One of the Government\u2019s primary missions is to grow the economy, getting more people into work and helping those in work get better paid jobs is central to achieving this. The Government recognises and appreciates the vital contribution made by informal carers who provide invaluable support for children, relatives, partners, friends, and neighbours who may need care.<\/p>
<\/p>
Support is offered to those carers in receipt of Universal Credit, either on a voluntary basis for those eligible for Universal Credit Carer Element and / or Carers Allowance, or through individualised work coach support for part time carers. This support can include help from a work coach to access skills provision, referrals to contacted provision such as Restart, careers advice, job search support and access to the Flexible Support Fund to aid job entry.<\/p>
<\/p>
As part of our commitment to reform employment support through delivery of a new national jobs and careers service we will transform the current service and consider the specialist needs of specific groups in designing our new approach.<\/p>
<\/p>
Alongside employment support, the Government have also announced Plans to Make Work Pay, which will create a new partnership between business, trade unions and working people. The Plan to Make Work Pay will end exploitative zero hours contracts; end the scourge of fire and rehire practices; and introduce basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal. We will strengthen the collective voice of workers and create the Fair Work Agency to ensure employment rights are upheld.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4083", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alison McGovern"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birkenhead"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alison McGovern"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-18T13:58:08.717Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Employment: Parents"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent steps her Department has taken to help ensure that parents of children with special educational needs can find work that meets their needs.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"} ], "uin" : "5147"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1729666", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1729666/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The department remains vigilant to potential global disease threats and has in place robust measures to prevent and detect disease incursion, as well as maintaining capacity to contain and eradicate outbreaks, should they occur. Our robust, risk-based border control regime safeguards against the import of pests, disease threats and invasive species through trade in animals and plants and their associated products.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1579", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mary Creagh"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Coventry East"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mary Creagh"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-13T10:04:58.947Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Disease Control: National Security"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the UK's biosecurity.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"} ], "uin" : "900423"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1727079", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1727079/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged 80 and over.<\/p>
<\/p>
Over the next five years we expect over 12 million pensioners are likely to see their State Pensions increase by thousands of pounds as a result of our commitment to the Triple Lock.<\/p>
<\/p>
We are prioritising support for pensioners through our Warm Homes Plan which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating \u2013 upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.<\/p>
The Household Support Fund is also being extended for a further 6 months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.\u202f\u202fAn additional £500 million will be provided to enable the extension of the HSF, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion.<\/p>
<\/p>
We know there are low-income pensioners who aren\u2019t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits \u2013 hundreds of pounds that could really help them. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.<\/p>
<\/p>
Our other steps include cutting waiting times in the NHS which will help many pensioners currently waiting in pain and discomfort for treatment, and delivering the economic stability which is so crucial for pensioners.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4077", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emma Reynolds"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Wycombe"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Emma Reynolds"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-09T15:35:53.887Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Winter Fuel Payment"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of Winter Fuel Payments on pensioners' standards of living.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"} ], "uin" : "4046"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1727080", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1727080/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, ensuring every child has access to high-quality education, which is why we have made the tough decision to end tax breaks for private schools. This will raise revenue for essential public services, including investing in the state education system<\/p>
This VAT change will not impact pupils with most acute additional needs where these can only be met in private schools, as determined by an Education and Health Care Plan in England, and equivalent processes in other nations.<\/p>
<\/p>
Where pupils are placed in a private school because their needs cannot be met in the state sector, and they have their places funded by their Local Authority, the Local Authority will be able to reclaim the VAT they incur on these pupils\u2019 fees. In Northern Ireland, it will be the Education Authority who fund placements in private schools and will be able to reclaim the VAT in this way.<\/p>
The government will publish a Tax Information and Impact Note setting out the impacts of the changes, including the equalities impacts, alongside the Finance Bill.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4797", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for James Murray"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ealing North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "James Murray"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "3993"} , {"_value" : "4058"} , {"_value" : "4098"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-09T12:33:28.107Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Private Education: Fees and Charges"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of pupils moving from independent to state schools as a result of the planned introduction of VAT on independent schools.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"} ], "uin" : "4047"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1727081", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1727081/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The future of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, beyond 31 March 2025, is subject to the next government Spending Review taking place this autumn. The department will communicate the outcome of that process in due course.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4653", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephen Morgan"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Portsmouth South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Stephen Morgan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-09T14:59:37.747Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Holiday Activities and Food Programme: Finance"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on future funding for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"} ], "uin" : "4048"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1726808", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1726808/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Following the initial findings of cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) virus in August 2024, Defra implemented a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around the affected premises and humanely culled infected animals to prevent potential spread.<\/p>
<\/p>
Following confirmation of BTV-3 on further premises and evidence of local transmission of bluetongue virus, in accordance with the bluetongue disease control framework we replaced the TCZ with a Restricted Zone and are no longer culling animals. This Restricted Zone prevents all ruminants, camelids and their germinal products moving outside the zone, potentially spreading disease. The Restricted Zone initially covered Norfolk and Suffolk and was subsequently extended to Essex.<\/p>
<\/p>
Defra has also permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3, under certain circumstances, in the high-risk counties of south east England.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4382", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Daniel Zeichner"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cambridge"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Daniel Zeichner"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-09T17:34:46.607Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bluetongue Disease: East Anglia"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help manage recent cases of bluetongue virus in East Anglia.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"} ], "uin" : "3819"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1726810", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1726810/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Whilst we have never had an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the UK, the risk level for an incursion of ASF is currently assessed as medium and we continue to prepare for an outbreak.<\/p>
<\/p>
The practical impacts of a reasonable worst-case scenario outbreak of ASF were assessed in 2023 for the National Risk Register<\/a> which is available on gov.uk.<\/p> <\/p> The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) monitors the spread of ASF internationally and regularly publishes assessments of the risk posed to Great Britain. The latest assessment (published in June 2024) can be found as part of APHA's Animal diseases: international and UK monitoring collection<\/a> on gov.uk. These assessments are used to review, and strengthen where necessary, measures to prevent ASF reaching the UK.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4382", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Daniel Zeichner"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cambridge"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Daniel Zeichner"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-09T17:43:20.413Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-09-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Swine Fever: Africa"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of African swine fever on the pig industry.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"}
], "uin" : "3820"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1725860", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1725860/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " HM Treasury is considering the potential impact of VAT on school fees on state schools as part of its development of an economic case. It is anticipated this impact will be minimal. Projections by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggest that the number of pupils who may switch schools would represent only a very small proportion of overall pupil numbers in the state sector, less than 0.5%. Any pupil transfers from the private to state sector would also be expected to take place over several years, as many pupils transfer at normal transition points. The department will work with local authorities in England to help them manage any local pressures through normal processes where required.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4653", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephen Morgan"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Portsmouth South"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Stephen Morgan"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-09-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-09-06T15:32:09.953Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-08-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Schools: Fees and Charges"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of VAT on school fees on state school capacity in (a) Epping Forest constituency and (b) England.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4853", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Neil Hudson"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Epping Forest"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Neil Hudson"}
], "uin" : "3219"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1725861", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1725861/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " In Epping Forest constituency, the estimated number of pensioners who will have Winter Fuel Payments withdrawn is 15,744. In England, the estimated number of pensioners who will have Winter Fuel Payments withdrawn is 8,609,778. This is based on Feb-24 Pension Credit statistics and 22/23 Winter Fuel Payment statistics, (sources below).<\/p> <\/strong><\/p> This estimation is calculated by subtracting the number of Pension Credit recipients for Epping Forest constituency and England from the number of Winter Fuel Payment recipients for Epping Forest constituency and England. The Pension Credit data is based on the 2010 Westminster Parliamentary constituencies, not 2024 in order to be comparable with the Winter Fuel Payments statistics.<\/p> <\/p> Please note that the above does not take into account any potential increase in Pension Credit take-up we might see as a result of the policy change (means testing Winter fuel payments to those on Pension Credit and other means tested benefits). We do not have data on those additional Pension Credit claims by Parliamentary constituencies or local authorities.<\/p> <\/p> Also, the published Pension Credit figures refer to households, so the number of individuals will be higher (i.e. taking account of households where it is a couple claiming Pension Credit).<\/p> <\/p> Furthermore, Pension Credit claimants are the majority of those that will be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments, not all. There are other pensioners who are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments (as they claim other means tested benefits) but they are not considered in these figures as it is not possible to do so.<\/p> <\/p> Sources used:<\/strong><\/p> <\/strong><\/p> winter-fuel-payments-caseload-2022-to-2023.ods (live.com)<\/a><\/p> <\/p>