{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-04-11T19%3A21%3A58.240Z&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2019-04-18T14%3A37%3A30.26Z", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-04-11T19%3A21%3A58.240Z&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2019-04-18T14%3A37%3A30.26Z", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-04-11T19%3A21%3A58.240Z&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2019-04-18T14%3A37%3A30.26Z&_metadata=all", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&max-ddpCreated=2019-04-11T19%3A21%3A58.240Z&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2019-04-18T14%3A37%3A30.26Z", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-04-11T19%3A21%3A58.240Z&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2019-04-18T14%3A37%3A30.26Z", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-04-11T19%3A21%3A58.240Z&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2019-04-18T14%3A37%3A30.26Z", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1111146", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1111146/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

We launched the Outsourcing Playbook in February 2019 and introduced a package of
reforms to our approach to outsourcing designed to improve public service outcomes, value
for money and how we work in partnership with our suppliers<\/p>

Measures include:
Guidance for departments to help assess whether services should be delivered, in-house by
the public sector or outsourced. This should support more informed decisions on when it is
best to deliver public services ourselves and when there is benefit to drawing on the capacity
and expertise of the private sector;
Introduction of a new presumption in favour of running a pilot where government is
outsourcing a service so we learn lessons before contracting for the long term; and
A new requirement for government to produce an assessment of how much a service
\u2018should cost\u2019 to deliver when deciding whether to utilise the private sector. This helps to
provide a better understanding of the costs associated with the different service delivery
models so that we are in a better position to challenge unsustainable bids<\/p>

We have put in place an implementation programme to ensure that our departments are
aware of these new requirements. Compliance with these reforms will be ensured through
the usual Cabinet Office controls process.<\/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" : "2019-04-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-23T15:46:42.937Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Government Departments: Procurement"} , "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, what assessment he has made of the effect of the new Outsourcing Playbook on the quality Government outsourcing decisions; and will he make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4410", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julian Knight"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Solihull"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Julian Knight"} ], "uin" : "243500"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121336", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121336/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Defra did not assess the direct impact of car clubs, daily car rental schemes or other alternatives to private vehicle ownership on the Clean Air Strategy or the roll out of the Clean Air Zones.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Clean Air Strategy was published in January this year and sets our approach for reducing emissions from a range of sources in order to improve air quality and reduce the impacts on human health and the environment. The policies in the Strategy were subject to extensive consultation, and estimates of the reduction in emissions delivered by these policies were published in April in the National Air Pollution Control Programme.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Clean Air Zone Framework is designed to provide a consistent approach to the introduction of Clean Air Zones by local authorities in order to help businesses and individuals and support cities to grow and transition to a low emission economy. This will allow businesses and individuals to make straightforward economic decisions about which vehicles to purchase, and how and when they use them. The framework is also designed to encourage local authorities to explore promoting alternative modes of transport, including buses, cycling and walking, and other sustainable transport alternatives.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4098", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Suffolk Coastal"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dr Thérèse Coffey"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-23T11:19:17.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Air Pollution"} , "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 assessment he has made of the potential effect on the (a) Government's clean air strategy and (b) roll-out of clean air zones of enabling the provision of (i) car clubs, (ii) daily car rental schemes and (iii) other alternatives to private vehicle ownership.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3973", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Grahame Morris"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Easington"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Grahame Morris"} ], "uin" : "244049"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121337", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department of Health and Social Care"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121337/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Extensive arrangements are already in place to help people afford National Health Service prescriptions. These include a broad range of NHS prescription charge exemptions, for which someone with asthma may qualify.<\/p>

To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption, prescription prepayment certificates are available. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just £2 per week.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4455", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Seema Kennedy"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Ribble"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Seema Kennedy"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-24T12:31:38.383Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "17"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Health and Social Care"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Health and Social Care"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asthma: Prescriptions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that prescription charges do not have an impact on health inequalities in people with asthma, following Asthma UK\u2019s recent report Paying to Breathe: Why unfair asthma prescription charges must be stopped?.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "244090"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121338", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121338/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

I have not had any discussions with the devolved administrations on this.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4098", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Suffolk Coastal"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dr Thérèse Coffey"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-29T12:36:37.437Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Deer: Conservation"} , "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 discussions he had had with his counterparts in devolved Administrations on a UK-wide deer cull to tackle damage to countryside and crops.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "244091"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121339", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121339/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Department for Education is responsible for the apprenticeship programme in England.<\/p>

Individuals in England can apply for an apprenticeship whilst they are still at school but must be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start an apprenticeship. There is no upper age limit. Apprenticeships offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to earn whilst they learn.<\/p>

We are encouraging participation from under-represented groups, including people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with a learning disability or learning difficulty, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, so that everyone can benefit from the increased wage returns and employment prospects that apprenticeships offer. We are also working to improve gender representation in sectors where it is needed, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1523", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne Milton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Guildford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Anne Milton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-24T09:48:02.373Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices: Age"} , "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 apprenticeships are age restricted; and whether they are designed to entice any particular demographic.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "244092"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121340", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121340/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Church of England encourages its churches to consider making wider, more imaginative and more strategic use of their buildings, where this will help them to fulfil their purpose of being a Christian presence in every community. There is national guidance on selecting the right legal and funding model to develop church buildings for uses beyond worship, whether that is to tackle issues of social justice, or for a commercial partnership. Individual decisions on what is right for particular churches and communities are made by parishes.<\/p>

National guidance is available here, along with a number of case studies: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/sharing-your-building<\/a><\/p>

The Diocese of Hereford has produced a comprehensive resource on developing church buildings for additional uses, called Crossing the Threshold, available here: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare/making-changes-your-building-and-churchyard<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-23T07:18:10.54Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Churches: Community Development"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations she has received on the use of church facilities for community purposes at times when worship or church events are not taking place.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "244093"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121341", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121341/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The UK does not comment on the content of agreements signed by other countries, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is the agreement from the renegotiated NAFTA.<\/p>

<\/p>

The UK is committed to strengthening our trade relationships with all countries, including the US, Mexico, Canada and China.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4016", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir George Hollingbery"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meon Valley"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "George Hollingbery"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-25T08:46:32.917Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "202"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Trade Agreements: China"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will make an assessment of whether the UK would have to have a trade deal with China in the event it joined NAFTA.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4496", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Scott Mann"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Cornwall"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Scott Mann"} ], "uin" : "244166"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121342", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121342/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

DFID has undertaken prioritisation work and has reviewed delivery plans with these principles in mind to allow the department to successfully deliver EU Exit whilst protecting essential business. Staff deemed as deployable were then matched provisionally to roles, therefore placed on standby to deploy, should they be required.<\/p>

<\/p>

As a result of recent developments, DFID is working closely with other government departments and the Cabinet Office to plan for the return of staff deployed onto no deal planning. All 48 DFID staff who were on standby to be deployed have now been stood down.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-24T13:47:59.24Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Department for International Development: Brexit"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many staff in her Department received notice to be on standby for redeployment to support essential work related to the UK\u2019s withdrawal from the EU; and in which countries do those staff work.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/151", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Brake"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Carshalton and Wallington"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tom Brake"} ], "uin" : "243999"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121343", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121343/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

We have no plans to change the capital rule on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).<\/p>

Entitlement to contributory ESA is not affected by the amount of capital a person has.<\/p>

<\/p>

The current upper capital limit strikes a balance between protecting less well-off people and protecting the taxpayer, whilst at the same time recognising the conscientious efforts of people who have built up capital. This limit ensures that the help which comes from taxpayers, many of whom are themselves on low incomes and have limited capital, is directed to people who need it most.<\/p>

The effect of reducing the savings threshold would be that fewer claimants would be entitled to ESA.<\/p>

"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4105", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Justin Tomlinson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Swindon"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Justin Tomlinson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-24T10:27:59.477Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Employment and Support Allowance"} , "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 he has made of the potential benefits of reducing the current £16,000 savings threshold for entitlement to Employment and Support Allowance.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4432", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Patrick Grady"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Patrick Grady"} ], "uin" : "244145"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121344", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121344/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

This is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England only.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government\u2019s November 2017 \u2018Strategic policy statement<\/a> to Ofwat\u2019, the economic regulator for the water industry, challenged the water industry to do more for vulnerable customers in England, including older people. In Ofwat\u2019s Price Review 2019 process in which water companies set out their business plans for 2020-25, Ofwat required companies to set out in their business plans how they would better identify and support those customers who need financial help. Work on the plans is ongoing.<\/p>

<\/p>

Current support includes the Government mandated WaterSure scheme which enables water companies to cap bills for eligible low income customers using a lot of water for essential family or health reasons. All water companies also offer schemes, known as social tariffs, for eligible customers on low incomes or receiving specific benefits. Approximately 400,000 household customers currently benefit from such water bill support schemes.<\/p>

<\/p>

Legislative powers recently put in place in the Digital Economy Act 2017 allow data sharing between water companies and other organisations, including Government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions. This will help companies identify and consequently provide support to more customers who may need help with their bills.<\/p>

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