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1105353

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	North Korea: Forced Labour
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the report by Human Trafficking Search State-sponsored Slavery: an North Korean Export, published in 2018, that an estimated 200,000 North Korean state-sponsored workers are used as forced labour in 45 countries.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL14816
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>The UK is aware of the report by Human Trafficking Search and deeply concerned by its findings. North Korea has sent large numbers of workers overseas to earn money for the regime though estimates of the total number vary considerably. We urge all countries to meet their obligations under UNSCR 2397 to repatriate DPRK overseas workers by December 2019. The UK has actively in encouraged all UN member states to submit implementation reports to the UN as part of these obligations and continue to engage with states that host DPRK workers in violation of UN sanctions.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 04/04/2019 15:26:44 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1105354

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	North Korea: Human Trafficking
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of estimates in the Global Slavery Index relating to the number of North Koreans who have been trafficked to China.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL14817
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>The British Government is deeply concerned at reports of North Korean women who have experienced sexual exploitation or forced marriage, in North Korea or China. Our Ambassador has raised our concerns directly with the Government of North Korea. Although it is hard to assess accurately how many North Koreans have been forced into human trafficking in China or other countries, the Global Slavery Index indicates that the numbers involved are distressingly high. We are committed to the eradication of all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking by 2030, as unanimously adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 04/04/2019 15:29:03 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1105359

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
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	Social Security Benefits
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many families are subject to the benefit cap.
tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Durham
uin	HL14822
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>Households can have their benefits capped either under Housing Benefit, or under Universal Credit, and the latest statistics were published in February 2019, covering households capped to November 2018.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Point-in-time caseload: Number of households capped by family type at November 2018, GB</strong></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>Total</p></td><td><p>Single, no child dependant</p></td><td><p>Single, with child dependant(s)</p></td><td><p>Couple, no child dependant</p></td><td><p>Couple, with child dependant(s)</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Housing Benefit</strong></p></td><td><p>52,650</p></td><td><p>3,540</p></td><td><p>38,850</p></td><td><p>40</p></td><td><p>10,210</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Universal Credit</strong></p></td><td><p>9,810</p></td><td><p>1,600</p></td><td><p>5,920</p></td><td><p>..</p></td><td><p>2,290</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>Data Sources:</strong> DWP 100% Single Housing Benefit Extract and DWP Universal Credit Official Statistics Database</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Table Notes:</strong></p><ol><li>Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers less than 10 have been replaced with '..'</li><li>Figures include households that have had their Housing Benefit or Universal Credit full service capped. Universal Credit full service is available to all claimant types but only in certain areas of the country at November 2018.</li><li>Figures for Universal Credit may be revised in future publications, as Universal Credit awards may be retrospectively revised.</li></ol><p> </p><p>The Housing Benefit caseload data is taken from DWP Stat-Xplore, whilst the Universal Credit caseload data is taken from the official statistics caseload tables, published on 7th Feb 2019.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Buscombe question first answered 04/04/2019 16:01:20 answering member 3349 label Biography information for Baroness Buscombe
tabling member	4312 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Durham

1105360

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
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	Social Security Benefits
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of households subject to the benefit cap that have moved into work in comparison with the number of households that have moved into work that are not subject to that cap.
tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Durham
uin	HL14823
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/04/2019 answer text <p>The Department published its evaluation of the original benefit cap levels “Benefit cap: Analysis of Outcomes of capped claimants” in December 2014. From the findings the Government estimated that capped households were 4.7 percentage points (41%) more likely to flow into work after a year compared to similar uncapped households.</p><p> </p><p>Households working more than 16 hours a week and eligible for working tax credits or entitled to Universal Credit and earning at least £542 (£569 from April 2019) a month are exempt from the benefit cap.</p><p> </p><p>Statistics published on 7 February 2019 show that in November 2018, out of a total of 196,840 capped Housing Benefit awards since May 2013, 55,360 were no longer capped because they had moved into work. In addition, out of a total of 19,660 Universal Credit awards capped since October 2016, 2,420 were no longer capped because they had earnings above the earnings threshold (currently £542). These figures will include some households that would have moved into work in the absence of the cap.</p> answering member printed Baroness Buscombe question first answered 02/04/2019 16:28:37 answering member 3349 label Biography information for Baroness Buscombe
tabling member	4312 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Durham

1105361

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Local Government Finance: Northern Ireland
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how much confidence and supply money has been allocated to each of the eleven local councils in Northern Ireland.
tabling member printed	Lord Empey
uin	HL14824
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/04/2019 answer text <p>Alongside the Confidence &amp; Supply Agreement, the UK Government committed £1 billion of financial support to Northern Ireland in support of strengthening the Northern Ireland economy and recognising that Northern Ireland has unique circumstances within the UK.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has so far allocated £430 million to the Northern Ireland block grant and expects the release of a further £333 million in 2019/20, subject to Parliament’s approval through the normal Estimates process. The remaining £237m will be allocated in due course.</p><p> </p><p>Allocations to departments are agreed as part of the Budget process with any funding filtered to local councils through a variety of funding streams, as appropriate. Specific detail on how much is allocated to local councils is not held centrally.</p> answering member printed Lord Duncan of Springbank question first answered 03/04/2019 14:41:04 answering member 4686 label Biography information for Lord Duncan of Springbank
tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1105362

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Electric Vehicles: Charging Points
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with companies running petrol service stations about the provision of electric vehicle charging and establishing a common signage to inform drivers that charging is available.
tabling member printed	Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
uin	HL14825
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government has had a number of discussions with companies running petrol service stations about the provision of electric vehicle charge points.</p><p> </p><p>The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act gives the Government new powers to improve the provision of electric vehicle infrastructure. These proposals include powers to require provision at large fuel retailers. We have said we will monitor the market and only use these powers if the market fails to deliver the infrastructure required. The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 do not prescribe signs for petrol filling stations. An electric vehicle charging point symbol is available for use on traffic signs indicating service areas.</p> answering member printed Baroness Sugg question first answered 04/04/2019 11:36:46 answering member 4584 label Biography information for Baroness Sugg
tabling member	4297 label Biography information for Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb

1105364

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	M20: Road Traffic Control
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) toilet and washing facilities, (2) catering facilities, and (3) water supplies, are provided at (a) Manston Airport and (b) on the M20, as part of Operation Brock.
tabling member printed	Baroness Randerson
uin	HL14827
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>If Manston Airport is used as a goods vehicle holding facility under Operation Brock in the event of disruption to cross channel services, hauliers will have access to toilet, washing and catering facilities on site and they will also be provided with water.</p><p> </p><p>Any decision as to whether welfare for hauliers is required on the M20 will be taken on the day on the basis of the latest intelligence. Welfare is the responsibility of Kent County Council.</p><p> </p><p>Welfare provision for private motorists will be triggered if Operation Brock is activated once traffic has been queuing for at least 4 hours and the welfare of individuals is assessed to be at risk. Plans have been designed to highlight to the travelling public the locations where welfare provision can be sought away from the Highway such as large supermarkets or fuel stations close to major junctions. If necessary, this may include the supply of water, sanitation and blankets.</p> answering member printed Baroness Sugg question first answered 04/04/2019 11:35:44 answering member 4584 label Biography information for Baroness Sugg
tabling member	4230 label Biography information for Baroness Randerson

1105366

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
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	Rural Areas: Community Development
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen rural communities.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL14829
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/04/2019 answer text <p>This Government wants thriving rural areas with strong and sustainable economies and vibrant communities, and for those living and working in rural areas to have the same opportunities as those in towns and cities.</p><p> </p><p>Our rural communities already have many strengths. Employment in rural areas is higher than the UK average, and unemployment lower. Well-being is higher. The Government has, however, taken steps to address the challenges faced by rural communities.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises the importance of fast and reliable broadband and mobile connectivity in rural areas. Superfast broadband is now available to over 96% of UK premises and is expected to reach around 97% over the next few years. The Universal Service Obligation will ensure universal broadband coverage of at least 10Mbps by 2020. The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review published in July last year proposed an ‘outside in’ approach to delivery of full fibre which will ensure that the final 10% of premises across the UK, mostly in rural areas, are not left behind.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Transport has funded 37 pilot “Total Transport” schemes to improve rural transport and supported community transport operators by providing £25 million of funding through the Community Minibus Fund for over 400 new vehicles.</p><p> </p><p>Rural businesses can qualify for rate relief if they are in an area with a population below 3,000, and if they are either the only village shop with a rateable value of up to £8,500, or the only public house or petrol station with a rateable value of up to £12,500.</p><p> </p><p>In December 2017, the Government announced £370 million of funding (from April 2018 to March 2021) to secure the future of the UK’s Post Office network. Of that funding, £160 million is helping to protect the “last shop in the village” community branches and to ensure everyone continues to have access to their local branch.</p><p> </p><p>On healthcare, the Government has extended the Targeted Enhanced Recruitment Scheme which provides a £20,000 salary supplement for newly qualified GPs who take up offers to work in hard to recruit areas. In 2018, 265 places were funded and a further 276 locations have been identified for posts commencing in August 2019. The Pharmacy Access Scheme is safeguarding a baseline level of patient access to a bricks and mortar pharmacy, protecting rural pharmacies and this vital service for rural communities.</p><p> </p><p>Defra will soon be launching a £3 million grant fund to help improve village halls, making them more accessible and useful to the communities they serve and helping to alleviate issues such as isolation and loneliness. Linked to this Defra has set up a rural loneliness forum and is encouraging the Defra-funded network of rural community councils to focus on actions to tackle loneliness as part of the Government’s Loneliness Strategy.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 03/04/2019 14:44:18 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno

1105367

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
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	Urban Areas: Community Development
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen urban communities.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL14830
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government recognises the value and contribution of all of our communities and supporting them runs through all of the Government’s work.</p><p>Government has recently announced the £1.6 billion Stronger Towns Fund to help places which have not shared in the proceeds of growth and communities left behind by rapid economic change.</p><p>As part of ‘Our Plan for the High Street’ we are funding the £675 million Future High Streets Fund to support investment in town centre infrastructure and five ‘Open Doors’ pilots to match local community groups with vacant high street properties. We are also celebrating the good work that communities have done in their high streets and town centres through the Great British High Street Awards, which will return in 2019 in partnership with Visa, and have provided £9.75 million for local authorities to work with community groups to clean up their high streets.</p><p>Government has also committed £9.1 billion of the Local Growth Fund to Local Enterprise Partnerships through three rounds of competitive Growth Deals between 2015 and 2021, strengthened local leadership through nine devolution deals and the establishment of eight combined authority mayors; and is negotiating city and growth deals in the devolved administrations, with deals already agreed in Wales for Cardiff and Swansea Bay and £120 million UK Government funding committed to the North Wales Growth Deal.</p><p>We are also looking to increase the availability of urban community spaces and on 26 March the Government announced the winners of the £3.75 million fund to create new Pocket Parks and to refurbish existing parks.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 04/04/2019 14:28:44 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno

1105369

registered interest
date	26/03/2019
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	Business Premises: Change of Use
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to those who wish to convert commercial buildings into residential accommodation.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL14832
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2019 answer text <p>Our Planning Practice Guidance sets out information on when planning permission is required to change use of buildings, and whether national permitted development rights apply. This is available on the MHCLG website.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 04/04/2019 14:29:03 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno