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1701457

	registered interest
	date	16/04/2024
	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: Chronic Illnesses
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill on the (a) physical and (b) mental wellbeing of people with (i) M.E. and (ii) other chronic diseases.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	22044
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>The department has assessed the impact of the third-party data measure in the regulatory impact assessment scrutinised and green-rated by the Regulatory Policy Committee. This was published on the 27th November 2023 as part of the supporting documentation for the Data Protection and Information Bill and is available here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-protection-and-digital-information-bill-impact-assessments" target="_blank">Data Protection and Digital Information Bill: supporting documents - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The department has fulfilled all the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 and in line with our statutory duty keeps the impact of this measure on groups with protected characteristics under continuous review.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In 22/23, DWP overpaid over £8bn due to fraud and error. This is unacceptable and we are taking robust steps to tackle this.</p><p> </p><p>The third party data legislation we are seeking is one such approach. The focus of this power will be about finding signals of potential benefit fraud and error.</p><p>The measure does not target a particular group of benefit claimant and we have tried and tested safeguarding procedures to protect vulnerable groups and will follow business as usual processes.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Blackpool North and Cleveleys answering member printed Paul Maynard question first answered 23/04/2024 11:07:35 answering member 3926 label Biography information for Paul Maynard
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1682018

	registered interest
	date	15/01/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	McClure Solicitors: Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to (a) support clients of McClure Solicitors and (b) ensure former clients are aware of the firm’s collapse and the potential consequences for their legal arrangements.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	9542
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/01/2024 answer text <p>The legal profession in England and Wales operates independently of government. The responsibility for regulating the sector sits with the approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors, as well as most law firms in England and Wales. The SRA’s role involves protecting clients and the public. The different ways in which they can provide support to consumers of legal services can be found on their website: <a href="https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/who-we-are/expect-from-us/" target="_blank">SRA | What you can expect from us | Solicitors Regulation Authority</a>.</p><p> </p><p>For clients based in Scotland, the Law Society of Scotland (TLSS) is the professional body responsible for regulating Scottish solicitors. They have confirmed that they are taking measures to meet their regulatory obligations and assist consumers impacted by the collapse of WW &amp; J McClures. Advice for those affected by the collapse of McClures can be accessed on TLSS’s website: <a href="https://www.lawscot.org.uk/news-and-events/law-society-news/mcclures-jones-whyte-faqs/" target="_blank">https://www.lawscot.org.uk/news-and-events/law-society-news/mcclures-jones-whyte-faqs/</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is aware of the issues surrounding WW &amp; J McClures collapse, which involve multiple regulators responding to former clients across Scotland, England and Wales. Government officials have spoken to the SRA, which has confirmed that it is aware of the issues at hand and is continuing to investigate them at a senior level. There are several routes in place to ensure consumers have access to support in the event of the collapse of their solicitor’s law firm.</p><p> </p><p>The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) deals with service complaints against regulated legal services providers – including those who are no longer operational. Their website provides information with regards to the different routes available for consumers depending on their personal circumstances: <a href="https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/for-consumers/factsheets/complaining-about-closed-service-providers/" target="_blank">Complaining about closed service providers | Legal Ombudsman</a>.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to the issue of raising awareness among clients of McClures, there are requirements with respect to the advertising and publication of an insolvency so that creditors and other interested parties are made aware. The administration of McClures was advertised as required in the <a href="https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/3796214" target="_blank">London Gazette</a>. Information for former clients of McClures in Scotland was also published by <a href="https://www.lawscot.org.uk/news-and-events/law-society-news/mcclures-jones-whyte-faqs/" target="_blank">Law Society of Scotland</a>. In addition, for clients of McClures across Great Britain, Jones Whyte published an <a href="https://joneswhyte.co.uk/wills-trusts-probate/mcclure-solicitors/?utm_feeditemid=&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_term=mcclure%20solicitors&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=McClure+Solicitors&amp;hsa_cam=15061896863&amp;hsa_grp=124024531090&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_ad=555681564615&amp;hsa_acc=9487076891&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_kw=mcclure%20solicitors&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-355560480150&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt7yH6oKvggMVjI5QBh1vZggqEAAYASAAEgKtGfD_BwE" target="_blank">extensive list of FAQs</a>, covering the number of clients it had taken on, the steps it was taking to contact those clients, and the procedure for clients to transfer to another legal firm if they wished.</p> answering member constituency Finchley and Golders Green answering member printed Mike Freer question first answered 18/01/2024 12:18:19 answering member 4004 label Biography information for Mike Freer
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1676656

	registered interest
	date	08/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Large Goods Vehicles: Driving Tests
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many publicly-booked Driver CPC part 3b tests were conducted in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) Bishopbriggs Test Centre in each quarter since April 2021.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	5969
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/12/2023 answer text <p>The table below shows the number of part 3b tests conducted in each quarter since April 2021 in the UK, Scotland and at Bishopbriggs test centre.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p><strong>UK</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Scotland</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Bishopbriggs </strong> <strong>test centre</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Apr / May / Jun 2021</p></td><td><p>18761</p></td><td><p>1066</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Jul / Aug / Sep 2021</p></td><td><p>23595</p></td><td><p>1491</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Oct / Nov / Dec 2021</p></td><td><p>27144</p></td><td><p>1619</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Jan / Feb / Mar 2022</p></td><td><p>26391</p></td><td><p>1742</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Apr / May / Jun 2022</p></td><td><p>28386</p></td><td><p>2056</p></td><td><p>39</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Jul / Aug / Sep 2022</p></td><td><p>31128</p></td><td><p>2181</p></td><td><p>46</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Oct / Nov / Dec 2022</p></td><td><p>28112</p></td><td><p>1924</p></td><td><p>45</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Jan / Feb / Mar 2023</p></td><td><p>26334</p></td><td><p>1825</p></td><td><p>73</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Apr / May / June 2023</p></td><td><p>22697</p></td><td><p>1642</p></td><td><p>71</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>July / Aug / Sep 2023</p></td><td><p>20544</p></td><td><p>1351</p></td><td><p>68</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 13/12/2023 17:46:34 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1674387

	registered interest
	date	30/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Driving Tests: Large Goods Vehicles
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many Driver CPC part 3b tests were available for public booking in each quarter since April 2021 in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) Bishopbriggs Test Centre.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	4677
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/12/2023 answer text <p>As the database for part 3b test availability is live and constantly changing, it is not possible to accurately calculate the test availability that was available for booking at each historic point in time since April 2021.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 06/12/2023 10:47:58 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1669909

	registered interest
	date	14/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Department for Education: Women
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of SCS2 civil servants on full-time contracts in her Department are women.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	1909
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/11/2023 answer text <p>As of the 31 of October 2023, the proportion of officials in the Department that are graded as senior civil servant 2 and are women on full time equivalent contracts is 64.9%. This figure was calculated by dividing the number of women at senior civil servant 2 grade on full time contracts by the total number of staff at senior civil servant 2 grade on full time contracts. This figure includes the Department, as well as its executive agencies – Education and Skills Funding Agency, Teaching Regulation Agency, Standard and Testing Agency.</p><p>The official public sector employment statistics published in June 2023 by the Office for National Statistics include data on the proportion of staff on temporary contracts who are women. These figures can be accessed at: <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable" target="_blank">https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable</a>.</p><p>In 2022/23, more than half of new entrants to the civil service were women (54.1%). In 2021/22, 51.6% of new entrants and 53.9% of promotions to the senior civil service were women.</p> answering member constituency East Hampshire answering member printed Damian Hinds grouped question UIN 1910 question first answered 21/11/2023 15:04:22 answering member 3969 label Biography information for Damian Hinds
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1669910

	registered interest
	date	14/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Department for Education: Women
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of civil servants on temporary contracts in her Department are women.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	1910
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/11/2023 answer text <p>As of the 31 of October 2023, the proportion of officials in the Department that are graded as senior civil servant 2 and are women on full time equivalent contracts is 64.9%. This figure was calculated by dividing the number of women at senior civil servant 2 grade on full time contracts by the total number of staff at senior civil servant 2 grade on full time contracts. This figure includes the Department, as well as its executive agencies – Education and Skills Funding Agency, Teaching Regulation Agency, Standard and Testing Agency.</p><p>The official public sector employment statistics published in June 2023 by the Office for National Statistics include data on the proportion of staff on temporary contracts who are women. These figures can be accessed at: <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable" target="_blank">https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable</a>.</p><p>In 2022/23, more than half of new entrants to the civil service were women (54.1%). In 2021/22, 51.6% of new entrants and 53.9% of promotions to the senior civil service were women.</p> answering member constituency East Hampshire answering member printed Damian Hinds grouped question UIN 1909 question first answered 21/11/2023 15:04:22 answering member 3969 label Biography information for Damian Hinds
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1666202

	registered interest
	date	19/10/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Women
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what proportion of officials in her Department that are (a) graded as senior civil servant 2 and (b) on full-time equivalent contracts are women.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	203510
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/10/2023 answer text <p>The proportion of officials in Department for Science, Innovation and Technology that are graded as senior civil servant 2 is 1.4%.</p><p>The proportion of officials that are women, on a full-time equivalent basis is 52.5%.</p> answering member constituency Mid Norfolk answering member printed George Freeman question first answered 26/10/2023 10:33:59 answering member 4020 label Biography information for George Freeman
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1666203

	registered interest
	date	19/10/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Women
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what proportion of officials in her Department on temporary contracts are women.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	203511
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/10/2023 answer text <p>The proportion of officials in Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on temporary contracts that are women is 50%.</p> answering member constituency Mid Norfolk answering member printed George Freeman question first answered 26/10/2023 10:32:18 answering member 4020 label Biography information for George Freeman
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1663024

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2023
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Refugees: Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department plans to extend the duration of the (a) Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, (b) Ukraine Family Scheme and (c) Ukraine Extension Scheme beyond the initial three-year period.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	200878
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2023 answer text <p>As the first visas issued for the Homes for Ukraine scheme will begin to expire in March 2025, the Home Office is reviewing what may be needed beyond that date, bearing in mind the situation in Ukraine, the wishes of the Ukrainian Government, and the needs of Ukrainians in the UK. Announcements will be made in the usual way.</p> answering member constituency Kensington answering member printed Felicity Buchan grouped question UIN 200879 question first answered 18/10/2023 15:57:56 answering member 4821 label Biography information for Felicity Buchan
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1663025

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2023
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Refugees: Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make it his policy to introduce settlement routes for Ukrainian nationals in the UK on temporary visas under the (a) Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, (b) Ukraine Family Scheme and (c) Ukraine Extension Scheme.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	200879
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2023 answer text <p>As the first visas issued for the Homes for Ukraine scheme will begin to expire in March 2025, the Home Office is reviewing what may be needed beyond that date, bearing in mind the situation in Ukraine, the wishes of the Ukrainian Government, and the needs of Ukrainians in the UK. Announcements will be made in the usual way.</p> answering member constituency Kensington answering member printed Felicity Buchan grouped question UIN 200878 question first answered 18/10/2023 15:57:56 answering member 4821 label Biography information for Felicity Buchan
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1659078

	registered interest
	date	07/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Business and Trade
	answering dept id	214
	answering dept short name	Business and Trade
	answering dept sort name	Business and Trade
	hansard heading	Paternity Pay
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of increasing the length of time for which paternity pay is awarded from two to four weeks.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198359
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/09/2023 answer text <p>We recently published our response to the consultation on parental leave and pay. This detailed our planned reforms to make Paternity Leave and Pay more flexible and easier to take, including increasing the period of time within which leave can be taken and allowing it to be taken in non-consecutive blocks. In line with other parental pay entitlements, Paternity Pay is paid at the statutory rate.</p><p>The standard rate of Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay is reviewed annually and from April 2023, it increased by September's CPI figure of 10.1 per cent to £172.48.</p> answering member constituency Thirsk and Malton answering member printed Kevin Hollinrake grouped question UIN 198360 198363 question first answered 14/09/2023 15:38:19 answering member 4474 label Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1659079

	registered interest
	date	07/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Business and Trade
	answering dept id	214
	answering dept short name	Business and Trade
	answering dept sort name	Business and Trade
	hansard heading	Paternity Pay
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing the level of paternity pay.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198360
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/09/2023 answer text <p>We recently published our response to the consultation on parental leave and pay. This detailed our planned reforms to make Paternity Leave and Pay more flexible and easier to take, including increasing the period of time within which leave can be taken and allowing it to be taken in non-consecutive blocks. In line with other parental pay entitlements, Paternity Pay is paid at the statutory rate.</p><p>The standard rate of Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay is reviewed annually and from April 2023, it increased by September's CPI figure of 10.1 per cent to £172.48.</p> answering member constituency Thirsk and Malton answering member printed Kevin Hollinrake grouped question UIN 198359 198363 question first answered 14/09/2023 15:38:19 answering member 4474 label Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1659082

	registered interest
	date	07/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Business and Trade
	answering dept id	214
	answering dept short name	Business and Trade
	answering dept sort name	Business and Trade
	hansard heading	Paternity Pay
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing (a) the length of time for which paternity pay is awarded and (b) the level of paternity pay when the mother is not working.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198363
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/09/2023 answer text <p>We recently published our response to the consultation on parental leave and pay. This detailed our planned reforms to make Paternity Leave and Pay more flexible and easier to take, including increasing the period of time within which leave can be taken and allowing it to be taken in non-consecutive blocks. In line with other parental pay entitlements, Paternity Pay is paid at the statutory rate.</p><p>The standard rate of Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay is reviewed annually and from April 2023, it increased by September's CPI figure of 10.1 per cent to £172.48.</p> answering member constituency Thirsk and Malton answering member printed Kevin Hollinrake grouped question UIN 198359 198360 question first answered 14/09/2023 15:38:19 answering member 4474 label Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1659093

	registered interest
	date	07/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Electronic equipment: Government Departments
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to encourage Departments to donate electronic devices that are no longer in use the National Device Bank.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198371
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/09/2023 answer text <p>The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is committed to closing the digital divide and meeting the government’s commitment that nobody should be left behind in the digital age. Reflecting the four key pillars set out in the government’s Digital Inclusion Strategy, we recognise that access to safe and suitable devices remains a key barrier facing digitally excluded people. Device donation initiatives are a significant and valuable contribution to supporting people to overcome this obstacle and I would encourage all private and public sector organisations to consider the feasibility of doing this.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has noted this particular recommendation in the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee’s report on digital exclusion and cost of living and will formally respond later this month.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Sutton and Cheam answering member printed Paul Scully question first answered 14/09/2023 15:08:38 answering member 4414 label Biography information for Paul Scully
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1658732

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to publish a revised Digital Inclusion Strategy.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198196
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2023 answer text <p>The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is committed to closing the digital divide and meeting the government’s commitment that nobody should be left behind in the digital age. The 2014 Digital Inclusion Strategy, and the four pillars it sets out, remains as relevant today as it was when published. These principles were further echoed in the Government’s UK<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy#the-whole-uk-spreading-prosperity-and-levelling-up" target="_blank"> Digital Strategy</a> published in 2022, and our vision to enable everyone from across the UK to benefit from all that digital innovation can offer.</p><p>The Department has noted this recommendation in the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee’s report on digital exclusion and cost of living and will formally respond this month.</p> answering member constituency Sutton and Cheam answering member printed Paul Scully question first answered 11/09/2023 16:01:35 answering member 4414 label Biography information for Paul Scully
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1658734

