The Department\u2019s response to the COVID-19 recognised the importance of social connection, and we are continuing to build on this as part of our strategy to tackle loneliness.<\/p>
In addition to providing over £34 million to charities tackling loneliness through the £750 million Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) funding package, over recent months we have continued to deliver the £4 million Local Connections Fund. This funding is being delivered in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, and so far we have awarded over 1,300 microgrants to charities and community groups that help people to connect via the things they enjoy. For example, we\u2019ve supported songwriting workshops in Devon, dance classes in Bedfordshire, and online chat services in Durham.<\/p>
In September, we launched the Loneliness Engagement Fund to provide small grants to organisations that can reach the groups in England most affected by loneliness during COVID-19. Funding will be provided to support communications and engagement activity that will help reduce feelings of stigma, and encourage people to take steps to help themselves and others. We will inform organisations who have been successful in applying for funding in early November.<\/p>
We are also preparing to deliver winter loneliness campaign activity as part of the Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign. Building on the success of the Let\u2019s Talk Loneliness campaign, we will be reminding people that it is OK to feel lonely, and providing advice on how people can help themselves and others to tackle loneliness.<\/p>
We continue to support organisations across sectors to take action on loneliness through our Tackling Loneliness Network. This year, we set up a digital platform to support members of the Network to connect and share resources and best practice. We are also working closely with stakeholders and experts through our new Social Connection Funders Group, and our Loneliness Evidence Group.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T14:38:23.727Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Loneliness"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent progress his Department has made on tackling loneliness following the Let\u2019s Talk Loneliness campaign and the covid-19 outbreak.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1409", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Londonderry"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Gregory Campbell"} ], "uin" : "59720"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361818", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361818/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Online Safety Bill protects children from harmful and inappropriate content on any service in scope which children are likely to access. Such services will need to protect children from both illegal content and content which is harmful or inappropriate for children.<\/p>
Services who do not consider they need to implement the higher level of protection for children will need to provide robust evidence to the regulator that children are not accessing their service, and keep this under review. Ofcom may take enforcement action where providers do not carry out an assessment on children\u2019s access and keep it up to date.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T08:35:11.623Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Internet: Children"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of ensuring there is an effective child-use test to protect children from harmful content in the Online Safety Bill; and if she will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4572", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Elmore"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ogmore"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Chris Elmore"} ], "uin" : "59913"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361949", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361949/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The government is clear that there is no place for discrimination or intimidation in any sport, at any level. The Sports Councils Equality Group (SCEG) transgender inclusion guidance is intended to help provide support and clarity for National Governing Bodies operating in a complex environment. The review was carried out in recognition that the previous guidance was outdated and that sport at every level required more practical advice and support.<\/p>
With reference to the answer provided on 18th October 2021 to questions 56575-56576, the SCEG guidance provides a decision making framework and a variety of different approaches for the National Governing Bodies of each sport to define the best options for their sport, subject to their assessment of inclusion, fairness and safety.<\/p>
Sports governing bodies each have their own rules on transgender issues and it is appropriate that they can determine the right position for their own sport.<\/p>
The Sports Councils are not regulators of sport, and the SCEG document serves as guidance that is independent from funding. The expectations for sporting organisations that receive public funding are set out in the Code for Sport Governance.<\/p>
The government will continue to work through our arm\u2019s length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, to support National Governing Bodies in reviewing their policies for their sport.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "59925"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T14:31:57.523Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Sports: Transgender People"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of to Question 56576, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the interview conducted by the Sports Councils Equality Group as part of the evaluation of Guidance for Transgender Inclusion in Domestic Sport 2021, published September 2021, that revealed problems with (a) intimidation, (b) threats of non-selection and (c) sanctions aimed at individuals in UK sports organisations that support fair sport.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "59924"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361951", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361951/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The government is clear that there is no place for discrimination or intimidation in any sport, at any level. The Sports Councils Equality Group (SCEG) transgender inclusion guidance is intended to help provide support and clarity for National Governing Bodies operating in a complex environment. The review was carried out in recognition that the previous guidance was outdated and that sport at every level required more practical advice and support.<\/p>
With reference to the answer provided on 18th October 2021 to questions 56575-56576, the SCEG guidance provides a decision making framework and a variety of different approaches for the National Governing Bodies of each sport to define the best options for their sport, subject to their assessment of inclusion, fairness and safety.<\/p>
Sports governing bodies each have their own rules on transgender issues and it is appropriate that they can determine the right position for their own sport.<\/p>
The Sports Councils are not regulators of sport, and the SCEG document serves as guidance that is independent from funding. The expectations for sporting organisations that receive public funding are set out in the Code for Sport Governance.<\/p>
The government will continue to work through our arm\u2019s length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, to support National Governing Bodies in reviewing their policies for their sport.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "59924"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T14:31:57.57Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Sports: Governing Bodies"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with Sport England and UK Sport on the future funding of national governing bodies that do not follow the Sports Councils Equality Group Guidance for Transgender Inclusion in Domestic Sport 2021 on how to review their policies.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "59925"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361162", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361162/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The BBC is editorially and operationally independent of the government, and trends relating to audience and viewership are a matter for the BBC.<\/p>
The BBC\u2019s Royal Charter requires the BBC to represent, reflect and serve audiences, taking into account the needs of diverse communities of all the UK nations and regions. It is for Ofcom as the BBC\u2019s independent regulator to ensure the BBC complies with its Charter duties.<\/p>
The BBC includes details on audience trends within their Annual Report and Trust Statement.<\/p>
The Secretary of State and I have had constructive discussions with the BBC leadership, and have made it clear that the BBC needs to ensure it is more accessible, and representative of the people who pay the licence fee.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4647", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julia Lopez"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hornchurch and Upminster"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Julia Lopez"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T08:31:57.547Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "BBC"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has made with the BBC on the trends in the size and share of its viewership and audiences.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4786", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Zarah Sultana"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Coventry South"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Zarah Sultana"} ], "uin" : "59077"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361336", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361336/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The government is committed to ensuring that all children and young people have the best opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity. Our Sporting Future strategy has diversity and inclusion at its heart, and sets out how important it is for all children to have a good experience of sport and physical activity.<\/p>
Throughout the pandemic we provided an unprecedented £1 billion of financial support to ensure the survival of the sport and leisure sector. To tackle inequalities and support those most impacted by the restrictions, Sport England have launched a new £20m Together Fund that builds on the work of their £20m Tackling Inequalities Fund to help people stay active and provide guidance\u202fon how to find accessible activities. Initiatives such as the Studio You video platform, funded by Sport England and powered by This Girl Can, are also encouraging more teenage girls to be active. Sport England\u2019s recently launched Uniting the Movement strategy reinforces their commitment to tackling inequalities faced in sport by underrepresented groups.<\/p>
A key driver of the government\u2019s School Sport and Activity Action Plan is to ensure that all children and young people have access to at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This is supported by £320 million per year through the PE and sport premium.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "59098"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T15:04:34.007Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Exercise: Children and Young People"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps she has taken to tackle the gender gap in activity levels amongst Asian and Black children and young people set out in Sport England\u2019s Active Lives Children and Young People Survey Academic Year 2019/20 Report, published in January 2021.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4822", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Feryal Clark"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Enfield North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Feryal Clark"} ], "uin" : "59097"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361378", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361378/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "