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Written Answers to Questions
Thursday 1 December 2011
Scotland
Legal Proceedings
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which organisations that have received funding from his Department have brought legal proceedings against his Department in the last five years; which such organisations were not successful in their actions; and whether his Department (a) applied and (b) was paid for costs in respect of such cases. [83894]
David Mundell: No organisation which received funding from the Scotland Office has brought legal proceeding against the Department in the last five years.
Food Procurement
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the same standards of animal welfare for whole eggs apply to imported liquefied eggs procured by his Department. [83760]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not procure imported liquefied eggs.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of food sourced by his Department was procured from UK food producers in the latest period for which figures are available. [83761]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office procures very few food products. In instructing caterers for events paid for by the Scotland Office, regard is given to whether the food was procured from UK food producers.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department is taking to ensure that it meets the Government’s buying standards for food and catering. [83762]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office procures very few food products. In instructing caterers for events paid for by the Scotland Office, regard is given to whether the caterers meet the Government’s buying standards for food and catering.
Wales
Personal Independence Payment
Jessica Morden:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations she has made to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the effect of her
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planned replacement of disability living allowance with personal independence payments for claimants in Wales. [84300]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions about welfare reform including reform of disability living allowance.
The Government are committed to supporting disabled people to lead independent lives. To achieve this we need to reform disability benefits to improve support for disabled people and to make the benefit more responsive to their needs. The personal independence payment will be more straightforward and help disabled people who face the greatest challenges to remain independent and lead full, active lives.
Prime Minister
Manor Dean Cottage
Ian Austin: To ask the Prime Minister whether (a) he or (b) anyone acting on his behalf had discussions with (i) Lord Chadlington or (ii) anyone acting on his behalf about Manor Dean Cottage prior to its purchase. [84336]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the press briefing given by my official spokesperson on 23 November 2011. A transcript of this is available on the No. 10 website:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/morning-press-briefing-from-23-november-2011
Working Hours: EU Law
Mr MacShane: To ask the Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on a UK opt-out from EU directives on working time; and if he will make a statement. [82872]
The Prime Minister: I discuss a range of issues with European counterparts on a regular basis. The coalition agreement is clear that this Government will work to limit the application of the working time directive in the UK. We remain committed to the view that working people should be able to work the hours they choose. The UK has been clear to EU partners that any amendments to the working time directive must retain the opt-out for workers from the directive's working hours limit.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Committee
Freedom of Information
Bob Russell:
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, when information on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests was last included on the IPSA website; for what reason none
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have been added since then; how many FOI requests have been received since the website was last updated; and if he will make a statement. [81677]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 28 November 2011:
As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking about publication of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests on the IPSA website.
IPSA publishes a Freedom of Information disclosure log on its website providing full details of the requests and the responses provided. During the 2011/12 financial year there has been a lag in putting requests and answers on the website. Since early November, we have been putting this right and as of today's date (28 November 2011) all but four of the forty-nine requests for this financial year will be on the website. Hereafter, we plan to have completed answers on the website within two weeks of these answers being sent to the requestor.
House of Commons Commission
Food Procurement
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what steps he is taking to ensure that the same standards of animal welfare for whole eggs apply to any imported liquefied eggs that are procured by the House of Commons catering service. [83726]
John Thurso: Whole eggs purchased by the House of Commons catering service are free range, British Lion Quality assured and date stamped. Liquid egg is produced in Belgium by a supplier whose eggs come from enriched cage supplies, in accordance with the European legislation on enriched cages which takes effect in 2012. There are no current plans to change these arrangements, but procurement practices are kept under constant review.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what proportion of food served in the House of Commons estate was procured from UK food producers in the latest period for which figures are available. [83725]
John Thurso: The House is subject to the EU procurement regulations and so cannot discriminate in favour of or against the produce of any member state. Appointed suppliers are therefore not required as a matter of course to confirm the country of origin of food supplied to the House of Commons catering service and thus no record is kept of the country of origin of foods.
However, periodic checks are made on the provenance of fresh meats and poultry supplies. An estimated 90% or more of beef, lamb, chicken and other poultry supplies is traceable to British producers and, in order to conform to higher welfare standards set out in purchasing
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specifications, all pork, bacon and sausages are supplied from British producers. All fresh eggs are free range, British Lion Quality assured.
The proportion of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from UK food producers varies according to seasonal availability, but menus are constantly reviewed to make best use of local, seasonal produce.
Times of Sittings
Elizabeth Truss: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the average operating cost is of the House of Commons on a sitting (a) Monday, (b) Tuesday, (c) Wednesday, (d) Thursday and (e) Friday. [82602]
John Thurso: Most of the House’s operating costs are fixed costs for salaries, ICT, accommodation and other facilities, and are only marginally affected by changes in the number of sitting days each year, the length of sittings or the specific weekdays on which these sittings are held. A meaningful average operating cost of a sitting on a particular weekday cannot therefore be calculated. The average marginal daily operating cost of a sitting, calculated as the sum that might on average be saved if there were not to be a sitting on any expected sitting day, or which might be incurred if there were an additional unplanned sitting, is around £20,000.
The marginal cost associated with different daily sitting and rising times arises primarily from Hansard printing costs, which reflect the overall length of a sitting, and late-night transport and overtime payments for Chamber and security staff. When the House sits beyond 11 pm, as is common on Mondays and Tuesdays, there are average additional marginal costs of around £9,300 compared with those of a sitting which ends before 6 pm. When the House rises between 6 pm and 11 pm, as is common on Wednesdays and Thursdays, average additional marginal costs of £3,300 are incurred compared with those of a sitting which ends before 6 pm. Because Fridays are shorter sitting days, the average marginal cost of a Friday sitting is about £1,250 less than a sitting on another day which ends before 6 pm.
All these figures are direct Chamber-related costs, and do not include the impact of different rising times on catering costs and income.
Northern Ireland
Bill of Rights
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is on introducing a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights; if he will publish the letter he sent to party leaders in Northern Ireland on their views on a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights; and if he will make a statement. [84294]
Mr Swire:
Our policy is that any legislation arising from the work of the Commission examining the case for a UK Bill of Rights would provide a vehicle in
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which to implement any rights specific to Northern Ireland if these can be agreed by the political parties there.
The hon. Gentleman may be referring to a letter sent by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), to the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and others in early September about institutional changes. I have placed a copy in the Library.
Legal Proceedings
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which organisations that have received funding from his Department have brought legal proceedings against his Department in the last five years; which such organisations were not successful in their actions; and whether his Department (a) applied and (b) was paid for costs in respect of such cases. [83893]
Mr Paterson: Comparable figures for the Department as it is now configured are not available for the years preceding the completion of devolution of policing and justice functions on 12 April 2010. Since that date no organisation receiving funding from my Department has brought legal proceedings against us.
Departmental Communication
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) press officers, (b) internal communications officers, (c) external communications officers, (d) communications strategy officers and (e) other positions with a communications remit were employed by (i) his Department and (ii) the non-departmental public body sponsored by his Department on the most recent date for which figures are available. [84211]
Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office currently has a small communications team made up of the Head of Communications, one Senior Information Officer and one Information Officer. The Senior Information Officer post is currently vacant and is due to be filled soon. There are no other communications officers within the Department.