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology: Training
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department plans to increase funding for digital inclusion and skills.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198197
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2023 answer text <p><strong>Digital Skills</strong></p><p>The Government recognises that digital skills are becoming ever more important in the economy. Last year, we launched the UK <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy#s3:~:text=3.%20Digital%20skills%20and%20talent" target="_blank">Digital Strategy</a>, which set out our commitment to develop digital skills across the whole of the UK.</p><p> </p><p>To grow the digital workforce in the UK, the government has introduced a range of interventions across the digital skills pipeline and at all levels. This includes ensuring there is a range of flexible courses available for people already in the workforce. As part of Skills for Life, the government launched Skills Bootcamps, which offer free, flexible courses lasting up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview at the end. The Department for Education is increasing investment to up to £150 million this year.</p><p> </p><p>To provide people with the opportunity to develop specialised AI and data skills, even for those who have no previous experience, the government has made a £30 million investment via two phases in AI and Data science conversion courses. The government is committed to ensuring the tech sector is diverse, which is why the government has funded scholarships for underrepresented groups to earn a masters degree on these courses, and has supported the Tech Talent Charter (TCC) since 2017.</p><p><strong>Digital Inclusion</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The government is committed to closing the digital divide and meeting our commitment that nobody should be left behind in the digital age. This directly supports the UK’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy#the-whole-uk-spreading-prosperity-and-levelling-up" target="_blank">Digital Strategy </a>and its “vision to enable everyone, from every industry and across the UK, to benefit from all that digital innovation can offer.”</p><p> </p><p>Supporting people to engage in an increasingly digitalised world involves overcoming the barriers to access, skills, motivation and trust identified in the government’s digital inclusion strategy. A range of departments support the government’s approach to removing these barriers.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is tackling these issues by continuing to invest in digital infrastructure to broaden gigabit-capable and mobile-network coverage. To support low income households stay connected, the Government continues to work with telecoms providers to ensure market provision of low-cost broadband and mobile tariffs.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Education are providing access to essential digital skills courses through the Essential Digital Entitlement and the Adult Education budget. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport are leveraging our national network of libraries to serve as an alternative point of internet access with in-person support. Department for Work and Pensions are referring claimants to essential digital skills courses to improve their chances of securing employment and supporting eligible claimants with the provision of devices and connectivity connection. Cabinet Office is setting an example by monitoring the accessibility of all public sector websites to make sure that everyone, including people with disabilities and impairments, can access public services.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Sutton and Cheam answering member printed Paul Scully question first answered 11/09/2023 16:41:19 answering member 4414 label Biography information for Paul Scully
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1658736

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Broadband: Social Tariffs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps to increase public awareness of broadband social tariffs.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198198
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2023 answer text <p>Information about social tariffs continues to be promoted through the Government’s <a href="https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/housing-support/" target="_blank">Help for Households</a> webpage and other promotional materials. We are also taking advantage of existing cross-government channels - including libraries, the school networks and jobcentre work coaches, to highlight social tariffs to eligible people directly.</p><p> </p><p>The Department continues to work closely with Ofcom - who have a regulatory duty to monitor affordability in the telecoms market - to push operators to do more to promote their social tariff offers. On 7 July 2023, Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive of Ofcom, wrote to industry leaders to set out the regulator’s expectation that they take practical action to increase awareness.</p> answering member constituency Maldon answering member printed Sir John Whittingdale question first answered 11/09/2023 16:53:04 answering member 39 label Biography information for Sir John Whittingdale
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1658739

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Broadband: Social Tariffs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to reduce VAT on broadband social tariffs.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	198199
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2023 answer text <p>VAT is the UK’s third largest tax forecast to raise £161 billion in 2023/24, helping to fund key spending priorities such as public services, including the NHS, education and defence. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited by both legal and fiscal considerations.</p><p> </p><p>VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited by both legal and fiscal considerations. This request should be viewed in the context of over £50 billion of requests for relief from VAT received since the EU referendum.</p><p> </p><p>Although there are no current plans to reduce VAT on broadband social tariffs, the Government keeps all taxes under review.</p> answering member constituency Louth and Horncastle answering member printed Victoria Atkins question first answered 11/09/2023 13:37:03 answering member 4399 label Biography information for Victoria Atkins
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1656729

