Every parliamentary written question tabled by Tom Hayes this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 361–380 of 496 · this parliament
What steps he is taking to help increase domestic production of wind turbines for use in the UK.
The Government will soon be introducing supply chain support measures through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. These will initially apply to offshore wind for the next CfD allocation round and may be broadened out to other technologies in the future depending on prevailing market conditions.
What discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for post-16 education.
Funding for post-16 education has been discussed with my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.As announced in the Budget, the government is providing an additional £300 million for further education to ensure young people are developing the skills they need to succeed.
What funding the Government is providing to support domestic manufacturing of offshore wind turbines.
The Government will soon be introducing supply chain support measures through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. These will initially apply to offshore wind for the next CfD allocation round and may be broadened out to other technologies in the future depending on prevailing market conditions.
Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of a regional planning policy to help deliver more affordable homes.
The Government has no plans to reintroduce regional level planning frameworks for the regions of England outside London.In our recent consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, we made clear we intend to introduce formal strategic planning mechanisms through new legislation as part of a move to a model of universal strategic planning within the next five years.
What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the attainment gap for pupils in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area.
Removing barriers to opportunity and driving high and rising standards at all schools are at the heart of the government’s opportunity mission which aims to transform children’s life chances.The Education Policy Institute's Annual Report 2024 outlined that the disadvantage gap in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is 10.2 months at the end of key stage 2 and that this grows to 16.1 months at the end of key stage 4. Far too many disadvantaged children are being failed and this government is determined to change this by raising standards and creating opportunities for all our children enabling them to achieve and thrive.This is why the department has already started work to recruit an additional 6,500 expert teachers and has launched an independent, expert-led Curriculum and Assessment Review that will look closely at key challenges to attainment.The department is also committed to making quick progress to deliver on its commitment to offer breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools, ensuring every primary school child is well prepared for school. The government confirmed it will triple its investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million in the 2025/26 financial year to help ensure children are ready to learn at the start of the school day and help to drive improvements to behaviour, attendance, and attainment.Alongside this, pupil premium funding is allocated to schools to support the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils and is worth over £2.9 billion in the 2024/25 financial year.Departmental officials also continue to work closely with the multi-academy trusts and schools in the area to promote continued collaboration, sector-led networks and initiatives to remove barriers to opportunity for all children in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with local authorities on the proposed establishment of a Central South Combined Authority.
In July, the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to places without devolution agreements, including across this area, asking them to come forward with proposals for their areas. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is reviewing the proposals received through this process, in tandem with finalising our new devolution offer to be published soon as part of the English Devolution White Paper.This Government believes that the benefits of devolution are best achieved through the establishment of combined authorities or combined county authorities, supported by a mayor and established over sensible economic geographies. We want to see all parts of England represented by a Mayor on the Council of Nations and Regions, with strong and effective partnerships in place with councils and other partners to deliver through devolution the missions we have set out to transform the country.
What steps he is taking to improve (a) care and (b) treatment for people with Jordan’s Syndrome.
The government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as Jordan’s Syndrome. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community: these include better coordination of care and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We remain committed to delivering under the Framework and will publish an annual England action plan in 2025 which will report on progress.Jordan’s syndrome is a rare and complex neurodevelopmental disorder and it is important to get a rapid and accurate diagnosis to ensure timely access to treatment and care. Currently NHS England offers genomic testing for two of the genes associated with Jordan’s Syndrome and any healthcare professional can refer their patient for testing based on their clinical indication. The NHS Clinical Genomic Services (CGS) deliver a comprehensive clinical genomic and counselling service and have a key role in providing care and coordinating care being provided by other clinical specialties to patients and their families. As part of the NHS CGS, the patient and their family will access diagnosis, and management relevant to their condition, but also receive support and guidance so that they are able to understand their condition, its implications, and their options in relation to reproduction, screening, prevention and clinical management.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage reductions in household waste.
The Government is committed to creating a roadmap to a circular economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer; waste is reduced; we accelerate the path to net zero; we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs; our economy prospers; and nature thrives. We continue to support the Waste and Resources Action Programme in waste prevention activities including support for Textiles 2030 and Courtauld 2030. Alongside this, the Simpler Recycling reforms will ensure that across England, people will be able to recycle the same materials, no longer needing to check what their council will accept for recycling. Every household across England will be able to recycle the same materials across the following waste streams: metal; glass; plastic: paper and card; food waste; garden waste. This policy will make recycling easier and ensure there is a comprehensive, consistent service across England. This will reduce confusion with recycling to improve recycling rates, ensuring there is more recycled material in the products we buy, and stimulating the UK recycling industry will grow.
If he will make it his policy to establish a retraining fund for workers currently employed in offshore oil and gas.
The Government's priority is a fair, orderly and prosperous transition for the oil and gas sector in line with our climate and legal obligations. High-skilled long-term jobs for the sector are in clean energy. The Clean Energy Mission will unlock good jobs, protect consumers, and ensure energy security. The Government recently set up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to ensure we have the skilled workforce to meet the Clean Energy Mission and support workers through the transition. It is exploring interventions to reskill and upskill workers, and recently announced support for an industry-led Skills Passport for North Sea workers.
Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport on funding for UK ports to improve capacity for the delivery of offshore wind.
The Government recognises that ports play a vital role in the deployment, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind including floating offshore wind. The Department works closely with other government departments, including the Department for Transport, to understand the barriers to port investment and identify the most appropriate future levers to overcome them. Further, the department is supporting the National Wealth Fund to invest at least £5.8 billion of the fund’s capital in the five priority sectors announced in the Government’s manifesto, including ports.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) help reduce the number of (i) appliances and (ii) electronics which are thrown away and (b) support local repair cafes.
The Government is committed to reducing waste by moving to a circular economy and is developing a circular economy strategy. The approach reduces all forms of waste; moving materials and products up the waste hierarchy to reduce new inputs, prolong lifetime functionality and support sustainable economic activity, social safeguarding, and environmental preservation. We have already taken steps to reduce the 5 million single use vapes discarded weekly by introducing our single use vapes ban, which will come into force in June 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions has she had with the homelessness sector on youth homelessness.
The Government recognises that homelessness levels are far too high and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including young people and care leavers. We will look at these issues carefully and will consider youth and care leaver homelessness as we develop our long-term, cross-government strategy working with Mayors and councils across the country, to get us back on track to ending homelessness.Helping care leavers to make a successful transition from care to independence is a priority for this Government. We will improve access to social housing for care leavers under 25 and exempt them from local connection and residency tests for social housing. We will work with the sector and engage with relevant stakeholders to bring forward these changes in due course.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. These duties apply irrespective of whether a person has 'priority need' or if they are 'intentionally homeless'.
Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to include a chapter on youth homelessness in the future homelessness strategy.
The Government recognises that homelessness levels are far too high and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including young people and care leavers. We will look at these issues carefully and will consider youth and care leaver homelessness as we develop our long-term, cross-government strategy working with Mayors and councils across the country, to get us back on track to ending homelessness.Helping care leavers to make a successful transition from care to independence is a priority for this Government. We will improve access to social housing for care leavers under 25 and exempt them from local connection and residency tests for social housing. We will work with the sector and engage with relevant stakeholders to bring forward these changes in due course.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. These duties apply irrespective of whether a person has 'priority need' or if they are 'intentionally homeless'.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she plans to take to ensure that the homelessness sector will be consulted on the homelessness strategy.
The Government recognises that homelessness levels are far too high and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including young people and care leavers. We will look at these issues carefully and will consider youth and care leaver homelessness as we develop our long-term, cross-government strategy working with Mayors and councils across the country, to get us back on track to ending homelessness.Helping care leavers to make a successful transition from care to independence is a priority for this Government. We will improve access to social housing for care leavers under 25 and exempt them from local connection and residency tests for social housing. We will work with the sector and engage with relevant stakeholders to bring forward these changes in due course.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. These duties apply irrespective of whether a person has 'priority need' or if they are 'intentionally homeless'.
What recent discussions she has had with representatives of the domestic abuse sector on the adequacy of public funding for specialist domestic abuse services, in the context of potential considerations to be reflected in the upcoming Budget.
We have set out our mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The Government understands the vital role that the domestic abuse sector plays in supporting victims.The Minister for Safeguarding regularly meets with the sector to discuss the Government’s approach to tackling violence against women and girls, including the role of funding and specialist domestic abuse services, most of which does not sit in the Home Office.All decisions on funding will be made in due course as part of the Spending Review.
Whether her Department is taking steps to review the (a) operation and (b) fines attached to Parking Charge Notices.
We have no current plans to raise on-street parking penalty charges. It is important to strike the right balance between deterrence and fairness. Organisations representing local authorities have undertaken research into penalty charge levels and shared their findings with the Department. The Department will be reviewing the issue in light of this research. Local authorities may employ contractors to carry out on-street civil parking enforcement on their behalf, but ultimately, it is the local authority to which parking fines are payable.
If her Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of funding for education health and care plans.
The department is acutely aware of the financial pressures that local authorities are facing because of the increasing cost of supporting children and young people with education, health and care (EHC) plans. The department is acting as quickly as it can to respond to these cost pressures. In the meantime, local authorities are responsible for securing appropriate support for all children with EHC plans.Funding for the 2025/26 financial year will be announced following the first stage of the government’s spending review, which is due to conclude on 30 October.
What steps her Department is taking to increase (a) the number of people being trained to be educational psychologists and (b) the number of assessments of children with undiagnosed SEND.
This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.The SEND code of practice is clear that meeting the needs of a child with special educational needs (SEN) does not require a diagnostic label or test. It is the responsibility of teachers to monitor the progress of all pupils and put support in place where needed. This may include arranging diagnostic tests where appropriate. Where a child who has SEN requires more support than the school they are in can usually provide, parents or carers can ask the local authority to carry out an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment, irrespective of whether their child has a diagnosis or not.The department recognises the critical role of educational psychologists within the SEND system, including in their statutory contribution to EHC assessments. To support this, the department is investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists from this year. This builds on the £10 million currently being invested in a cohort of over 200 trainees who began their training in September 2023. As these trainees complete their studies, they will join the workforce to support the capacity of local authority educational psychology services, including in delivering assessments.
What steps her Department is taking to (a) improve support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in mainstream settings and (b) develop new specialist provision for children with SEND in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council area.
This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), or who are in alternative provision, receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. This government is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs, restoring parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need. This government wants to drive a consistent and inclusive approach to supporting children and young people with SEND through early identification, effective support, high quality teaching and effective allocation of resources. We will listen to and work with families and sector partners to fix this, which includes taking wider opportunities on accountability, the curriculum, workforce and more.The department will strengthen accountability on mainstream settings to be inclusive, including through Ofsted, support the mainstream workforce to increase their SEND expertise, and encourage schools to set up Resourced Provision or special educational needs (SEN) units to increase capacity in mainstream schools.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are part of the most recent competition to find trusts for 18 additional special schools that was launched by the previous government. The window for trusts to apply has now closed. The department is working through the next steps and will provide an update in due course.The department also continues to work very closely with the local authority and trust leaders on proposals to establish and expand high quality resource bases and SEN unit provision.
If she will make it her policy to reimburse family members of victims with limited means the cost of attending the (a) trial and (b) sentencing.
The Government is committed to ensuring that victims and survivors have the information and support they need. This involves understanding how best to support victims, survivors and witnesses throughout their interactions with the Criminal Justice System, including navigating court processes. The Ministry of Justice commissions a National Witness Service which provides emotional and practical support to both prosecution and defence witnesses to enable them to give their best evidence in court. This support includes providing an explanation of the court process and updates on the progress of a trial. The support is also available to families bereaved by crime. In 2023/2024, the National Witness Service supported approximately 80,000 witnesses, about 44% of whom were also victims and survivors. Where witnesses are called to give evidence in prosecutions conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the CPS is responsible for paying allowances and expenses. The CPS, at their own discretion, may pay allowances and expenses for other people, where it is believed that it would assist the witness in giving best evidence. This should be agreed in advance of attendance. Examples include parents accompanying child witnesses and people accompanying elderly witnesses and survivors.