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42734

	registered interest
	date	12/03/2014
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name
	answering dept sort name
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the empty property business rates for the vacant properties recorded on the e-PIMS database owned by (a) his Department and (b) any executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies of his Department in the current financial year.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	191806
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/03/2014 answer text <p>Since May 2010 the Department for Education has reduced the size of its estate from 30 properties, at a cost of circa £51 million per annum, to 11 properties costing circa £34 million per annum. This is a saving of circa £17 million per annum. The Department is planning to further reduce the size of the estate to 6 properties. This will achieve further annual savings to the Department of circa £2.5 million. The Department also plans to vacate Sanctuary Buildings at lease expiry in 2017.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Education, including the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), has the following vacant properties recorded on the e-PIMS property database.</p><table><tbody><tr><td> </td><td><p>Number of properties</p></td><td><p>Business Rates 13-14</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Department for Education</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>£79,010.25</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>£9,222.00</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The Department for Education properties are legacy Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) properties which became the Department's responsibility following the closure of the TEC in the early 2000s. The Department had successfully sub-let a number of facilities, although over the last three years some of the sub-tenants have operated lease break options and the properties are again vacant.</p><p> </p><p>These properties are advertised on the Government Property Unit's e-PIMS property database for use by other Government Departments and we are also marketing these facilities to the private sector, via letting agents, to secure new sub-tenants in order to mitigate costs, including business rates. The Department has offered all vacant properties listed above to the Government business incubator initiative and for free schools.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 19/03/2014 12:00:00 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1060832

	registered interest
	date	13/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Children: Social Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding of local authorities on the effectiveness of children's services in local authorities in England.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	220793
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/02/2019 answer text <p>Funding for children’s services is made available through the Local Government Finance Settlement which gives local authorities flexibility to target spending according to local needs and to fulfil their statutory responsibilities, including services for children and families. Through the Settlement, the government has made available over £200 billion across the 5 year spending period. For 2019-20 this means an increase in core spending power from £45.1 billion in 2018-19 to £46.4 billion.</p><p>At Autumn Budget my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an extra £410 million to address pressures on adult and children social care services. A further £84 million, over five years, was also announced. This funding will support up to 20 local authorities to improve their social work practice and decision-making, enabling them to work more effectively with the most vulnerable children and their families. This builds on our almost £270 million improvement and innovation programmes that help local authorities deliver effective children’s services. This includes 98 projects which have enabled local authorities to develop, test and scale new approaches to supporting vulnerable children in the social care system. 20 of our best local authorities are also working with the government as ‘Partners in Practice’ sharing their knowledge of what excellent children’s social care looks like to improve the quality of services across the country.</p><p>Local authority effectiveness has also been rising. Since January 2018, Ofsted have judged 12 local authorities as no longer inadequate and 5 local authorities have been rated outstanding.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 20/02/2019 15:02:07 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1145158

	registered interest
	date	05/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Education: EU Nationals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether children who are EU citizens will require settled status to be eligible for state education after 31 October 2019 in the event that the UK leaves the EU without an agreement.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	287469
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 09/09/2019 16:57:11 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1190511

	registered interest
	date	27/04/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what arrangements are in place to enable schools to contact Edenred about problems with free school meals vouchers.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	40510
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/05/2020 answer text <p>Schools can contact Edenred using either the email address or phone number set up specifically for the department’s national voucher scheme (freeschoolmeals@edenred.com or 0333 400 5932). Call volumes are very high at the moment so we would recommend submitting queries via email where possible. As always, we thank schools for their patience and for ensuring that families most in need continue to receive the support they require.</p><p>We are working tirelessly with Edenred to resolve any outstanding technical problems so that children eligible for free schools meals are supported quickly.</p><p>These are rapidly developing circumstances and we will continue to keep the situation under review and to keep Parliament updated accordingly.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford question first answered 04/05/2020 15:30:03 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1190512

	registered interest
	date	27/04/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of telephone calls to Edenred have been unanswered since 23 March 2020 to date.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	40511
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/05/2020 answer text <p>During this period, we are asking schools to support pupils eligible for benefits-related free school meals by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. However, we recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is why on 31 March we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option, with costs covered by the Department for Education.</p><p>Voucher codes are being processed and many thousands of families are redeeming them. As of 28 April our supplier, Edenred, reported that over 16,500 schools had placed orders for the scheme and as of Monday 4 May, Edenred has reported that over £47 million worth of voucher codes has been redeemed into supermarket eGift cards by schools and families through the scheme.</p><p> </p><p>Schools can contact Edenred using either the email address or phone number set up specifically for the Department of Education’s national voucher scheme (freeschoolmeals@edenred.com or 0333 400 5932). Call volumes are very high at the moment so we would recommend submitting queries via email where possible. We do not hold call handling details.</p><p> </p><p>We are working closely with Edenred on the performance of the voucher scheme and their engagement with queries from schools.</p><p> </p><p>As always, we thank schools for their patience and for ensuring that families most in need continue to receive the support they require.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford question first answered 05/05/2020 15:08:39 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1195491

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Teachers: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether teachers in schools are allowed to wear face masks when teaching children during the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	46554
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>Wearing a face covering or face mask in schools is not recommended. Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people from other households and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained (for example, on public transport or in some shops). This does not apply to schools, which should therefore not require staff, children and learners to wear face coverings. Cleaning and maintaining hygiene are important measures in controlling the spread of the virus.</p><p>Guidance for schools on how to implement protective measures can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings</a>.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 18/05/2020 16:18:49 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1195493

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to reimburse schools that have bought school meal vouchers for pupils in cases where parents have been unable to access the Edenred voucher system.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	46556
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2020 answer text <p>As both my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.</p><p>We are committed to ensuring that no child should go hungry as a result of the measures introduced by government during this period. This is why we have introduced a number of immediate measures to ensure children who usually receive free school meals still have access to this provision while they are not attending school.</p><p>During this period, we are asking schools to support children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals, by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. However, we recognise that food parcel arrangements may not always be possible, and so at the end of March we launched a national voucher scheme to provide schools with additional flexibility to decide what is best for families in their schools. This was an unprecedented intervention to support eligible children during this period.</p><p>Voucher codes are being processed through the national scheme and many thousands of families are redeeming them. Edenred has reported that over 17,000 schools have placed orders for the scheme and as of Wednesday 20 May, Edenred reported that more than £96 million worth of voucher codes have been redeemed into supermarket e-gift cards by schools and families. We have been working closely with Edenred to improve the scheme, and we thank schools using the system for their patience while it has been upgraded to meet increased demand.</p><p>We understand that alternative approaches, such as providing food parcels or purchasing vouchers for shops not in the national scheme, may mean that schools incur additional costs. We have published guidance on the financial support available for schools who incur these additional costs in this way here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools</a>.</p><p>Schools will be able to claim up to a certain limit, depending on their number of pupils, and where they are unable to meet these additional costs from their existing resources, or which they could only meet by drawing down on reserves and undermining their long-term financial sustainability. In exceptional instances where individual schools face additional costs that are higher than the grant’s limits, schools will be able to apply to increase their limit.</p><p>Our latest guidance for schools on free school meals provision during this period is set out here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p>These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford question first answered 22/05/2020 13:23:06 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1195499

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Pupils: Attendance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether parents who do not let their child return to school as covid-19 lockdown measures are eased will face fines for their child’s non-attendance.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	46558
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2020 answer text <p>From the week commencing 1 June, at the earliest, we will be asking primary schools to welcome back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers). We will only do this provided that the five key tests set by government justify the changes at the time.</p><p>By returning pupils gradually, settings can initially reduce the number of children and young people in classrooms compared to usual and put protective measures in place to reduce risks.</p><p>Eligible children – including priority groups - are strongly encouraged to attend their education setting, unless they are self-isolating or they are clinically vulnerable. Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time and schools will not be held to account for attendance levels.</p><p>Further guidance for parents and carers can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers</a>.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 46521 question first answered 22/05/2020 12:43:34 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1196505

	registered interest
	date	18/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Universities: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has for the re-opening of universities in autumn 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	48283
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/06/2020 answer text <p>We expect universities to be open for the autumn term, with a blend of online teaching and in-person tuition that they consider appropriate, taking account of the need to minimise risk to staff and students.</p><p>We are working with the higher education sector to identify guidance and best practice that will be needed for universities to make informed decisions about their provision. This will help them to decide when and how they can make facilities accessible again for staff and students in a way that minimises the risks and in line with public health advice.</p><p>Universities have remained open throughout lockdown and have applied their research expertise to finding solutions to the COVID-19 outbreak in this unprecedented period. They have also delivered some fantastic and innovative examples of high-quality online learning, and now the sector is working hard in preparation for the new academic year.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan question first answered 02/06/2020 16:28:18 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn

1196506

	registered interest
	date	18/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Students: Housing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance he has issued to students on securing accommodation in advance of the start of the autumn 2020 university term.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds Central
	tabling member printed	Hilary Benn
	uin	48284
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/06/2020 answer text <p>As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.</p><p>I have written to students advising them that a number of universities and private accommodation providers are now considering how COVID-19 impacts can be managed in accommodation contracts for the 2020/21 academic year to give students confidence to make their plans.</p><p>I welcome the actions of many university and private accommodation providers in waiving and refunding rents this summer, along with their efforts to support and care for their students through this difficult period.</p><p>Students who have already signed an accommodation contract for next year and, because of COVID-19, think it may no longer fit their requirements, should talk directly to their housing provider.</p><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by COVID-19: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds</a>. This sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly. Students may be entitled to refunds from accommodation providers depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. If students need help, organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.</p><p>If a student thinks that their accommodation provider is treating them unfairly, they can raise a complaint under the accommodation codes of practice as long as their provider is a code member. The codes can be found at: <a href="https://www.thesac.org.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.thesac.org.uk/</a>; <a href="https://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code/how-to-complain" target="_blank">https://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code/how-to-complain</a> and: <a href="https://www.rla.org.uk/about/nrla-code-of-practice.shtml" target="_blank">https://www.rla.org.uk/about/nrla-code-of-practice.shtml</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan question first answered 02/06/2020 09:04:47 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
	tabling member	413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn