Every parliamentary written question tabled by Grahame Morris this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 301–320 of 411 · this parliament
What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the recent report submitted to the International Maritime Organisation by the International Transport Workers Federation on cases of seafarer abandonment in the shipping industry.
The report was submitted for consideration at the 112th Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization. As with all papers submitted to the committee, we are currently reviewing in advance of the Committee in March.
How many staff in her Department have been (a) affected by, (b) had their employment terminated and (c) had to leave the Department due to workplace visa rules in the last 12 months.
(a) DWP does not hold this information as people will be affected differently depending on their personal circumstances. (b) DWP has not terminated employment. Contract end dates are aligned with Home Office right to work dates. (c) In the last 12 months 15 people have left the DWP at the contract end date in line with their visa expiry date. DWP are unable to confirm how many of these left the department specifically due to workplace visa rules.
What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of buvidal in (a) County Durham and (b) Easington constituency.
Local authorities are responsible for commissioning drug and alcohol services according to local need, and this includes the provision of buprenorphine long-acting injections, including Buvidal. The Department funds local authorities to deliver drug and alcohol treatment services through the Public Health Grant and the additional Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant. Through the Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant, the Department allocated local authorities an additional £267 million in 2024/25 to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. Funding for 2025/26 will be announced very shortly.The Department has advised local areas that they are able to use these funding sources to enable the prescribing of buprenorphine long-acting injections in their areas, and advises and supports local areas to establish, maintain, and grow this provision. The Department promotes sharing and learning between local authorities and is working on additional clinical guidance which will be published later this year.It is a clinical decision whether to offer this treatment, based on an individual assessment and personal choice. Buvidal is available in all regions in England, including in County Durham and Easington, and including for those who have been released from prison. The Government has no current plans to ring fence funding specifically for the provision of Buvidal and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not held discussions with Cabinet colleagues specifically on this issue and the provision of Buvidal for prisoners.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the availability of buvidal for people released from prison.
Local authorities are responsible for commissioning drug and alcohol services according to local need, and this includes the provision of buprenorphine long-acting injections, including Buvidal. The Department funds local authorities to deliver drug and alcohol treatment services through the Public Health Grant and the additional Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant. Through the Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant, the Department allocated local authorities an additional £267 million in 2024/25 to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. Funding for 2025/26 will be announced very shortly.The Department has advised local areas that they are able to use these funding sources to enable the prescribing of buprenorphine long-acting injections in their areas, and advises and supports local areas to establish, maintain, and grow this provision. The Department promotes sharing and learning between local authorities and is working on additional clinical guidance which will be published later this year.It is a clinical decision whether to offer this treatment, based on an individual assessment and personal choice. Buvidal is available in all regions in England, including in County Durham and Easington, and including for those who have been released from prison. The Government has no current plans to ring fence funding specifically for the provision of Buvidal and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not held discussions with Cabinet colleagues specifically on this issue and the provision of Buvidal for prisoners.
Whether he has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the availability of Buvidal.
Local authorities are responsible for commissioning drug and alcohol services according to local need, and this includes the provision of buprenorphine long-acting injections, including Buvidal. The Department funds local authorities to deliver drug and alcohol treatment services through the Public Health Grant and the additional Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant. Through the Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant, the Department allocated local authorities an additional £267 million in 2024/25 to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. Funding for 2025/26 will be announced very shortly.The Department has advised local areas that they are able to use these funding sources to enable the prescribing of buprenorphine long-acting injections in their areas, and advises and supports local areas to establish, maintain, and grow this provision. The Department promotes sharing and learning between local authorities and is working on additional clinical guidance which will be published later this year.It is a clinical decision whether to offer this treatment, based on an individual assessment and personal choice. Buvidal is available in all regions in England, including in County Durham and Easington, and including for those who have been released from prison. The Government has no current plans to ring fence funding specifically for the provision of Buvidal and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not held discussions with Cabinet colleagues specifically on this issue and the provision of Buvidal for prisoners.
Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of ringfencing funding for buvidal.
Local authorities are responsible for commissioning drug and alcohol services according to local need, and this includes the provision of buprenorphine long-acting injections, including Buvidal. The Department funds local authorities to deliver drug and alcohol treatment services through the Public Health Grant and the additional Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant. Through the Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery grant, the Department allocated local authorities an additional £267 million in 2024/25 to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. Funding for 2025/26 will be announced very shortly.The Department has advised local areas that they are able to use these funding sources to enable the prescribing of buprenorphine long-acting injections in their areas, and advises and supports local areas to establish, maintain, and grow this provision. The Department promotes sharing and learning between local authorities and is working on additional clinical guidance which will be published later this year.It is a clinical decision whether to offer this treatment, based on an individual assessment and personal choice. Buvidal is available in all regions in England, including in County Durham and Easington, and including for those who have been released from prison. The Government has no current plans to ring fence funding specifically for the provision of Buvidal and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not held discussions with Cabinet colleagues specifically on this issue and the provision of Buvidal for prisoners.
If she will list the providers that have entered into Prison Education Service contracts in the last 12 months.