Of the non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission employs a Press and Public Affairs Officer.
Food Procurement
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to ensure that the same standards of animal welfare for whole eggs apply to imported liquefied eggs procured by (a) his Department and (b) public bodies for which he is responsible. [83802]
Mr Paterson: Neither my Department, nor the public bodies for which I am responsible, purchase liquefied eggs.
Huw Irranca-Davies:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of food sourced by (a) his Department and (b) public bodies for which he
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is responsible was procured from UK food producers in the latest period for which figures are available. [83803]
Mr Paterson: My Department and the public bodies for which I am responsible, aim to promote Northern Ireland produce. All meat, fish and vegetables used by my Department are locally sourced where possible, depending on seasonal availability.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps (a) his Department and (b) public bodies for which he is responsible are taking to ensure that they meet the Government's buying standards for food and catering. [83804]
Mr Paterson: All food and catering procurement by my Department, and the public bodies for which I am responsible is undertaken in line with Government's procurement policy and buying standards.
Foreign Relations: Republic of Ireland
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 7 November 2011, Official Report, column 16W, on foreign relations: Republic of Ireland, what subjects were discussed at his meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 27 October 2011. [82419]
Mr Paterson: When the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), met officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 27 October a wide range of issues was discussed, including economic conditions and north-south co-operation in a number of fields.
Postcodes
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether his Department uses postcodes for purposes other than the postage of mail. [84209]
Mr Paterson: My Department does not use postcodes for purposes other than the postage of mail.
Transport
A338: Repairs and Maintenance
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the roadworks on the A338 will be completed. [84074]
Norman Baker: The A338 is a local authority road and is not maintained by central Government or the Highways Agency. Any questions relating to roadworks on it should be directed towards the relevant local highway authority—either Dorset county council or Bournemouth borough council, depending on exactly which section of the road is in question.
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Aviation: Scotland
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Scotland on Scottish air services. [81209]
Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), has discussed Scottish air services with the Secretary of State for Scotland, the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Michael Moore), and the Government fully recognise the importance of air services between Scotland and the rest of the UK. It is the Government’s intention to develop an aviation policy framework which supports economic growth and seeks to create the right conditions for regional airports, and those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to flourish.
The Government published a scoping document that asked a series of questions, including on regional airports, to stimulate discussion on aviation policy. The responses we have received to the scoping document will help to inform the development of a draft framework, which we intend to publish for full public consultation in March 2012.
Cycling
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps her Department has taken to encourage more people to use bicycles. [82963]
Norman Baker: The Government made clear their support for cycling in their coalition agreement. On 5 July 2011, Official Report, columns 88-94WS, I announced the allocation of £155.5 million to 37 authorities in England to deliver packages of measures that support economic growth and cut carbon emissions as part of the £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund, and 38 out of the 39 successful bids included a cycling element. I will announce the remaining allocations for Tranche 2 and large projects in summer 2012. We are also committed to supporting Bikeability cycle training for the remainder of this Parliament, helping to give children the skills and confidence to cycle on today’s roads. In addition, I have established a cycling forum which will, among other things, be looking at barriers that prevent people taking up cycling. We want to get more people cycling, more safely, more often.
M27
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration has been given to (a) improving and (b) tolling the A/M27 road. [84444]
Mike Penning: I recognise the importance of the A27 Chichester bypass scheme, which was one of the 14 Highways Agency major schemes identified at the 2010 spending review for construction post 2015, subject to the outcome of statutory processes, value for money and affordability. There are no current plans to develop other major improvement schemes for the A27 or the M27 at this time.
We are happy to look at schemes which would fund new capacity and improve the UK's road infrastructure
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through tolling—and would be willing to discuss any local proposals. However, we currently have no plans to toll the A27 or M27.
Manhole Covers
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to introduce composite manhole covers to reduce (a) the incidence of scrap metal theft and (b) the risk of injury to cyclists. [83957]
Norman Baker [holding answer 30 November 2011]:The majority of manhole covers on the highway network are the responsibility of utility companies, with a small percentage under the ownership of local highway authorities. As such it would not be the responsibility of the Department for Transport to introduce composite manhole covers.
We are, however, aware that local authorities across England are experiencing an increased incidence of theft of metal drain-hole covers and iron railings. These thefts not only present a risk to public safety but are also causing authorities to divert funding from other services. Many authorities who have experienced the theft of manhole covers are now replacing these with covers which do not have any scrap value in order to prevent further thefts.
More generally, the Department has worked with the Institute of Highways and Incorporated Engineers (IHIE) to develop Guidelines for Motorcycling. Section 6.3.16 of the guide encourages designers and maintenance engineers to ensure that covers should not be positioned in the carriageway so as to impose a hazard to motorcyclists. The guide may be viewed on the IHIE website at:
www.motorcyclingguidelines.org.uk
In addition, the British and European Standard (prEN124) on “gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas” has been going through revision. One of the areas being considered as part of this work is the in-service skid slip resistance of the covers. Consideration is also being given to an enhanced skid slip resistance value to improve consistency between the road surface and service covers placed in the highway.
Railways: Rolling Stock
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate her Department has made of the amount of investment rolling stock companies have made in the railway industry in each of the last 10 years. [R] [83166]
Mrs Villiers: The Government do not hold this information. However, the following table provides a rough estimate based on new passenger rolling stock procurement. This estimate will not reflect investment in the purchase of non-passenger rolling stock equipment and ongoing refurbishment of the owners vehicles. For more accurate information, the hon. Gentleman should please contact the rolling stock companies.
| Rough estimate of investment for new vehicles | |
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|
£ million |
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Road Works
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to remove the requirement for Secretary of State approval of street works permit schemes under the Traffic Management Act 2004. [84341]
Norman Baker: I propose to consult on this shortly.
Treasury
Boilers: Government Assistance
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he and his officials have had any discussions with the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the re-introduction of a boiler scrappage scheme in the last six months. [83668]
Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury Ministers and officials frequently discuss a range of issues with the Department of Energy and Climate Change, including policies for energy efficiency and to address fuel poverty.
Capital Allowances
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 25 November 2011, Official Report, column 621W, on capital allowances, for what reasons the information requested is not available. [84446]
Mr Gauke: The information is unavailable because HMRC's databases do not hold details on which industrial sector some businesses claiming capital allowances belong to and answering the question using data where industrial sector information for businesses is available would involve disproportionate costs.
HMRC has published information about capital allowances due for companies for 2005-6 to 2009-10 for some industrial sectors at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/corporate_tax/table11-10.pdf
However capital allowances can also be claimed by unincorporated businesses assessed for income tax and equivalent information has not been published for them.
Calculating the tax savings from capital allowances claims by businesses would involve disproportionate costs. This is because it would be necessary to work out the extent to which there would have otherwise been extra taxable profits for each business if the capital allowances had not been claimed and the extra amounts of tax that would have been payable on the extra taxable profits.
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Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 25 November 2011, Official Report, column 621W, on capital allowances, what information his Department collects on the financial benefits companies receive due to manufacturing capital investment allowances. [84449]
Mr Gauke: HMRC has published information about capital allowances due for companies for 2005-6 to 2009-10 for some industrial sectors at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/corporate_tax/table11-10.pdf
Calculating the tax savings from capital allowances claims by companies in the manufacturing sector would involve disproportionate costs. This is because it would be necessary to work out the extent to which there would have otherwise been extra taxable profits for each company in the manufacturing sector if the capital allowances had not been claimed and the extra amounts of tax that would have been payable on the extra taxable profits.
Food Procurement
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps (a) his Department and (b) public bodies for which he is responsible are taking to ensure that they meet the Government's buying standards for food and catering. [83774]
Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury's current catering sub-contractor requires that its suppliers be accredited Assured Food Standards (AFS) and that monthly product ranges must include AFS red tractor certified products appropriate to the season.
Economic and Monetary Union
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was of his Department's Euro Preparations Unit in each year from its inception to its closure. [81369]
Mr Hoban: The cost of the Euro Preparations Unit in each year since its inception is difficult to ascertain, since much of the expenditure has been grouped within other departmental costs. An estimate of spending in those years that separate data were available is set out in the following table:
|
|
Cost (£) |
Public Sector: Pensions
Fabian Hamilton:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what savings to the public purse have arisen as a consequence of changing the indexation of public service pensions from the retail prices index to the
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consumer prices index; and how much of any such savings in the case of pensioners over the age of 70 years is due to the exclusion of the guaranteed minimum pension element of their pension in the indexation. [83341]
Danny Alexander: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock) on 14 November 2011, Official Report, columns 643-44W. This includes a table with an estimate of savings on unfunded public service pensions due to the decision to use the consumer prices index (CPI) as the Government's preferred measure for uprating the additional state pension and public service pensions.
The indexation of guaranteed minimum pensions (GMPs) in payment depends upon individual circumstances and can be paid by either public service schemes or through the state pension, or both. HM Treasury does not have the information to calculate the savings on public service pensions expenditure that specifically relate to the GMP elements of those pensions.
Taxation: Environment Protection
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Affordable Warmth element of the Energy Company Obligation is included in the Control framework for Department of Energy and Climate Change levy-funded spending. [84028]
Miss Chloe Smith: The control framework for DECC levy-funded spending covers DECC's policies that entail levy-funded spending and that are or likely to be classified by the Office of National Statistics as imputed taxation and public spending for national accounts purposes.
If other DECC policies are classified as tax and spend then they will fall within the control framework. The Energy Company Obligation, or its Affordable Warmth Component, would be included if classified as such. Classification will take place in due course.
Taxation: Holiday Accommodation
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to delay the introduction of new rules for furnished holiday lettings beyond April 2012. [84156]
Mr Gauke: No. The changes to the rules for furnished holiday lettings (FHLs) were legislated in the Finance Act 2011. The first changes took effect from April 2011 (removal of loss relief against general income) and there are further changes from April 2012 (increase in qualifying thresholds).
Third Sector
Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters he has received on funding for civil society organisations within his Department's area of responsibility in each month since 1 June 2010; and if he will make a statement. [73993]
Miss Chloe Smith: The figure in the format requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
However, the following table shows the number of letters received from MPs on the subject of charities
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(also including voluntary and community groups and social enterprises). It excludes letters on issues relating to taxation.
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Month | Relevant items of correspondence |
Communities and Local Government
Affordable Housing: Preston
Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many new units of social housing were built or acquired by social landlords in Preston constituency in each of the last five years. [83870]
Andrew Stunell: Statistics on the number of additional affordable homes that were built or acquired by social landlords are not collected by constituency. Figures for Preston local authority are available on the Department's website in Live Table 1008 at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/affordablehousingsupply/livetables/
Council Tax Benefits
Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how the new burdens doctrine will apply to council tax benefit successor schemes. [84355]
Robert Neill: In line with the new burdens doctrine, the Government will work with local authorities to assess the net impact on local government of localisation of support for council tax, including the transitional costs of moving to the new arrangements.
Design Services
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department has spent on design in respect of (a) logos, (b) buildings, (c) advertising, (d) stationery and (e) campaigns in the last year for which figures are available. [80205]
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Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and Local Government incurred no design costs on (a) logos, (b) buildings and (d) stationery in 2010-11. The Department ran one advertising campaign—Fire Kills—that aimed to encourage people to test their smoke alarm regularly in order to prevent fatalities and injuries from fire in the home. The creative work associated with this, including all the advertising agency costs associated with the campaign, was £42,300.
To assist the hon. Member's scrutiny of Whitehall spending, I would note that the previous Administration spent £22,000 of taxpayers' money on home information packs branding; £21,090 on Homebuy scheme branding; £15,000 on the branding the Sustainable Communities summit (subsequently cancelled); £10,000 on branding the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit quango; £25,000 on Community Builders branding; £7,260 on Code for Sustainable Homes branding; £33,400 on Cleaner Safer Greener Communities branding; £3,520 on re-branding Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services as the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser; £3,830 on a logo for the Department and Communities and Local Government followed by spending £24,765 on renaming it Communities and Local Government; and £1,371 on re-branding the ‘Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’ to the ‘Deputy Prime Minister's Office’.
G4S
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many contracts his Department has awarded to G4S since May 2010; and what the (a) purpose, (b) monetary value and (c) net worth was of each such contract. [83920]
Robert Neill: The Department has not awarded any contracts to G4S since May 2010.
Housing
Mr Raynsford: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes were started in England in the 12 months to (a) September 2011 and (b) September 2010. [R] [82699]
Grant Shapps: Figures for new build housing starts in England since 1990 are published on the Department for Communities and Local Government website in Live Table 213 and can be found at the following link.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/housebuilding/livetables/
Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the planning implications of total housing need at the upper and lower limits of the Office for National Statistics-projected population by 2050. [83909]
Andrew Stunell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 21 November 2011, Official Report, column 59-60W.
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many housing starts on site there were in the London Borough of Southwark in the six months to September 2011; [84157]
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(2) how many housing starts on site were delivered in Camberwell and Peckham constituency in the six months to September 2011. [84293]
Andrew Stunell: House building starts data for the London borough of Southwark, as reported to the Department for Communities and Local Government, are not available as the authority has not provided data returns for this period.
Information is not available at parliamentary constituency level.
Housing Revenue Accounts
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will provide resources to local authorities to compensate for rent loss from properties under the Right to Buy following the reform of the Housing Revenue Account. [83231]
Andrew Stunell [holding answer 25 November 2011]: We are committed to ensuring that every additional home sold under right to buy is replaced by a new home, and receipts from sales will be recycled towards the cost of replacement. The receipt needed to fund replacement will only be a fraction of the cost of a new home. This is because most of the funding for new affordable rented homes comes from borrowing by the provider against the future rental income stream; and, in many cases, cross-subsidy from the landlord's own resources, including land.
Our proposal is that right to buy receipts will first be used to meet debt on additional properties sold, then will meet Treasury and council forecast receipts, and that the balance will be available for investment in replacement properties. Our initial modelling shows that the expected receipts will provide a sufficient contribution to the cost of replacement homes. We will set out detailed proposals in the right to buy consultation.
We are committed to letting councils keep the proportion of the receipt needed to cover the housing debt associated with additional right to buy sales. This will ensure that the right to buy reforms do not have an impact on the viability of self-financing or independent social landlords.
Housing Revenue Accounts: Southwark
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what assumptions concerning the rental income of the London Borough of Southwark were used to calculate the final housing revenue account debt settlement; [84063]
(2) what estimate he has made of the change in the cost of rent for a two-bedroom council home in the London Borough of Southwark as a result of self-financing in 2012-13. [84064]
Andrew Stunell: There is no change to social rent policy as a result of self-financing. Self-financing valuations and settlement payments are based on the continuation of the social rent policy established by the previous Government in 2001. It assumes convergence of council rents and housing association rents in 2015-16, subject to a maximum annual rent rise for an individual tenant of the retail prices index + 0.5% + £2 per week.
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Local Government Finance
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 1 November 2011, Official Report, column 440W, on urban areas: Government assistance, how much funding has been (a) applied for and (b) disbursed to local authorities in respect of (i) the £10 million Recovery Fund and (ii) the £20 million High Street Support scheme to date. [81232]
Robert Neill [holding answer 15 November 2011]: My Department was responsible for three funds that were set up in the immediate aftermath of the riots—the Homelessness Support scheme that helped those who were made homeless; the Recovery Fund, which covered the clean-up costs of local authorities; and the High Street Support scheme, which compensates councils for measures to help local businesses.
Under these schemes, local councils have been in the lead in providing support to local firms and local residents. Central Government subsequently is reimbursing local councils for their costs retrospectively (in a similar way to how the Bellwin scheme has operated historically). As made clear when the schemes were launched, Central Government is not funding affected firms or residents directly.
The closing date for the receipt of local authority claims for the Homelessness Support scheme was 30 November. So far the Department has received claims from four local authorities totalling over £100,000 which are still being assessed. Payments to local authorities will be made shortly.
The Homelessness Support scheme met the immediate costs of re-housing those made homeless by the disturbances up to a maximum payment threshold of £5,000 per household, with discretion applied for exceptional costs. As an illustration, as at the end of September in Haringey, 54 properties were affected and 58 households were displaced as a result of the disturbances. All households made homeless who approached local authorities for assistance have been found alternative accommodation.
DCLG is providing a further £35,000 for a dedicated support service in Haringey for the households who were displaced by disturbances. Those affected faced a particularly complex pattern of needs (housing, clothing, furniture, transport, psychological support).
The closing date for the receipt of local authority claims for the Recovery scheme was 7 November. Claims from 25 local authorities are currently being assessed. On 16 November, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), wrote to council leaders of the areas affected by disturbances, stating that, even though the deadline for submitting claims under this scheme had passed, he would be happy to accept claims until 23 November, as he was keen to ensure that councils are reimbursed for all expenses incurred as a result of disturbances. Over £500,000 has already been paid to local authorities from the Recovery Fund in the first batch of payments, and more will follow in the next few weeks.
The deadline for claims to be submitted under the High Street Support scheme was extended to 31 January
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2012, at the request of local authorities, to allow them to use funds to support local high streets in the run up to the busy Christmas and sales period. But, as examples:
By 20 October, Haringey council had provided £165,000 in hardship grants to almost 100 local businesses. The council estimates that it may make a final claim of around £2 million to the High Street Support scheme.
By 27 October, Croydon council had provided £249,000 in hardship grants to businesses and £137,000 in business rates hardship relief. These sums form part of the council’s £882,000 local investment so far through the High Street Support scheme. The council granted £1,000 to any business with a crime reference number, without the business having to ask for the grant. The police made direct contact with the council, which then made payment without the need of a formal claim to be made by the affected business.
I understand Manchester has spent £181,000 under the High Street Support scheme on promotional activities in the riot-affected areas. These activities will aim to encourage Manchester residents to come to the city centre to shop, eat and socialise. As part of this, the council co-ordinated a very successful three-week “I love Manchester” campaign, which was grass-roots driven and became a symbol of the city’s resilience and message to the world that the people of Manchester are proud of their city and united against criminality and antisocial behaviour. 180 people registered to volunteer in the future.
Salford council is investing £98,000 of its High Street Support scheme funding to boost pride in Salford city centre. Funding is being used to create a welcoming environment for shoppers by repairing damage and promoting the “Salford Open for Business” programme aimed at increasing footfall in Salford shopping city.
Ealing council set aside a £250,000 fund to help areas affected by the riots. Small independent traders, which suffered damage from vandals and looters, have been given £1,200 to help them pay for things like new glazing and repairs.
Wolverhampton council has funded £110,000 on security blinds; £45,000 on promotions for city centre (“700 reasons to shop in Wolverhampton” campaign—referring to its 700 shops). They have also supported radio coverage and competitions for independent traders.
As outlined in the written ministerial statement today, we will also address any loss of New Homes Bonus in areas affected by last summer’s riots through riot recovery funds.
I commend the recommendation of the Interim report of the Riots Communities and Victims Panel that each local authority should identify an officer who can provide a knowledgeable single point of contact on financial recovery to local people and businesses affected by the riots.
Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effect that the planned reform of business rate redistribution and local revenue fluctuations will have on local authority tax increment financing. [84290]
Robert Neill: Given that details of the local retention of business rates and tax increment financing have not been finalised, no quantitative assessment has been made of the interaction between the two.
The Government's consultation on the local retention of business rates set out two broad options to enable the implementation of tax increment finance, along with the potential benefits and risks in relation to the wider local retention proposals. This consultation closed on 24 October.
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Local Government: Procurement
Simon Reevell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities and their finance departments on payment of suppliers. [82303]
Robert Neill: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson) on 10 October 2011, Official Report, column 17W.
Non-Domestic Rates
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effect on social care provision of the Government's proposals for the localisation of National Non-Domestic Rates; and if he will make a statement. [83176]
Robert Neill [holding answer 25 November 2011]: Our proposals for business rates retention will ensure a stable starting point so that no authority is worse off as a result of its business rates base at the outset of the new scheme. They also propose further protections to ensure councils can meet local needs, including a safety net for places in need of additional support, funded by a levy recovering a share of disproportionate gain. Our proposals will provide opportunities for authorities to benefit financially through delivering economic growth in their areas. We believe that our plans will give local councils new incentives to promote local economic growth, which will help grow the overall level of business rate receipts. We will set out the Government's response to its consultation on business rates retention shortly.
Planning Permission
Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to publish in full the consultation responses his Department has received on the draft National Planning Policy Framework. [82433]
Greg Clark: As I set out in my written ministerial statement of 19 October, Official Report, column 65WS, having fully considered the suggestions made, the Government will then publish the revised text taking into account representations that have been made and a summary of responses to the consultation.
Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the contribution of the right hon. Lord Shutt of Greetland of 17 October 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, columns 139-40, on the Localism Bill, when his Department plans to issue a revised version of Circular 03/09: Cost Awards in Appeals and Other Planning Proceedings; when he intends to consult on requiring departure applications to have compulsory pre-application consultation with the local community; and if he will make a statement. [82457]
Greg Clark [holding answer 24 November 2011]:We are currently reviewing what changes will be needed to planning documents following commencement of the planning provisions in the Localism Act 2011.
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In addition, questions 4(a) and 4(b) to the consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework asked what light-touch guidance should accompany the new framework, and what organisations are best placed to provide it. We are now considering the responses to that consultation.
Rented Housing: Southwark
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the merits of taking steps to mitigate the effect of the level of the retail prices index on rent levels for local authority tenants in the London Borough of Southwark. [84062]
Andrew Stunell: No such assessment has been made in respect of the London borough of Southwark. Under existing social rent policy, to protect tenants from large annual rent rises there is a limit on actual rent increases for all individual local authority tenants of retail prices index inflation + 0.5% + £2. This rent policy was introduced under the previous Administration.
Social Rented Housing
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to facilitate greater freedom for local housing authorities to set allocations and qualifications criteria for social housing in respect of (a) low-paid working families, (b) those with a strong local link and (c) those with a record of community activity; and if he will make a statement. [83335]
Andrew Stunell [holding answer 28 November 2011]: The Localism Act 2011 gives back to local authorities the freedom to manage their own housing waiting lists. Local authorities will be able to decide who should qualify for social housing in their area, and to develop solutions which make best use of limited stock. This would include disqualifying applicants who do not have a strong local link with the area, if the local authority chose to do so.
Local authorities already have flexibility within the allocation legislation to include their own local policy priorities within their allocation scheme. We will shortly be publishing for consultation new statutory guidance to local authorities which encourages them to take advantage of this flexibility to give greater priority to families in low paid work or to those who otherwise contribute to their communities.
Travellers: Community Relations
Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress his Department has made on developing a national strategy for Roma integration under the EU framework. [84158]
Andrew Stunell:
I refer the hon. Member to the answers my noble Friend, Baroness Hanham gave to the noble Lord Avebury on 14 June 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA177 and 24 October 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA116. We plan to publish later this year a progress report on the
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work of the Ministerial Working Group on Preventing and Tackling Inequalities Experienced by Gypsies and Travellers.
Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions he has had with the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on developing a national Roma integration strategy. [84159]
Andrew Stunell: Ministers at the Department for Communities and Local Government consulted the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on the UK's policy approach to negotiations for the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting on Roma inclusion, held on 19 May 2011. DCLG Ministers have had no further discussions on Roma integration with the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Executive has responsibility for this issue in Northern Ireland.
Culture, Media and Sport
Arts: Voluntary Work
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the merits of creating and developing skills banks in the arts sector to encourage finance and legal professionals to volunteer their services on an ad hoc basis. [83013]
Mr Vaizey: Arts Council England's plan for 2011-15 sets out key priorities including: promoting greater collaboration between organisations to increase efficiency and innovation; strengthening business models in the arts; and building a network of arts leaders who value sharing knowledge and skills.
I have noted with interest models such as the Cranfield Trust, Orange's ‘Do Some Good’ initiative and Business in the Community's ‘Business Connectors’ programme, all of which contain principles which can be replicated in the arts.
Coroner For Treasure
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) whether his Department and the Ministry of Justice have discussed the sharing of administrative support by the Coroner for Treasure and the Chief Coroner; and if he will make a statement; [84059]
(2) what discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Justice on the funding of the post of Coroner for Treasure; and if he will make a statement. [84166]
Mr Vaizey: This Department discussed the funding of the post of Coroner for Treasure with the Ministry of Justice as part of implementation of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. We considered various options to reduce the funding needed for the Coroner for Treasure post but were unable to secure funding for this post and informed interested parties of this on 17 November.
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This Department has not discussed with the Ministry of Justice the sharing of administrative support by the Coroner for Treasure and the Chief Coroner.
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many current treasure cases have been awaiting a verdict for over six months; and if he will make a statement. [84060]
Mr Vaizey: The British Museum, who act as the Secretariat to the Treasure Valuation Committee, and administer cases of potential Treasure reported to coroners, currently has 27 treasure cases that have been awaiting a coroner verdict for over six months.
Sports: Facilities
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many (a) tennis facilities, (b) bowling facilities, (c) gymnasiums, sports halls and leisure centres, (d) swimming pools, (e) athletic stadiums and (f) ski slopes he estimates will be operational in (i) Liverpool, Walton constituency, (ii) Merseyside and (iii) England in each of the next four years. [84076]
Hugh Robertson: Neither the Department nor Sport England has collated this information. Sports and recreation facilities are delivered by local authorities, and any opening or closure of such a facility is a matter for the local authority concerned. However, there is national planning policy in place covering sports and recreation facilities. This policy looks to local council planning to protect such facilities needed by the local community. The National Planning Policy Framework will simplify the existing suite of planning policy documents and be localist in its approach. The draft framework, which was recently open to consultation, can be found at the following link:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework/
Telephones: Unsolicited Goods and Services
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to prevent unsolicited calls being made to people who have subscribed to the Telephone Preference Service. [84279]
Mr Vaizey: Telephone Preference Service (TPS) registered consumers are protected from unsolicited marketing calls through the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has enforcement responsibility for the TPS and considers complaints about breaches. In May, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) increased the ICO's powers in relation to the PECR, as part of revisions to the EU e-privacy directive enabling the ICO to issue a fine of up to £500,000 for the most serious breaches of the regulations. In addition, DCMS is discussing the effectiveness of the TPS with Ofcom, who are responsible for the contract, to ensure that consumers remain effectively protected and improvements are made where necessary.
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Attorney-General
Babar Ahmad
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Attorney-General whether the decision not to prosecute Babar Ahmad in the UK was made after the Crown Prosecution Service had seen all of the evidence obtained by (a) the Metropolitan Police Service and (b) other authorities in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [84305]
The Attorney-General: A small number of documents seized by the Metropolitan police were submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for advice in 2004. The domestic prosecutor was asked to advise if any of these potentially fell within Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. On the material provided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. At the time this advice was given, domestic prosecutors were aware of the nature of the evidence in the possession of the US, but the entirety of the evidence was never subject to review in this country as it forms part of the case built by the US. The documents submitted to the CPS, even if they had amounted to an offence under Section 58, amounted to only a small fraction of the criminality alleged against Babar Ahmad by the US.
Energy and Climate Change
Green Deal
16. Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations his Department has received on his proposals for implementation of the green deal. [83978]
Gregory Barker: Our proposals were formally launched in our consultation document on 23 November, and the consultation period will close on 18 January.
It is therefore still an early point in the process, but we look forward to receiving responses over the coming weeks.
Durban Climate Change Conference
18. Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent progress has been made on achieving an agreement on climate finance for the Durban climate change conference; and if he will make a statement. [83980]
Chris Huhne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) today.
Domestic Energy Costs
19. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to assist households with their energy costs. [83982]
Charles Hendry: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Members for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray) and for Telford (David Wright), today.
