England\u2019s traditional counties date back over a thousand years of English history, but many of the counties have been sidelined by Whitehall in recent decades, whether by the bland municipal restructuring of Edward Heath\u2019s Government in 1972, or by the imposition of artificial regional structures by the last Labour Government based on the EU\u2019s Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (the appropriately-named \u201cNUTS\u201d Regulations).<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
Yet the tapestry of England\u2019s counties binds our nation together, and is interwoven with our cultural fabric \u2013 from our cricket to our ales. So this Government has taken a series of steps to champion our traditional counties:<\/p>
<\/p>
\u2022 We have amended planning regulations to allow local and county flags to be flown without planning permission, and published a plain English guide to flying flags. Previously, flying a county flag on an existing flag pole required a princely sum of £335 to be paid to the council.<\/p>
\u2022 We have supported the Flag Institute in publishing a new guide for would-be vexillologists to encourage a new wave of county and other local flags to be designed and flown. http://www.flaginstitute.org/wp/british-flags/creating-local-and-community-flags/<\/p>
\u2022 My Department has flown a range of county flags in Whitehall to mark different county days, including Cumberland, Huntingdonshire, Westmorland and Middlesex. We have also flown flags to celebrate other historic localities such as those of the Ridings of Yorkshire and of Wessex \u2013 the kingdom which gave birth to the united English nation.<\/p>
\u2022 We are changing highways regulations to allow traditional county names to appear on boundary road signs. The previous rules prevented unitary councils like Blackpool from having a road sign saying \u2018Lancashire\u2019, or Poole saying \u2018Dorset\u2019 \u2013 since they were not considered to be part of the \u2018administrative county\u2019.<\/p>
\u2022 We have a new online interactive map of England\u2019s different county boundaries. http://communities.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Compare/storytelling_compare/index.html?appid=7b0e661ef66b4a7aacb5a9acf55108ac<\/p>
\u2022 Ordnance Survey, the Government\u2019s National Mapping Agency, now provides a dataset of current, ceremonial counties (counties retained for the purposes of representing Her Majesty by Lord Lieutenants and High Sheriffs). http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/help-and-support/products/boundary-line.html<\/p>
\u2022 I can also announce to the House today that from May a dataset of the traditional, historic counties based on 19th Century boundaries will be available on the OS OpenData portal. These datasets are compatible with the OS Boundary-Line product which is available to all free of charge. Ordnance Survey is also going to provide a viewing map window on their website showing both the historic and ceremonial County boundaries on top of a base map.<\/p>
\u2022 Later in the year, Ordnance Survey is hoping to publish a paper map of the Historic Counties of England, Scotland and Wales (as defined in the Local Government Act 1888 for England and Wales and the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889 for Scotland), which will be available to the general public to purchase and proudly display.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
We are stronger as a nation when we cherish and champion our local and traditional ties. This Government is proud to wave the flag of St George and Union flag alongside our county flags. Whatever one\u2019s class, colour or creed, we should have pride in our English identity within the United Kingdom\u2019s Union that binds us all together.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-03-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-03-10T15:07:14.753Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "7"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Communities and Local Government"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Communities and Local Government"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-02-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Local Government"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what steps they are taking to support and champion England\u2019s traditional counties.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"} ], "uin" : "HL5107"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/174841", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/174841/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Many of our most respected independent schools and some state schools have for over 100 years looked to military themed activities to give their pupils a sense of discipline, adventure and achievement.<\/p>
<\/p>
Partnership with an existing cadet unit provides many benefits to state funded schools wanting to set up new units under our Cadet Expansion Programme. Partnership helps to share good practice and transfer skills, especially into schools with no prior military experience. There are many established independent school cadet units willing to partner with state schools.<\/p>
<\/p>
To date 23 of the 65 schools approved to establish a cadet unit under the Cadet Expansion Programme are benefiting from such a partnership. While we strongly encourage partnership to help schools establish a new unit, we also encourage them to develop their aspirations to establish a stand-alone unit that is able to deliver the cadet experience to many more of their pupils.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4270", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Nash"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Nash"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-01-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-01-23T13:59:16.083Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-01-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces: Cadets"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether they have plans to encourage more maintained schools to work with independent schools in establishing new cadet units.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"} ], "uin" : "HL4268"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/173001", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/173001/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As is the practice of previous Governments, we do not normally comment on such inquiries.<\/p>
<\/p>
The honours committees have adopted the following indicative guidelines as to the criteria for assessing the award of MBEs and BEMs:<\/p>
<\/p>
Member of the British Empire (MBE)<\/p>
<\/p>
Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.<\/p>
<\/p>
British Empire Medal (BEM)<\/p>
<\/p>
Achievement or contribution of a very \u201chands-on\u201d service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity; or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1816", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Wallace of Saltaire"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-01-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "HL4075"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-01-20T11:54:26.803Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-01-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Honours"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether they intend to publish the results of their inquiry into the premature disclosure of certain honours included in the New Year's honours list; and if so, when.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"} ], "uin" : "HL4073"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/173002", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/173002/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The information is set out in the table below. <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Date<\/strong><\/p><\/td> Number of Privy Counsellors<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr> 1st May 1997<\/strong><\/p><\/td> 423<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr> 1st May 2010<\/strong><\/p><\/td> 554<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr> 1st January 2015<\/strong><\/p><\/td> 639<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> <\/p> <\/strong><\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1816", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Wallace of Saltaire"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-01-15T15:25:46.907Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2015-01-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Privy Council"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what was the total size of the Privy Council on (1) 1 May 1997, (2) 1 May 2010, and (3) 1 January 2015.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"}
