are not too bothered about it. Association said that it was Let me say this, very gently, to Back-Bench members “not a localising policy and goes against the Government’s stated of the coalition parties. When their constituents turn up commitment to localism.” at their surgeries in a year’s time, waving a bit of paper That deals with the first part of the Bill. What about and saying “Why have you done this to me?”, they will council tax benefit? Rank inconsistency is plain for all be very, very bothered about what the Bill actually does. to see. Only a few weeks ago, the Secretary of State was Indeed, all our constituents are likely to face additional 953 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 954

[Hilary Benn] If the Government cannot convince the people who are supposedly the beneficiaries of their reforms that they cuts, because the forecast baseline for council tax benefit are acting in their favour, I am afraid they are in serious expenditure that is being used for the Bill is expected, difficulty. The Government are, indeed, clearly in deep miraculously—from my point of view and that of my difficulty in this regard. hon. Friend the Member for Warrington North—to Incidentally, in the earlier debate I sought to intervene fall. Do Members really believe that demand for council on one of the Ministers, the hon. Member for Hazel tax benefit will decline in the next two years, in the light Grove (Andrew Stunell), as he had inaccurately claimed of the current state of the economy and the fact that we that the previous Government had done nothing to are now back in recession thanks to the Chancellor’s allow greater local discretion over discounts on second economic policy? homes. I hope he will use this opportunity to put the When we come to the default scheme to be applied if record straight, because, as he will know, that is simply local authorities do not come up with their own scheme, not correct. I am sure it was an unintentional error, what do we find? We find that the Government’s courage however. The previous Government legislated to give fails completely in following through the 10% reduction, local councils discretion to reduce the discount on because the default scheme in effect replicates the current second homes from 50% to just 10%. The Minister may scheme. Instead of Ministers having the courage of wish to argue about the 10% figure, but there was good their convictions and applying the 10% cut across the reason for deciding on it, and that was a clear extension board, they have ducked that, and are expecting everyone of discretion to local government. It is therefore simply else to show the courage they themselves have refused to wrong to suggest that we did nothing in that regard. demonstrate. I hope the record will be put straight. In conclusion, whichever way we look at it, this part of the Bill is unfair and wrong, and no amount of Andrew Stunell: If it helps the proceedings, let me say trying to describe it as something else is going to alter I am happy to acknowledge the factual account the what the changes in council tax benefit will do to our right hon. Gentleman has given, and I am sorry if I gave constituents on low incomes who need that support. We a misleading impression earlier. urge other Members to join us and vote against the Bill on Third Reading because it fails to meet the test on Mr Raynsford: I am very grateful indeed to the Minister business rates that the Secretary of State set out when for that gracious apology. moving it on Second Reading and, as we have discovered The first part of this Bill is a wasted opportunity, as it in our discussions, it is even harsher in respect of fails to deliver what people want in terms of a truly cutting council tax benefit than appeared to be the case localist objective. The second part, which deals with the at first sight. In both those respects, the Bill reminds us council tax benefit changes, is deeply flawed. The changes of what this coalition Government are all about: they are damaging and will either cause serious hardship to are unfair, out of touch and do not work—and nor, recipients of council tax benefit or will put pressure on I fear, will the Bill. local authority budgets. It is not just the initial £500 million that will be a problem; increased costs may come later 9.41 pm on as a result of further claims for council tax benefit, which may result from closures of local businesses or a Mr Raynsford: The Government are having great further period of recession. That will be an extra risk difficulty in convincing anyone that the Bill does what for local government, which will get no support for they claim. They claim it is a localising measure, but, as central Government. we have heard, there is an extraordinary lack of support for it on their own Back Benches. Indeed, so far not a Finally, on the issue of administration, the Government single one of their Back Benchers has spoken in support are acting recklessly by rushing ahead without giving of it. adequate time for proper preparation. It has been said repeatedly by those in the know, be they people in local Local authorities are the supposed beneficiaries, but authorities or their IT advisers, that the timetable is too they, too, are profoundly unconvinced. Let us listen to tight to allow proper implementation. I will not go what they say. London Councils says: through the details, as we did so in the earlier debate, “London Councils supports the principle of business rate but it is reckless of the Government to ignore that and retention, but has grave concerns about the proposed changes set to claim that local authorities and others are happy out in the Bill regarding the way in which the system will function.” with the timetable that the Government have set—they It adds: are not. I shall end by quoting what local government “London Councils is strongly opposed to the introduction of has said on this. The LGA says: local council tax reduction schemes, as set out in Clause 8 and “The tight timeframe for implementing this places an even Schedule 4 of the Bill.” greater burden on councils and we urge the Government to give The Local Government Association says: councils the necessary time to do this”. “In principle we support the localisation of National Non-Domestic London Councils says that Rates…The principle of full business rate localisation, which also “even under best-case scenario planning, the proposed implementation ensures fair treatment of councils in areas with weak economies, timetable may well be unachievable if council tax bills are to be would be a powerful move towards localism…However, the sent out on time”. government proposes to keep a top slice amounting to 50 per cent of business rates for the Treasury, taking taxes paid by local That is not the action of a prudent Government; it is businesses for local services and using them for local services reckless and, I am afraid, it is typical of this Bill. based on national priorities instead. That is not a localising Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third time. policy and goes against the Government’s stated commitment to localism.” The House divided: Ayes 276, Noes 204. 955 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 956

Division No. 7] [9.46 pm Laing, Mrs Eleanor Reid, Mr Alan Lamb, Norman Robathan, rh Mr Andrew AYES Lancaster, Mark Rogerson, Dan Latham, Pauline Rudd, Amber Adams, Nigel Evans, Jonathan Leadsom, Andrea Russell, Sir Bob Afriyie, Adam Evennett, Mr David Lee, Jessica Rutley, David Amess, Mr David Fabricant, Michael Lee, Dr Phillip Sanders, Mr Adrian Bacon, Mr Richard Fallon, Michael Leech, Mr John Sandys, Laura Baker, Norman Farron, Tim Lefroy, Jeremy Scott, Mr Lee Baker, Steve Featherstone, Lynne Leigh, Mr Edward Shapps, rh Grant Baldry, Tony Field, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Sharma, Alok Baldwin, Harriett Foster, rh Mr Don Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Shelbrooke, Alec Barclay, Stephen Fox,rhDrLiam Lewis, Brandon Simmonds, Mark Barwell, Gavin Francois, rh Mr Mark Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Simpson, David Beith, rh Sir Alan Freeman, George Lilley, rh Mr Peter Simpson, Mr Keith Benyon, Richard Freer, Mike Lloyd, Stephen Skidmore, Chris Beresford, Sir Paul Fuller, Richard Lopresti, Jack Smith, Miss Chloe Berry, Jake Gale, Sir Roger Loughton, Tim Smith, Henry Bingham, Andrew Garnier, Mr Edward Luff, Peter Smith, Julian Binley, Mr Brian Garnier, Mark Macleod, Mary Smith, Sir Robert Birtwistle, Gordon Gauke, Mr David Maynard, Paul Soames, rh Nicholas Blackman, Bob George, Andrew McCartney, Jason Soubry, Anna Blackwood, Nicola Gibb, Mr Nick McCartney, Karl Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Blunt, Mr Crispin Gilbert, Stephen McCrea, Dr William Spencer, Mr Mark Boles, Nick Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl McIntosh, Miss Anne Stanley, rh Sir John Bone, Mr Peter Glen, John McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stephenson, Andrew Bradley, Karen Goodwill, Mr Robert McPartland, Stephen Stevenson, John Brady, Mr Graham Graham, Richard Mensch, Louise Stewart, Bob Bray, Angie Grant, Mrs Helen Menzies, Mark Stewart, Iain Brazier, Mr Julian Grayling, rh Chris Mercer, Patrick Streeter, Mr Gary Bridgen, Andrew Greening, rh Justine Metcalfe, Stephen Stride, Mel Brine, Steve Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Miller, Maria Stunell, Andrew Brokenshire, James Griffiths, Andrew Mills, Nigel Sturdy, Julian Bruce, Fiona Gummer, Ben Milton, Anne Swales, Ian Bruce, rh Malcolm Gyimah, Mr Sam Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Burley, Mr Aidan Halfon, Robert Moore, rh Michael Swinson, Jo Burns, Conor Hames, Duncan Mordaunt, Penny Syms, Mr Robert Burns, rh Mr Simon Hammond, Stephen Morgan, Nicky Teather, Sarah Burrowes, Mr David Hancock, Matthew Morris, Anne Marie Thurso, John Burstow, Paul Hands, Greg Morris, David Timpson, Mr Edward Burt, Lorely Harper, Mr Mark Morris, James Byles, Dan Harrington, Richard Tomlinson, Justin Mosley, Stephen Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Harris, Rebecca Truss, Elizabeth Mowat, David Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hart, Simon Turner, Mr Andrew Mulholland, Greg Carmichael, Neil Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Tyrie, Mr Andrew Mundell, rh David Chishti, Rehman Heald, Oliver Uppal, Paul Munt, Tessa Clappison, Mr James Heaton-Harris, Chris Vara, Mr Shailesh Murray, Sheryll Clark, rh Greg Hemming, John Vickers, Martin Murrison, Dr Andrew Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Henderson, Gordon Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Neill, Robert Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Herbert, rh Nick Walker, Mr Charles Nokes, Caroline Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hinds, Damian Norman, Jesse Wallace, Mr Ben Collins, Damian Hoban, Mr Mark Nuttall, Mr David Walter, Mr Robert Colvile, Oliver Hollingbery, George Offord, Mr Matthew Ward, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hollobone, Mr Philip Ollerenshaw, Eric Watkinson, Angela Crabb, Stephen Horwood, Martin Opperman, Guy Webb, Steve Crockart, Mike Howarth, Mr Gerald Ottaway, Richard Wharton, James Crouch, Tracey Howell, John Parish, Neil White, Chris Davey, rh Mr Edward Hughes, rh Simon Patel, Priti Wiggin, Bill Davies, David T. C. Huhne, rh Chris Pawsey, Mark Willetts, rh Mr David (Monmouth) Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Penning, Mike Williams, Stephen Davies, Glyn Huppert, Dr Julian Penrose, John Williamson, Gavin Davies, Philip Jackson, Mr Stewart Perry, Claire Dinenage, Caroline James, Margot Willott, Jenny Phillips, Stephen Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jenkin, Mr Bernard Wilson, Mr Rob Pickles, rh Mr Eric Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Johnson, Gareth Wollaston, Dr Sarah Pincher, Christopher Doyle-Price, Jackie Johnson, Joseph Wright, Jeremy Poulter, Dr Daniel Duddridge, James Jones, Andrew Wright, Simon Prisk, Mr Mark Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jones, Mr Marcus Yeo, Mr Tim Pugh, John Ellis, Michael Kelly, Chris Young, rh Sir George Randall, rh Mr John Ellison, Jane Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Redwood, rh Mr John Tellers for the Ayes: Elphicke, Charlie Kirby, Simon Rees-Mogg, Jacob Mr Philip Dunne and Eustice, George Knight, rh Mr Greg Reevell, Simon Mark Hunter Evans, Graham Kwarteng, Kwasi 957 Local Government Finance Bill21 MAY 2012 Local Government Finance Bill 958

NOES Jones, Mr Kevan Phillipson, Bridget Jowell, rh Tessa Pound, Stephen Abbott, Ms Diane Doran, Mr Frank Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Abrahams, Debbie Dowd, Jim Kendall, Liz Reed, Mr Jamie Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Doyle, Gemma Khan, rh Sadiq Reeves, Rachel Alexander, Heidi Dromey, Jack Lavery, Ian Reynolds, Emma Allen, Mr Graham Durkan, Mark Leslie, Chris Reynolds, Jonathan Anderson, Mr David Eagle, Ms Angela Lewis, Mr Ivan Riordan, Mrs Linda Ashworth, Jonathan Eagle, Maria Long, Naomi Robertson, John Austin, Ian Elliott, Julie Love, Mr Andrew Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Bailey, Mr Adrian Ellman, Mrs Louise Lucas, Caroline Rotheram, Steve Bain, Mr William Engel, Natascha Lucas, Ian Roy, Mr Frank Banks, Gordon Esterson, Bill MacShane, rh Mr Denis Roy, Lindsay Barron, rh Mr Kevin Evans, Chris Mactaggart, Fiona Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Bayley, Hugh Fitzpatrick, Jim Mahmood, Shabana Sarwar, Anas Beckett, rh Margaret Flello, Robert Malhotra, Seema Seabeck, Alison Benn, rh Hilary Flynn, Paul Mann, John Benton, Mr Joe Fovargue, Yvonne Sharma, Mr Virendra Marsden, Mr Gordon Berger, Luciana Francis, Dr Hywel Sheridan, Jim McCann, Mr Michael Betts, Mr Clive Gilmore, Sheila Shuker, Gavin McCarthy, Kerry Blears, rh Hazel Glass, Pat Skinner, Mr Dennis McClymont, Gregg Blenkinsop, Tom Glindon, Mrs Mary Smith, rh Mr Andrew McDonagh, Siobhain Blomfield, Paul Godsiff, Mr Roger Smith, Angela McDonnell, John Blunkett, rh Mr David Goggins, rh Paul Smith, Nick McFadden, rh Mr Pat Brennan, Kevin Goodman, Helen Smith, Owen McGovern, Jim Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Greatrex, Tom Spellar, rh Mr John McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Bryant, Chris Green, Kate Straw, rh Mr Jack McKechin, Ann Burnham, rh Andy Greenwood, Lilian Stringer, Graham McKenzie, Mr Iain Byrne, rh Mr Liam Griffith, Nia Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry McKinnell, Catherine Campbell, Mr Alan Gwynne, Andrew Meacher, rh Mr Michael Thomas, Mr Gareth Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hain, rh Mr Peter Mearns, Ian Timms, rh Stephen Caton, Martin Hamilton, Mr David Michael, rh Alun Trickett, Jon Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hamilton, Fabian Miller, Andrew Turner, Karl Clark, Katy Hanson, rh Mr David Mitchell, Austin Twigg, Derek Clarke, rh Mr Tom Harman, rh Ms Harriet Moon, Mrs Madeleine Twigg, Stephen Clwyd, rh Ann Harris, Mr Tom Morden, Jessica Umunna, Mr Chuka Coffey, Ann Havard, Mr Dai Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Vaz, rh Keith Connarty, Michael Healey, rh John Morris, Grahame M. Cooper, Rosie Hendrick, Mark Watts, Mr Dave (Easington) Corbyn, Jeremy Hepburn, Mr Stephen Whitehead, Dr Alan Mudie, Mr George Crausby, Mr David Hillier, Meg Williamson, Chris Munn, Meg Creagh, Mary Hilling, Julie Wilson, Phil Murphy, rh Paul Creasy, Stella Hodge, rh Margaret Winnick, Mr David Murray, Ian Cruddas, Jon Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Nandy, Lisa Cunningham, Alex Hood, Mr Jim Wood, Mike Nash, Pamela Cunningham, Mr Jim Hopkins, Kelvin Woodward, rh Mr Shaun O’Donnell, Fiona Cunningham, Tony Howarth, rh Mr George Wright, David Onwurah, Chi Curran, Margaret Hunt, Tristram Wright, Mr Iain Osborne, Sandra Dakin, Nic Irranca-Davies, Huw Owen, Albert Danczuk, Simon Jackson, Glenda Tellers for the Noes: Pearce, Teresa David, Mr Wayne Jamieson, Cathy Chris Ruane and Perkins, Toby Davidson, Mr Ian Jarvis, Dan Susan Elan Jones De Piero, Gloria Johnson, rh Alan Denham, rh Mr John Johnson, Diana Question accordingly agreed to. Dobson, rh Frank Jones, Graham Bill read the Third time and passed. Docherty, Thomas Jones, Helen 959 21 MAY 2012 Budget (Coventry) 960

Budget (Coventry) Every public sector employee who loses their job through the Government’s public policy cuts is simply Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House one more person without an income to spend on the do now adjourn.—(Bill Wiggin.) local economy—one more person who will stop spending on businesses that in places such as Coventry are essential 10 pm for stimulating growth in the local and national economies. Our public sector workers are a crucial part of our Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Thank society and economy, and they do essential work for you, Mr Speaker, for granting this Adjournment debate, communities. It is ludicrous and poorly substantiated to which I very much appreciate. I wish to speak about the claim that their work can be swiftly replaced by the impact of the Budget and the Government’s policies on private sector. There is certainly little evidence of that in Coventry, and I might touch on issues that affect the Coventry. west midlands. My purpose in doing so is twofold. The Government have said that they intend to rebalance First, many issues arising from the Budget will have a the economy, and they aim to do so by cutting the significant impact on the people of Coventry and should public sector and replacing it with the private sector. be debated properly. My constituents’ serious concerns They have certainly achieved the former, but there is regarding the effect of Government policies deserve to little evidence visible in Coventry of the necessary investment be raised. It is easy to discuss Budget policies in abstract in the private sector. The Chancellor needs a clear and terms, but we would do well to take the time to consider vigorous industrial strategy to encourage the private what they will mean for the regions and for people. sector growth that he hopes will replace the public sector. Secondly, there is a distinct pattern to the Government’s That should be combined with a full jobs strategy, policies and rhetoric: they are far too London-centric, working on aligning the money going into the city with as some people would say. Therefore, it is vital that we the people out of work, and targeting it at getting hold debates that focus on the regions and cities across people back into work. That is particularly true of this country in order to draw attention to their concerns, Coventry’s young people. Coventry saw an 87% increase which the Government frequently ignore. I am sure that in long-term youth unemployment last year, but there much of what will be discussed tonight applies to other was nothing in the Budget to encourage any hope that regions and cities hit by the Budget. The Government this would be reversed. show not nearly enough understanding of regional The Chancellor promised that the Budget would deliver issues or appreciation of just how much places such as a great deal for businesses such as those in Coventry, Coventry are hit by their policies. but the Coventry and Warwickshire chamber of commerce With that in mind, I want to outline why the was greatly disappointed. The chamber’s chief executive, Government’s optimism is misplaced, certainly as far as noting that the Budget’s rhetoric on the promise for Coventry is concerned. We must not underplay the high business was not matched by any content, said: level of unemployment currently being suffered. On “If we’re honest, it was quite London-centric in many regards Wednesday the Prime Minister assured us that overall and that obviously wasn’t particularly welcomed. There were lots unemployment was down and that the number of claimants of small announcements that picked away around the edges but many of the things that weren’t mentioned caused most angst, of jobseeker’s allowance had decreased. Figures from such as empty property rate relief and the fact that business rates the Office for National Statistics, which were published are going up.” last week, reveal that there are 10,321 unemployed People throughout the country were hopeful about jobseekers in Coventry—three fewer than were counted the prospect of a Budget that would offer real support in March. to local businesses to allow them to grow, but they were The Prime Minister’s complacency about the employment generally disappointed by the reality, which gave little crisis shows an unrealistic approach to the stagnation practical encouragement to allow Coventry businesses we are witnessing in Coventry, where 4.9% of 16 to to expand, and that is likely to get a lot worse as the 24-year-olds are out of work. That is similar to the year progresses. figure for the west midlands overall but significantly Coventry is famous for car making, but public sector higher than that for Great Britain, which is 4%. That is workers drive much of the local economy. As we know, particularly clear when we look at the percentage of Becta and the Qualifications and Curriculum Development male jobseeker’s allowance claimants. Nationally, the Agency are being abolished. It might seem an easy figure is 5.3%, which is already shockingly high, but option to get rid of those education quangos, which Coventry is suffering from having 6.7% of the male employ a combined total of almost 800 people, many of population claiming jobseeker’s allowance. It is clear whom are former teachers, but the relocation of the that the slight improvements the Government are celebrating QCDA cost the Government more than £44million and simply do not apply to Coventry. came at a personal cost to many staff who relocated Against the background of high unemployment, I from London. wish to highlight the crucial role of the public sector in We cannot, furthermore, ignore the strain that these the growth of Coventry’s economy. Since the millennium, cuts put on the private sector. Friends Life, previously Coventry has benefited from significant redevelopment Friends Provident, announced that it plans to close its and regeneration, and the public sector has been crucial offices in Coventry by the end of the first half of 2012, in that process. The concern now is that the Government’s and 428 staff are employed there. Owing to those cuts, public sector cuts will return Coventry to the hard times Coventry city council will be forced by the Tory-led of the late ’70s, and certainly the ’80s, that many of us Government to cut more than 500 posts, possibly, over remember. It was a ruinous time in Coventry’s history the next 18 months. The amount that the council spends and led to a whole generation struggling to reach their in the local economy will also be reduced dramatically, potential for decades after. and that will impact on council staff. 961 Budget (Coventry)21 MAY 2012 Budget (Coventry) 962

[Mr Jim Cunningham] many directions by their deficit reduction plan. Pensioners have been dealt a blow by the Government as the winter The front-loading of cuts means that staff losses will fuel payment has been slashed by up to £100. According be required at an early stage of the spending cuts, and to the BBC, family fuel costs have risen by about £1,250 that will affect families throughout Coventry. This is the over the past two years, and mortgage interest rates are overall impact: Coventry city council is expected to lose starting to creep up, which will affect many families. about £45 million over the next two or three years; and Disabled and ill people are suffering from the removal all of that will have a significant knock-on impact on of the mobility component of the disability living allowance. local businesses and employment in the region Coventry’s poorest residents are being undermined in We can see what is happening in other sectors as the the justice system by the removal of face-to-face legal cuts and reforms begin to bite. For example, there are advice in favour of a cheaper phone line. These are but a cuts of more than 20% in , equating few of the policies that are having a huge negative to 2,500 jobs, and there are two parts to the Department impact on vulnerable individuals, who are now having for Communities and Local Government’s cuts for Coventry opportunities to turn to public services taken away. city council: formula grant, losing over £19 million; and I am deeply concerned about the local provisions for specific grants, losing over £17 million. The council will our young people. In June, £335 million was taken from not be able to continue to provide services at the same the council through the abolition of Building Schools level. There will be far fewer grants with a lower overall for the Future, which has yet to be replaced despite value, and the great concern is that many grant streams many promises about announcements. The Government will end. cannot simply remove this vital investment from Coventry In the light of these destructive cuts, many people are without even suggesting an alternative, let alone funding extremely concerned about the proposed cuts to regional one. The Budget bore no reference to allocations of pay in the public sector. I cannot condemn this policy funding for school buildings. Aside from the obvious strongly enough. We in Coventry accept that living implications for Coventry schools, the Government are costs are far higher in London than they are in Coventry, missing a great opportunity to stimulate the construction but that is the reason for the London allowance and industry. I understand that the Government’s private London stipend made available to many employees building scheme is expected to rebuild between 100 and working in London. This is far removed from the idea 300 schools nationally, but they have been dragging that public sector workers should earn less for the same their feet on this issue for 20 months. Coventry city work because they live in places such as Coventry. council has made it clear that some schools are in dire The Treasury says that public sector pay is 18% higher straits and urgently in need of investment. Without than in the private sector in some parts of the UK, but details of the Government’s plans, the council is unable that argument demonstrates a flawed approach by which to make its own plans. the Office of National Statistics continues to compare As of April, the Connexions careers service has been private and public sector workers on a like-for-like operating on a budget more than 70% smaller than in basis. They are not directly comparable, and it is wilfully April 2010. That service gives young people the skills blind and evasive to pretend that they are. Two thirds of and confidence they need to get in to the workplace, public sector workers are women, compared with about and its downsizing will no doubt contribute to the high 40% of those in the private sector. Public sector workers youth unemployment that we experience as a city and as tend to be older and more highly qualified. Professions a region. such as nursing and teaching entail workers remaining The children, learning and young people’s directorate in their profession for a long time, building up skills and has announced the loss of a further £1.2 million as a salaries. None of those are characteristics that the public result of the 5% cut to the standards fund. The council sector should be ashamed of. The private sector, by had been relying on those crucial retention funds, but comparison, includes workers at the other end of the they will not be transferred to the next financial year. economy such as those in retail, catering and leisure. Industries in the private sector often pay their workers On that note, the Friargate development, which will very low wages, and that skews any fair comparison revitalise and transform Coventry city centre, was going between sectors. ahead on the expectation that Coventry would be one of The public sector makes up roughly 20% of the work the eight core cities to benefit from the tax incremental force, while the financial sector makes up 20% of the financing scheme. The Deputy Prime Minister told the economy. More meaningfully, public sector wages are local authority in 2010 that Coventry would be a recipient far from high in comparison with those in the private of that scheme. Not only is Coventry excluded, but the sector. I have always believed in lifting people up rather pot of money has been reduced to £150 million. The than lowering them down. Public sector workers are council was relying on that money, which was to be paid already being hit very hard with frozen salaries, higher back on a tax basis, to allow the development to go ahead. pension contributions, and higher living costs. We cannot The abolition of the funding from regional development underestimate the negative impact on Coventry’s economy agencies means that there is little funding to lever in that would result from local public sector workers earning private sector investment for large-scale redevelopment lower salaries. That would take money out of the regional projects. Some colleagues will remember that Coventry economy, and the stunting effect on growth would outweigh and Warwickshire were led to believe that they would any benefits to the Treasury. I therefore call strongly on get an enterprise zone. Once again, they lost out. I the Government to allay the fears of those in Coventry therefore call on the Minister to reconsider the use of who are worried about the prospect of regional pay cuts. tax incremental financing to allow the city to grow. I Against those fears for the regional economy, let me understand that the council is also looking to take part touch on the impact of the Government’s policies on in the city deals initiative. The city’s project is urgently the vulnerable people of Coventry, who will be hit from in need that money. 963 Budget (Coventry)21 MAY 2012 Budget (Coventry) 964

All of that will have an irreversible effect on the is a blot on the copybook of our huge post-war efforts economic growth of the region and of Coventry.The leader to rebuild the country and its cities. We did not succeed of Coventry city council estimates that up to £25 million with it, and we need to do so in the near future. will be taken out of the local economy. The public and Another area of great disappointment has been private sectors will not be able to invest in regeneration Coventry’s schools. The cancellation of the Building and infrastructure in the region. With the loss of the Schools for the Future programme has been a great £355 million schools programme and the missed setback. We were on the point of signing contracts, but opportunity for the building industry, it is clear that the as a responsible council, Coventry held back, and the Government are wilfully blind to the devastating effect Government applauded it for doing so. We urged it to of their policies in Coventry. In addition, Coventry sign the damn things and get the contracts signed, but university hospital has to find an additional £28 million no, it held back. over the next year or two. The Government need to stop Two schools in my constituency were affected. One, thinking only of London and think more about the Woodlands, is an exemplary comprehensive built after other regions and cities that make up this country. the, war with the usual ’50s and ’60s concrete construction. The other, President Kennedy school—the name tells 10.16 pm the date—was constructed on similar principles. Those Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) (Lab): schools are now in urgent need of replacement, but Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this debate, and because the council did not want to behave even slightly I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry irresponsibly and would not sign the contracts, we lost South (Mr Cunningham) on securing it. There may not out by a total of £335 million, as my hon. Friend be many of us here this evening, but you are still in the mentioned. I visit those two schools regularly and work Chair, Mr Speaker, and we will be able to speak directly, with them. The attitude of the Secretary of State for without a lot of interruptions, beyond this Chamber to Education towards them is very off-hand. It is not that I the people of Coventry about the list of indictments, mind personally, because it does not hurt me, but he which my hon. Friend stated so powerfully, against the seems to ignore the fact that those schools had a good effects that the Government’s policies will have on our and reasonable case for making a demand on the public city, whether or not that is their intention. purse. My hon. Friend gave a long list of problems that the The Secretary of State wrote in similar terms to Becta Government’s policies are creating for Coventry. I will and to the Qualifications and Curriculum Development start with Friargate. The inner city of Coventry is pretty Agency. In fairness, the Conservatives said before the well known. During the war, it was the most bombed election that they would get rid of the QCDA—typically, city in the country, starting with the November raids they said that without hearing the case, but at least they right back in 1941. Afterwards, everybody thought that had said that that was what they were going to do. The they owed a particular debt to Coventry, which was letter to the QCDA was, if I may say so, peremptory wonderful—I was not there at that time, of course—and and impolite; it was unworthy of him, but at least they the cathedral and the city centre were rebuilt. City had said what they would do. Becta, though, was suddenly planning was such at that time that good money, planning closed without anybody knowing anything about it. It and thinking were put into it. A ring road was put around seemed as though Coventry was being targeted again—I the city, and to this day traffic flows around Coventry do not intend to make the obvious military historical and in and out of it marvellously well. reference here—as the centre that had to be hit. The trouble is that the city centre has become derelict. My hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South People do not eat there socially, congregate there or mentioned what the chief executive of the Coventry and spend time there. It is desolate, which leads to all those Warwickshire chamber of commerce had said. I promise activities that we do not want to see in any of our city that she is no supporter of mine or of the Labour party. centres. We need a revision of the original city planning. I am pleased to see the Economic Secretary on the That happened more than 50 years ago, which is long Treasury Bench, because I would like her to listen to enough. what the chief executive said. The best that she could Early on, the Government thought of an imaginative find to say was, “If we’re honest”—that is very difficult and good scheme called the tax incremental financing for Governments to do, as I appreciate—the Budget scheme, which was to be partly funded by incremental “was quite London-centric in many regards and that obviously taxes from the locality, region or city, but would have wasn’t particularly welcomed.” Government encouragement and power behind it. No That is the final judgment of a chamber of commerce less a person than the Deputy Prime Minister promised chief executive, a representative of the very people the that we would be beneficiaries of it. Sadly, however, we whole Budget was meant to be about supporting. are used to his broken promises,. I say this as an admirer I put it to the Economic Secretary, who is to respond of his, but he has made and broken many promises, to the debate, that we desperately need help. We do not including on tuition fees. Despite our being given a want handouts, we want help up. That is what we are specific promise that we would be included in the eight after. If only she would meet us halfway, we could still cities that could contribute to their own rehabilitation, do great things in Coventry, but we need a Government which we desperately needed, we are not. who are capable of responding to the need that exists. I understand that all is not lost. A new initiative—an initiative rather than a scheme this time—has been put 10.24 pm forward in which Coventry has been invited to take part, and our council has responded positively. I hope The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Miss Chloe that Coventry can usefully and profitably participate in Smith): I shall do my best in the six minutes remaining the city deal initiative. I regret to say that the city centre to cover a selection of the points raised by the hon. 965 Budget (Coventry)21 MAY 2012 Budget (Coventry) 966

[Miss Chloe Smith] more balanced across the country. We have established local enterprise partnerships and enterprise zones. Members for Coventry South (Mr Cunningham) and for Coventry North West (Mr Robinson). I thank both Mr Robinson: Will the Minister give way? for the passion with which they have spoken about their city in this interesting debate. Miss Smith: I have only three minutes left, but if the hon. Gentleman wishes to intervene, I will give way. The Government made clear in Budget 2012 that our priorities are threefold: to create a stable economy; to Mr Robinson: The Minister mentioned the west midlands, create a fairer, more efficient and simpler tax system; but could she not say something about Coventry? She and to introduce reforms to support growth. The Budget even mentioned Birmingham. I made some unfortunate and the national infrastructure plan published the preceding remarks about Birmingham not so long ago—I will not autumn set out the Government’s latest steps towards repeat them—but we are talking about Coventry tonight. achieving those priorities, based on a new model of sustainable and balanced growth, including in Coventry Miss Smith: The hon. Gentleman pre-empts my next and more widely. paragraph. I should like to draw his attention to the As the hon. Gentlemen made clear, the west midlands successful bids in the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP is not without its challenges, but the region remains a area, including the Elonex advanced engineering supply significant contributor to the national economy. The chain and Alamo Manufacturing bids, which I am sure reforms set out in the Budget will give businesses and he welcomes, because they and others will create many individuals in the region a further boost by cutting thousands of jobs in the west midlands. corporation tax by an additional 1% on top of the rate The hon. Member for Coventry South said there was cuts announced last year. From April this year, the rate little evidence of private sector growth. I simply dispute will be reduced from 26% to 24%—it will eventually fall that statement. The core city deal for Birmingham, to 22% in 2014. which was mentioned by both hon. Gentlemen, will The reforms also provide a boost by increasing the have spillover effects for the wider west midlands region, personal allowance by £1,100, taking 75,000 people in although I hear the call for me to speak about Coventry the west midlands out of tax altogether, and by increasing in its own right. the Growing Places fund to provide additional funding The hon. Member for Coventry South raised concerns for the infrastructure needed to unlock developments about the impact of regional pay—those were his words— that will lead to jobs and growth. Local enterprise across the country. I reassure him that the Government partnerships in Coventry and Warwickshire will receive are not setting out detailed proposals at this stage, but a further £4.1 million. We confirm that Birmingham simply asking the experts how public sector pay might has been selected to become a super-connected city, and better reflect local markets. He will be aware that the we are investing almost £60 million in stalled development Institute for Fiscal Studies made an estimate of the projects within the west midlands. Furthermore, we will public sector pay premium—he quoted off-hand some support individuals and families to buy new build property figures in that respect. In principle, the premium has the with just a 5% deposit through the NewBuy scheme, potential to hurt private sector businesses, which need and increase the maximum right-to-buy discount to to compete with higher public sector wages. A premium £75,000, which is £49,000 more than the current west could prevent them from expanding and lead to unfair midlands limit of £26,000. variation in the quality of public services. The hon. Member for Coventry South spoke of youth On public spending, the previous Government left an unemployment, which I agree is a vital issue for our appalling financial mess behind, which this Government country. He will be aware of the answer given to him by have a moral obligation to sort out. We have delivered a the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation challenging but fair settlement for local government, and Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for Hertford including for Coventry. The formula grant in Coventry and Stortford (Mr Prisk), on 13 December 2011. He directed will be £493 per person in 2012-13. The average per the hon. Gentleman person across England is far lower, and it is £200 to “to the new programme recently announced to make it easier and £300 per person in some southern areas. That reflects simpler for SMEs to take on apprenticeships” the higher level of need in Coventry. and said that the Government I thank the hon. Gentlemen for speaking in the debate. “are providing funding to the tune of up to £1,500 per apprentice.”— I believe the approach set out in the Budget is a strong [Official Report, 13 December 2012; Vol. 537, c. 254WH.] one and am confident that it will benefit all areas of the That scheme is to be welcomed. country, including Coventry and its environs. The challenge laid down by the hon. Gentlemen, 10.30 pm which the Government have taken up, was to return the House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order UK economy to sustainable economic growth that is No. 9(7)). 45WS Written Ministerial Statements21 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 46WS

Credit balance-Interest Rate—We will implement new interest Written Ministerial rate provisions for both new and existing borrowers who have a student loan balance in credit due to over-repayment. This change will apply from 6 April 2016, and will mean that Statements the Student Loans Company will not, after a period of 60 days notice to the borrower, apply interest to credit balances Monday 21 May 2012

HEALTH BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Health and Social Care (Information Strategy) Student Loan (Repayment)

The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Today I am publishing “The Power of Information: Willetts): Today I have laid amending regulations which Putting all of us in control of the health and care make provision for the repayment of student loans. information we need”. This information strategy for The new student loan repayment system is designed health and social care in England is our response to to be sustainable, affordable and progressive. Repayments “Liberating the NHS: An Information Revolution— will be income-contingent, ensuring that repayments A consultation on proposals” which sought views on match ability to pay. By raising the repayment threshold proposals to transform the way information is collected, to £21,000 and introducing a progressive rate of interest, analysed, controlled and used in NHS and social care there will be a greater protection to the lowest-paid across England and is underpinned by provisions in the graduates. After 30 years outstanding balances will be Health and Social Care Act 2012. written off. I am grateful to the many people who provided valuable input into this consultation and to the NHS The changes to the repayment system to be implemented Future Forum for the excellent work it undertook by these amending regulations will apply to new students throughout its listening exercise. Building on the wealth who commence their studies in September 2012 or later. of experience, viewpoints and insights gained through Certain students transferring courses or taking higher-level the consultation and the NHS Future Forum’s work, courses starting after September 2012, but immediately this document sets out the overall ambition and early after completing a previous higher education qualification, actions to transform our health and our care services to will remain under the existing arrangements. meet our needs and expectations, for now and the The main changes are as follows: future. Real and variable interest rates on student loans for students For citizens, patients and users of care services, this starting courses on or after 1 September 2012 are to be strategy sets out how a new approach to information introduced. New students starting a higher education course and IT across health and care can lead to more joined from September 2012 onwards will be charged interest at RPI (retail prices index) + 3% while studying. This rate will up, safer, better care for all. The strategy spans information apply until the borrower is liable to make repayments. Once for patients, service users, carers, clinicians and other a borrower has reached their repayment due date, the rate of care professionals, managers, commissioners, councillors, interest charged will depend upon the borrower’s income. researchers, and many others. Borrowers earning £21,000 or less will be charged a rate Unlike previous information strategies, this new equivalent to RPI. Interest will then be charged on a sliding scale up to £41,000 where the interest rate will be RPI + 3%. information strategy does not reinvent large-scale information systems or set down detailed mechanisms The repayment threshold will be £21,000: Setting the contribution at £21,000 is a core part of making the system more progressive. for delivery on a national template. Rather, it provides a It will mean that low-earning graduates are not required to 10-year framework and a route map to lead a make payments and those that earn above £21,000 will transformation in the way information is collected and contribute less each month than borrowers would under the used. It starts from the purposes for which information current system. Raising the threshold for new graduates is is required, and the opportunities it offers for quality part of the overall package of reforms to make the system improvement. It aims to harness information and new more progressive and protect those that do not go on to technologies to achieve higher quality care and improve enjoy high earnings—while asking those that do to contribute outcomes for patients and service users. It enables local more. leadership and innovation alongside national standards. After April 2016, those earning above the threshold who are due to repay will repay 9% of their income above £21,000. There are three key themes in the strategy: Full-time students will be due to repay from the 6 April after modern, convenient information access—new online services they complete or leave their course. Part-time students will such as booking general practitioner appointments, access be due to start repaying on the 6 April which falls after the to records online, a new integrated national website and fourth anniversary of the start date of the course or the 111 phone number; 6 April which falls after the student leaves their course— modern information and technology for professionals—improving whichever is sooner. safety and quality. Standards ensuring systems can talk to Write-off of loan—The outstanding balance of a loan will each other, consistent use of the NHS “number”, work to be cancelled 30 years after the repayment due date. The loan allow new technologies in maternity services, piloting new will also be cancelled if the borrower dies or the borrower barcode technology in care homes to improve medication receives a disability-related benefit and, because of the disability, safety and encouraging “clinical portals” for professionals to is permanently unfit for work. view records; and 47WS Written Ministerial Statements21 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 48WS

patient and citizen rights—information support as a service, detecting and intercepting drug and multi-drug resistant and potential changes to the NHS constitution around right forms of the disease. Where individuals are found to to feedback online, access to records online and support for have active pulmonary TB, they must successfully undergo understanding information. treatment before their application to come to the UK In summary, this strategy sets out the overall ambition can be considered. This approach is already sanctioned and the early actions that will enable information to by existing powers in the immigration rules. The experience transform our health and our care services to meet our of our international partners is that pre-migration screening needs and expectations, for now and the future. can assist in reducing the rate of imported infection. “The Power of Information: Putting all of us in The current UK pre-migration TB screening programme control of the health and care information we need” has covers 15 countries considered high incidence for TB by been placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. the World Health Organisation, and has demonstrated Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from clear potential to detect active TB and achieve savings the Printed Paper Office. for the NHS. We therefore intend to expand this programme to those visa applicants applying to stay in the UK for longer than six months from the over 80 countries with HOME DEPARTMENT a high incidence of TB, beginning the roll-out this summer (list attached). On-entry X-ray checks at Heathrow Migrant Tuberculosis Screening and Gatwick airports will be phased out. The complex nature of the disease means that TB The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): I wish screening of migrants as part of immigration clearance to inform the House of the outcome of a review that can only make a limited contribution to TB control in has been conducted by the UK Border Agency with the UK. One third of the world’s population is estimated support from the Department of Health and the Health to have latent TB. A minority will develop the disease in Protection Agency (HPA) of our arrangements for screening its active form at some point in their lives, but it is migrants from high incidence countries for active pulmonary currently impossible to establish through screening if tuberculosis (TB), and of our intention to make changes this is likely to occur in any individual case. Most to longstanding policy in this area both to better protect foreign-born TB patients only develop the disease in its UK public health and use public resources more effectively. active form years after arrival in the UK. We will therefore explore ways to improve the sharing of TB is a global public health issue. While TB rates in information between the UK Border Agency and the this country are stable, HPA data indicate higher rates HPA about individuals coming to live in the UK for of infection concentrated in particular metropolitan more than six months from high incidence countries. areas, and overall the UK’s TB rate compares unfavourably This will complement the systems that are already in with other developed nations. Much of the UK’s TB place at a local level for connecting individuals with burden is attributable to international migration. Around healthcare services. three quarters of TB cases in the UK occur in those born outside of the UK, and screening of migrants Tuberculosis high incidence countries: from high incidence countries for active TB forms part Afghanistan of the range of measures to prevent and control TB in Angola the UK. The existing policy is that people subject to Bhutan immigration control arriving in the United Kingdom Bolivia from high incidence TB countries and intending to stay Botswana for over six months are screened at Heathrow and Gatwick airports for the active disease. This screening Burma entails an examination of arriving passengers through Burundi the use of X-rays. Cameroon The Government have decided that this policy should Cape Verde now be changed on medical and financial grounds. The Central African Rep weight of medical opinion is that screening for TB in Chad this manner can no longer be considered to make any real contribution to the detection and management of China the disease. X-rays alone cannot provide a definite China, Hong Kong SAR diagnosis, which requires laboratory testing that cannot China, Macau be performed in the airport environment. Current screening Congo arrangements at our airports detect very few active Congo Dem Rep Zaire cases. Changes in the travel industry over the past few decades now means that an increased number of people Djibouti arrive at other UK ports where screening facilities are Ecuador not available. Equatorial Guinea The UK Border Agency has been piloting the pre- Ethiopia migration screening of persons applying for long-term Gabon visas and entry clearance from high incidence TB countries Gambia on a model routinely employed by the USA, Australia Guinea and Canada. Screening overseas in advance of the visa application process enables the use of laboratory tests Guinea-Bissau where X-rays or clinical judgment suggests the possible Guyana presence of TB. It also increases the possibility of Haiti 49WS Written Ministerial Statements21 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 50WS

India TRANSPORT Indonesia Kazakhstan Kiribati Historic Vehicles MOT Korea Dem People Korea Rep of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Kyrgyzstan (Mike Penning): Today I am announcing the Government’s Lesotho plan to exempt all vehicles of historic interest (vehicles Liberia manufactured prior to 1 January 1960) in Great Britain Madagascar (GB) from statutory MOT test, as allowed under article 4(2) Malawi of the EU Directive 2009/40/EC. I am also publishing Malaysia the outcome of the consultation (with Government Mali response) on our proposal to exempt historic vehicles Mauritania from the MOT test which closed on 26 January 2012. Micronesia The EU directive of the European Parliament and of Moldova the Council, chapter II, exceptions, article 4 states; Mongolia “Member states may, after consulting the Commission, exclude from the scope of this directive, or subject to special provisions, Morocco certain vehicles operated or used in exceptional conditions and Mozambique vehicles which are never, or hardly ever, used on public highways, Namibia including vehicles of historic interest which were manufactured Nepal before 1 January I960 or which are temporarily withdrawn from circulation. Member states may, after consulting the Commission, Nigeria set their own testing standards for vehicles considered to be of Papua New Guinea historic interest”. Peru While the pre-1960 manufactured vehicles made up Philippines 0.6% of the 35.2 million licensed vehicles in GB they Russian Fed were involved in just 0.03% of road casualties and Rwanda accidents. Two-thirds of them are driven under 500 miles Sao Tome & Prince a year and their initial MOT test failure rate (10%) is only a third of that of post-1960 manufactured vehicles. Senegal Sierra Leone Following consultation, the Government have concluded that we should proceed with exempting all pre-1960 Solomon Islands manufactured vehicles from the MOT test. The Government South Africa believe that the exemption will reduce regulatory burden Suriname on owners of historic vehicles, meet its reducing regulation Swaziland agenda and the desire to remove unnecessary burdens. Tajikistan It will also bring the age of vehicles requiring the Timorleste statutory MOT test in line with the Goods Vehicles Tuvalu (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988, which already Uganda exempts unladen pre-1960 manufactured heavy goods vehicles from the roadworthiness test. Owners of pre-1960 Ukraine manufactured vehicles will still retain the option to do Uzbekistan voluntary MOT test on their vehicles. Vietnam The outcome of consultation with Government response Zambia can be found on the Department’s website. Zimbabwe An amendment will be made to regulation 6 of the Countries currently coveted by pre-screening pilot: Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 to enable the Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, Eritrea, MOT exemption. It is my intention that the changes Ghana, Kenya, Laos, Niger, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, come into force by 18 November 2012. Thailand, Togo.

London Bombings (July 2005) WALES

National Assembly for Wales (Electoral Arrangements) The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): On 19 July 2011 the Government provided notification of the publication of their response The Secretary of State for Wales (Mrs Cheryl Gillan): to the recommendations contained in the coroner’s I wish to inform the House that I am today publishing a inquests report on the London bombings of 7 July Green Paper on future electoral arrangements for the 2005. In that document, the Government committed to National Assembly for Wales. review progress against the commitments they made by The Government’s programme of political renewal the end of March 2012. impacts on all parts of the United Kingdom and, in This review of progress is now complete and is published Wales, has consequences for the Assembly. Currently today on the Home Office website. A copy of the report the constituencies used to elect Assembly Members are will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. the same as those used to elect Members of Parliament. 51WS Written Ministerial Statements21 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 52WS

But the move to a smaller House of Commons with Establishing five-year fixed-term Parliaments at more equally sized constituencies breaks that link, and Westminster also has implications for the Assembly, will, subject to parliamentary approval, result in a reduction and in the Green Paper we seek views on whether the in the number of parliamentary constituencies in Wales National Assembly for Wales should have four or five-year from 40 to 30. terms. We are also seeking views on removing the In the Green Paper we look at the effects of these prohibition on standing as a candidate in an Assembly changes on the National Assembly for Wales, and whether election in both a constituency and a region, and whether people would be better served by continuing to have Assembly Members should be prohibited from sitting 40 Assembly constituencies, but with modified boundaries in Parliament. to make them more equal in size, or to reinstate the link The consultation closes on 13 August, and the with parliamentary constituencies by changing to an Government will consider carefully the responses we Assembly of 30 constituencies. In each case the size of receive before deciding how best to proceed. the 60-Member Assembly would not change, and so the number of regional Members would increase from 20 to The Green Paper will be laid today before both 30 if the link with parliamentary constituencies is Houses, and is available on the Wales Office website at re-established. www.walesoffice.gov.uk. 365W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 366W

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Written Answers to Climate Change’s external consultancy expenditure in (a) 2010-11 was £9,163,000 and in (b) 2011-12 £6,690,000. Questions This figure excludes expenditure by the Department’s arm’s length bodies.

Monday 21 May 2012 Exhaust Emissions: Large Good Vehicles

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE of the carbon footprint arising from lorries (a) delivering biomass to and (b) removing fly ash and other materials Carbon Emissions from biomass power stations in the last year for which figures are available. [108394] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his Department’s Gregory Barker: Biomass power generators above total level of carbon emissions was between (a) 1 April 50 kilowatts capacity are required within the renewables 2010 and 1 April 2011 and (b) 2 April 2011 and 1 April obligation to report on the greenhouse gas lifecycle of 2012. [108579] their output. This includes the emissions resulting from transporting the biomass feedstocks from where they Gregory Barker: The Department’s calculated emissions were grown to the power station. It does not consider were (a) 1,135.37 tonnes CO2e in the 2010-11 financial transport related emissions for the removal of residual year, and (b) 1,046.28 tonnes CO2e in the 2011-12 materials from the station. financial year. Emissions data for DECC, and its arm’s Reports covering biomass feedstocks used between length bodies falling within the scope of the Greening April 2011 and March 2012 are due with Ofgem by Government Commitments, will be published in our 31 May this year. 2011-12 Annual Report and Accounts. Manpower Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what measures his Department introduced to reduce its carbon emissions Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [108580] and Climate Change how many full-time equivalent employees his Department employed in May 2010; and Gregory Barker: In the year from 1 April 2010 to how many it employed at the latest period for which 31 March 2011 DECC introduced a range of measures figures are available. [108162] to reduce carbon emissions from its buildings, including: the installation of a dedicated chiller to cool our server rooms; Gregory Barker: In May 2010, the Department of Energy and Climate Change had 1,036 full-time equivalent the establishment of occupancy controls in all meeting rooms; and civil servants. As of 31 March 2012, there were 1,286 full-time equivalent civil servants. the replacement of tungsten halogen and fluorescent lighting with LED lighting. Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy In the year from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 and Climate Change how many full-time equivalent further carbon saving measures were introduced including: employees have (a) left and (b) been recruited to his the installation of variable speed drives to supply fans; Department in the last two years. [108177] improving controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; Gregory Barker: The number of employees (a) leaving installing additional presence detectors to control lighting; and and (b) joining the Department of Energy and Climate automating many manual adjustments we make to our building Change, in the period 1 April 2010-31 March 2012 are management systems. shown in the following table: Since 1 April 2012 we have installed a system for recovering and recycling heat generated in the kitchen Period Leavers Joiners at our HQ building. 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 11 197 More information, including DECC’s Carbon 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 129 238 Management Plan, can be found on our website at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/saving _energy/ The numbers shown above relate to civil servants. what_doing/10_percent/low_carbon/lowcarbon.aspx Full-time equivalent data are not available for the full period above. Consultants Minerals Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department spent David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for on external consultants, including management consultants, Energy and Climate Change if he will consider giving in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a mineral rights to communities and individual landowners statement. [107494] that live near or above fracking sites. [106851] 367W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 368W

Charles Hendry: The Petroleum Act 1998, like its Non-departmental Public Bodies predecessor the Petroleum Act 1934, vests the right to explore, drill for and produce oil and gas in the Crown, Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for and empowers the Secretary of State for Energy and Energy and Climate Change how many quangos his Climate to issue licences enabling the licensee to carry Department has (a) abolished and (b) established out such activities, subject to other regulatory checks since May 2010. [108695] and permits. In general, the rights to other minerals rest with the landowner. I have no proposals for change in Gregory Barker: Since May 2010, the Department of these matters. Energy and Climate Change has abolished the following The holder of a petroleum licence however will need public bodies: to acquire rights to use the owner’s land (including for The Renewables Advisory Board location of equipment) and access the oil or gas, in The UK Chemical Weapons Convention National Authority order to conduct drilling and production operations. Advisory Committee The terms on which these rights are acquired are a The Advisory Committee on Carbon Abatement Technologies matter for negotiation between the licensee and the No new public bodies have been established. relevant landowner(s). Procurement National Grid Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what proportion of payments Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for made by his Department to small and medium-sized Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has enterprises have been paid late since May 2010. [107787] given to creating an open web-based register of grid connection applications by distribution network operators Gregory Barker: Historically the Department has not to improve transparency in the sector. [108427] separately recorded expenditure with small and medium- sized enterprises. Going forward, the Department will use a spend analysis tool developed by the Government Charles Hendry: The independent regulator, Ofgem, Procurement Service to provide this data. has responsibility for overseeing the grid connection Departmental records on late payment for all suppliers regime, Ofgem requires distribution network companies including small and medium-sized enterprises can be to publish Long Term Development Statements (LTDS) seen by following the link to the Department’s published to ensure that anyone interested in connecting generation prompt payment information: or demand can readily identify opportunities or constraints http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/procurement/ on the network. These statements include information prompt_pay/prompt_pay.aspx on all connected generation and all generation that has been given a connection offer. Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy The LTDSs do not include details of all grid connection and Climate Change what proportion of his Department’s applications. To do so could give a distorted picture of expenditure on procurement has gone to small and available capacity on the network, as there is no certainty medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107793] that an application will result in an actual connection. Gregory Barker: Historically the Department has not separately recorded expenditure with small and medium- Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy sized enterprises. Going forward the Department will and Climate Change what consideration he has given to use a spend analysis tool developed by the Government making improvements to the grid connection process Procurement Service to provide these data. This tool managed by distribution network operators. [108429] links departmental spend to suppliers with Dunn and Bradstreet data to identify small and medium-sized enterprises. Charles Hendry: The independent energy regulator, Ofgem, has responsibility for overseeing the grid connection Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for process of distribution network operators (DNOs). In Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to 2010, it introduced guaranteed standards of performance ensure that payments to public sector contractors hired for connections, which establishes minimum connection by his Department are made within 30 days. [108655] timescales for DNOs to meet. In the first year of operation all standards have been met on more than 90% of Gregory Barker: The Government has set Departments occasions. Last month it introduced requirements for a target of paying 80% of invoices from small and DNOs to measure customer satisfaction. Ofgem has medium-sized entities within five working days of receipt also introduced competition to the connection process of a valid invoice. The Department of Energy and to drive up connection performance. Climate Change applies this target to all valid invoices Ofgem’s price control review for electricity distribution whether they are from public or private sector contractors companies, which was launched earlier this year, will and regardless of size. The Department has consistently consider additional measures to improve connections to exceeded this target without any change to our contractual the network in line with DECC’s broader energy and terms and conditions. The statistics are published on low carbon policies. DECC’s response to this consultation the DECC website: emphasised the importance of continuing to improve http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/procurement/ the connection service network companies provide. prompt_pay/prompt_pay.aspx 369W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 370W

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has Of this, £793.48 was claimed by CPS press officers, signed-up to the “Prompt Payment Code” and has nearly all on travel, accommodation and subsistence developed procurement policies in line with the Prompt allowances. Payment Code’s recommended best practice. The Attorney-General’s Office and the Treasury Redundancy Solicitor’s Department (and, since 1 April 2012, HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate) share the same press office, which claimed £79.80 in reimbursable expenses Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for during the period. Press officer(s) working for the Serious Energy and Climate Change how many of his Fraud Office (SFO) claimed £25. No claims were made Department’s employees have been made redundant in in respect of HMCPSI press office before 1 April 2012. the last two years. [108076]

Gregory Barker: Over the last two years, surplus staff have been redeployed where possible, and there were eight voluntary redundancies. NORTHERN IRELAND

Security Dealing with the Past

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many people who are Northern Ireland what the outcome was of his talks not employees of his Department have been issued with with party leaders on dealing with the past; and if he security passes for his Department’s building; and for will make a statement. [108344] what reason each such pass was issued. [108018] Mr Paterson: My discussions with party leaders on Gregory Barker [holding answer 17 May 2012]: DECC dealing with the past are ongoing. non-staff passes are only given to security cleared civil servants from other Government Departments who Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for have a business requirement to visit DECC regularly in Northern Ireland on which dates he met party leaders the course of their duties. to discuss dealing with the past. [108366] As of 15 May 2012, there were 99 individuals who hold this pass. Mr Paterson: Upon taking office I invited all party Additionally seven further individuals who support leaders to discuss the issue of dealing with the past as the Ministers hold a DECC pass, all of whom hold the part of a wider listening exercise the Minister of State, appropriate minimum level of security clearance, apart Northern Ireland Office, my right hon. Friend the Member from the Government Whips. for East Devon (Mr Swire) and I undertook on the issue. Following the Assembly motion I again invited Third party ancillary staff also hold DECC passes, party leaders to discuss with me whether they thought prior to being granted a pass, it must be confirmed they any consensus could be achieved on the issue. I have hold the correct level of security clearance. Providing now held several of these meetings with party leaders details on numbers would incur disproportionate cost. and plan further meetings to continue the discussions. Western Power Distribution Egypt Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what meetings he and Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers in his Department have had with Western Northern Ireland what representations he has received Power Distribution in the last 12 months. [108428] from organisations in Egypt on mechanisms for truth and reconciliation. [108141] Gregory Barker: Details of meetings between Ministers and external organisations are published quarterly on Mr Paterson: I have not received any representations the departmental website at: from organisations in Egypt on mechanisms for truth http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ and reconciliation. registers/ministermtgs/ministermtgs.asp Gerry McGeough

ATTORNEY-GENERAL John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has Information Officers received on the case of Gerry McGeough. [107960]

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Attorney-General how Mr Paterson: I receive correspondence on a wide much has been claimed in reimbursable expenses by range of issues, including the case of Gerry McGeough. press officers in the Law Officers’ Departments and their public bodies since May 2010. [108507] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the The Solicitor-General: Expenses claimed by press officers implications for the peace process in Northern Ireland for the Law Officers’ Departments between 1 May 2010 of the continued incarceration of Gerry McGeough; and 16 May 2012 totalled £898.28. and if he will make a statement. [107961] 371W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 372W

Mr Paterson: Mr McGeough’s appeal against the Mr Paterson: Sir Desmond de Silva was appointed as judgment in the Government’s favour in his judicial Chairman of the Pat Finucane Review on 13 October review is due to be heard by the Northern Ireland Court 2011, and has been asked to provide a full public of Appeal in June. It would therefore be inappropriate account by December 2012, for the purpose of its for me to comment further pending the final resolution publication. The review is entirely independent of of that matter. Government. Progress in the work of the review is a matter for Sir Desmond. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the case of Gerry Procurement McGeough under paragraph 20 of the Good Friday Agreement. [107964] Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what proportion of his Mr Paterson: Paragraph 20 of the Good Friday Department’s expenditure on procurement has gone to Agreement bears no relation to the case of Mr McGeough. small and medium-sized enterprises since May 2010; [107798] (2) what proportion of his Department’s contracts to Good Friday Agreement small and medium-sized enterprises have been paid late under the Cabinet Office’s definition since May 2010. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for [107837] Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of progress in the implementation of paragraph 20 of the Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office’s spend Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a with SMEs has been reported in the Cabinet Office statement. [107962] report, “Making Government business more accessible to SMEs—One Year On”: Mr Paterson: Paragraph 20 of the Good Friday www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- Agreement is a matter for the devolved Administration. government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when his Department next expects Northern Ireland how many people are imprisoned or to undertake a spend recovery audit to identify held on remand for alleged terrorist offences committed overpayments to suppliers caused by fraud or error. prior to the signing of the Good Friday agreement in [107923] 1998. [107963] Mr Paterson: My Department does not have any Mr Paterson: My Department does not hold this current plans to undertake a spend recovery audit. To information. Prison issues are a matter for the Northern date, no internal weaknesses have been identified in the Ireland Prison Service. controls with regard to payments to suppliers and/or fraud.

Pat Finucane

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the family of Pat Finucane since his decision not to hold a Equality and Human Rights Commission public inquiry into his murder. [108345] Stuart Andrew: To ask the Minister for Women and Mr Paterson: I have not had any discussions with the Equalities how much (a) members of the Board and family of Pat Finucane since I met them, together with (b) senior executives of the Equality and Human the Prime Minister, on 11 October 2011 to inform them Rights Commission incurred in expenses in (i) 2009-10, of the Government’s decision to establish an independent (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [107100] review into the death of Pat Finucane. Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Commission is an arm’s length body; the following is Northern Ireland what recent representations he has based on information it has provided: received from the Irish Government on the murder of Pat Finucane. [108346] £ Expenses 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Mr Paterson: I meet Irish Government Ministers (a) Members of the 11,186 6,997 5,765 regularly to discuss a range of issues relevant to Northern Board (including the Ireland, including the case of Pat Finucane. Chair) (b) Senior executives1 9,114 7,378 4,721 1 Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for The EHRC’s executive directors and its chief executive. Northern Ireland what recent progress has been made The expenses paid to individual Board members are on the De Silva review of the murder of Pat Finucane; published in the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s and if he will make a statement. [108367] annual report and accounts. 373W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 374W

Furniture £ Category 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Stuart Andrew: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how much the Equality and Human Rights (b) Artwork 0 0 0 Commission spent on (a) furniture, (b) artwork and (c) Sculptures 0 0 0 (c) sculptures in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) Hotels 2011-12. [107091] Stuart Andrew: To ask the Minister for Women and Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights Equalities how much the Equality and Human Rights Commission is an arm’s length body; the following is Commission spent on (a) hotel accommodation and based on information it has provided: (b) hotel room hire in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [107092] £ Category 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights (a) Furniture 6,804 0 3,269 Commission (EHRC) is an arm’s length body; the following is based on information it has provided:

£ Category 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

(a) Hotel accommodation1 303,707 113,985 101,780 (b) Hotel room hire 5,922 1,827 1,206 1 This is the full cost of hotel accommodation, including international accommodation. The actual cost to the EHRC is lower, as a substantial proportion (estimated at around 50%) of its international travel costs are covered by the meeting organisers and are subsequently reimbursed to the EHRC (for example, by the European Commission, the Commonwealth Institute, the Council of Europe). A detailed breakdown of the actual cost to the EHRC, taking into account amounts reimbursed, can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Training Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights Commission is an arm’s length body; the following is Stuart Andrew: To ask the Minister for Women and based on information it has provided. Equalities how much the Equality and Human Rights Commission spent on (a) conferences, (b) staff away The information requested is set out in the following days and (c) sports events in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 table: and (iii) 2011-12. [107085]

£ Category1 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

(a) Conferences 54,199 4,842 8,078 (b) Staff away days 75,624 12,902 0 (c) Sports events 0 0 0 1 All information relates to internal staff events only. Costs include all related expenditure but exclude staff costs.

Travel and (c) economy class air travel in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [107096] Stuart Andrew: To ask the Minister for Women and Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights Equalities how much the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an arm’s length body; the Commission spent on (a) first, (b) Club or business following is based on information it has provided:

£ Category 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

(a) First class air travel 1 500 372 129 (b) Club or business class air travel1 21,365 1,286 1,065 (c) Economy class air travel1 61,817 34,874 20,632 1 This is the full cost of air travel, including international travel. The actual cost to the EHRC is lower, as a substantial proportion (estimated at around 50%) of its international travel costs are covered by the meeting organisers and are subsequently reimbursed to the EHRC (for example, by the European Commission, the Commonwealth Institute, the Council of Europe). A detailed breakdown of the actual cost to the EHRC, taking into account amounts reimbursed, can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Commons Commission, how many passholders are permanently based in each building in the Commons Security part of the Parliamentary Estate; and how many such passholders are (a) hon. Members, (b) staff of the Thomas Docherty: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, House by department and (c) hon. Members’ staff. Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of [107768] 375W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 376W

John Thurso: Many staff work part-time, ‘hot desk’ Estate have therefore been based on the available desk in offices or have roles which do not require office spaces. The number of desks available in each building accommodation. The numbers located permanently in is shown in the following table. each building in the Commons part of the Parliamentary

Summary deskcount across House Of Commons Estate at 1 May 2012 Department Location MP MP staff DCCS DIS DF DFIN HR&C PICT Other offices1 Total

Palace of Westminster 254 321 116 36 79 1 1 0 20 828 Portcullis House 216 430 2 0 18 1 1 0 0 668 Norman Shaw South 44 200 0 8 0 0 0 24 0 276 Norman Shaw North 110 275 15 43 3 0 0 0 0 446 1 Parliament Street 68 133 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 206 1 Derby Gate 0 0 0 177 0 0 0 0 0 177 7 Millbank 0 0 339 24 10 77 96 190 11 747 14 Tothill Street 0 0 0 97 79 15 2 92 0 285 692 1,359 474 385 192 94 100 306 31 3,633 1Includes: The Speaker’s Office; The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Office of the Chief Executive.

I have asked the Director General, Facilities to provide In December 2010, the commission relocated its largest the hon. Member with additional briefing. office resulting in a reduction of ongoing accommodation costs by over £0.5 million each year. To achieve these savings the commission moved to cheaper commercial premises outside Westminster and reduced the overall ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE space required by moving to team-based desk sharing. The costs for new furniture for the relocation were kept Allowances to a minimum by recycling a significant amount of existing furniture, including desks and chairs, however suitable lockers and cabinets had to be purchased to Stuart Andrew: To ask the hon. Member for South establish the desk sharing arrangements and thus reduce West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on ongoing annual costs. the Electoral Commission, how much (a) members of the Board and (b) senior executives of the Electoral Commission incurred in expenses in (i) 2009-10, (ii) Hotels 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [107098] Stuart Andrew: To ask the hon. Member for South Mr Streeter: Expenses incurred by (a) members of West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the board and (b) senior executives of the Electoral the Electoral Commission, how much the Electoral Commission in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 Commission spent on (a) hotel accommodation and are published on the Commission’s website and are (b) hotel room hire in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) available at: 2011-12. [107094] www.electoralcommission.org.uk/about-us/how-we-are-run/ the-commissioners Mr Streeter: The following table shows the amount www.electoralcommission.org.uk/about-us/how-we-are-run/ the Electoral Commission spent on hotel accommodation executive-team in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12.

Furniture £ 2009-101 2010-11 2011-12

Stuart Andrew: To ask the hon. Member for South Hotel 57,610 41,189 37,564 West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on accommodation the Electoral Commission, how much the Electoral 1 The figures presented above do not include costs for the Boundary Committee for England (now the Local Government Boundary Commission for England) Commission spent on (a) sculptures, (b) furniture and which was part of the Electoral Commission until 1 April 2010. (c) artwork in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [107089] Costs include accommodation for observers at elections and accommodation for staff overseeing the referendum Mr Streeter: The following table shows the amount in Wales in 2010-11 and the referendum on the voting the Electoral Commission spent on (a) sculptures, (b) system for UK parliamentary elections in 2011-12. furniture and (c) artwork in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 The commission is not able to provide figures for and (iii) 2011-12. hotel room hire as these costs are included in the overall costs for events and conferences. The total costs for £ conferences and events held to support the electoral 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 events taking place each year are provided in the following

(a) Sculptures 0 0 0 table; in 2010-11 this included activities to support the (b) Furniture 5,731 59,203 2,050 referendum in Wales and in 2011-12 this included activities (c) Artwork 0 0 0 to support the referendum on the UK parliamentary voting system. 377W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 378W

Mr Streeter: The following table shows the amount £ the Electoral Commission spent on (a) first and (b) 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 standard class rail travel in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and Conference/events held 154,493 149,440 198,245 (iii) 2011-12.

Logos £ 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Stuart Andrew: To ask the hon. Member for South (a) First class rail travel 14,129 2,205 54,575 West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on (b) Standard class rail travel 81,030 52,828 1— the Electoral Commission, how much the Electoral 1 Indicates brace Commission spent on items branded with its logo in The total figure for 2009-10 (£95,159) includes an (a) (b) (c) [107086] 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. amount of £18,859 spent on rail travel by the Boundary Mr Streeter: The Commission has not spent any Committee for England (now the Local Government money on items branded with the Commission’s logo in Boundary Commission for England) before it became a (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. separate organisation on 1 April 2010. The Commission is unable to split the costs for the Boundary Committee Training in 2009-10 between first and standard class. In August 2010 the Commission revised its travel and Stuart Andrew: To ask the hon. Member for South subsistence policy. First class travel is now only allowed West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on if it is more economical than standard class and is the Electoral Commission, how much the Electoral specifically approved by the chief executive. As a result Commission spent on (a) conferences, (b) staff away of this policy change the Commission no longer classifies days and (c) sports events in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and records first and standard class rail travel separately. and (iii) 2011-12. [107083]

Mr Streeter: The information is as follows: (a) The following table shows the amount the Electoral CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Commission spent on conferences in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

£ Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State 2009-101 2010-11 2011-12 for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Conferences attended 32,047 10,361 5,702 Department has made an analysis of the discussions in Conference/events held to 154,493 149,440 198,245 the European Parliament on the Anti-Counterfeiting support delivery of polls Trade Agreement and its possible effect on internet The total amount recorded as spent on conferences freedom. [107900] each year can be analysed between those conferences staff and Commissioners attend and those events the Mr Vaizey: The final Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Commission organises to support the electoral events Agreement (ACTA) text has been reviewed by Government taking place each year; in 2011-12 this included activities lawyers from the Department for Business, Innovation to support the referendum on the UK parliamentary and Skills and the European Commission Legal Services voting system. who confirm that ACTA will not create new intellectual property rights, laws or criminal offences in the UK or (b) The following table shows the amount the Electoral EU. As such, the agreement does not affect current Commission spent on staff and Commissioner planning internet freedoms. and development days including the annual staff conference in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. Broadband

£ 2009-101 2010-11 2011-12 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he has Staff and Commissioner 18,093 8,568 14,870 planning and development days taken to ensure that small businesses benefit from BDUK including the annual staff broadband funding. [108723] conference 1 The figures presented do not include costs for the Boundary Committee for Mr Vaizey: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) England (now the Local Government Boundary Commission for England) which was part of the Electoral Commission until 1 April 2010. may benefit in two ways from BDUK £530 million (c) Expenditure on sports events in (i) 2009-10, (ii) broadband funding. Firstly, through subcontracts as 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 was nil. part of the delivery supply chain, for example in carrying out civil works, and secondly through increased business Travel opportunities from the improved connectivity. Both the rural and urban programmes require local authorities Stuart Andrew: To ask the hon. Member for South bidding for funding to demonstrate that their proposals West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on fit with the Government’s approach to using SMEs in the Electoral Commission, how much the Electoral delivering Government projects. The requirements of Commission spent on (a) first and (b) standard class the Urban Broadband Fund explicitly require cities to rail travel in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. link the roll-out of faster broadband to increasing the [107097] capabilities of SMEs. 379W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 380W

In addition there is a £20 million joint DEFRA-BDUK (2) what (a) grants and (b) contracts his Department Rural Community Broadband Fund aimed at community has awarded to companies or organisations run by projects, for which smaller suppliers could be beneficiaries individuals who previously held an elected position as a and small companies located in those communities member of the (i) Conservative party and (ii) Liberal could be beneficiaries from improved broadband Democrat party since May 2010; what the (A) value and connectivity. (B) nature was of these contracts; and whether they were publicly advertised; [107154] Carbon Emissions (3) which individuals have been paid by his Department Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for for consultancy or other services who were previously Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what his Department’s employed in any capacity by the (a) Conservative party total level of carbon emissions was between (a) 1 April or its elected representatives and (b) Liberal Democrat 2010 and 1 April 2011 and (b) 2 April 2011 and 1 April party or its elected representatives since May 2010; 2012. [108593] what the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of the services provided; and whether they were publicly advertised; John Penrose: The total level of carbon emissions for [107155] the requested periods is set out in the following table: (4) which individuals have been paid by his Department for consultancy or other services who previously held Carbon dioxide emissions (kg of an elected position as a member of the (a) Conservative As at April each year carbon) party and (b) Liberal Democrat party since May 2010; what 2010-11 1,064,119 the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of the services provided; 2011-12 964,590 and whether they were publicly advertised. [107156] John Penrose: As part of this Government’s Transparency Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for agenda, since 2010 all contracts over the value of £10,000 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what measures his are published on Contracts Finder. Department introduced to reduce its carbon emissions in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [108594] Copyright: Internet

John Penrose: In 2010, 2011 and 2012 the Department Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State introduced the following measures to reduce its carbon for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his emissions: Department has made an analysis of the recent High 2010 Court ruling requiring internet service providers to Reduced running times of fan coil units block access to the website The Pirate Bay and the Lighting adjustments effect of this ruling on internet freedom. [107899] Sequencing of the boiler and chiller Reduced cooling in the data centre Mr Vaizey: We have not carried out such an analysis. However, it is important to bear in mind that the ruling Virtualisation of the data centre was made in the High Court, and the action taken by 2011 internet service providers are therefore based on a judicial Re-timing of building plant to reduce operational running decision that will have taken care to ensure that the times order was proportionate and in accordance with all 2012 surrounding law, including on freedom of expression Continuation of strategy to ensure building plant runs at its and other freedoms. maximum energy efficiency. Cultural Heritage Casinos and Bingo Clubs Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to Olympics, Media and Sport if he will place in the protect and promote intangible cultural heritage in (a) Library a copy of each response received to the 1996 England and (b) other parts of the UK. [107032] paper Casinos and Bingo Clubs, A Consultation Paper. [108210] John Penrose: We recognise the importance of intangible John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media cultural heritage, principally through the Heritage Lottery and Sport no longer hold these documents. Fund, who provide grants for a wide variety of intangible cultural heritage projects, including heritage skills. Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport how much funding his Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what (a) grants Department has allocated to the promotion and protection and (b) contracts his Department has awarded to of intangible cultural heritage in each year since 2003. companies or organisations run by individuals who [107033] were previously employed in any capacity by (i) the Conservative party or its elected representatives and (ii) John Penrose: The Department does not directly fund the Liberal Democrat party or its elected representatives intangible cultural heritage. However, the Heritage Lottery since May 2010; what the (A) value and (B) nature was Fund, in addition to funding work to buildings, collections of these contracts; and whether they were publicly and landscapes, has invested £256 million in over 19,000 advertised; [107153] intangible heritage projects across the UK. 381W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 382W

Food: Marketing Between May 2010 and March 2011 the proportion paid after five days was 26.6% and in the year April Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2011 to March 2012 the proportion fell to 16.9%. Olympics, Media and Sport if he will bring forward Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for proposals to prevent children from being exposed to Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion online marketing of high fat, sugar and salt food and of his Department’s expenditure on procurement has drinks. [108657] gone to small and medium-sized enterprises since May Mr Vaizey: The rules covering online advertising are 2010. [107800] the responsibility of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) who are independent of Government. The ASA’s John Penrose: The proportion of procured expenditure codes specifically recognise the social imperative of made by the Department that has gone to small and ensuring that advertising is responsible and that children medium-sized enterprises, for which figures are currently and young people are suitably protected from harmful available, is 36.3%, for financial year 2010-11. The or inappropriate advertising. The ASA’s non-broadcast Department has not yet assessed the proportion for the Advertising Code, which covers online promotion (including current financial year to date. promotional activity by companies on their own websites, Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for on social networking sites and the use of advergames Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when his Department and user generated content), already contains strict next expects to undertake a spend recovery audit to rules on all food and drink advertising aimed at children. identify overpayments to suppliers caused by fraud or Members: Correspondence error. [107916]

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose: The Cabinet Office is currently identifying Olympics, Media and Sport when he plans to respond procurement options to ensure efficiency with the rollout to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Poplar of spend-recovery audits and, once these have been and Limehouse of 29 March 2012 on telecommunications established, guidance will be issued to Departments to for deaf people and Early Day Motion 1438, Session support them in meeting the Government commitment 2010-12, on access to telecommunications for deaf people. to undertake and complete a spend-recovery audit by [107754] December 2013. In the context of its own circumstances, the Department will consider later this financial year Mr Vaizey: I will be sending a response to the hon. what approach to take towards meeting this commitment. Member shortly. Risk Assessment Non-departmental Public Bodies Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport what strategic or transitional Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many quangos risk registers are held by the national lottery and its his Department has (a) abolished and (b) established distributors. [107205] since May 2010. [108275] John Penrose: The national lottery regulator, the National John Penrose: The number of the Departments arm’s Lottery Commission, and the operator, Camelot, both length bodies (ALBs) has reduced from 55 to 47 since produce strategic risk registers to assess and manage May 2010. Four ALBs have been abolished, four declassified risk. Similarly, lottery distributing bodies will produce and two transferred to other Government Departments. corporate risk registers to meet expectations for recognising, Two ALBs have been added to the Department’s portfolio managing, tracking and reappraising the risks they face. since May 2010. The British Film Institute was classified However, the detailed application of risk management as a public body in June 2011 and London Organising principles, including the necessary documentation, is a Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a matter for each organisation to determine. public corporation in July 2011. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Procurement Olympics, Media and Sport what strategic or transitional risk registers in each area of policy are held by his Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Department; and if he will make a statement. [107484] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion of payments made by his Department to small and John Penrose: The Department holds a number of medium-sized enterprises have been paid late since project, programme and local risk registers. It does not May 2010. [107789] hold high level strategic risk registers for specific policy areas and does not classify any of its risk registers as John Penrose: There is a statutory requirement to pay “transitional”. all valid invoices within 30 calendar days. In addition, since May 2010 the Government introduced a target Trade Unions requirement for all Departments to pay 80% of private sector supplier invoices within five working days of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for receipt. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many trade does not distinguish between small, medium or large union representatives in (a) his Department and (b) its suppliers in its treatment of invoices. non-departmental public bodies had (i) part-time and Since May 2010 the cumulative proportion of invoices (ii) full-time paid facility time arrangements in 2011-12. paid after 30 days was 0.5%. [107306] 383W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 384W

John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media Norman Baker: The Department for Transport monitors and Sport (DCMS) currently provides facilities for one its payment performance for all vendor invoices in full-time employee (FTE) to act as Chair of the accordance with the criteria laid down by government, departmental trade union side, to work as a full-time namely: trade union representative on a range of elected duties 80% of vendor invoices should be paid within 5 working days and act on behalf of trade union members when required. of receipt. Five members of staff work on trade union activities on 98% of invoices should be paid within 30 working days of a part-time basis. receipt. The Royal Parks Agency (TRP) employs one staff The full statistics for the last 12 months are published member on a part-time basis for trade union activities. on the Department for Transport’s website at the following DCMS does not hold this information for its arm’s address: length bodies (ALBs). Accordingly, I have asked the http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/prompt-payment- chief executives of our ALBs to write directly to my statistics/statistics.pdf hon. Friend with this information. Copies of the responses Data is not compiled on payment performance will be placed in the House Libraries. specifically in respect of small and medium-sized enterprises. I regret that this analysis could only be provided other Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, than at disproportionate cost. Olympics, Media and Sport if he will place in the Library copies of the facility time agreements between Carbon Emissions trade unions and (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies. [107309] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for John Penrose: A Partnership Agreement between DCMS Transport what discussions her Department has had and the trade unions came into effect in April 2001. I with the Department for Energy and Climate Change am arranging for copies of the document to be placed on future UK carbon budgets. [108115] in the House Libraries. Norman Baker: Ministers and officials from the We are unable to answer this question for our arm’s Department for Transport have had, and continue to length bodies (ALBs). Accordingly, I have asked the have, regular discussions with their counterparts in the chief executives of our ALBs to write directly to my Department for Energy and Climate Change on this hon. Friend the Member for Witham with this information. and other issues. This Department played a key role, for Copies of the responses will be placed in the House example, in inter-departmental discussions on the level Libraries. of the fourth carbon budget, which was announced in May 2011, and in the development of the Government’s VisitBritain Carbon Plan, which was published in December 2011.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what budget his Transport what steps her Department is taking to Department allocated to Visit Britain in (a) 2010-11, reduce the UK’s share of emissions from international (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and how much was aviation and shipping originating in the UK. [108116] allocated to each (i) region and (ii) destination management organisation in each such year. [108662] Norman Baker: In terms of international aviation, airlines were included in the Emissions Trading System John Penrose: The grant in aid the Department for on 1 January 2012. From that point, CO2 emissions Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) allocated to VisitBritain from all flights arriving and departing from EU airports and VisitEngland, for the years requested, can be found were capped, and airlines will be required to surrender in the following table. allowances equivalent to their emissions. VisitBritain and VisitEngland grant in aid While there is no agreed international methodology £ million for attributing international shipping emissions to individual countries, the Department for Transport is actively 2010-11 40.323 involved in the work of the International Maritime 2011-12 47.771 Organisation to reduce global CO2 emissions from 2012-13 48.672 international shipping. DCMS does not fund individual regions or destination Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport management organisations. when her Department plans to respond to the Committee on Climate Change recommendations on including the UK’s share of emissions from international aviation and shipping in UK carbon budgets. [108117] TRANSPORT Norman Baker: In line with the requirements of Billing the Climate Change Act 2008, by 31 December 2012 the Government will either lay regulations explaining the Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for circumstances in which emissions from international Transport what proportion of payments made by her aviation and shipping will be included in UK carbon Department to small and medium-sized enterprises budgets, or lay a report before Parliament explaining have been paid late since May 2010. [107778] why regulations have not been made. 385W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 386W

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Driving: Licensing what steps her Department is taking on implementing the recommendation of the Committee on Climate Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Change that the UK’s share of emissions from international Transport how many prosecutions there were for the aviation and shipping be included in the UK’s carbon (a) purchase and (b) sale of fraudulent drivers’ budgets. [108118] licences online in each of the last five years. [107746] Norman Baker: The Department for Transport and the Department for Energy and Climate Change are Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the working closely with other Government departments in Ministry of Justice. considering our response to the Committee on Climate Other than where specified in a statute, centrally held Change’s advice on whether to include international information does not include all the circumstances of aviation and shipping emissions in the UK’s 2050 target each case. It is not possible to identify from information and associated carbon budgets. held on the Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Driving Offences Database those specific cases where a fraudulent drivers’ licence has been purchased or sold or whether or not Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for this offence occurred online. Transport when she expects the data for (a) seat belt wearing and (b) mobile telephone use by drivers to be Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for available for (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011. [106656] Transport what recent assessment she has made of the numbers of fraudulent drivers’ licences sold online. Mike Penning: Data on seat belt wearing and mobile [107747] phone use by drivers for 2010 and 2011 have not been collected and there are currently no plans to collect this Mike Penning: The Department for Transport has data in the immediate future. not carried out any assessment about the number of Details of recorded offences for failing to wear a seat fraudulent driving licences that have been sold online. belt and using a handheld mobile phone while driving Intelligence gathered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing can be found on the Home Office and Ministry of Agency (DVLA) indicates that websites which claim to Justice websites: provide genuine driving licences are actually scams. http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal- Money is taken from members of the public but no justice-stats/motoring-tables.xls driving licence is produced. Intelligence about websites http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- that appear to be offering driving licences for sale is statistics/research-statistics/police-research/immigration-tabs-q4- passed to the police to allow the appropriate action to 2011/fixed-penalty-notice-1011-tabs?view=Binary be taken. The police service is the only organisation Driving under Influence within the UK able to combat internet based criminality. Genuine DVLA issued driving licences employ Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for sophisticated physical security features making them Transport what information she has available on the among the most secure documents in the world. The number of road traffic (a) violations and (b) accidents DVLA also provides information to stakeholders on in which a driver has consumed alcohol below the legal various security features that should be present in genuine limit. [107671] driving licences to help them identify any false licences that may be produced. The DVLA works closely with Mike Penning: Information about the quantity of other Government Departments and enforcement agencies alcohol in the blood of reported road accident fatalities to tackle identity crime. aged 16 or over, who die within 12 hours of a road accident in Great Britain, is collected by the Department, from Coroners in England and Wales and Procurators Highways Agency Fiscal in Scotland. It is then matched with the data on the circumstances of the accidents from the STATS 19 police accident reporting form. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department is also separately supplied with data Transport how many and what proportion of senior (so far by 40, out of the 43, police forces in England and staff left the Highways Agency in (a) 2010-11 and (b) Wales) on the results of roadside breath alcohol screening 2011-12; and if she will make a statement. [107718] tests, administered by police, using recently introduced digital recording equipment. The equipment is able to Norman Baker: In 2010-11, the Highways Agency record and report the specific quantity of any alcohol had 29 Senior Civil Servants (SCS) at the start of the present in a persons system at the roadside, the reason financial year and there were no leavers. In 2011-12, for the test (such as a road traffic collision or a moving there were 30 Senior Civil Servants (SCS) at the start of traffic offence), the age and gender of the person being the financial year and there were less than five leavers. tested and the date and time it was carried out. The Department publishes statistics based on these Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for data sources on its website, at the following links: Transport what the budget was of the Highways http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/releases/road-accidents-and- Agency in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; safety-annual-report-2010/ what proportion of its budget was for road repairs (i) in http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics?orderby=title&post_type each region and (ii) nationally in each year; and if she =table&s=ras51 will make a statement. [107720] 387W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 388W

Norman Baker: The Highways Agency opening Mrs Villiers: Within the consultation process, the programme budget excluding depreciation was set at: Department received a small number of representations (a) £2,750 million in 2010-11 from businesses in London. ODA, TfL and other delivery (b) £2,406 million in 2011-12 partners have undertaken extensive local engagement on the planned restrictions which were taken into account (c) £2,502 million in 2012-13 in finalising decisions. At the heart of our planning is to The following table shows the proportion of the seek to minimise the impact on normal business caused budget that was for road repairs (i) for each operational by temporary measures necessary to deliver a successful Highways Agency region and (ii) nationally in each games. year. Where practical, we advise businesses to have non- Proportion of budget for road repairs perishable items such as stationery delivered before the Percentage games, or to have deliveries re-timed to arrive outside of 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 peak periods to reduce the amount of delivery traffic on (i) North West 2 4 5 the roads during the day. Yorkshire and 433 Procurement North East South West 2 3 3 Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for South East 3 6 5 Transport what proportion of her Department’s East 1 2 2 expenditure on procurement has gone to small and Midlands 4 5 6 medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107797] (ii) National 16 22 23 Total Norman Baker: The Department for Transport’s spend with SMEs has been reported in the Cabinet Office Midland Main Line report, ‘Making Government business more accessible to SMEs—One Year On’: Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- Transport (1) what assessment she has made of the government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year potential benefits for Kettering of upgrading the Midland Railways: North West Main Line at Derby, Leicester and Market Harborough; [108442] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (2) what assessment she has made of the potential what schemes under the Northern Hub project have (a) negative consequences of electrifying the Midland Main been allocated and (b) yet to be allocated public money. Line without first upgrading the line, including the [108119] remodelling at Derby; [108443] (3) what estimate she has made of the expected reduction Mrs Villiers: We have announced two Northern Hub in journey times arising from the upgrade and then schemes comprising £85 million for the Ordsall Chord electrification of the Midland Main Line. [108444] and associated works, and £130 million for Sheffield- Manchester capacity improvements and line speed Mrs Villiers: Network Rail is assessing the business improvements between Manchester and Preston, case for upgrading and electrifying the Midland Main Manchester and Bradford and Manchester and Sheffield. Line which could enable some reductions in passenger We have also announced, subject to confirmation of the journey times if accompanied by works at various locations business case, £290 million funding for a related scheme; including Derby, Leicester, and Market Harborough. namely the electrification of the railway between Network Rail has advised that electrification alone Manchester, Leeds and the East Coast Main Line. We would have little impact on passenger journey times. will be considering the remaining Northern Hub schemes The Department for Transport expects to announce a in the High Level Output Specification which will be decision on rail investment in the period from 2014 to published in July 2012. 2019 by July 2012. Redundancy Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she plans to make a decision on the Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport possible upgrade and electrification of the Midland how many of her Department’s employees have been Mainline. [108378] made redundant in the last two years. [108062]

Mrs Villiers: The Government expects to announce Norman Baker: In 2011-12, fewer than five employees decisions on rail investment in the period from 2014 to from the Department for Transport (Centre) were made 2019 by July 2012. compulsorily redundant. No staff from the Department’s agencies (Driving Standards Agency, Driver and Vehicle Olympic Games 2012 Licensing Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Highways Agency, Vehicle Certification Agency, Vehicle Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for and Operator Services Agency and Government Car Transport what representations she has received from and Dispatch Agency) have been made compulsorily (a) pharmacies and (b) other businesses in London on redundant. Additionally in 2011-12, 208 staff left the receiving adequate supplies during the road restrictions Department, including agencies, under voluntary in place during the London 2012 Olympics. [108389] redundancy schemes. 389W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 390W

In the previous financial year (2010-11) no employees Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for were made compulsorily redundant, although 248 Transport what assessment has been made of the possible employees left the Department, including agencies, under effect on numbers of road collisions of bringing in a voluntary redundancy schemes. more stringent eyesight standard for motorists. [107653] Roads: Accidents

Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning: Driver licensing is governed by European what estimate she has made of the number of road law which specifies the minimum health, including eyesight, traffic accidents that involved (a) cyclists, (b) motorcycles standard that must be applied in all member states. In and (c) pedestrians in the London borough of Bexley February 2011 an impact assessment was published to in each of the last five years. [107650] support the public consultation on changes to the minimum EU standards. The assessment is available on the DVLA Mike Penning: The information requested is given in website. the following table: The number of reported personal injury road accidents in London borough of Bexley: 2005-10 Number of accidents1 involving Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (a) Cyclists (b) Motorcycles (c) Pedestrians how many (a) fatalities and (b) injuries resulted from accidents involving cyclists on the pavement in each 2006 30 79 99 year for which figures are available, broken down by 2007 34 75 97 location. [107680] 2008 35 90 86 2009 35 74 81 2010 54 62 84 1 Accidents involving more than one of the road user types listed will be Mike Penning: The information requested is given in counted in multiple columns. the following table:

Casualties in reported personal injury road accidents, involving a pedal cyclist on the pavement: Great Britain: 1999 to 2010 Casualties England Wales Scotland Great Britain Killed Injured Killed Injured Killed Injured Killed Injured

1999 8 963 0 15 0 16 8 994 2000 6 961 0 29 0 14 6 1,004 2001 1 869 0 27 0 22 1 918 2002 3 755 0 32 0 21 3 808 2003 2 757 0 17 1 21 3 795 2004 3 833 0 30 0 17 3 880 2005 5 838 0 18 0 33 5 889 2006 7 738 0 18 0 37 7 793 2007 4 760 0 18 0 27 4 805 2008 5 733 0 12 0 33 5 778 2009 2 705 0 17 0 22 2 744 2010 3 652 0 20 0 28 3 700

Shipping As a matter of general policy, and in keeping with the approach taken by other public bodies, the Department does not disclose any legal advice it may receive, and Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for does not disclose whether any such advice has been Transport what meetings (a) Ministers and (b) officials sought or obtained in any particular case. of her Department have had with (i) trades unions and (ii) the Chamber of Shipping at which the definition of Speed Limits a one-port voyage in the (A) maritime and (B) offshore energy sector was discussed since May 2010. [108337] Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the Strategic Road Safety Mike Penning: None. Framework, when her Department plans to publish revised guidance to local authorities on speed limits in Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for urban areas. [108259] Transport what progress her Department has made in defining a one-port voyage in the (a) maritime and (b) Mike Penning: We plan to revise and reissue the offshore energy sector since May 2010; what legal guidance on speed limits, with the aim of increasing advice she has received on this matter since that date; flexibility for local authorities, later this year. We propose and if she will publish any such advice. [108338] to start consultation on the draft in the next few weeks. The intention to revise the guidance, and to provide a Mike Penning: The Department for Transport has speed limit appraisal tool to help local authorities to not undertaken any work in the last two years on assess the full costs and benefits of any proposed schemes, matters pertaining to the definition of one-port voyage was announced in the Strategic Framework for Road in the maritime and offshore energy sector. Safety (May 2011), paragraph 3.26. The guidance will 391W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 392W cover local speed limits in both urban and rural areas. Further details of the funding provided to local The Tool, which is under development, will be launched authorities is available in the example local authority with the revised guidance later this year. transport settlement letter which is on Department’s website at: Transport http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-transport-capital- block-funding/settlement-letter-2010.pdf Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport: Exports Transport how much funding her Department has allocated (a) (b) to road maintenance, the Network Rail passenger Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for (c) budget and the local authority major transport Transport (1) if she will respond to the findings of the teams budget between 2011-12 and 2014-15. [107102] British Chambers of Commerce’s Exporting is Good for Britain and Transport Connections Support Trade Norman Baker: (a) The Department is providing over report; and if she will make a statement; [108021] £3 billion for the Highways Maintenance Block grant to local authorities between 2011-12 and 2014-15. The (2) with reference to the British Chambers of profile of this grant is £806m in 2011/12, £779m in Commerce’s report, Exporting is Good for Britain and 2012/13, £750m in 2013/14 and £707m in 2014/15. Transport Connections Support Trade, if she will make it her policy to adopt the British Chambers of In addition, and in recognition of the abnormal Commerce’s recommendations on measures to improve damage caused by the exceptional winter weather at the the quality and reduce the cost to businesses of local end of 2010, the Department is providing a further and international transport connections; and if she will £200m to authorities in England to repair potholes on make a statement. [108022] the local road network. Further details of this funding are available on the Department’s website at the following Mike Penning: The Government is committed to link: maintaining a dynamic, sustainable transport system http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/extra-funds-for-pothole- that supports UK economic growth and competitiveness. repairs-in-england I welcome the report from the British Chamber of The Department allocated over £1.6 billion for Highways Commerce and will take its findings and recommendations Agency Maintenance between 2011-12 and 2014-15. into consideration when creating and reviewing policies. The profile of this grant is £416m in 2011/12, £464m in 2012/13, £391m in 2013/14 and £389m in 2014/15. (b) The Spending Review allocated over £18bn for rail investment over the period 2011-12 to 2014-15. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Funding provided for rail covers two main areas—the Accountancy Network Grant, ‘which covers funding for Network Rail for the provision of rail infrastructure, and Support for Passenger Rail Services (SPRS), which is for franchised Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for rail services. This funding covers a control period that Communities and Local Government how many staff differs from the spending review period. The current in his Department had (a) a recognised accountancy control period (control period 4) runs from 2009/10 to qualification and (b) the Associate Chartered Accountant 2013/14. qualification in each of the last three years; and how many staff in his Department were working towards a The Department’s financial commitment to the rail recognised accountancy qualification in each such year. industry is set out in a suite of contracts between the [106911] Department and franchised passenger rail operators and Network Rail. Contracts with the train operating Robert Neill [holding answer 15 May 2012]: The companies are available on the Department’s website at available information on the numbers of staff with a www.dft.gov.uk/topics/rail-passenger-franchises/public- recognised accountancy qualification in each of the last register three years is as follows. The figures relate to staff in A copy of the Deed of Grant between the Department post on 1 September. and Network Rail is available on the Office of Rail Regulation’s website at: Executive agencies and non-departmental public www.rail-reg.gov.uk DCLG1 bodies and in the library of the House. In addition, a summary of the forward financial commitments in respect of 2009-10 30 76 these contracts is contained in the “Other Financial 2010-11 30 72 Commitments”section of the Department’s annual report”. 2011-12 39 47 1 Theses figures do not include all qualified staff working in non-finance Network Rail’s funding settlement for Control Period posts and the extent of the coverage of these may have varied over 5 (2014-19) has yet to be fixed. The 2014-15 budget for time. Network Rail will be determined as part of the Office of There were five employees in DCLG who held the Rail Regulation’s Periodic Review. Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and (c) Between 2011-12 and 2014-15 the Department has Wales or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in allocated over £1.5 billion for local authority major Scotland qualification as at the end of March 2012 and schemes. The profile of this budget is £418m in 2011/12, 12 members of staff who held the Associated Chartered £364m in 2012/13, £335m in 2013/14 and £427m in Certified Accountancy qualification as at the end of 2014/15. March 2012. Of the latter, one qualified for membership 393W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 394W in 2009 and one in 2011. Corresponding information All European Regional Development Fund programmes for earlier years could be obtained only at disproportionate met their 2011 spending targets. 63% of the money is cost. contractually committed and we are about 2/3 of the As at the end of March 2012, DCLG had 32 trainees way through the programme as programmes have until working towards a recognised accountancy qualification. the end of 2015 to complete spending. A good pipeline of projects is coming through with some 93% of the total allocation contracted or awaiting contract. Audit Commission Housing: North East Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for his answer of 30 April 2012, Official Report, column Communities and Local Government what residential 1234, if he will provide a breakdown of the £650 million properties in Newcastle previously owned by the North saving over five years expected from the planned abolition East Regional Development Authority (a) were of the Audit Commission. [108383] transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and (b) are currently on offer for sale by the Robert Neill: Working estimates from the draft impact HCA; and what processes are in place to support assessment of local audit reforms show that there will existing tenants of these properties. [108722] be a saving to the public purse of £650 million over the next five years as a result of the programme to disband Andrew Stunell: The Homes and Communities Agency the Audit Commission and reform local audit. This have informed me that no residential properties in Newcastle figure (which is net of transitional costs) comprises were transferred to them from the North East Regional savings from the end of inspection and assessment Development Agency, The list of properties transferred work, a reduction in audit fees as a result of transferring from the regional development agencies to the Homes the work to the private sector, and the slimming down and Communities Agency has been published on the and then closure of the Audit Commission. A full BIS website and is available at: breakdown of the savings will be published in the www.bis.gov.uk/rda-assets impact assessment alongside the draft Local Audit Bill. Land: Registration EU Grants and Loans Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make it Communities and Local Government how much funding his policy to indemnify local authorities against settlement from the European Regional Development Fund has costs associated with claims in respect of land search been (a) contracted and (b) paid to projects in each fees. [107681] region; and how much funding from the European Regional Development Fund remains to be allocated in Andrew Stunell: Several private property search companies have lodged claims against local authorities each region. [108000] in England and Wales for restitution for fees paid by the Robert Neill [holding answer 17 May 2012]: The companies to local authorities for information used in following figures are to the end of April 2012: land searches carried out as part of the house buying process. The basis of the claims is the contention that £ million the EU Environmental Information Regulations 2004 prohibited local authorities for charging for the provision Paid and of this information. declared As this matter is the subject of ongoing litigation, it European, Regional to the Pipeline would not be appropriate to comment at this time. Development Fund European projects Programme ContractedCommission Remaining Meetings East Midlands 131.5 94.8 99.5 61 East of England 69.2 25.80 26.7 118 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for London 113.37 72.34 43.48 33 Communities and Local Government on what dates North East 206.37 140.05 121.54 74 (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior officials in his North West 459.3 317.0 166.6 92 Department have met representatives of (i) the Institute South East 12.97 5.57 7.55 4 for Public Policy Research, (ii) the Taxpayers’ Alliance, South West 52.946 35.95 52.751 33 (iii) the Institute of Economic Affairs, (iv) the Child Competitiveness Poverty Action Group, (v) ResPublica, (vi) the Centre South West 296.18 136.37 92.204 114 for Social Justice and (vii) Policy Exchange; and if he Convergence— will publish the minutes and agendas of these meetings. Cornwall and Isles of [108975] Scilly West Midlands 215.90 91.10 128.30 99 Robert Neill: Details of ministerial and permanent Yorkshire and the 303.80 213.90 184.68 273 secretary meetings with external organisations on Humber departmental business are published on a quarterly Source: European Regional Development Fund Management Information basis and are available at: Report May 2012 and individual monthly programme reports on http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/ pipeline. transparencyingovernment/ministerialdata/ 395W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 396W

Details of officials’ meetings with external organisations Planning Inspectorate are not held centrally and it would entail disproportionate cost to collate this information. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will ask the Mitzvah Day UK Planning Inspectorate to make it its policy to photocopy documents from the public rather than asking the public Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for to provide three copies of their representations. [108142] Communities and Local Government how much funding he has allocated to Mitzvah Day UK; and on what Robert Neill: The Planning Inspectorate actively basis. [108270] encourages the public to communicate electronically when participating in the appeals process. Local authorities Andrew Stunell: My Department has allocated £35,000 advise third parties of the submission of an appeal and to the organisation Mitzvah Day in the present financial the Planning Inspectorate’s model notification letter year, to enable it to perform a central co-ordinating role encourages online submissions via the Planning Portal, for a programme called ‘AYear of Service’. The funding e-mail to the case officer, or submission in writing if the is a contribution towards the employment of a dedicated third party does not have internet access. Only in the worker to work with faith communities, the development latter case are three hard copies of the submission and maintenance of a website, and monitoring of projects. requested. ‘AYearof Service’ is promoting and linking up faith-based The requirement to send three copies of any postal volunteering during the Diamond Jubilee year, with comments helps meet the Planning Inspectorate’s statutory each of nine historic faith communities in turn hosting commitment to provide copies of all comments to the a day or days of volunteering and inviting others to appellant and the local planning authority. If routinely join in. undertaken, there would be an added administrative burden of photocopying at cost to the general taxpayer. Non-departmental Public Bodies I do not, therefore, intend to instruct the Planning Inspectorate on a policy in this matter. Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Procurement Communities and Local Government how many quangos his Department has (a) abolished and (b) established since May 2010. [108276] Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what proportion Robert Neill: Since May 2010 the Department has of payments made by his Department to small and abolished eight arm’s length bodies. The Department medium-sized enterprises have been paid late since May has not established any new bodies in that time. A 2010; [107783] further three are expected to close over the course of (2) what proportion of his Department’s expenditure 2012. on procurement has gone to small and medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107795] Non-domestic Rates Robert Neill: The proportion of late payments made by my Department (excluding the arm’s length bodies) Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities to small and medium-sized enterprises between May and Local Government how much revenue was raised 2010 and March 2012 was 4%. An invoice is considered from business rates on (a) small and medium-sized late if it not paid within five working days. This five-day enterprises, (b) micro businesses and (c) other businesses requirement is more demanding than the 10-day target in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and what proportion of that operated under the last administration. the total was raised from (A) small and medium-sized enterprises and (B) micro businesses. [108124] The proportion of my Department’s expenditure (excluding arm’s length bodies) on procurement with Robert Neill: The information requested is not held small and medium-sized enterprises between May 2010 centrally. and March 2012 was 11%. DCLG has agreed four tasks that will increase engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (i.e. updating our website with information Non-domestic Rates: Charities to help these organisations understand how to participate in our procurements, delivering product surgeries, breaking Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for larger procurements into smaller lots and publishing a Communities and Local Government what guidance he pipeline of upcoming procurement opportunities). This has provided to local authorities on the application of is an ongoing strategy and we have implemented the business rate relief in respect of properties that are used necessary changes and procedures ahead of time. This wholly or mainly for charitable purposes. [108370] is helping us contribute to the overall 25% target set by the Prime Minister. Robert Neill: None. The eligibility criteria for charity We do not centrally hold spend data on small and relief are set out in the Local Government Finance Act medium-sized enterprises for our arm’s length bodies 1988. It is for individual authorities to decide whether for financial year 2010-11; however, for 2011-12 where the criteria has been met, taking into account relevant data is available, the proportion of spend on small and case law. Ultimately, interpretation of the law is a medium-sized enterprises for the Department and its matter for the courts. arm’s length bodies was 21.4 %. 397W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 398W

Annex B of the Cabinet Office report, ″Making The third is the newly created hotline to support the National Government business more accessible to small and Planning Policy Framework created by the Planning Inspectorate medium-sized enterprises—One Year On″ also contains to provide expert advice. information on my Department’s spend with small and All three call centres are based within the UK. medium-sized enterprises up to Quarter 3 of 2011-12. Trade Unions This can be found at the following website: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will place in Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Library copies of the facility time agreements Communities and Local Government when his Department between trade unions and (a) his Department and (b) next expects to undertake a spend recovery audit to each of its non-departmental public bodies. [107337] identify overpayments to suppliers caused by fraud or error. [107915] Robert Neill: The following list shows which bodies have facility time agreements with trade unions. Copies Robert Neill: The Department continuously conducts of these agreements have been placed in the Library of checks and balances to audit the payments process and the House. identify over payments and causes of fraud. However, Formal agreements DCLG entered into a contract with PRGX UK Ltd on Department for Communities and Local Government 23 April 2012 to undertake an independent spend recovery The Homes & Communities Agency audit of payments made in the period 2006-07 to present. The Audit Commission The audit is expected to commence in June 2012. The Planning Inspectorate Shingle Recycling: Dungeness Local Government Ombudsman Valuation Tribunal Service Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Independent Housing Ombudsman Ltd. for Communities and Local Government what The Fire Service College do not have a formal facility consideration he has given to conducting a review of time agreement but would discuss the arrangement of the proposal by Kent county council for shingle recycling facility time and trade union representatives with the at Dungeness. [108635] trade union side. Robert Neill: Since January 2012, the Secretary of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Valuation State for Communities and Local Government, my Tribunal for England, Building Regulations Advisory right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar Committee, Architects Registration Board, West Northants (Mr Pickles), has received five letters drawing his attention Development Corporation, London Thames Gateway to this proposal. Development Corporation and the Leasehold Advisory Service do not have any trade union representative. I understand that the application is currently under consideration by Kent county council. It has the statutory The Government have announced their intention to responsibility for considering this proposal and has to commence a consultation shortly with the civil service determine it in the light of any development plan for the trade union on limiting the amount of paid time civil area and any other material planning considerations, servants can spend on trade union duties and activities, including any representations received. and ending the practice of having civil servants engaged full-time in trade union representative roles. As the Secretary of State has a quasi-judicial role in the planning process, with respect to call-ins and appeals, Wind Power: Scotland it would be inappropriate for me to express an opinion, as it may come before the Secretary of State at a later Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for stage. Communities and Local Government what recent Should the council refuse this permission, the Secretary discussions he has had with the Scottish Government of State has no involvement, unless the applicant on onshore wind-farms. [107673] subsequently appeals against the council’s decision. Telephone Services Robert Neill: There have been no discussions between the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), and the Scottish Communities and Local Government how many call Government about onshore wind farms. centres provide services for his Department and the bodies for which he is responsible; and how many such call centres are based abroad. [107021] EDUCATION Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and Local Government provides three public facing call Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats centres: The first is a public enquiry service that operates across DCLG Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for and is the primary means for the public to request information Education which individuals have been paid by his and contact the Department. Department for consultancy or other services who were The second is the Planning Inspectorate infrastructure appeal previously employed in any capacity by the (a) Conservative helpline. party or its elected representatives and (b) Liberal 399W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 400W

Democrat party or its elected representatives since May Tim Loughton [holding answer 16 May 2012]: Yes. 2010; what the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of the services provided; and whether they were publicly advertised. English Baccalaureate: West Midlands [107143]

Tim Loughton: We hold details of organisations in Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for receipt of payments for consultancy or other services. Education how many children were awarded A* to C (a) We do not hold any further detail about individuals grades in the English Baccalaureate subjects in (b) within those organisations to know whether they were Birmingham, Ladywood constituency and the west employed in any capacity by the Conservative party or midlands region in each of the last five academic years. the Liberal Democrat party. To provide this information [107565] would incur disproportionate costs to the Department. Mr Gibb: The information requested for the 2009/10 It is the Department’s policy to publish all suitable and 2010/11 academic years can be found in the following contracts in either Contracts Finder table. Information for earlier years is not currently http://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk available in the form requested and can be provided the Official Journal of the European Union only at disproportionate cost. http://ted.europa.eu/TED/main/HomePage.do Numbers and percentages of pupils at the end of key stage 41,2,3 or other publications relevant to the subject matter of achieving A*-C grades in each of the English Baccalaureate subjects4,5 6 7 the contract. A suitable contract is one with a value in Birmingham Ladywood constituency , Birmingham local authority west midlands and England8. Years: 2009/10 to 2010/11. Coverage: over £20,000 and where the goods or services are not England available via an existing framework agreement. Contracts Numbers and percentages of KS4 with a value below £20,000 and which are not available pupils achieving A*-C grades in each from a framework agreement are competitively tendered of the following English by selecting suitable organisations to bid based on baccalaureate subjects 2009/10 2010/11 objective criteria. English Birmingham, Ladywood (Number) 941 1,159 Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which individuals have been paid by his Birmingham, Ladywood (Percentage) 60.4 69.7 Department for consultancy or other services who Birmingham (Number) 7,736 7,950 previously held an elected position as a member of the Birmingham (Percentage) 62.8 65.4 (a) Conservative party and (b) Liberal Democrat party West Midlands (Number) 42,101 42,998 since May 2010; what the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of West Midlands (Percentage) 65.0 67.8 the services provided; and whether they were publicly England (Number) 380,485 389,577 advertised. [107144] England (Percentage) 66.1 69.0

Tim Loughton: We hold details of organisations in Mathematics receipt of payments for consultancy or other services. Birmingham, Ladywood (Number) 975 1,165 We do not hold any further detail about individuals Birmingham, Ladywood (Percentage) 62.6 70.1 within those organisations to know whether they held Birmingham (Number) 7,531 7,816 an elected position as a member of the Conservative Birmingham (Percentage) 61.2 64.3 party or the Liberal Democrat party. To provide this West Midlands (Number) 39,412 40,472 information would incur disproportionate costs to the West Midlands (Percentage) 60.9 63.9 Department. England (Number) 360,525 368,922 It is the Department’s policy to publish all suitable England (Percentage) 62.6 65.3 contracts in either Contracts Finder at this link: http://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk Science the Official Journal of the European Union: Birmingham, Ladywood (Number) 675 717 http://ted.europa.eu/TED/main/HomePage.do Birmingham, Ladywood (Percentage) 43.4 43.1 or other publications relevant to the subject matter of Birmingham (Number) 4,955 4,981 the contract. A suitable contract is one with a value Birmingham (Percentage) 40.2 41.0 over £20,000 and where the goods or services are not West Midlands (Number) 27,762 27,628 available via an existing framework agreement. Contracts West Midlands (Percentage) 42.9 43.6 with a value below £20,000 and which are not available England (Number) 263,326 261,820 from a framework agreement are competitively tendered England (Percentage) 45.7 46.4 by selecting suitable organisations to bid based on objective criteria. History or Geography Birmingham, Ladywood (Number) 393 459 Email Birmingham, Ladywood (Percentage) 25.2 27.6 Birmingham (Number) 3,638 3,565 Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Birmingham (Percentage) 29.5 29.3 Education whether his Department has taken legal West Midlands (Number) 19,722 19,627 advice in respect of claims relating to Freedom of West Midlands (Percentage) 30.5 310 Information Act 2000 requests for emails about official England (Number) 184,066 183,819 business sent from non-departmental accounts. [107591] England (Percentage) 32.0 32.5 401W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 402W

Numbers and percentages of pupils at the end of key stage 41,2,3 Free School Meals: South West achieving A*-C grades in each of the English Baccalaureate subjects4,5 in Birmingham Ladywood constituency6, Birmingham local authority7 west midlands and England8. Years: 2009/10 to 2010/11. Coverage: England Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Numbers and percentages of KS4 Education how many children in Newton Abbot pupils achieving A*-C grades in each constituency are eligible for free school meals. [107700] of the following English baccalaureate subjects 2009/10 2010/11

Mr Gibb [holding answer 17 May 2012]: Information Languages on the number and percentage of pupils known to be Birmingham, Ladywood (Number) 444 537 eligible for and claiming free school meals is shown in Birmingham, Ladywood (Percentage) 28.5 32.3 the tables. Birmingham (Number) 3,087 3,095 Information on the number of pupils known to be Birmingham (Percentage) 25.1 25.5 eligible for and claiming free school meals as at January West Midlands (Number) 15,502 15,081 2011 is published in the Statistical First Release ‘Schools, West Midlands (Percentage) 23.9 23.8 Pupils and their Characteristics, January 2011’ available England (Number) 159,406 153,408 at: England (Percentage) 27.7 27.2 1 Percentages are based on all pupils at end of key stage 4 in each area. http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001012/ 2 Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. index.shtml 3 Figures include all maintained schools (including CTCs and academies). Maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special 4 The English Baccalaureate covers achievement in GCSE (or accredited schools and pupil referral units1,2,3,4: January 2011 iGCSE English, mathematics, sciences, a language (including Latin, Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and classical Greek or ancient Hebrew) and history or geography. claiming free school meals 5 Including attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous 1,2 academic years. Maintained nursery and state-funded primary 6 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the No. of pupils school. known to be % known to be 7 eligible for and eligible for and Local authority and region figures are based on the local authority claiming free claiming free maintaining the school or in the case of CTCs and academies the No. on roll5,6 school meals5,6 school meals local authority in which the school is situated. 8 England figures are the sum of all local authority figures. England 3,873,175 743,255 19.2 Source: Newton Abbot 5,677 813 14.3 National Pupil Database, final data constituency

Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals Food Technology: Young People State-funded secondary1,3 No. of pupils known to be % known to eligible for be eligible for Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and claiming and claiming what steps he plans to take to support families in free school free school No. on roll5,6 meals5,6 meals teaching young people practical cooking skills. [106916] England 2,837,825 450,275 15.9 Newton Abbot 4,744 643 13.6 Mr Gibb [holding answer 16 May 2012]: The constituency Department believes that learning about food and cookery is an important life skill. Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals The Government promotes healthy living through Special4 programmes and campaigns to encourage families and No. of pupils children to eat sensible portions, to eat fruit and vegetables known to be % known to be and to more physically active. The Healthy Schools eligible for and eligible for and claiming free claiming free toolkit helps schools to plan health and well-being No. on roll5,6 school meals5,6 school meals improvements for their pupils. The Healthy Schools toolkit is available from the Department’s website at: England 79,030 28,830 36.5 Newton Abbot 102 24 23.5 http://tinyurl.com/healthyschoolskit constituency The School Food Trust’s Let’s Get Cooking scheme is a national network of cooking clubs for children, Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and families and their communities across England. Information claiming free school meals is available at: Pupil referral units No. of pupils http://www.letsgetcooking.org.uk known to be % known to be eligible for and eligible for and The Change4Life website also has information about claiming free claiming free 5,6 5,6 staying healthy for families, and resources for schools. It No. on roll school meals school meals provides links to local activities and organisations in England 13,725 4,745 34.6 local areas. The website is available at: Newton Abbot *** constituency http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx 403W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 404W

Sarah Teather: One of the fundamental principles of Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals the pupil premium is that schools should be free to Total decide how to use their pupil premium allocation since No. of pupils they are best placed to assess what additional provision known to be % known to be should be made for individual pupils. Not only are eligible for and eligible for and schools best placed to know what works in their claiming free claiming free No. on roll5,6 school meals5,6 school meals circumstances, this approach has been widely welcomed by schools. England 6,803,755 1,227,110 18.0 To support schools in making effective use of the Newton Abbot 10,523 1,480 14.1 constituency pupil premium, we have published ‘what works’ evidence * = Not applicable. No schools of this type. on strategies to improve the attainment and progress of 1. Includes middle schools as deemed. children who attract the pupil premium. We have also 2 Includes primary academies. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies. made available to schools information on other related 4 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general premium issues, which is available via: hospital schools. www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium/ 5 Includes full time and part time pupils who are sole or dual main registrations, includes boarding pupils. In pupil referral units, also includes a00200492/ppstrategies?1=1 pupils registered with other providers and further education colleges. Further tranches of ‘what works’ evidence will be 6 Pupils who have full time attendance and are aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part time attendance and are aged between five and 15. published on a regular basis including case studies from Note: schools with a good record in narrowing attainment National totals have been rounded to the nearest 5. gaps and projects supported by Education Endowment Source: School Census Foundation. Between December 2011 and May 2012, Fruit the relevant web pages have been visited 5,526 times by 4,475 unique visitors. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has been contacted by a number of Education how much his private ministerial office has schools seeking advice about the pupil premium using a spent on fresh fruit in the last 12 months for which variety of means. Many such contacts will have been of an informal type, for example, by phone or email which figures are available. [108004] will not have been logged or recorded. This means we Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does do not have a record of the number of schools. not provide fresh fruit to ministerial private offices and We have, however, received 78 official letters or emails therefore has not incurred any such costs in the last from a variety of people and organisations, including 12 months. schools about the use of the pupil premium. This is correspondence sent to the Department either direct Manpower from individuals or organisations or via a Member of Parliament and are logged and recorded. Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many jobs formerly in his Department and its agencies and non-departmental bodies were Pupils: West Midlands transferred to the private sector in 2011-12. [106995] Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: The Department, its associated agencies Education how many (a) schools and (b) pupils in (i) and non departmental public bodies did not transfer Birmingham, Ladywood constituency, (ii) the Birmingham any staff to the private sector in 2011-12. local authority area and (iii) the West Midlands region Procurement have received the pupil premium to date. [107564]

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The pupil premium was introduced in April Education when his Department next expects to undertake 2011 and allocations have so far been made for the a spend recovery audit to identify overpayments to 2011-12 financial year only.For 2011-12 the pupil premium suppliers caused by fraud or error. [107919] funding was £488 per pupil in respect of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals (FSM), and for Tim Loughton: In accordance with the requirements children in care who have been continuously looked-after of ″Tackling Fraud and Error in Government″, published for at least six months; and £200 per pupil for those in February this year by Cabinet Office, the Department whose parents are serving in the armed forces. for Education will conduct a spend recovery audit on In 2011-12 in the Birmingham, Ladywood constituency our accounts payable system by December 2013. 52 schools received the pupil premium and 9,760 pupils were eligible for the deprivation premium. Fewer than Pupils: Disadvantaged five pupils were eligible for the service premium. Figures for pupils in alternative provision, or looked-after children, Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for are not available at parliamentary constituency level. Education (1) what guidance his Department has provided In 2011-12 in Birmingham local authority 374 schools to schools on effective use of funds received under the received the pupil premium and 56,510 pupils were pupil premium; [107063] eligible for the pupil premium. This includes 55,204 (2) how many schools have contacted his pupils eligible for the deprivation premium, 1,268 eligible Department seeking advice on use of funds received as for the looked-after premium and 35 eligible for the part of the pupil premium. [107064] service premium. 405W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 406W

In 2011-12 in the West Midlands region 2,151 schools The numbers for the pupil premium in 2012-13 are received the pupil premium and 165,370 pupils were indicative and will not be confirmed until June, when eligible for the pupil premium. This includes 158,060 the January 2012 census figures are available centrally. pupils eligible for the deprivation premium, 5,180 eligible Based on 2011-12 data, this would mean over £3.7 for the looked-after premium and 2,140 eligible for the million additional pupil premium funding being made service premium. available to North Yorkshire local authority in 2012-13. This figure includes an additional £554,000 pupil premium Schools: Food funding in 2012-13 for eligible pupils in the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Stakeholder Advocacy Group Education what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on nutritional standards in schools. [107577] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he took to ensure that the Stakeholder Sarah Teather: The Secretary of State for Education, Advocacy Group complied with the Civil Service Code the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael of Conduct. [106408] Gove), has not recently discussed the nutritional standards in schools with the Secretary of State for Health, the Tim Loughton: All civil servants in the Department right hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley). for Education are expected to follow the Civil Service However, Department for Education officials do meet Code of Conduct. The code is made available on the with officials from the Department of Health to discuss Department’s intranet. such matters. Taxis

Schools: North Yorkshire Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the answer of 17 April 2012, Official Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 329W,on taxis, how much each Minister Education (1) how many (a) schools and (b) pupils in his Department has spent on private hire vehicles have participated in the pupil premium in (i) North between August 2011 and January 2012. [107879] Yorkshire and (ii) the Harrogate District in the latest period for which figures are available; [107744] Tim Loughton [holding answer 17 May 2012]: The (2) how much additional funding his Department information requested is shown in the following table: will make available to schools in (a) North Yorkshire and (b) the Harrogate District as a result of the pupil Spend on private hire vehicles Minister (August 2011 to January 2012 (£) premium in 2012-13. [107745] right hon. Michael Gove MP 0 Mr Gibb: The pupil premium was introduced in April Nick Gibb MP 0 2011 and allocations have so far been made for the Sarah Teather MP 0 2011-12 financial year only.For 2011-12 the pupil premium Lord Hill of Oareford 753 funding was £488 per pupil in respect of pupils known Tim Loughton MP 1,617 to be eligible for free school meals (FSM), and for Total 2,370 children in care who have been continuously looked after for at least six months; and £200 per pupil for Theft those whose parents are serving in the armed forces. In 2011-12 in North Yorkshire local authority 342 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for schools received the pupil premium and 9,970 pupils Education how many thefts from his private ministerial were eligible for the pupil premium. This includes 6,950 office have been recorded in the last two years. [108005] eligible for the deprivation premium, 313 eligible for the looked after premium and 2,703 eligible for the service Tim Loughton: There are no recorded thefts from the premium. Secretary of State for Education’s private office in the last two years. The Department does not hold information on the pupil premium at district level because of the way we collect data for these pupils, so it is not possible to present this information for Harrogate district. We do, JUSTICE however, have information at constituency level. In 2011-12, Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency, Community Orders 36 schools received the pupil premium and 1,160 pupils were eligible for the pupil premium. This includes 965 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice eligible for the deprivation premium and 195 eligible for how many community orders have been issued to each the service premium. Figures for pupils in alternative of the 10 recorded offenders with the most community provision, or looked after children are not available at sentences in the latest period for which figures are constituency level. available. [107245] In 2012-13 the pupil premium amount in respect of pupils known to be eligible for FSM has risen from Mr Blunt: The following table gives the number of £488 to £600 per FSM pupil and extends to cover pupils community orders previously issued to each of the who have been eligible for FSM within the last six years. 10 offenders who received community sentences for an 407W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 408W indictable or a trial either way offence in the 12-month at least one community sentence in each year between period to the end of September 2011 and who had most 2006 and 2010. The figures are the latest information community sentences previously recorded on the Police available broken down by calendar year. National Computer (PNC). The figures presented in Table 1 have been extracted The figures presented in the table are a further breakdown from Table A7.14 of “Criminal Justice Statistics Quarterly of Table Q7.5 of ‘Criminal Justice Statistics Quarterly Update to the end of December 2010” published by the Update to September 2011’ by the Ministry of Justice Ministry of Justice on 26 May 2011. The full report can based on the dataset used for that production. The be found at the link further breakdown has been derived using the dataset http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal- for the production of the full report of Criminal Justice justice-stats/criminal-stats-quarterly-dec10.pdf Statistics which can be found at: The tables of the report can be found at the link http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal- justice-stats/criminal-stats-quarterly-sept11.pdf http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal- justice-stats/offending-histories-tables.xls ‘Criminal Justice Statistics Update to the end of December 2011’ will be published by the MOJ on “Criminal Justice Statistics Update to the end of 24 May 2012. December 2011” will be published by the MOJ on 24 May 2012. These figures have been drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, These figures have been drawn from the police’s which, as with any large scale recording system, is administrative IT system, the police national computer, subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. which, as with any large scale recording system, is The figures are provisional and subject to change as subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. more information is recorded by the police. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police. Number of community orders previously issued to each of the 10 recorded offenders sentenced to community sentence for an indictable Table 1: Number of offenders who were sentenced to community or trial either way offence in the 12-month period to the end of sentence for indictable offences2 in each year between 2006 and 2010 September 2011 and had received the most community sentences and had previously received at least one community sentence3 in previously1—England and Wales England and Wales Number Number of offenders1 Number of previous community 2006 49,117 Offender identification orders imposed2 2007 50,159 1202008 51,816 2142009 51,036 3142010 52,812 4111 Figures are counts of distinct offenders. Each offender would only 59be counted once where an offender has been sentenced to a community 69sentence more than once within the same year. 2 This includes indictable and trial either way offences. 793 The number of previous community sentences received included 88community sentence for breach offences. 97Source: 10 7 Ministry of Justice, Police National Computer 1 Figures are counts of sentences occasions. If there is more than one offence on the same sentence occasion, only the primary offence will be counted. 2 Community order is a subset of community sentence which include: Criminal Proceedings Community order—without electronic monitoring; Community order—with electronic monitoring; Community order—with curfew requirements and with electronic monitoring; Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Community order—with curfew requirements and without electronic Justice what steps he plans to take to speed up the monitoring; administration of criminal justice. [107873] Community order—with exclusion requirements and with electronic monitoring; Community order—with exclusion requirements and without electronic Mr Blunt: The Minister for Policing and Criminal monitoring; Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Arundel Community order—with exclusion and curfew requirements and with electronic monitoring; and South Downs (Nick Herbert), will shortly announce Community order—with exclusion and curfew requirements and proposals for reform of the criminal justice system, without electronic monitoring. focused on the delivery of swift and sure justice to Source: ensure an effective deterrent to crime. Ministry of Justice. Police National Computer Steps have already been taken to simplify and streamline the system, including through increasing the use of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how digital and video technology. We will build on this to many offenders have received more than one community further exploit technology in order to modernise the sentence in each of the last five years. [107252] system. We will continue to test innovative approaches to court sitting times and joint working at the local Mr Blunt: Table 1 gives the number of offenders who level, to ensure that the system reacts swiftly, and is were sentenced to community sentence for an indictable responsive to local priorities. We will also embed the or a trial either way offence and had previously received learning from the response to last year’s disturbances. 409W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 410W

Legal Aid Scheme Mr Blunt: Probation trusts are required to have in place a scheme for considering and responding to Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice complaints. Trusts are also required to provide enquirers how much his Department spent on legal aid providers with information about the scheme, which must include in (a) the fourth quarter of 2010-11, (b) the first arrangements for appeal against the initial decision. quarter of 2011-12 and (c) the second quarter of 2011-12 If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of [107820] the complaints process, there is a further avenue of appeal to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in certain Mr Djanogly: The amount spent by the Legal Services cases; and the complainant can ask the Parliamentary Commission (LSC) on providers of legal aid was £526 Commissioner for Administration to investigate the million in the fourth quarter of 2010-11; £473 million in trust’s handling of the complaint. the first quarter of 2011-12; and £504 million in the second quarter of 2011-12. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Personal Injury: Compensation how many complaints were recorded against the probation service in (a) Essex, (b) Southend and (c) England and Wales in each of the last 10 years; what the rate of Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for complaints per 1,000 of population was in each such Justice (1) what percentage of the total number of year; and if he will make a statement. [107556] personal injury claims made in the last full year for which figures are available were for damages of £5,000 or less; and how many claims there were for £5,000 or Mr Blunt: Statistics of the number of complaints less in that period; [107645] against the probation service in Essex are available for (2) how many of the personal injury claims with a the last nine years only. These are shown in the following damages value of £5,000 or less in the last year for table. Information relating to south-east Essex and Southend which figures are available arose from a work-related is available for the last five years only. injury. [107756] Essex South-east Essex and Southend Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice does not hold figures centrally which specifically relate to claims for 2011 32 8 personal injury or work-related injuries, or the amounts 2010 47 2 of damages in these. Such cases are logged onto the 2009 38 6 administrative computer systems used in the county 2008 24 4 courts of England and Wales. However the information 2007 37 6 held in these systems does not enable them to be separately 2006 36 — identified from other types of claims for unspecified 2005 13 — amounts of money or for the amount of damages 2004 21 — claimed to be identified. 2003 24 — Exact identification of personal injury cases and the amount of damages claimed in these would require the The Ministry of Justice does not hold the other inspection of individual case files at disproportionate information requested. It could not be obtained without cost. incurring disproportionate cost.

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether the report by Professor Paul Fenn on Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice extension of the road traffic accident portal will be what steps he plans to take to increase the cost- published before the completion of the Government’s effectiveness of probation authorities in the next 12 information gathering exercise on possible extension of months; and if he will make a statement. [107561] the current portal arrangements and before any decision is taken based upon that exercise. [107949] Mr Blunt: Probation trusts are working, in collaboration Mr Djanogly: Professor Fenn’s report will not be with the National Offender Management Service, to published before the conclusion of the Government’s focus their resources on delivery of front-line services. evidence gathering exercise on 25 May 2012. However, it is expected to be published by summer 2012 and, in On 27 March 2012, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary any event, before any announcement is made on the of State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend final form of the extended Road Traffic Accident Personal the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), published two Injury scheme and its associated costs. consultations, entitled ‘Punishment and Reform: Effective Community Sentences’ and ‘Punishment and Reform: Effective Probation Services’. The Government’s proposals Probation are designed to give full effect to the aims of the Offender Management Act 2007, which provides the Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice basis to raise the effectiveness, innovation and efficiency what mechanisms exist for members of the public to of services through competition. We will announce our complain about decisions taken by probation services; plans in due course; once we have considered the responses and if he will make a statement. [107552] we receive. 411W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 412W

Probation: Essex Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what (a) publications, (b) periodicals and (c) newspapers have been purchased by Essex Probation in Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice each month since 2010; what criteria Essex Probation how many times the chief executive of Essex Probation uses on the purchase of such items; and if he will make has met hon. Members since her appointment; and a statement. [107545] when such meetings took place. [107542] Mr Blunt: Essex Probation Trust purchased the Police Mr Blunt: Since her appointment in April 2010, the and Courts Directory in 2010 and the National Probation chief executive has met the following MPs: Offices Directory in January 2011 and May 2012. The reason for purchase was business need. MP Date Daily local newspapers may be used for the purpose Rebecca Harris MP 13 January 2012 of looking for job opportunities with offenders. The Robert Halfon MP 14 October 2011 Ministry of Justice does not hold information on the Mark Francois MP 22 July 2011 number of newspapers purchased by Essex Probation Steven Metcalfe MP 1 July 2011 Trust and this could not be obtained without incurring Jackie Doyle-Price MP 13 May 2011 disproportionate cost. Priti Patel MP 29 October 2010 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether any people employed by Essex Probation have what the salary was of the (a) chief executive of Essex been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted of a criminal Probation and (b) chairman of the Essex Probation offence in the last five years. [107546] Trust in each year since appointment. [107543] Mr Blunt: Three employees of Essex Probation have Mr Blunt: The current chair of Essex Probation Trust been convicted of a criminal offence in the last five was appointed on 1 November 2011 and the chief years. Information on prosecutions that do not result in executive when the trust was formed on 1 April 2010. conviction is not collated. The following table provides information published in the Essex Probation Trust’s Annual Report and Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (a) (b) Accounts. The salary information is shown in bandings which barristers’ chambers and solicitors’ of £5,000: it includes all pay-related costs and any firms have undertaken work for Essex probation in performance-related bonus payments. each of the last two financial years; what the reason was for the work undertaken in each case; and if he will [107547] Salary make a statement.

