29 Feb 2012 : Column 336W
Treasury
Banks: Loans
Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information his Department holds on the (a) number and (b) proportion of successful appeals made to banks under the banking lending independent appeals process. [97294]
Mr Hoban: The first report by Russell Griggs, the independent reviewer of the appeals process, will be published in April.
Child Tax Credit
Mr Hepburn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people received child tax credit over-payments in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the north-east and (d) the UK in each year since the inception of tax credits; [97346]
(2) how many people were in receipt of working tax credit payments in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the north-east and (d) the UK in each year since the inception of tax credits; [97345]
(3) how many people were in receipt of child tax credit payments in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the north-east and (d) the UK in each year since the inception of tax credits. [97344]
Mr Gauke: The answer to these questions can be found in the Finalised Award Statistics (annual view after finalisation) Geographical Statistics (National Statistics) available at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/final-award-geog.htm
The average number of claimants of working tax credit and child tax credit can be found in the publication “Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics Finalised annual awards. Geographical analyses”. For 2009-10, the latest year for which finalised data are available, the publication is at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-final-awards-may11.pdf
For each year, Table 2 has total number of claimants for child tax credit and working tax credit by local authority. Table 3 has this information by Westminster parliamentary constituency, and both tables have this for the UK and the north-east.
Information on over-payments just for child tax credit would be available only at disproportionate cost; however information on tax credits over-payments can be found in the publication: “Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Finalised Annual Awards. Supplement on payments. Geographical analyses”. For 2009-10 this is at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-final-awards-supp-may11.pdf
As previously, for each year Table 3 has information on number of families with over-payments by Westminster parliamentary constituency. Table 2 has this information by local authority, and both tables have figures for the north-east and the UK.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 337W
Online Services
Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what public services his Department delivers online only. [96900]
Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury does not deliver any public services online only.
Income Tax: Gillingham
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people in Gillingham and Rainham constituency pay income tax at (a) 20 per cent., (b) 40 per cent. and (c) 50 per cent; [96724]
(2) what the revenue raised from (a) income tax and (b) national insurance contributions was in Gillingham and Rainham constituency in the tax years (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. [96725]
Mr Gauke: Estimates of the number of taxpayers in the then Gillingham constituency in 2007-08, the latest year for which detailed survey data are available, are provided in the following table, categorised by their highest marginal tax rate.
| Parliamentary constituency of Gillingham 2007-08 | |
| Marginal tax rate | Number of taxpayers (thousand) |
| Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding. Source: Survey of Personal Incomes, 2007-08 | |
Total tax liabilities for the Gillingham constituency are estimated at £222 million in 2007-08.
Estimates of national insurance contributions by parliamentary constituency are not available.
Projections of taxpayer numbers by marginal rate to 2011-12 are available for the UK and each Government Office Region on the HMRC website in tables 2.1 and 2.2, at the following addresses:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/table2-1.pdf
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/table2-2.pdf
Projections of taxpayer numbers and their liabilities are not available at lower levels of geography, due to greater uncertainties in making projections for small geographical areas and small sample sizes.
Income Tax: National Insurance
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had on (a) the alignment of national insurance contributions with income tax and (b) the removal of the upper earnings limit cap on national insurance contributions. [96799]
Mr Gauke: The Government are currently working on options for integrating income tax and national insurance contributions. Budget 2012 will give an update. The Government have no plans to remove the upper earnings limit cap on national insurance contributions.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 338W
Revenue and Customs: Closures
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much he has allocated to the support of staff affected by redundancy at HM Revenue and Customs in each year between 2012 and 2014; [96818]
(2) what steps he is taking to support staff affected by the closure of HM Revenue and Customs offices between 2012 and 2014. [96819]
Mr Gauke: By 2015 HMRC will be operating with 10,000 fewer full-time equivalent posts than in April 2011. HMRC is confident that in the main this reduction can be achieved through natural wastage and through the redeployment of those in need of new roles into other essential work, particularly into new roles in compliance arising from the £917 million spending review reinvestment to reduce the tax gap. HMRC has no plans for compulsory redundancies and will avoid these as far as it possibly can.
Reduced staffing levels will mean a reduced need for accommodation and HMRC is nearing completion of the office closure plans that will take the Department right through to 2015. HMRC's work around these plans indicates that the vast majority of staff affected by closures are likely to be within reasonable travel of another office and the expectation remains that when an office closes the staff based there will relocate to another HMRC site. As part of the decision making process staff will have the opportunity to discuss how their personal circumstances affect their ability to move in one-to-one discussions with their managers. HMRC will support individuals unable to relocate by exploring all available options with them and financial support in the form of daily travel assistance will be considered for those who face increased travelling costs as the result of the move.
Tax Avoidance: Ghana
Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reports he has received on the use of Ghana as a location for tax avoidance schemes. [96958]
Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers receive advice from HM Treasury and HMRC on a range of tax policy issues and are aware of tax repayment claims based on arrangements involving Ghanaian teak farming. HMRC is currently investigating claims relying on these arrangements.
Taxation: Aviation
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what recent estimate he has made of the revenue which would accrue to the Exchequer if (a) fuel duty was levied on (i) international and (ii) internal journeys by air and (b) value added tax was levied on the full value of air tickets; [96826]
(2) what estimate he has made of the revenue which would accrue to the Exchequer if (a) air passenger duty was replaced with a tax levied at 20% on airline tickets for flights departing from UK airports and (b) aviation fuel was subject to duty at the same rate as petrol for cars. [96827]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 339W
Miss Chloe Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah) on 12 September 2011, Official Report, column 1041W.
Aviation turbine fuel used in private pleasure flying in turbine powered aircraft is subject to duty at the same rate as road diesel at 57.95p per litre. Aviation gasoline used in piston powered aircraft is subject to duty at 37.70p per litre. Other uses of aviation fuel in the UK do not attract duty. VAT at 20% is applicable to retail sales of aviation fuel used for commercial flights within the UK and private pleasure flying. Tax receipts from these sources are not disaggregated from reported totals.
Taxation: Self-assessment
David Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to assist people living in rural constituencies without access to the internet who are required to submit a self-assessment tax return online; and if he will make a statement. [96870]
Mr Gauke: There is no requirement for taxpayers to file their income self-assessment tax return online.
Taxpayers who do not wish to or have difficulty in filing their income self-assessment tax return online have the option to file a paper return by 31 October following the end of the tax year concerned.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to simplify the self-assessment tax form. [96880]
Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs is committed to improving taxpayer experience by continually reviewing its products and processes. This includes the usability and contents of the self-assessment tax return.
Communities and Local Government
Coastal Communities Fund
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what methodology his Department used to determine the amount of funding for each coastal constituency in the Coastal Communities Fund. [96737]
Grant Shapps: The amount of money made available to each country of the UK under the Coastal Communities Fund is equivalent to 50% of the gross revenues raised by the Crown Estate's marine activities in that area. For 2012, the funding is based on the Crown Estate's marine revenues in 2010-11. This will make available £23.7 million (50% of £47.4 million revenue raised) to support economic development in coastal communities in the UK and will be split between each country as follows:
| £ million | ||
| 2010-11 | Total Crown Estate marine revenues | 50% of Crown Estate marine revenues |
29 Feb 2012 : Column 340W
At a local or constituency level, however, the fund will operate on a competitive bid led basis. It will be open to any coastal community that can meet the eligibility criteria set out in the prospectus my Department launched on 9 February to apply for a grant, regardless of the level of marine revenues raised by the Crown Estate in that locality.
Food Procurement
Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion of food purchased by his Department was produced in the UK in each of the last five years. [93720]
Robert Neill: In the last two years the proportion of food purchased by the Department that was produced in the UK was as follows:
| Financial year | Percentage UK p roduce |
The information requested for earlier years was published by DEFRA in three annual reports on food procurement which covered the period April 2006 to March 2009. The final one of this series is available at:
http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/policy/publicsectorfood/documents/100226-food-proc-initiative.pdf
These reports include an estimate of the proportion of domestically produced food procured for Government Departments and also supplied to hospitals and prisons under contracts negotiated by NHS Supply Chain and the National Offender Management Service. A summary of all three years is on page 4 of this document.
These reports were laid in the Library of the House.
These figures were supplied by our facilities management supplier and relate to in-house catering.
The DEFRA document quotes the following figures for DCLG for earlier years:
| Percentage | |
The Department's caterers are contracted to comply with Government buying standards for food with regard to food purchase and provision and we are working to increase the volume of food procured from the UK.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 341W
Online Services
Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what public services his Department delivers online only. [96890]
Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and Local Government does not deliver any public services online only.
Procurement
Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department spent procuring products and services in 2010-11. [93871]
Robert Neill: We have interpreted this question to include all third party expenditure including rents and rates for instance. Departmental records show a total of £222.6 million expenditure on products and services in financial year 2010-11.
All spending over £500 is published on my Department's website as part of our transparency agenda.
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what proportion of the total value of contracts issued or to be issued by his Department in 2011-12 have required successful organisations to put up a capital bond; and if he will make a statement; [94919]
(2) which contracts his Department has tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which contracts have not required such a bond; and if he will make a statement. [94940]
Robert Neill: The Department has interpreted capital bonds to mean surety bonds, such as performance bonds.
The Department has not issued and has no plans to issue capital or performance bonds in respect of contracts tendered or planned to be tendered in 2011-12. Due to the nature of procurements undertaken by the Department it is not foreseen that these instruments would be required.
Departmental Regulation
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent progress his Department has made on the Red Tape Challenge; and which regulations have been (a) abolished and (b) revised as part of the Challenge. [96997]
Robert Neill: To date, of over 1,200 regulations considered so far under Red Tape Challenge, the Government have agreed to scrap or substantially overhaul well over 50%. As a result of the Red Tape Challenge, DCLG has so far announced deregulatory plans, as part of the Hospitality, Food and Drink theme, to relax the requirements on energy performance certificates in holiday lets.
The DCLG Housing and Construction theme is currently going through the Red Tape Challenge process. We have invited the public, business and the voluntary and community sector to give us their views on how to reduce unnecessary and disproportionate red tape in
29 Feb 2012 : Column 342W
the housing and construction sector. We have not yet made any firm decisions on what regulations will be abolished. Ministers will consider the public comments and whether there is a robust case for each regulation to either be abolished or revised.
The 123 Red Tape Challenge reforms made, or about to be made, so far across all Departments are set out in the Government's latest Statement of New Regulation published on 28 February 2012. Many further changes will be announced and implemented in the coming months. So far 15 themes have appeared on the Red Tape Challenge website. Five have gone through a rigorous decision making process (Retail; Hospitality, Food and Drink; Employment Related Law; Manufacturing; Road Transport). The Government have also announced deregulatory plans in health and safety, following the Löfstedt report, with more to follow through Red Tape Challenge.
Departmental Travel Costs
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 January 2012, Official Report, column 31WS, on cost of ministerial cars, whether his Department has any other arrangements for ministerial travel; and how much his Department has spent on (a) private hire vehicles and (b) taxis for each Minister since May 2010. [92839]
Robert Neill: This Government have taken a series of steps to reduce the cost of ministerial travel. Departmental spend with the Government Car and Despatch Agency has been reduced from £488,276 from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, to £268,953 from 13 May 2010 to 31 March 2011, and the number of allocated cars been reduced from six to one.
Use of a Hackney Carriage taxi is often cheaper than using the pool car arrangements provided by the Government Car Service. From 13 May 2010 to the end of January 2012, total expenditure by ministerial offices on taxis was £3,029 over the 21 month period. This figure includes travel by staff within ministerial offices—it is not a figure solely for travel by Ministers.
Ministers have made occasional use of private hire vehicles when making visits to different parts of the country: total expenditure on such vehicles for the period in question is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Electoral Register
Mr Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what role (a) district auditors and (b) the local government ombudsman have in relation to complaints of maladministration in local authority electoral registration services. [96974]
Robert Neill: The local government ombudsman's role is to investigate complaints from members of the public who consider they have suffered injustice arising from maladministration, including on electoral registration services by local authorities. The ombudsman may make recommendations about redress.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 343W
The district auditor would have no role in relation to a maladministration complaint, unless there could be issues of impropriety, or irregularity, or illegality, in the use of resources.
Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to encourage the use of e-mail in preference to printed correspondence for communications between his Department and hon. Members. [94854]
Robert Neill: The Department will want to consider this issue in the light of the views of hon. and right hon. Members and having taken account of previous and existing experiments of the use of e-mail in preference to printed correspondence
Environment Protection: Planning Permission
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to give guidance to local planning authorities on the National Ecosystems Assessment. [96734]
Robert Neill: In our consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework we asked for views about supporting guidance and who could provide it. We are carefully considering all of the submissions that have been made to the consultation and will consider what relevant guidance will be required.
Fire Services
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to encourage more people to sign up to become on-call retained firefighters. [97314]
Robert Neill: The Department greatly values the retained firefighter duty system, which provides flexible, cost-effective and locally based fire and rescue cover. However, responsibility for the recruitment and deployment of retained duty system firefighters rests with individual fire and rescue authorities. Each fire and rescue authority is responsible for assessing through its integrated risk management planning process the number of firefighters on both whole-time and retained duty systems, required to provide an effective fire and rescue service in its area.
My Department continues to work with fire and rescue authorities to raise awareness of the retained duty system, and to aid this it has produced the Retained Duty System Employers' Information Toolkit to support fire and rescue authorities in engaging with local employers in raising awareness about the duty system, and encouraging their support to release staff to become retained duty firefighters. The Department has also produced the Recognition Scheme for Primary Employers of Retained Duty System (On-Call) Firefighters, to recognise employers who have agreed to make staff available for retained duty system service.
As well as the above, the Department also maintains regular dialogue with the representative bodies on retained duty system issues.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 344W
Fire Services: Pensions
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the findings of (a) the report entitled “Pension Schemes in the Fire Service and the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission” by Tony Cutler and Barbara Waine, (b) a report on the impact of the Governments' proposals for members of the firefighters' pension scheme and the new firefighters' pension scheme by First Actuarial consultants, (c) a scoping study: “Review of ageing and the demands on firefighting” by Richard Graveling and Joanne Crawford on behalf of the Institute of Occupational Medicine and (d) the report entitled “Fitness for Work: Estimate of the deterioration of the aerobic fitness of firefighters with age” by Richard Graveling on behalf of the Institute of Occupational Medicine. [R] [94846]
Robert Neill: Each of the reports referred to were commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union as part of the detailed discussions around setting the cost ceiling for, and undertaking further discussions on, reforms to firefighter pensions. I am grateful for the continued dialogue with the Fire Brigades Union and all of the firefighter unions to discussions on pension reforms, and for providing the evidence in the reports which, I can confirm, have been fully considered by the Government.
On 9 February, I updated the House on the Heads of Agreement that has now been reached on proposed reforms to the firefighters' pension schemes, a copy of which was deposited in the Library of the House. The proposals will ensure that firefighters continue to have access to good quality pensions that are sustainable, fair and effective.
The design parameters provide for 10 years of transitional protection, so that those closest to retirement will see no change in when they can retire, nor any decrease in the amount of pension they receive at their normal pension age. There will also be a further four years of tapered protection, and a final salary link for all benefits earned under final salary arrangements. The proposed new scheme provides for a defined benefit career average scheme with a generous accrual rate of 1/58.7ths based on in-service revaluation of average weekly earnings. There will also be flexible retirement from age 55, built around a normal pension age of 60, with enhanced retirement arrangements for active scheme members who are age 57 and over.
Fire Services: Standards
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of fire service response times, from time of call to time of first attendance, were of a duration of (a) up to five minutes, (b) six to 10 minutes, (c) 11 to 15 minutes and (d) over 15 minutes for each fire and rescue service in each year since 2000. [R] [94843]
Robert Neill: The information requested is not readily available. However, it is intended that analysis of response time data, including the information requested, will be included in the Fire Statistics Monitor which is to be published by July. This will include data up to 31 March 2012.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 345W
Homelessness: Greater London
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what recent estimate he has made of the cost of providing temporary accommodation to homeless people in (a) the London borough of Bexley and (b) London in each of the last five years; [96728]
(2) how many people in (a) the London borough of Bexley and (b) London presented as homeless in the last five years. [96729]
Grant Shapps: The following table shows the total number of decisions about households presenting as homeless (i.e. those applying for assistance under the 1985 and 1996 Housing Acts) made by: (a) the London borough of Bexley and (b) all London boroughs and the City of London in the last five financial years. This comprises: (i) all eligible households found to be in priority need and unintentionally homeless (acceptances); (ii) those in priority need but intentionally homeless; (iii) those not in priority need and (iv) those found to be not homeless.
| Total number of decisions made by (a) London borough of Bexley (b) all London boroughs and the City of London under the 1985 and 1996 Housing Act on applications from eligible households, for the last five financial years | ||
| Total decisions | ||
| London borough of Bexley | London | |
| Source: Quarterly P1E returns | ||
Information about English local housing authorities' actions under the homelessness legislation (Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996) is collected quarterly at local authority level. Data are published in the quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness, and are available in the Library of the House or via the DCLG website:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/publicationshomelessness/
I recently announced allocations of £18.6 million to local authorities so they can better tackle single homelessness and bear down on rough sleeping. This extra funding will help councils to ensure that nobody is turned away without clear and useful advice when they are most in need. This comes on top of the existing £400 million homelessness grant this Government have protected.
The Department for Communities and Local Government collects and publishes detailed breakdown of outturn local authority revenue expenditure on housing services including homelessness and temporary accommodation since 2005-06. This information can be found on the Department's website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/localregional/localgovernmentfinance/statistics/revenueexpenditure/
29 Feb 2012 : Column 346W
Housing: Repairs and Maintenance
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people (a) applied for and (b) were awarded home repairs assistance in England in financial years (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. [97323]
Andrew Stunell: Data are collected on private sector renewal assistance via the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix. This includes all assistance (grants and loans) to private sector dwelling stock (including housing associations) for repairs, improvements and adaptation under the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 and the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
The dataset is published annually at the following link:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/localauthorityhousing/dataforms/
Summary information about renewal grants is published in the table at the following link:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/2039604.xls
In 2009-10, 127,070 grants were paid by local authorities to households for renewal assistance. A further 4,860 loans were paid by local authorities or by third parties sponsored by local authorities.
In 2010-11, 124,490 grants were paid to households for renewal assistance. A further 5,070 loans were paid.
These figures relate to grants and loans completed during the financial year. Information is not collected on the number of grants and loans that have been applied for. Information on the actual number of households receiving assistance is not collected.
Local Authorities
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to force local authorities to divest themselves of assets which are not necessary for their core functions; and if he will make a statement. [96954]
Robert Neill: It is for local authorities to decide how to make best use of their assets, including the relative benefits and costs of holding assets, and the disposal of under-utilised assets. They are best placed to know what is most appropriate for their local area in a way that central Government cannot.
We have been working with a number of local authorities to look at all public land and buildings in their area which has shown potential 20% savings, significant opportunities for growth and improved outcomes for residents.
Local Authorities: Airports
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he considers it appropriate that local authorities should own or hold an interest in an airport; and if he will make a statement. [96953]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 347W
Robert Neill: It is for a local authority to be satisfied that it has the power to undertake any specific activities. This would include the ownership or holding of an interest in an airport. The Airports Act 1986 made provision for the establishment of Public Airport Companies. This is a company that carries out the business of operating an airport as a commercial undertaking, which is either a subsidiary of a single principal council or a subsidiary of two or more such councils.
Planning Permission: Travellers
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effect of new planning guidance on travelling showpeople's sites on appeals lodged before the new guidance comes into force; and whether such an appeal against a planning decision will be judged against the guidance that was in force at the time the application was made. [94804]
Robert Neill: Our draft planning policy for Traveller sites was published for consultation last year and we are currently considering all the responses.
In the meantime, decision-makers are entitled to have regard to the fact that it is proposed to withdraw the circulars and replace them with the Government's draft new policy.
When a planning inspector makes a decision they will take into account all the evidence before them at the time the decision is made, including national planning policy that is extant at that time.
We intend to publish our new policy as soon as possible.
Planning Permission: Wind Power
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many planning appeals in respect of wind turbines were considered by the Planning Inspectorate in each planning category for each of the last five years; and what proportion of such appeals in each category were (a) upheld and (b) dismissed. [94780]
Robert Neill: The following table shows the number of planning appeals in respect of wind turbines in each category, the percentage allowed and upheld for each of the last five years. Within these figures are a number of appeals for turbines on individual dwellings.
| Decision year | Procedure | Allowed | % allowed | Upheld | % upheld | Total |
29 Feb 2012 : Column 348W
| WR = Written Representations IH = Informal Hearing LI = Local Inquiry | ||||||
Private Rented Housing
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effects of buy-to-let mortgages on the size of the private rented sector. [96774]
Andrew Stunell: Based on data drawn from the English Housing Survey for 2010-11 and the latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders, we estimate that buy-to-let mortgages currently support some 39% of private rented sector stock. The Government's Housing Strategy outlines our support for a thriving private rented sector, as well as taking a series of measures to build more affordable homes and support home ownership.
Recycling: Shropshire
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what advice and assistance he is giving to Shropshire council to help them to collect and recycle cardboard. [96878]
Robert Neill: My Department published a detailed prospectus for the Weekly Collection Support Scheme on 3 February. The fund, worth up to £250 million, will support local authorities such as Shropshire to deliver better weekly collections of household waste and recycling.
We are inviting expressions of interest by 16 March from English local authorities, such as Shropshire, that will deliver weekly collection, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness. We look forward to receiving a range of innovative bids that promote investment in infrastructure, champion joint working and better procurement, and reward householders for recycling more.
Social Rented Housing: Finance
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what payments have been made from the public purse to each (a) housing association and (b) social housing provider in each of the last five years; and for what purpose the funding was provided. [94675]
Grant Shapps:
This Government want to create a new era of accountability and openness. We are therefore committed to publishing details of any new tenders for contracts, new contracts over £10,000 and spending data involving all transactions of over £500. This threshold of over £500 is a lower threshold than that required by
29 Feb 2012 : Column 349W
HM Treasury but the Department has brought publication of its spending data in line with transactions published by local authorities. These transactions will include payments made directly by this Department to housing associations and other social housing providers. Grant payments made by this Department from 2008-09 can be found at the following website:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/transparencyingovernment/spenddata/
From November 2010 the Department has published this spend data on a monthly basis.
The Homes and Communities Agency, as a Departmental arm's-length body, is responsible for publishing its own spending data and is expected to publish details of its transactions over £500 every month on its own website. HM Treasury prescribe the format of the data published and provide guidance on content and data exclusions.
Expenditure data from 2010-11 can be found at the following website:
http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/transparency
To provide the detail of all payments made to each housing associations and other social housing provider in every year for the last five years, including the purpose for which the funding was provided, would incur disproportionate cost.
Wind Power: Planning Permission
Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of (a) the effect of the presumption in favour of sustainable development on appeals to overturn local planning decisions relating to wind farms and (b) the compatibility of that presumption with his localism policy. [97081]
Robert Neill [holding answer 28 February 2012]: An impact assessment was published alongside the draft National Planning Policy Framework, which includes an initial assessment of the implications for planning appeals. The presumption in favour of sustainable development is designed to reinforce the role of locally-produced plans in addressing development needs.
Departmental Billing
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of his Department's invoices from its private sector suppliers were paid (a) within 14 days, (b) between 15 and 30 days, (c) between 31 and 60 days, (d) between 61 and 90 days and (e) more than 90 days after receipt in the last 12 months. [93441]
Robert Neill: The following table shows the number of invoices processed by the Department for Communities and Local Government between 1 February 2011 and 31 January 2012.
| Paid | Invoices paid | Percentage |
29 Feb 2012 : Column 350W
The ‘paid...’ criteria include the two days required by the banking process, and therefore represent delivery of cleared funds in the supplier’s bank account.
The invoices shown are for all suppliers as DCLG does not distinguish between supplier types.
For comparison, the performance in April 2010 in percentage terms was:
| Paid | Percentage |
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Action for Employment
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contracts her Department has with A4e; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value is of each such contract. [97020]
Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has no contracts with A4e.
Birds of Prey
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate her Department has made of the population of each species of birds of prey in each of the last five years. [96203]
Richard Benyon: The populations of birds of prey in the UK are monitored through a range of schemes and surveys according to species. For more abundant species, between-year population trends are assessed through annual sample surveys, notably by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)/Joint Nature Conservation Committee/RSPB Breeding Birds Survey, the most recent results of which can be found on the BTO website.
Scarce species are subject to periodic national surveys (usually undertaken every 12 years) to assess national population sizes. The results of these surveys are published in scientific journals and summarised by the Rare Breeding Birds Panel's annual report, which is available via the Panel's website.
The geographical range of raptors in UK is periodically assessed by atlases of distribution in the breeding and non-breeding season about every 25 years. These atlases are organised jointly with Ireland, and in the UK are co-ordinated by the BTO and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club. The most recent, covering the period 2007-11, is planned for publication in 2013.
Population sizes assessments are thus not made annually for all species.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 351W
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 7 December 2011, Official Report, columns 346-8W, which provided the most recently available assessments of the population size of each diurnal species of UK raptor, and the periods these derive from.
Common Fisheries Policy
Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with (a) the European Commission and (b) other EU member states on fisheries partnership agreements as part of the review of the common fisheries policy; and if she will make a statement. [95733]
Richard Benyon: As UK Fisheries Minister, I hold regular discussions on fisheries partnership agreements, the revision of which forms a key element to the wider reform of the common fisheries policy. I most recently discussed this with Commissioner Damanaki earlier this month and with key interests at a DEFRA-funded conference at Chatham House. Discussions continue and the external dimension of the CFP is scheduled for discussion at the Fisheries Council on 19 March.
As negotiations continue, I will press our case for reform, and in particular will look to strengthen proposals on fisheries partnerships agreements to ensure the same principles of sustainable use are applied inside and outside EU waters, and that agreements with developing countries are managed transparently.
Departmental Data Protection
Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2012, Official Report, column 80W, on departmental data protection, what data or information were compromised and under what circumstances in each of the five cases of data loss and breaching confidentiality; what steps her Department took in response to each case; and if she will make a statement. [96579]
Richard Benyon: The five incidents reported in the answer of 6 February 2012, Official Report, column 80W, on departmental data protection were three cases of data loss and two breaches of confidentiality.
Two of the data loss incidents concerned staff records lost in transit by (i) a mail courier and (ii) loss on a train; the staff affected were made aware of the losses. The third data loss incident involved a list of possible nominees for a specialist panel. This was left on public transport, but it was quickly recovered intact with no compromise of integrity or confidentiality. Where staff members were responsible for the losses, action was taken under the Department's disciplinary procedures.
The two breaches of confidentiality concerned unauthorised disclosures which when investigated were not found to relate to protectively marked information. They had no impact on the business of the Department and did not involve personal data.
The Department takes all cases of data loss very seriously and all reported incidents are investigated by the departmental security officer. DEFRA and its agencies report all critical and significant personal data security breaches to the Cabinet Office and the Information
29 Feb 2012 : Column 352W
Commissioners Office. Information on personal data security breaches is published on an annual basis in the Department's annual resource accounts.
Additionally all critical and significant control weaknesses, including other critical and significant security breaches, are included in the Statement of Internal Control which is published within the annual resource accounts.
The incidents referred to in this reply all occurred after March 2011 and therefore have yet to appear in published accounts.
Droughts: Lincolnshire
Mr Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to mitigate the effects of any potential drought in Lincolnshire. [96040]
Richard Benyon: Following the exceptional shortage of rainfall over the last 18 months Lincolnshire is in a drought.
The Environment Agency's drought team in Lincolnshire meets regularly to plan and implement agreed actions. The meetings include representatives from Anglian Water and the National Farmers Union.
Advice has been given to all water users in relation to the potential impacts and how they can help. The Environment Agency will continue to provide advice and updates as the situation develops.
The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the impact of the drought on the environment and will respond to any environmental incidents as result of this, for example by undertaking fish rescues where appropriate.
The Environment Agency will continue to operate a number of water transfer schemes, including a scheme that pumps water from the River Trent into the rivers Witham and Ancholme. This is used to support public water supply, industry and agriculture in the county.
Droughts: London Olympics 2012
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she is making contingency plans for the potential effects of drought on the London 2012 Olympic Games; and if she will make a statement. [96418]
Richard Benyon: The Olympics have been designed to be the most sustainable modern Olympics. The Olympic Park sports venues will use at least 40% less water than equivalent buildings through the use of water efficient appliances, rain water harvesting from roofs, and grey water systems. An innovative membrane bioreactor plant has also been installed to make use of “black water” to supply a custom non-potable distribution system on the Olympic site.
Thames Water, the water supplier to the main Olympics Park, has indicated that if the region does not receive above-average rainfall in the near future it may have to impose restrictions on water usage this summer in line with its drought plan. It does not anticipate that this will affect essential Olympic activities and will be working with London Organising Committee of the Olympic
29 Feb 2012 : Column 353W
and Paralympic Games to minimise non-essential water use. Thames Water and the relevant Government Departments hold regular discussions on this issue.
Other water companies who supply Olympic venues in areas affected by the risk of drought are taking actions in line with their drought plans. As yet there is no indication that this will affect essential Olympic activities.
Environment Agency: Manpower
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many employees of the Environment Agency are assigned to dealing with shale gas issues. [96860]
Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency currently has one national officer assigned full time to the environmental regulation of shale gas. A further 20 national officers are actively involved in supporting this work as part of their roles.
The Environment Agency allocates other officers to regulate and permit these activities on a local site by site basis, subject to the scale of the operation and regulatory need. The Environment Agency estimates that there are currently approximately 40 officers involved in this work across England and Wales. However, these officers undertake a wide range of different regulatory roles and are not solely dedicated to regulating and permitting shale activities.
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people were employed in the Environment Agency in each year since 2008; and how many she expects the agency to employ in each year to 2015. [96861]
Richard Benyon: The number of staff employed by the Environment Agency, expressed as "Full Time Equivalents" (FTE) can be found in the following table:
| Staff employed by the Environment Agency each financial year since 2008 (FTE) | ||
| Financial Year | Total FTE (including Wales) | Wales only FTE |
| Environment Agency staff numbers projection up to 2015 (FTE) | ||
| Financial Year | Total FTE (including Wales) | Wales only FTE |
| (1) Projection is not currently available at regional level. | ||
Fisheries
Alison Seabeck:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department received any external advice on the prospect
29 Feb 2012 : Column 354W
of assembling a case to support a request to the European Commission for an increase in the kilowatt days limit for the scallop fishery in the western waters or a realignment of effort from Area VI to Area VII. [96839]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA has sought advice from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), our marine scientific advisers, on whether or not an evidence-based justification exists for increasing effort in Area VII. CEFAS advised that such a justification could not be made on the available evidence at this time.
Floods: Pendle
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to mitigate the effects of flooding in Pendle constituency. [96556]
Richard Benyon: In November 2011, the Environment Agency lowered a weir on Colne Water at Cotton Tree near Colne. This is providing increased flood protection to 77 properties. In Earby, the Environment Agency is undertaking culvert repairs to protect up to 40 properties from flooding. It is also refurbishing or replacing 10 debris screens to ensure nearby properties are adequately protected from flooding from culverts.
The Environment Agency has commissioned Jeremy Benn Associates to computer model watercourses to assess gravel accumulation. Results of this modelling are expected in April and will enable more effective flood risk management in the area.
At the end of February 2012, the Environment Agency will be launching five new flood warning areas that will serve a total of 1,216 commercial and residential properties.
The Environment Agency works closely with Lancashire county council (the lead local flood authority) and Pendle borough council. There are regular meetings to exchange information on flooding issues and on the implementation of the Flood and Water Management Act.
Fly-tipping: Cycling
Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations her Department has received on fly-tipping; and whether her Department has assessed the effects of fly-tipping on cyclists. [96323]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA has received a number of official representations on fly-tipping from members of the public, private landowners, enforcement authorities and others as part of the call for evidence ahead of the waste policy review. These were translated into a number of actions in the final waste policy review action plan, including introducing stronger powers to seize the vehicles of suspected offenders, working with the court authorities on increased sentencing and considering the issues around fly-tipping on private land.
We received representations on fly-tipping on farmland as part of the independent Farm Regulation Task Force Report and have very recently published the Government response to its recommendations. We have actively invited views on fly-tipping from interested parties via the National Fly-tipping Prevention Group.
No specific assessment has been carried out of the effects of fly-tipping on cyclists.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 355W
Food: Packaging
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to reduce the use of packaging in the food industry. [96201]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA is working with food retailers and manufacturers to reduce waste via Phase 2 of the Courtauld Commitment, a responsibility deal with the grocery retail sector. This includes a target to reduce the carbon impact of grocery packaging by 10% by the end of 2012 (by reducing packaging, recycling more or increasing the recycled content of this packaging).
In December 2011, WRAP published results covering the first year of Courtauld Phase 2, 2009-10. These revealed that we have made good progress towards the target on packaging, with a reduction of 5.1% in emissions associated with packaging in the first year of the agreement.
We are also working with industry, the devolved Administrations and the Waste and Resources Action Programme to develop a new voluntary agreement with the hospitality and food service sector. This agreement will seek to reduce food and packaging waste and deal with the waste that does arise more sustainably. We aim to launch this agreement in the spring.
Food: Waste
Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Government will set a date by which they intend to achieve their long-term vision that no food waste is sent to landfill sites. [97119]
Richard Benyon: We have not set a specific date to achieve our long-term vision of sending no food waste to landfill.
However, we are working towards this vision by helping consumers waste less and save money through the Waste and Resources Action Programme's (WRAP) “Love Food Hate Waste” campaign, working with the food industry to improve products and practices through the Courtauld Commitment, and developing the evidence base on food waste causes and quantities. We are also working with WRAP and the devolved Administrations to develop a new voluntary agreement with the hospitality and food service sector to reduce food and packaging waste and to manage the waste that does arise more sustainably.
Genetically Modified Organisms: Crops
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many strains of genetically modified crops are licensed for use in the UK. [96207]
Mr Paice: Three types of genetically modified (GM) crop have been licensed by the European Union (EU) for commercial cultivation:
Monsanto MON 810 insect-resistant maize
Bayer T25 herbicide-tolerant maize
BASF EH92-5271 amylopectin industrial starch potato
T25 maize seed has not been marketed anywhere in the EU and is not expected to be for the foreseeable
29 Feb 2012 : Column 356W
future. The other two crops have been grown in some member states but not in the UK, because they are not suitable for, or relevant to, our circumstances. As such, the seed is not being marketed here.
In addition to the above, over 40 types of GM crop have been licensed by the EU for use as food or feed products, but not as seed for cultivation. Full details are available at:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/dyna/gm_register/index_en.cfm
Currently, three types of GM crop are authorised to be grown for research purposes in field trials in England. These are a nematode-resistant potato, a blight-resistant potato and an aphid-repellent wheat.
Landfill
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the minimum permitted membrane thickness of a landfill site is; and what steps she would expect the Environment Agency to take if a membrane is found to be below the minimum permitted thickness. [96100]
Richard Benyon: The EU Landfill Directive specifies the requirements for bottom liners in landfills. Protection of soil, groundwater and surface water is achieved by the combination of a geological barrier and a bottom liner. The landfill base and sides must consist of a mineral layer or artificially established geological barrier that satisfies permeability and thickness requirements laid down for different classes of landfill site.
The minimum thickness of geomembranes used at landfill sites is not set down in regulations but depends on the nature of the site and the wastes accepted. As a general rule, 2 mm is used for the base and sides and 1 mm for the cap.
A single measurement below the minimum thickness would trigger no action, but if the membrane was found frequently to be below the minimum thickness on delivery to the site it would be rejected. If it was found to be unacceptable after installation, the Environment Agency would generally require the site operator to provide a risk assessment to determine what impact on the environment the reduced thickness of the geomembrane would have. If the impact was negligible, the Environment Agency might allow the geomembrane to stay in situ; if not, the Environment Agency would require its removal and replacement.
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what level of insurance her Department requires companies who (a) operate on and (b) operate landfill sites to hold in respect of environmental damage. [96103]
Richard Benyon: There is currently no specific legal requirement under the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2009 to hold insurance in respect of environmental damage within the meaning of those regulations.
For non-landfill waste management activities, the Environment Agency issues an environmental permit only if it is satisfied that the operator is capable of meeting the obligations under the permit. The Environment Agency makes a risk-based assessment of whether the
29 Feb 2012 : Column 357W
operator has any current or past insolvency and/or bankruptcy proceedings, and performs a credit check (or undertakes further investigations) where appropriate.
Under the EU Landfill Directive, there is a requirement that operators have made adequate provisions by way of financial security to meet the obligations arising under their environmental permit and the provisions of the directive. This includes provision for the closure and long-term aftercare needed for most landfill sites.
The grant of an environmental permit for a landfill site is subject to the need for the operator to make financial provision that must be “adequate” to discharge the obligations under the permit for as long as is required. This means that the provision has to be: sufficient (in monetary terms) to meet the obligations of the permit; secure for the duration of the permit; and available when required to discharge permit obligations.
Landfill: Arpley
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has put in place to (a) monitor and (b) minimise emissions of (i) inorganic compounds, (ii) dioxin and (iii) non-methane organic compounds at Arpley landfill (A) site and (B) gas generator; what assessment she has made of the merits of taking further such steps; and if she will make a statement. [96102]
Richard Benyon: Environmental permits issued by the Environment Agency for landfill sites have strict controls for managing and minimising landfill gas emissions (including trace constituents) from the landfill. The primary control measures include installation of gas collection systems within the waste mass, capping completed areas and burning the collected gas within engines to produce electricity, which is exported to the National Grid.
The emissions from the gas engines are monitored periodically for a range of substances. Emission limits are set in the permit to ensure that statutory environmental quality standards are met. The permit also requires the control of the combustion process to minimise emissions and ensure that they do not impact on human health or the environment. The low concentration of chlorinated compounds in the landfill gas and the combustion conditions mean that the monitoring of dioxin from the gas utilisation plant is not required.
In accordance with Environment Agency guidance, monitoring for non-methane volatile organic compounds is no longer carried out. A recent review of the landfill gas risk assessment for the Arpley landfill site concluded that the emissions would not exceed the relevant environmental quality standard at any of the designated receptors.
Landfill: Lancashire
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the likely total volume of waste going to landfill produced in (a) Pendle constituency, (b) East Lancashire and (c) Lancashire in each of the next 15 years. [96560]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 358W
Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not make such estimates. Local authorities are best placed to determine the waste management needs in their areas. Under the EU Landfill Directive, the UK is required to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill to 50% by 2013. The UK-wide landfill target for 2013 is 17.8 million tonnes. We are on track to meeting this target.
Landfill: North West
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the likely total volume of waste going to landfill produced by (a) Merseyside, (b) Greater Manchester, (c) the borough of Warrington, (d) the borough of Halton and (e) the borough of Wigan in each of the next 15 years. [96101]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not make such estimates. Local authorities are best placed to determine the waste management needs in their areas. Under the EU Landfill Directive, the UK is required to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill to 50% by 2013. The UK-wide landfill target for 2013 is 17.8 million tonnes. We are on track to meeting this target.
Marine Stewardship Council: Consumers
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will assess the effect of Marine Stewardship Council certification on consumer behaviour. [97280]
Richard Benyon: The report “Attitudes and Behaviours around Sustainable Food Purchasing”, published by DEFRA in April 2011, examines the issue of consumer attitudes to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish. A copy of this report is available on the DEFRA website.
One of the projects funded as part of the Greener Living Fund (GLF), “MSC on the Menu”, looked at raising consumer awareness of MSC at selected certified sites, such as restaurants and places of employment.
The focus of this work package was to develop “point of sale” materials and explore their effectiveness in promoting sustainable choices. The GLF evaluation report is due to be published later this year.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to answer the hon. Member for Harrow West's letter about the answering of a parliamentary question on senior staff being paid through a private company. [97108]
Richard Benyon: The hon. Member for Harrow West can expect an answer to his letter shortly, in line with the Department’s 15-working-day target for replying to correspondence from hon. Members.
Morocco: Fishery Agreements
Mr Mark Williams:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what reference is made to Western Sahara in the documents provided by
29 Feb 2012 : Column 359W
Morocco on the effect on the Saharawi people of the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement. [95630]
Richard Benyon: There was no specific mention of Western Sahara in the information provided by Morocco. Some of the information could be related to the area, such as investments in a particular port, but other information was provided on a province by province basis and the borders of the provinces do not coincide exactly with those of Western Sahara.
Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will ask the European Commission to consult representatives of the Saharawi population on the proposed EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement. [95632]
Richard Benyon: As part of normal discussions in negotiating new fisheries partnership agreements we would expect the Commission to seek assurances that local fishing communities benefit from such agreements. In the case of the proposed EU-Morocco agreement this would include those representing the Saharawi population.
Pesticides
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Chemicals Regulation Directorate applies the precautionary principle when (a) assessing the risks of the use of pesticides to the environment and (b) appraising new research relevant to such risks; and if she will make a statement. [97170]
Richard Benyon: Commission Communication (2000)1 of 2 February 2000 outlines the European Commission's approach to using the precautionary principle and establishes, among other aims, Commission guidelines for applying it. These guidelines recognise that one way of applying the precautionary principle is through the Community rules for prior approval of certain products, such as pesticides, before they are placed on the market. In authorising pesticide products in the UK under the EU rules for national authorisations, the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) assesses the products to ensure the risks that can arise from use of these products are acceptable and that these risks can be managed effectively.
The CRD reviews relevant new research findings against the framework of the regulatory risk assessment and, where appropriate, discusses them with other pesticide regulators and in international forums. Relevant research would also be considered by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides which provides independent scientific advice on pesticide authorisations in the UK.
The CRD will continue to be involved with the development of risk assessment methodology and keeps abreast of developments in this area. It will continue to consider relevant studies as they arise.
Pollution: Incinerators
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that pollution from the incinerators constructed by Veolia in the UK are effectively regulated and monitored. [96272]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 360W
Richard Benyon: Waste recovery and disposal operations, including incineration, are subject to the requirement for a permit under EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), the principal purpose of which is to prevent harm to human health and the environment. This requirement is met in England and Wales through the environmental permitting regime. The Environment Agency is the regulator for the determination of applications for environmental permits and carries out inspection and other forms of compliance assessment of permitted facilities.
Incineration plants are additionally obliged to meet the stringent emission requirements of the Waste Incineration Directive (WID) (2000/76/EC) and, for those with an incineration capacity exceeding three tonnes an hour, the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (2008/1/EC) which requires the operation to be carried out in accordance with best available techniques.
Rhydymwyn Valley
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by what date she plans to publish the final vision document for the future of the Rhydymwyn Valley site. [96174]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA has no plan to publish a paper or statement on the future of the Rhydymwyn site. DEFRA will continue to manage the site to fulfil its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention Declaration and its obligations as site owner.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from organisations on the future of the Rhydymwyn Valley site since 1 January 2011. [96175]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA has received no formal written representations on the future of the Rhydymwyn site since 1 January 2011.
DEFRA has received and responded to various correspondence since 1 January 2011 relating to operational issues on site. Within this dialogue, groups have set out their aspirations in respect of their specific relationship with the site. Views expressed generally seek to promote nature conservation or the history of the site. Views have also been expressed against any intensification of use for any purpose.
The general correspondence includes the following topics—the site access policy, access to the tunnels, an All Ability Bike scheme, correspondence with the Community Council, maintenance of the buildings, management of controlled plants, the Historic Building survey and filming on site.
Officials from the Department also met with a number of stakeholders in February 2011 to discuss their concerns and encouraged the groups to co-operate and form a consensus view between the groups to inform a way forward acceptable to all.
Mr Hanson:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects the next meeting of the joint consultative committee
29 Feb 2012 : Column 361W
for the Rhydymwyn Valley site to take place; who the current members and chair of the committee are; and when the joint consultative board last met. [96176]
Richard Benyon: It is not intended that the Government hold any further meetings of the joint consultative board (JCB) for the Rhydymwyn Valley site. The board does therefore not have a current confirmed membership. The last meeting was held on 14 July 2009 and had representatives from:
DEFRA (Chair)
North East Wales Wildlife
Rhydymwyn Valley History Society (formerly Valley History Society)
Rhual Estate
Interserve
Friends of Rhydymwyn Valley
Grosvenor Caving Club
Walkabout Flintshire
British Trust for Ornithology
Mold and District Civic Society
Clwyd Badger Group
Cilcain Community Council.
Groups who offered apologies for the meeting included:
Reptile Recorder
Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust.
River Rom: Conservation
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what conservation work her Department has carried out on the River Rom; and what future work is planned. [96205]
Richard Benyon: In 2011, three projects were completed on the Rom, which becomes the River Beam at the Chase Nature Reserve. A natural connection of the river with its flood plain was made at Collier Road Flood Storage Area, and wetland scrapes were created there. A backwater was created at Chase Nature Reserve to provide fish refuge in times of high flow. The river was restored through Beam Parklands and in excess of 12 hectares of UK Priority Biodiversity Action Plan habitat was created.
Work planned on the river involves the removal of a weir at Beam Valley Country Park for the benefit of habitat and improved fish passage. Recently plans have been discussed with Havering borough council to significantly improve the river from Roneo Corner to the Chase, a length of 1.5km. Concrete removal and river re-naturalising are being discussed. A Catchment Plan that includes the Rom is due to be completed by December 2012.
Rural Areas: Broadband
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding her Department provides for the provision of broadband other than superfast broadband in rural areas. [96195]
Richard Benyon:
The Government's £530 million investment in the rollout of broadband to rural areas is aimed at providing standard broadband to all premises and superfast broadband to at least 90% of premises by
29 Feb 2012 : Column 362W
2015. The complementary Rural Community Broadband Fund operated by DEFRA under the Rural Development programme for England is targeted at the 10% of communities that will otherwise receive only standard broadband.
DEFRA is not funding standard broadband since that would involve us duplicating one of the key aims of the main fund operated by Broadband Delivery UK.
Rural Areas: Private Finance Initiative
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for a second round of Rural Growth Network pilots. [97311]
Richard Benyon: The intention to support around six pilot Rural Growth Networks was one of the package of Rural Economy Growth Review measures announced as part of the autumn statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), on 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810. We are currently focused on setting up those pilots and, as such, no discussions have taken place concerning the possibility of a second round.
Scallops
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 20 February 2012, Official Report, column 499W, on scallops, whether the conditions for (a) seeking a reallocation of effort from Area VI and VII and (b) increasing effort in Area VII were on the agenda of meetings with the European Commission; and when these issues were last discussed. [96476]
Richard Benyon: There have been no recent discussions on these issues.
Seas and Oceans: Technology
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect of emergent technologies on (a) coastlines and the seabed, (b) marine mammals and seabirds and (c) human communities in development areas. [96856]
Richard Benyon: In the “Productive Seas” chapter of “Charting Progress 2” and the associated feeder report, available on the DEFRA website, the principal activities occurring in the marine environment are described, together with an assessment of the environmental pressures they pose, their consequent impacts and the associated management measures that have been taken.
Third Sector
Chris White:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to implement the principles of the best value statutory guidance in respect of (a) giving at least three months' notice to voluntary and community organisations and their service users when reducing or ending funding, (b) engaging with voluntary
29 Feb 2012 : Column 363W
and community organisations and service users as early as possible before making a decision on the future of the service, any knock-on effects on assets used to provide this service and the wider impact on the local community and
(c)
making provision for voluntary and community organisations and service users to put forward options on how to reshape the service or project. [95788]
Richard Benyon: The best value guidance does not legally apply to central Government Departments or their Executive agencies.
However, as the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), made clear in his foreword to the revised best value guidance, central Government Departments support the fair standards set out in the guidance and have reaffirmed their commitment to the national Compact. The issues raised are covered by the Compact.
In January the National Audit Office published “Central Government's implementation of the national Compact”. This report provides commentary on the implementation of the national Compact across Government. DEFRA participated fully in the National Audit Office's review and will be following up, as appropriate, the recommendations set out in the National Audit Office report, in order to ensure that the Department continues to be a strong model of collaborative working between Government and the voluntary sector.
Water Companies
Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of the infrastructure needed to connect neighbouring water companies. [97093]
Richard Benyon: At present around 650 Ml/d of water is transferred between water companies which represent some 5% of the total amount of water put into the water supply system. The water White Paper stated that companies would be expected to have explored all options for balancing supply and demand in their water resource management plans, including interconnectivity within and across company boundaries and opportunities for trading water.
However, modelling work by Ofwat has suggested that, nationally, water companies could save an estimated £960 million (net present value) by making better use of interconnections rather than developing local resource solutions. Work by the Water Resources in the South East group, which represents the water companies of the south-east, has estimated that, by 2035, net benefits of £501 million could be achieved in the south-east alone at a cost of £262 million NPV from better sharing of resources.
Water Supply: Finance
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of spending (a) by each water company and (b) in each constituent part of the UK on improvements to (i) the network of water and sewerage pipes and (ii) other capital assets since 1991. [96328]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 364W
Richard Benyon: Ofwat is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. Since privatisation in 1989, a total of approximately £98 billion of capital expenditure has been spent by the water and sewerage sector on improving services.
Data showing each companies’ total capital expenditure within England and Wales since privatisation have been placed in the House Library. These figures include both improvements to water and sewerage networks and other capital assets since privatisation.
Water: Pollution
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what safeguards exist to ensure that traces of cytotoxic drugs do not enter the water supply chain. [96912]
Richard Benyon: The drinking water regulations were changed at the end of 2007 to introduce a continuous process of risk assessment by water companies for the presence of substances that may pose a potential risk to human health in raw water at each point of abstraction. Companies must monitor raw water, mitigate identified hazards and notify the Drinking Water Inspectorate of the outcomes of risk assessments. The Chief Inspector of Drinking Water has the power to impose additional mitigation steps or, exceptionally, to require that a supply is shut down.
To support these industry risk assessments, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, in association with the Health Protection Agency, carries out national risk assessments for new and emerging drinking water hazards, and commissions supporting independent studies, funded and published by DEFRA. This regime for safeguarding drinking water quality and health introduced into law the water safety plan approach which comprises global best practice as published by the World Health Organisation in its “Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality: Chapter Four”.
West Africa: Fisheries
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department provides funding to Governments in West Africa to help them protect their waters from illegal fishing. [95849]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA provides no direct funding to West African Governments to help protect their waters from illegal fishing. However, the United Kingdom has played, and continues to play, a full part in supporting and encouraging capacity building in West African states. Examples of this include participation in 2011 in a Maritime Security Conference organised by the International Maritime Organisation and Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa, the involvement of national fisheries control experts in projects in Senegal, Sierra Leone and Ghana, and hosting West African fisheries officials in the UK fisheries operations room and Fishery Monitoring Centres. DEFRA has also recently sponsored an event at Chatham House on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which was attended by representatives from several West African states.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 365W
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to encourage a sustainable EU policy towards the exploitation of West African fish stocks through third party agreements. [95851]
Richard Benyon: As UK Fisheries Minister, I hold regular discussions on fisheries partnership agreements, the revision of which forms a key element to the wider reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP). I most recently discussed this with Commissioner Damanaki earlier this month and with key interests at a DEFRA funded conference at Chatham House. Discussions continue and the external dimension of the CFP is scheduled at the Fisheries Council on 19 March.
Western Sahara: Fisheries
Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what reports she has received of British trawlers using flags of convenience to fish in the waters off Western Sahara. [95631]
Richard Benyon: I am aware that a very small number of UK fishing vessels have previously fished in the waters off Western Sahara under the flags of other countries in order to obtain some more fish quota. While they are entitled to do this, I understand they are now back under the UK flag.
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to ensure that trawlers from EU member states fishing off the coast of West Africa act in accordance with the provisions of third party fisheries agreements. [95848]
Richard Benyon: UK ensures that all fish imported from West Africa are caught in accordance with the requirements of fisheries partnership agreements through the checking of catch certificates. We are also working within the common fisheries policy reform process to ensure that measures governing vessels fishing under such agreements are strengthened to ensure more sustainable and well managed fisheries.
Justice
Appeals: Employment and Support Allowance
Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average length of time was between an applicant lodging an appeal against a decision on entitlement to employment and support allowance and the appeal being heard between (a) June 2009 and May 2010 and (b) June 2010 and May 2011. [97353]
Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA).
The following table shows the average time taken from submission of an appeal to the DWP until the date of the first appeal hearing at HMCTS for ESA appeals.
29 Feb 2012 : Column 366W
HMCTS is working hard to increase the capacity of the SSCS Tribunal and reduce waiting times. It has implemented a range of measures including securing additional hearing rooms; increasing the number of cases listed in each session; increasing the number of sessions held; streamlining its administrative processes; running double shifts in its largest processing centre so that more appeals can be processed each day; running Saturday sittings in some of the busiest venues (where there is demand and where it is feasible); setting up a customer contact centre to deal with telephone inquiries for the processing sites, freeing up other staff to focus on processing appeals and arranging hearings; and recruiting more judges and panel members to hear more appeals.
All of this is having a positive effect. The number of disposals has increased significantly from 279,000 in 2009-10 to 380,000 in 2010-11 and the tribunal will dispose of over 435,000 appeals this year, with the capacity for half a million disposals in 2012-13. Disposals outstripped receipts for the 10 months between January 2011 and October 2011, and the number of cases waiting to be heard reduced by over 35,000 between April and October. The average waiting time has stabilised nationally, and is beginning to fall in many venues.
Criminal Legal Aid
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which 10 barristers' chambers earned the most from criminal legal aid in the last year; and how much they earned. [96312]
Mr Djanogly: The information is not held. The Legal Services Commission (LSC) does not pay chambers for the provision of legal aid work. The LSC pays individual barristers directly, except where a barrister is either employed by a solicitor firm or paid by a solicitor firm as part of a disbursement under legal aid.
Children: Custody
Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many children have been returned to the UK voluntarily following wrongful retention by a parent living abroad in each year between 2002 and 2012. [97276]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 367W
Mr Djanogly: The information available for cases of voluntary return to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland under the 1980 Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction is set out in the following table. Cases can involve more than one child. Statistics on voluntary returns do not show whether the abduction was a wrongful removal or wrongful retention.
| Cases of voluntary return of children removed from: | |||
| England and Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | |
| (1) Not yet available (2) Not available (3) Provisional | |||
Courts: Crimes of Violence
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many violent incidents were recorded in each (a) court and (b) tribunal in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011. [97059]
Mr Djanogly: The number of violent incidents reported in courts and tribunals are as follows:
2009-10: 213
2010-11: 197
2011-12 (April to November 2011): 71.
It is not possible to provide a breakdown for each court and tribunal for the years requested as courts and tribunals operate out of approximately 650 locations. Providing these data would be labour intensive, time consuming and result in a disproportionate cost.
As with question 96705, the figures provided comprise reported incidents from the reporting periods April to March and resulting in actual violence. This includes incidents between and against parties, court and tribunal users and Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service staff and contractors. These figures do not include verbal abuse or threats, nor any violent incident which took place off HMCTS premises while staff were undertaking official duties.
My Department takes the security of all court users seriously and it is the policy of Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service that all security incidents are reported and investigated. All incidents involving violence are reported to the police for further investigation.
Courts: Security
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many security staff were employed by Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011 by each individual court and tribunal. [97058]
29 Feb 2012 : Column 368W
Mr Djanogly: Under the Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has employed the following approximate total number of security staff (security guards/supervisors) across its courts and tribunals sites:
| Number | |
However, for reasons of operational security it is inappropriate to detail the exact number of security staff employed by each individual court and tribunal site.