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1123208

	registered interest
	date	25/04/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Council Housing: Consumer Goods
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the numbers of council housing tenants living without a (a) fridge, (b) freezer, (c) washing machine, and (d) cooker in each of the last six years.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	247564
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/04/2019 answer text <p>The Department does not hold this information.</p> answering member constituency North West Hampshire answering member printed Kit Malthouse question first answered 30/04/2019 11:50:50 answering member 4495 label Biography information for Kit Malthouse
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121999

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Young People: Carers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it remains his policy that young carers be referred to explicitly in Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	245558
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2019 answer text <p>This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman. I have asked her to write to the hon. Member for East Ham and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 25/04/2019 16:11:21 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121997

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Broadband
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much has been clawed back from providers in the Broadband UK programme as a result of a higher than anticipated take-up of broadband.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	245557
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2019 answer text <p>Superfast contracts include a take-up clawback mechanism to ensure public subsidies within the Superfast infrastructure are kept to a minimum. Clawback is generated over a 7 year period following completion of build implementation, based on customer take-up of service. Current estimates project take-up clawback to be at least £712m over this 7 year period. Some of this clawback has been returned early by agreement with the suppliers, and this is being reinvested.</p> answering member constituency Stourbridge answering member printed Margot James question first answered 25/04/2019 13:44:19 answering member 4115 label Biography information for Margot James
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121962

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Access to Work Programme
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if it remains the Government’s ambition to provide access to work support to over 60,000 people per year by 2020 as set out in the Work, Health and Disability Green Paper published in November 2017.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	245556
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2019 answer text <p>The ‘60,000 people per year’ ambition was proposed in the ‘Work, health and disability green paper: improving lives’ consultation document, which was published in October 2016, but it was not repeated in the Government’s response ‘Improving Lives: The Future of Work, Health and Disability’, published 30 November 2017.</p><p> </p><p>The figure of ‘60,000 people per year’ was developed using data from the old Access to Work statistics series. These were withdrawn and replaced by the new experimental Access to Work Statistics, first published on 10 October 2017 and available here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/access-to-work-statistics" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/access-to-work-statistics</a></p><p> </p><p>We explained the reasons for the changes to our methodology for calculating Access to Work statistics in the Statistical Notice that we published on 12 September 2017: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/643401/statistical-notice-access-to-work-statistics.pdf" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/643401/statistical-notice-access-to-work-statistics.pdf</a></p><p> </p><p>We are committed to improving Access to Work’s reach, as well as the support it offers. In 2017/18 expenditure rose to £110.8 million, a 4% increase in real terms on 2016/17, and support was provided to nearly 34,000 disabled people, an increase of 13% on 16/17. Record numbers of people with learning disabilities (up 22%) and mental health conditions (up 34%) were supported by the scheme. We have also expanded the eligibility criteria for the scheme to include a broader range of customers, such as people who have a drug and alcohol addiction and are in a treatment programme.</p> answering member constituency North Swindon answering member printed Justin Tomlinson question first answered 25/04/2019 12:44:32 answering member 4105 label Biography information for Justin Tomlinson
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121768

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has plans to change her Department’s policy on consent requirements for authorised representatives to act on behalf of claimants of universal credit.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	245555
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2019 answer text <p>We have had a number of workshops with stakeholders during which consent has been discussed, and we plan to do further work on explicit consent. This activity will include working with claimants and their representatives to ensure the process works effectively for vulnerable claimants to access the service.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 25/04/2019 10:32:29 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121361

	registered interest
	date	11/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Utilities: Prices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the prices of (a) energy bills, and (b) water bills are affordable for those of state pension age.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	244003
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>a) Energy policy is the responsibility of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.</p><p> </p><p>b) The Government’s November 2017 ‘Strategic policy statement to Ofwat’, the economic regulator for the water industry, challenged the water industry to do more for vulnerable customers in England, including older people. In Ofwat’s Price Review 2019 process in which water companies set out their business plans for 2020-25, Ofwat required companies to set out in their business plans how they would better identify and support those customers who need financial help. Work on the plans is ongoing.</p><p> </p><p>Current support includes the Government mandated WaterSure scheme which enables water companies to cap bills for eligible low income customers using a lot of water for essential family or health reasons. All water companies also offer schemes, known as social tariffs, for eligible customers on low incomes or receiving specific benefits. Approximately 400,000 household customers currently benefit from such water bill support schemes.</p><p> </p><p>Legislative powers recently put in place in the Digital Economy Act 2017 allow data sharing between water companies and other organisations, including Government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions. This will help companies identify and consequently provide support to more customers who may need help with their bills.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 23/04/2019 10:58:44 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121358

	registered interest
	date	11/04/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Rented Housing: Older People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help local authorities improve security of tenure for older renters.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	244001
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>We know that security of tenure is a concern for many in the private rented sector. That is why we have announced that the government will end so-called ‘no fault’ evictions by abolishing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. The government will shortly launch a new consultation on proposals to remove the ability of landlords to use ‘no fault’ evictions under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.</p><p>The government’s proposed measures will provide greater certainty for tenants and make the housing market fit for the 21st century. This will provide support to all tenants, including older renters, giving them the security and stability they need to make a place truly feel like home without the fear of being evicted at a moments’ notice.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 23/04/2019 15:06:43 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121360

	registered interest
	date	11/04/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Personal Savings: Older People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the elderly to accrue personal savings.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	244002
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to supporting people of all incomes and at all stages of life to save.</p><p> </p><p>Older people will continue to benefit from a number of measures this Government has introduced in recent years.</p><p> </p><p>The amount of money that people can save into their ISAs each year (the annual subscription allowance) has been increased to a record £20,000.</p><p> </p><p>Since April 2016, individuals have also been able to benefit from a new Personal Savings Allowance of up to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and up to £500 for higher rate taxpayers.</p><p> </p><p>As a result of these measures, over 95% of people with savings income pay no tax on that income.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 23/04/2019 13:07:19 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1121357

	registered interest
	date	11/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Pensioners: Social Security Benefits
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that older people in financial hardship are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	244000
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances. The DWP uses a wide range of channels to communicate information about benefits to potential customers; including information on <a href="https://gov.uk/" target="_blank">https://gov.uk/</a>, in leaflets and by telephone. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling 0800 99 1234. DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres including visiting officers are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local Authorities who administer Housing Benefit.</p><p> </p><p>One of the best ways to reach eligible customers is through trusted stakeholder working in the community and we have developed the Pension Credit toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and welfare rights organisations to use in order to encourage Pension Credit take-up. It can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit</a></p><p> </p><p>The toolkit contains resources for anyone working with pensioners and includes guides to Pension Credit. It also contains publicity material and guidance designed to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up. The toolkit also provides links to information about disability and carers benefits.</p><p> </p><p>Most recently we have provided to relevant organisations a fact sheet about Pension Credit and forthcoming changes for couples to ensure that accurate information is available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.</p><p> </p><p>The majority of people of pension age in receipt of a State Pension or another social security benefit receive their annual winter fuel payment automatically without the need to make a claim.</p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman grouped question UIN 244156 question first answered 23/04/2019 16:29:34 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1110573

	registered interest
	date	09/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit: Housing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that universal credit adequately supports social housing tenants paying rent weekly to meet their obligations in relation to the 53 week year.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	242667
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2019 answer text <p>No year contains 53 weeks. This perceived issue of their being 53 weeks in a year arises where a landlord charges rent weekly on a Monday and, because of the way the calendar falls every 5 or 6 years, seeks 53 rent payments in a year, with the 53rd payment in part covering the tenancy for the first few days of the following year.</p><p>Universal Credit payments are designed to mirror the world of work, with monthly payments reflecting the way many working people are paid. This model of monthly payments allows claimants to take responsibility for budgeting their own income and helps prepare them for getting back to work. The Money and Pension Service can provide debt advice and money guidance to claimants if they need support managing their monthly Universal Credit payments.</p><p>We are aware of a separate issue with respect to the way the calculation in the Universal Credit regulations converts a weekly liability into a monthly allowance. The conversion is achieved by multiplying the weekly rent by 52 and then dividing by 12. This effectively means one day’s rent a year (two days in a leap years) are not covered by UC. We are currently considering whether this formulation around weekly rents, and potentially other weekly amounts in the UC calculation, should be amended.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 15/04/2019 14:48:11 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms