Every parliamentary written question tabled by Victoria Collins this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 721–740 of 743 · this parliament
Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timetable is for banning the use of snare traps.
This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only. The Government will introduce the most ambitious programme for animal welfare in a generation. As outlined in our manifesto, we will bring an end to the use of snare traps. We are considering the most effective way to deliver this commitment and will be setting out next steps in due course.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of listing air-to-air heat pumps as a cost-effective way to improve a property’s energy performance certificate rating.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a critical tool in informing consumers about the running costs of their homes, helping them reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions. The EPC model already recognises the performance of air-to-air heat pumps. The government is reviewing the building physics model and methodology underpinning EPCs to better support net zero goals, including deployment of heat pumps. Government will shortly set out a consultation with proposals for improvements to EPCs, including proposals for improving EPC metrics.
If he will introduce a statutory guarantee of regular respite breaks for unpaid carers.
The Government is committed to ensuring that families have the support that they need. We want to ensure that people who care for family and friends are better able to look after their own health and wellbeing.Local authorities have duties to support people caring for their family and friends. The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of sustainable, high-quality care and support services, including support such as respite and breaks for carers.However, Lord Darzi’s independent review of the National Health Service is clear that a fresh approach to supporting and involving unpaid carers is required to improve outcomes for carers, people needing care, and the NHS. We will carefully consider these findings as part of our 10-Year Health Plan for reforming and modernising the NHS and as we develop plans to reform adult social care, including through the National Care Service.Support for unpaid carers must also be addressed in the wider context of the need for a renewed vision for adult social care. As we move forward, we will collaborate with our counterparts across Government, unpaid carers, and sector partners, to make sure that unpaid carers are visible, valued, and supported.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Universal Care Plan for London to the East of England.
The Department is not planning to make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Universal Care Plan, as this would be a decision for local determination by commissioners and their providers.As we work towards a single patient record, we will be engaging with the public, professions, and stakeholders to understand what matters to them, and we will be keen to hear their experience of local or regional programmes, to join up data to support patient care.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of paying carers at national living wage rates.
Many people will care for friends or family members at some point in their life, and it is right that we recognise the vitally important role of unpaid carers. That is why we are expecting to spend around £4.2 billion this year to support them through Carer’s Allowance. The principal purpose of Carer's Allowance is to provide a measure of financial support and recognition for people who are not able to work full-time because of their caring responsibilities. It was never intended to be a carer's wage nor a payment for the services of caring and is, therefore, not comparable with the National Living Wage. The Secretary of State undertakes a statutory annual review of benefit and pensions, and the level of Carer’s Allowance is protected by Up-rating it each year in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the carer element and the additional amount for carers respectively.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a Grocery Supply Code of Practice for all (a) upstream and (b) mid-supply chain businesses.
The Groceries Supply Code of Practice covers direct suppliers to large retailers in the UK and was introduced after a competition investigation into the grocery retail sector. Power imbalances between trading businesses can make smaller parties susceptible to unfair trading practices. At the production end of the supply chain, powers in the Agriculture Act allow us to introduce ‘Fair Dealings’ Regulations, applying to businesses when purchasing agricultural products from farmers. Such regulations have been introduced to cover the UK dairy sector. We will continue to monitor the supply chain and can intervene where there is evidence of unfair behaviour. The Government will deliver a resilient and healthy food system, with a new deal that ensures fairness in the supply chain across all sectors.
What steps she is taking to improve the accountability of SEND support within schools; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the complaint routes for parents.
The department welcomes the publication of the response to the Big Listen, which stated that Ofsted will consult on introducing a new inspection judgement area for inclusion across education settings. The department continues to work with Ofsted to consider how outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or in alternative provision (AP), are better reflected in the Education Inspection and the Area SEND inspection frameworks going forwards.Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission began a strengthened local inspection framework in January 2023, placing a greater emphasis on the outcomes being achieved for children and young people. This is an important tool to maintain a focus on high standards in the SEND system across all partners.The department works to monitor, support and, where necessary, challenge local authorities, working closely with NHS England to tackle any weaknesses that sit with health partners. Where a local authority does not meet its duties, the department can take action that prioritises children’s needs and supports local areas to bring about rapid improvement.There are several routes of redress for parents or young people who disagree with the decisions or actions of their educational setting or local authority. However, the department understands these processes can be lengthy and difficult for families to navigate. It is in everyone’s interests that routes of redress are set out clearly and that complaints are resolved at the earliest possible stage.The department is working to support inclusive practice in mainstream schools whilst ensuring that specialist provision meets the needs of children and young people who need it.
What steps his Department is taking to speed up compensation payments for sub-postmasters impacted by the Horizon IT System.
Government is committed to providing redress to individuals affected by the Horizon scandal as quickly as possible. Real progress is being made; as of 30 September 2024, approximately £363 million has been paid to over 2,900 claimants across the available schemes. We however continue to seek options to speed up redress, in discussion with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board. For example, we have recently committed to providing offers in response to fully completed claims to the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme within 40 working days in 90% of cases, in line with the commitment on the GLO scheme which we are currently meeting.
What steps his Department is taking to improve the (a) integration and (b) coordination of end of life care services.
The Government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure that patients and their families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and palliative and end of life care services will have a big role to play in that shift.Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative and end of life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.Within the statutory guidance, it is made clear that ICBs should consider working collectively with colleagues across health, social care, local government, and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector to develop systems to best meet the needs of their populations.I have recently met NHS England and discussions have begun on how to reduce inequalities and variation in access to, and the quality of, palliative and end of life care. Additionally, we have committed to develop a 10-Year Health Plan to deliver a National Health Service fit for the future, by driving three shifts in the way health care is delivered. We will carefully be considering policies, including those that impact people with palliative and end of life care needs, with input from the public, patients, health staff, and our stakeholders, as we develop the plan.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a right of responsible access to the countryside.
The Government recognises the importance of providing access to the outdoors for people’s health and wellbeing and is working to ensure this is safe and appropriate. Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride, but too many across the country are left without access to the great outdoors. That is why the last Labour Government expanded public access by introducing the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which provided the public a right of access to large areas of mountain, moor, heath, down, registered common land and coastal margin. 2024 marks 75 years since the pioneering post-war Labour Government passed the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which secured public access and preserved natural beauty. This Government will continue to increase access to nature, boosting people’s mental and physical health and leaving a legacy for generations to come. We will create nine new National River Walks, plant three new National Forests and empower communities to create new parks and green spaces in their communities with a new Community Right to Buy. We are considering our approach to improving access to nature and are committed to working with our stakeholders. We will provide a further update in due course.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) increasing the carer's allowance and (b) introducing a taper to ensure unpaid carers are not subject to any removal of benefits.
The Secretary of State undertakes a statutory annual review of benefit and pensions, and the value of Carer’s Allowance is protected by up-rating it each year in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). This Government will keep eligibility criteria and processes of Carer’s Allowance under review, to see if it is meeting its objectives. Introducing a taper in Carer’s Allowance would significantly complicate the benefit with awards having to be manually adjusted on a weekly basis for some recipients declaring earnings. This would add to administrative costs and potentially increase fraud and error. Those also receiving Universal Credit would need to have that adjusted if their payment of Carer’s Allowance changed because of an earnings taper rate. A taper could therefore only be introduced following significant changes to the IT system that supports payment of Carer’s Allowance.
What steps she is taking to reform the funding formula used to distribute SEND funds.
The department is taking time to consider the various funding formulae that the department and local authorities use to allocate funding for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. It is important that there is a fair education funding system, that directs funding to where it is needed. Budgets for the 2025/26 financial year have not yet been finalised, which means that high needs and schools national funding formula allocations for that year have not been published to the usual timescales. The department will publish information as soon as possible after the Budget announcement on 30 October.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of recognising air-to-air heat pumps in energy performance certificates.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a critical tool in informing consumers about the running costs of their homes, helping them reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions. The EPC model already recognises the performance of air-to-air heat pumps. The government is reviewing the building physics model and methodology underpinning EPCs to better support net zero goals, including deployment of heat pumps. Government will shortly set out a consultation with proposals for improvements to EPCs, including proposals for improving EPC metrics.
If her Department will take steps to help reduce the potential impact of the introduction of VAT on independent school fees for children at independent schools (a) who need SEND support and (b) do not have an ECHP.
Local authorities fund pupils’ places in private schools where their needs can only be met in a private school. For example, in England, where attendance at a private school is required by a child’s education, health and care plan, local authorities will be able to reclaim the VAT on the fees from HMRC.Where parents have chosen to send their child to private school rather than a local authority deeming it necessary, VAT will apply to fees. The department works to support local authorities to ensure that every local area has sufficient places for children that need them and works to provide appropriate support where pupils with special educational needs (SEN) require a place at a state-funded school. For most pupils with SEN, support is provided within a mainstream school.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending eligibility for Carer's Allowance to carers in full-time education.
This Government recognises and appreciates the vital contribution made by all unpaid carers. We think it is right that people in full-time education should be supported by the educational maintenance system, rather than the social security benefit system. That is why, as a general principle, full-time students are usually precluded from entitlement to income-related and income-maintenance benefits, including Carer’s Allowance. Part-time students may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance though. This reflects long-standing principles of the benefit system, and we have no plans to change these rules. Department for Work and Pensions officials work very closely with their Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care counterparts to ensure that young carers get the help and support they need. I will also be meeting the Carers Trust and the Learning and Work Institute to discuss these issues.
What steps his Department is taking to improve the provision of full-time community palliative and end of life care.
We want a society where every person receives high-quality, compassionate care, from diagnosis through to the end of life. The Government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients and their families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and palliative and end of life care will have a big role to play in that shift.Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications to support ICBs in this duty, which make specific reference to the fact that commissioners should ensure there is sufficient access to continuous care.I recently met NHS England and discussions have begun on how to reduce inequalities and variation in access to, and the quality of, palliative and end of life care. We will consider next steps on palliative and end of life care in the coming months.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing the number of hours of care per week required to qualify for Carer's Allowance.
It is a long-standing principle, under successive Governments, since Carer’s Allowance was introduced, that the threshold for the number of hours spent caring is 35 hours a week. Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting elderly or disabled relatives or friends. Sometimes unpaid carers will need to turn to the benefit system for financial support, so it is right that we keep Carer’s Allowance under review, to see if it is meeting its objectives, and giving unpaid carers the help and support they need and deserve.
What steps he is taking to help tackle inequalities in maternal mortality rates for (a) Black women and (b) women from ethnic minority backgrounds.
It is unacceptable that there are such stark inequalities in maternal outcomes. The Government is committed to closing the black and Asian maternal mortality gap. We are urgently considering the immediate action needed to tackle inequalities for women and babies in maternity care, including what targets are needed. A key objective in NHS England’s three-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services, which we are currently supporting them in delivering, is to reduce inequalities for all in maternity access, experience, and outcomes, and to improve equity for mothers and babies. As part of that, all Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems have published Equity and Equality actions plans to tackle inequalities for women and babies from ethnic minorities and those living in the most deprived areas, tailored to the needs of the local area.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to (a) reintroduce the Kept Animals Bill and (b) introduce a ban on snares.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Devon on 11 October 2024, PQ 7135.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward species-specific legislative proposals to ensure farmed fish do not experience avoidable pain and suffering.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given to the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Vikki Slade, on 9 October 2024, PQ UIN 7335.