The Home Office continues to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including ILPA and the 3million, as we roll out eVisas and are grateful for their feedback.<\/p>
eVisas are a key part of delivering a border and immigration system which will be \u2018digital by default\u2019 by 2025, a change that will enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the immigration system\u2019s security and efficiency.<\/p>
We have been inviting people to come forward at scale since March to register for an account so that they can access their eVisa. We will continue to deliver an extensive communications campaign to explain how people can register for a UKVI account and access their eVisa.<\/p>
The transition to eVisas does not impact a customer\u2019s underlying immigration status. For many, the end 2024 deadline will have no impact; most people don\u2019t need to prove their immigration status on a day-to-day basis, and many of the checks performed will be unaffected by the expiry of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).<\/p>
BRP holders will also still be able to use the online right to work and rent services to prove their rights once their BRP expires \u2013 provided they still have valid status \u2013 although we will encourage them to register for an account and to use that to access those services.<\/p>
Customers will be able to create an account quickly and easily post-2024, using their expired BRP if needed, at www.gov.uk/evisa. There are also services in place, via our contact centre, to support vulnerable users and enable status to be verified in alternative ways on an emergency basis if a customer is not able to create their account immediately.<\/p>
Notwithstanding these safeguards, we are keen to ensure that all customers take action to create an account and access their eVisa before the end of the year, to ensure they have the smoothest possible experience.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/533", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hanson of Flint"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Hanson of Flint"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-08-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-08-12T10:43:45.157Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Visas: Digital Technology"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have received about (1) the delay in introducing eVisas, and (2) the requirement that, notwithstanding this delay, those with biometric residence cards must apply for a replacement eVisa by 31 December.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"} ], "uin" : "HL462"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1723985", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1723985/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government recognises the invaluable service provided by the millions of unpaid carers across the country who provide care and continuity of support for vulnerable people every day. It recognises the challenges they face and is determined to provide them with the support they deserve.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government welcomes the report published by Carers UK, and is considering its findings. Ministers were pleased to meet with the organisation, and with carers, to discuss the issues raised shortly after publication of the report.<\/p>
<\/p>
More broadly, in respect of overpayments of Carer\u2019s Allowance, the Government is moving quickly to understand exactly what has gone wrong so that it can set out its plan to put things right.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4147", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Sherlock"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Sherlock"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-08-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-08-09T13:30:10.607Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Carer's Allowance: Overpayments"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report, Carer\u2019s Allowance Overpayments, published by Carer\u2019s UK on 26 July.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"} ], "uin" : "HL463"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1723986", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1723986/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government recognises the challenges unpaid carers are facing and is determined to provide them with the help and support they need and deserve. It is looking closely at how the benefit system currently does this.<\/p>
<\/p>
Universal Credit provides support to carers on low incomes, whether they are in paid employment or not. Carer\u2019s Allowance, by contrast, is available to all unpaid carers, provided they are not in \u2018gainful employment\u2019. This is currently defined as having earnings not exceeding £151 a week net of allowable expenses. This level is reviewed annually alongside the Secretary of State\u2019s statutory review of State pension and benefit rates. Many Carer\u2019s Allowance recipients are in households also receiving Universal Credit, where the structure of tapers and work allowances (where applicable) effectively takes precedence over \u2018gainful employment\u2019 test in Carer\u2019s Allowance.<\/p>
<\/strong><\/p> With respect to overpayments of Carer\u2019s Allowance due to the interaction with earnings, the Government is moving quickly to understand exactly what has gone wrong so that it can set out its plan to put things right.<\/p> <\/strong><\/p> <\/strong><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4147", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Sherlock"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Sherlock"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-08-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-08-09T13:30:45.81Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Carer's Allowance"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to revise (1) the limits on earnings and the number of hours that can be worked, and (2) the rate at which earnings above those limits can be reclaimed, for those in receipt of Carer\u2019s Allowance.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL464"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1723987", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1723987/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The UK has been consistent in calling for the release of all remaining prisoners of war, and the return of the remains of the deceased, from the conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We were encouraged by the release of 34 prisoners of war in December 2023. The Foreign Secretary met both Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers at the European Political Community summit in Blenheim on 18 July and urged them to seize the opportunity to secure an historic peace treaty.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3972", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Chapman of Darlington"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Chapman of Darlington"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-08-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-08-05T14:32:20.987Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Nagorno Karabakh"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Azerbaijan regarding the release of prisoners of war and civilians detained by Azerbaijan when taking control of Nagorno-Karabakh.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL465"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714685", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714685/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the events that took place on 7 October in Israel are appalling, which is why we took decisive action to pause future funding to the organisation.<\/p> The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK will set out its position on future funding to UNRWA following careful consideration of Catherine Colonna's final report, UNRWA's response and the ongoing UN Office for Internal Oversight Services investigation into these allegations. We recognise the pivotal role the UNRWA play in support of Palestinians in Gaza and neighbouring countries.<\/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" : "2024-05-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-15T16:37:53.07Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "UNRWA: Finance"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following the publication of the Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by UNRWA to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality on 22 April.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL4180"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714008", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714008/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " As part of the government\u2019s Back to Work Plan we have launched and plan to deliver a range of other support which will put in place an offer to a broader range of disabled people, for example, Universal Support will support up to 100,000 disabled people, people with health conditions and people with additional barriers to employment per year, once fully rolled out, helping them to find, enter, and remain in work.<\/p> <\/p> The Work and Health Programme (WHP) has supported 300k people since it was introduced in 2017 to the end of November 2023, of whom over 130k have entered employment in this time. More recently WHP Pioneer, which is part of the first phase of Universal Support, aims to support up to 25k people through DWP contracts. The next publication of WHP Statistics on Gov.UK is due at the end of May 2024.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4169", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Viscount Younger of Leckie"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-10T13:36:09.933Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Work and Health Programme"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to undertake an impact assessment of the closure of the Work and Health Programme this autumn and the impact of this on enabling disabled people to enter the job market.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL4115"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714009", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714009/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government wants to see fair treatment of individuals in problem debt, and there is a range of work underway across government and regulators to promote responsible practices for debt recovery.<\/p> <\/p> The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates the collection of debt by lenders and certain debt collection agencies arising under credit agreements, consumer hire agreements and peer-to-peer loans. The FCA sets clear expectations for firms undertaking the collection of these debts, including the expectation for firms to establish the correct identity, where this is disputed.<\/p> <\/p> On 18 March 2024 the UK Regulators Network (UKRN), including the FCA, Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom, published joint guidance which sets out their expectations for firms\u2019 debt collection practices across their respective sectors. This is to ensure that firms support customers in debt and that firms\u2019 collection practices are not causing harm to customers.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4580", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Vere of Norbiton"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Vere of Norbiton"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-09T15:27:31.367Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Debt Collection"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to regulate identity tracing agencies in relation to the recovery of debt.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL4116"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714010", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department of Health and Social Care"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714010/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " There are approximately 14,000 medicines licensed for supply in the United Kingdom, and the overwhelming majority are in good supply. The medicine supply chain is complex, global, and highly regulated, and supply issues can be caused by a range of factors. For example, suppliers can encounter manufacturing problems, difficulty accessing raw materials, and surges in demand. These are commonly cited as the drivers of the recent supply issues, which have affected many countries, not just the UK.<\/p> Whilst we can\u2019t always prevent supply issues, we have a range of well-established tools and processes to mitigate risks to patients. These include close and regular engagement with suppliers, use of alternative strengths or forms of a medicine to allow patients to remain on the same product, expediting regulatory procedures, sourcing unlicensed imports from abroad, adding products to the restricted exports and hoarding list, use of Serious Shortage Protocols, and issuing National Health Service communications to provide management advice and information on the issue to healthcare professionals, so they can advise and support their patients.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4948", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Markham"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Markham"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-30T11:37:26.247Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "17"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Health and Social Care"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Health and Social Care"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Prescription Drugs: Shortages"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of shortages in the supply of prescription drugs.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL4117"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714011", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714011/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " We recognise the number of individuals moving on from the asylum support system is placing pressure on local authorities. The Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are working closely on this and have been regularly engaging with local authorities to ensure they are supported. There are a number of improvements in train to ensure local authorities receive early notification of those leaving Home Office asylum accommodation to enable effective planning.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4888", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Sharpe of Epsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Sharpe of Epsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-10T11:20:36.81Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Homelessness: Refugees"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent Refugee Council report Keys to the City 2024: ending refugee homelessness in London and its finding that in the two years to September 2023, there was a 239 per cent increase in refugees requiring homelessness support from local authorities after being evicted from Home Office asylum accommodation.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4345", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Southwark"}
], "uin" : "HL4118"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714012", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1714012/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " DWP continue to learn and iterate our approach as we progress our Move to Universal Credit activity. We remain committed to ensuring that the transition to Universal Credit works as smoothly as possible for all customers, including enhanced customer support for vulnerable customers.<\/p> <\/p>