The information requested is in the public domain. The names of contractors are published via Contracts Finder - GOV.UK. For ease of reference, Prison Education Services entered into in the last 12 months are provided below: Supplier Associated Training Services (ATS) LtdBarber Training & EducationBeating Time (also known as "Choirs Beating Time")Belong: Making Justice HappenBrighton Table Tennis ClubCAP Enterprise (Kent) cicCareer ConnectCatimor Ltd t/a Redemption RoastersChanging TunesChess in Schools and CommunitiesChichester College GroupCity and Guilds of London InstituteCombat2Coffee C.I.CCommunity Arts Projects UKCommunity Training Solutions LimitedComplete skills solutionsCronin Music LtdDominic WaldronElite Project Services LtdFood Behind BarsFTW TrainingFusion21 LtdGet Skills Employment & Training LtdGet Wise Enterprise C.I.CGLA GroupGood VibrationsGREEN SKILLS PARTNERSHIP C.I.C.Hampshire Cultural TrustIndependent sewing machinesIngeus UK LimitedInside Ecommerce Academy CICIpswich and Suffolk Council for Racial EqualitykarenmackeyconsultantsKey Training and Learning LtdKinetic Youth LtdLiberty KitchenLife Cycle UKLincolnshire Action TrustLTE Group (Trading as Novus)Mainstream TrainingMaverick Sounds LtdMilton Keynes CollegeMomentic Limitedn-ergy Group LimitedNorthampton Saints FoundationOdd ArtsOpen College Network London RegionOrmiston FamiliesPeoplePlus Group LtdPrison Advice & Care Trust (pact)RECOOPRIFT Social ReformRMF Construction Training Academy Ltd.Rocketeer Enterprise LtdSaints FoundationSeetec Business Technology Centre LimitedSevenThreeOneShakespeare Un'bardShannon Trustspark InsideSt Giles TrustSynergy Theatre ProjectThe Clink CharityThe Growth Company LtdThe Prison Phoenix TrustThe Restore TrustThe Safety BoxThe Zahid Mubarek TrustUnity Restorative PracticesUniversity of Central LancashireUnlock DramaWANT2ACHIEVE THE ACADEMY LIMITED
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the marginal pricing system on consumer electricity bills.
With marginal pricing, the price of electricity is set by the last technology needed to meet overall demand. The marginal price reflects the value of generating an additional unit of electricity at any given time. This ensures that generators increase or decrease their output to meet demand and incentivises them to make efficiency improvements to remain competitive in electricity markets and keep costs down for consumers. As part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) programme, the Government is also considering what further steps can be taken to protect consumers from the impacts of potential price spikes.
What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of probation officer salary levels on staff retention rates.
We are committed to supporting probation staff. We brought forward planned increases to pay, impacting the majority of staff, from 1 October 2024 to 1 April 2024, enabling access to improved pay earlier than planned. These improvements will benefit staff at a time of exceptional pressure for the Probation Service and recognises their resilience and dedication.We shortly intend to engage with Trade Union colleagues about a new pay deal effective April 2025 following the current multi-year deal coming to an end in March 2025. Recruitment and Retention data is a critical piece of information used to inform pay discussions.Probation Officer leaving rates to September 2024 can be found in Table 11 of our published statistics: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673de4672ff787d4e01b0886/hmpps-workforce-statistics-tables-sep-2024.ods
If she will make an estimate of the level of pay rise that would be required for probation officers for their salaries to be at the same real-terms level they were in 2010.
Probation is currently in a multi-year pay deal covering the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025.This pay deal has provided certainty in pay increases throughout the period while securing necessary reforms to the pay structure helping to resolve some longstanding pay issues. Engagement will shortly commence with Trade Unions about a new pay deal effective 1 April 2025, working within the parameters set by the Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance. We have already brought forward the pay increase for 2024/25 from October to April of that year to provide earlier access to increased pay for our hardworking probation officers, who we acknowledge are under acute pressure.
What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of probation officer salaries in the context of the (a) workload and (b) level of stress associated with this role.
The Probation Service this Government inherited was burdened with a workload which often exceeded what staff should be expected to handle. Probation staff are drawn to the profession because it is a vocation, it is right that we recognise the resilience and dedication of our staff.To achieve this and support our hardworking probation staff, in October, we brought forward planned increases to pay, impacting the majority of staff by six months enabling access to improved pay earlier than planned.We shortly intend to engage with Trade Union colleagues about a new pay deal effective April 2025, following the current multi-year deal coming to an end in March 2025.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure the pricing mechanism for electricity reflects the lower generation costs of renewables.
Unabated gas generation is increasingly being displaced on the system by the rollout of renewables, setting the marginal price less frequently. The most effective mechanism for driving renewable generation is a Contract for Difference-type scheme that includes key features such as competitive auctions to minimise costs to consumers, alongside a mechanism wherein generators pay back when wholesale prices are high. The Government is committed to retaining this type of scheme and as part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements programme, is also considering what further steps can be taken to protect consumers from the impacts of potential price spikes.
