The Government stated in its manifesto a commitment to maintain the current voting age at 18. The age of 18 is widely recognised as the age at which one becomes an adult and gains full citizenship rights. The Government therefore has no plans to lower the voting age.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1609", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chloe Smith"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Norwich North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chloe Smith"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T13:04:04.337Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Local Government: Elections"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of reducing the voting age to 16 in local government elections; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4638", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Slough"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi"} ], "uin" : "905322"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905389", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905389/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is supportive of all employers adopting the Ban the Box initiative. The Civil Service is leading by example and adopted the initiative in 2016 to provide fairer opportunities for ex-offenders to compete for jobs.<\/p>
<\/em><\/strong><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4441", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Oliver Dowden"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hertsmere"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Oliver Dowden"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T13:05:11.313Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Government Departments: Recruitment"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "What the Government's policy is on support for the Ban the Box initiative.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1453", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Selous"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Bedfordshire"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Selous"}
], "uin" : "905324"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905390", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905390/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " I continue to hold constructive conversations with my counterparts in the devolved administrations on how to deliver a new wave of devolution as the UK departs the EU. The vast majority of powers in otherwise devolved areas - returning from Brussels - will now flow directly and immediately to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, bypassing Westminster entirely. JMC(EN) most recently discussed progress on 2 May.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/15", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir David Lidington"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Aylesbury"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Lidington"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T13:07:10.273Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Devolution"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "What recent discussions he has had with the devolved administrations on their receiving additional powers as the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4627", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Douglas Ross"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Moray"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Douglas Ross"}
], "uin" : "905325"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905391", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905391/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The data so far from the five voter ID pilots and statements by the Returning Officers indicate successful pilots, with most people\u2019s experience being overwhelmingly positive.<\/p> We will evaluate the pilots before announcing the next steps in delivering voter ID. The Electoral Commission will publish its evaluation in July.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1609", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chloe Smith"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Norwich North"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chloe Smith"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T13:03:08.26Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Elections: Proof of Identity"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "Whether he has made an assessment of the operation of recent voter ID pilots; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4360", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Gavin Robinson"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Belfast East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Gavin Robinson"}
], "uin" : "905328"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905392", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/905392/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Public service delivery has not been affected by Capita\u2019s announcements to date. My officials are in regular discussions with Capita\u2019s leadership who have assured us that it remains committed to delivering its public sector contracts.<\/p> Responsibility for monitoring service delivery sits within individual contracting authorities. For strategic suppliers, departments work with the Crown Representatives and Strategic Partnering Managers to identify and implement improvement opportunities.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4441", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Oliver Dowden"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hertsmere"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Oliver Dowden"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T13:06:01.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Capita: Contracts"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "What recent assessment he has made of Capita\u2019s ability to deliver its public service contract obligations.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/520", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Stephen Hepburn"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Jarrow"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Stephen Hepburn"}
], "uin" : "905329"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/902176", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/902176/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Voter ID was successfully tested at the local elections on 3 May by five local authorities. Photographic and non photographic ID and free locally issued ID were all tested. Data so far and statements by the five Returning Officers indicate the pilots were overwhelmingly positive.<\/p> The Government is making our voting system more secure to protect it from possible fraud, including by requiring electors to present a form of identification before voting. We will evaluate the pilots before announcing the next steps in delivering voter ID nationally.<\/p> The Electoral Commission has welcomed the voter ID pilots as a positive first step towards implementing its 2014 recommendation that an accessible, proportionate voter identification scheme should be introduced in Great Britain. The Commission will publish its evaluation of the pilots in July.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1609", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chloe Smith"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Norwich North"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chloe Smith"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T09:15:40.517Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Elections: Proof of Identity"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how his Department plans to use the evaluation of the voter ID pilots to inform (a) further pilots taking place in 2019 and (b) the implementation of voter ID requirements at the next general election.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/308", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Jim Cunningham"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Coventry South"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Jim Cunningham"}
], "uin" : "143115"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901349", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901349/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government is committed to the principles of transparency and openness across the public sector.<\/p> We continually keep the scope of the Freedom of Information Act under review.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1609", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chloe Smith"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Norwich North"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chloe Smith"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-16T09:20:07.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Freedom of Information: Private Sector"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he intends to hold a consultation on extending the Freedom of Information Act 2001 to private sector providers of public services.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/410", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jon Trickett"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hemsworth"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jon Trickett"}
], "uin" : "142762"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/900425", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/900425/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Details of public appointments are on the Centre for Public Appointments website:<\/p>