Show Search Form

Search Results

registered interest	true false
date	exactly: or between: and
answering body
answering dept id
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name
hansard heading
house id
legislature	pref label
question text
tabling member constituency
tabling member printed
uin
answer	is ministerial correction true false date of answer exactly: or between: and answer text answering member constituency answering member printed grouped question UIN question first answered answering member label
tabling member	label

Search

1242573

	registered interest
	date	12/10/2020
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Civil Servants: Southampton
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil service jobs there have been in Southampton in each of the last 10 years.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	102116
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/10/2020 answer text <p>Civil Service Statistics presents detailed information on the UK Civil Service workforce as at 31 March 2020, including on pay, diversity and location and is available <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/civil-service-statistics-2020" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> answering member constituency Hornchurch and Upminster answering member printed Julia Lopez question first answered 20/10/2020 16:40:20 answering member 4647 label Biography information for Julia Lopez
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1305602

	registered interest
	date	24/03/2021
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Weddings: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether wedding ceremonies can take place at private wedding venues with up to 30 guests, under Step 3 of the roadmap out of covid-19 restrictions.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	174907
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/04/2021 answer text <p>In the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021" target="_blank">COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021</a>, the Government has set out the gradual and cautious approach to reopening different sectors in England, guided by science and the data.</p><p> </p><p>We understand the unique significance that marriages and civil partnerships hold in people’s lives, but we have to take necessary steps to limit transmission of COVID-19. This includes restrictions on wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as other forms of social contact. By their very nature, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are events that bring families and friends together, making them particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p>Alternative wedding ceremonies are permitted in line with the regular wedding or civil partnership rules, in the same locations, at each step.</p><p> </p><p>From 29 March, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies have been able to take place indoors or outdoors in COVID-Secure venues that are not expressly closed by the Regulations, or where a broader exemption applies. From 12 April, 15 people are permitted to attend. This approach allows couples to marry in legally binding licensed venues for wedding ceremonies (where outdoor options are limited) while remaining in line with the reopening of sectors and venues as set out in the roadmap. Wedding ceremonies should follow government guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.</p><p> </p><p>Receptions (of up to 15 people) can resume from 12 April. The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. That is why receptions are only permitted outdoors at this Step and should be in a COVID-Secure venue.</p><p> </p><p>From Step 3, no earlier than 17 May 2021, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are permitted for up to 30 people in COVID-Secure venues that are not required to close, or where a broader exemption applies. Receptions can also proceed with up to 30 people in a COVID-Secure indoor venue, or outdoors, which includes private gardens.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance for wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations can be found here - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-wedding-and-civil-partnership-receptions-and-celebrations" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-wedding-and-civil-partnership-receptions-and-celebrations</a></p><p> </p><p>At each step, the limits on the number of attendees includes children of all ages, but not workers.</p><p> </p><p>For further information, please refer to the guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships</a></p><p> </p> answering member constituency Portsmouth North answering member printed Penny Mordaunt grouped question UIN 174888 176049 176050 176051 question first answered 13/04/2021 13:47:21 answering member 4017 label Biography information for Penny Mordaunt
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1668456

	registered interest
	date	08/11/2023
	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	Ukraine: Foreign Investment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance her Department issues to (a) private companies and (b) UK-based investors on (i) engaging and (ii) investing in Ukraine.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	1001
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/11/2023 answer text <p>Providing guidance to supporting businesses to play a key role in supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery is a high Government priority.</p><p>This year we launched a Guide to Doing Business with Ukraine, to support UK business and investors working in Ukraine and encourage greater trade flows.</p><p>We support businesses to engage in Ukraine via multiple fora including the UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce.</p><p>We are supporting investors through addressing a lack of available insurance, contributing £20m to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and on 31 October signing a Statement of Intent on a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development war-risk insurance scheme for Ukraine.</p> answering member constituency Wealden answering member printed Ms Nusrat Ghani question first answered 14/11/2023 12:56:10 answering member 4460 label Biography information for Ms Nusrat Ghani
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1507568

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to support individuals whose direct debit for energy bills has been significantly increased by their energy providers (a) at short notice and (b) by more than the corresponding increase to the energy price cap.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	54601
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2022 answer text <p>Ofgem requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ direct debit payments are based on the best available information. For existing customers, the direct debit payments should be based on energy used over the previous year plus any price changes. Customers should receive notice of a payment increase at least 10 days in advance of the change taking place. If a customer does not receive prior notice, they can make a complaint to the energy supplier.</p><p> </p><p>The energy price cap and the new energy price guarantee apply to the amount customers are charged per unit of gas or electricity, so customers’ exact bill amounts will continue to be influenced by how much energy is used.</p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart grouped question UIN 54602 question first answered 17/10/2022 13:49:58 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1507569

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what mechanisms are available to help support individuals whose direct debit for energy bills has been increased by their energy provider (a) at short notice and (b) by more than the corresponding increase in the energy price cap.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	54602
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2022 answer text <p>Ofgem requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ direct debit payments are based on the best available information. For existing customers, the direct debit payments should be based on energy used over the previous year plus any price changes. Customers should receive notice of a payment increase at least 10 days in advance of the change taking place. If a customer does not receive prior notice, they can make a complaint to the energy supplier.</p><p> </p><p>The energy price cap and the new energy price guarantee apply to the amount customers are charged per unit of gas or electricity, so customers’ exact bill amounts will continue to be influenced by how much energy is used.</p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart grouped question UIN 54601 question first answered 17/10/2022 13:49:59 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1507570

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with energy firm representatives on increases to energy bill direct debits.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	54603
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2022 answer text <p>BEIS Ministers regularly meet with stakeholders, including energy suppliers, to discuss range of energy retail market issues.</p><p> </p><p>Energy suppliers should not increase their customers’ direct debits by more than is necessary. Customers may challenge a proposed increase and renegotiate the direct debit payment. They can also review their direct debit payments at any time by taking a meter reading and contacting their supplier. The Government welcomed Ofgem’s announcement on 13 July 2022 of strict supervision of direct debits payments.</p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart question first answered 17/10/2022 13:50:29 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1507571

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the press release entitled Ofgem requires improvements from energy suppliers on customer direct debits published on 13 July 2022, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the steps it is taking to monitor energy suppliers that it found to have weaknesses in their direct debit and charging processes.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	54604
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2022 answer text <p>BEIS Ministers regularly have discussions with Ofgem on a range of issues relating to the energy market.</p><p>Having completed a review on whether energy suppliers are setting customers’ direct debit payments appropriately, Ofgem is working with seven suppliers found to have minor weaknesses in their processes. The five suppliers found to have moderate to severe weaknesses are required to implement rapid and robust improvements to their processes and reassess customer direct debits where necessary. Failure to act fast enough may result in Ofgem taking enforcement action. Ofgem intends to strengthen direct debit rules in the supply licence. Details available at <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk%2Fpublications%2Fstatutory-consultation-strengthening-fixed-direct-debit-rules&amp;data=05%7C01%7CParliamentary.PQ%40BEIS.gov.uk%7Cc55b449b1ab04948397f08dab03403da%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C638016034685391777%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=WYjj3uAVzdaPTD%2F49b50XVV4cLTb4on6L8DKWF6hGX8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/statutory-consultation-strengthening-fixed-direct-debit-rules</a>.</p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart grouped question UIN 54605 question first answered 17/10/2022 13:51:24 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1507572

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the press release entitled Ofgem requires improvements from energy suppliers on customer direct debits published on 13 July 2022, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the steps it is taking to secure improvements from the twelve energy suppliers found to have weaknesses in their direct debit and charging processes.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	54605
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2022 answer text <p>BEIS Ministers regularly have discussions with Ofgem on a range of issues relating to the energy market.</p><p>Having completed a review on whether energy suppliers are setting customers’ direct debit payments appropriately, Ofgem is working with seven suppliers found to have minor weaknesses in their processes. The five suppliers found to have moderate to severe weaknesses are required to implement rapid and robust improvements to their processes and reassess customer direct debits where necessary. Failure to act fast enough may result in Ofgem taking enforcement action. Ofgem intends to strengthen direct debit rules in the supply licence. Details available at <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk%2Fpublications%2Fstatutory-consultation-strengthening-fixed-direct-debit-rules&amp;data=05%7C01%7CParliamentary.PQ%40BEIS.gov.uk%7Cc55b449b1ab04948397f08dab03403da%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C638016034685391777%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=WYjj3uAVzdaPTD%2F49b50XVV4cLTb4on6L8DKWF6hGX8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/statutory-consultation-strengthening-fixed-direct-debit-rules</a>.</p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart grouped question UIN 54604 question first answered 17/10/2022 13:51:24 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1545986

	registered interest
	date	28/11/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy Bills Rebate: Meters
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 23 November 2022 to Question 88033 on Energy Bills Rebate: Meters, how many and what proportion of people on pre-payment meters have taken up support through the Energy Bill Support Scheme as of 28 November 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	97708
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/12/2022 answer text <p>Figures were published on GOV.UK on 18 November 2023. As at 1 November, 2,053,580 vouchers were provided to traditional pre-payment customers. Of those, 1,205,337 (59%) had been redeemed.</p><p> </p><p>Energy Bill Support Scheme credit is applied automatically to smart prepayment meters. Customers who use a traditional prepayment meter are encouraged to make sure they have received their voucher from their supplier and should redeem them promptly, so they get the energy bill support to which they are entitled.</p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart question first answered 06/12/2022 17:20:51 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith

1545988

	registered interest
	date	28/11/2022
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy Bills Rebate: Meters
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed postal strikes on the delivery of Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers for households with pre-payment meters.
	tabling member constituency	Southampton, Itchen
	tabling member printed	Royston Smith
	uin	97709
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/12/2022 answer text <p>Suppliers must ensure that vouchers for traditional pre-payment meter customers reach recipients by the 11<sup>th</sup> working day of the month. Suppliers are working with the Post Office and PayPoint, who are the two voucher providers, to minimise any disruption of the postal strikes and bringing from voucher production where possible.</p> answering member constituency Beverley and Holderness answering member printed Graham Stuart grouped question UIN 97710 question first answered 20/12/2022 15:03:25 answering member 1482 label Biography information for Graham Stuart
	tabling member	4478 label Biography information for Royston Smith