How many officials in her Department are employed to oversee the work of (a) Shadow GBR (b) HS2 Ltd and (c) train operating companies.
Shadow GBR consists of the three leaders of Network Rail, DfT Operator Limited (DfTO), and the Department for Transport’s Rail Services Group working together with the Chair, Laura Shoaf CBE. At present seven officials in the Department are employed to mobilise these arrangements (with some working on SGBR alongside other priorities). As at January 2025, there are approximately 175 officials in DfT's Major Rail Projects Group, which has responsibility for developing and sponsoring the delivery of HS2, the Euston programme, Northern Powerhouse Rail and future network planning. Within the Department’s markets teams there are 113 officials overseeing the rail franchise contracts.
What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) debt levels and (b) regulated asset base gearing by UK airports.
The UK aviation sector operates predominantly within the private market, and decisions regarding asset financing are at the discretion of individual airports and their owners. Heathrow Airport is unique amongst UK airports in maintaining an active Regulatory Asset Base as part of its economic regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Since this regulation is independent from Government, the Department does not conduct routine analysis of debt and gearing levels in relation to Heathrow.
When Network Rail plans to announce the preferred bidder for Project Reach.
Subject to the Project Reach business case going through DfT approval, Network Rail plans to announce the parties involved in any contract signature. Neos Networks has, however, separately made an announcement on their website stating they are in exclusive talks with Network Rail.
What estimate she has made of Network Rail’s increased in national insurance contributions.
Before the National Insurance increase announcement in the budget, Network Rail’s estimated National Insurance payment was £1.26bn for the remaining four years of Control Period 7 (2025/26 – 2028/29). Following the budget, it’s now anticipated to increase by £213m over this timeframe.
What estimate she has made of the amount spent by her Department on rail enhancements in each year of control period (a) five, (b) six and (c) seven.
Rail enhancements in England and Wales have been delivered through the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline since Control Period six (CP6), prior to that they were delivered directly through Network Rail. The following has been spent on enhancements in each financial year in Control Periods five (CP5) and CP6. Figures for Control Period seven are not yet available as no years have yet concluded. All figures are presented in £millions nominal and exclude third party contributions.CP5 year 1 – 2014/15: £2,597CP5 year 2 – 2015/16: £2,950CP5 year 3 – 2016/17: £3,123CP5 year 4 – 2017/18: £2,951CP5 year 5 – 2018/19: £2,680CP6 year 1 – 2019/20: £1,620CP6 year 2 – 2020/21: £1,459CP6 year 3 – 2021/22: £1,626CP6 year 4 – 2022/23: £1,832CP6 year 5 – 2023/24: £2,112
If she will make an assessment of the value for money of Network Rail’s signalling framework contracts.
Network Rail is responsible for the frameworks governing train signalling systems. In April 2024, Network Rail announced a £4bn, 10-year signalling framework - the Train Control Systems Framework (TCSF). The framework runs from 2024 until 2034 of which £3bn will be spent on digital signalling (ETCS) and £1bn on conventional signalling. The framework is one of the remedies published by Network Rail in response to the market study conducted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to provide value for money through cost, quality and innovation. ORR holds Network Rail to account for the delivery of its operations, support, maintenance, and renewals programmes. As the Digital Signalling Portfolio is included in the ORR’s final determination of Network Rail’s renewals funding, ORR will carry out monitoring of this portfolio of works during Control Period 7 (CP7). More details about the frameworks can be found on the Network Rail website. Network Rail’s £4bn train control systems framework to revolutionise signalling across Britain.
What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of prison officer salary levels on staff retention rates.
The 2024/25 Prison Service pay award delivered a pay rise of at 5% for all Band 3 – 5 Prison Officers on modernised terms and conditions. This brings the starting salary for an entry level officer (on the national rate, 39 hours with unsocial hours) from £32,851 to £34,494.As of 30 September 2024, there are 23,571 Band 3-5 Full Time Equivalent Prison Officers in post, and nationally across establishments we are at 99.5% of our Target Staffing Figure (when using hours adjusted FTE). We have seen indications of an improving retention picture in the past two years – as of September 2024, the resignation rate for Band 3-5 prison officers was 8.5%, which is an improvement of 3 percentage points since September 2022 (11.5%).When asked about their primary reason for leaving the prison service, Pay and Reward no longer consistently features in the top five reasons for leaving as cited by staff in exit interviews.
What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of prison officer salaries given the levels of (a) risk and (b) stress of this role.
Prison Service staff are some of our finest public servants. Despite their hard work, the Prison Service has been under immense pressure due to an increasing population and ageing estate.One of the first things this Government did upon coming into office was to accept the independent recommendations of the Prison Service Pay Review Body in full. This delivered a pay rise of 5% for Band 3-5 Prison Officers on modernised terms and conditions. This brings the starting salary for an entry level officer (on the national rate, 39 hours with unsocial hours) from £32,851 to £34,494.Given the challenges of working in a prison, we provide extensive mental health support, including a 24-hour helpline, confidential counselling, and online wellbeing services. Our Trauma Risk Management practitioners and Care Teams provide further support following any incidents while on duty.