Chair 2011-12 £5,000 to £10,000 Mr Blunt: Essex Probation Trust contracts with Essex county council to arrange representation in the Crown Chief executive 2011-12 £115,000 to court by counsel, in cases where an action for breach of £120,000 a community order is contested. Essex county council 2010-11 £115,000 to also provides legal advice to the trust, as required, in £120,000 relation to some matters of business. Essex Probation Trust also employs the services of Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice DLA Piper for advice on employment and business (1) what meetings the chief executive of Essex matters, as required, and the Treasury Solicitors in Probation has had since June 2007; what the location relation to insurance claims. was; whether a record of each meeting was kept; who attended each meeting; and if he will make a statement; Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice [107544] (1) how much was spent by Essex Probation defending (2) how much has been spent on (a) office actions brought against it by victims of crime in each accommodation, (b) staff costs, (c) staff travel and year since 2001; and if he will make a statement; subsistence and (d) staff bonuses at Essex Probation in [107548] each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement; (2) how much was spent by Essex Probation [107555] defending itself against vexatious litigation in each year (3) what relevant specialist qualifications each since 2001. [107549] member of staff of Essex Probation holds; when each was appointed; what process was followed in his or her Mr Blunt: There has been no expenditure by Essex appointment; where the post was advertised; how many Probation Trust in defending actions brought by victims people applied for each post; how many people were of crime or defending itself against vexatious litigation short-listed for interview; and how each was appraised. since 2001. [107582] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice does not hold the how much Essex Probation (a) budgeted and (b) information requested. It could not be obtained without spent on security in each year since 2000; and if he will incurring disproportionate cost. make a statement. [107551] 413W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 414W

Mr Blunt: Essex Probation Trust is required to adhere employee’s security pass would be removed and would to a national contract for the provision of estates and be returned only following satisfactory completion of facilities management: there is no requirement locally the disciplinary process. A security pass would be revoked to set a budget for these services. following termination of a staff member’s employment. The national contract does not make separate allocation Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for the provision of physical security. Costs relating to how many copies of the Essex Probation (a) Three security form part of wider budget allocations and this Year Strategic Plan 2010 to 2013 and (b) Annual Report information could not be separately identified without 2010-11 were produced; at what cost; how many copies incurring disproportionate cost. were supplied free of charge; to whom; at what cost; how much of the cost was attributable to (i) postage, (ii) Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice time of staff and (iii) the cost of producing copies; how what complaints against Essex Probation have been many officials employed by Essex Probation were upheld in each year since 2000; what (a) response was responsible for researching the information contained made and (b) steps were taken by Essex Probation in in the report; and if he will make a statement. [107562] each case; and if he will make a statement. [107557] Mr Blunt: Essex Probation Trust published its Three Mr Blunt: All complaints made to Essex Probation Year Strategic Plan 2010-13 and Annual Report 2010-11 are responded to on an individual basis. The information electronically, using in-house office printers to produce requested is therefore contained in a variety of records copies on request. The annual report can be viewed on and could not be retrieved without incurring the trust’s website. The total cost of a limited run of disproportionate cost. copies for 22 stakeholders, was £53.90. Paper copies of the Three Year Strategic Plan, which is also published Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on the trust’s website, can be produced at a cost of what recent representations he has received on the £0.26 per copy. morale of probation officers in Essex Probation; and if The Ministry of Justice does not hold the remainder he will make a statement. [107559] of the information requested and it could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost. Mr Blunt: No recent representations have been received in relation to the morale of probation officers in Essex Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Probation Trust. how many (a) men and (b) women in each age group were employed by Essex probation service at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice were employed in 2000. [107579] under what circumstances an Essex Probation security pass may be (a) suspended and (b) revoked; and if he Mr Blunt: Staffing figures broken down to the level will make a statement. [107560] requested have only been collected since 2004. The figures provided in the following table therefore relate Mr Blunt: A staff member would be suspended if he to staffing levels by gender and age band at 31 December or she was subject to disciplinary proceedings. The 2011 (latest published figures) and 31 December 2004:

Essex probation service: Staffing by gender and age band 2011 2004 Age band Female Male Total Female Male Total

<19 6.80 1.00 7.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 20-29 52.79 23.00 75.79 68.45 15.00 83.45 30-39 87.42 30.50 117.92 65.39 25.00 90.39 40-49 62.25 38.70 100.95 76.46 31.20 107.66 50-59 79.83 50.03 129.86 76.78 37.40 114.18 60+ 19.10 7.87 26.97 22.89 15.23 38.12 Total 308.19 151.10 459.29 309.97 123.83 433.80

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: The number of staff employed by Essex how many (a) men and (b) women employed by Essex Probation Service retiring in each year between 2000 Probation service retired in each year since 2000. and 2011, by gender is provided in the following table: [107580]

Essex Probation Service: Retirements by gender, 2000 to 2011 Number Female Male Total Medical Medical Medical Retirements retirement Total Retirements retirement Total Retirements retirement Total

2000101 303 404 2001404 404 808 2002303 202 505 415W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 416W

Essex Probation Service: Retirements by gender, 2000 to 2011 Number Female Male Total Medical Medical Medical Retirements retirement Total Retirements retirement Total Retirements retirement Total

2003000 112 112 2004224 213 437 2005202 415 617 2006112 101 213 2007 11 1 12 3 0 3 14 1 15 2008 8 0 8 3 2 5 11 2 13 2009404 404 808 2010 6 0 6 6 0 6 12 0 12 2011505 101 606 Total 47 4 51 34 5 39 81 9 90

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Table 1: Highest number of previous convictions for public order acts offences, for individuals convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in England what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 Department have had with Essex Probation service in 2008 2009 2010 the last three years; what issues were discussed in each case; what steps his Department took in each case; and Number of previous immediate custodial 154 118 123 sentences for any offence if he will make a statement. [107585] Source: Police National Computer, MOJ JSAS Mr Blunt: I visited Essex Probation in 2010, and Reoffenders accompanied the chief executive on a visit to the Military Corrective Training Centre, where Essex Probation does some work. I also attended the launch of the Essex Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Probation-Sodexo working partnership in 2011. Justice what the re-offending rate is for people sentenced to one year imprisonment or less; and what steps he is Officials in the National Offender Management Service taking to reduce reoffending by such people. [107874] are in frequent contact with the trust. Mr Blunt: The proven reoffending rate for adults Public Order Offences released from custodial sentence lengths of less than a year in the 12 months ending June 2010 is 56.8% Proven reoffending is defined as any offence committed Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in a one year follow-up period and receiving a court what the highest number of previous convictions for conviction, caution, reprimand or warning in the one public order acts offences for an individual convicted of year follow-up. Following this one year period, a further public order acts offences without being sent to prison six months is allowed for cases to progress through the was in each of the last three years; and how many courts. offences that individual had committed at the point of sentence for the latest offence. [107194] As set out in ‘Breaking the Cycle’ Green Paper and the Government Response, we are implementing a radical Mr Blunt: Table 1 shows the highest number of new approach to work across Government and with the previous convictions for public order acts offences for private and voluntary sectors to reform offenders, paying individuals convicted of this offence in each year between providers by the results they achieve in reducing reoffending. 2008 to 2010 and received a sentence other than immediate We are also supporting closer partnership working at custody. It also shows the offender’s total number of the local level on release, including: getting offenders previous offences for any offence at the point of sentence free from drug and alcohol problems and addressing and the number of previous immediate custodial sentences offenders’ mental health problems; improving offenders for any offence in each year. skills and getting them into work; and reducing barriers to resettlement, for example through the Integrated These figures have been drawn from the police’s Offender Management approach. administrative IT system, the police national computer, In addition, we are currently consulting on measures which, as with any large scale recording system, is to make community sentences more effective. We believe subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. there is a need for intensive community punishment for The figures are provisional and subject to change as offenders who deserve a significant level of punishment, more information is recorded by the police. but for whom punishment in the community is appropriate Table 1: Highest number of previous convictions for public order acts offences, and will be more effective at reducing the risks of their for individuals convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in England and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 reoffending. 2008 2009 2010 Social Security Benefits: Appeals Number of previous convictions for 60 70 60 public order act offences Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of previous cautions and 487 441 515 convictions for any offence at time of Justice what plans he has to extend the scope of legal conviction aid to include appeals to first-tier tribunals on welfare 417W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 418W benefits matters where a point of law is raised; and if Table 1: Highest number of previous convictions for the offence of he will make a statement. [107661] theft, for an individual convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in England and Wales in the years 2008-10 2008 2009 2010 Mr Djanogly: We have undertaken to explore whether Number of previous convictions for 342 347 373 we can find a way whereby someone, other than the theft offences claimant or their lawyer, certifies that a welfare benefits Number of previous cautions and 419 424 452 appeal in the first-tier tribunal involves a point of law. convictions for any offence at time of There is still much work to do to determine how and in conviction what circumstances this might be done. Number of previous immediate 274 277 299 custodial sentences for any offence Source: Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Police National Computer, MOJ JSAS Justice if he will estimate the proportion that the £20 million funding assigned for debt, housing, welfare Translation Services benefit and employment advice by not for profit advice agencies represents of the collective total funding likely Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to be lost to those agencies when legal aid is taken out (1) how many (a) tier 1, (b) tier 2 and (c) tier 3 of scope. [107662] interpreters have been supplied by Applied Language Solutions for (i) Crown court and (ii) magistrates court hearings since the beginning of its contract with his Mr Djanogly: The £20 million fund announced by the Department; and if he will make a statement; [107853] Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (Mr (2) what proportion of interpreters supplied by Hurd) in November 2011 was designed to provide Applied Language Solutions are registered with the immediate support to the advice sector in the short National Register of Public Service Interpreters; and if term, during 2012-13. This fund was not designed to he will make a statement; [107854] replace any reduction in legal aid funding that not for (3) how many wasted costs applications were (a) profit agencies may experience, following the scope lodged and (b) granted due to interpretation failures in changes taking effect from April 2013. As stated in my (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011; and if he will make a previous answer of Thursday 17 May on this issue, once statement; [107855] implemented, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment (4) how many wasted costs applications were (a) of Offenders Act 2012 will reduce the number and types lodged and (b) granted against Applied Language of cases for which legal aid will be available, including Solutions due to interpretation failures since the some matters currently handled by not for profit providers. beginning of its contract with his Department; and if However, these providers will be able to bid for the he will make a statement. [107856] contracts that will be available going forward to deliver legal aid for the subjects that remain in scope. Mr Blunt: Under the contract for interpretation and translation services it is for Applied Language Solutions to provide interpreters at the appropriate tier to meet the requirements of each booking. The Ministry does not hold information on the tiering status of individual Theft: Convictions interpreters, their qualifications, or what organisations they are members of Those are matters for the contractor. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for The Ministry has announced that it intends to publish Justice what the highest number of previous statistics on the use of interpreters on 24 May. convictions for theft for an individual convicted of an Decisions about whether to make wasted costs orders offence of theft without being sent to prison was in and third party costs orders are at the discretion of the each of the last three years; and how many offences court. Information about the number of cases where that individual had committed at the point of sentence wasted costs have been considered is not collected centrally for the latest offence. [107192] by the Ministry. Young Offenders: Mr Blunt: Table 1 shows the highest number of previous convictions for the offence of theft for an Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for individual convicted of this offence in each year between Justice how many juvenile offenders from the 2008 and 2010 (it is the same individual in each case) Metropolitan Borough of Tameside were being held in and who received a sentence other than immediate (a) a secure children’s home, (b) a secure training custody. It also shows the offender’s total number of centre and (c) a young offender institution in each previous offences for any offence at the point of sentence month since May 2005. [107959] and the number of previous immediate custodial sentences for any offence. Mr Blunt: The table shows the number of juvenile These figures have been drawn from the police’s offenders (aged 10 to 17) either sentenced or remanded administrative IT system, the police national computer, in custody attached to Tameside YouthOffending Team which, as with any large scale recording system, is (YOT) who have been held in a (a) secure children’s subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. home, (b) secure training centre and (c) under 18 The figures are provisional and subject to change as young offender institution in each month from May more information is recorded by the police. 2005 to March 2012. 419W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 420W

This data has been provided by the Youth Justice The data from April 2011 onwards are provisional Board (YJB). The YJB only holds data at the YOT area and will be finalised when the 2011-12 Youth Justice level. YOT area data may cover more than one Metropolitan Statistics are published in 2013. Borough or local authority area, however in this case the YOT and the Metropolitan Borough cover the same These figures have been drawn from administrative geographical area. IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry This is based upon monthly snapshot data. Therefore and processing and can be subject to change over time. one young person who is serving more than one month in custody may be shown in more than one month in the table.

Table 1: Young people in custody attached to Tameside YOT by establishment type in each month from May 2005 to March 2012 Secure Children’s Homes Secure Training Centres Young Offender Institutions

May 2005 4 0 13 June 2005 5 0 12 July 2005 4 1 17 August 2005 4 0 18 September 2005 5 0 16 October 2005 3 0 16 November 2005 1 1 16 December 2005 2 0 16 January 2006 2 0 16 February 2006 0 1 15 March 2006 2 1 21 April 2006 2 0 16 May 2006 3 0 17 June 2006 3 0 20 July 2006 2 1 25 August 2006 2 1 29 September 2006 1 2 23 October 2006 1 1 22 November 2006 1 0 23 December 2006 2 0 20 January 2007 3 2 16 February 2007 3 2 14 March 2007 2 3 12 April 2007 3 2 8 May 2007 3 1 10 June 2007 2 1 12 July 2007 2 2 14 August 2007 2 0 13 September 2007 3 0 15 October 2007 0 0 15 November 2007 0 0 17 December 2007 1 0 14 January 2008 2 0 18 February 2008 2 0 16 March 2008 2 0 14 April 2008 1 0 14 May 2008 1 0 17 June 2008 0 0 16 July 2008 0 0 15 August 2008 0 0 13 September 2008 0 0 17 October 2008 0 0 13 November 2008 0 0 13 December 2008 0 0 9 January 2009 0 0 7 February 2009 0 0 3 March 2009 2 0 5 April 2009 0 0 7 May 2009 1 0 9 June 2009 1 0 7 July 2009 0 0 8 August 2009 1 0 5 September 2009 2 0 7 421W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 422W

Table 1: Young people in custody attached to Tameside YOT by establishment type in each month from May 2005 to March 2012 Secure Children’s Homes Secure Training Centres Young Offender Institutions

October 2009 2 0 9 November 2009 1 1 5 December 2009 1 1 6 January 2010 1 1 7 February 2010 1 1 7 March 2010 0 1 11 April 2010 0 1 9 May 2010 1 2 4 June 2010 1 3 5 July 2010 1 3 5 August 2010 2 2 5 September 2010 2 1 6 October 2010 0 1 6 November 2010 0 0 8 December 2010 0 0 6 January 2011 0 0 10 February 2011 0 1 12 March 2011 0 1 15 April 2011 0 0 15 May 2011 0 0 13 June 2011 2 0 14 July 2011 3 0 10 August 2011 1 0 12 September 2011 1 0 13 October 2011 1 0 15 November 2011 2 0 16 December 2011 2 0 16 January 2012 1 0 12 February 2012 1 0 10 March 2012 2 0 11 Notes: 1. YJB data referring to Secure Training Centres (STCs), Secure Children’s Homes (SCHs), and Under 18 Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). This is based upon monthly snapshot data therefore one young person who is serving more than one month in custody, will be shown in more than one month in the table. The figures from April 2011 onwards are provisional. Data from April 2011 onwards will be finalised when the 2011-12 Annual Youth Justice Statistics are published in 2013. 2. The data comes from the Youth Justice Board’s Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS). These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.

TREASURY Mr Gauke: The information requested is not available. Arch Cru Crown Estate Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the investors affected by the failure of Arch Cru he estimates will be compensated by Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Financial Services Authority’s proposed compensation who the members are of the Remuneration Committee package. [108272] of the Crown Estate; how many times and on what dates it has met since May 2010; and if he will make a Mr Hoban: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) statement. [107719] recently launched a consultation on establishing a consumer redress scheme which has the potential to deliver more Miss Chloe Smith: Details of the membership of the than £100 million compensation to investors who were Crown Estate’s remuneration committee are available in mis-sold the CF Arch Cru funds. The FSA estimate that the Crown Estate’s annual report, which is online at: the proposed scheme could deliver redress to between 15,000 and 20,000 consumers. The exact amount of http://ar2011.thecrownestate.ry.com/governance/ remuneration-report.aspx redress will depend on the responses of the firms that made a personal recommendation to consumers and Since May 2010, the committee met on the following prevailing market conditions. dates: 2010: 15 June Construction Industry Scheme 2011: 25 January, 22 February, 31 March, 10 May, 8 June, and Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the 18 October Exchequer how many companies in the construction 2012: 30 January, 31 March, 29 April, and 14 May. sector were under the rules of the construction industry scheme for wrongly stating the employment status of a Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer member of their workforce in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 in which funds the pensions of (a) civil servants and and (c) 2011-12; and how many workers were given the (b) staff of the Crown Estate are invested; and if he wrong status by each such company. [108508] will make a statement. [107995] 423W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 424W

Danny Alexander [holding answer 17 May 2012]: The ONS population estimates are mid year point in time Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) is an whereas taxpayer estimates represent numbers of individuals unfunded scheme. This means that pension contributions with tax liabilities arising during the financial year. are paid by employers and employees but these are not used to build up a fund in order to provide the means to Infrastructure UK meet the liability when it falls due, but rather used to pay current pensions. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The assets of The Crown Estate pension scheme are how many staff are employed by Infrastructure UK; held separately from those of The Crown Estate, in a and what salaries these staff are paid. [107992] fund administered independently by a trustee body, which has investments in gilts and equities. In addition Danny Alexander [holding answer 17 May 2012]: The employees are offered a choice of investing part of their total number of staff employed in Infrastructure UK pension in one or more of the following: UK equities, on 31 April 2012 was 45 full time equivalent, including UK and overseas equities, overseas equities, ethical 6.8 loans and secondees. The salary data of officials equities, property, corporate bonds, fixed interest bonds, working in the Treasury, within IUK, has been published Government gilts and a cash fund. as part of the transparency exercise in September 2011. Links to the data are as follows. Employee Benefit Trusts Senior Civil Service Positions http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/HMT-Treasury--staff-and- Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer salary-data-template---September-2011-for-input_final-v14- if he will estimate the cost to the Treasury of using senior-data.csv employer-supported employee benefits to increase the Below Senior Civil Service Positions take-up of the green home improvement programme http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/HMT-Treasury--staff-and- through salary sacrifice. [108699] salary-data-template---September-2011-for-input_final-v14- junior-data.csv Mr Gauke: Estimates are not available for the cost of introducing tax relief on employer-provided green home Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer improvements. how much funding he allocated for the operation of Infrastructure UK in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [107993] Exhaust Emissions: Motor Vehicles Danny Alexander [holding answer 17 May 2012]: Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Infrastructure UK (IUK) was first established in December Exchequer what recent research his Department has 2009 and confirmed in July 2010 following the general undertaken on feebate schemes to provide a refund to election. It has a remit to lead work within Treasury to new car buyers for purchasing low-emission cars enable greater private sector investment in infrastructure, funded by taxes on high-emission cars. [107735] and focus on the improvement of the Government’s long-term planning, prioritisation and delivery of Miss Chloe Smith: I refer my hon. Friend to the infrastructure. answer I gave on 19 April 2012, Official Report, column The total operating costs for Infrastructure UK were 531W. The Chancellor of the Exchequer keeps all taxes £7.8 million in 2010-11 and £6.0 million in 2011-12. under review along Budget timelines. The creation of IUK (and subsequent winding down of Partnerships UK) has delivered annual savings for Income Tax the taxpayer of £3 million per annum.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Midland Main Line Exchequer how many and what proportion of adults (a) over and (b) under the age of 65 pay income tax; Mr Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and how many in each group pay tax at the higher rate what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State or above. [108131] for Transport on the economic effects of the upgrade and electrification of the Midland Main Line. [108441] Mr Gauke: The information requested is shown in the following table for 2012-13. Danny Alexander: Treasury Ministers and officials have discussions with all Departments and a wide variety Thousand of external organisations as part of the process of Taxpayers1 policy development. Higher rate or UK population The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings Age All above estimate2 with external organisations, available at: 16-64 24,600 3,710 40,600 http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm 65 5,030 391 10,900 + Mobile Phones 1 These projections are based on the 2009-10 Survey of Personal Incomes (SPI) data projected in line with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2012 Economic and fiscal outlook. Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2 Office for National Statistics, 2010 mid year based population what assessment his Department has made of the likely projections, adjusted to financial year estimates. revenue to the Exchequer from the auction of the 4G 425W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 426W mobile broadband spectrum under minimum coverage Reliable estimates are not available at the parliamentary requirements of (a) 98 per cent, (b) 98.5 per cent, (c) constituency level due to greater uncertainties in making 99 per cent, (d) 99.5 per cent and (e) 100 per cent. projections for small geographical areas. [108373]

Danny Alexander: The Treasury has made no such Pensioners: Tax Allowances assessments. Mountain Rescue Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in Kilmarnock and Loudoun Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer constituency who will be affected by the freeze on if he will bring forward proposals to pay emergency age-related allowances. [108352] service provider Mountain Rescue £4 million from the Consolidated Fund equivalent to the fine paid by Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Network Rail as a result of the 2007 Grayrigg accident. gave the right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan) [108652] on 30 April 2012, Official Report, column 1201W,which provides available estimates by country and region. Danny Alexander: The Government values the work Reliable estimates are not available at the parliamentary of the mountain rescue and air ambulance services. constituency level due to greater uncertainties in making There are no plans to direct any of the fines paid by projections for small geographical areas. Network Rail as a result of the 2007 Grayrigg accident to the mountain rescue services. Like all fines and levies, fines imposed on Network Rail flow to the Consolidated Fund and go towards funding the public services as a Procurement whole, including contributions to mountain rescue services and clinical staff in the air ambulance services. Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of his Department’s expenditure on PAYE procurement has gone to small and medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107809] Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many outstanding PAYE open cases Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury’s spend with small there were on the most recent date for which figures are and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been reported available; and how many of these are from tax years (a) in the Cabinet Office report ‘Making Government business 2006-07, (b) 2007-08, (c) 2008-09, (d) 2009-10 and (e) more accessible to SMEs—One Year On’, published on 2010-11. [107966] 9 March 2012. This report is available online at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- Mr Gauke: From 18 May 2012, for 2006-07, HMRC government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year has 1.16 million PAYE ″open cases″ and 1.54 million for 2007-08. HMRC is on target to clear these cases by end Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer December 2012. when his Department next plans to undertake a spend In respect of 2008-09 and 2009-10 and 2010-11, there recovery audit to identify overpayments to suppliers are around 6 million open cases which HMRC plans to caused by fraud or error. [107836] clear by the end of 2012-13. Miss Chloe Smith: The Department is planning on Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the undertaking a spend recovery audit during 2012-13 to Exchequer if he will assess the merits of increasing the identify overpayments to suppliers caused by fraud or use of automated matching for unreconciled open error. cases in the PAYE system; and if he will make a statement. [107969] Railways: Radlett Mr Gauke: HMRC uses automated matching for PAYE information as its preferred method of processing and will continue to consider extending its use if new Mrs Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer opportunities arise. with reference to the answers of 26 April 2012, Official Report, columns 1064-5, on meetings, what representations Pensioners: Social Security Benefits his Department has received in the regular correspondence and representations it receives from external organisations Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Radlett rail freight site. [106942] how many pensioners in (a) Barnsley East constituency, (b) Barnsley metropolitan borough and (c) South Danny Alexander: Treasury Ministers and officials Yorkshire will be affected by the freeze on age-related receive regular correspondence and representations from allowances. [107934] external organisations whom they engage with as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Treasury officials have received representations from gave the right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan) external organisations on the Radlett rail freight site, on 30 April 2012, Official Report, column 1201W,which consisting of basic details and the estimated economic provides available estimates by country and region. benefits of the scheme. 427W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 428W

Revenue and Customs Tonnage Tax

Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the John McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer whether he has had recent discussions with with reference to the answer of 17 April 2012, Official officials in his Department on the development and Report, column 343W, on tonnage tax, when he expects implementation of a secure online two-way communication an estimate of the 2010 reduction in tax liabilities for between taxpayers and (a) HM Revenue and Customs shipping companies in the tonnage tax scheme to be and (b) other tax-related organisations; and if he will published; how many companies in the tonnage tax make a statement. [107967] scheme have yet to submit a tax return for the financial year (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; what information is Mr Gauke: HMRC has over 100 electronic contact required to make an estimate of the pre-2005 tax services available to customers that offer a structured concessions under the tonnage tax; and if he will estimate and secure means of communicating with HMRC through the tax concession for shipping companies in the tonnage its website and we are always looking to provide more. tax scheme in each year between 2000-01 and 2004-05. HMRC will only introduce electronic contact solutions [R] [107829] where it is certain about the authenticity of the person sending the e-mail and where there are strong controls Miss Chloe Smith: Statistics are published by HMRC around the data being sent. on the estimated reduction in tax liabilities accrued by the UK shipping industry through the tonnage tax regime for 2010-11 and 2011-12. These are available at Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the the following link: Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the HM Revenue and Customs secure http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/table1-5.pdf online login system; and if he will make a statement. Complete tax returns data for these years are not yet [107968] available so these estimates are based on projecting forward data from tax returns for 2009. Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) HMRC is currently aware of two companies that takes online security very seriously and has implemented have yet to submit a tax return for 2009-10 and 17 measures such as rigorous authentication procedures companies that have yet to submit a tax return for and use of secure connections and encryption to ensure 2010-11. their online services are as secure as possible. HMRC The following table provides estimates of the difference also constantly monitor the services for potential security between accruals of tax liabilities for the UK shipping breaches and regularly undertake penetration testing of industry through tonnage tax and what they would its online systems to identify and address any emerging otherwise have been under standard UK corporation vulnerabilities. Details of some of the ways HMRC tax between 2000 and 2004. manage customer online security can be found at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/safe-online.htm Reduction in tax liabilities (£ Calendar year million) Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2000 35 what the cost per minute is of calls to the 0845 3000627 2001 40 HM Revenue and Customs hotline number; and what 2002 40 information his Department holds on (a) average and 2003 50 (b) maximum call times in the latest period for which 2004 55 figures are available. [108353] Estimates have been rounded to the nearest £5 million, Mr Gauke: I would refer my hon. Friend to the and due to insufficient data being available before 2005 answer I gave on 19 October 2011, Official Report, these estimates have been produced by scaling the 2005 column 967W, for the information you have requested estimate by the total UK fleet deadweight tonnage in on the cost of calls. each year from 2000 to 2004 compared to 2005. As such these results are indicative estimates only. HMRC can advise that, (a) for April 2012 the average total call time was 15 minutes 35 seconds and (b) the maximum total call time for a single call was two hours VAT 35 minutes seven seconds. For “total call time” HMRC has included the time Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer spent: (1) what the volume of sales was of (a) static holiday caravans and (b) cold food consumed on suppliers’ in the IVR automated messaging system; premises in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12; waiting for a call to be answered by an adviser once a customer and what estimate he has made of the likely change in has selected an option from the call steering menu; and the volume sold arising from the VAT changes in Budget speaking to an adviser. 2012 in (A) 2012-13 and (B) 2013-14; [108130] HMRC uses a variety of measures to assess the (2) with reference to the HM Revenue and Customs accessibility of telephone services which include the document VAT: Taxing Holiday Caravans, what the percentage of call attempts handled by its contact centres. regional composition is of the 50,000 people and 750 In 2011-12, HMRC has significantly improved the number manufacturers, retailers and holiday parks selling static of call attempts handled to 74% (compared to 48% in caravans who will be affected by the increase in VAT on the previous year) and aims to build on that improvement. static caravans announced in Budget 2012. [108241] 429W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 430W

Mr Gauke: The impacts are set out in Annex B—Table Information on the number of staff within the Benefits of Impact for Individual Measures—of the HM Revenue and Credits Directorate who deal directly with tax and Customs consultation document ‘VAT: Addressing credits for each year of your request is shown in the borderline anomalies’, published in Budget 2012: following table: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/vat-con-4801.pdf B&C staff working directly with No further breakdown of these figures is available. tax credits claims Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1 April 2008 5,367 what the volume of sales was of hot food in (a) 1 April 2009 5,466 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12; and what estimate 31 March 2010 4,704 he has made of the likely change in volume sold arising 31 March 2011 4,507 from the VAT changes in the 2012 Budget in (i) 2012-13 31 March 2012 4,127 and (ii) 2013-14. [108509]

Mr Gauke: Annex B—Tables of Impact for Individual Measures—in HM Revenue and Customs consultation ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS document ‘VAT. Addressing Borderline Anomalies’, published at Budget 201 2, sets out estimates for VAT Nature Conservation which will be raised from the sale of hot take-away food and a summary of impacts. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring Welfare Tax Credits forward proposals to transfer the status of the lion from Appendix II to Appendix I at the next Convention on Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Exchequer (1) how many days a (a) child tax credit Fauna and Flora Conference of the Parties meeting in and (b) working tax credit claim should take to be March 2013; and whether she has discussed this issue processed by his Department; [108125] with her EU counterparts to form a common EU (2) what the average length of time was for a (a) position. [108228] child tax credit and (b) working tax credit claim to be processed by his Department in (i) 2008, (ii) 2009, (iii) Richard Benyon: The UK is very concerned about the 2010 and (iv) 2011; and what the average time has been decline of lion numbers in the wild in many countries for each in 2012; [108126] across Africa. As a consequence, we funded a conference (3) how many (a) child tax credit and (b) working in March, in Johannesburg, to consider the conservation tax credit claims were processed by his Department in needs and status of African lions. The conference, facilitated (i) 2008, (ii) 2009, (iii) 2010 and (iv) 2011; and how by the LionAid NGO and attended by seven lion range many have been processed in 2012. [108127] states, agreed that regional and pan-African lion conservation measures should be developed to halt Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sets population declines in this iconic species, but did not its tax credits processing targets annually. For 2011-12 agree that a listing proposal was necessary. they aimed to clear new tax credit claims in an average The UK is committed to continuing to work with of 23 calendar days. lion range states, as well as LionAid, to identify actions Average processing times for 2009, 2010, 2011 and necessary to protect the lion. The UK has drawn our 2012 are shown in the following table. Information for concerns to the attention of the EU and informed them the year 2008 is not available. of our support for the March conference. The question of an uplisting proposal has not, however, been discussed, Average number of days to pending the results of the March conference and other process new tax credit claims1 lion-related meetings. 2008-09 21 2009-10 20 2010-11 24 PRIME MINISTER 2011-12 25 1 Rounded figures. Iraq Committee of Inquiry Information on the total number of tax credit claims processed is not available. Detailed information on tax Mr Amess: To ask the Prime Minister when he credits is published in the national statistics available at: expects to receive the report of the Iraq Inquiry. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/menu.htm [107571]

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The Prime Minister: The Inquiry has advised the how many officials in his Department worked on (a) Government that it will need until at least summer 2012 child tax credit and (b) working tax credit claims in (i) to produce a draft report. 2008, (ii) 2009, (iii) 2010 and (iv) 2011; and how many have worked on each in 2012. [108128] NATO

Mr Gauke: We cannot separate the number of staff Nicholas Soames: To ask the Prime Minister what his administering working tax credit from those administering objectives are for the NATO summit to be held in child tax credit as each member of staff deals with both. Chicago; and if he will make a statement. [108656] 431W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 432W

Mr Lidington: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Association of British Insurers the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The UK is looking to the summit to agree the nature Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the of NATO’s long-term relationship with Afghanistan; Home Department what the date was of each meeting secure agreement on post-2014 funding for the Afghan between officials in her Department and the National Security Forces which represents a credible Association of British Insurers between 6 August 2011 commitment from the international community; and and 6 May 2012; and who attended each such meeting. mark progress on security transition. [107664] The UK is also looking to the summit to address the challenge of developing and deploying capable military Damian Green: Home Office Ministers and officials forces at a time when all Allies face economic pressure. have meetings with a wide variety of international And we aim to ensure NATO boosts its cooperation partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the with partners around the globe, building on operational public and private sectors, as part of the process of co-operation with a very wide range of countries in policy development and delivery. As was the case with Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere. previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings. Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats HOME DEPARTMENT Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Police Remuneration and Conditions Home Department which individuals have been paid by her Department for consultancy or other services who were previously employed in any capacity by the (a) 24. Mr Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Conservative party or its elected representatives and Home Department what recent assessment she has made (b) Liberal Democrat party or its elected representatives of part 2 of the independent review of police officers’ since May 2010; what the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of and staff remuneration and conditions. [108050] the services provided; and whether they were publicly advertised. [107134] Nick Herbert: The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Damian Green: The Home Office does not record the Maidenhead (Mrs May), has referred the report’s previous employment history of individuals who have recommendations to the Police Negotiating Board, the been paid by the Department for consultancy or other Police Advisory Board of England and Wales and the services. Police Staff Council as appropriate for consideration. It will be for these bodies to consider them and report To provide information about individuals who have back with their recommendations, which she will consider been paid by the Department and who previously held carefully. an elected position as a member of either the Conservative party or the Liberal Democrat party since May 2010, Police Numbers would incur disproportionate cost. Crime Prevention 25. Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there has been a Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the reduction in the number of police officers in public- Home Department whether officials in her Department facing roles since May 2010. [108051] discussed the use of the police preferred specification marquee with the Association of Chief Police Officers Nick Herbert: What matters most is the service that Crime Prevention Initiative Ltd in the last 12 months. the police provide, not how many officers there are. [107927] Although overall officer numbers have reduced since 2010, HMIC have made clear that the proportion of the Nick Herbert: Home Office Ministers and officials workforce in frontline roles is expected to increase, and have meetings with a wide variety of international forces are working hard to protect frontline services. partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of Arrest Warrants policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for the practice to provide details of all such meetings. Home Department what obligation the (a) Serious Organised Crime Agency and (b) local police have to Discrimination: Ethnic Groups inform a person of the existence of a European arrest warrant for their arrest. [107732] Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration she has given to Damian Green: If a person is arrested in the UK the report by the National Institute of Economic and pursuant to a European arrest warrant, the police must Social Research on the incidence of discrimination by explain why they are arresting the person and the person caste and descent in the UK. [108382] must be given a copy of the warrant as soon as is practicable after their arrest. There is no obligation to Lynne Featherstone: We have carefully considered the notify the person of the existence of a warrant ahead of findings of the report by the National Institute for their arrest. Economic and Social Research. The report identifies 433W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 434W evidence suggesting that discrimination and harassment operational matter for chief officers of police to decide on grounds of caste exists in the UK, but notes that it is what assessment must be made by police officers attending impossible to determine categorically that caste and investigating the cause of road traffic incidents. discrimination and harassment within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 has occurred. That is why we Entry Clearances: Overseas Students have also been giving full and careful consideration to the correspondence and representations put forward by both those who want the Government to legislate and Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the those who are opposed to such legislation being introduced, Home Department when she expects the UK Border before reaching any final conclusion on this matter. Agency to have cleared its backlog of student visa expirations. [107574] Driving: Eyesight Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Home Department how many drivers who failed to Maidenhead (Mrs May), is confident that the UK Border comply with the restrictions on their driving licences on Agency will have completed all action on this cohort of eyesight standards have been reported by police in the Tier 4 student notifications by the end of May. last 10 years. [107655] Entry Clearances: Pakistan Nick Herbert: The information requested is not collected centrally. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Home Department how many appeals against Home Department what assessment must be made by refusal of entry clearance for (a) settlement and (b) police when attending road traffic incidents of drivers’ family visits made by applicants in Pakistan were (i) compliance with restrictions on their driving licences allowed, (ii) dismissed and (iii) withdrawn in (A) 2010, relating to eyesight. [107656] (B) 2011 and (C) 2012 to date. [107723]

Nick Herbert: Driving on-road with uncorrected vision Damian Green: The information requested is shown is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It is an in the following table.

Appeals Category Year (i) Allowed (ii) Dismissed (iii) Withdrawn

(a) Settlement (A) 2010 117 114 30 (B) 2011 414 268 23

(b) Family visit (A) 2010 327 1,283 26 (B) 2011 486 330 3 Notes: 1. The data provided are based on management information and are provisional and subject to change. 2. We are unable to release statistics relating to the year 2012 as these are yet to be published. They will become available shortly.

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for application fees received in respect of applications that the Home Department what the longest time was were (i) accepted and (ii) refused in each year. [108347] between the promulgation of a determination by the First-Tier Tribunal allowing an entry clearance (a) Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not settlement appeal and (b) appeal for a family visitor routinely record applicants’ occupations on its system and the issuing of entry clearance to the appellant by for visit visa applications. To provide an accurate answer the British high commission in Pakistan for entry would require the examination of individual records clearances issued in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012 to which would incur disproportionate costs. date. [107755]

Damian Green: The date of promulgation of a Immigration Controls determination is not recorded centrally by the UK Border Agency’s Visa Sections. To collect this information would require the examination of individual records Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the which would incur disproportionate costs. Home Department with reference to the Migrant Advisory Committee’s report on the family migration route, when Entry Clearances: South Asia she plans to announce her policy on changes to family migration. [107950] Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visitors’ visa applications Damian Green: The Government is considering responses from residents of South Asian countries working as to the public consultation on changes to the family farmers were (a) accepted and (b) refused in each of migration rules carried out last year, and expects to the last five years; and what the total value was of announce the results shortly. 435W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 436W

Immigration Controls: Foreign Workers Decision 2006/560/JHA on the common use of liaison officers posted abroad by law enforcement agencies of Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the the member states. [106529] Home Department what steps she is taking to break the link between foreign nationals coming to work in Nick Herbert [holding answer 14 May 2012]: The the UK and subsequently gaining permanent residency. UK must decide, no later than 31 May 2014, whether to [108226] accept full European Court of Justice jurisdiction over those EU police and criminal justice measures adopted Damian Green: On 29 February, we announced changes before 1 December 2009 which have not been amended which will break the link between coming here to work or replaced. This measure falls within the scope of that and settling permanently and ensure that only those decision and will be reviewed accordingly. who make a significant economic contribution can stay. In future, most skilled workers will need to be paid a Police Officer and Staff Remuneration and Conditions minimum salary of £35,000 to settle here. Independent Review

Immigration Controls: Merseyside Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the part two of the Winsor report on police remuneration Home Department how many Border Agency staff and conditions. [107668] were deployed in (a) docks and (b) airports in Merseyside in (i) May 2010 and (ii) May 2012. [108658] Nick Herbert: The Home Secretary has referred the report’s recommendations to the Police Negotiating Damian Green: Due to border security considerations Board, the Police Advisory Board for England and the UK Border Agency does not report on staff numbers Wales and the Police Staff Council as appropriate for at individual ports. Staff numbers for the North region consideration. It will be for these bodies to consider are shown in the following table. them in full and to report back to us with their recommendations, which we will consider very carefully. Full-time equivalent staff at 31 March each year United Kingdom Police: Firearms Border Agency (now including Border Force HMRC) at at 30 April Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 May 2010 2012 the Home Department how many firearms units there North region including 1,174 1,066 are in (a) Constabulary, (b) Manchester, Merseyside, Gloucestershire Police Constabulary, (c) Devon and Edinburgh, Leeds, Cornwall Police Constabulary and (d) South Wales Glasgow, Belfast1 Police. [108329] 1 Figures are not limited to operational staff at ports and will include administration and support staff. Nick Herbert: The requested information is not available Immigration: Married People centrally. Procurement Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when her Department plans to publish revised minimum income thresholds for those Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for the seeking a visa for a foreign spouse. [106869] Home Department what proportion of payments made by her Department to small and medium-sized enterprises Damian Green: The Government is considering the have been paid late since May 2010. [107777] responses to the public consultation and will announce its conclusions as soon as possible. Damian Green: The Home Office aims to pay 80% of valid invoices within five days. Since May 2010, performance has exceeded target with 88% of payments being made Members: Correspondence within five days and 12% paid late.

Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the UK Border Agency plans Home Department what proportion of her Department’s to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall expenditure on procurement has gone to small and North of 16 April 2012, Home Office ref U1016190 medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107807] and CTS ref B9692/12. [108234] Damian Green: Since May 2010, 7% of the Home Damian Green: The UK Border Agency wrote to the Office’s procurement expenditure has gone directly to hon. Member on 16 May 2012. small and medium-sized enterprises. From April 2011, information has been collected on Organised Crime: EU Action spend which flows through prime contractors to small and medium enterprises. In the period April 2011 to Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home March 2012 the proportion of direct and indirect Department what assessment her Department has procurement spend going to small and medium sized made of the likely benefits for the UK of EU Council enterprises was 12%. 437W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 438W

Sexual Offences: Drugs Number of Commonwealth and other Arm/service non-British personnel Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Royal Artillery 730 Home Department with reference to the recommendations Royal Engineers 565 of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on Royal Signals 210 drug-facilitated sexual assault, when this offence will be Infantry 2,275 added to the British Crime Survey. [108432] Army Air Corps 80 Royal Logistic Corps 2,070 Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Royal Army Medical Corps 205 Cabinet Office. Royal Electrical and Mechanical 460 The information requested falls within the responsibility Engineers of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority Adjutant General’s Corps 545 to reply. Royal Army Veterinary Corps 5 Letter from Stephen Penneck: Royal Army Dental Corps 45 Intelligence Corps 5 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have Royal Army Physical Training Corps 5 been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking when changes might be made to the British Crime Survey to reflect the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army 90 Nursing Corps recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on drug-facilitated sexual assault. Corps of Army Musicians 15 Total 7,600 Responsibility for the content of the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW,formerly the British Crime Survey) transferred The data exclude personnel in the Brigade of Gurkhas. from the Home Office to the ONS on 1 April 2012. Changes to the content of the survey questionnaire are considered on an annual basis with the next round due to begin later this year for Carbon Emissions implementation in April 2013. The recommendation to include measures of drug-facilitated sexual assault will be given consideration Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for at that time. Defence what his Department’s total level of carbon emissions was between (a) 1 April 2010 and 1 April 2011 and (b) 2 April 2011 and 1 April 2012. [108573] DEFENCE Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence’s recorded Armed Forces: Mental Health Services total emissions in 2010-11 were 4.7 million tonnes CO2e. This is a reduction from 4.8 million tonnes in 2009-10. Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence These totals include emissions from the Department’s what funding his Department provides to Combat fuel consumption, which is in addition to the scope of Stress; and whether it accepts referrals from former the Greening Government Commitments. The armed forces personnel who have problems with abuse Department’s total reported emissions for 2011-12 will of alcohol or drugs. [108248] be available later this year.

