I have been in regular contact with the House Authorities throughout the pandemic about the need to bring Parliament back to work in a safe, responsible way in line with public health guidance. As a member of the House of Commons Commission I have also benefited from updates from representatives of the trade unions. In the same way that we prepared for the House\u2019s virtual return after Easter we also worked in collaboration with the House Authorities to ensure that we were ready for the physical return.<\/p>
Staffing arrangements in the House of Commons are a matter for the House rather than the Government but I am clear that staff should continue to work from home wherever that is possible and any staff that do have to be on site must adhere to the social distancing restrictions. Workplaces should be risk assessed on that basis.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4099", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North East Somerset"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-09T08:22:40.19Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "34"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Leader of the House"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Leader of the House"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "House of Commons: Coronavirus"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Leader of the House, what discussions he has had with (a) House of Commons staff and (b) trade unions on the health and safety concerns of working on the Parliamentary Estate during the covid-19 outbreak.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "54942"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1200637", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1200637/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Housing First\u202fhas an impressive international record in helping people with complex needs to recover and stay off the streets for good, which is why we awarded £28\u202fmillion\u202fto pilot it in three urban areas with contrasting challenges (the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Liverpool\u202fCity Region). The pilot aims to support around 1,000 of our most vulnerable people off the streets and into safe and secure homes.<\/p>
Each individual has access to critical wrap-around support including mental health, drugs and alcohol misuse support.\u202fSince its launch, our expert advisers have been working closely with each of the three pilot regions to closely monitor and support progress.<\/p>
In response to Covid-19 we have established a Taskforce to lead the next phase of the Government\u2019s support for rough sleepers during the pandemic. The Taskforce is spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey and supported by expert advisers with extensive experience in supporting the most vulnerable in society. The Taskforce is already working closely with local authorities and agencies from across the homelessness sector, businesses, faith groups, local communities and charities, as well as across central government.<\/p>
On 24 May, we announced radical plans to provide thousands of long-term, safe homes for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during this pandemic. This ambitious commitment will be backed by £160 million in 2020/21, to inject 3,300 new units of accommodation this year, part of\u202f6,000 in total.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4450", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Hall"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thornbury and Yate"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Luke Hall"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-09T15:19:27.713Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "7"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Housing, Communities and Local Government"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Housing, Communities and Local Government"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Sleeping Rough"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support his Department provides to the Housing First in England project; and what steps he is taking to ensure that homeless people are not returned to the streets after the lockdown restrictions are lifted after the covid-19 outbreak.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "54945"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1200638", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1200638/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We recognise the challenges that local authorities may face in providing accommodation as they fulfil their homelessness duties, especially during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. To support local authorities effectively, the funding for 2020/21 includes:<\/p>
This is in addition to the £160 million allocation for the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Project, which seeks to provide thousands of\u202flong-term,\u202fsafe\u202fhomes\u202ffor vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during the Covid-19 pandemic and the £112 million Rough Sleeping Initiative fund. This fund is designed to support the establishment or enhancement of coordinated local services for rough sleepers, or those at risk of sleeping rough.<\/p>
To enable local authorities to respond to Covid-19 pressures specifically, we have made over £3.2 billion of additional funding available for their response across the services they deliver including helping homeless people. This is in addition to £3.2 million targeted funding to ensure that we minimise the risk to those rough sleepers currently unable to self-isolate.<\/p>
Additionally, in April 2020 the Government increased the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants to the 30th percentile of market rents. This will mean it will be easier for local authorities to fulfil their homelessness duties by assisting people to find suitable and affordable accommodation in the private rented sector.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4450", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Hall"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thornbury and Yate"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Luke Hall"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-09T15:20:26.147Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "7"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Housing, Communities and Local Government"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Housing, Communities and Local Government"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Homelessness"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support his Department is providing to local authorities to ensure that people who are homeless are supported into housing.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "54946"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1200643", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1200643/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We expect the Hong Kong authorities to abide by international human rights laws and practices. The UK remains committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration and the "One Country, Two Systems" framework set out in the Basic Law. In a call with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 8 June, the Foreign Secretary made clear that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms must be preserved in line with China's international obligations under the Joint Declaration. Officials have also raised issues of concern regularly at senior levels with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.<\/p>
