Following the publication of the National Bus Strategy, my Department continues to work with representatives from the bus industry and local authorities to ensure they have the right technical, commercial, marketing and governance arrangements to design and deliver smart, multi-operator bus ticketing.<\/p>
<\/p>
Schemes may make use of existing smartcard and smartphone ticketing. However, the Strategy recognises many users will wish to use their contactless bank cards, with fare capping in place.<\/p>
<\/p>
My Department also works with and encourages the wider rail industry to further roll out advances in ticketing and retailing to make travel more convenient.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4442", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Huw Merriman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bexhill and Battle"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Huw Merriman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-02-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-02-08T10:17:10.323Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-02-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Transport: Tickets"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) train and (b) bus operators on restoring the acceptance of (i) the Key Card and (ii) other forms of electronic ticketing.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} ], "uin" : "139277"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1583572", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1583572/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I recognise the impact reliability has on commuters and leisure travellers. From a tourism perspective, we have seen a strong recovery on the Brighton route, and at Gatwick Airport. Performance in recent weeks has unfortunately been impacted by a number of incidents including flooding, infrastructure issues and trespass incidents, as well as industrial action. Improving performance is a key area of focus for Govia Thameslink Railway, Network Rail and the Department.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3991", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jesse Norman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hereford and South Herefordshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Jesse Norman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-02-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-02-08T09:53:38.81Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-02-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gatwick Express Railway Line"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) tourism in Brighton and (b) travel via Gatwick Airport of levels of reliability of the Gatwick Express from London Victoria to Brighton.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} ], "uin" : "139278"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1583576", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1583576/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In 2023, the IPSA Board has scheduled Board meetings on 22 February, 29 March, 28 June, 12 and 13 September, 18 October, and 13 December.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1493", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Charles Walker"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Broxbourne"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Sir Charles Walker"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-02-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-02-09T09:04:51.497Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "90"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-02-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, on what dates the Board is scheduled to meet.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} ], "uin" : "139279"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1583579", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1583579/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The IPSA Board considered market benchmarking, data, and MP and staff representations at it meetings of 19 October 2022, 7 December 2022 and 14 December 2022.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1493", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Charles Walker"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Broxbourne"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Sir Charles Walker"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-02-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-02-07T13:26:10.19Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "90"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-02-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, when staffing budget proposals for 2023-24 were presented to the board.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} ], "uin" : "139282"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1582244", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1582244/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
OPG are working hard to reduce the length of time that customers are currently waiting for their LPAs to be registered. To tackle the backlog of applications that arose during the pandemic and meet the increased demand for services, OPG have hired extra staff and teams are working overtime and across multiple shift patterns to ensure customers receive their LPAs as quickly as possible. OPG have introduced process efficiencies and continue to make sure they are doing all they can to improve the application journey for customers. These measures are starting to take effect and customers should see waiting times begin to reduce.<\/p>
The government is currently supporting the Powers of Attorney Private Members Bill led by Stephen Metcalfe MP. This Bill will facilitate changes to modernise the LPA service, with the aim to increase safeguards, improve user access and achieve sustainability for the OPG while keeping the LPA affordable for the public. It is expected that these changes could also have a positive impact on the time taken to register LPAs.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4004", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mike Freer"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Finchley and Golders Green"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mike Freer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-02-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-02-08T17:57:23.143Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-01-31", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Office of the Public Guardian"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he is taking steps to reduce the current backlog of cases with the Office of the Public Guardian.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"} ], "uin" : "136643"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1581015", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1581015/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport works closely with organisations across the sector to support and champion public libraries in England. Through the first round of the Libraries Improvement Fund, we are investing £5 million in 25 library services to upgrade their buildings and technology, equipping them to meet the changing needs of local communities. Decisions regarding the second round of the Fund \u2013 which will offer another £5 million of investment \u2013 will be made shortly.<\/p>
Additionally, in September 2022 the Government appointed Baroness Sanderson of Welton as chairman of a new advisory panel to help develop a new strategy to make sure public libraries are providing the best possible service for their communities. More detail can be found here<\/a>. To date she has had numerous meetings with organisations with an interest in public libraries\u2019 work, and has led two roundtable sessions. The first on 13 January in Nottinghamshire focused on the contribution public libraries make to cultural and creative enrichment and the second on 27 January in Ipswich discussed their contribution to health and wellbeing. A further seven roundtables will be held between February and May, in libraries across England, each focusing on a specific theme, based on the seven Strategic Outcomes in the Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016 to 2021<\/a>, plus sessions on governance and innovation.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4032", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stuart Andrew"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Pudsey"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Stuart Andrew"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-01-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-01-30T14:01:02.53Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-01-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Libraries"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps her Department has taken to help support public libraries.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"}
], "uin" : "903263"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1580338", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1580338/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The significant increase in the numbers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children arriving in the UK has placed incredible pressure on the asylum system. Out of necessity, and with the children\u2019s best interests in mind, we have arranged for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to be accommodated on an emergency and temporary basis in hotels whilst placements with local authorities are being vigorously pursued.<\/p> We recognise hotel accommodation is a temporary means to accommodate the increased number of UASC arriving and are only ever a contingency option and not a long-term solution.<\/p> The Home Office does not have, and therefore cannot discharge, duties under Part 3 of the Children Act 1989. It is for the local authority where an unaccompanied child is located to consider its duties under the Children\u2019s Act 1989.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4320", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Robert Jenrick"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Newark"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Robert Jenrick"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-02-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-02-08T15:21:30.593Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-01-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum: Brighton and Hove"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what statutory basis she is transferring children into hotels in Brighton and Hove.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"}
], "uin" : "131338"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1579823", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1579823/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Leave Outside the Rules was the previous way of applying for Additional Family Members (AFM) under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). AFM are now included within the ARAP immigration rules.<\/p> ARAP eligibility entitles individuals to apply for AFM under ARAP only, not the Afghan Citizen Relocation Scheme. This makes it highly unlikely that principals would consider AFM and ACRS simultaneously.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4528", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for James Heappey"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Wells"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "James Heappey"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-01-31", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-01-31T16:21:53.847Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-01-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Afghanistan: Refugees"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether an applicant for Leave Outside The Rules for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme is permitted to make a simultaneous claim to the Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4615", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lloyd Russell-Moyle"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lloyd Russell-Moyle"}
], "uin" : "129949"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1567586", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department of Health and Social Care"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1567586/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS) will consider all available evidence against the balance of probabilities to decide whether someone is eligible for payments under the scheme. EIBSS provides details of the types of information that can be provided in support of an application, which is not exhaustive, available at the following link:<\/p>