Mr Robathan: The amount paid to Combat Stress in Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats financial year 2010-11 by the Ministry of Defence was some £2.6 million. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Any decision about the acceptance of veterans for Defence (1) what the (a) job title and (b) pay band was treatment other than remedial treatment is a matter for of each official, excluding special advisers, recruited by Combat Stress. his Department since May 2010 who previously held an elected position as a member of the (i) Conservative Army: Foreign Nationals party and (ii) Liberal Democrat Party; and whether their position was advertised publicly; [107280] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what the (a) job title and (b) pay band was of Defence how many soldiers from other Commonwealth each official, excluding special advisers, recruited by countries are serving in each regular army unit in the his Department since May 2010 who was previously British Army. [106753] employed in any capacity by the (i) Conservative party or its elected representatives and (ii) Liberal Democrat Mr Robathan [holding answer 14 May 2012]: This party or its elected representatives; and whether their information is not available in the format requested. position was advertised publicly. [107279] However, figures are available, as at 1 April 2012, for the number of trained regular Army personnel who are Mr Robathan: To obtain the information requested classed as Commonwealth or other non-British personnel would require a search of all human resources records by arm and service and these are shown in the following and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. table. Defence: Procurement Number of Commonwealth and other Arm/service non-British personnel Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Staff 5 Defence how many urgent operational requirements Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured 290 have been identified in each of the last three years; how Corps many such requirements have not been fulfilled; and 439W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 440W how many such requirements were delivered (a) later report which shows the number of MOD civilians (including than originally planned and (b) over budget. [106879] its agencies) employed in each local authority area in the United Kingdom. Peter Luff [holding answer 15 May 2012]: Urgent operational requirements (UORs) address urgent and Non-departmental Public Bodies unforeseen capability gaps in support of a current or imminent military operation by providing for the rapid Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for purchase or modification of equipment. Where a Defence (1) how many quangos his Department has requirement is specific to a particular operational theatre (a) abolished and (b) established since May 2010; and can be delivered quickly, it will be funded from the [108273] Government Reserve rather than the Defence budget. (2) how many quangos his Department has (a) According to departmental records, the numbers of abolished and (b) established since May 2010. [108691] Urgent Statements of User Requirement which have been endorsed by the Permanent Joint Headquarters Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence has abolished and subsequently entered the urgent operational one public body, the Animals Welfare Advisory Committee, requirement process are as follows for the past three and established no new public bodies since May 2010. years: Ordnance Board: Disclosure of Information FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11 FY 2011-12

Requirements entering 154 115 58 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for UOR process Defence with reference to the answer of 16 October Subsequently cancelled 53 22 4 2001, Official Report, column 1141W, on the Ordnance Business cases under 31940Project Board, if he will place in the Library a copy of development the Ordnance Board Report Board Project G/220A dated 23 February 1982; for what reasons no letter was Of the remaining endorsed requirements: placed in the Library by his Department on the review conducted to determine whether some or all of the FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11 FY 2011-12 information could be released into the public domain; and if he will make a statement. [107816] Delivered on time or early 60 26 4 On track to deliver on time 8 25 8 Delivered, or now planned 30 23 2 Peter Luff: The information will take time to locate for delivery, later than and review. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it originally approved is available. equipment delivery date Within approved cost 93 70 14 Procurement Exceeding approved cost 5 4 0 Note: The requirement for some UORs can change over time and the original Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for approval dates and costs may subsequently be adjusted to allow these changes Defence what proportion of payments made by his to be addressed. Therefore not all the instances of later delivery or cost growth represent shortcomings in project management or initial estimating. Department to small and medium-sized enterprises have been paid late since May 2010. [107780] Not all requirements which enter the UOR process, progress to a business case and subsequent delivery Peter Luff: We do not retain discrete records of any stages. The reasons for the cancellations shown in the late payments made to small and medium-sized enterprises. table may include the fact that, while a requirement may be extant, there is currently no equipment solution that The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is, however, a signatory can meet it. In such cases, attempts will be made to to the Prompt Payment Code and is fully committed, mitigate the risk through a non-equipment solution along with the Department’s trading partners, to pay all such as changing tactics, techniques or procedures. In suppliers as quickly as possible. We aim to pay 80% of other cases, the requirement may be cancelled by invoices within five working days and have, since 1 May commanders in theatre because the evolving nature of 2010, paid over 90% of invoices within the five working operations means it is no longer needed. The ‘Business day target and almost 100% of correctly submitted cases under development’ entry in the table represents invoices within 11 calendar days. those requirements where a solution is still being identified It is also MOD policy to include in its prime contracts or the details finalised prior to approval. a contract condition which requires our contractors to pay their sub-contractors within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice. In addition, for large construction projects, Manpower the MOD uses Project Bank Accounts to ensure prompt payment throughout the supply chain. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff (a) his Department and (b) Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for its agencies employs in each parliamentary constituency. Defence what proportion of his Department’s expenditure [108682] on procurement has gone to small and medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107806] Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold the information in the format requested. However, Peter Luff: The proportion of departmental procurement I am placing in the Library of the House a copy of the spend going direct to small and medium sized enterprises MOD’s latest quarterly MOD Personnel Location Statistics (SMEs) is measured across each financial year (from 441W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 442W

1 April to 31 March) and I refer the hon. Member to the The Royal Fleet Auxiliary and locally engaged civilians answer I gave on 30 April 2012, Official Report, column are excluded from the totals. 1146W. The Meteorological Office ceased to be part of the The Department’s spend with SMEs in 2011-12 (to Ministry of Defence on 30 September 2011; their figures end December 2011) has now been reported in the are therefore excluded from the 1 April 2011 to 31 Cabinet Office report, “Making Government business March 2012 data. more accessible to SMEs—One Year On”, which can be accessed at: Telephone Services www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for how many call centres provide services for his Department Defence when his Department next expects to undertake and the bodies for which he is responsible; and how a spend recovery audit to identify overpayments to many such call centres are based abroad. [107012] suppliers caused by fraud or error. [107921] Mr Robathan: Information on the number of call Mr Robathan: Our central bill payment organisation centres is not held and could be provided only at in Defence Business Services follows rigorous processes disproportionate cost. However, the Ministry of Defence and controls to ensure that overpayments to suppliers has consolidated many call centre services into Civilian are identified and recovered quickly. No significant Human Resources (Defence Business Services), Forces issues or system weaknesses were found during recent Personnel (Joint Personnel Administration) and Information audits by both the National Audit Office and the Ministry Services (Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) Single of Defence (MOD)’s own audit organisation. Point of Contact (SPOC)). These are all based in the The National Audit Office is due to audit the MOD’s UK. central bill paying organisation again this autumn. We otherwise periodically review our bill payment processes Territorial Army and controls to ensure we continue to achieve the required high standards of performance and governance. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence RAF Northolt how many Territorial Army personnel have completed five or more years of consecutive service but have not qualified for a Diamond Jubilee Medal. [107189] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Transport, (b) civil engineering companies Mr Robathan: As the award of the Queens Diamond and (c) airline companies about a potential high speed Jubilee Medal is ongoing, accurate data is not currently rail link between Heathrow Airport and RAF Northolt; held on the joint personnel administration computer system, and could be provided only at disproportionate and if he will make a statement. [107051] cost. Peter Luff: There have been no such discussions. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Risk Assessment Defence how many recruits signed up to the Territorial Army in each of the last five years for which figures are Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for available; how many of such recruits became fully Defence what strategic or transitional risk registers in trained soldiers in each such year; and how many such each area of policy are held by his Department; and if recruits who (a) were and (b) were not members of he will make a statement. [107485] the training corps left in each such year. [107191]

Nick Harvey: The information on what risk registers Mr Robathan: The following table shows the number are held will take time to collate. I will write to the hon. of recruits, excluding those in the Officer Training Member when this has been completed. Corps, who joined the Territorial Army in each of the last five financial years. Information on the number of Sick Leave those recruits who became fully trained soldiers, or for those who left the Territorial Army before completing Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence this training, is not held centrally and could be provided how many days of sick leave were taken by staff in his only at disproportionate cost. Department in each of the last three years. [106447] Total Territorial Army intake (excluding Officer Training Corps) Mr Robathan: The number of days (rounded) sick Total leave taken by staff in the Ministry of Defence over the 2007-08 6,970 last three years calculated in accordance with Cabinet 2008-09 5,880 Office methodology, was as follows: 2009-10 5,380 2010-11 3,840 1 April to 31 March each year Number 2011-12 4,240 2009-10 591,740 2010-11 553,810 The number of officer training cadets who joined the 2011-12 512,350 Officer Training Corps during the same period, is provided in the following table. Cadets join the Officer Training 443W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 444W

Corps while at university and can resign at any time. bodies have faced disciplinary action for abusing paid There is no obligation for them to join the armed forces facility time or public resources in each of the last five when they leave university. years. [107380] Information on the number of officer training cadets who have resigned from the Officer Training Corps is Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence makes certain not held centrally and could be provided only at facilities available to civilian employees who are accredited disproportionate cost. representatives or members but not paid officials of Intake to Officer Training Corps trade unions recognised by the Department. The amount Number of time off and the purposes for which it is allowed is in accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice Time off 2007-08 2,240 for TU duties and activities. 2008-09 2,470 The information requested is not held centrally and 2009-10 1,990 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. 2010-11 2,160 2011-12 2,880 Veterans: Mental Health Services Trade Unions Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many NHS trauma units are available in (a) how many trade union representatives in (a) his England and (b) Wales to treat soldiers with (i) post- Department and (b) each of its non-departmental traumatic stress disorder and (ii) other mental health public bodies had (i) part-time and (ii) full-time paid issues. [107703] facility time arrangements in 2011-12. [107376] Mr Robathan [holding answer 17 May 2012]: The Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence makes certain majority of armed forces personnel who require treatment facilities available to civilian employees who are accredited for a mental health condition will receive it in military- representatives or members but not paid officials of owned community out-patient facilities rather than through trade unions recognised by the Department. The amount the NHS. The Ministry of Defence also has a contract of time off and the purposes for which it is allowed is in with a partnership of eight NHS trusts, led by South accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice Time off Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust, for TU duties and activities. to provide in-patient treatment for those who require it. The Department in September 2011 had approved Of the other seven NHS Trusts involved in the that 322 part-time representatives and 65 full-time could partnership, five are in England (Cambridge and undertake facility time (FT). This figure does not include Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust; Southern Health FT provided to the Ministry of Defence police, Royal NHS Foundation Trust; Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Fleet Auxiliary or trading funds. It also does not include Foundation Trust; Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who have Trust; and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation their own agreements with the TU. Trust) and two in Scotland (NHS Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Grampian). Members of the armed forces Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence based in Wales who require in-patient treatment for a how many days were utilised for paid facility time by mental health condition will receive it in the most each trade union representative in (a) his Department convenient of these NHS units (which will usually be and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies in South Staffordshire and Shropshire or Somerset 2011-12; and at what cost to the public purse. [107377] Partnership), depending on where in Wales they are located. Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence makes certain facilities available to civilian employees who are accredited Weapons: Radioactive Waste representatives or members but not paid officials of trade unions recognised by the Department. The amount of time off and the purposes for which it is allowed is in Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice time off how many sites in the UK, in addition to Dalgety Bay, for trade union duties and activities. he estimates are subject to radium pollution as a result The Department in September 2011 had approved of the burying of radium-coated military hardware 123 full-time equivalents to undertake facility time (FT) after the second world war; where those sites are; what which equated to 27,060 days and a cost of £3.65 million. plans he has to clean up each of those sites; under what This figure does not include the FT provided to the timescale; and at what estimated cost. [107998] Ministry of Defence Police, Royal Fleet Auxiliary or Trading Funds. It also does not include non-departmental Mr Robathan [holding answer 17 May 2012]: As public bodies (NDPBs) who have their own agreements specified in the Contaminated Land Regime, the with the trade unions. identification of radioactive contaminated land falls to We do not record centrally how much of this approved the regulatory authorities and not the Ministry of Defence FT was actually used. (MOD). Where former MOD sites are identified as contaminated, Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence the MOD remains committed to voluntarily assisting how many trade unions representatives in (a) his the relevant authorities, without prejudice, in fulfilling Department and (b) each of its non-departmental their statutory duties, for which they are funded. 445W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 446W

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (4) which individuals have been paid by his Department for consultancy or other services who Bahrain previously held an elected position as a member of the (a) Conservative party and (b) Liberal Democrat party since May 2010; what the (i) cost and (ii) nature Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign was of the services provided; and whether they were and Commonwealth Affairs what projects and initiatives publicly advertised. [107123] he is funding in Bahrain through the (a) Arab Partnership Fund and (b) other sources in 2012-13; and which such Mr Lidington: As part of this Government’s projects and initiatives are to support the Bahraini Transparency agenda, since 2010 all contracts over the Government in implementing the recommendations of value of £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder. the Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry. [107852] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the (a) job Alistair Burt: The British embassy in Bahrain is title and (b) pay band was of each official, excluding developing a programme of reform support, including special advisers, recruited by his Department since May for the implementation of the recommendations of the 2010 who was previously employed in any capacity by Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), the (i) Conservative party or its elected representatives which will be funded by the Arab Partnership Participation and (ii) Liberal Democrat party or its elected representatives; Fund and the Conflict Pool. This support is likely to and whether their position was advertised publicly. focus on two key areas central to the BICI recommendations: reconciliation, and promoting human [107281] rights and the rule of law. In 2011-12, the Arab Partnership Participation Fund supported bespoke human rights Mr Bellingham: To collect any such information would training in the UK for officials from the Bahraini Ministries require a search of all human resources records which of Justice and Social Development. would involve disproportionate costs. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for China Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the (a) job title and (b) pay band was of each official, excluding Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for special advisers, recruited by his Department since May Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his 2010 who previously held an elected position as a Department has received any video, cctv, film or mobile member of the (i) Conservative Party and (ii) Liberal telephone images taken in the hotel room in Chongquing Democrat Party; and whether their position was advertised where Neil Heywood was killed. [107858] publicly. [107282]

Mr Jeremy Browne: The British Government is not in Mr Bellingham: To collect any such information would possession of any images taken in the hotel room in require a search of all Human Resources records which which Neil Heywood’s body was found. would involve disproportionate costs.

Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats Consultants

Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what (a) grants and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department and (b) contracts his Department has awarded to spent on external consultants, including management companies or organisations run by individuals who consultants, in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he were previously employed in any capacity by (i) the will make a statement. [107496] Conservative party or its elected representatives and (ii) the Liberal Democrat party or its elected representatives Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office since May 2010; what the (A) value and (B) nature was (FCO) spent £19.2 million in financial year 2010-11 and of these contracts; and whether they were publicly £12.04 million in financial year 2011-12 on external advertised; [107120] consultants, including management consultants, a reduction (2) what (a) grants and (b) contracts his Department of 37% in a year. has awarded to companies or organisations run by The FCO is committed to procuring consultants / individuals who previously held an elected position as a consultancy services in line with the Cabinet Office member of the (i) Conservative party and (ii) Liberal approvals process. Since July 2010 there has been a Democrat party since May 2010; what the (A) value and freeze on all new consultancy expenditure except where (B) nature was of these contracts; and whether they there is a strong business case to draw on specialised were publicly advertised; [107121] expertise that is not available internally. Such a business (3) which individuals have been paid by his Department case requires Cabinet Office approval in addition to for consultancy or other services who were previously internal approval for new and existing consultancy spend employed in any capacity by the (a) Conservative party over £20,000, and submitted for re-approval every three or its elected representatives and (b) Liberal Democrat months from the date of contract commencement. party or its elected representatives since May 2010; Contracts are reviewed regularly and any request to what the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of the services prolong a consultancy agreement beyond nine months provided; and whether they were publicly advertised; must be submitted to the Efficiency Reform Group [107122] (ERG) at the Cabinet Office. 447W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 448W

Drugs: EU Action visiting high level Eritrean delegation to discuss initiatives to combat trafficking. We have also urged Eritrea to bring to justice any Eritreans involved in human trafficking. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the potential Comparing refugee numbers on an international and benefits to the UK resulting from EU Council Decision per capita basis is a sensitive and complex task which 2005/481/CFSP regarding the exchange of classified would require a disproportionate amount of time and information with the Ukraine. [108493] resources to deliver. The FCO currently refers to the UNHCR for the refugee situation around the world since they are better placed and resourced to make Mr Lidington: The UK supports Ukraine’s long-term assessments. aspiration to join the EU at the point when it meets the criteria as set out in article 49 of the treaty on European Ethiopia Union. The implementation of this agreement further cements Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union. Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign The UK must decide, no later than 31 May 2014, and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department whether to accept full European Court of Justice jurisdiction has received any reports of human rights violations over those EU police and criminal justice measures connected with the villagisation programme in Gambella, adopted before 1 December 2009 which have not been Ethiopia. [108399] amended or replaced. This measure falls within the scope of that decision and will be reviewed accordingly. Mr Bellingham: We became aware of allegations associated with the villagisation (or commune) programme Eritrea in Gambella in late 2010 and immediately took steps to investigate them. In February last year the UK led a Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for multi-agency mission, independent from the Ethiopian Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it Government, to Gambella. The mission found no evidence his policy to support the appointment of a UN special of systematic or widespread human rights abuses, though rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. isolated human rights abuses may have been committed. [106881] We have provided the Ethiopian Government with guidelines on resettlement best practice and these have been placed in the House of Commons Library. We Mr Bellingham: We are concerned by the human have repeatedly raised our concerns over how the rights situation in Eritrea. This is why Eritrea is included programme is being implemented with the Ethiopian as a “Country of Concern” in the Foreign and Government. Commonwealth Office’s 2011 Human Rights and Democracy Report. The UK supported the statement Exports delivered by Somalia at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign rights situation in Eritrea. The decision to appoint a and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings officials UN Special Rapporteur is ultimately a matter for the in his Department have had with businesses seeking to UN Human Rights Council. We would support the export to (a) India, (b) China and (c) Brazil in the last proposal in principle, but understand that there are 12 months. [106679] already five outstanding requests for visits by UN Special Rapporteurs to Eritrea. Mr Jeremy Browne: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials in the UK and overseas meet UK businesses Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for seeking to export to India, China and Brazil regularly. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Export promotion activities are led by UK Trade and Department has made an estimate of the number of Investment (UKTI) to which both FCO and BIS contribute refugees leaving Eritrea in the last year; and whether it staff. One of the key functions of UKTI is to meet, and has assessed (a) how these numbers compare to other provide assistance to, UK companies seeking to expand countries with similar problems on a per capita basis, into overseas markets. These interactions occur in a (b) the reasons why Eritreans are seeking to leave their wide variety of circumstances, and it is therefore not country and (c) the effect of this outflow regionally possible to assess accurately the total number of meetings and internationally, including the effect of regional that have taken place in the last 12 months. traffickers seeking to exploit the situation. [106882] Foreign Investment in UK Mr Bellingham: According to statistics received from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign over the past year around 35,000 Eritreans have been and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings officials registered in Ethiopia and Sudan as refugees. But it is in his Department have had with businesses from (a) worth noting that not all refugees leave by these routes India, (b) China and (c) Brazil seeking to invest in the or register at the camps. The figure is therefore likely to UK in the last 12 months. [106678] be higher. The number of refugees is likely to remain high in 2012 thereby increasing the burden put on Mr Jeremy Browne: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ethiopia and Sudan. Most of the refugees are young (FCO) officials in the UK and overseas meet UK businesses men and women fleeing compulsory national service. seeking to invest in India, China and Brazil regularly. On 8 February 2012, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Investment promotion activities are led by UK Trade Office (FCO) and UK Border Agency officials met the and Investment (UKTI) to which both FCO and BIS 449W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 450W contribute staff. One of the key functions of UKTI is to The EU, with the full support of the UK, called on meet, and provide assistance to, UK companies seeking Israel to lift restrictions on Gaza in the Foreign Affairs to expand into overseas markets. These interactions occur Council conclusions issued on 14 May 2012: in a wide variety of circumstances, and it is therefore http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/ not possible to assess accurately the total number of pressdata/EN/foraff/130195.pdf meetings that have taken place in the last 12 months. Lithuania

Israel Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Lithuanian Government on its Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for decision to honour Juozas Brazaitis. [108247] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on discriminatory Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office water supply policies in the Jordan Valley. [107724] (FCO) continues to actively engage with the Lithuanian Government on minority rights and post-holocaust issues. Alistair Burt: I refer my right hon. Friend to my The FCO has raised this issue with the Lithuanian answer of 23 April 2012, Official Report, column 760W. Government and will continue dialogue with them on these issues. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Middle East he has had with the International Committee of the Red Cross on the humanitarian needs of Palestinian Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign prisoners in Israel. [107725] and Commonwealth Affairs how eligible organisations in target countries are notified of the availability of Alistair Burt: We hold regular discussions with the project funding through the Arab Partnership fund; International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on and with reference to the answer of 23 April 2012, the humanitarian needs of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Official Report, columns 752-53W,on the Arab Partnership which remains an issue of significant concern to the fund, what outreach is undertaken in (a) Qatar, (b) UK Government. The British embassy in Tel Aviv and Saudi Arabia and (c) the United Arab Emirates. consulate general in Jerusalem keep in close contact [107957] with the ICRC Head of Delegation on these issues. Alistair Burt: Information about funding available The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth from the Arab Partnership Participation Fund is published Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond in English and Arabic on the Foreign and Commonwealth (Yorks) (Mr Hague), issued a public statement on 16 Office (FCO) website: May welcoming the agreement reached to end the mass http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/mena/uk-arab- hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners. We have commended partnership all sides, including the Palestinian Authority, the prisoners’ representatives, the Egyptian authorities and the Israeli In target countries including Egypt and Tunisia, calls Government for their roles in finding a solution that for proposals have also been publicised on local embassies’ prevents loss of life. We particularly welcome Israel’s websites. agreement to limit the use of administrative detention To ensure that the FCO meets its Overseas Development and solitary confinement, and to reinstate family visits Assistance targets, Arab Partnership funding for work for detainees. in the six Gulf countries (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) is Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for capped at £250,000 per year. In 2012-13, Bahrain is Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations likely to be the Arab Partnership Participation Fund’s he has made to the Israeli Government on the ending of main focus in the Gulf. Funding for work in Gulf countries is also available through other programmes restrictions on exports from Gaza. [107726] such as the Gulf Initiative, Conflict Pool and the Prosperity Fund. Alistair Burt: We are clear that Israeli restrictions on movements of goods and people do serious damage to Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for the economy and living standards of ordinary people in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Gaza. The current situation fosters radicalisation and he has had with the Israeli authorities on recovering the empowers Hamas. An improved economy is not only costs or repairing damage caused to the Commonwealth essential for the people of Gaza, but firmly in Israel’s War Graves Cemetery in Gaza during operation Cast security interests. In close co-ordination with our EU Lead. [108730] partners and the Office of the Quartet Representative, we continue to press the Israeli Government at ministerial Alistair Burt: The British Government has had extensive and official level to ease access restrictions. discussions with the Israeli authorities, in particular I most recently raised this issue with Israeli Deputy with the Ministry of Defence, over several years on Foreign Minister Ayalon on 18 January 2012. The British behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ambassador to Tel Aviv also raised the issue with Prime about recovering costs, or repairing damage to the Minister Netanyahu’s Chief Negotiator, Yitzhak Molcho, Cemetery in Gaza following Israel’s operation Cast and the Israeli Co-ordinator of Government Activity in Lead. Israel does not accept liability for the damage the Territories, General Dangot, in March. caused but recognises the significance of the cemetery 451W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 452W from a historical point of view. Israel made an ex-gratia by the National Democratic Institute to mobilise women payment of £40,000 towards the cost of repairing the to participate in the electoral process and by Dan damage to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Church Aid to enable women to form networks and common platforms to advocate at a national and local Nigeria level for greater social, economic and political inclusion. Both organisations are working to empower local women’s Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for organisations. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are In all APF projects, the UK works with project in place to support British companies wishing to do partners to ensure that gender issues are taken into business in Nigeria; and what charges are made for this account, and participation is gender-balanced. A regional support. [108721] conflict adviser will shortly be appointed in North Africa, whose responsibilities will include working with Mr Bellingham: Commercial diplomacy is one of the women’s organisations in support of UNSCR1325 on Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s priorities. An Women, Peace and Security. important part of the role of our high commissioner to Nigeria, and his team, is to provide advice and support North Africa and Middle East to UK companies which are active or looking to do business in Nigeria. In Nigeria, UK Trade & Investment Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign (UKTI) is represented in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department UKTI offers UK exporters and investors a range of is taking to encourage the use of renewable energy and services, which include: identifying local agents and recycling in the Middle East and North Africa. [108225] distributors, arranging visit programmes and trade missions, and organising product launches. These are part of Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office UKTI’s chargeable service, called Overseas Market (FCO) is working actively to encourage countries in the Introduction Service, the charge for which is calculated Middle East and North Africa to adopt policies to on the time needed to deliver the service. achieve sustainable economic growth, including the Non-departmental Public Bodies promotion of secure and affordable energy, resource efficiency and low carbon solutions. Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department engages bilaterally, through its embassies Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and network of energy and climate change attachés, to quangos his Department has (a) abolished and (b) promote investment in renewable energy resources. Through established since May 2010. [108693] the FCO Prosperity Fund, the Department also supports a number of lower-carbon projects in the Gulf, including Mr Lidington: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of the establishment of a regional Centre for Sustainable 16 March 2011, Official Report, column 9-10WS. Development, the promotion of ambitious energy intensity improvement targets by 2020 in GCC countries, and a North Africa sustainable housing programme in Saudi Arabia. Through its network, the FCO also contributes to Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign promoting renewable energy through multilateral fora, and Commonwealth Affairs what projects and including the International Renewable Energy Agency, initiatives (a) have been and (b) are being funded the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme through (i) the Arab Partnership Fund and (ii) other and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meetings. The sources to promote and protect women’s rights and most recent CEM was hosted by the Department of encourage their political participation in (A) Egypt, (B) Energy and Climate Change in April and was attended Tunisia and (C) Libya. [107851] by the Prime Minister.

Alistair Burt: In Egypt, the Arab Partnership Fund Sudan: South Sudan (APF) has recently approved a project with Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) to promote the Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for participation of women candidates in Egyptian local Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether his council elections and engagement of communities with Department has received an estimate of the number of their local councillors. Sudan armed forces personnel who remain in the Abyei In Tunisia, the APF has supported a project led by area; [107826] ERIS to support a voter outreach programme targeting (2) what reports he has received of the withdrawal of women voters in rural areas, and a project with the South Sudan Police from the Abyei area; [107827] Westminster Foundation for Democracy to build the (3) whether he plans to provide assistance for the capacity of MPs, including training for women MPs. establishment of a local Abyei Police Service; and what In Libya, the APF is supporting ERIS to train women form any such assistance will take. [107828] to become election observers for the upcoming elections and has also provided a contribution to the UN Electoral Mr Bellingham: In my statement of 11 May, I welcomed Assistance Programme which includes elements to ensure South Sudan’s withdrawal of all its remaining security women’s participation in elections. The tri-departmental forces from Abyei, as confirmed by the Force Commander Conflict Pool (FCO/DFID/MOD) is also supporting of the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei women’s participation in the Libyan political process. It (UNISFA). I also called on Sudan to fulfil its own co-funded the first ever Women’s Convention in Tripoli obligations to withdraw all remaining Sudanese armed in November 2011, and has supported programmes led forces without delay, in line with its own commitments 453W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 454W and as called for by the African Union and UN Security As part of our consular responsibilities, embassy Council. That has still not happened. We do not have staff in Thailand visit British detainees every eight direct verification of the numbers of Sudanese armed weeks. These visits are carried out by trained consular forces present in the Abyei area, but contacts with the staff, who check the welfare of detainees. Any issues of UN suggest it is in the region of 350. concern can be then brought to the attention of the The UK has provided training to the Ethiopian police prison authorities, including any medical or dental problems contingent in UNISFA, who will in turn be able to train a detainee might have. the Abyei Police Service when it is established. That can only happen once the joint Abyei Area Administration, Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for on which the two governments have yet to reach agreement, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been formed. I call on both governments to establish his Department has made of the treatment of people the Abyei Area Administration as soon as possible. (a) arrested and (b) convicted under lèse majesté laws in Thailand. [108437] Telephone Services

Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK attaches great importance and Commonwealth Affairs how many call centres to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Freedom provide services for his Department and the bodies for of expression is a fundamental right of every human which he is responsible; and how many such call being. We are closely following the development of centres are based abroad. [107013] freedom of expression in Thailand and are concerned by the significant increase of lese-majeste cases in the Mr Lidington: We do not keep centrally details of all country and the application of the laws and length of call centres operated by the Foreign and Commonwealth sentences in recent cases. Office (FCO), its global network and the bodies for With our European Union partners, the UK expressed which it is responsible. This information could be obtained concern last year at the conviction and imprisonment only at disproportionate cost. for 20 years of Ampon Tangnoppakul for violating the The following call centres based in the UK provide lese-majeste laws. services on behalf of the FCO: Our embassy in Bangkok continues to monitor the Call centre: Teleperformance ongoing trials of high profile lese-majeste and freedom Service: (a) travel advice and (b) consular crisis calls (where of expression on the internet cases. We have urged the volume and/or waiting times exceed the capacity of our Crisis Thai Government to ensure that the rule of law is Management Department’s internal call centre facility) applied in a non-discriminatory and proportionate manner Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland consistent with upholding basic human rights, and will Call centre: Careline continue to take appropriate opportunities to do so. Service: advice on our Legalisation services During my visit to Thailand in 2010, I raised the issue Location: Selkirk, Scotland. of conditions for detainees in Thailand, referring specifically to the importance of access to exercise, proper food and Thailand medical facilities. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for he has made to the Government of Thailand on the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment imprisonment and death of Ampon Tangnoppakul. his Department has made of the compliance of lèse [108435] majesté laws in Thailand with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and what representations Mr Jeremy Browne: In November 2011, following the he has made to the government of Thailand on freedom sentencing of Ampon Tangnoppakul, the UK issued a of expression and the lèse majesté laws. [108438] statement jointly with our European Union partners to express concern about the court decision to convict and Mr Jeremy Browne: We understand the particular imprison Ampon for 20 years. The statement reiterated reverence the people of Thailand have for the monarchy. the importance attached by the EU to the rule of law, The Government attaches importance to the respect of democracy and respect for human rights. The EU also fundamental human rights in line with the universal urged the Thai authorities to ensure that the rule of law declaration of human rights. Specifically on article 19 was applied in a non-discriminatory and proportional which covers freedom of opinion and expression, the manner consistent with upholding basic human rights, UK thinks that it should be possible to discuss constitutional including freedom of expression. reform without fear of coming under the purvue of Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for laws that were designed for non political purposes. In Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent October 2011 at the UN Human Rights Council in assessment his Department has made of access to Geneva, the human rights situation in Thailand was reviewed as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. health care for prisoners in Thailand. [108436] The UK played an active role, including raising our Mr Jeremy Browne: Conditions in Thai prisons are concerns about freedom of expression and specifically generally poor. Prisons are old and often have run down recommending that the Thai Government seek to review infrastructure. However, basic medical treatment is available its lese-majeste laws. The report of this session can be in all prisons in Thailand and prisoners may be transferred found online at the following link: to a local hospital for more complex medical treatment. www.upr-info.org/IMG/pdf/a_hrc_wg.6_12_l.6_thailand.pdf 455W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 456W

Our ambassador in Bangkok has raised the issue of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign freedom of expression with the Thai authorities. I also and Commonwealth Affairs how many trade union raised the issue when I visited Thailand in September representatives in (a) his Department and (b) each of 2011. We will continue to take appropriate opportunities its non-departmental public bodies have faced disciplinary to do so. action for abusing paid facility time or public resources in each of the last five years. [107387] Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Bellingham: No trade union representatives within and Commonwealth Affairs how many trade union the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), FCO representatives in (a) his Department and (b) each of Services or Wilton Park have faced disciplinary action its non-departmental public bodies had (i) part-time for abusing paid facility time or public resources in the and (ii) full-time paid facility time arrangements in last five years. 2011-12. [107383] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings have Office (FCO) follows the Advisory, Conciliation and taken place between (a) his Department and (b) its Arbitration Service Code of Practice ″Time Off for non-departmental public bodies and trade union Trades Union Duties and Activities″. representatives utilising paid facility time in each of the Elected trade union representatives are as follows: last five years to discuss (i) collective bargaining, (ii) (a) FCO—seven full-time officers redundancies, (iii) negotiations relating to employment, pay and conditions and (iv) other trade union and (b) FCO Services—one full-time officer and 0.5 part-time officer industrial relations duties; and what the dates and (c) Wilton Park staff are nominally also represented by (a) times were of each meeting. [107388] In addition to these, there are 37 members of staff who are volunteer branch committee members. They carry out this role in addition to their normal day job. Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth The FCO’s Facility Agreement allows up to 25 days Office (FCO), FCO Services and Wilton Park do not paid facility time per year. Actual time taken is not hold this information centrally and it could be obtained recorded centrally. only at disproportionate cost. However, we hold meetings with representatives of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign our recognised trade unions on matters affecting staff and Commonwealth Affairs how many days were utilised on a regular basis. This includes the annual Whitley for paid facility time by each trade union representative Council meeting and meetings on areas where consultation in (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental with trade unions is a statutory requirement such as public bodies in 2011-12; and at what cost to the public redundancy, The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection purse. [107384] of Employment), Health and Safety and pensions. Mr Bellingham: We refer the House to the answer to the hon. Member’s PQ107383 today for the number of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign full-time and part-time trade union representatives and and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions facility time allowed to volunteer branch committee trade union representatives from (a) his Department members. and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies have utilised paid facility time to represent an employee The Foreign Commonwealth Office does not hold at a meeting or other industrial relations matter in each the information related to costs centrally and it could be of the last five years. [107389] obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Bellingham: This information is not held centrally and Commonwealth Affairs how many days were utilised and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. for paid facility time by each trade union representative in (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies for trade union (i) duties and (ii) activities Western Sahara in 2011-12 [107385] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Bellingham: I refer the hon. Member of the and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the answer House to the answer to her PQ 107384 today. of 12 March 2012, Official Report, column 67W, on Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Western Sahara, what groups have de facto control over and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the that part of Western Sahara not under Moroccan control. Library copies of the facility time agreements between [107830] trade unions and (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies. [107386] Alistair Burt: There is no clear consensus as to who exercises de facto control over that part of Western Sahara Mr Bellingham: A copy of the Foreign and not under Moroccan control. The UK regards the Polisario Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Facility Agreement with Front as a party to the UN-led political negotiations in its Trade Union Side, which covers both FCO Services support of efforts to find a mutually acceptable political and Wilton Park, has been placed in the Library of the solution providing for the self-determination of the House. people of Western Sahara. 457W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 458W

HEALTH examination of the baby’s heart will be carried out by a clinician. As some conditions can develop later, the Alcoholic Drinks: Drugs examination is repeated at six to eight weeks of age usually by a general practitioner. Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children under the age of 18 years and Breast Cancer: Screening resident in the London borough of Bexley were receiving treatment for (a) alcohol and (b) drug dependency in Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the latest period for which figures are available. [107649] what steps he is taking to promote the use of innovative digital mammography technology in the NHS. [108653] Anne Milton: 24 young people under the age of 18 received a specialist substance misuse intervention in Paul Burstow: Local national health service breast Bexley in 2010-11 according to the latest figures from cancer screening programmes in England are replacing the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System. Of their current analogue (film) systems with digital systems these, 10 were treated primarily for an alcohol problem, (direct digital mammography—DDM). As at May 2012, and 14 were treated primarily for a drugs problem. 74 (92.5%) local programmes have at least one direct Most young people receiving treatment for substance digital x-ray set and 53 (66%) are fully digital. misuse are not dependent as many have not been taking Local programmes have been advised to implement substances for long enough to develop dependence. direct digital as quickly as possible as the independent Dependence describes a compulsion to continue taking Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer Screening has a drug, including alcohol, in order to feel good or to said that running both film and digital systems together avoid feeling bad. When this is done to avoid physical is inefficient. Six programmes (7.5%) are still to implement discomfort or withdrawal, it is known as physical digital mammography. dependence; when it has a psychological aspect (the need for stimulation or pleasure, or to escape reality) Breasts: Plastic Surgery then it is known as psychological dependence. Babies Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he had with Ministers in the Welsh Government prior to publishing his response to Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Sixteenth Report from the Health Committee Session Health (1) what his policy is on the use of pulse 2010-12, on PIP Breast Implants and Regulation of oximetry testing for all newborn babies; [107954] Cosmetic Interventions. [107948] (2) what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of pulse oximetry testing for newborn Mr Simon Burns: None, but departmental officials babies; [107955] shared a copy of the draft response with colleagues in (3) what steps he is taking to improve early diagnosis the Welsh Government in advance of publication. The of heart conditions in newborn babies. [107956] response relates solely to the national health service in England and makes no comment on policies for the Anne Milton: The UK National Screening Committee NHS in the devolved administrations. (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the national health service in all four countries about all aspects of screening Cancer policy and supports implementation. Using research evidence, pilot programmes and economic evaluation, it Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health assesses the evidence for programmes against a set of with reference to the answer of 30 April 2012, Official internationally recognised criteria. Report, column 1288W,on cancer, what funding earmarked The UK NSC is currently reviewing the evidence for for cancer networks was included in the Strategic Health newborn screening for heart conditions using pulse Authority bundle for (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) oximetry against its criteria. It is expected that a public 2012-13. [107823] consultation on the screening review will open at the end of the year. Paul Burstow: The amounts included in the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) bundle for cancer networks for As part of the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 20012-13 can be found Programme all pregnant women are offered a mid in the following table: pregnancy ultrasound scan. The main purpose of this scan is to look for abnormalities in the unborn baby, Cancer network funding including serious cardiac abnormalities. £ million It has been good practice for many years for all babies 2009-10 18.3 to have a careful physical examination after birth. On 2010-11 18.5 the advice of the UK NSC, the Department has set up a 2011-12 18.5 programme centre to oversee the implementation of a 2012-13 18.5 high quality and consistent NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) screening programme. These allocations are based on estimates of the funding The NIPE screening programme offers parents the required to deliver cancer networks. However, it is for opportunity to have their child examined shortly after each SHA to determine how the total amount they birth (within the first 72 hours). The examination includes receive in the SHA bundle is allocated to specific services, a general physical check as well as examination of the such as cancer networks, taking into account the needs baby’s eyes, heart, hips and, for boys, testes. A general of local populations. 459W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 460W

Care Homes (2) what savings have accrued from maintaining the means test capital limit for residential care at the same level since 2010. [107942] Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what systems are in place to minimise the impact of Paul Burstow: The Department has not made an provider failure on users of care and nursing homes; assessment of the effect of not increasing the means test [107521] capital limit for residential care on businesses, charities (2) who is responsible for oversight of the financial and voluntary bodies in the sector. viability of private companies that provide care and The decision in the spending review 2010 not to nursing home services. [107522] increase capital limits was taken in order to help local authorities, at a time of financial stringency, to maintain Paul Burstow: The responsibility for providing or the level of services they provide. The spending review arranging residential care rests with local authorities, 2010 covers Government spending up to April 2015. which have specific duties of care to their populations However, the capital limits are being kept under review under section 21(a) of the National Assistance Act 1948 in order to monitor the impact of not increasing them. and Section 47(5) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The NHS and Community Care Act 1990 gives local whether his Department had any communication with authorities the powers to provide or arrange care services representatives of Terra Firma about the company’s for anyone in urgent need. Were a care home to fail, no short and long term plans for the care and nursing resident—whether publicly or self-funded—would be home group, Four Seasons, prior to its recent takeover left homeless or without care. In an emergency, a local of Four Seasons; and if he will make a statement. authority could provide residential accommodation to [108416] anyone—publicly or self-funded—who had an urgent need for it. A local authority would continue to provide Paul Burstow: There were no meetings before the care for any self-funding resident who was unable to take-over. Departmental officials met with representatives find or arrange care for themselves. of Terra Firma on 1 May, after the announcement of As commissioners and providers of care services, the take-over, to discuss the company’s plans and intentions. local authorities have a responsibility to manage the The Department welcomes any development that will care sector in their areas in order to ensure there is a help give security to the residents and employees of suitable range of provision available to meet local need. Four Seasons’ care homes. This has always been the Government’s priority. Social care is a devolved matter; different oversight and regulatory mechanisms are in place across the Childbirth United Kingdom. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has responsibility for the regulation of adult social care in England. As such, it contributes to ensuring the Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for safety and wellbeing of people who use social care Health (1) what his policy is on the provision of services. All providers of regulated activities in England cardiotocography machines in response to requests from must be registered with the CQC and meet the registration women during labour; [108081] requirements, which are set out in regulations made (2) what advice his Department has issued on the under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. availability of cardiotocography machines during childbirth. The regulations include a requirement to take all [108082] reasonable steps to carry on the regulated activity in Anne Milton: The National Institute for Health and such a manner as to ensure the financial viability of the Clinical Excellence (NICE) published ‘Intrapartum care’ carrying on of that activity. This requirement does not guide in 2007, which provides evidence-based information apply to local authorities or NHS bodies. The CQC can for healthcare professionals and women and includes take enforcement action, including cancellation of the statement that continuous electronic foetal monitoring registration, if the registration requirements are not met. should be available at a woman’s request. In October 2011, the Department published a discussion There is no specific advice on availability of paper, “Oversight of the Social Care Market”, which cardiotocography machines, but we would expect all outlined the issues facing the social care market and maternity services to have adequate machines to enable possible options for strengthening oversight of the largest them to follow NICE guidelines on foetal heart assessment. and most complex providers. A copy has already been placed in the Library. This has provided a valuable Cystic Fibrosis opportunity for us to hear views on this area and reflect on the best approach. Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for We have considered the responses to the consultation Health what assessment he has been made of the merits paper, arid intend to address the issue of market oversight of exempting people with cystic fibrosis from in the forthcoming White Paper on Care and Support. prescription charges. [107678]

Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: In 2009, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore Health (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of carried out a review to consider, how to extend free not increasing the means test capital limit for prescriptions to all those with long-term conditions. residential care on (a) businesses, (b) charities and (c) This review made a number of proposals, and was voluntary bodies in the sector; [107941] published in May 2010 by the Government. 461W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 462W

We announced in the spending review, published in to the MHRA an application to reclassify a product October 2010, that to ensure spending in the national from P to GSL which would need to demonstrate that health service is focused on priorities, some programmes access to professional advice is not required for the safe announced by the previous Government would not be use of the medicine. implemented—including proposals to extend free prescriptions to all those with long-term conditions. Epilepsy We are continuing to look at options for creating a fairer system of prescription charges and exemptions, Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which takes into account the overall NHS financial if he will take steps to ensure that the generic context and introduction of universal credit. We have substitution of prescribed medication is not placing no current plans for a further review of the list of people with epilepsy at unnecessary risk. [107721] medical conditions that confer exemption. Depressive Illnesses Mr Simon Burns: There are no national dispensing generic substitution arrangements. Pharmacists must supply medicines as specified by a prescriber on the Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health prescription form. Prescribers are encouraged to prescribe how many people in the London borough of Bexley rationally and to make the best possible use of national were diagnosed with depression in the most recent health service resources. It has long been the Department’s period for which figures are available. [108204] policy to encourage the prescribing of medicines by their generic name, where possible. It is for doctors’ Paul Burstow: Data published by the Health and clinical judgment as to which product they prescribe for Social Care Information Centre for 2010-11 show a their patient and providing a product is not listed in total of 13,372 patients with a diagnosis of depression schedule 1 or 2 of the NHS (General Medical Service) on registers within NHS Bexley under the Quality and Regulations 2004, doctors can prescribe any product, Outcomes Framework for general practitioner practices. which they consider essential for the patient to receive. Diabetes Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many unplanned hospitalisations patients with Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for epilepsy had in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) Health when the National implementation plan for 2012. [107722] diabetes will be published. [108614] Paul Burstow: The information is shown in the following Paul Burstow: We are developing an outcomes strategy table. for long-term conditions. A companion document will be published on diabetes alongside this strategy by the Count of finished admission episodes1 (FAEs) where the patient had a primary diagnosis2 of epilepsy and was admitted as an emergency for the period 2008-09 end of 2012. We are also developing a cardiovascular to 2010-11,3 and provisional data from April 2011 to January 20124. outcome strategy, and that will set out the important April 2011 to links between cardiovascular disease and diabetes and January 20124 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 this will also be published before the end of 2012. FAEs 32,483 39,126 38,335 37,679 Drugs: Regulation total 1 Finished admission episodes (FAE) A FAE is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one Health if he will bring forward proposals to reduce the admission within the year. level of regulation governing the sale of motion sickness 2 Primary diagnosis The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from tablets for the purpose of improving access. [107847] 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. ICD10 codes used: G40: Epilepsy G41: Mr Simon Burns: The Government are keen to increase Status Epilepticus. access to medicines, in the interest of public health, 3 Assessing growth through time HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context when it is acceptably safe to do so. To this end, as part of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), of the Better Regulation of Medicines Initiative, the improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in national health service practice. For example, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which (MHRA) is developing proposals to simplify and speed may now be undertaken in outpatient settings and so no longer include in the regulatory process that supports reclassification from admitted patient HES data. 4 Provisional data The data is provisional and may be incomplete or contain prescription only to pharmacy or general sale availability. errors for which no adjustments have yet been made. Counts produced from The vast majority of medicines authorised for the provisional data are likely to be lower than those generated for the same prevention or treatment of travel sickness are classified period in the final dataset. This shortfall will be most pronounced in the final month of the latest period, that is November from the (month nine) April to as P medicines, which means they can be sold or supplied November extract. It is also probable that clinical data are not complete, without prescription from registered pharmacy premises which may in particular affect the last two months of any given period. There by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. The may also be errors due to coding inconsistencies that have not yet been investigated and corrected. Data quality HES are compiled from data sent by involvement of a qualified health care professional helps more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England and from some to ensure these medicines are used safely and effectively. independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely For a medicine such as those for motion sickness to with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data be available as a GSL (general sales list) medicine on and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over self-selection in general retail outlets, Ministers must be time, some shortcomings remain. Source: satisfied that it can be used safely without the involvement Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Health and Social Care Information of a pharmacist. A company may, at any time, submit Centre. 463W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 464W

Epilepsy: Drugs Hospital Beds: Southwark

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department holds on how many how many beds were provided for NHS patients in patients prescribed branded anti-epileptic drugs were hospitals in the London borough of Southwark in each switched to generic brands in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) of the last five years. [108239] 2011 and (d) 2012. [108561] Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in Paul Burstow: This information is not collected centrally. the format requested. Bed availability is collected from national health service Hepatitis: Prisoners providers at organisation level. The following table provides data for Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for and King’s College NHS Foundation Trust. Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to improve access to screening and treatment for hepatitis Average daily number of available beds, 2007-08 to 2011-12 Quarter Overnight Day only C in prisons; [107531] (2) what estimate he has made of the number of Guy’s and St Thomas prisoners in England (a) with hepatitis C, (b) screened NHS Foundation Trust for hepatitis C upon entering prison and (c) with 2007-08 1,103 148 hepatitis C undergoing treatment. [107532] 2008-09 1,113 161 2009-10 1,109 170 Paul Burstow: Offender Health has worked with Professor 2010-11 Q1 1,108 117 Martin Lombard, National Clinical Director for Liver 2010-11 Q2 1,037 120 Disease, to survey hepatitis C services in prisons in 2010-11 Q3 1,037 116 England. The aims of the survey were: to map existing service provision for prisoners in relation to hepatitis C 2010-11 Q4 1,040 123 testing and treatment; to develop a national database of 2011-12 Q1 1042 127 services providing hepatitis C treatment for prisoners; 2011-12 Q2 1,050 131 and, to use the survey to develop a national hepatitis C 2011-12 Q3 1,078 128 prison network to share good practice across England and help to develop a model for the diagnosis and King’s College Hospital treatment of hepatitis C in prison. NHS Foundation Trust A survey report is due to be published soon and is 2007-08 939 83 expected to demonstrate that prisons in England are 2008-09 952 113 providing access to screening and treatment for hepatitis C. 2009-10 998 124 Information is not collected centrally about the number 2010-11 Q1 852 131 of people living with hepatitis C in England and is 2010-11 Q2 — — therefore not available in respect of prisoners in England 2010-11 Q3 — — with hepatitis C, or being screened for hepatitis C upon 2010-11 Q4 — — entering prison or for prisoners with hepatitis C who 2011-12 Q1 — are undergoing treatment. 2011-12 Q2 886 127 Offender Health have begun to collect quarterly data 2011-12 Q3 834 128 on the total number of tests carried out in prisons in Note: England for Hepatitis C for the Prison Health Quality The KH03 was an annual return up to and including 2009-10. In and Performance Indicators dataset. Data is available 2010-11 the KH03 became a quarterly return. The KH03 return was from April 2010 only and the number of tests performed mandated for foundation trusts in 2011-12 and prior to this King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust chose not to submit a return per quarter in reporting prisons and the percentage of for some quarters. total new receptions to those prisons this figure represents Source: is shown in the following table. Department of Health KH03 Number of hepatitis C tests performed in prisons in England since Hospitals: Consultants April 2010: per quarter and as a percentage of total new receptions Number Percentage Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Q1 2010-11 1,498 4 what the total cost to the public purse was of the Q2 2010-11 1,793 5 hospital consultants clinical excellence and distinction [108631] Q3 2010-11 1,722 5 awards system in each of the last five years. Q4 2010-11 2,187 7 Mr Simon Burns: The total national health service Q1 2011-12 2,477 7 spend in England for national level clinical excellence Q2 2011-12 2,585 6 and distinction awards for the last five financial years is Q3 2011-12 2,746 6 shown in the following table: Source: NHS South West Financial year Spend (£ million) However, this data may not reflect the total number of tests performed on people in prison as testing may 2007-08 190 also be carried out in sexual health services for example, 2008-09 180 which is not captured in this dataset. 2009-10 202 465W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 466W

Southwark PCT 2007-09 Financial year Spend (£ million) Referral to treatment 2010-11 203.5 (RTT) non-admitted patients treated 2011-12 190 during the month Notes: that waited more Percentage in 18 1. These costs include monies for employer contributions to national than 18 weeks Total weeks insurance and pensions. 2. The costs include payments for non-hospital academic consultants May 2009 150 96.8 employed on honorary national health service contract. June 2009 213 96.2 3. The information above does not include information on local July 2009 187 96.6 clinical excellence awards (employer based awards) which are paid by trusts. This information is not held centrally. August 2009 166 96.5 4. The information above does not include national clinical excellence September 2009 175 96.8 awards that are paid from central funds to consultants holding a October 2009 145 97.3 national health service contract and employed in the Department or November 2009 150 97.2 arm’s length bodies. 5. The reduction in expenditure in 2008-09 reflected a scrutiny exercise December 2009 98 97.8 which identified a number of consultants who had retired without Source: notifying the Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards Department of Health, Knowledge and Intelligence (any excess payments in 2007-08 were to trusts only and those monies Southwark PCT 2010-12 were available for patient care. No consultants received payment to RTT non-admitted which they were not entitled). patients treated Hospitals: Greater London during the month that waited more Percentage in 18 than 18 weeks Total weeks Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in (a) Camberwell and Peckham January 2010 92 98.0 constituency and (b) the London borough of Southwark February 2010 107 97.8 waited longer than 18 weeks for a consultation for March 2010 125 97.9 secondary services in each of the last five years. [108238] April 2010 86 98.3 May 2010 128 97.5 Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in June 2010 102 97.6 the format requested. July 2010 155 97.4 The following tables show information on the number August 2010 101 98.2 of non-admitted patients who waited more than 18 September 2010 176 97.0 weeks from referral to start of treatment during the October 2010 148 97.2 month, for Southwark Primary Care Trust (PCT), from November 2010 219 96.4 August 2007 (when the data was first collected) to December 2010 181 96.3 February 2012. The tables also show the percentage of January 2011 259 95.4 non-admitted patients who started their treatment within February 2011 208 96.1 18 weeks over the same period, for Southwark PCT. March 2011 273 95.8 Southwark PCT 2007-09 April 2011 185 96.3 Referral to treatment May 2011 195 96.7 (RTT) non-admitted June 2011 205 96.9 patients treated July 2011 172 97.1 during the month August 2011 200 96.8 that waited more Percentage in 18 than 18 weeks Total weeks September 2011 234 96.5 October 2011 212 96.8 August 2007 1,151 75.2 November 2011 227 96.6 September 2007 975 75.3 December 2011 146 97.3 October 2007 785 84.3 January 2012 205 96.7 November 2007 801 84.0 February 2012 156 97.4 December 2007 509 88.1 Source: January 2008 696 86.9 Department of Health, Knowledge and Intelligence February 2008 560 88.6 March 2008 306 91.6 Mental Illness April 2008 305 92.1 May. 2008 266 93.5 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health June 2008 284 92.8 what measures are in place to assess the outcomes of July 2008 312 92.5 clinical interventions for soldiers with (a) post traumatic August 2008 225 93.8 stress disorder and (b) other mental health issues. September 2008 281 93.5 [107666] October 2008 170 96.6 November 2008 195 95.9 Mr Robathan: I have been asked to reply on behalf of December 2008 191 95.8 the Ministry of Defence. January 2009 155 96.8 The Defence Medical Services (DMS) mandate the February 2009 125 96.9 use of evidence-based mental health treatments that March 2009 165 96.9 have been rigorously reviewed and approved by the April 2009 185 96.2 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 467W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 468W

(NICE), unless specifically authorised for reasons such West Midlands SHA as clinical research. NICE only approves treatments 2010 2011 which have been subject to rigorous scientific investigation GP practice nurses 1,555 1,524 to ensure that they are effective and do not cause harm. Hospital and community staff, including 33,184 33,150 A recent enhancement to the electronic health records midwives and other qualified nursing staff maintained by the Defence Medical Information Capability Source: Programme (DMICP) enables clinicians to input data The Information Centre for health and social care on patients being treated by our Departments of Community Mental Health at every clinical contact. In Palliative Care future, this will enable us to measure much more accurately the clinical outcomes for each patient, including the Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health treatment they received, when they are returned to full (1) what assessment his Department has made of the fitness, and whether they subsequently require further effects of electronic palliative care co-ordination treatment. systems on choice at the end of life; [107674] Multiple Sclerosis: Death Certificates (2) what plans his Department has to encourage the use of electronic palliative care co-ordination systems. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [107676] with reference to the answer of 16 April 2012, Official Paul Burstow: With support from the National End Report, column 127W, on multiple sclerosis, if he will of Life Care Programme, the Department piloted Electronic make it his policy that where multiple sclerosis is recorded Palliative Care Co-ordination Systems (EPaCCS), formerly on a medical certificate as a condition which contributed known as End of Life Care Locality Registers, in eight to the cause of death it is listed first. [108558] localities. Ipsos MORI was commissioned to undertake an evaluation of these pilots. Their report, “End of Life Paul Burstow: Doctors are required to start with the Locality Registers Evaluation: Final Report (June, 2011)” immediate, direct cause of death and then go back identified the key challenges to developing such a system through the sequence of events or conditions that led to and how these were addressed via a range of approaches death, until they reach the one that started the fatal and solutions. The evaluation report is available at: sequence. This initiating condition will usually be selected as the underlying cause of death, according to the www.endoflifecareforadults.nhs.uk/publications/localities- International Classification of Diseases coding rules. registers-report When this report was published, only the Weston People with multiple sclerosis do not die directly from Area Health Trust and NHS South West pilot had the condition, but if they are severely affected the risk outcomes data on the impact of the register. These early of dying from a multiple sclerosis related complication findings showed that, in tandem with other end of life (like an infection) is greater. Research suggests that, on care initiatives, particularly providing training in advance average, life expectancy of people with multiple sclerosis care planning, use of the register could significantly is around 10 years lower than that of the general reduce deaths in hospital and enable many more people population. to die in their preferred place. Since then, the experiences Non-departmental Public Bodies of other EPaCCS implementers have reinforced these findings. The National End of Life Care Programme is Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for currently collating outcomes data from all implementers, Health how many quangos his Department has (a) and will make these available to health and social care abolished and (b) established since May 2010. [108692] commissioners and providers to inform future service development. Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not abolished The National End of Life Care Programme, with any arm’s length bodies (ALBs) since May 2010. The support from the Department, has been taking forward Alcohol Education and Research Council, National a range of other work to support the wider uptake of Patient Safety Agency, and the General Social Care EPaCCS. It has led on the development of an End of Council will be closed in July 2012, A number of other Life Care Co-ordination: Core Content Information ALBs will close later in 2012 or early 2013. Standard, which was approved by the Information Two new ALBs—the Health Research Authority and Standards Board on 20 March 2012. The standard will the NHS Commissioning Board Authority have been underpin the development and use of EPaCCS, and established. details are available at: www.endoflifecareforadults.nhs.uk/strategy/strategy/ Nurses: Birmingham coordination-of-care/end-of-life-care-information-standard The National Programme is also working through Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention how many nurses were employed in the NHS in South (QIPP) end of life care workstream, which identifies the Birmingham in May 2010; and how many nurses are importance of EPaCCS as a tool to support identification employed in the NHS in South Birmingham. [107027] of people approaching the end of life and planning for their care, including advance care planning. In tandem Anne Milton: The information is not available in the with the Department’s QIPP digital team, a series of format requested. The number of full-time equivalent events have been run around the country to share general practice and qualified nursing staff in the West learning about EPaCCS, and to seek feedback on the Midlands Strategic Health Authority (SHA) in 2010-11 technical work that can be undertaken nationally to is shown in the following table: support wider implementation. 469W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 470W

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health awareness campaign covering multiple cancers. A what consideration his Department has given to final decision on campaign work in 2011-12 will be improving access to social care to improve choice for subject to funding and Efficiency and Reform Group people at the end of life. [107675] approval.

Paul Burstow: We recognise the need to ensure that the care people receive at the end of life is compassionate, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder appropriate and supports the exercise of choice by care users. Improved access to social care and better integrated palliative care will be central to delivering improved Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health choice, and this is an important part of the work we are (1) what the process is for referring a former soldier doing to implement the Department’s End of Life Care who may have post traumatic stress disorder to a Strategy. trauma unit; [107665] One of the recommendations of the independent (2) what proportion of veterans in the community Palliative Care Funding Review was that, once a patient with post traumatic stress disorder are also addicted to reaches the end of life stage, and is put on the end of life alcohol or drugs; [107667] care locality register, all health and social care should be funded by the state and be free at the point of delivery. (3) what the monthly cost is of residence at a trauma We are testing all the recommendations of the review unit for former military personnel; [107669] through the eight Palliative Care Funding pilots we (4) what estimate he has made of the proportion of have set up, which will inform the development of a new veterans in the community with post traumatic stress funding system for palliative care from 2015. disorder. [107670] We have committed to publishing a social care White Paper shortly, alongside a progress report on funding reform. The Department jointly led the “Caring for our Mr Simon Burns: With regards post traumatic stress future” engagement last year, together with the care and disorder (PTSD), overall, primary and secondary mental support sector, which sought the views of people who health services are organised around local need as use care and support services, carers, local councils, care determined by primary care trusts and foundation trusts. providers and the voluntary sector, about the priorities A number of trusts have developed specialist trauma for improving care and support. The White Paper will services to deal with complex PTSD. Outside this group set out the Government’s plans for transforming the there are a number of reputable services and psychological care and support system. therapies services that also offer National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence concordant interventions Pancreatic Cancer for complex PTSD. These services marry well with primary care services and the Improving Access to Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Psychological Therapies (IAPT) group. The large investment for Health what steps the Government is taking to in IAPT services has meant that these services are improve awareness of pancreatic cancer and to encourage managing all people with less complicated PTSD early diagnosis. [107902] presentations. All local services will have a strategy for managing Paul Burstow: We are committed to improving outcomes alcohol and other substance use disorders. for all cancer patients, including those with pancreatic cancer. Achieving earlier diagnosis of cancer is key to In addition, the Armed Forces Networks (based on our ambition to save an additional 5,000 lives a year the previous 10 strategic health authority areas) have from cancer by 2014-15 and we have provided more been putting in place increased resources and mental than £450 million over the spending review period to health professionals focussed on providing services to improve general practitioner (GP) access to key diagnostic veterans with mental health problems. tests; support campaigns to raise public awareness of The Department does not collect information in relation the signs and symptoms of cancer and to encourage to numbers of veterans with drug and alcohol addictions people to visit their GP when they have persistent centrally. symptoms; and to pay for more treatment and testing in secondary care. It is not possible to give ‘general’ figures in relation to We know that some types of cancer can be difficult residence at a trauma unit, as these would vary depending diagnose, often because their symptoms are shared with on the unit in question, the resident’s needs, the length more common, benign conditions. To better understand of stay, etc. the barriers to early diagnosis and to discuss possible Data provided by the Academic Centre for Defence solutions, departmental officials met with a range of Mental Health, King’s College London, suggests that cancer charities during spring and summer 2011, including 4% of armed forces not deployed report symptoms of two pancreatic cancer charities. This work has been fed probable PTSD and 4% of those deployed report symptoms into the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative. of probable PTSD (being deployed itself is not associated I also met with Pancreatic Cancer UK on 17 December with PTSD among regulars). This reflects the level of 2011 to hear their concerns in more detail and I will be PTSD within the wider population as a whole. Based on attending the charity’s early diagnosis workshop in current evidence, 7% of those who deploy in a combat June2012. role are likely to report symptoms of PTSD at some To further address the need to improve awareness of point post-deployment. Information is not available on rarer cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, consideration the number of armed forces personnel suffering from also is being given to piloting a symptom-based approach complex PTSD and/or acute stress. 471W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 472W

Prescription Drugs Percentage Paid later than Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for 30 days Paid later than five days Health what steps are being taken to enable local pharmacies August 0.57 4.87 to supply prescription medicines to patients without September 0.42 3.70 delays in sourcing the medicines. [107672] October 0.46 3.36 November 0.75 3.59 Mr Simon Burns: Pharmaceutical services in Scotland December 0.90 4.20 are the responsibility of the Scottish Government. In England pharmacies make their own commercial arrangements with suppliers and the Department has 2012 agreed with stakeholders joint best practice for ensuring January 0.72 4.23 the efficient supply and distribution of medicines to February 0.83 4.29 patients. The Department continues to work collaboratively March 0.91 6.57 with medicines supply chain stakeholders (including April 0.58 7.17 those representing community pharmacists) to better understand and mitigate the impact of supply difficulties so that patients receive the medicines they need promptly. Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of his Department’s expenditure Procurement on procurement has gone to small and medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. [107808] Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of payments made by his Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s expenditure with Department to small and medium-sized enterprises small and medium-sized enterprises has been reported in the Cabinet Office report, “Making Government have been paid late since May 2010. [107786] business more accessible to SMEs—One Year On”: Mr Simon Burns: The Department operates standard www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- contractual payment terms of 30 days. However, the government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year Department has also signed up to the Government’s prompt payment policy under which the target is to pay Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for all valid supplier invoices that are received at the nominated Health when his Department next expects to undertake address within five days of receipt. Performance against a spend recovery audit to identify overpayments to this target is published on the Department’s website suppliers caused by fraud or error. [107920] within six days of the previous month. While the question makes specific reference to paying Mr Simon Burns: Following an announcement made small and medium-sized enterprises, Departments and by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster their agencies have agreed to bring forward payments to General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham all businesses, given the role of larger businesses in the (Mr Maude), on 6 February 2012, the Department, supply chain. along with all other central Government Departments, The proportion of invoices paid late in accordance is required to undertake a spend recovery audit by with our contract terms (30 days) and after five days of December 2013. receipt (the prompt payment target) each month since The Department has not undertaken a spend recovery May 2010 is as follows: audit to date and is taking direction from the Cabinet Office, who are currently identifying procurement options Percentage that will enable Government Departments to commission Paid later than spend recovery audits in an efficient manner, securing 30 days Paid later than five days best value for money for the taxpayer. 2010 May 1.32 12.48 Radiotherapy June 0.93 12.40 July 0.59 6.26 August 0.29 9.52 Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health September 0.40 9.45 what plans the NHS has to replace old radiotherapy October 0.39 6.86 equipment in the next three years; whether those plans November 0.25 11.22 include an exclusive national price agreement with one December 0.22 4.06 radiotherapy equipment supplier; and how he plans to ensure that radiotherapy equipment replacement programmes are compatible with the requirement for 2011 openness and transparency under the provisions of the January 0.43 12.86 Health and Social Care Act 2012. [108211] February 0.52 2.84 March 0.26 4.00 Paul Burstow: Decisions regarding renewal of April 0.09 5.55 radiotherapy machines are taken locally and need to be May 0.90 3.19 assessed against local priorities. It is the responsibility June 0.84 6.35 of each individual organisation to ensure that it adopts July 0.76 4.60 good asset management and financial planning. However, 473W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 474W national teams such as the National Cancer Action implementation framework focuses on improving outcomes, Team and NHS Improvement provide support to help quality and value for money, and on ensuring that providers plan for their equipment needs. people who use mental health services, their families The Department has recently worked with NHS Supply and carers, are fully involved in all aspects of services. Chain to launch a new procurement scheme that allows trusts to access high-value medical equipment at significantly Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for discounted prices. The scheme allows NHS Supply Chain Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to to purchase equipment up front through use of a central improve diagnosis, treatment and access to long-lasting capital fund, and then pass on discounts to trusts. The injectables for people in prison with schizophrenia; scheme does not limit choice or supplier. [107938] Within the Cancer Peer Review programme; the (2) what estimate his Department has made of the radiotherapy measures require local organisations to number of prisoners (a) with schizophrenia, (b) receiving agree an equipment replacement programme with their treatment for schizophrenia and (c) released with cancer network. The outcome of the Peer Review schizophrenia in England in each of the last five years. programme is shared with commissioners. [107939]

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: Offenders are entitled to expect, and if he will estimate the number of cancer patients in receive, the same quality of treatments and services each primary care trust area in England who have to from the national health service as anyone else. All travel for more than 45 minutes in order to access their prisons have access to on-site health care teams, which nearest radiotherapy treatment centre. [108227] can treat most mental health problems and issue prescriptions required by prisoners. Paul Burstow: We have made no estimate of the number of cancer patients in each primary care trust From 2013, the National Health Service Commissioning area in England who have to travel for more than 45 Board (NHSCB) will be responsible for commissioning minutes in order to access their nearest radiotherapy of health services for those in custody. The NHSCB will treatment centre. assume commissioning responsibilities for mental health services for those in prison and other detained settings. The National Radiotherapy Advisory Group (NRAG) report ‘Radiotherapy: developing a world class service The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for England’, published in 2007, provided clear guidance updated its schizophrenia guidelines in 2009. They cover to support commissioners in the provision of radiotherapy the care, treatment and support that adults, aged 18 and services. The NRAG report recommended that, where older, with schizophrenia should be offered. The guidelines possible, patients should not travel more than 45 minutes recommended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy be offered, for radiotherapy treatment. A copy of this report has in an acute episode of schizophrenia. These guidelines already been placed in the Library. apply to all adults, including prisoners. Since the publication of the NRAG report, the National The NHS is responsible for commissioning health Cancer Action Team has continued to provide advice to care in prisons where prisoners are entitled to receive commissioners and providers to help them assess travel the same level of care as people in the community. The times for their patients and plan the location of new services provided are based on a health needs assessment services. undertaken by the NHS commissioner and the prison, but all prisons have access to mental health care delivered Schizophrenia by primary care and specialist mental health services. The information requested about schizophrenia services Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for and morbidity is not collected centrally. However, a Health (1) what estimate he has made of the proportion survey by the Office for National Statistics in 1997 of people with schizophrenia who rely on a family estimated that around 90% of adult prisoners had at member or carer to manage their condition; [107936] least one of the five disorders considered in the survey (2) what assessment his Department has made of the (personality disorder, psychosis, neurosis, alcohol misuse effects of schizophrenia on families and carers; and and drug dependence). This is an aggregate figure so the how much funding his Department plans to allocate to data will include adult prisoners with schizophrenia but support these families. [107937] the exact proportion of prisoners with schizophrenia is not known. Paul Burstow: We do not collect the information The Department is currently setting up an audit of requested centrally. However, in 2009-10, the Department the mental health needs of offenders, both in prison commissioned the National Health Service Information and where possible in community settings. A feasibility Centre to undertake a survey of carers in households as study for this work is due to start later this year and a part of its Carers’ Strategy programme. Over 2,000 fuller research study is expected to be commissioned in carers were interviewed and were asked a question to 2013. establish why the people they cared for needed their help, including their health needs. 13% of the responses indicated that the cared for person required help ‘for a mental health problem’. Streptococcus The cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy No Health Without Mental Health, published in February Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011, sets out the Government’s commitment to improving Health what plans he has to improve awareness of mental health and mental health services. The strategy Group B streptococcus. [108085] 475W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 476W

Anne Milton: A midwife offers every woman testing for the South East region population. This covers all for asymptomatic bacteria at booking in pregnancy and age groups. Data on testing and treatment are not this includes looking for Group B streptococcus (GBS). collected. Information for women on GBS (early and late onset) Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for is available on the NHS Choices website at: Health (1) how many NHS Trusts offer enriched www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2037.aspx?categoryid=54& culture medium testing; [108087] subcategoryid=137 (2) what steps he plans to take to increase the including a link to the Group B Strep Support charity. number of NHS trusts offering enriched culture The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists medium tests. [108088] (RCOG) has produced patient information, “Preventing Anne Milton: Information on the number of national group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborn health service trusts which offer testing for group B babies (information for you)”, for women and their streptococcus carriage (GBS) in pregnancy using the families who are expecting a baby or are planning to get enriched culture medium test is not held centrally. pregnant. Advice from that guidance also features on The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) the NHS Choices website. advises Ministers and the NHS in all four United Kingdom The RCOG has a Green-top guideline, Prevention of countries about all aspects of screening policy, including Early onset Group B Streptococcal Disease, which provides screening policy for GBS carriage in pregnancy. In guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists 2008-09 the UK NSC recommended that a national on the prevention of early-onset neonatal group B screening programme to test for GBS carriage in pregnancy streptococcal disease. using the enriched culture medium test should not be offered. The UK NSC is currently reviewing the evidence for screening for GBS carriage in pregnancy using the Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for enriched culture medium test against its criteria again. Health how many people in Portsmouth South constituency A public consultation on the screening review will open were (a) tested for, (b) diagnosed with and (c) treated in June 2012. for Group B streptococcus in the latest period for which figures are available. [108086] Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died from bacterial infection stemming from Group B streptococcus in each of the Anne Milton: Data on how many people are tested, last 10 years. [108089] diagnosed and treated for infections caused by Group B streptococcus are not collected within constituency Anne Milton: Information on the number of people boundaries. 170 cases of Group B streptococcus blood who have died from group B streptococcal infection for stream infection were reported to the Health Protection the last 10 years for which data are available is in the Agency in 2010 through routine laboratory surveillance following table.

Number of deaths1,2 where the underlying cause is Streptococcus B, England and Wales, 2001-10 ICD-10 A40.1 ICD-10 P23.3 ICD-10 P36.0 Sepsis of Septicaemia due to ICD-10 J15.3 Pneumonia Congenital pneumonia newborn due to streptococcus B due to streptococcus B due to streptococcus B streptococcus B Total

2001 4 0 0 0 4 2002 0 0 0 0 0 2003 4 0 0 1 5 2004 5 0 0 0 5 2005 3 0 0 0 3 2006 5 0 0 0 5 2007 5 0 0 1 6 2008 3 1 0 1 5 2009 3 1 0 0 4 2010 7 0 0 0 7 1 Figures for 2001-05 are based on death occurrences. 2 Figures for 2006-10 are based on death registrations Source: Office for National Statistics

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT We have also increased spending to improve nutrition in developing countries from an estimated £57million to Developing Countries: Malnutrition £152 million per year from 2008-09 to 2011-12. Our spending on nutrition-related research has gone from Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for £6.1 million to £20.4 million over the same period. International Development what steps he is taking to tackle malnutrition in developing countries. [108091] In line with the G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, the UK is already supporting the Scaling Mr O’Brien: The UK is scaling up to reach 20 million Up Nutrition (SUN) movement—the most promising pregnant women and children under five with nutrition mechanism to bring the international community together interventions by 2015. Our support includes providing behind a common vision for tackling under-nutrition, minerals such as iron which can reduce mother and and intervening in the ‘1,000 day window’ of life to infant deaths, and vitamin A to prevent blindness. prevent stunting. 477W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 478W

Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for International North Africa and Middle East Development whether he plans to raise malnutrition and problems associated with physical and intellectual Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for growth at the forthcoming G8 summit; and if he will International Development what programmes his make a statement. [108243] Department supports in North Africa and the Middle East on (a) women’s social and political participation, Mr Andrew Mitchell: Improved nutrition in developing (b) women’s health and (c) reduction of female genital countries is an important element of the new G8 Alliance mutilation. [108096] for Food Security and Nutrition, and a priority for the UK Government. Mr Duncan: The UK is supporting the empowerment At the food security symposium preceding Camp of women to play a full role in the political, economic David on 18 May, I emphasised the importance of and social life across the Middle East and North Africa ensuring that improved nutrition was an outcome of (MENA). As part of the UK’s national action plan to our collective efforts under the new alliance. implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security we have a specific action plan for the MENA region: Israel (a) In terms of women’s social and political participation, the UK’s Arab Partnership is supporting women’s political participation in the MENA region. Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for For example, in Egypt we are working with the Electoral International Development what recent discussions he Reform International Services (ERIS) to promote the has had with his Israeli counterparts on international participation of women candidates in Egyptian local disaster response efforts. [108196] council elections and engagement of communities with their local councillors. The tri-department Conflict Pool Mr Duncan: The UK holds regular discussions at has a suite of programmes in Libya encouraging women’s official level with the Israeli authorities on disaster participation in the Libyan political process. response planning for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian In our bilateral aid programmes in Yemenand Occupied Territories. In February 2012, UK and Israeli officials Palestinian Territories (OPTs) we have also ensured participated in the annual United Nations Disaster women’s empowerment is taken into account. For example, Assessment and Co-ordination network (UNDAC) Board our support to the Yemeni Social Fund for Development meeting. UNDAC is an international response tool (SFD) is contributing to increasing girls participation which provides rapid response and co-ordination facilities and access to education, and improving economic in the case of international disasters. opportunities for women through micro finance and labour intensive works projects. In the OPTs, our statebuilding programme is also boosting citizen’s rights Manpower by helping the Palestinian Authority to be more accountable and responsive to the public, including improving their Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for services for female victims from violence. International Development how many full-time equivalent (b) Our bilateral programmes in Yemen and OPT employees his Department employed in May 2010; and also improving women’s health. For example, UK support how many it employed at the latest period for which to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the UN Relief figures are available. [108160] and Works Agency (UNRWA) provides essential services, including female healthcare, to Palestinians living in the Mr Duncan: DFID employed the following full-time OPTs and Palestinian refugees across the near region. equivalent employees: In 2011, our support to UNRWAhelped provide maternal healthcare to 263,000 women, while our funding to the Staff appointed in PA supports over 2,000 women a year to give birth Home civil servants country Total assisted by skilled health personnel. In Yemen, our 1 May 2010 1,588 769 2,357 support will also help deliver access to basic health care 1 May 2012 1,662 850 2,512 for 50,000 girls and women and access to health care for approximately 38,000 women. (c) The Government is clear that the practice of Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for female genital mutilation (FGM) needs to end. While International Development how many full-time equivalent we do not have any specific FGM programmes in the employees have (a) left and (b) been recruited to his MENA region, we are making a clear contribution to Department in the last two years. [108184] global measures to eliminating FGM through our core support to UN organisations working on this issue, Mr Duncan: The following full time equivalent employees namely the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have (a) left and (b) been recruited by DFID in the last the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and two years: the World Health Organisation (WHO).

(b) Recruited to Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) Left DFID DFID International Development what steps his Department 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 125 92 is taking to encourage the use of renewable energy 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 150 235 and recycling in the Middle East and North Africa. [108223] 479W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 480W

Mr Duncan: The UK’s main focus in the Middle East DFID did not track its spend with small and medium- and North Africa (MENA) is to support economic and sized enterprises prior to April 2011 when the Department’s political transition. internet based supplier portal was launched and as a We are funding projects through our Arab Partnership result we are unable to provide the proportion of payments Economic Facility which are encouraging investment in that were paid late to SMEs for the period between May renewable energy and recycling in the MENA. For 2010 and March 2011. example the UK is providing £5 million between 2012 to 2015 to support the work of the European Bank for Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the MENA International Development what proportion of his region. One of EBRD’s priority areas is renewable Department’s expenditure on procurement has gone to energy and energy efficiency investments. small and medium-sized enterprises since May 2010. The UK is providing £10 million between 2009 and [107796] 2014 for the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) work in MENA, which includes a study on clean energy Mr Duncan: The proportion of the Department for opportunities for the private sector in six energy scarce International Development’s expenditure which has gone MENA countries, as well as supporting two large electricity to small and medium-sized enterprises since April 2011 distribution companies in Jordan to explore opportunities to March 2012 is 29%. to promote energy efficiency and clean energy. DFID did not track its spend with small and medium- sized enterprises prior to April 2011 when the Department’s Overseas Aid internet-based supplier portal was launched and as a result we are unable to provide the proportion of spend Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for that is with SMEs for the period between May 2010 and International Development what assessment he has made March 2011. of the areas of aid policy in which the European Commission has a competitive advantage over the UK. Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for [108249] International Development when his Department next expects to undertake a spend recovery audit to identify Mr O’Brien: DFID’s multilateral aid review called overpayments to suppliers caused by fraud or error. for EU aid to be more poverty and results focused, The [107914] coalition Government is working tirelessly to reform the EU system and hold it to account on behalf of UK Mr Duncan: DFID is aware of the cross government taxpayers. We are also pressing the EU to focus on areas requirement to introduce spend-recovery audits. Cabinet where it can add the most value, such as working with Office is leading on the initiative but DFID will be the private sector to improve the business environment fielding an individual to co-ordinate work within our in developing countries and help people pull themselves own Department and attend the associated workshops. out of poverty. The EU’s size means it has the ability to The output of these workshops is expected to provide implement large scale regional projects—such as roads, guidance into the way in which spend-recovery audits rail and energy infrastructure. We are working to ensure are rolled out across central Government, in order to EU aid supports effective regional integration, particularly meet the December 2013 deadline. in Africa. DFID currently has system-based controls and monthly The EU has a strong record on humanitarian response— internal procedures, which are used throughout the year for example, its reaction to the recent famine in the to identify possible duplicate payments. In addition, as Sahel. We are working to ensure a stronger EU focus on part of the external audit process of the annual report resilience and disaster mitigation. We are also pushing and accounts our external auditors carry out an audit the EU to prioritise support to girls and women, who of our transaction system to identify possible duplicate are fundamental to development. Of course, development payments. is not just about aid. One of the EU’s greatest strengths is its potential to deliver a co-ordinated approach that Sahel brings together aid, trade and foreign policy. We are working with European partners to make EU policies more coherent so they better support poor, vulnerable Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for and fragile states around the world. International Development how much the Government spent on responding to the food crisis in the Sahel region of Africa in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. Procurement [108505]

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Mitchell: The amount allocated by the International Development what proportion of Government to food security in the Sahel in 2010, 2011 payments made by his Department to small and and 2012 is as follows: medium-sized enterprises have been paid late since May 2010. [107788] £

Mr Duncan: The proportion of payments made by 2010 21,088,206 DFID to small and medium-sized enterprises between 2011 8,019,010 April 2011 and March 2012 that have been paid late is 2012 10,000,000 0.90% (less than 1%). 481W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 482W

Funds allocated in 2010 and 2012 were provided in places in the world to be a mother. There is also a response to the food crisis in those years. There was no significant gender gap in education, with less than 20% food crisis in the Sahel in 2011—funds shown as allocated of South Sudanese women being literate. in 2011 were utilised for ongoing recovery programmes In response to these massive challenges the coalition following the 2010 crisis. Government has put support for girls and women at the UK officials continue to monitor current the situation centre of our development work in South Sudan. We closely, and liaise with their opposite numbers to ensure are developing planned programmes which should support that other countries take their fair share of the response. the education of 200,000 girls, provide antenatal care to at least 21,500 women, start at least 10,000 people on Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for family planning, and help to improve access to justice International Development what priorities he has set for 250,000 women. for responding to the food crisis in the Sahel region of Africa. [108506]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK has responded early to DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER the food crisis in the Sahel. To ensure maximum impact Constituencies from UK funds in supporting the most vulnerable, we will support over 400,000 people across the region in 2012. This will achieve the following results: Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will bring forward legislative proposals to lower the (a) 155,000 children and women will benefit from improved limit on the number of government Ministers in line nutrition, including 87,000 children under five to be treated for severe acute malnutrition; with his proposed reduction in the number of parliamentary constituencies. [107730] (b) 153,000 people will receive food; and (c) over 100,000 people will benefit from community livelihood Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply on behalf of support such as animal food and vaccinations and cash transfers. the Cabinet Office. UK officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The Government have been clear that they recognise the principle that there is a link between the legislature South Sudan and the size of the executive; but this issue does not need to be resolved now, since the reduction in the size Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for of the House of Commons would not take effect until International Development what steps his Department 2015. The Government intend to reflect on the arguments plans to take to encourage a change in attitudes that made during the passage of the Parliamentary Voting tolerate and perpetuate violence against women and System and Constituencies Bill, and set out their plans girls in South Sudan. [108236] once there is greater clarity on the composition of the second Chamber, including how many Ministers would Mr Andrew Mitchell: In South Sudan, the UK is be drawn from there. The Government remains committed working to expand women’s opportunities and, over to strengthening Parliament in relation to the Executive. time, transform attitudes towards them. Our South Sudan programming includes planned work on girls’ House of Lords: Reform education, through which we intend to support 200,000 girls in school, including by tackling cultural attitudes Mr Spellar: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he which limit girls’ attendance of school. This will likely will publish the Government’s estimate of the cost of include work in communities and a media campaign. setting up and running the House of Lords as We are also considering a programme to help improve envisaged in his draft Bill. [106968] access to justice for South Sudanese women within their own communities, using both formal and informal systems. Mr Harper: The costs of a reformed House of Lords These programmes should benefit the individual girls will depend on a number of variables. In particular the and women concerned, but also raise women and girls’ number of members and the transitional arrangements status and address attitudes that tolerate and perpetuate will affect the cost of members’ salaries and, allowances. violence. We are considering the report of the Joint Committee on the Government’s draft Bill before finalising our Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for proposals for reform. We will publish full costs when we International Development how his Department’s introduce a Bill. Strategic Vision for Women and Girls will be applied in Trade Unions South Sudan. [108237]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The South Sudan Operational Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) Plan includes an assessment of the situation of women when he plans to bring forward legislation to reform and girls in South Sudan. This analysis confirms the political party donations in respect of the political levy importance of the four pillars of DFID’s strategic paid by trade union members; [106962] vision—economic empowerment, health, education, and (2) if he will bring forward legislative proposals to tackling violence against women and girls—in South require trade unions to receive consent on an annual Sudan. Girls and women frequently face domestic violence, basis from each of their members to (a) deduct a and violence related to conflict and insecurity. South political levy from their membership subscriptions and Sudan has the highest rates of maternal mortality in the (b) use the political levy to make donations to a world, and was recently categorised as one of the 10 worst political party. [106963] 483W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 484W

Mr Harper: The Government is committed to pursuing Median gross weekly earnings for full-time employee jobs1: Pendle agreement on limiting donations and reforming party constituency from 2000 to 2011 funding. The Deputy Prime Minister has established £ cross-party discussions to identify a way forward, as far 2009 *385.0 as possible on the basis of consensus. These discussions 2010 *410.8 are ongoing. 20116 *384.2 Voter Identification 20117 *378.8 1 Full-time employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period Nick de Bois: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister was not affected by absence. As at April of each year. whether he plans to introduce legislation to require 2 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with photo-identification at polling stations; and if he will 2003. 3 make a statement. [108193] 2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of the survey. For more information see National Statistics website: Mr Harper: The Government has no current plans to www.statistics.gov.uk legislate to require photographic identification to be 4 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. produced by voters at polling stations. We are taking 5 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. steps within the Electoral Registration and Administration 6 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification, 2000. Bill to strengthen the security of the electoral system, 7 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to quality: most notably by speeding up the introduction of individual The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the electoral registration. smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to Any further significant changes to the way elections lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a are administered would need careful consideration to CV of 5%, we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. ensure an effective balance between accessibility and Key: security is maintained. * CV >5% and <= 10% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National CABINET OFFICE Statistics 2000 to 2011 Average Earnings Billing

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Gordon Banks: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cabinet Office if he will estimate the average earnings Office what mechanisms are in place to ensure that of full-time employees in Pendle constituency for April payments are made within 30 days to public sector in each year since 2000. [108982] contractors hired by his Department. [108492] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Maude: In line with Government policy, the asked the authority to reply. Cabinet Office aims to pay all invoices within 10 working days of receipt. Cabinet Office’s standard terms and Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2012: conditions state that payment should be made within 30 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I days. have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office to estimate the average earnings of full-time employees in Pendle constituency for April Charities of each year since 2000. (108982) Average levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for all Office if he will estimate the potential additional employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for the survey period funding that charitable trusts and foundations would was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried out in April each distribute if a five per cent minimum payout threshold year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in were introduced; and if he will make a statement. the United Kingdom. [107717] The following table shows the median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees in Pendle constituency for April of each year from 2000 until 2011, the latest period for which figures are Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office does not hold this available. information. The Government considered this reform in the Giving Green Paper. The response we received Median gross weekly earnings for full-time employee jobs1: Pendle constituency from 2000 to 2011 from the sector was largely negative, and we decided not £ to introduce a minimum payout clause at this current time. 2000 *344.1 2001 *323.2 Community Development 2002 *320.9 2003 *318.4 Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 20042 *339.5 Office how many senior community organisers his 20043 *339.2 Department expects to train in each quarter to 2015. 2005 *375.8 [107833] 20064 *382.0 20065 *381.8 Mr Maude: The Government is committed to training 2007 *388.8 500 senior community organisers over the course of this 2008 *419.9 Parliament. 485W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 486W

Employment: Disability Mr Maude: 215 central Government data centres were identified in the survey commissioned by the HM Government Chief Information Office in June 2010. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many disabled people were in paid Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet work in (a) Birmingham Ladywood constituency and Office what the baseline cost was for central (b) Birmingham city council area in each of the last Government data centres in 2011. [107840] five years. [108611] Mr Maude: As part of the government ICT strategy Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the this information is currently being compiled. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Innovation in Giving Fund Letter from Stephen Penneck: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Andrew Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Office what awards have been made from the Innovation how many disabled people were in paid work in (a) Birmingham in Giving Fund (a) nationally and (b) in Yorkshire and Ladywood constituency and (b) Birmingham City Council area in each of the last five years. (108611) the Humber in the latest period for which figures are available. [107868] The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Mr Maude: To date the Innovation in Giving Fund has backed 32 innovative ideas nationally, with over Due to small sample sizes estimates are not available for £2.5 million of financial support. Details can be found Birmingham Ladywood constituency. Table 1 shows the number of people identifying themselves as disabled who were in employment on NESTA’s website: and resident in Birmingham, for the 12 month periods ending in http://giving.nesta.org.uk September for 2007 to 2011, from the APS. It is important to note that wherever projects are As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject based, many will operate regionally or nationwide, benefiting to a margin of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates wider areas and communities. is given in the table. The second round of the fund, launched by NESTA National and local area estimates for many labour market on 23 April, will offer further opportunities for organisations statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant from across the country. count are available on the NOMIS website at: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Mitzvah Day UK Table 1: Number of disabled1 people in employment resident in Birmingham in each of the last five years Thousand Barry Gardiner: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much funding he has allocated to Mitzvah 12 months ending September: Day UK. [108271] 2007 53 2008 54 Mr Maude: In 2011-12 the Cabinet Office provided a 2009 51 £30,000 grant to Mitzvah Day to fund an administrator 2010 56 role for the ’Year of Service’ programme. This is an 20112 **61 inter-faith series of events promoting and linking up 1 People who are DDA disabled or have a work-limiting disability. faith-based volunteering during the Diamond Jubilee 2 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an year, with nine faith communities in turn hosting a day indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality below. Guide to Quality: or days of volunteering. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we Non-departmental Public Bodies would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: *0≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably Office how many quangos his Department has (a) precise abolished and (b) established since May 2010. [108274] *** 10 ≤ CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ≥ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Mr Maude: While there is no formal definition of a CV = Coefficient of Variation quango, 15 Cabinet Office bodies were reviewed after Source: Annual Population Survey May 2010. Since then the Cabinet Office has abolished seven non-departmental public bodies and two non- ministerial departments. The Cabinet Office has not Government Departments: Databases established any non-departmental public bodies since May 2010. Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office with reference to the answer of 30 April 2012, Older People Official Report, column 1175W, on Government Departments: databases, how many central Government Gloria De Piero: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet data centres were identified in the survey commissioned Office (1) how many people aged over 60 are registered by the Chief Information Officer Council in June 2010. (a) sick and (b) unemployed in England and Wales in [107817] the latest period for which figures are available; [108375] 487W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 488W

(2) how many people aged over 60 are not registered Table 1: Percentage of UK population in each age group, mid-2010 (a) sick and (b) unemployed in England in the latest Age Percentage period for which figures are available. [108376] 50-54. 6 55-59 6 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 60-64 6 asked the authority to reply. 65-69 5 70-74 4 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2012: 75-79 3 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 80-84 2 have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking 85-89 2 i) how many people aged over 60 are registered (a) sick or (b) unemployed in England and Wales in the latest period for which 90 and over 1 figures are available (108375) and ii) how many people aged over Sources: 60 are not registered (a) sick or (b) unemployed in England in the Office for National Statistics, National Records of Scotland, Northern latest period for which figures are available (108376). Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. The mid-2010 population estimates are based on the 2001 It is estimated from the Labour Force Survey in January to Census and take account of annual population change estimated March 2012 that in England & Wales there were 115,000 people using current administrative and survey data. They are estimates aged over 60 who were unemployed and 515,000 people economically rather than projections and therefore no account was taken of the inactive due to long-term sickness or disability. For the same effect of variant population projections. period it is estimated that in England 11.1 million people aged over 60 were neither unemployed nor economically inactive due to long-term sickness or disability. Procurement A registered count of people aged over 60 who are ’sick’ or ’unemployed’ is not available. The Labour Force Survey provides Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet estimates of unemployment based upon the International Labour Organization (ILO) measure, that is, those who are without a job Office what proportion of his Department’s expenditure and are actively seeking employment and available to start work. on procurement has gone to small and medium-sized It also provides estimates of people who are economically inactive, enterprises since May 2010. [107802] that is, people who are without a job but do not satisfy the ILO criteria to be unemployed. Mr Maude: Information on the Cabinet Office’s As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject expenditure with small and medium-sized enterprises is to a margin of uncertainty. included in the SME Progress Report and the Cabinet Office Business Plan Quarterly Data Summaries which Population are published on the Department’s website: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/government- Mr Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet business-smes Office what estimate has been made of the proportion http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/business- of the population in each age band; and what account plan-quarterly-data-summary was taken of the effect of variant population projections on the population. [108305] Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office with reference to the answer of 30 April 2012, Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Official Report column 1177-8W, on the public sector: responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have procurement, what the timetable is for each Government asked the authority to reply. Department to undertake a spend recovery audit to Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2012: identify overpayments to suppliers caused by fraud or error. [107832] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking (a) what estimate has been made of the proportion of the Mr Maude: For years the Government has lost billions population in each age band; and (b) what account was taken of of pounds of taxpayers’ money per annum through the effect of variant population projections on the population fraud and error. My Department is determined to address (108305). this and in 2010 set up a Fraud, Error and Debt Table 1 shows the percentage of the usually resident population taskforce to help co-ordinate cross-government policy. of the UK in each age group in mid-2010. These are the latest available population estimates. The Cabinet Office will provide support across Government to help each Department, carry out a Table 1: Percentage of UK population in each age group, mid-2010 spend recovery audit by December 2013. Age Percentage All ages 100 Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 0-4 6 Office when his Department next expects to undertake 5-9 6 a spend recovery audit to identify overpayments to 10-14 6 suppliers caused by fraud or error. [107911] 15-19 6 20-24 7 Mr Maude: For years the Government has lost billions 25-29 7 of pounds of taxpayers’ money per annum through 30-34 6 fraud, error and uncollected debt. My Department is 35-39 7 determined to address this and in 2010 set up a Fraud, 40-44 7 Error and Debt taskforce to co-ordinate cross-government 45-49 7 policy. 489W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 490W

In line with the Government commitment to do so, (7) on how many occasions trade union the Cabinet Office will undertake and complete a spend- representatives from (a) his Department and (b) each recovery audit by December 2013. of its non-departmental public bodies have utilised paid facility time to represent an employee at a meeting Recruitment or other industrial relations matter in each of the last five years. [107424] Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Maude: During 2011-12 the Cabinet Office had Office whether his Department issues guidance to 12 staff that were allocated part-time facility time. Government Departments, agencies and non-departmental There were no full-time representatives. In 2011-12 the public bodies on the use of name-blank CVs or application PCS had 204 paid facility time days at an estimated cost forms for recruitment. [108136] of £27,500 to the taxpayer and Prospect had 48 days at an estimated cost of £2,500. The FDA had no formal Mr Maude: Although recruitment processes differ allocation of facility time during this period. between Departments, Civil Service Resourcing introduced an e-recruitment system that allows Departments to The Cabinet Office does not hold information on the ″blind″ sift applicants by removing protected characteristics proportion of time spent on duties and activities. However, (for example: name, age, sex) from an application form. it is estimated to be about 95% duties and 5% activities. A copy of the Cabinet Office Facility Time agreement Risk Assessment will be placed in the Library. There have been no cases in the last five years where Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cabinet Office staff representing trade unions have Office what risk registers are held by the Big Lottery faced disciplinary action for abusing facility time or Fund; and if he will make a statement. [107206] public resources. The Cabinet Office management meets regularly with Mr Maude: The Big Lottery Fund maintains risk the unions to discuss pay, contractual terms and registers including at corporate and programme level as redundancies. There is no information held on about well as for major projects. BIG’s approach to risk the amount of time spent on specific meetings. However, identification and management is guided by its risk and the majority of time was spent on formal consultation control framework, details of which are set out in its and negotiation which falls within the terms of the annual report. Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the Cabinet Office Protocols for handling Trade Unions Staff in Surplus Situations. The Government will be consulting the civil service Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office trade unions shortly on changes to current practices (1) how many trade union representatives in (a) his around facilities time. Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies had (i) part-time and (ii) full-time paid Veterans: Jobseeker’s Allowance facility time arrangements in 2011-12; [107418] (2) how many days were utilised for paid facility time Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet by each trade union representative in (a) his Department Office (1) how many former service personnel were and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies in claiming jobseeker’s allowance on (a) 1 January 2011, 2011-12; and at what cost to the public purse; [107419] (b) 1 January 2012 and (c) 1 May 2012; [108339] (3) how many days were utilised for paid facility time (2) how many former service personnel are claiming by each trade union representatives in (a) his Department jobseeker’s allowance; [108340] and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies for (3) how many former service personnel have been trade union (i) duties and (ii) activities in 2011-12; claiming jobseeker’s allowance for (a) longer than and [107420] (b) under one year. [108341] (4) if he will place in the Library copies of the facility time agreements between trade unions and (a) his Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have bodies; [107421] asked the authority to reply. (5) how many trade union representatives in (a) his Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2012: Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I bodies have faced disciplinary action for abusing paid have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking facility time or public resources in each of the last five (1) how many former service personnel were claiming jobseeker’s years; [107422] allowance on (a) 1 January 2011, (b) 1 January 2012 and (c) 1 May (6) how many meetings have taken place between (a) 2012; (2) how many former service personnel are claiming jobseeker’s allowance and (3) how many former service personnel have been his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental claiming jobseeker’s allowance for (a) longer than and (b) under public bodies and trade union representatives utilising one year. (108339 & 108340 & 108341). paid facility time in each of the last five years to discuss The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is (i) collective bargaining, (ii) redundancies, (iii) negotiations taken from the Jobcentre Plus administrative system. Analysis is relating to employment, pay and conditions and (iv) published each month on the number of claimants of JSA by the other trade union and industrial relations duties; and claimant’s usual occupation and sought occupation. Occupations what the dates and times were of each meeting; [107423] are defined using the Standard Occupational Classification 2000. 491W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 492W

Table 1 shows the number, of former service personnel claiming Chris Grayling: This information is not recorded as JSA in January 2011, January 2012 and April 2012, the most part of the procurement process. The Department only recent date for which figures are available. Former service personnel makes grants to non-profit making organisations and has been defined as SOC 2000 usual occupations 1171 (officer in not to individuals. the armed forces) and 3311 (NCO’s and other ranks). Data for ’duration of claim’ is not available for the requested Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work occupational breakdowns. and Pensions (1) which individuals have been paid by National and local area estimates for many labour market his Department for consultancy or other services who statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at: were previously employed in any capacity by the (a) Conservative party or its elected representatives and http://www.nomisweb.co.uk (b) Liberal Democrat party or its elected Table1:Number1 of former service personnel2 claiming jobseeker’s representatives since May 2010; what the (i) cost and allowance by usual occupation (ii) nature was of the services provided; and whether Number they were publicly advertised; [107179] January 2011 490 (2) which individuals have been paid by his January 2012 460 Department for consultancy or other services who April 2012 455 previously held an elected position as a member of the 1 Occupation data is only available for computerised claims, which (a) Conservative Party and (b) Liberal Democrat account for 99.7% of all claims. Party since May 2010; what the (i) cost and (ii) nature 2 Occupation based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000:1,171 was of the services provided; and whether they were (officers in the armed forces) and 3,311 (NCOs and other ranks) publicly advertised. [107180] Note: Data rounded to nearest 5. Source: Chris Grayling: This information is not recorded as Jobcentre Plus Administrative System part of the procurement process. For consultancy services, the Department contracts with the organisation rather Voluntary Work: Young People than the individuals who work for the consultancy firm.

Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Office when he expects to publish the cost per and Pensions what the (a) job title and (b) pay band is participant of the National Citizen Service in its first of each official, excluding special advisers, recruited by year. [107839] his Department since May 2010 who was previously employed in any capacity by the (i) Conservative Party Mr Maude: An assessment of costs, including cost or its elected representatives and (ii) Liberal Democrat per commissioned place, is covered in the evaluation Party or its elected representatives; and whether their report of the 2011 pilots. position was advertised publicly. [107181] The evaluation can be found at: http://www.natcen.ac.uk/study/national-citizen-service- Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions evaluation (DWP) complies with the Civil Service Recruitment A summary is available on the Cabinet Office website Commissioners principles. Where DWP vacancies are at: filled externally to the civil service, posts are always advertised publicly. Selection for appointment is on http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/new-figures-reveal- national-citizen-service-track-deliver-400-million-benefits- merit and on the basis of fair and open competition. society-2014 The DWP does not require those recruited to complete a full employment history and only asks applicants to provide details of their current and three previous employment positions. WORK AND PENSIONS The DWP does not specifically record details of those who have been recruited who were previously Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats employed in any capacity by any political party. Therefore the information requested is not available Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work from departmental records. and Pensions (1) what (a) grants and (b) contracts his Department has awarded to companies or organisations Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work run by individuals who were previously employed in and Pensions what the (a) job title and (b) pay band is any capacity by (i) the Conservative Party or its elected of each official, excluding special advisers, recruited by representatives and (ii) the Liberal Democrat Party or his Department since May 2010 who previously held an its elected representatives since May 2010; what the (A) elected position as a member of the (i) Conservative value and (B) nature was of these contracts; and whether Party and (ii) Liberal Democrat Party; and whether they were publicly advertised; [107177] their position was advertised publicly. [107182] (2) what (a) grants and (b) contracts his Department has awarded to companies or organisations run by Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions individuals who previously held an elected position as a (DWP) complies with the Civil Service Recruitment member of the (i) Conservative Party and (ii) Liberal Commissioners principles. Where DWP vacancies are Democrat Party since May 2010; what the (A) value filled externally to the civil service, posts are always and (B) nature was of these contracts; and whether they advertised publicly. Selection for appointment is on were publicly advertised. [107178] merit and on the basis of fair and open competition. 493W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 494W

The DWP does not require applicants to state if they Chris Grayling: I confirm that the information requested have previously held an elected position as a member of is currently unavailable. The Department has implemented any political party. a programme to measure the levels of official error in Therefore the information requested is not available ESA; publication of the first report is anticipated for form departmental records. May 2013. This will provide information regarding the monetary value of over and underpayment at the national level and not constituency/local level. Consultants

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions with reference to the answer of 23 and Pensions how many and what proportion of April 2012, Official Report, column 650W, what appeals against refusals of employment and support payments were made to (a) PricewaterhouseCoopers allowance were upheld in Halton district in the 2011-12 and (b) CAP-Gemini. [108659] financial year. [108440]

Chris Grayling: Due to the length of time since the Chris Grayling: The following table shows the number management consultants were engaged and payments and proportion of appeals against fit for work decisions were made, it would be disproportionately expensive to made by new employment and support allowance (ESA) research and recover the information requested. claimants in Halton local authority (LA). Note that these figures refer to claimants who started their claim Crisis Loans: Leicester between February 2010 and February 2011 as the period requested is not available. The figures presented refer to Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for appeal outcomes for the latest available full year. Work and Pensions how many crisis loans were ESA appeal outcomes in Halton, claims starting February 2010 to provided to people living in (a) Leicester South February 2011 constituency and (b) Leicester in each of the last five Appeal outcomes against fit for work decisions in Halton LA years. [108374] Appeal successful Decision upheld

Steve Webb: The Leicester South parliamentary Number of cases 90 220 constituency and Leicester are both covered by the Proportion (%) 30 70 south east midlands social fund budget area. The following Notes: table provides the figures on the number of social fund 1. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 cases or percentage crisis loan applications and awards for the last five point. years: 2. This information is taken from administrative data held by the Department for Work and Pensions, assessment data provided by Crisis loan applications and awards for the south east midlands social Atos Healthcare and appeals data provided by Her Majesty’s Courts fund budget area, 2007-08 to 2011-12 and Tribunals Service. Accounting Applications Awards Success rate 3. The figures in the above tables represent people that have made a year (number) (number) (%) claim for ESA and do not include those moving to ESA as part of the incapacity benefits reassessment programme. 2007-08 61,240 36,450 59.5 2008-09 77,210 49,680 64.3 2009-10 103,690 77,830 75.1 Employment Schemes 2010-11 109,020 84,610 77.6 2011-12 85,920 67,340 78.4 Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference Work and Pensions whether he plans to allow is to answer all parliamentary questions using official/national statistics volunteers on the Work programme to choose to which but in this case we only have management information available. It is provider they are referred. [108120] not quality assured to the same extent as official/national statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, these amounts do not include expenditure on applications which were processed Chris Grayling: Individuals are randomly allocated to clerically and have not yet been entered on to the social fund computer work providers to ensure that each provider has an system. 2. Data on budgeting loans and crisis loans is not held by parliamentary equal share of participants, and provide a firm basis for constituency but by Jobcentre Plus social fund budget area. The drawing relative performance judgments. For this reason, social fund budget area information provided will also cover other it is not possible for claimants to choose their Work parliamentary constituencies. programme provider. 3. All of the figures relate to applications and awards, not people. Individuals can apply for and receive more than one social fund loan in any given year. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for 4. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Work and Pensions whether Jobcentre Plus staff have Employment and Support Allowance flexibility in determining which Work programme prime contractor a claimant is referred to; and if he will make a statement. [108121] Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many errors in the award or refusal of employment support allowance have been identified Chris Grayling: The claimant is randomly allocated in the last 12 months in (a) England, (b) Cheshire, (c) to Work programme prime contractors by the Labour Merseyside and (d) Halton district. [108439] Market System and not by Jobcentre Plus advisers. 495W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 496W

Employment Schemes: Lone Parents taking to support former service personnel disabled as a result of their service. [108700] Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what arrangements are in place to Maria Miller: Through the Armed Forces Covenant, ensure lone parents with children aged under 13 are not the Government has pledged that those who serve in the required to attend Work programme appointments armed forces should face no disadvantage in the provision outside of school hours. [108229] of public services. DWP is fully committed to upholding the Covenant and supporting service personnel, their Chris Grayling: When a lone parent with a child families and veterans. under 13 is referred to the Work programme Jobcentre Serving and ex-serving personnel disabled as a result Plus will notify the provider of any restrictions on the of service have access to a range of welfare benefits and hours they can attend appointments. support services, including benefits which reflect the additional costs arising from disability. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Veterans injured as a result of their service face Work and Pensions whether any lone parents on the particular problems. We are looking at whether we can Work programme have been sanctioned for refusing simplify and streamline the support system for the most appointments or training at unsuitable times. [108230] severely injured veterans. Injured service personnel may also be eligible for a Chris Grayling: Information on sanction decisions by guaranteed income payment or a compensation payment client group is not available. under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, or a War Pension, which are administered by the Ministry of Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence. Work and Pensions how many lone parents in Bristol have joined the Work programme since June 2010; and Employment Schemes: Young People what proportion of these have found employment. [108231] Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many businesses in (a) Dartford Chris Grayling: Official statistics on referrals and constituency, (b) Kent, (c) the South East and (d) attachments to the Work programme were released on 9 England have entered the Youth Contract programme; May and are available at the following website: and how many people in each area have found employment http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool through the programme. [108552] The Department aims to publish official statistics on Work programme job outcomes in autumn 2012 and it Chris Grayling: The specific information requested is is intended that these figures will include a local authority not available. and lone parent status breakdown. Employers engage with us in a variety of ways and we are maximising every contact to promote the Youth Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Contract to ensure that we can provide close to half-a- Work and Pensions which specialist subcontractors million new opportunities for young people. have provided services to lone parents on the Work programme in Bristol to date. [108232] Pensioners: Income

Chris Grayling: The data collected about Work Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for programme supply chains does not enable an analysis Work and Pensions what the average gross income of of referrals to specialist subcontractors delivering support pensioners was in each of the last 30 years; and what to lone parents. The Department has no plans to collect proportion comprised (a) benefits, (b) occupational this data. pension, (c) returns on investments, (d) earnings and The most recent official statistics on referrals and (e) other income in each year. [108297] attachments to the Work programme were released on 21 February 2012 and are available on the Department’s Steve Webb: The following table provides the average website: gross equivalised income of pensioners, including what http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wp proportion comprised (a) benefits, (b) occupational pension, (c) returns on investments, (d) earnings and Employment Schemes: Veterans (e) other income, in 2009-10 prices, for all available years. Analysis is for pensioner benefit units, defined as Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for either single pensioners or pensioner couples. This analysis Work and Pensions what steps his Department is does not include incomes from others in a household.

Proportion (percentage) of gross income made up by income from: Other income (including Mean gross income (£ per week, Occupational personal Source Year 2009-10 prices) Benefits pensions Investments Earnings pensions)

FES1 1979 171 61 16 11 12 1 1981 183 61 16 13 9 — 497W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 498W

Proportion (percentage) of gross income made up by income from: Other income (including Mean gross income (£ per week, Occupational personal Source Year 2009-10 prices) Benefits pensions Investments Earnings pensions)

1987 228 54 22 18 6 1 1988 237 51 23 17 8 — 1989 231 52 22 18 8 — 1990-91 247 50 22 20 7 1 1992 258 50 24 20 6 1 1993 256 53 25 16 6 —

FRS2 1994-95 283 48 25 12 13 2 1995-96 278 50 25 11 12 2 1996-97 296 48 26 11 14 2 1997-98 301 47 26 11 14 2 1998-99 314 46 26 12 14 2 1999- 320 47 25 11 14 3 2000 2000-01 340 45 26 11 14 3 2001-02 353 46 26 10 15 3 2002-03 354 47 26 8 16 4 2003-04 372 45 26 9 17 4 2004-05 385 45 26 9 16 4 2005-06 390 45 25 9 16 4 2006-07 393 44 25 10 17 4 2007-08 402 42 24 11 18 4 2008-09 408 43 24 9 19 4 2009-10 442 42 25 8 20 5 1 Family Expenditure Survey. 2 Family Resources Survey. Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Pensioners’ Income Series (PI) data sourced from the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) and the Family Resources Survey (FRS). 2. The reference period for FRS-based PI figures is the financial year. FRS-based estimates are not available before 1994-95. FES-based PI data is based on calendar years. Data are presented for available years. The years presented correspond to publications that have correct data and where we have spent the time in ensuring income definitions, etc. are consistent. 3. Older data are sourced from the FES. The two surveys have different response rates and response profiles, and there are some definitional differences in the data that are collected. Because of these differences, direct comparisons between results from the FES and FRS should not normally be made. 4. Gross incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. 5. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 6. Weekly incomes have been rounded to the nearest pound. Proportions of gross income have been rounded to the nearest percentage point. 7. Figures may not sum due to rounding. 8. FES-sourced figures are for the United Kingdom and FRS-sourced figures are for Great Britain up to 2001-02 and for the United Kingdom from 2002-03. 9. It was announced in May that the 2009-10 results will be revised when the 2010-11 results come out. See the DWP PI website for further information. Source: Pensioners’ Incomes Series 2009-10

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work pensioner benefit units, defined as either single pensioners and Pensions what the real terms growth was in weekly median or pensioner couples. This analysis does not include net income of pensioner units in each quintile of the net incomes from others in a household. income distribution for (a) single pensioners and (b) pensioner couples in each of the last 30 years. [108298] Please note that because quintile figures are presented as three-year averages, a percentage change between Steve Webb: The following tables provide the weekly each year is not available. Due to even smaller sample median net income of pensioner units in each quintile sizes on the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) it is not of the income distribution, for both (a) single pensioners possible to provide information on quintiles of the and (b) pensioner couples, on both a Before Housing income distribution from the FES. Therefore it is only Costs (BHC) and After Housing Costs (AHC) basis, for possible to present data back to 1994-95, the period all available periods in 2009-10 prices. Analysis is for covered by the Family Resources Survey. 499W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 500W

(a) Table 1: Before Housing Costs (BHC) median net income of pensioner units in each quintile of the BHC income distribution for single pensioners for available periods, 2009-10 prices £ per week Quintiles of the income distribution (£) Period Bottom quintile Second quintile Middle quintile Fourth quintile Fifth quintile

1994-95 to 1996-97 91 122 146 178 264 1995-96 to 1997-98 92 125 150 185 272 1996-97 to 1998-99 92 127 153 191 281 1997-98 to 1999-00 94 130 157 197 292 1998-99 to 2000-01 97 135 162 204 301 1999-2000 to 2001-02 102 140 170 212 310 2000-01 to 2002-03 106 146 177 219 316 2001-02 to 2003-04 110 150 183 225 322 2002-03 to 2004-05 113 154 188 231 331 2003-04 to 2005-06 115 158 193 238 342 2004-05 to 2006-07 114 160 197 243 349 2005-06 to 2007-08 112 160 199 245 352 2006-07 to 2008-09 113 162 201 250 355 2007-08 to 2009-10 118 167 208 259 367

(b) Table 2: Before Housing Costs (BHC) median net income of pensioner units in each quintile of the BHC income distribution for pensioner couples for available periods, 2009-10 prices £ per week Quintiles of the income distribution (£) Period Bottom quintile Second quintile Middle quintile Fourth quintile Fifth quintile

1994-95 to 1996-97 163 214 270 358 580 1995-96 to 1997-98 164 218 276 365 597 1996-97 to 1998-99 166 223 284 377 614 1997-98 to 1999-00 167 227 289 383 621 1998-99 to 2000-01 172 234 297 394 629 1999-2000 to 2001-02 179 242 306 403 640 2000-01 to 2002-03 185 250 315 412 656 2001-02 to 2003-04 190 257 323 420 666 2002-03 to 2004-05 194 264 333 432 683 2003-04 to 2005-06 199 272 343 445 695 ^004-05 to 2006-07 199 276 351 457 716 2005-06 to 2007-08 199 279 358 465 735 2006-07 to 2008-09 198 282 365 479 758 2007-08 to 2009-10 205 293 376 495 776

(a) Table 3: After Housing Costs (AHC) median net income of pensioner units in each quintile of the AHC income distribution for single pensioners for available periods, 2009-10 prices £ per week Quintiles of the income distribution (£) Period Bottom quintile Second quintile Middle quintile Fourth quintile Fifth quintile

1994-95 to 1996-97 66 86 100 143 230 1995-96 to 1997-98 68 88 104 150 237 1996-97 to 1998-99 70 89 109 158 246 1997-98 to 1999-00 72 92 115 165 258 1998-99 to 2000-01 76 96 123 172 268 1999-2000 to 2001-02 80 104 131 181 278 2000-01 to 2002-03 85 111 138 189 283 2001-02 to 2003-04 89 118 144 194 291 2002-03 to 2004-05 93 124 151 202 303 2003-04 to 2005-06 94 129 159 211 319 2004-05 to 2006-07 95 132 164 219 327 2005-06 to 2007-08 93 133 167 224 336 2006-07 to 2008-09 93 134 170 228 338 2007-08 to 2009-10 95 137 175 235 348

(b) Table 4: After Housing Costs (AHC) median net income of pensioner units in each quintile of the AHC income distribution for pensioner couples for available periods, 2009-10 prices £ per week Quintiles of the income distribution (£) Period Bottom quintile Second quintile Middle quintile Fourth quintile Fifth quintile

1994-95 to 1996-97 132 177 234 325 534 1995-96 to 1997-98 133 181 240 333 552 1996-97 to 1998-99 134 188 250 346 571 501W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 502W

(b) Table 4: After Housing Costs (AHC) median net income of pensioner units in each quintile of the AHC income distribution for pensioner couples for available periods, 2009-10 prices £ per week Quintiles of the income distribution (£) Period Bottom quintile Second quintile Middle quintile Fourth quintile Fifth quintile

1997-98 to 1999-00 137 193 257 353 579 1998-99 to 2000-01 143 202 268 366 593 1999-2000 to 2001-02 152 211 277 376 607 2000-01 to 2002-03 159 219 287 388 626 2001-02 to 2003-04 166 228 296 398 639 2002-03 to 2004-05 173 239 309 413 660 2003-04 to 2005-06 180 250 322 431 679 2004-05 to 2006-07 182 255 333 446 707 2005-06 to 2007-08 182 260 343 458 730 2006-07 to 2008-09 181 265 351 472 751 2007-08 to 2009-10 185 274 360 485 762 Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Pensioners’ Income Series (PI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). 2. Net disposable incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. Income tax payments, national insurance contributions, council tax/domestic rates and some other payments are deducted from incomes. Figures have been presented on a Before Housing Cost and an After Housing Cost basis. For Before Housing Costs, housing costs are not deducted from income, while for After Housing Costs they are. 3. Estimates show medians of unequivalised net income for each quintile of the unequivalised net income distribution. 4. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 5. The reference period for FRS-based PI figures is the financial year. Three survey years have been combined because single year estimates are not considered to be sufficiently reliable. Data are presented for available periods. 6. Weekly incomes have been rounded to the nearest £. 7. Figures are for Great Britain up to 2001-02 and for the United Kingdom from 2002-03. 8. Please note that because figures are presented as three-year averages, a percentage change between each year is not available. 9. It was announced in May that the 2009-10 results will be revised when the 2010-11 results come out. See the DWP PI website for further information. Source: Pensioners’ Incomes Series 2009-10

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for for available years. Analysis is for pensioner benefit Work and Pensions (1) what proportion of pensioners units, defined as either single pensioners or pensioner were in receipt of occupational pension income in each couples. This analysis does not include incomes from of the last 30 years; [108302] others in a household. (2) what the (a) mean and (b) median amount of occupational pension income was received by those The following table provides proportion of pensioners with entitlement in today’s prices in each of the last 30 in receipt of occupational pension income in each of the last 30 years, and the (a) mean and (b) median years. [108303] amount of occupational pension income received, in Steve Webb: As these two questions are related, the 2009-10 prices, for all available years. following table provides the answer to both questions

Amount (£ per week, 2009-10 prices) Proportion of pensioners in receipt of occupational pension (percentage) Mean Median

FES1 1979 40 68 33 1981 43 69 34 1987 51 97 50 1988 50 110 53 1989 53 96 51 1990-91 54 101 51 1992 56 110 58 1993 57 111 58

FRS2 1994-95 57 124 68 1995-96 58 123 66 1996-97 59 127 72 1997-98 59 131 77 1998-99 59 137 76 1999-2000 59 139 80 2000-01 59 149 86 2001-02 59 152 91 503W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 504W

Amount (£ per week, 2009-10 prices) Proportion of pensioners in receipt of occupational pension (percentage) Mean Median

2002-03 59 152 92 2003-04 60 161 96 2004-05 60 167 104 2005-06 59 163 99 2006-07 59 168 106 2007-08 59 165 103 2008-09 59 169 104 2009-10 61 184 116 1 Source—Family Expenditure Survey 2 Source—Family Resources Survey Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Pensioners’ Income Series (PI) data sourced from the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) and the Family Resources Survey (FRS). 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by, sampling error and variability in non-response. 3. The reference period for FRS-based PI figures is the financial year. FRS-based estimates are not available before 1994-95. FES-based PI data is based on calendar years. Data is presented for available years. The years presented correspond to publications that have correct data and where we have spent the time in ensuring income definitions, etc, are consistent. 4. Proportions of pensioners have been rounded to the nearest percentage point. Weekly occupational pension incomes have been rounded to the nearest £. 5. Older data is sourced from the FES. The two surveys have different response rates and response profiles, and there are some definitional differences in the data that are collected. Because of these differences, direct comparisons between results from the FES and FRS should not normally be made. 6. FES-sourced figures are for the United Kingdom and FRS-sourced figures are for Great Britain up to 2001 -02 and for the United Kingdom from 2002-03. 7. It was announced in May that the 2009-10 results will be revised when the 2010-11 results come out. See the DWP PI website for further information. Source: Pensioners’ Incomes Series 2009-10

Pensioners: Means Tested Benefits Minimum income guarantee Thousand Entitled non-recipients Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Recipients range Work and Pensions how many pensioner benefit units 1999-2000 1,390 390:770 were receiving, or entitled to but not receiving, 2000-01 1,430 450:670 means-tested benefits in each of the last 30 years. 2001-02 1,520 600:870 [108299] 2002-03 1,600 570:960 2003-04 1,670 580:1,020 Steve Webb: The following tables show how many Pension credit pensioner benefit units were receiving, or entitled to but Thousand not receiving, the following means-tested benefits: Entitled non-recipients Recipients range income support (1990 to 1998-99); 2003-04 2,490 1,260:1,840 minimum income guarantee (1999-2000 to 2003-04); 2004-05 2,570 1,140:1,630 pension credit (2003-04 to 2009-10); 2005-06 2,600 1,170:1,740 2006-07 2,620 1,180:1,730 housing benefit (1990 to 2009-10); and 2007-08 2,630 1,110:1,710 council tax benefit (1993-94 to 2009-10). 2008-09 2,610 910:1,520 2009-10 2,620 1,210:1,580 Due to the uncertainty around take-up, a range is provided for the number of pensioner benefit units that Housing benefit for pensioners are entitled non-recipients. Thousand Entitled non-recipients Consistent information for pensioner benefit units Recipients range before 1990 is not available. 1990 2,220 250:350 Income support for pensioners 1991 2,050 100:290 Thousand 1992 1,960 260:340 Entitled non-recipients 1993-94 2,000 160:300 Recipients range 1994-95 1,960 180:320 1990 1,550 530:890 1995-96 1,940 230:320 1991 1,430 410:700 1996-97 1,900 20:250 1992 1,570 480:860 1997-98 1,830 80:260 1993-94 1,540 580:840 1998-99 1,820 80:220 1994-95 1,580 810:1,100 1999-2000 1,740 120:300 1995-96 1,580 800:1,070 2000-01 1,660 110:270 1996-97 1,510 500:760 2001-02 1,640 180:340 1997-98 1,470 330:730 2002-03 1,620 180:320 1998-99 1,410 330:670 2003-04 1,600 210:360 505W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 506W

Housing benefit for pensioners Maria Miller: There are 130 people claiming disability Thousand living allowance in Kilmarnock and Loudoun with Entitled non-recipients “blindness” as their main disabling condition. 90 of Recipients range these claimants are aged between16-64 and therefore 2004-05 1,610 230:380 would be in scope to be reassessed for personal 2005-06 1,620 200:310 independence payment. 2006-07 1,590 200:350 Through the introduction of PIP we expect the number 2007-08 1,560 210:380 of 16 to 64-year-olds to be claiming the benefit by 2008-09 1,510 240:410 2015-16 to be 1.7 million. Without reform we would 2009-10 1,480 240:390 expect 2.2 million 16 to 64-year-olds to be claiming Council tax benefit for pensioners disability living allowance at that time. However, it is Thousand not possible to break this impact down to smaller Entitled non-recipients geographies or specific conditions. Recipients range Personal independence payment is being designed to 1993-94 2,840 890:1,420 ensure that those who face the greatest barriers to living 1994-95 2,780 1,110:1,660 an independent life will be in receipt of the right level of 1995-96 2,770 950:1,420 support that recognises the individual’s needs. Therefore 1996-97 2,680 690:1,240 entitlement to personal independence payment will be 1997-98 2,600 900:1,170 based on the extent to which an individual’s health 1998-99 2,580 920:1,220 condition or impairment affects their day to day life, 1999-2000 2,480 1,040:1,390 not on the nature of the health condition itself. 2000-01 2,360 1,100:1,430 We have already made substantial changes to the 2001-02 2,370 1,410:1,760 proposed assessment as a direct result of comments 2002-03 2,350 1,460:1,820 raised by visual impairment organisations such as RNIB— 2003-04 2,380 1,670:2,070 for example, on how we assess communication needs. 2004-05 2,490 1,820:2,230 But the assessment has not yet been finalised and we 2005-06 2,580 1,710:2,150 continue to work with these organisations to discuss 2006-07 2,610 1,680:2,140 how it can be further improved. If we need to make 2007-08 2,610 1,780:2,310 more changes to ensure the assessment fairly reflects the 2008-09 2,520 1,530:2,020 needs of blind and partially sighted people, we will do 2009-10 2,590 1,690:2,230 so. Notes: 1. Since 1990 there have been numerous changes to the methodology of calculating take-up. As a result, figures for entitled non-recipients are not based Post Office Card Account on a consistent methodology over time. 2. The number of entitled non-recipients is often revised a year after initial publication. The figures quoted in the tables above use the last published Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for figures. Work and Pensions how many Post Office card 3. Data from 1990 to 1992 are based on the Family Expenditure Survey (FES). accounts receive payments in respect of benefits which Data from 1993-94 are based on the Family Resource Survey (FRS). Both data sources may not be consistent with published administrative data. will be integrated into universal credit from October 4. Income support was paid from 11 April 1988; minimum income guarantee 2013. [108419] was paid from 12 April 1999; pension credit was introduced on 6 October 2003. 5. Pension credit figures include the guaranteed element and savings credit. Source: Chris Grayling: There are currently around 750,000 DWP—Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Take-up working age claimants receiving DWP benefits into a http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/income_analysis/index.php?page=publications Post Office card account. Pensioners: Personal Savings Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he proposes that universal Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for credit will be paid into post office card accounts (POCAs) Work and Pensions what the effective marginal tax from October 2013; what estimate he has made of the rates were on pension savings of pensioners (a) on number of POCAs which will be receiving universal income support, (b) on housing benefit and council credit payments by April 2014; and if he will make a tax benefit, but not income support, (c) on council tax statement. [108420] benefit, but not housing benefit or income support, (d) not paying tax and not on benefits and (e) paying tax Chris Grayling: No decision has yet been made about and not on benefits by marginal rate of income tax in whether claimants will be able to choose to have universal each of the last 30 years. [108301] credit paid into post office card accounts and no estimate has been made of the number of claimants who might Steve Webb: The information is not available. make that choice.

Personal Independence Payment: Visual Impairment Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to migrate current Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for users of post office card accounts to mainstream bank Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the accounts; and if he will make a statement. [108422] number of visually-impaired people resident in Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency; and what proportion of Steve Webb: The post office card account contract let these will be eligible for the personal independence by DWP in October 2009 included commercial incentives payment. [108351] for Post Office Ltd (POL) to migrate 700,000 users of 507W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 508W post office card accounts to mainstream bank accounts, element of the discretionary social fund is being managed including those that may be offered by the post office in down to 2005-06 levels, and on the current profile we the future. The contract expires in March 2015, with an will reduce expenditure to this level by end 2012-13. option to extend for two years. The Department is currently undertaking the financial Social Fund: Scotland modelling to finalise the amounts to be allocated to the devolved Administrations (as well as for each upper tier English local authority) and the indicative amount will Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work be outlined in a settlement letter which is due to be sent and Pensions how much funding he plans to allocate to out in June. The amount to be transferred will be fixed the Scottish Government for the aspects of the social for the next two years of the comprehensive spending fund which will be devolved; according to what criteria review. this sum will be calculated; when the sum will be calculated in each year; and when the payment will be Discussions are still ongoing with HMT to finalise made in each year. [107025] the precise payment arrangements and dates.

Steve Webb: For the current spending review period the Department for Work and Pensions has been allocated Social Security Benefits £178 million per annum for the discretionary social fund for Great Britain. This funding will form the Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for programme funding for the new local services that will Work and Pensions what the weekly rate of the (a) be in place from April 2013. It will be apportioned minimum income guarantee and (b) basic state retirement nationally between Scotland, England and Wales. Scotland’s pension was in each of the last 30 years. [108304] share will be approximately £25 million. The Department is basing its allocations on the equivalent Steve Webb: The information requested is in the social fund spend for 2012-13. Spend on the crisis loan following table:

Weekly rate (£) Supplementary benefit/MIG/pension credit Basic state pension Single person Couple Single person Couple1

November 1983 34.10 54.55 34.05 54.50 November 1984 35.70 57.10 35.80 57.30 November 1985 37.50 60.00 38.30 61.30 July 1986 37.90 60.65 38.70 61.95 April 1987 38.65 61.85 39.50 63.25 April 1988 44.05 67.70 41.15 65.90 April 1989 46.10 71.85 43.60 69.80 April 1990 48.50 75.55 46.90 75.10 April 1991 53.40 83.15 52.00 83.25 April 1992 57.15 88.95 54.15 86.70 April 1993 61.30 95.25 56.10 89.80 April 1994 63.95 99.25 57.60 92.10 April 1995 65.10 101.05 58.85 94.10 April 1996 67.05 104.10 61.15 97.75 April 1997 68.80 106.80 62.45 99.80 April 1998 70.45 109.35 64.70 103.40 April 1999 75.00 116.60 66.75 106.70 April 2000 78.45 121.95 67.50 107.90 April 2001 92.15 140.55 72.50 115.90 April 2002 98.15 149.80 75.50 120.70 April 2003 102.10 155.80 77.45 123.80 April 2004 105.45 160.95 79.60 127.25 April 2005 109.45 167.05 82.05 131.20 April 2006 114.05 174.05 84.25 134.75 April 2007 119.05 181.70 87.30 139.60 April 2008 124.05 189.35 90.70 145.05 April 2009 130.00 198.45 95.25 152.30 April 2010 132.60 202.40 97.65 156.15 April 2011 137.35 209.70 102.15 163.35 April 2012 142.70 217.90 107.45 171.95 1 This includes the extra payment a married couple would receive if the wife’s pension were based on her husband’s contributions. (The married couple will receive twice the pension of a single person, if both individuals were entitled to full pensions). Note: Supplementary benefit was first paid on 28 November 1966. Income support was paid from 11 April 1988; minimum income guarantee was paid from 12 April 1999; pension credit was introduced on 6 October 2003. 509W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 510W

Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome whether voluntary and community sector partners are at tier 1 or 2 for particular primes; Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for relatively low rates of ″disclosure″ of homeless status by claimants Work and Pensions what recent discussions his Department which may delay or prevent onward referral to specialist partners; and has had with Atos about the effect of myalgic encephalomyelitis on a person’s capacity to work. during the early stage of the Work Programme homeless participants may be supported through the provider’s “mainstream” [108407] offer before being referred to specialist partners for specific interventions. Chris Grayling: The most recent interaction between the Department and Atos Healthcare regarding CFS/ME In a programme for which the Department has given was in March 2012. The Department provided comments no guarantees of volumes, it is entirely rational for to Atos on a distance learning module (learning set) on primes to do the same. Specific reasons for the lack of fatigue that has been developed as part of the Atos referrals is a commercial matter between those prime Continuing Medical Education Programme for health providers and St Mungo’s. care professionals for 2011-12. Social Security Benefits: Disability Universal Credit

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of Work and Pensions what alternative methods of payment the number of residents of Kilmarnock and Loudoun for universal credit he is considering for benefit claimants constituency who will become ineligible for disability-related who do not have access to a mainstream bank account. welfare benefits as a result of his plans for welfare [108421] reform. [108349] Chris Grayling: We recognise that some claimants do Maria Miller: It is not possible to break this impact not currently have access to a mainstream bank account. down to smaller geographic locations. We are working with a range of banking and financial The impact assessment published in January estimates product providers to make financial services more accessible the number of 16 to 64-year-olds in receipt of PIP to be and supportive to low income households. We are exploring 1.7 million by March 2016. Without reform 2.2 million options for accounts or alternative financial products 16 to 64-year-olds were forecast to be receiving disability which can support budgeting more effectively. We are living allowance at that time. continuing to work closely with high street banks through Social Security Benefits: Lone Parents the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) to explore these options, while also working with credit unions and providers of alternative financial products such as prepaid Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for cards. Work and Pensions how many (a) lone parents with children under five and (b) claimants of (i) incapacity benefit, (ii) income support due to illness or disability, Work Capability Assessment (iii) employment and support allowance and (iv) other incapacity-related out of work benefits have been sent a letter warning them that they may be affected by the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for benefit cap, and suggesting work as a way to prevent Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy the cap applying to them. [108262] of his Department’s evaluation of the Spring 2011 Newcastle-upon-Tyne Medical Assessment Centre pilot Chris Grayling: The statistics required to answer this of claimant audio recording for the work capability question have not already been published by the assessment. [108261] Department. The Department only publishes statistics in line with the guidelines for publishing ad hoc or Chris Grayling: The report is available from the official statistics. We will consider your request for these Department’s website at: unpublished statistics as part of statistics released and http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wca-recording-pilot-report.pdf published by the Department in due course. I will also place a copy of the report in the Library. St Mungo’s: Employment Schemes Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the number of people in Kilmarnock and Loudoun the reasons for which the St Mungo’s homelessness constituency claiming employment and support allowance charity received no referrals from the three Work who are placed in the (a) support group, (b) work-related programme prime providers with which it had activity group and (c) fit-for-work group. [108350] contracts; and if he will make a statement. [108423] Chris Grayling: Constituency level data are not available. Chris Grayling: There are a number of factors which could affect the flow of business from prime providers On 20 April 2012 the Department published data on to specialist organisations, such as St Mungo’s, including: the outcomes of IB reassessment claims at the regional the difference in provider delivery models, and the relative use and local authority level at the following link: of tiered supply chains; http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=adhoc _analysis 511W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 512W

Work Capability Assessment: Appeals Information on the number of apprenticeship starts by age is published in a quarterly Statistical First Release Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 29 March and Pensions (1) whether he has the power to require 2012: the Tribunal Service to publish statistical information http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ on the outcome of appeals to work capability assessment statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current decisions within and between tribunals; [106975] (2) if he will ask the Tribunal Service to publish Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, statistical information on the outcome of appeals to Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships his work capability assessment decisions by tribunal. Department supported in each occupation in the last [106981] year for which figures are available. [108371] Chris Grayling: Appeals are lodged against decisions made by DWP decision makers on behalf of the Secretary Mr Hayes: Figures are not available on the number of of State, of which the work capability assessment is one apprenticeships broken down by occupation. part of the evidence used to inform, these decisions. Information is collected on the sector subject area of The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions does not each apprenticeship. The numbers of apprenticeship have the power to require Her Majesty’s Courts and starts by sector subject area during the 2010/11 academic Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to publish this statistical year are given in Table 1 as follows: information. HMCTS falls under the jurisdiction of the Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by sector subject area, 2010/11, Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is looking England into what data can be produced at individual level and Sector subject area Number will consider this proposal as part of that work. Agriculture, Horticulture and 7,380 The Ministry of Justice publishes details nationally Animal Care of the outcome of hearing by benefit type in Quarterly Arts, Media and Publishing 1,030 and Annual Tribunal Statistics reports: Business, Administration and Law 133,820 http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/tribunals Construction, Planning and the Built 28,090 Environment The Ministry of Justice is considering whether this Education and Training 4,070 information can be made available at a local level. Engineering and Manufacturing 48,970 Technologies Health, Public Services and Care 89,970 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Information and Communication 19,520 Apprentices Technology Languages, Literature and Culture 1— Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Leisure, Travel and Tourism 21,590 Business, Innovation and Skills how many young people Preparation for Life and Work 1— started an apprenticeship in (a) England, (b) North Retail and Commercial Enterprise 102,770 Yorkshire and (c) the Harrogate district in the last 12 Science and Mathematics 10 months. [107862] Unknown — Total 457,200 Mr Hayes: The following table shows the number of 1 Indicates a base value of less than 5. apprenticeship programme starts aged under 19 in (i) Notes: 1. Volumes are rounded to the nearest 10 except for the total which is rounded Harrogate and Knaresborough, Selby and Ainsty, and to the nearest 100. Skipton and Ripon parliamentary constituencies which 2. Full-year numbers are a count of the number of starts at any point during comprise Harrogate district, (ii) North Yorkshire local the year. Learners starting more than one framework will appear more than once. authority and (iii) England for academic year 2010/11, Source: the latest full year for which final data are available. Individualised Learner Record Apprenticeship programme starts by learners aged under 19 by geography, Figures are also collected on the sector framework of 2010/11 each apprenticeship. These are published in the 2010/11 full year supplementary tables of the Post-16 Education Statistical Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency 1,350 First Release (SFR) at the following link: Selby and Ainsty constituency 200 http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ Skipton and Ripon constituency 260 statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_supplementary_tables/ Harrogate district 1,810 Apprenticeship_sfr_supplementary_tables/ North Yorkshire local authority 2,460 In 2010/11, the average length of an apprenticeship England total 131,700 programme was 13 months. This does not necessarily Notes reflect the guided learning hours or the actual length of 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 except for the England total which is rounded to the nearest 100. time in learning. For these reasons the average length 2. Age is based on age at the start of the programme. These figures include a should be seen as contributory information to any small number of under 16-year-olds. broader assessment of the apprenticeship experience 3. Geography is based upon the home postcode of the learner. The England total includes some postcodes which are not known. Geographic information is and quality. based on boundaries of regions as of May 2010. Further information on apprenticeships is published 4. Harrogate district is comprised of Harrogate and Knaresborough, Selby and Ainsty, and Skipton and Ripon parliamentary constituencies. Figures for in the Post-16 Education quarterly SFR. The latest Harrogate district are based on the sum of unrounded data for these parliamentary SFR was published on 29 March 2012: constituencies. Figures may not sum to the total due to rounding. Source: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ Individualised Learner Record statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current 513W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 514W

Business: Finance Care Homes

Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his is taking to promote access to finance from non-bank Department has made since the collapse of Southern sources for small and medium-sized enterprises. [107867] Cross in 2011 of the business models of companies providing care and nursing home services; and which companies have been assessed. [107523] Mr Prisk: It is important that businesses have access to a diverse range of finance sources, other than bank Norman Lamb: In social care, a market has been lending, including both equity investment and debt operating successfully for many years. However, Southern finance. Cross highlighted the risks involved should a large, The Government have undertaken a range of measures national provider of care and support services fall into to promote a range of non-traditional finance: financial distress and exit the market. The Government To support equity investment in firms, Government have increased believes that this is a serious issue and has been taking their commitment to the Enterprise Capital Funds programme by forward work analysing the area. £200 million over the four years to 2014-15, providing for more Responsibility for the regulation and oversight of the than £300 million of venture capital investment. residential care sector rests with the Secretary of State Notion Capital—is the eleventh, and largest, Enterprise Capital for Health, the right hon. Member for South Fund and £62.9 million has already been committed to it from the Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley). The Department of Health first funding round. This includes substantial commitments from has been leading the work on oversight of the social private investors, the Government and the European Investment Fund (EIF). The Notion Capital fund will target emerging, care market, including publishing a discussion paper, high-growth cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) ’Oversight of the Social Care Market—Discussion Paper’ companies. in October 2011. As part of their work, Department of Government have encouraged a better environment for business Health officials have been engaging with the sector, angel investment through the establishment of the new £50 million including its major providers, to better understand the Business Angel Co-Investment Fund, which aims to support potential risks to service delivery. Officials in BIS have angel investments into high growth potential early stage small been providing professional advice to the Department and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). of Health to assist them in this work. The CoFund recently announced the completion of its first The Government intends to outline its direction of five investments, with a total of £7.2 million committed to SMEs travel in the forthcoming care and support White Paper, since launching in November 2011. The investments in each scheduled to be published in the summer. business range from £360,000 to £3.6 million and reflect the wide range of businesses that the Angel CoFund can support across stage, sector and location, with £1.4 million of funding from the Citizens Advice Government helping to secure a further £5.8 million from other investors. Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Government have reformed the Enterprise Investment Scheme Innovation and Skills whether Citizens Advice will be (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), increasing rate of required to become a non-departmental public body in income tax relief for EIS to 30% and increasing amounts that can order to take on statutory responsibilities and resources be invested in qualifying companies and the size of qualifying from the Office of Fair Trading and Consumer Focus; companies (subject to state-aid clearance). The new Seed EIS and what assessment he has made of the potential (SEIS) scheme provides income tax relief of 50% for individuals who invest in shares in qualifying seed companies, with an annual effects of such changes on its current functions. [107563] investment limit for individuals of £100,000 and cumulative investment limit for companies of £150,000. Norman Lamb: Consumers need to know who to go The range of accredited Enterprise Finance Guarantee lenders to when they have a problem which is why the Government has been expanded, with new non-bank lenders able to provide are simplifying the landscape of consumer bodies. Full finance under the scheme. details of these proposals were set out in the Government To support firms’ access to finance the Government £1.2 response to the consultation “Empowering and protecting billion Business Finance Partnership will be deployed to stimulate consumers” published on 11 April. markets in alternative forms of finance. Citizens Advice will not be required to become a As part of the Government’s “Business in You”campaign, the non-departmental public body in order to receive statutory Government’s Business Link website provides advice and guidance responsibilities and resources from the Office of Fair for businesses on the range of finance options available and how Trading or Consumer Focus. to apply. This can be found at: www.improve.businesslink.gov.uk/resources/business-support- Citizens’ Advice Bureaux finder The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Innovation and Skills how many Citizens Advice Bureau Cable) also tasked an industry working group, led by offices have closed in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and Tim Breedon of the Association of British Insurers, to how many he estimates will close in 2012-13. [107810] undertake a review into how to expand access to non-bank lending. This group reported at Budget 2012 with a Norman Lamb: There is a difference between bureaux series of recommendations for industry and Government. offices and legal entities. A legal entity may cover a Government broadly welcomed the recommendations number of different offices or branches and some of and will report back on progress made against them in those may have closed as a result of funding reductions. due course. Citizens Advice, the umbrella body for the service in 515W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 516W

England and Wales, do not have accurate information Norman Lamb: The Government has received no of those numbers, as often when a bureau closes a site it representations from third parties on the relationship will usually replace it with some form of alternative between Consumer Focus and the Intellectual Property service delivered by way of an outreach through the Office. The Intellectual Property Office regularly discusses premises of another organisation in the community. its relationship with Consumer Focus, as it does with all In 2010-11 a total of four legal entities closed (Cardiff, key stakeholders. Melton, Northerly and West Lanes). In 2011-12, a total Copyright of two legal entities closed (City of London and Wyre District). In each area advice is continuing to be delivered through the provision of an alternative service. Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to publish Citizens Advice are unable to supply figures for a response to the Copyright Consultation. [108106] anticipated closures in 2012-13 but are aware of bureaux at risk and continue to work with them to see how best services can continue to be delivered in those areas. Norman Lamb: The copyright consultation closed on 21 March, having run for 14 weeks. The Government is now considering all submissions received and intends to Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, publish its response before the summer. Innovation and Skills which local authorities reduced funding for citizens advice bureaux (CAB) services in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; by how much funding Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for was reduced in each such case; which local authorities plan Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) discussions to reduce CAB funding and by how much in 2012-13; and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had and whether there are any local authorities that no with officials of the European Commission about the copyright consultation. [108107] longer provide any funding for CAB services. [107811]

Norman Lamb: We have validated figures from citizens Norman Lamb: The Government receives a wide range advice on local authority (LA) funding for 315 out of of views from many sources in relation to copyright, the 355 member bureaux. Of those 315 members, 103 and has regular discussions with the European Commission bureaux reported a cut in LA funding averaging around on a wide range of copyright and other intellectual 10% in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11, the remaining property policy issues, including the issues discussed in bureaux funding would have remained static or in some the copyright consultation. The Government has drawn cases increased. the attention of the European Commission to both the recommendations of the Hargreaves report and the UK For 2012-13, 69 bureaux out of the same 315 members Government’s consultation. reporting have indicated their funding will reduce by 10% or more. Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for A list of those local authorities who have reduced Business, Innovation and Skills what organisations he funding has been placed in the Library of the House. has met to discuss the copyright consultation. [108108]

Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats Norman Lamb: Since its publication on 14 December, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham Business, Innovation and Skills (1) which individuals (Vince Cable), personally has not met any organisations have been paid by his Department for consultancy or specifically to discuss the copyright consultation. other services who were previously employed in any My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary capacity by the (a) Conservative party or its elected for Business, Innovation and Skills, Baroness Wilcox, representatives and (b) Liberal Democrat party or its hosted meetings with a number of key stakeholders elected representatives since May 2010; what the (i) cost across a range of industries during the copyright and (ii) nature was of the services provided; and whether consultation period. Baroness Wilcox also met with they were publicly advertised; [107106] interested parties at stakeholder engagement events she (2) which individuals have been paid by his Department attended in London and Plymouth. The Department’s for consultancy or other services who previously held officials have held numerous meetings and exchanges an elected position as a member of the (a) Conservative with interested parties throughout the consultation period. party and (b) Liberal Democrat party since May 2010; what The copyright consultation closed on 21 March. the (i) cost and (ii) nature was of the services provided; and whether they were publicly advertised. [107107] Degrees

Norman Lamb: The Department does not request Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for this type of information as part of its contract award Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has process and as a consequence the Department does not made of the trends in degree class awarded in the last hold this information. 10 years, broken down by (a) subject and (b) type of higher education institution. [107729] Consumer Focus: Intellectual Property Office Mr Willetts: I have made no such assessment. However, Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, figures on the number of first degree qualifiers from Innovation and Skills what recent representations he higher education institutions (HEIs) achieving each has received on the relationship between Consumer degree classification, and the percentage achieving this Focus and the Intellectual Property Office. [107933] classification, are in the following tables. I understand 517W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 518W that the categories requested for part (b) of this particular Comparable figures by subject area are not available question are either Russell Group or non-Russell Group for 2001/02. In the 2002/03 academic year, both the way institutions. Figures cover the last 10 academic years for in which students were assigned to their subject of which data are available. study, and the subject classifications changed.

Russell Group and non Russell Group First Degree qualifiers from UK HEIs 2001/02 by degree classification—Numbers and percentages Number First class Upper second Lower second Third class Institution type honours class honours class honours honours/Pass Total classified Unclassified

Russell Group 8,945 30,955 12,265 2,285 54,450 5,675 Of which: Oxford and 1,860 3,955 725 85 6,620 295 Cambridge Non-Russell Group 17,510 90,285 74,390 17,335 199,520 14,795 Total 26,455 121,240 86,650 19,620 253,970 20,470

Percentage Upper second class Lower second class Institution type First class honours honours honours Third class honours/Pass Total classified

Russell Group 16.4 56.9 22.5 4.2 100.0 Of which: Oxford and 32.9 56.0 10.6 0.5 100.0 Cambridge Non-Russell Group 8.8 45.3 37.3 8.7 100.0 Total 10.4 47.7 34.1 7.7 100.0 Notes: 1. Figures are based on a qualifications obtained population and have been rounded to the nearest five. 2. Percentages are based on unrounded figures. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record.

Effect of UK Equity Markets On the Competitiveness for sustainable food and participating in a cross- of UK Business Review Government Global Food Security programme (GFS) which is addressing the issue of sustainable food production Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for practices. Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration the The complex and inter-related problems of food security Kay Review of investors’ fiduciary duties has given to can only be tackled through co-ordinated and integrated the management of environmental, social and interdisciplinary research. A main aim of the Global governance risks. [107734] Food Security and other related programmes is to facilitate that research and its translation, and so help to improve Norman Lamb: The Kay Review of UK equity markets the sustainability and security of UK and global food and long-term decision making, published its interim supplies. report in February 2012. The report noted concerns Groceries Code Adjudicator raised by some respondents both about narrow interpretations of fiduciary duties excluding consideration Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for of long-term factors, and about the application of such Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for duties in the investment chain. The report did not make scrutiny of the work of the Groceries Code Adjudicator recommendations. by Ministers of devolved administrations. [108563] The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham Norman Lamb: The Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill (Vince Cable), is taking a close interest in Professor is a competition issue, and is therefore a non-devolved Kay’s work and looks forward to receiving his final matter. report with recommendations in the summer. It would Officials in the Department for Business, Innovation not be appropriate for the Government to prejudge the and Skills (BIS) have discussed the Bill with representatives review’s recommendations at this stage. of the Devolved Administrations during its drafting and will continue to do so as it is considered by both Food: Production Houses of Parliament. Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for potential effects on sustainable food production of Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has intervening with universities, colleges and the research had on scrutiny of the proposed Groceries Code councils to direct research into sustainable food production Adjudicator Bill by devolved Administrations. [107947] practices. [108511] Norman Lamb: The Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill Mr Willetts: Sustainable food production is expected is a competition issue, and is therefore a non-devolved to benefit from research and its translation into food matter. However, BIS officials have discussed the Bill production practices. Research Councils and the Technology with representatives of the devolved Administrations at Strategy Board are sponsoring research and development several points through its drafting. 519W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 520W

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State if the Department does not hold an estimate of the for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions average fee level or control the numbers of students (a) he, (b) his Ministers and (c) departmental officials who have access to that funding; [107534] have held with counterparts at the Department for (2) how he controls the amount added to the student Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the Groceries loan book by loans and support offered to students Code Adjudicator. [107973] enrolled on courses with private higher education providers if he neither caps the numbers nor monitors Norman Lamb: The Secretary of State for Business, the average level of fees; [107535] Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has regular discussions (3) with reference to the answer of 19 March 2012, with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Official Report, column 518W, on higher education: Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs student numbers, what the total departmental funding Spelman), on a number of issues, including the allocation is for the provision of student loans and establishment of a Groceries Code Adjudicator. BIS maintenance support for students enrolled on higher officials have frequently discussed the adjudicator with education courses with private providers which are not counterparts at the Department for Environment, Food covered by the cap on student places; [107537] and Rural Affairs throughout the planning and drafting (4) with reference to the Answer of 19 March 2012, process, and will continue to do so as the Bill goes Official Report, column 518W, on higher education: through Parliament. admissions, how his Department budgets for the funding level required to provide student loans and maintenance Higher Education: Barnsley support for students enrolled with private higher education providers if his Department neither collects data on the Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for average fee level, nor controls the number of students Business, Innovation and Skills how many people who can access such funding. [107538] normally resident in Barnsley East constituency entered university in each year since 1990. [107952] Mr Willetts: The Department closely monitors expenditure on student support, including by private Mr Willetts: Figures on UK higher education institution higher education providers, and takes action where entrants from Barnsley East constituency from 1995/96 necessary to deal with any specific risks of overspending. onwards are shown in the following table. Constituency-level statistics are not available for earlier academic years. The Government set out in the White Paper “Students at the Heart of the System” and the associated Technical Entrants to UK higher education institutions from Barnsley East constituency Consultation, their intention that all providers that 1995/96 to 2010/11 access student support funding will, in future, be subject Academic year Entrants to student number controls. 1995-96 295 The Government are giving careful consideration to 1996-97 345 how this proposal is to be taken forward. 1997-98 405 1998-99 445 1999-2000 405 Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2000-01 465 Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the 2001-02 495 answer of 27 March 2012, Official Report, column 2002-03 480 1141W, on higher education: private sector, for what 2003-04 470 reason non-completion rates are not collected from 2004-05 495 private and for-profit higher education providers whose 2005-06 535 courses are designated; and if he will make it his policy 2006-07 515 to collect such information. [108388] 2007-08 520 2008-09 580 Mr Willetts: Institutions in receipt of grant funding 2009-10 660 from the Higher Education Funding Council for England 2010-11 735 (HEFCE) are required to submit data to the Higher Notes: Education Statistical Agency (HESA) as a condition of 1. Figures are based on a snapshot as at 1 December and have been rounded to that funding. These arrangements have been in place the nearest five. 2. Parliamentary constituency is derived from the student’s postcode. Data for since HESA was established in 1993. The condition to 2010/11 is based on the revised boundaries in the 2010 general election. submit data to HESA is not placed on institutions not 3. Excludes the Open University due to inconsistencies in their coding of funded by HEFCE. entrants across the time series. 4. Excludes students studying an HE qualification in a further education We are committed to moving towards a more level college. Source: playing field for all higher education providers. Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record Higher Education: Private Sector Information Officers Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) with reference to the Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 19 March 2012, Official Report, column Business, Innovation and Skills how much has been 518W, on higher education: admissions, what financial claimed in reimbursement expenses by press officers in controls are in place to limit the amount of public his Department, its agencies and public bodies since expenditure allocated to private higher education institutions May 2010. [108504] 521W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 522W

Norman Lamb: From May 2010, until May 2012 the Letter from Peter Mason, dated 17 May 2012: total travel and subsistence claims by the Department I am responding in respect of the National Measurement for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) press office Office (NMO) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 16 May was £5,730.26. 2012, asking the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills about the amount of reimbursement expenses This included supporting our large team of Ministers claimed by press officers. on visits across the country, and around the world to promote British businesses and British higher and further NMO does not have any full-time press officer, but there are two members of staff whose duties include those of a press education. officer. They claimed reimbursement expenses (i.e. Travel and As is the usual practice in the public and private Subsistence) of £777.38 for the period between May 2010 and sector, all departmental staff are entitled to be reimbursed April 2012. for money they have paid out as a result of their duties. Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 21 May 2012: There are strict controls on what sort of expenditure Thank you for your question asking the Secretary of State, can be claimed for and all claims must be approved by a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much has manager before they are paid. been claimed in reimbursement expenses by press officers in his I have asked chief executives of the executive agencies Department, its agencies and public bodies since May 2010. to respond directly to the hon. Member. This information Please be advised that a total figure of £1,369.25 has been is not held by BIS in respect of non-departmental claimed in reimbursement expenses by press officers in the Skills public bodies. Funding Agency since May 2010. Letter from David Williams, dated 18 May 2012: Letter from Tim Moss, dated 17 May 2012: Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Question tabled 16 May 2012, UIN 108504 to the Secretary of asking how much has been claimed in reimbursement expenses by State for Business, Innovation and Skills. press officers in his Department, its agencies and public bodies Since May 2010 £816.95 has been claimed in reimbursement since May 2010. expenses by Companies House’s press officers: £308.75 in 2010/11 The UK Space Agency became an executive agency of the and £508.20 in 2011/12. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on 1 April 2011 The press officers are also responsible for dealing with Social and nothing has been claimed in reimbursement expenses by Media and internal communications work for Companies House. press officers during the financial year 2011/12. The above amounts also include expenses claimed for work Letter from Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB, dated 17 May carried out in these roles. 2012: Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 18 May 2012: As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation I have been asked to contact you in response to your parliamentary and Skills has asked me to reply to your question asking how question asking the Secretary of State of the Department for much has been claimed in reimbursement expenses by press Business, Innovation and Skills, how much has been claimed in officers in his Department, its agencies and public bodies since reimbursement expenses by press officers in his Department, its May 2010. agencies and public bodies since May 2010. Press officers in The Insolvency Service Executive Agency of The total amount claimed in reimbursement expenses by press the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have made no officers at Ordnance Survey since May 2010 is £52.87. claims for reimbursement of expenses since May 2010. Letter from John Alty, dated 18 May 2012: Insolvency Act 1986 I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 16th May 2012, to the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Skills. Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations The Intellectual Property Office does not employ any press he has received on possible amendments to section 233 officers directly, with queries going through BIS, as such there of the Insolvency Act 1986. [108311] were no reimbursement of expenses. Letter from Heather Foster, dated 17 May 2012: Norman Lamb: The issue of possible amendments to section 233 of the Insolvency Act 1986 was raised I write on behalf of Land Registry in response to your among other matters by representatives of the Association Parliamentary Question 108504 tabled on 16 May 2012 which asked the following: of Business Recovery Professionals (R3) at a recent meeting they held with the chief executive of the Insolvency To ask the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation Service. Apart from this, I have received no recent and Skills, how much has been claimed in reimbursement expenses representations on this subject. by press officers in his Department, its agencies and public bodies since May 2010. Since May 2010 there have been no reimbursement expenses Insolvency Service: Stockton on Tees claimed by Land Registry employees in their role as Press Officer. Letter from John Hirst, dated 18 May 2012: Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, I am replying on behalf of the Met Office to your Parliamentary Innovation and Skills what assessment has been made Question tabled on 16 May 2012, UIN 108504 to the Secretary of of the potential effects on (a) travel costs and times for State for Business, Innovation and Skills. those wishing to use insolvency services and (b) other Between 1 May 2010 and 30 April 2012, £2,907 was claimed in areas of the proposed closure of the Stockton on Tees reimbursement expenses by press officers at the Met Office. Insolvency Service apart from the Insolvency Service I hope this helps. report of March 2012. [108269] 523W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 524W

Norman Lamb: No further assessment has been made Sector Skills Council to assess the demand and merit other than the data as set out in the consultation surrounding any future development of a framework document of March 2012 (a copy of which can be for legal executives. found in the Libraries of the House). One of the purposes of the consultation is to elicit information on the potential Manufacturing Industries: Reading effects and impact of the closure on stakeholders in the wider community, to enable an informed decision to be Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, taken. Innovation and Skills how many manufacturing firms are located in Reading West constituency. [107569] Insolvency: Costs Mr Prisk: According to analysis of the Interdepartmental Business Register there were 140 manufacturing enterprises Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for in the Reading West constituency as at March 2012. Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received on (a) a clearer definition and (b) Mutual Societies: Private Sector stricter controls of administration expenses when a business enters administration; and if he will make a Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, statement. [108312] Innovation and Skills what the terms of reference and work programme are of the Independent Adviser on Norman Lamb: The Government is aware of employee ownership in the private sector; and if he will stakeholders’ concerns regarding administration expenses make a statement. [107204] and of the importance of these provisions. We have been engaged with a number of stakeholders on this Norman Lamb: Graeme Nuttall was appointed to matter and continue to gather evidence from them on advise on this issue on 26 January 2012. the effect of the issue in order to help us assess whether to make any changes. The terms Mr Nuttall accepted are to provide advice on how to make it easier for businesses to adopt employee share ownership models; and on other areas of employee Legal Profession: Training share ownership for which I ask advice. Since taking up his role in February Mr Nuttall has, Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, with a team of BIS officials to support him, engaged Innovation and Skills what estimate his Department with and collected evidence from employee-owned has made of the cost of extending the availability of businesses, legal experts, share plan practitioners, business student loans and apprenticeship funding to individuals intermediaries, and others. His working analysis is that studying to become chartered legal executives; and what a lack of awareness, complexity, and a lack of resources/ assessment he has made of the merits of so doing. finance are the main barriers to employee ownership in [108123] the private sector. Mr Nuttall is currently developing recommendations Mr Hayes: From academic year 2013/14 24+ Advanced to Government and any other relevant parties on actions Learning Loans will be available to support those aged to mitigate those barriers and thus promote employee 24 and over to undertake further education courses at ownership further. As my right hon. Friend the Deputy Level 3 and above. The budget available for these loans Prime Minister set out in his speech at the Mansion will be £129 million in 2013-14 and £398 million in House on 16 January 2012, Government will bring 2014-15. The Department for Business, Innovation and together the findings of this work at a summit held in Skills (BIS) published an impact assessment in July July, and I have invited Mr Nuttall to make his 2011, which included estimates of the overall numbers recommendations by that point. of learners that could be supported by loans. A final version of the impact assessment is due to be published New Businesses: Manufacturing Industries in May 2012. BIS has not estimated the potential number of learners Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for with 24+ Advanced Learning Loans that will take individual Business, Innovation and Skills what steps the Government types of course as this will be determined by the choices is taking to increase the number of start-ups by women of individuals. However, the Level 3 Diploma in Law in the manufacturing industry. [108079] and Practice will be eligible for 24+ Advanced Learning Loan support from 2013/14. Mr Prisk: We are tackling outdated perceptions of In order to be designated for the purposes of higher manufacturing, including among women, through our education (HE), courses must, in general, lead to a “See Inside Manufacturing” and “Make it in Great higher education qualification that is awarded or validated Britain” campaigns, to demonstrate how vibrant and by a body with UK degree awarding powers. Currently, rewarding a career in manufacturing can be in the the Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and 21st century. Practice does not meet this requirement and is therefore Late last year, BIS asked the Royal Society and the not designated for HE student support. Royal Academy of Engineering to lead jointly a programme There is currently no apprenticeship framework available to tackle the long-standing issue of diversity in Science, for those individuals seeking to become chartered legal Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). executives. Sector Skills Councils are the organisations They are taking this forward through their existing and responsible for developing apprenticeships frameworks. excellent relationships with a diverse mix of STEM In this instance it would be for the Skills for Justice institutions and businesses to effect a greater emphasis 525W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 526W on challenging leadership at all levels to take on Science: Finance responsibility for delivering the change needed to promote equality. Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for In order to increase the number of start-ups by Business, Innovation and Skills how much his women in the manufacturing industry, it is vital that we Department plans to spend on science capital in encourage women to set up businesses and provide the 2012-13. [107875] support needed to ensure that those businesses thrive. On 23 January, the Prime Minister launched “Business Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation in You”, a major year-long campaign to: and Skills plans to spend £608.9 million on science Promote awareness of the wide range of advice and support capital in 2012-13. available to all businesses through a variety of sources, both publicly funded and private sector; Encourage people to start and grow their own businesses; and Students: Fees and Charges Inspire people through the showcasing of real-life small firms who are thriving despite the current economic situation. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for The campaign highlights the package of information, Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the advice and support that the Government has put in answer of 16 April 2012, Official Report, column place for start-ups and for existing firms. This includes: 293W, on students: fees and changes, for what reason Advice and information available at the figure of £7,500 was used to make the calculation given private higher education providers can only www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home access student loan funding of £6,000 per year; and if our online information service for businesses which we have he will re-calculate his estimate. [108385] recently updated and improved. For start-ups we have a tailored section called “My New Business” which includes a range of online information, training modules, and practical guides. Mr Willetts: In the original estimate given on 13 A new national network of experienced business mentors at March 2012, and as explained in my answer of 16 April 2012, the assumed average fee loan of £7,500 was used www.mentorsme.co.uk/ to estimate the costs of supporting extra student places with over 15,000 experienced business people who want to help at publicly funded institutions. The £6,000 cap for fee mentor those starting out. loans at private higher education providers is not relevant Help with raising finance through continuation of the Enterprise to this calculation. Finance Guarantee scheme which has helped thousands of businesses each year to access the funding they need to start and grow their The £6,000 cap is not expected to make a significant businesses. And support to help businesses to help themselves impact on the overall average fee loan estimate as when trying to access finance, through our “Finance Fitness” students at private institutions currently comprise a campaign. small proportion of the overall population eligible for fee loans. Overseas Trade: Turkey Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the Business, Innovation and Skills what support his effects of higher undergraduate tuition fees on postgraduate Department offers to small and medium-sized enterprises participation; and if he will involve representatives from based in Leicester and the East Midlands to export to the higher education sector in undertaking this assessment. and establish trade links with Turkey. [108343] [108386]

Mr Prisk: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Mr Willetts: The Department has taken steps to Government Department that helps UK-based companies monitor developments in the postgraduate market as a succeed in the global economy.Leicester and East Midlands result of changes in undergraduate tuition fees. We have companies wishing to export to Turkey are encouraged asked the Higher Education Funding Council for England to contact UKTI to discuss appropriate support, including (HEFCE) to review participation in postgraduate study, through the Passport to Export and Gateway to Global as part of a longer term assessment and evaluation of Growth programmes. the impact of funding changes. HEFCE is actively UKTI in the East Midlands works closely with a engaging with the higher education sector on this issue range of partners including the Leicestershire Local and has involved Universities UK (UUK), Guild Higher Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Leicestershire Chamber Education (HE), the sector’s mission groups and individual and other local service providers across the region to institutions in meetings to gain feedback on its approach. help companies to identify the right overseas markets for their goods and services and to help them to succeed Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for there. Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has UKTI has designated Turkey as one of its priority had with (a) banks and (b) the research councils on high growth and emerging markets where they are postgraduate funding since May 2010. [108387] intensifying their efforts and shifting further resources to help UK companies seize opportunities. The UKTI Mr Willetts: Since May 2010, I have had no meetings East Midlands team is planning two trade missions to with banks to specifically discuss postgraduate funding. Turkey during this financial year, having organised I regularly meet with the research councils to discuss a successful missions to the market in each of the last two wide range of issues including all aspects of research years. funding. 527W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 528W

Summertime and the Government would not expect to make any change if there was clear opposition from any part of Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the UK. Innovation and Skills when the contract was advertised Technology Strategy Board for the study to review the scope, quality and robustness of available evidence concerning putting the clocks Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, forward by one hour in the UK all year round; and Innovation and Skills how much the Technology Strategy when he expects the study to be completed. [107644] Board spent on (a) collaborative research and development project grants, (b) knowledge transfer partnership awards, Norman Lamb: The Government decided that a short (c) knowledge transfer network costs, (d) catapult study should be conducted to review the scope, quality centre operating costs, (e) catapult centre capital costs, and robustness of the available evidence concerning (f) Technology Strategy Board contributions to Small putting the clocks forward by one hour, the year round, Business Research Initiative contracts, (g) SMART in the UK. and other grants for research and development to (i) A contract for the study was originally advertised on individual companies and (ii) small and medium-sized 16 February 2012 and then re-advertised on 23 March enterprises, (h) Technology Strategy Board administration 2012 following a lack of response. The study began this costs and (i) other costs in 2011-12. [108377] month and is expected to conclude in July 2012. However, as the Prime Minister has made clear, a Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board’s latest change should only occur if there was UK wide consensus estimated spend figures for 2011/12 are:

2011/12 (£000 estimated) Total grant spend Total grant to individual companies Total grant to SMEs

Collab. R&D 155,292 126,890 28,402 KTPs1 19,900 n/a n/a KTN2 15,900 n/a n/a Catapult centres (operating costs)3 20,800 n/a n/a Catapult centres (capital costs)3 21,500 n/a n/a SBRI (contract) 5,200 5,200 3,000 Smart 23,400 23,400 23,400 TSB admin costs 23,568 — — Other costs 14,891 — — n/a = Not applicable 1 The grant for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships goes to the academic partner in the project. The companies in the partnerships each contribute in the region of £20,000 per annum with most KTPs being for a three year period. 2 The grant for Knowledge Transfer Networks is in respect of the operating costs of each KTN. 3 The grant for Catapults is in respect of the development of the network of Catapult centres.

Final spend figures for the year will not be known The Government will be consulting the civil service until July when it is expected that all accruals for trade unions shortly on changes to current practices 2011/12 will have been fully unwound whereby all invoices around facilities time. relating to the year’s activity will have been received and paid by the Technology Strategy Board. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many days were utilised for paid facility time by each trade union representative in Trade Unions (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies in 2011-12; and at what cost to the public purse. [107370] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many trade union Norman Lamb: The following list shows how many representatives in (a) his Department and (b) each of days were used for paid facility time by each trade its non-departmental public bodies had (i) part-time union representative in Department for Business, Innovation and (ii) full-time paid facility time arrangements in and Skills: 2011-12. [107369] 5 reps used less than 1 day each 2 reps used 25 days Norman Lamb: In 2011-12, the Department for Business, 4 reps used between 1-2 days each Innovation and Skills had two trade union representatives 1 rep used 26 days with full-time paid facility time arrangements and 35 trade union representatives with part-time paid facility 1 rep used 2 days time arrangements. 1 rep used 38 days 3 reps used between 3-4 days each The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills does not hold this information for its non-departmental 1 rep used 80 days public bodies centrally. To do so would incur 1 rep used 6 days disproportionate costs. 1 rep used 153 days 529W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 530W

2 reps used between 7-8 days each 1 rep used 20 days 1 rep used 11 days 1 rep used 66 days 1 rep used 14 days 1 rep used 37.5 days 1 rep used 18 days 2 full-time reps do not apportion their facility time 1 rep used 19 days 15 reps did not use any paid facility time 1 rep used 21 days The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 2 reps used 220 days does not hold this information centrally for its non- Total of 914 days used departmental public bodies. To do so would incur Eight TU representatives did not use any paid facility disproportionate costs. time. The Government will be consulting the civil service The cost of the facility time used in 2011-12 was less trade unions shortly on changes to current practices than £200,000. around facilities time. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills does not hold this information for its non-departmental Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for public bodies centrally. To do so would incur Business, Innovation and Skills if he will place in the disproportionate costs. Library copies of the facility time agreements between The Government will be consulting the civil service trade unions and (a) his Department and (b) each of trade unions shortly on changes to current practices its non-departmental public bodies. [107372] around facilities time. Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for and Skills is content to place in the Library of the Business, Innovation and Skills how many days were House a copy of its facility time agreement. utilised for paid facility time by each trade union The Department does not hold copies of any facility representative in (a) his Department and (b) each of time agreements in place in each of its non-departmental its non-departmental public bodies for trade union (i) public bodies. duties and (ii) activities in 2011-12. [107371] The Government will be consulting the civil service Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation trade unions shortly on changes to current practices and Skills allows trade union representatives paid facility around facilities time. time arrangements for industrial relations duties (e.g. attendance at joint meetings with management on Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental restructure) and trade union activities Business, Innovation and Skills how many trade union (e.g. taking part as a representative in meetings of representatives in (a) his Department and (b) each of official committees of the trade union). The following its non-departmental bodies have faced disciplinary lists show how many days were used for trade union action for abusing paid facility time or public resources activities by each trade union representative in the in each of the last five years. [107373] Department. Number of days used for paid facility time by each TU Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation rep for Trade Union Activities and Skills has not disciplined any trade union representatives 3 reps used less than 1 day each for abusing paid facility time or public resources in each 3 reps used between 1-2 days each of the last five years. 1 rep used 2 days The Department does not hold this information centrally 2 reps used 3 days each for its non-departmental public bodies. To do so would 3 reps used between 5-6 days each incur disproportionate costs. 3 reps used between 7-8 days each The Government will be consulting the civil service 2 reps used between 14-15 days each trade unions shortly on changes to current practices around facilities time. 1 rep used 18 days 1 rep used 25 days 1 rep used 26 days Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many meetings 1 rep used 32 days have taken place between (a) his Department and (b) 2 full-time reps do not apportion their facility time each of its non-departmental bodies and trade union 14 reps did not use any paid facility time representatives utilising paid facility time in each of the Number of days used for paid facility time by each TU last five years to discuss (i) collective bargaining, (ii) rep for Industrial Relations Duties redundancies, (iii) negotiations relating to employment, 4 reps used less than 1 day pay and conditions and (iv) other trade union and 6 reps used between 1-2 days each industrial relations duties; and what the dates and times were of each meeting. [107374] 1 rep used 2 days 2 reps used between 3-4 days each Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation 1 rep used 5 days and Skills and the departmental trade unions have 1 rep used 6 days regular meetings to maintain effective employee relations. 1 rep used 10.5 days To produce the dates and times for each meeting over 1 rep used 14 days the past five years would incur disproportionate costs. 531W Written Answers21 MAY 2012 Written Answers 532W

The Department does not hold this information centrally CHURCH COMMISSIONERS for its non-departmental public bodies. To do so would Listed Buildings: VAT incur disproportionate costs. The Government will be consulting the civil service Andrew Gwynne: To ask the hon. Member for trade unions shortly on changes to current practices Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, around facilities time. what assessment the Church Commissioners have made of the effect on churches in Denton and Reddish constituency of the imposition of VAT on alterations Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, to listed buildings. [107751] Innovation and Skills on how many occasions trade Tony Baldry: Within the constituency of Denton and union representatives from (a) his Department and (b) Reddish, which spans the Diocese of Manchester and each of the non-departmental public bodies have utilised Chester, the Church Commissioners are aware of only paid facility time to represent an employee at a meeting one Parish which is in the process of applying for a or other industrial relations matter in each of the last faculty licence, this is the Parish of St Lawrence, Denton. five years. [107375] The project is proposing the internal renovation and reordering, replacement of the drainage system and various architectural restorations to the II* listed church. Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation The project is yet to receive final approval and currently and Skills does not hold central records on how many has an estimated cost of £500,000 the majority of which occasions trade union representatives represent an employee would have been subject to 0% VAT. at a meeting or other industrial relations matter. This Since the announcement from the Chancellor of the information is kept in the personal case files and to Exchequer on 17 May 2012 regarding the future extension collate this information in each of the last five years of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS), would incur disproportionate costs. the Church Commissioners believe that the parts of the The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills project which would have previously been eligible for does not hold this information centrally for its non- 0% VAT will now be able to apply for funds from the departmental public bodies. To do so would incur LPWGS which has been extended to cover alterations, disproportionate costs. repairs and maintenance, with an extra £30 million being ring fenced by the Treasury to support the scheme. The Government will be consulting the civil service We anticipate that these and other future projects will trade unions shortly on changes to current practices be able to reclaim the full rate of VAT levied on any around facilities time. project of this kind. 13MC Ministerial Corrections21 MAY 2012 Ministerial Corrections 14MC

57,000 more people are in jobs in Northern Ireland Ministerial Correction than were in jobs before the election. The ministerial group is working closely with Ministers in the devolved Monday 21 May 2012 Administration, the Northern Ireland Office and the Treasury to establish whether further steps could be taken to reduce corporation tax and devolve it to Northern Ireland, and we will report later in the summer. NORTHERN IRELAND [Official Report, 16 May 2012, Vol. 545, c. 538.] Corporation Tax Letter of correction from Owen Paterson: The following is the answer given by the Secretary of An error has been identified in the oral answer given State for Northern Ireland, the right hon. Member for on 16 May 2012 to the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), to a question from the Davies). hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) during Northern Ireland Question Time on 16 May 2012. The correct answer should have been:

Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I know that the Secretary Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend will be pleased to of State is, like me, a great believer in low taxes to hear—and the Leader of the Opposition will be delighted stimulate the economy. What discussions has he had to hear—that, thanks to the reductions in corporation with the devolved Administration in Northern Ireland, tax introduced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, and with the Treasury, to try to lower the corporation 27,000 more people are in jobs in Northern Ireland tax rate in Northern Ireland? than were in jobs before the election. The ministerial group is working closely with Ministers in the devolved Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend will be pleased to Administration, the Northern Ireland Office and the hear—and the Leader of the Opposition will be delighted Treasury to establish whether further steps could be to hear—that, thanks to the reductions in corporation taken to reduce corporation tax and devolve it to Northern tax introduced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, Ireland, and we will report later in the summer.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 21 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 823 HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Alcohol-related Antisocial Behaviour ...... 827 Khat...... 836 Antisocial Behaviour...... 833 Non-EU Migrant Cap...... 825 Border Controls ...... 829 Olympics (Police Preparedness)...... 835 Child Detention (Immigration Centres) ...... 835 Police (Administrative Burden) ...... 823 European Convention on Human Rights Police Numbers...... 831 (Immigration) ...... 829 Short-term Visas (Appeals) ...... 838 Heathrow (Delays) ...... 834 Topical Questions ...... 838 Human Trafficking ...... 837 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 21 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 45WS HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Student Loan (Repayment)...... 45WS Migrant Tuberculosis Screening...... 47WS

HEALTH...... 46WS TRANSPORT ...... 50WS Health and Social Care (Information Strategy)...... 46WS Historic Vehicles MOT...... 50WS WALES...... 50WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 47WS National Assembly for Wales (Electoral London Bombings (July 2005) ...... 49WS Arrangements) ...... 50WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 21 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 369W CABINET OFFICE...... 483W Information Officers ...... 369W Average Earnings...... 483W Billing ...... 484W Charities ...... 484W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 511W Community Development...... 484W Apprentices...... 511W Employment: Disability ...... 485W Business: Finance...... 513W Government Departments: Databases...... 485W Care Homes ...... 514W Innovation in Giving Fund ...... 486W Citizens Advice ...... 514W Mitzvah Day UK ...... 486W Citizens’ Advice Bureaux ...... 514W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 486W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 515W Older People ...... 486W Consumer Focus: Intellectual Property Office...... 515W Population ...... 487W Copyright...... 516W Procurement...... 488W Degrees ...... 516W Recruitment ...... 489W Effect of UK Equity Markets On the Risk Assessment ...... 489W Competitiveness of UK Business Review...... 517W Trade Unions ...... 489W Food: Production...... 517W Veterans: Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 490W Groceries Code Adjudicator ...... 518W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 491W Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill ...... 518W Higher Education: Barnsley ...... 519W Higher Education: Private Sector...... 519W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 532W Information Officers ...... 520W Listed Buildings: VAT ...... 532W Insolvency Act 1986...... 522W Insolvency: Costs ...... 523W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 392W Insolvency Service: Stockton on Tees...... 522W Accountancy...... 392W Legal Profession: Training ...... 523W Audit Commission ...... 393W Manufacturing Industries: Reading ...... 524W EU Grants and Loans...... 393W Mutual Societies: Private Sector...... 524W Housing: North East...... 394W New Businesses: Manufacturing Industries...... 524W Land: Registration ...... 394W Overseas Trade: Turkey...... 525W Meetings ...... 394W Science: Finance...... 526W Mitzvah Day UK ...... 395W Students: Fees and Charges...... 526W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 395W Summertime...... 527W Non-domestic Rates...... 395W Technology Strategy Board...... 528W Non-domestic Rates: Charities...... 395W Trade Unions ...... 527W Planning Inspectorate ...... 396W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE—continued continued Training ...... 377W Procurement...... 396W Travel ...... 377W Shingle Recycling: Dungeness ...... 397W Telephone Services...... 397W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 365W Trade Unions ...... 398W Carbon Emissions...... 365W Wind Power: Scotland...... 398W Consultants...... 365W Exhaust Emissions: Large Good Vehicles ...... 366W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 378W Manpower...... 366W Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement...... 378W Minerals...... 366W Broadband ...... 378W National Grid ...... 367W Carbon Emissions...... 379W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 368W Casinos and Bingo Clubs ...... 379W Procurement...... 368W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 379W Redundancy...... 369W Copyright: Internet ...... 380W Security...... 369W Cultural Heritage ...... 380W Western Power Distribution ...... 369W Food: Marketing...... 381W Members: Correspondence ...... 381W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 381W AFFAIRS...... 430W Procurement...... 381W Nature Conservation...... 430W Risk Assessment ...... 382W Trade Unions ...... 382W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 445W VisitBritain ...... 383W Bahrain ...... 445W China ...... 445W DEFENCE...... 437W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 445W Armed Forces: Mental Health Services...... 437W Consultants...... 446W Army: Foreign Nationals ...... 437W Drugs: EU Action...... 447W Carbon Emissions...... 438W Eritrea...... 447W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 438W Ethiopia ...... 448W Defence: Procurement...... 438W Exports ...... 448W Manpower...... 439W Foreign Investment in UK ...... 448W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 440W Israel...... 449W Ordnance Board: Disclosure of Information ...... 440W Lithuania ...... 450W Procurement...... 440W Middle East ...... 450W RAF Northolt...... 441W Nigeria...... 451W Risk Assessment ...... 441W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 451W Sick Leave ...... 441W North Africa ...... 451W Telephone Services...... 442W North Africa and Middle East ...... 452W Territorial Army ...... 442W Sudan: South Sudan ...... 452W Trade Unions ...... 443W Telephone Services...... 453W Veterans: Mental Health Services...... 444W Thailand ...... 453W Weapons: Radioactive Waste ...... 444W Trade Unions ...... 455W Western Sahara ...... 456W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 482W Constituencies...... 482W HEALTH...... 457W House of Lords: Reform...... 482W Alcoholic Drinks: Drugs...... 457W Trade Unions ...... 482W Babies ...... 457W Voter Identification...... 483W Breast Cancer: Screening...... 458W Breasts: Plastic Surgery...... 458W EDUCATION...... 398W Cancer ...... 458W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 398W Care Homes ...... 459W Email ...... 399W Childbirth ...... 460W English Baccalaureate: West Midlands...... 400W Cystic Fibrosis ...... 460W Food Technology: Young People...... 401W Depressive Illnesses...... 461W Free School Meals: South West...... 402W Diabetes ...... 461W Fruit...... 403W Drugs: Regulation...... 461W Manpower...... 403W Epilepsy ...... 462W Procurement...... 403W Epilepsy: Drugs...... 463W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 403W Hepatitis: Prisoners...... 463W Pupils: West Midlands ...... 404W Hospital Beds: Southwark ...... 464W Schools: Food ...... 405W Hospitals: Consultants...... 464W Schools: North Yorkshire...... 405W Hospitals: Greater London ...... 465W Stakeholder Advocacy Group ...... 406W Mental Illness ...... 466W Taxis ...... 406W Multiple Sclerosis: Death Certificates ...... 467W Theft ...... 406W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 467W Nurses: Birmingham...... 467W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 375W Palliative Care...... 468W Allowances...... 375W Pancreatic Cancer ...... 469W Furniture ...... 375W Post-traumatic Stress Disorder...... 470W Hotels ...... 376W Prescription Drugs...... 471W Logos...... 377W Procurement...... 471W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued TRANSPORT—continued Radiotherapy ...... 472W Carbon Emissions...... 384W Schizophrenia ...... 473W Driving: Licensing...... 386W Streptococcus...... 474W Driving Offences ...... 385W Driving under Influence...... 385W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 431W Highways Agency ...... 386W Arrest Warrants ...... 431W Midland Main Line...... 387W Association of British Insurers...... 432W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 387W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 432W Procurement...... 388W Crime Prevention ...... 432W Railways: North West ...... 388W Discrimination: Ethnic Groups...... 432W Redundancy...... 388W Driving: Eyesight ...... 433W Roads: Accidents ...... 389W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 434W Shipping...... 389W Entry Clearances: Pakistan ...... 434W Speed Limits ...... 390W Entry Clearances: South Asia ...... 433W Transport ...... 391W Immigration Controls ...... 434W Transport: Exports...... 392W Immigration Controls: Foreign Workers ...... 435W Immigration Controls: Merseyside...... 435W TREASURY ...... 421W Immigration: Married People...... 435W Arch Cru...... 421W Members: Correspondence ...... 435W Construction Industry Scheme...... 421W Organised Crime: EU Action...... 435W Crown Estate ...... 422W Police: Firearms ...... 436W Employee Benefit Trusts ...... 423W Police Numbers...... 431W Exhaust Emissions: Motor Vehicles ...... 423W Police Officer and Staff Remuneration and Income Tax ...... 423W Conditions Independent Review ...... 436W Infrastructure UK...... 424W Police Remuneration and Conditions...... 431W Midland Main Line...... 424W Procurement...... 436W Mobile Phones ...... 424W Sexual Offences: Drugs ...... 437W Mountain Rescue...... 425W PAYE...... 425W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 373W Pensioners: Social Security Benefits ...... 425W Security...... 373W Pensioners: Tax Allowances ...... 426W Procurement...... 426W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 475W Railways: Radlett ...... 426W Developing Countries: Malnutrition ...... 475W Revenue and Customs...... 427W Israel...... 477W Tonnage Tax ...... 428W Manpower...... 477W VAT ...... 428W North Africa and Middle East ...... 478W Welfare Tax Credits...... 429W Overseas Aid...... 479W Procurement...... 479W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 372W Sahel ...... 480W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 372W South Sudan ...... 481W Furniture ...... 373W Hotels ...... 374W JUSTICE...... 406W Training ...... 373W Community Orders ...... 406W Travel ...... 373W Criminal Proceedings ...... 408W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 409W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 491W Personal Injury: Compensation...... 409W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 491W Probation ...... 409W Consultants...... 493W Probation: Essex ...... 411W Crisis Loans: Leicester ...... 493W Public Order Offences ...... 415W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 493W Reoffenders...... 416W Employment Schemes ...... 494W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 416W Employment Schemes: Lone Parents ...... 495W Theft: Convictions ...... 417W Employment Schemes: Veterans...... 495W Translation Services ...... 418W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 496W Young Offenders: Greater Manchester...... 418W Pensioners: Income ...... 496W Pensioners: Means Tested Benefits...... 503W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 370W Pensioners: Personal Savings...... 505W Dealing with the Past ...... 370W Personal Independence Payment: Visual Egypt ...... 370W Impairment...... 505W Gerry McGeough...... 370W Post Office Card Account ...... 506W Good Friday Agreement ...... 371W Social Fund: Scotland...... 507W Pat Finucane ...... 371W Social Security Benefits...... 508W Procurement...... 372W Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...... 509W PRIME MINISTER ...... 430W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 509W Iraq Committee of Inquiry ...... 430W Social Security Benefits: Lone Parents ...... 509W NATO...... 430W St Mungo’s: Employment Schemes ...... 509W Universal Credit...... 510W TRANSPORT ...... 383W Work Capability Assessment...... 510W Billing ...... 383W Work Capability Assessment: Appeals ...... 511W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Monday 21 May 2012

Col. No. NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 13MC Corporation Tax ...... 13MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 28 May 2012

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CONTENTS

Monday 21 May 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 823] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for the Home Department

Employment Law (Beecroft Report) [Col. 846] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Prisk)

Local Government Finance Bill [Col. 863] Programme motion (No. 2)—(Robert Neill)—agreed to As amended, considered; read the Third time and passed

Budget (Coventry) [Col. 959] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 45WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 365W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 13MC]