In our six-monthly reports to Parliament, we have regularly highlighted the importance of freedom of the press and set out our views on specific incidents of concern. We will of course continue to do so, including in the next Six-monthly Report which the Foreign Secretary intends to publish soon.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4057", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Adams"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Selby and Ainsty"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Adams"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-09T15:38:27.967Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Hong Kong: Human Rights and Press Freedom"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect (a) journalists and (b) human rights defenders in Hong Kong.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "54949"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1199629", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1199629/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling, inexcusable and deeply distressing. We are aware that a suspect has been charged and there is a federal review underway. We would hope and expect justice to be done.<\/p>
The violence we have seen is clearly very alarming. People must be allowed to protest peacefully - peaceful protest remains a vital part of a democratic society and we understand the strength of feeling around this issue.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4358", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Wendy Morton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Aldridge-Brownhills"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Wendy Morton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "53491"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-08T10:54:29.84Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "USA: Police"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on (a) the murder of George Floyd and (b) the policing of citizens in the US.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "53490"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1199630", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1199630/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling, inexcusable and deeply distressing. We are aware that a suspect has been charged and there is a federal review underway. We would hope and expect justice to be done.<\/p>
The violence we have seen is clearly very alarming. People must be allowed to protest peacefully - peaceful protest remains a vital part of a democratic society and we understand the strength of feeling around this issue.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4358", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Wendy Morton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Aldridge-Brownhills"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Wendy Morton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "53490"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-08T10:54:29.777Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "USA: Police"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on discriminatory policing practices against BAME people in the US; and what the outcome was of those discussions.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "53491"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1199874", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "House of Commons Commission"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1199874/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Public Health England has provided public health advice to assist the Commission in reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission within the Parliamentary estate, with the specific challenges posed by the building layout and operation taken into account. This included the use of the existing Division system. Proposals for the Division system were developed by the House authorities and commented on by Public Health England.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1440", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Pete Wishart"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Perth and North Perthshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Pete Wishart"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-08T16:29:02.937Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "18"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "House of Commons Commission"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "House of Commons Commission"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Divisions: Coronavirus"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the evidential basis was for the safety of the Division system introduced on 2 June 2020; and if the Commission will publish that evidence.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "53500"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1197976", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1197976/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We have now made £3.2 billion available to local authorities through an un-ringfenced grant so they can address pressures they are facing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The package recognises the additional costs and pressures on finances councils are facing as a result of the current crisis.\u202fIt demonstrates the Government\u2019s commitment to making sure councils, including upper and lower tier authorities, have the resources they need to support their communities through this challenging time.<\/p>
In total, the Government has committed over £27 billion to local areas to support councils and their communities. This also includes: £300 million to support the new test and trace service, £600 million to support providers through a new Infection Control Fund and £12.3 billion of support through the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants.<\/p>
Alongside this funding, the Government has provided over £5 billion of cashflow support including the deferral of local authority payments of the Central Share of retained business rates, valued at £2.6 billion, as well as up-front payments of £1.8 billion of business rates reliefs and £850 million of social care grant.<\/p>
We will continue to work with local government and their representatives over the coming weeks to ensure they are managing as the pandemic progresses.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4655", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Simon Clarke"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Simon Clarke"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-06-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-06-09T13:59:44.537Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "7"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Housing, Communities and Local Government"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Housing, Communities and Local Government"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-06-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Local Government: Coronavirus"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he will determine how much funding in addition to that announced on 18 April 2020 will be made available to each local authority to respond to the covid-19 outbreak.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "52174"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1198196", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1198196/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We have worked closely with Public Health England (PHE) and stakeholders to develop guidance on a hierarchy of controls for all nurseries and schools which, when implemented, will create an inherently safer system where the risk of transmission of the infection is substantially reduced. These include protective measures such as ensuring that anyone with symptoms does not attend their education settings, promoting high standards of hand and respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning of touched surfaces, and minimising contact and mixing.<\/p>
Our guidance also outlines that PPE is only needed within schools in a very small number of cases. In these very specific circumstances, schools and nurseries should use their local supply chains to obtain PPE. If schools and nurseries cannot obtain the PPE they need, they should approach their local authority (LA) who should support them to access local PPE markets and available stock locally. If the LA is not able to meet any urgent unmet PPE needs, the LA should approach their nearest local resilience forum (LRF) which will allocate stock if it is available.<\/p>
Schools will continue to receive their core funding allocations through which PPE should be funded.<\/p>