], "uin" : "HL4074"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/173003", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/173003/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " As is the practice of previous Governments, we do not normally comment on such inquiries.<\/p> <\/p> The honours committees have adopted the following indicative guidelines as to the criteria for assessing the award of MBEs and BEMs:<\/p> <\/p> Member of the British Empire (MBE)<\/p> <\/p> Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.<\/p> <\/p> British Empire Medal (BEM)<\/p> <\/p> Achievement or contribution of a very \u201chands-on\u201d service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity; or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1816", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Wallace of Saltaire"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-01-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "HL4073"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-01-20T11:54:27.067Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2015-01-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Honours"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what criteria are used to determine (1) appointment as MBE, and (2) award of the British Empire Medal.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"}
], "uin" : "HL4075"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168482", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168482/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Further to the answers of 26 February (HL Deb, col 922) and 23 June (HL224), all Realms have concluded the necessary processes before implementation with the exception of Australia. Out of the six Australian States, five have now enacted legislation and the remaining State has introduced its legislation. Once that has been enacted we understand that the Australian Government will introduce the Commonwealth\u2019s Succession to the Crown Bill into the Australian Parliament as a priority. The UK Government will then be in a position to make the commencement order for the Act.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1816", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Wallace of Saltaire"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-15T17:08:26.107Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Succession to the Crown Act 2013"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government, further to the answer by Lord Wallace of Tankerness on 26 February (HL Deb, col 922) and the Written Answer on 23 June (HL224), when they now expect all the necessary processes to be completed so that the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 can be implemented.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"}
], "uin" : "HL3512"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/156521", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department of Health"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/156521/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government has made no such assessment. Local authorities are responsible for assessing the social care needs of their populations and for arranging or providing care to meet their eligible needs.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Should care homes have to close, it is for the relevant local authorities to assess the care needs of residents and ensure that suitable alternative provision is arranged for them if they are not able to do so for themselves.<\/p> <\/p> <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> The Government is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people and supporting them to live independent lives. Fulfilling Potential<\/em>, the Government\u2019s Disability Strategy sets out to achieve our ambition of enabling disabled people \u2013 of all backgrounds and ages - to fulfil their potential and play a full role in society.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/2000", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Earl Howe"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Earl Howe"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-11-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-11-27T12:46:30.887Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "17"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Health"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Health"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Care Homes"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what assessment they have made of the future wellbeing of severely disabled adults living in care homes that are due to be closed.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"}
], "uin" : "HL2944"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/143445", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Leader of the House of Lords"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/143445/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " This information is not held centrally; it could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4205", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Stowell of Beeston"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Stowell of Beeston"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-11-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-11-21T14:44:34.197Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "92"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : ""}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Leader of the House of Lords"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "House of Lords: Select Committee Reports"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Leader of the House how many times in the last 10 years no Government response to a Lords Select Committee report was forthcoming eight months or longer after the report\u2019s publication; and what were the subjects of the report or reports in question.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"}
], "uin" : "HL2730"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/114486", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Culture Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/114486/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government has no current plans.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4161", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Gardiner of Kimble"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-11-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-11-10T16:59:10.4907699Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Orchestras: Northern Ireland"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether they have any plans to hold discussions with the BBC about the future funding of the Ulster Orchestra.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4202", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lexden"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Lexden"}
], "uin" : "HL2670"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/101714", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/101714/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government has made preventing and tackling bullying one of its top priorities by striking the right balance between schools\u2019 legal requirements, freedom and accountability.<\/p> On 16 October, the Department for Education announced the £25 million National Prospectus grants programme. Voluntary and community sector organisations, social enterprises and other organisations will be able to bid for part of this funding to tackle bullying. On 29 October, in tandem with the Government Equalities Office, the Department also announced that £2 million will be made available in 2015-16 to help schools tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying more effectively.<\/p> All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy with measures to address all forms of bullying, including homophobic bullying. We have strengthened teachers\u2019 powers to tackle bullying and are providing £4 million to anti-bullying organisations that are working with schools and children to combat bullying. We have also issued specific advice to schools on preventing and tackling bullying in which we link to national organisations such as Stonewall who can provide specialist advice to schools to tackle homophobia. This information is published online at:<\/p>