	registered interest
	date	01/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Driving Tests: Dyslexia
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing adaptations for people with dyslexia sitting the driving theory test.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	196470
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/09/2023 answer text <p>The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is dedicated to ensuring all candidates have equal and fair access to the driving theory test.</p><p> </p><p>The DVSA has worked with the British Dyslexia Association to implement changes to the theory test to make it more accessible for learners allowing them to have their knowledge and understanding checked, without putting them at an undue disadvantage.</p><p> </p><p>These changes include:</p><ul><li>removing continuation questions</li><li>adding more pictures</li><li>replacing words like “increase” and “decrease” with words like “faster” and “slower”</li><li>increasing the font size</li><li>removing red font</li></ul><p> </p><p>Candidates who have reading difficulties can request an English or Welsh voiceover. This provides candidates with headphones and enables them to listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as needed.</p><p> </p><p>Theory test slots are open to all candidates, but those needing extra support, such as candidates with dyslexia, can request other adaptions including:</p><ul><li>additional time to take the test (up to double time)</li><li>someone to read the questions out and record the answers for the candidate</li><li>using an oral language modifier, who will reword the questions making them easier to understand, changing non-technical words and phrases, and the order of a sentence</li><li>taking the test in a separate room</li></ul><p> </p><p>If a dyslexic candidate needs something more bespoke, such as certain colour overlays, the DVSA will aim to meet their need.</p><p> </p><p>The DVSA will continue to look at ways in which it can further improve the theory test for candidates with learning difficulties.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p> answering member constituency North West Durham answering member printed Mr Richard Holden grouped question UIN 196471 question first answered 07/09/2023 08:11:09 answering member 4813 label Biography information for Mr Richard Holden
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1656731

	registered interest
	date	01/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Driving Tests: Dyslexia
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what percentage of driving theory test slots are allocated to learners with dyslexia.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	196471
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/09/2023 answer text <p>The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is dedicated to ensuring all candidates have equal and fair access to the driving theory test.</p><p> </p><p>The DVSA has worked with the British Dyslexia Association to implement changes to the theory test to make it more accessible for learners allowing them to have their knowledge and understanding checked, without putting them at an undue disadvantage.</p><p> </p><p>These changes include:</p><ul><li>removing continuation questions</li><li>adding more pictures</li><li>replacing words like “increase” and “decrease” with words like “faster” and “slower”</li><li>increasing the font size</li><li>removing red font</li></ul><p> </p><p>Candidates who have reading difficulties can request an English or Welsh voiceover. This provides candidates with headphones and enables them to listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as needed.</p><p> </p><p>Theory test slots are open to all candidates, but those needing extra support, such as candidates with dyslexia, can request other adaptions including:</p><ul><li>additional time to take the test (up to double time)</li><li>someone to read the questions out and record the answers for the candidate</li><li>using an oral language modifier, who will reword the questions making them easier to understand, changing non-technical words and phrases, and the order of a sentence</li><li>taking the test in a separate room</li></ul><p> </p><p>If a dyslexic candidate needs something more bespoke, such as certain colour overlays, the DVSA will aim to meet their need.</p><p> </p><p>The DVSA will continue to look at ways in which it can further improve the theory test for candidates with learning difficulties.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p> answering member constituency North West Durham answering member printed Mr Richard Holden grouped question UIN 196470 question first answered 07/09/2023 08:11:09 answering member 4813 label Biography information for Mr Richard Holden
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1656732

	registered interest
	date	01/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Driving Tests: Dyslexia
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether there are differences in waiting times for driving theory tests for learners with dyslexia and those without.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	196472
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2023 answer text <p>The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is dedicated to ensuring all candidates have equal and fair access to the driving theory test.</p><p> </p><p>There are no differences in waiting times for driving theory tests for learners with dyslexia and for those without.</p> answering member constituency North West Durham answering member printed Mr Richard Holden question first answered 06/09/2023 11:35:30 answering member 4813 label Biography information for Mr Richard Holden
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1657291

	registered interest
	date	01/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
	answering dept id	215
	answering dept short name	Energy Security and Net Zero
	answering dept sort name	Energy Security and Net Zero
	hansard heading	Energy Bills Rebate: Travellers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending the Energy Bills Support Scheme to gypsies and travellers living in roadside camps.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	196921
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/09/2023 answer text <p>The Government has been unable to establish a robust method for households in caravans not on permanent sites to prove that their caravan is their main or sole residence, whilst protecting public funds against fraud. However, we recommend that these households should contact their local authority to apply for the Housing Support Fund. We also recommend that they visit the ‘Help for Households’ webpage on GOV.UK to view what other support they may be eligible to receive - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CParliamentary.PQ%40energysecurity.gov.uk%7C942135c2eb804d296e3b08dbaebc038b%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C638295894752566384%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BtPpvg5BSKjbwWp8wF8LAZbV6NEvQZY%2BdvgAlGJPoCw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Derby North answering member printed Amanda Solloway question first answered 07/09/2023 07:21:35 answering member 4372 label Biography information for Amanda Solloway
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1657292

	registered interest
	date	01/09/2023
	answering body	Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
	answering dept id	215
	answering dept short name	Energy Security and Net Zero
	answering dept sort name	Energy Security and Net Zero
	hansard heading	Energy Bills Rebate: Travellers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of not including gypsies and travellers living in roadside camps from the Energy Bill Support Scheme on those people.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	196922
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/09/2023 answer text <p>The Government has been in contact with representatives of itinerant travellers to understand their concerns and seek to overcome barriers to accessing the EBSS Alternative Funding. We have been unable to establish a robust method for households in caravans not on permanent sites to prove that their caravan is their main or sole residence, whilst protecting public funds against fraud. We recommend that these households should contact their local authority to apply for the Housing Support Fund and also visit the ‘Help for Households’ webpage on GOV.UK to view what other support they may be eligible to receive - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CParliamentary.PQ%40energysecurity.gov.uk%7C16d23bd93f574e00bfa808dbaebbd805%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C638295894020827178%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=l3PART7dChSulIMw%2BH2Oe%2F1Qpfzj3TEgb08RwHVe%2Fcs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Derby North answering member printed Amanda Solloway question first answered 07/09/2023 07:20:13 answering member 4372 label Biography information for Amanda Solloway
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1652992

	registered interest
	date	13/07/2023
	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	Food: Allergies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including pea protein as an allergen in food labelling.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	193951
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/07/2023 answer text <p>The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for food safety, including food allergen labelling, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland are responsible for food allergen labelling in Scotland.</p><p>The FSA is aware that pea protein allergies are an emerging area of concern and there are reports of adverse reactions to pea protein in the scientific literature. However, evidence on this is currently limited and the prevalence of pea protein allergies is unknown in the United Kingdom at present. As and when information is available, the FSA will assess the evidence, but have no current plans to amend the 14 allergens list. Any additions to this list would only be made based on relevant scientific evidence and views gathered through public consultation. The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely and is currently working with the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology on hidden and emerging food allergens.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien grouped question UIN 193952 question first answered 20/07/2023 08:14:50 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1652993

	registered interest
	date	13/07/2023
	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	Food: Allergies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of widening the list of mandated common allergenic ingredients of public health concern.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	193952
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/07/2023 answer text <p>The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for food safety, including food allergen labelling, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland are responsible for food allergen labelling in Scotland.</p><p>The FSA is aware that pea protein allergies are an emerging area of concern and there are reports of adverse reactions to pea protein in the scientific literature. However, evidence on this is currently limited and the prevalence of pea protein allergies is unknown in the United Kingdom at present. As and when information is available, the FSA will assess the evidence, but have no current plans to amend the 14 allergens list. Any additions to this list would only be made based on relevant scientific evidence and views gathered through public consultation. The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely and is currently working with the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology on hidden and emerging food allergens.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien grouped question UIN 193951 question first answered 20/07/2023 08:14:50 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan