Every parliamentary written question tabled by Paula Barker this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 21–32 of 32 · Home Office
What discussions she has had with Merseyside Police on tackling (a) violent and (b) knife-related crime.
Tackling knife crime and violence is a top priority for the Government.We are already taking action to get dangerous weapons off the street. We have banned Zombie style knives and zombie style machetes, and the manufacture, supply, sale and possession of ...
What steps her Department is taking to monitor far-right activity.
The government is absolutely committed to tackling those who spread views that promote violence and hatred against individuals and communities in our society, and that radicalise others into terrorism.To understand such threats, we routinely monitor and a...
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that Ukrainians living in the UK are not separated from their families, in the context of changes to the Ukraine visa schemes in February 2024.
Ukrainian family members, including children, are not prevented from entering the UK. The Homes for Ukraine Scheme remains open to new applicants, their applications must be sponsored by someone who is British, Irish or who has settled status. Ukrainians ...
If her Department will reduce the cost of visas for overseas graduates who are able to fill gaps in the labour market.
Overseas students who successfully complete an eligible course in the UK are entitled to remain on a graduate visa for two years after their studies end, or three for PHDs, to work, live and contribute to society.The Home Office keeps visa fees under review but has no current plans to reduce fees for overseas graduates. The Home Office does not make a profit from fees and any income from fees set above the cost of processing are utilised for the purpose of running the Migration and Borders system. Taking this approach helps to meet the costs of maintaining an effective Migration and Borders system which benefits everyone.The Government have also been clear that net migration is too high and must be reduced. Employers are encouraged to look to the domestic labour market to nurture and develop the skills they need where they can.
How much funding her Department has provided to protect places of worship for each religion in each of the last five years.
The Home Office provides protective security for Places of Worship as part of three separate strands. These are the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and protection for Muslim faith schools (since 2023/24), the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant (administered by the Community Security Trust) and the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme (for all other, non-Muslim and non-Jewish, faiths). Prior to 2023/24, the Muslim community were eligible for support under the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.No funding is provided directly from the Home Office to any Place of Worship, instead they receive protective security measures funded by the Home Office via contracts or grants.For the last five years, up to the following amounts have been made available, however in 2023/24 the full budget for the Protective Security for Mosques scheme was not utilised. We do, however, expect the full amount to be used in 2024/25. Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and Muslim Faith SchoolsJewish Community Protective Security GrantPlaces of Worship Protective Security Scheme2019/20N/A£13.4 million£1.6 million2020/21N/A£14 million£3.2 million2021/22N/A£14 million£3.5 million2022/23N/A£14 million£3.5 million2023/24£29.4 million£18 million£3.5 million
Whether her Department plans to incentivise recruitment of (a) domestic graduates from overseas and (b) overseas graduates to fill shortages in the labour market.
Overseas students who successfully complete an eligible course in the UK are entitled to remain on a graduate visa for two years after their studies end, or three for PHDs, to work, live and contribute to society.The Home Office keeps visa fees under review but has no current plans to reduce fees for overseas graduates. The Home Office does not make a profit from fees and any income from fees set above the cost of processing are utilised for the purpose of running the Migration and Borders system. Taking this approach helps to meet the costs of maintaining an effective Migration and Borders system which benefits everyone.The Government have also been clear that net migration is too high and must be reduced. Employers are encouraged to look to the domestic labour market to nurture and develop the skills they need where they can.
What steps her Department is taking to help protect Hindu temples.
We are absolutely committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and we will not tolerate anti-Hindu hatred in any form. Government and police routinely assess potential threats to ensure that protective measures are in place to protect Hindu communities and their places of worship against terrorism and hate crime.Additionally, Hindu temples in England and Wales can benefit from the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme. This scheme offers physical security measures – such as CCTV, intruder alarms, and secure perimeter fencing to places of worship and associated faith community centres, that are particularly vulnerable to religiously or racially motivated hate crime.
What steps her Department will take to ensure that Fire Authorities maintain nationally agreed safety standards.
Expectations of FRAs from Government are set out in the Fire and Rescue National Framework, which all FRAs must have due regard to. Whilst the National Framework does not include explicit reference to operational safety standards, I will consider if this should be included in due course.Safety standards in the workplace, and when responding to incidents are, of course, extremely important operational issues which we would expect Fire and Rescue Authorities to pay due attention to.
What guidance has been issued by her Department to Fire Authorities on the impact to safety standards of riding (a) three, (b) four and (c) five firefighters on an appliance.
Expectations of FRAs from Government are set out in the Fire and Rescue National Framework, which all FRAs must have due regard to. Whilst the National Framework does not include explicit reference to operational safety standards, I will consider if this should be included in due course.Safety standards in the workplace, and when responding to incidents are, of course, extremely important operational issues which we would expect Fire and Rescue Authorities to pay due attention to.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of introducing a migration impacts fund.
The Government has not made a recent assessment of a migration impacts fund. The Home Office is continuing to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on supporting those who have resettled in the United Kingdom.
If she will undertake a review of the treatment by agencies of staff recruited from overseas to work in the adult social care sector through the Health and Care Worker Visa scheme in respect of (a) working arrangements, (b) living conditions and (c) modern slavery practices.
The Home Office keeps all its policies under review, including the Health and Care visa. We will work across government to carefully consider policies relating to the treatment of internationally recruited care workers. The Government will ensure that those who commit significant offences under UK employment law are not able to sponsor overseas workers to come to the UK. Workplace exploitation which allows migration to undercut British workers will end. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a code of practice for recruiters in the health and social care sector, as well as detailed guidance for overseas candidates on their rights in the UK and how to avoid being exploited by employers and third-party agencies. Code of practice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-health-and-social-care-jobs-in-the-uk-from-abroad.Guidance for candidates: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-health-and-social-care-jobs-in-the-uk-from-abroad.
What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the governance of fire and rescue services.
We have not undertaken an assessment of the governance of Fire and Rescue Services but recognise its importance in ensuring effective delivery of public safety outcomes.We continue to work with Fire and Rescue Authorities, the Local Government Association and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to seek governance improvements.