31 Jan 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedWhat assessment she has made of the potential impact of GDPR regulations on people who experience bank (a) fraud ,(b) error and (c) deletions.
ReplyDWP will ensure that any data is processed in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. The Department routinely handles large volumes of data and has robust security processes in place to manage the safe transfer, storage, and use of data.
31 Jan 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedIf she will take steps to support benefits claimants who are being investigated by her Department but no longer have access to required information because it has been deleted by their bank.
ReplyWhere DWP is conducting a criminal investigation into suspected fraud it may request relevant information from third parties. Information received may be presented as evidence if that investigation proceeds to prosecution. Requests for information must comply with DWP’s statutory Code of Practice. Where an individual is asked to provide information to the department, they should endeavour to provide it unless there is a reason that they cannot. If they are dissatisfied with the service they have received, they should raise the issue with the team handling their case. If they do not feel they have received a satisfactory service, they can raise this with the Independent Case Examiner. DWP’s complaints procedure can be found here.
31 Jan 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedIf he will provide additional funding for local dental laboratories.
ReplyWe recognise the importance of dental laboratories and the role they play in support of National Health Service dental services.The independent pay review body for doctors and dentists recommended a 6% pay uplift for 2024/25. The Government accepted the recommendation and has uplifted NHS primary care dentistry contract values by 4.64%, net of pay and expenses elements. Laboratory costs are part of the expenses element of this uplift.The Government implemented the overall uplift to contract values on 29 January. Uplifted payments will be made in March, backdated to 1 April 2024.
30 Jan 2025·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedIf she will make it her policy to take into account the potential impact on access to health services in (a) Exeter, (b) Torbay, (c) Newton Abbot, (d) Dawlish and (e) Teignmouth when making decisions on phase 5 of the South West Rail Resilience programme.
ReplyTransport investment decisions are based upon the development and consideration of a business case. Business cases assess the costs of investment against a wide range of passenger benefits, set against the operational cost to the railway.
30 Jan 2025·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedIf she will make an estimate of the number of Russian shadow fleet vessels that have entered UK waters in the last 12 months.
ReplyThe UK Government proactively monitors a variety of vessels of interest in UK waters to ensure the safety of seafarers, protect the marine environment, and for national security purposes.
30 Jan 2025·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedIf she will make it her policy to take into account the potential impact on access to health services in (a) Exeter, (b) Torbay, (c) Newton Abbot, (d) Dawlish and (e) Teignmouth when making decisions on (i) transport and (ii) connectivity.
ReplyTransport investment decisions are based upon the development and consideration of a business case, which assesses the costs of investment set against a wide range of benefits to transport users.
30 Jan 2025·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedIf she will take into account the potential impact on (a) health, (b) hospitals and (c) health services when making decisions on (i) transport and (ii) connectivity.
ReplyTransport investment decisions are based upon the development and consideration of a business case, which assesses the costs of investment against a wide range of benefits to transport users and the rest of society, including health-related impacts such as air quality, noise, accidents, and physical activity. The Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) provides comprehensive guidance and tools to support the inclusion of these impacts in business cases.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze on hedgerow grant applications on ecosystem services.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, with reference to the blog entitled An update on capital grants, published on 27 November 2024, what assessment he has made of changes to capital grants on young people starting their career in land management.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, if he will end the freeze on applications for hedgerow grants.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the pause on new applications for grants on hedge restoration and planting.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze on applications for grants on farmer confidence in Countryside Stewardship.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the pause on new applications for grants on tree nurseries.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze on hedgerow grants on employment in the hedgerow business this winter.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the pause on new applications for grants on rural employment.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, if he will reinstate capital grants for hedgerow work.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made on the potential impact of hedgerow grants on the environmental land management scheme budget.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with farmers on the freeze on applications for hedgerow grants.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze on applications for grants on farmer confidence in the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
ReplyThe Government fully recognises the importance of hedgerow creation and the contribution of the Capital Grants scheme. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November 2024, we closed the Capital Grants scheme to new agreements following unprecedented demand. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received more applications from May to November 2024 than over the whole of the 2023-24 financial year. These applications were also worth more. The value of standalone capital applications received as of November 2024 was up 45% compared to the whole of the last financial year. This pattern risked unsustainable spending which would have impacted other schemes. The RPA has written to all farmers who have submitted or started an application to explain the position. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this financial year than ever before. This is only possible because we have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update shortly.
29 Jan 2025·Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government·Answered
AskedCommunities and Local Government, if she will take steps to incorporate (a) environmental and (b) animal welfare considerations for applications for factory farms.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 25146 on 29 January 2025.