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1241762

registered interest
date	08/10/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Free School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to increase uptake of free school meals.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	100941
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2020 answer text <p>The provision of free school meals, to children from out-of-work families or those on low incomes, is of the utmost importance to this government. There are currently 1.4 million pupils eligible for and claiming a free, nutritious school meal, saving families more than £400 per year.</p><p>We do not routinely collect information on the proportion of pupils that would be entitled to a free school meal but do not make a claim. Our last estimate is that take-up is around 89% of those who are entitled. Take-up may currently be higher as during the COVID-19 outbreak we are temporarily extending free school meal eligibility to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Guidance on the NRPF extension is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups</a>.</p><p>Whilst take-up of free school meals is strong, we want to make sure as many eligible pupils as possible are claiming their free school meals, and to make it as simple as possible for schools and local authorities to determine eligibility. To support this we provide an Eligibility Checking System to make the checking process as quick and straightforward as possible for schools and local authorities. We have also developed a model registration form to help schools encourage parents to sign up for free school meals and provide guidance to Jobcentre Plus advisers so that they can make Universal Credit recipients aware that they may also be entitled to wider benefits, including free school meals.</p><p>We are grateful for the hard work that school staff undertake throughout the school year to deliver this provision locally for the families that are eligible for free meals. During the COVID-19 outbreak, we are especially appreciative of the actions schools have taken to continue free school meal provision in challenging circumstances.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 100942 100943 100944 question first answered 13/10/2020 15:21:47 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1241764

registered interest
date	08/10/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Free School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children eligible for free school meals are not registered for the scheme in the UK.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	100942
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2020 answer text <p>The provision of free school meals, to children from out-of-work families or those on low incomes, is of the utmost importance to this government. There are currently 1.4 million pupils eligible for and claiming a free, nutritious school meal, saving families more than £400 per year.</p><p>We do not routinely collect information on the proportion of pupils that would be entitled to a free school meal but do not make a claim. Our last estimate is that take-up is around 89% of those who are entitled. Take-up may currently be higher as during the COVID-19 outbreak we are temporarily extending free school meal eligibility to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Guidance on the NRPF extension is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups</a>.</p><p>Whilst take-up of free school meals is strong, we want to make sure as many eligible pupils as possible are claiming their free school meals, and to make it as simple as possible for schools and local authorities to determine eligibility. To support this we provide an Eligibility Checking System to make the checking process as quick and straightforward as possible for schools and local authorities. We have also developed a model registration form to help schools encourage parents to sign up for free school meals and provide guidance to Jobcentre Plus advisers so that they can make Universal Credit recipients aware that they may also be entitled to wider benefits, including free school meals.</p><p>We are grateful for the hard work that school staff undertake throughout the school year to deliver this provision locally for the families that are eligible for free meals. During the COVID-19 outbreak, we are especially appreciative of the actions schools have taken to continue free school meal provision in challenging circumstances.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 100941 100943 100944 question first answered 13/10/2020 15:21:47 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1241765

registered interest
date	08/10/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Free School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children registered for free school meals did not take up their entitlement in 2019-20.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	100943
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2020 answer text <p>The provision of free school meals, to children from out-of-work families or those on low incomes, is of the utmost importance to this government. There are currently 1.4 million pupils eligible for and claiming a free, nutritious school meal, saving families more than £400 per year.</p><p>We do not routinely collect information on the proportion of pupils that would be entitled to a free school meal but do not make a claim. Our last estimate is that take-up is around 89% of those who are entitled. Take-up may currently be higher as during the COVID-19 outbreak we are temporarily extending free school meal eligibility to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Guidance on the NRPF extension is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups</a>.</p><p>Whilst take-up of free school meals is strong, we want to make sure as many eligible pupils as possible are claiming their free school meals, and to make it as simple as possible for schools and local authorities to determine eligibility. To support this we provide an Eligibility Checking System to make the checking process as quick and straightforward as possible for schools and local authorities. We have also developed a model registration form to help schools encourage parents to sign up for free school meals and provide guidance to Jobcentre Plus advisers so that they can make Universal Credit recipients aware that they may also be entitled to wider benefits, including free school meals.</p><p>We are grateful for the hard work that school staff undertake throughout the school year to deliver this provision locally for the families that are eligible for free meals. During the COVID-19 outbreak, we are especially appreciative of the actions schools have taken to continue free school meal provision in challenging circumstances.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 100941 100942 100944 question first answered 13/10/2020 15:21:47 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1241766

registered interest
date	08/10/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Free School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on introducing automatic enrolment with an opt-out for pupils eligible for free school meals.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	100944
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2020 answer text <p>The provision of free school meals, to children from out-of-work families or those on low incomes, is of the utmost importance to this government. There are currently 1.4 million pupils eligible for and claiming a free, nutritious school meal, saving families more than £400 per year.</p><p>We do not routinely collect information on the proportion of pupils that would be entitled to a free school meal but do not make a claim. Our last estimate is that take-up is around 89% of those who are entitled. Take-up may currently be higher as during the COVID-19 outbreak we are temporarily extending free school meal eligibility to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Guidance on the NRPF extension is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups</a>.</p><p>Whilst take-up of free school meals is strong, we want to make sure as many eligible pupils as possible are claiming their free school meals, and to make it as simple as possible for schools and local authorities to determine eligibility. To support this we provide an Eligibility Checking System to make the checking process as quick and straightforward as possible for schools and local authorities. We have also developed a model registration form to help schools encourage parents to sign up for free school meals and provide guidance to Jobcentre Plus advisers so that they can make Universal Credit recipients aware that they may also be entitled to wider benefits, including free school meals.</p><p>We are grateful for the hard work that school staff undertake throughout the school year to deliver this provision locally for the families that are eligible for free meals. During the COVID-19 outbreak, we are especially appreciative of the actions schools have taken to continue free school meal provision in challenging circumstances.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 100941 100942 100943 question first answered 13/10/2020 15:21:47 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1239365

registered interest
date	30/09/2020
answering body	Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	Treasury
hansard heading	Employment: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to introduce support for people who are ineligible for existing covid-19 support schemes.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	97551
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government has prioritised helping the greatest number of people as quickly as possible, including self-employed individuals, businesses of all sizes and the unemployed. The Government’s package of support to date totals over £190bn, with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme alone having supported the wages of people in 9.6 million jobs. As the restrictions have changed, support has also evolved. The Government recognises it is not possible to preserve every job or business indefinitely, and will focus on targeting support as effectively as possible. Most recently, the Government announced a package of measures in the Winter Economy Plan, including the Job Support Scheme, that will continue to protect jobs and businesses through the uncertain months ahead.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 09/10/2020 09:24:24 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1238351

registered interest
date	28/09/2020
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	Snooker: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether snooker clubs are subject to the covid-19 10pm curfew restrictions.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	96046
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/10/2020 answer text <p>Sport facilities such as gyms, leisure centres and sport clubs including snooker clubs are not required to close, however, hospitality areas which sell food and drink (such as cafes and bars) must close at 10pm. This does not apply to dispensing machines such as vending or coffee machines. Delivery services and drive-through services can continue after 10pm, where applicable.</p><p> </p><p>Where a sport facility sells food and drink to consume on site, customers must eat and drink at a table.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Mid Worcestershire answering member printed Nigel Huddleston question first answered 02/10/2020 11:51:37 answering member 4407 label Biography information for Nigel Huddleston
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1238352

registered interest
date	28/09/2020
answering body	Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	Treasury
hansard heading	Self-employment Income Support Scheme
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason his extension of the Self-employed Income Support Scheme is a grant covering 20 per cent on average monthly trading profits.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	96047
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/10/2020 answer text <p>The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension has been introduced to help the self-employed who are actively trading but are suffering from reduced demand due to COVID-19, to help them continue to trade through the winter months. The Government has broadly aligned the size of the grant with the Government’s contribution provided for employees through the Job Support Scheme.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 01/10/2020 14:36:14 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1238360

registered interest
date	28/09/2020
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	M11: Accidents
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many collisions there have been at Junction 7 on the M11 in each of the last three years; and what has been the nature of those collisions.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	96048
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/10/2020 answer text <p>The number of reported personal injury road accidents on junction 7 of the M11 for the past three years can be found in the table below.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><p>Reported personal injury road accidents on junction 7 of the M11, 2016 to 2018</p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Fatal</p></td><td><p>Serious</p></td><td><p>Slight</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>5</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>2</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><p>Source<strong>: </strong>DfT, STATS19</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Redditch answering member printed Rachel Maclean question first answered 01/10/2020 13:55:54 answering member 4668 label Biography information for Rachel Maclean
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1237483

registered interest
date	24/09/2020
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	Darts: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to issue guidance on the conduct of (a) professional and (b) recreational darts during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	95064
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/09/2020 answer text <p>Sports and physical activity facilities play a crucial role in supporting adults and children to be active. The Government has made it clear that it will adopt a phased approach based on scientific and medical advice, and that the primary goal is to protect public health.</p><p>The Government has published guidance on <a href="http://gov.uk/" target="_blank">GOV.UK</a> allowing the phased return of sport and recreation activities in line with the latest medical guidance. The Government does not plan to publish sport-specific guidance. It is for the national governing bodies of sports to publish relevant guidance in accordance with the latest government guidance.</p> answering member constituency Mid Worcestershire answering member printed Nigel Huddleston question first answered 29/09/2020 08:21:42 answering member 4407 label Biography information for Nigel Huddleston
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1236479

registered interest
date	18/09/2020
answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
answering dept id	17
answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
hansard heading	Healthy Start Scheme
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what value of Healthy Start vouchers have been redeemed in 2019-20.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	91831
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/10/2020 answer text <p>The total expenditure on Healthy Start vouchers in England, for the most recent year that data is available, 2018/19, was £44,787,081. This expenditure includes the expenditure on Healthy Start vouchers redeemed and the administrative costs for the scheme.</p> answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds answering member printed Jo Churchill grouped question UIN 91832 question first answered 01/10/2020 21:33:02 answering member 4380 label Biography information for Jo Churchill previous answer version 49589 answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds answering member printed Jo Churchill answering member 4380 label Biography information for Jo Churchill
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon