argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Schools in Winchester — House of Commons, 2019-07-03
Topic: Education
Stephen Charles Brine (Conservative, Centre-right): Ahead of this debate, I asked constituency heads for their thoughts on their school’s current funding position and whether they had had to make any reductions in teaching or other staff for the current 2019-20 financial year. I wanted to get a view on the teachers’ pension scheme, which the Minister will know is the source of much concern in the profession. I wanted to get from the heads themselves the current view, and it is fair to say I certainly got that There is an understanding across the board among schools in my Winchester constituency that per-pupil funding has risen, but there is also frustration at the reduction in the lump sum in Hampshire to bring it in line with the national funding formula, which was a decision taken by the schools forum a few years back. The truth is that has created winners and losers, depending on the size of the school, a point to which I will return. Concern is unanimous within the schools about the rising cost base, including the unpopular apprenticeship levy. I would therefore welcome comments from the Minister on what procurement help the Department can offer to help schools meet the challenge of rising costs Three of my secondary schools have told me that they have regrettably made staffing reductions in the past two years. Several told me about support workers, librarians and business managers not being replaced and about increasing science and maths class sizes. Kings’ School, which is ranked excellent, increased its intake by 24 pupils this year without increasing the number of classes, so tutor groups now have 30 pupils instead of 28. That increase in numbers has understandably undermined trust between the Winchester schools, putting something that we have called the Winchester schools teaching alliance in a fragile position and leading one secondary school to pull out of it altogether Several heads made the point that they have had no choice but to cut back on continuing professional development in recent years, which is inevitably going to hit staff recruitment and retention—if it is not hitting it already—in Winchester and central Hampshire, which is already an expensive part of the world to live in.
Local Government Efficiency — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): This year we gave £20 million to the Local Government Association to fund council improvements, we introduced a programme to boost the use of digital technologies, and we are developing a tool to help councils improve efficiency. These measures will help councils continue their impressive work to manage budgets and deliver quality services.
Local Government Efficiency — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend rightly makes the point about Sefton, and councils should absolutely be focused on delivering good-quality services and value for money. That is why we are investing in areas such as digital innovation and looking at how that can drive further support. My hon. Friend is also right about ensuring that good practice is shared, and we are working with the LGA and others on that.
Local Government Efficiency — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I need no encouragement from the hon. Gentleman to make that case for local government and its power and ability to deliver good-quality local services. I recognise the challenge the hon. Gentleman brings to me in his question, but I highlight to him the real-terms increase in core spending power made available to councils this year. This Government have made that commitment to councils, but I absolutely want to be on the side of councils and commend them for their innovation and the work they do.
Local Government Efficiency — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Robert John Blackman (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his answers thus far. May I commend to him a booklet published in 2011, with a forward by one of his notable predecessors, on efficiency in local government, which I had something to do with? May I suggest that no authority in the country has yet taken every single efficiency measure, and that we should roll that out right across the country?
Local Government Efficiency — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Macroeconomics
Andrew James Bridgen (Conservative, Centre-right): Conservative-controlled North West Leicestershire District Council has frozen its council tax for the past decade. Can the Secretary of State confirm that council tax in 93 English local authorities is lower in real terms this year than it was in 2010-11?
Local Government Efficiency — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I appreciate that the hon. Lady is making her own point in her own way. Obviously, local government is devolved in Scotland, and she also makes her own point in relation to no deal. Preparations have been put in place and funding has been provided to a number of local councils in England, and we are ensuring that the money designed for EU preparations actually gets to where it needs to go, whereas that has not always been the case with the Scottish Government.
Local Authorities: Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): Our recent settlement confirmed an increase of £1.3 billion in resources for local government this year. This real-terms increase recognises the critical services that local government delivers. Core funding is nearly all un-ring-fenced, giving local government control over its local income and the freedom and flexibility to spend according to local needs.
Local Authorities: Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I would highlight the fact that £261.2 million is being made available in Lewisham in 2019-20—a £7 million increase. The hon. Lady makes an important point about knife crime, and this is why we have targeted support through our troubled families programme, with around £9.8 million pounds being made available to actually get through to some of these issues with young people and to see that some of the work around families is accentuated. I am sure she will have an opportunity to make further points in the urgent question that will follow Question Time.
Local Authorities: Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.
Daniel Robert Kawczynski (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Secretary of State acknowledge that in counties such as Shropshire, where our elderly population is growing at a disproportionate rate compared with the rest of the country, adult social care costs are going up very quickly? What steps is he going to take with the Treasury to ensure that more money is provided to enable rural shire counties such as Shropshire to deal adequately with adult social care costs?
Local Authorities: Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I know that my hon. Friend will recognise the £650 million in additional funding that has been provided to local government for social care in 2019-20. He highlights some of the differentials around rural services, and as part of our fair funding review, we want to ensure that that is properly captured.
Local Authorities: Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.
Marcus John Hudson Fysh (Conservative, Centre-right): Social care needs both urgent funding and certainty from year to year, so that councils can rely upon funding packages such as those outlined by the Secretary of State. What can he do to assure us that rural councils will be properly accounted for in any business rates review?
Local Authorities: Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the level of Government funding for local authorities on the adequacy of the services that they provide.; The local government funding settlement did nothing to tackle the crippling financial pressure on councils following eight years of austerity. Will the Secretary of State tell the House how he intends to respond to local authorities in 2019 when they have to choose between delivering children’s services, delivering adult social care and emptying the bins?
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): This year’s funding settlement offers local councils up and down the country a real-terms increase in core funding. Equally, the additional £650 million for social care is intended to address and respond to some of the issues around those services. However, she is right about the need for further reform in the longer term, and that is what we as a Government are determined to deliver.
Local Government Unitarisation: Northamptonshire — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): The Secretary of State recently announced his intention to implement the reorganisation plan submitted by the Northamptonshire councils. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new unitary authority will be in place in April 2021. I place on the record my thanks to the councils for their continuing constructive attitude towards ensuring that their residents will have better local government.
Local Government Unitarisation: Northamptonshire — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for that answer and share his sentiment about the local authorities’ constructive work. What steps will his Department take to ensure that future decision making is at the heart of the new model and happens at the most local level possible, with strong area representation reflecting the different communities of north Northamptonshire?
Local Government Unitarisation: Northamptonshire — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of local decision making happening as close to people as possible. We expect new unitary authorities to support the creation of new parishes as part of this reorganisation, which has happened elsewhere, and we also encourage the formation of area committees to ensure strong local representation. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that local people must have a strong voice in the decisions that affect their communities.
Stronger Towns Fund: Scottish Towns — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Stephen Charles Kerr (Conservative, Centre-right): When the stronger towns fund statement was made at the beginning of March, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said he would set out details on additional funding for Scotland and how it will benefit towns in Scotland. When will my constituents in Stirling see those details, and when will the fund be open for applications from Scotland?
Stronger Towns Fund: Scottish Towns — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Macroeconomics
James Jacob Gilchrist Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): I am not sure whether the hon. Lady has some sort of special insight. She seems to think that ERDF funding has already been lost. It is, of course, correct that the Government consult widely, not least with the devolved Administrations, on the future of the UK shared prosperity fund. It is absolutely right that we focus on delivering growth in every part of our United Kingdom, including Scotland.
Stronger Towns Fund: Scottish Towns — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
James Jacob Gilchrist Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): That is not correct. If the hon. Lady has details, perhaps she will let me have them. We have been absolutely clear that we will respect all the devolution settlement as we move forward with the UK shared prosperity fund. But she does not have to wait, as we have already had 500 face-to-face engagements with stakeholders. I have engaged with all of England’s metro mayors, and we continue to have discussions with the devolved Administrations. I would have thought that, as an SNP Member of Parliament, she had been told that by her colleagues up in Scotland.
Local Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): The Secretary of State and I both meet our counterparts at the Treasury regularly. Future funding for local government will, of course, be decided in the spending review, and the hon. Lady can rest assured that we will be making a robust case.
Local Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Government Operations
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): The Chancellor and my Department have already responded with an extra £1 billion to improve resources for local government. The hon. Lady may not believe me when I say that we are supporting local government, but perhaps she might listen to her own local authority. This weekend I glanced through the council’s plan, which shows that inequality between the least and most affluent areas is narrowing, that according to feedback from residents 80% of local people are highly satisfied with where they live, and that an increased proportion of residents think their local area has improved.
Local Government Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): Successive rounds of bidding are currently in process. I can write to the hon. Lady with an exact date, if one is available from my hon. Friend the high streets Minister. More broadly, the hon. Lady is absolutely right about the need to measure the effectiveness of what local government does. In particular, the troubled families programme, with its extensive evaluation, provides great evidence to everyone in the House on the valuable early years prevention work that local councils do.
Licensing Act 2003: Communities and Local Planning Policy — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Environment
Questions: If he will discuss with the Home Secretary the effect on (a) communities and (b) local planning policy of the operation of the Licensing Act 2003.
Christopher Laurie Malthouse (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman, typically, raises an extremely important issue. As he will know, the proliferation of single-use plastics—or, indeed, the restriction thereof—is a matter for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We have made other progress, on top of the ban of microbeads, with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs having recently announced the ban on the distribution or sale of plastic straws and stirrers and plastic-stem cotton buds. The hon. Gentleman nevertheless raises an interesting point, particularly in respect of events, that we will ponder further.
Bellwin Scheme: Social Care Packages for Vulnerable Children — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Bellwin scheme to include the exceptional costs of social care packages for vulnerable children.
James Jacob Gilchrist Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): The Bellwin scheme can be used to compensate authorities for emergencies and disasters in their area. Children’s services funding is made available through the settlement, with flexibility for councils to target their spending according to the local needs. In the autumn Budget, we were pleased to announce an extra £410 million to address the pressures on social care.
Bellwin Scheme: Social Care Packages for Vulnerable Children — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Bellwin scheme to include the exceptional costs of social care packages for vulnerable children.
James Jacob Gilchrist Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): I will of course meet the hon. Gentleman, the group leader and the council leader. I understand the hon. Gentleman has been active in this policy area, because he recently met my hon. Friend the Minister for Children and Families and the leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans. I thought he might raise this issue today, so I checked, and I understand that the Minister he met previously is going to write to him shortly to update him on the progress he is making with his campaign.
Bellwin Scheme: Social Care Packages for Vulnerable Children — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Bellwin scheme to include the exceptional costs of social care packages for vulnerable children.
James Jacob Gilchrist Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government have their troubled families programme to tackle just the sorts of issues that the hon. Gentleman raises. No one in this House could be other than deeply concerned about the plight of our young people, particularly when they face the challenge of finding themselves in care, and that is why I am pleased that, since 2010, the amount the Government have spent on vulnerable children has increased by more than £1.5 billion.
Adult Social Care Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government recognise the pressures faced by adult social services and have provided councils with an additional £10 billion in dedicated funding for adult social care in the three years leading up to 2019-20. Of course, the future level of funding will be settled in the spending review.
Adult Social Care Funding — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): We are doing that work with our colleagues in the Department of Health as we speak, to ensure an accurate reflection of the pressures as we go into the spending review. Those pressures are real; everyone acknowledges that there is an ageing demographic at the top end of social care, but working-age adults now account for half of the budget. It is right that we get the demographics right and that we go into the spending review with a robust case for the amount of funding that social care requires.
Weighting for Deprivation: Fair Funding Review — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): Deprivation is an important driver of local authority costs, which is why we have proposed that it will be taken into account in four significant service areas, including adult and children’s social care. Together, these account for up to two thirds of councils’ total spending covered by the review.
Weighting for Deprivation: Fair Funding Review — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Social Welfare
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): Obviously, work continues and we see the recommendations and representations that have been made. Population is by far the most important factor for more universal services covered by the foundation formula; deprivation was shown to have a small effect over and above this. We continue to keep the matter under review, and will share data as and when appropriate as part of that work.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-06-17
Topic: Macroeconomics
Questions: Noting that the right to buy has been abolished in Scotland, what efforts is my hon. Friend making to re-energise home ownership throughout the United Kingdom, particularly for first-time buyers?; New research by housing association Habinteg reveals that outside London fewer than a quarter of new homes being built would be suitable for older and disabled people, and only 1% are accessible for wheelchair users. What will the Government do now to raise standards so that all new homes are accessible and adaptable for older and disabled people?; Residents in my constituency village of Burwash have raised concerns about the transparency of the planning appeal process—namely, that the developer seems to have access to information that perhaps residents do not. Does our excellent Housing Minister have any plans to reform the planning appeal process so that my constituents have more comfort and can be more involved in the process?; Since doing a constituency survey on leaseholds, I have been continually shocked by case after case of unfair charges and rises, such as sinking fund costs going from zero to £250 without any warning. I therefore welcome the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into leaseholds, but what assurances can the Minister give to current leaseholders who face increasing costs? Will he put a moratorium on new leaseholds while the CMA does its work, to ensure that there are fewer victims?; Council tax arrears are a growing problem. In 2018, an estimated 2.2 million households were in arrears, and in 2016-17, people paid an estimated £129 million in bailiff fees and court costs on top of the arrears. As part of the review into council tax collection, will the Minister commit to reviewing the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992, to encourage councils to stop using liability orders and bailiffs?
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the hon. Lady for highlighting our review. I am happy to look at all things as part of that review, but she is right to highlight that issue. We are keen to see what we can do to improve the collection process, while maintaining high collection rates to fund the public services that we rely on