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Climate Change: International Co-operation
Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his priorities are for the international climate change negotiations. [83965]
Chris Huhne: The Government are committed to making progress at Durban on climate finance, adaptation, forests, technology and measuring and reporting emissions. We want to make progress towards a single legally binding instrument which commits all major economies to binding targets and, recognising that the emissions reduction pledges on the table so far are collectively not ambitious enough, make progress in reaching a common understanding on the size of this gap and how we can close it.
Combined Heat and Power: EU Action
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential impact on renewables of providing priority grid access and dispatch for electricity produced from combined heat and power generators as proposed by the draft EU Energy Efficiency Directive; and if he will make a statement. [83564]
Gregory Barker: The current draft text of the Directive requires the provision of priority or guaranteed access to the grid of electricity from high efficiency cogeneration, and the provision of priority dispatch of electricity from high efficiency cogeneration subject to requirements relating to the maintenance of the reliability and safety of the grid. We do not believe that these proposals in the draft EU Energy Efficiency Directive should have an adverse impact on renewable generation.
We already provide guaranteed access in Great Britain through a market-based approach for those large scale renewable and combined heat and power generating stations which are connected to the grid. As regards priority dispatch in Great Britain, we also have a market-based approach where dispatch depends on the generator meeting a market price. Where it is necessary to prevent access on occasion in order to ensure the reliability and safety of the grid system, our market arrangements determine which generator reduces its output, and these generators are compensated. It is usually most cost effective for conventional generation to reduce its output.
Electricity: Meters
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice to be published. [84036]
Charles Hendry: Electricity and gas suppliers have already developed a draft Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice, which they published for consultation in August 2011. They are now considering responses. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has consulted on the draft licence conditions that will formally underpin an industry Code, and will publish its response in the new year. The consultation proposed that energy suppliers should be required to submit a Code of Practice to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) for approval within one month of the new licence conditions taking effect.
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Energy Supply: Planning Permission
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he proposes that responsibility of energy-related planning applications will transfer from the Independent Planning Commission to Ministers. [83845]
Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), intends to commence the sections of the Localism Act 2011 in April 2012. From this point major infrastructure projects will be decided by democratically elected Ministers, within a clear policy framework provided by national policy statements, and on the basis of recommendations made by the new major infrastructure planning unit,
Energy: Billing
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Health the potential health effects on customers of an energy company failing to resolve its billing complaints within an acceptable timeframe. [84250]
Gregory Barker: The Government are fully aware of potential health impacts of those living in cold, damp homes which may arise if someone is unable to heat their home to an adequate standard. Officials in both Departments are in contact on this and continue to work on shared policies.
Energy: Housing
Neil Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to reduce household energy demand. [83960]
Gregory Barker:
Energy efficiency is key to managing demand. The Green Deal is set to transform the energy efficiency of British homes from 2012, and the roll-out
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of smart meters will help empower millions of customers to make informed choices about their energy use.
Energy: Meters
Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the statement of 23 November 2011, Official Report, column 299, on annual energy statement, what assessment he has made of the effect on annual energy bills of the Government's smart metering roll-out programme. [83865]
Charles Hendry: We expect consumers to benefit from lower energy bills as a result of the smart meters rollout. This benefit is driven by consumers using energy more efficiently and by suppliers passing through net cost savings. For example, suppliers will be able to greatly reduce the number of premises they visit. We have assessed the price and bill impacts of the rollout for each year up to 2030; the updated impact assessment, published in August 2011, estimates that the smart meter rollout will reduce the average household electricity and gas bill by £22 in 2020 and by £42 in 2030.
Fuel Poverty
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many and what proportion of households in (a) Southend West constituency, (b) Essex and (c) England were in fuel poverty in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009; what estimate he has made of the equivalent figures for (A) 2010, (B) 2011 and (C) 2012; what representations he has received on this issue since June 2011; from whom these representations were received; and if he will make a statement. [R] [84550]
Gregory Barker: DECC published data for 2006, 2008 and 2009 at local authority and parliamentary constituency level, and the number and proportions of households in fuel poverty are shown in the following table. For 2007 only a national figure is available.
| Number and proportion of households in fuel poverty | ||||||||
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |||||
|
|
Number | Proportion (%) | Number | Proportion (%) | Number | Proportion (%) | Number | Proportion (%) |
| n/a = Not available. | ||||||||
Projections are made two years in advance of the data, at a national level only. These show that around 4.0 million households are projected to be fuel poor in England in 2010 and 4.1 million households in 2011.
Ministerial colleagues and I have regular meetings with a range of stakeholders to discuss fuel poverty.
Fuels: Prices
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the average monthly fuel bill for a pensioner in receipt of pension credit guarantee credit in 2011. [84137]
Charles Hendry: Precise data on monthly fuel bills of pensioners in receipt of pension credit is not available. The Living Costs and Food survey, run by the Office for National Statistics, reports expenditure data for the year 2010 by age of household reference person. This suggests that average monthly household expenditure on electricity, gas and other fuels was as follows, based on the age of the household reference person:
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|
|
£ |
Green Deal Scheme
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effect of the introduction of the green deal on the existing market for energy efficiency products. [84017]
Gregory Barker: The green deal will open up the energy efficiency market to new sources of finance. Our assessment shows that the green deal could double the number of jobs in the insulation industry, supporting at least 65,000 jobs by 2015.
Further detail can be found in the green deal impact assessment.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on what date he plans to announce the interest rate for green deal products. [84018]
Gregory Barker: Our approach to the green deal has been to establish a clear regulatory framework which will support the development of a private sector market in the provision and financing of energy efficiency measures. The interest rate for green deals will therefore be determined by the private sector market.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with the Treasury on standardising the rate of VAT on products included in the green deal. [84019]
Gregory Barker: The Department has regular discussions with HM Treasury over a range of issues relating to the green deal.
Taxation is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne).
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to the structural obligations and liabilities placed on builders by the green deal. [84376]
Gregory Barker: The green deal consultation document sets out our proposals for oversight and redress in relation to installers under the green deal. These were developed in close collaboration with the green deal Installer Fora which are composed of key industry trade bodies.
Heating Oil
Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to promote competition in the heating oil distribution market. [83981]
Charles Hendry:
Last winter, I asked the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to bring forward its Off-Grid Domestic Energy Market study. Published on 18 October 2011, the study concluded that competition in the heating oil
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sector is generally working well. It reported that most consumers had a good choice of four or more suppliers and that barriers to new market entrants are low in most areas. In areas where potential mergers have threatened competition, the OFT has sought divestments to maintain the pre-merger levels of competition. We remain vigilant to ensure that the heating fuels markets function effectively for consumers.
Nuclear Power Stations
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the total capital cost was of the UK's currently operational nuclear power plants; and what the average cost per MWh of the output was of these plants over their lifetime. [84426]
Charles Hendry: The Department does not hold data on the capital costs of existing nuclear power plants in the UK. Information on generation costs is a matter for the operators of the nuclear power stations.
Planning Permission
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what he proposes will happen to planning applications currently being processed by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) which remain uncompleted on the IPC's dissolution. [83844]
Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply.
The Localism Act 2011 provides for the abolition of the Infrastructure Planning Commission and the return of responsibility for taking decisions to democratically elected Ministers. Section 129 of the Act empowers the Secretary of State to make direction with regard to the handling of applications on or after the abolition date for the Infrastructure Planning Commission, and this power will be used to ensure applications transfer seamlessly on the day that the Infrastructure Planning Commission is abolished.
Postcodes
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department uses postcodes for purposes other than the postage of mail. [84191]
Gregory Barker: Information on the use of postcodes other than for the postage of mail is not held centrally within the Department. However it is known that postcodes are used by statisticians in the Department to allocate energy consumption, and associated emissions, to geographical areas.
The results of this analysis are published as National and Official Statistics.
Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the reasons are for his decision to reduce the level of feed-in tariffs for aggregators on 31 March 2012. [83477]
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Gregory Barker: The current consultation on feed-in tariffs (FITs) for solar photovoltaics (PV) seeks views on a proposal for new multi-installation tariff rates for aggregated solar PV projects. This proposal is based on evidence from the comprehensive review of FITs which suggested that the economies of scale associated with aggregated projects mean that a lower tariff is needed to deliver the target rate of return of 5%. The consultation proposes that the multi-installation tariff rate would apply to all new solar PV installations with an eligibility date on or after 1 April 2012. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 23 December 2011.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether contracts agreed and submitted prior to the 12 December 2011 deadline for feed-in tariff applications will be honoured at the rate of 43 pence per kilowatt hour. [84016]
Gregory Barker: Our consultation on feed-in tariffs (FITs) for solar photovoltaics (PV) proposes that new tariffs will be implemented from 1 April 2012 but will apply to all new PV installations with an eligibility date on or after a proposed “reference date” of 12 December 2011. For the majority of solar PV installations, the eligibility date will be the date on which a valid application is received by the FITs licensee, normally the applicant's electricity supplier.
The proposals are designed to strike a balance between the need for quick action and the desire to allow people an opportunity to finish work that is well underway. The proposed six-week period will allow many prospective generators who have made a financial commitment to installing PV (for example, paying a deposit) to do this. We will consider all representations made during the consultation, including those related to the proposed reference date.
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will estimate the average annual income of a household in receipt of the feed-in tariff. [84133]
Gregory Barker: This information is not held by the Department.
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many Housing Revenue Account tenanted properties have feed-in tariff installations in each London borough. [84402]
Gregory Barker: This information is not held by the Department.
However, as of 30 November, the Ofgem Central FITs Register shows a total of 3,250 installations in receipt of feed-in tariffs across all London boroughs.
Solar Power
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to encourage community projects and local authorities to make use of solar photovoltaics. [83977]
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Gregory Barker: The latest consultation on feed-in tariffs states that the Government are considering whether more could be done to enable genuine community projects to benefit from FITs. The next consultation will also seek views on how we define community schemes.
Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for what reasons the proposed new multi-installation tariff rates for aggregated solar photovoltaic schemes is set at 80% of the standard tariffs for individual installations. [83323]
Gregory Barker: The multi-installation tariff rates are based on evidence from the comprehensive review which suggested that the economies of scale associated with aggregated projects mean that a lower tariff is necessary to deliver the target rate of return of 5%. We have considered this evidence along with the possible impact of the proposed new requirements on energy efficiency on aggregated projects. On this basis, we consider that a multi-installation rate which is set at 80% of the proposed standard tariffs for individual installations is justified (where that would result in a tariff that is no lower than the marginal cost of renewables).
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he gave to the potential effects on (a) confidence in the solar industry and (b) investment in major future energy initiatives of his decision to reduce the feed-in tariff for solar photovoltaics from 12 December 2011. [83454]
Gregory Barker: The impact assessment accompanying the Government's consultation on feed-in tariffs (FITs) for solar photovoltaics (PV), available at
http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/fits-comp-review-p1/3416-fits-IA-solar-pv-draft.pdf
estimates that new solar PV installations will continue to come forward under the proposed changes to FITs for solar PV. The impact assessment does not estimate the specific impact of the proposed changes, or the potential new business opportunities arising from the consultation proposals on energy efficiency, on the UK solar industry.
Current tariffs are providing returns well in excess of the around 5% that was intended when the FITs scheme was launched, and the proposed new tariffs are intended to ensure that returns go back to this level.
As with all DECC policy proposals, we have taken into account their potential perception by industry and investors. Our commitment to delivering clarity and longevity is one of the reasons that we will be introducing the electricity market reform to provide investors with a stable and credible long-term policy framework to encourage investment.
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether the (a) Home Affairs and (b) Economic Affairs Cabinet sub-committees considered the effect on employment in the solar industry of a reduction in the feed-in tariff for new solar PV installations with an eligibility date on or after 12 December 2011. [84030]
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Gregory Barker: In line with the constitutional convention of collective decision-making, and section 2 of the Ministerial Code, the Government do not disclose details of the internal process through which decisions are taken.
The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), who has responsibility for the feed-in tariff proposals, sits on both the Economic Affairs and Home Affairs Cabinet Committees, where a wide range of issues are discussed.
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many Housing Revenue Account tenanted properties have feed-in tariff solar photovoltaic installations in each London borough. [84401]
Gregory Barker: This information is not held by the Department.
However, as of 30 November, the Ofgem Central FITs Register shows a total of 3,223 solar photovoltaic installations in receipt of feed-in tariffs across all London boroughs.
Wind Power
Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been made in implementing the Government's policy on wind farms. [84295]
Charles Hendry: The Renewable Energy Roadmap (published in July 2011) sets out a targeted plan of actions for eight key technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, in order to meet our 15% renewable energy target. The Roadmap includes illustrative “central ranges” for these key technologies and whilst they do not represent technology specific targets or the level of our ambition, they do show what could be deployed by 2020. We are making progress on the actions in the Roadmap to remove non-financial barriers—including reform of the planning system, and working with aviation and wind stakeholders to develop and implement mitigation of wind farm interference with aviation radar.
The Government are committed to continuing support for wind technologies through the renewables obligation (RO) to help achieve our challenging deployment goals. On 20 October, DECC published a consultation on proposals for RO support levels for large-scale renewable electricity generation, including from onshore and offshore wind, for the period 2013-17(1). We are targeting support at the most cost effective of these technologies, and in the case of onshore wind farms in particular, a proposed 10% reduction in the level of support aims to deter poorly sited projects. The RO proposals will help secure billions of pounds of private sector investment in the UK economy.
Good progress has been made on deployment—we currently have 4 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind capacity in operation and the existing pipeline contains an additional 11GW. When taken together, this would contribute a significant proportion of the central range for onshore wind deployment by 2020.
In addition, the UK is the world leader for offshore wind power, with over 1.5GW installed capacity, around
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4GW post-consent and some 2GW in the planning system demonstrating that good progress is being made towards meeting our central projections for this technology.
(1 )http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/cons_ro_ review/cons_ro_review.aspx
Justice
Free Schools: Planning Permission
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) which Department would receive any income arising from free schools being established at (a) Balham youth court, (b) Haringey magistrates court, (c) Mid-Sussex magistrates court and (d) Sutton Coldfield magistrates court; [84162]
(2) whether (a) Balham Youth Court, (b) Haringey magistrates court, (c) Mid-Sussex magistrates court and (d) Sutton Coldfield magistrates court will be available for (i) sale, (ii) rent or (iii) free as potential sites for free schools. [84163]
Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice would receive a capital receipt if the sales of (a) Balham youth court, (b) Haringey magistrates court, (c)Mid-Sussex magistrates court and (d) Sutton Coldfield magistrates court are completed. These courts are currently being offered for sale and the Ministry of Justice has agreed with the Department for Education that they may offer them as potential sites for free schools.
HM Prison Birmingham: Pensions
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether the costs of pensions were added to the public sector bid in respect of the recent tendering process for HM Prison Birmingham. [84734]
Mr Blunt: Yes, the costs of providing pensions were added to the public sector bid.
Offenders: Foreign Nationals
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many foreign national offenders who have been (a) subject to proceedings for being an illegal immigrant or (b) seeking asylum have (i) received criminal convictions and (ii) been in receipt of a custodial sentence in each of the last five years; [84417]
(2) how many foreign national offenders who have been (a) subject to proceedings for being an illegal immigrant or (b) seeking asylum have been convicted of (i) a violent offence and (ii) a sexual offence in each of the last five years. [84418]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database holds information on offences provided by the statutes under which proceedings are brought but not all the circumstances of each case. It is therefore not possible to identify from these centrally held data whether the offender was a foreign national, has been subject to proceedings for being an illegal immigrant, or has been seeking asylum.
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Prisoners’ Release: Lie Detectors
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many sex offenders have had a polygraph condition imposed as part of their release licence in each of the last five years; [84408]
(2) how many released offenders have undergone a polygraph session as a result of the polygraph pilot; and how many polygraph sessions have taken place in each month that the pilot has been operational. [84409]
Mr Blunt: Sections 28 to 30 of the Offender Management Act 2007 (the 2007 Act) enabled a pilot of mandatory polygraph testing to take place covering offenders released on licence to addresses in the east and west midlands regions, after serving prison sentences of 12 months or more for committing specified sexual offences. The pilot began in January 2009 and ended October 2011. During this period, 650 sexual offenders were released with a licence condition requiring them to undertake polygraph testing.
599 of the 650 attended at least one polygraph session during this period, the first test being scheduled 10-12 weeks after release. A polygraph session was scheduled at not less than every six months for the duration of the licence and pilot.
The following table provides details of the testing figures for the first two financial years of the pilot and for the year to October 2011 when testing ended. During this period, 1,290 polygraph sessions took place.
The discrepancy between offenders released with a polygraph condition (650) and those attending at least one session (599) are accounted for, in the main, by the offender being recalled before their scheduled first test.
| Period | Number of tests |
The results of the pilot are now subject to evaluation, with a view to determining whether mandatory polygraph testing is a useful additional tool in the risk management of sexual offenders. In accordance with the provisions in the 2007 Act, an affirmative resolution of each House of Parliament would be needed before mandatory polygraph testing could be extended to sexual offenders released on licence throughout England and Wales.
Prisons: Crimes of Violence
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prison officers have been stabbed during the course of their duties in each of the last five years. [84737]
Mr Blunt:
The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) do not record data in the requested form. However, NOMS do record and publish statistics on assaults on staff which include assaults on prison officers. The statistics show the number of incidents in which staff have been involved, but do not include the number of individual injuries received by staff or the treatment they received. They do include figures for assaults by
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type of injury received. Figures for staff and prisoner injuries have been collated in the statistics.
The National Offender Management Service publishes annual Safety in Custody statistics on the Ministry of Justice website. Statistics on prisoner on officer assault incidents for 2001 to 2010 can be found at the following link:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/prisons-and-probation/safety-in-custody.htm
Prisons: Private Sector
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice who bears the cost of the private sector mobilisation process prior to the assumption of responsibility for operation of a prison by a private sector provider. [84735]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice bears the cost of mobilisation and transition. However, the costs are assimilated in the contract price. The costs of mobilisation and transition are not paid until after full commencement of the services.
Probation
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what (a) the full list of probation functions and (b) the list of core probation services is; and which of these have been subjected to marketisation. [84161]
Mr Blunt: The information is as follows.
(a) The full list of probation functions is covered by the following service specifications, published as part of the NOMS Directory of Services at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/about/noms/noms-directory-of-services-and-specifications.htm
Bail accommodation service
Bail services
Court work other than assessments and reports
Victim liaison
Approved premises—Public protection and regimes
Approved premises—Catering and domestic arrangements
Assessment and reports pre-sentence
Manage the sentence for a community order or suspended sentence order
Manage the custodial sentence—Manage the sentence pre and post release from custody
Manage the custodial sentence—Deliver supervision on licence
Deliver supervision requirement
Deliver accredited programmes
Deliver curfew requirement
Support delivery of alcohol treatment requirement
Support delivery of drug rehabilitation requirement
Support delivery of mental health treatment requirement
Deliver residence requirement
Deliver prohibited activity requirement
Deliver exclusion requirement
Deliver senior attendance centre requirement
Rehabilitation services—In the community
Rehabilitation services—Deliver activity requirement
Unpaid work/Community payback
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(b) There is currently no official list of ‘core probation services.' The Government will consider this as part of the ongoing probation review.
Bail Accommodation and Support Service and Community Payback are currently the only probation functions that have been, or are being, put to competition on a national basis by NOMS. NOMS does not keep records of competitive activity undertaken by probation trusts.
The probation review announced on 13 July 2011 is developing options for probation reform. All the options being considered include scope for a much greater level of competition in probation services. We plan to consult on our proposals in the new year.
Reoffenders: Alternatives to Prosecution
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders subject to out-of-court disposals had previous criminal convictions in each of the last five years. [84413]
Mr Djanogly: The following table shows the number of offenders receiving a reprimand, warning or caution, in England and Wales in the years 2006 to 2010, by the number of previous convictions. Figures for the previous criminal histories for offenders receiving other types of out-of-court disposal are not available.
These figures relate to separate cautioning occasions; where an offender was cautioned on the same occasion for several offences that occasion has been counted once in the table. These figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.
| Offenders receiving a reprimand, warning or caution by number of previous convictions and year— England and Wales | |||||
| Number of offenders | |||||
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2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Note: These figures cover offenders cautioned for indictable offences and certain summary offences that are recorded by the police (they exclude a range of less serious summary offences such as television licence evasion, speeding and vehicle tax offences). | |||||
Suicide: Pendle
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what information his Department holds on the age of victims of suicide in Pendle constituency in the last 10 years. [83874]
Mr Djanogly:
The information requested is not held centrally. Coroners make annual returns on their verdicts, including suicide verdicts, but this information does not contain the level of detail requested. The Coroner for East Lancashire has provided details in the following
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table of the number of suicide verdicts in his district over the last 10 years but to obtain the address and age of the deceased would be at disproportionate cost as every suicide verdict would have to be interrogated.
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Suicide verdicts for East Lancashire coroner district (number) |