theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_9

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether neurodivergence can be treated medically. \p Baroness Merron: Neurodivergent conditions are often life-long and cannot be cured. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments and support, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. NICE guidelines on autism cover the different ways that health and care professionals can provide support for autistic people and aim to improve access and engagement with interventions and services.

On 5 April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance to help ICBs and the National Health Service to deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and adults referred to an autism assessment service. The guidance also sets out what support should be available before an assessment and what support should follow a recent diagnosis of autism based on the available evidence.

With respect to ADHD, the NICE guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and management explain the key considerations for clinicians when deciding whether to offer treatment, including in respect of medicine or therapy. NHS England has established an ADHD taskforce which is working to bring together those with lived experience with experts from the NHS, education, charity, and justice sectors. The taskforce is working to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support, with the final report expected to make recommendations in the summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_11

Baroness Barran:To ask His Majesty's Government how the Department of Health and Social Care monitors the performance of its responsibilities, as set out in legislation, to protect children subject to deprivation of liberty orders. \p Baroness Merron: The Department does not hold these specific statutory duties, as local authorities have statutory responsibility for protecting children subject to deprivation of liberty orders. The Government has responsibility for ensuring that all deprivation of liberty schemes are compliant with Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights to ensure strict safeguards are in place for children who are, or who will be, deprived of their liberty.

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services policy, while health services have broad child safeguarding duties and specific duties in relation to the health needs of children looked after by local authorities.

We know that children who are subject to deprivation of liberty orders are highly vulnerable, with poor life outcomes, and we recognise the challenges local authorities face, and the need for system-wide reform. That is why, since July 2023, the Department for Education and NHS England have been jointly leading cross-Government work to improve the provision of integrated health and care services for children who are in complex situations and are currently, or are at risk of, being deprived of their liberty.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_12

Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government how many eDirect products ordered through the NHS Supply Chain have been delivered more than one month late in each of the last 12 months. \p Baroness Merron: The rolling 13-month eDirect service level is 89.7%; this means that 89.7% of product lines are delivered in accordance with the purchase order and lead time set out in the catalogue.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_13

Baroness Barran:To ask His Majesty's Government what specific statutory duties the Department of Health and Social Care has for protecting children subject to deprivation of liberty orders. \p Baroness Merron: The Department does not hold these specific statutory duties, as local authorities have statutory responsibility for protecting children subject to deprivation of liberty orders. The Government has responsibility for ensuring that all deprivation of liberty schemes are compliant with Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights to ensure strict safeguards are in place for children who are, or who will be, deprived of their liberty.

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services policy, while health services have broad child safeguarding duties and specific duties in relation to the health needs of children looked after by local authorities.

We know that children who are subject to deprivation of liberty orders are highly vulnerable, with poor life outcomes, and we recognise the challenges local authorities face, and the need for system-wide reform. That is why, since July 2023, the Department for Education and NHS England have been jointly leading cross-Government work to improve the provision of integrated health and care services for children who are in complex situations and are currently, or are at risk of, being deprived of their liberty.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_14

The Lord Bishop of Leeds:To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing to Ian Spence regarding his daughter Solomiya who was taken to Ukraine by her mother in July 2024. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Government takes international parental child abduction (IPCA) very seriously and we recognise the distress of all those affected. While we cannot comment on the details of specific cases publicly without consent, when a British child has been abducted and taken overseas, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) support can include signposting to partner organisations, providing help to families with contacting the relevant authorities abroad, expressing our interest in a case with the overseas government and asking about progress, where appropriate. The FCDO has also published guidance to assist parents affected by IPCA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-parental-child-abduction
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking through the provision of development assistance to protect freedom of religion and religious minorities globally. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK remains strongly committed to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral fora, our bilateral work, and our programme funding. This includes the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) designated programme for FoRB-focused projects overseas, the John Bunyan Fund (JBF). The JBF supports a range of projects aimed at protecting and promoting FoRB. The FCDO works to ensure that Official Development Assistance (ODA) is allocated to those who are most vulnerable and most in need of this assistance irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity. This includes minority religious or belief communities, who are assessed by our partners when determining those most in need of protection and assistance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

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The Lord Bishop of Southwark:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Azerbaijan for the release of prisoners in Nagorno–Karabakh. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK urges the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that those detained during September 2023's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, are afforded a fair trial and provided safe conditions, in accordance with Azerbaijan's international obligations and commitments. Our Embassy in Baku pays close attention to the cases and have sought regular updates to stay informed about progress. We have also been consistent in calling for the release of all remaining prisoners of war. The Minister of State Stephen Doughty raised these issues with Azerbaijan's Presidential Advisor, Elchin Amirbayov, during his visit to the UK in October. In a meeting with Azerbaijan's Principal Presidential Advisor, Hikmet Hajiyev, on 10 March, the Minister of State also urged Azerbaijan to seize the opportunity to sign an historic peace deal with Armenia. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have also conveyed these messages.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government, following their announcement to increase defence spending, what steps they are taking to ensure that diplomatic solutions remain at the forefront of their approach to international relations. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: His Majesty's Government is responding to a period of profound change, with conflicts overseas undermining security and prosperity at home. This Government will continue using diplomatic solutions in a multidisciplinary approach to achieve our interests. We are reinforcing our relationships. The Prime Minister hosted European leaders to deliver on European security. The Foreign Secretary is driving collective efforts on Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan with the G7. This Government is developing deeper relations around the globe, reopening negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with India, signing a UK-South Africa Growth Plan and new Strategic Partnerships with Indonesia and Nigeria. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, we remain committed to upholding the international system, supported by the UK's network of diplomats. We are investing in a College of Diplomacy, ensuring the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office remains ready for the future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_18

Lord Moylan:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 10 February (HL4433), what assessment they have made of the impact of their funding under the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme; what initiatives under that programme are aimed specifically at promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief; and when they expect credible independent data on incidents of religious violence in Bangladesh to emerge from the work of the United Nations resident coordinator’s office. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK-funded Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme works to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief. A local peace building organisation The Hunger Project has organised a range of initiatives to foster inter-ethnic and religious peace. This has included peace events, consultation meetings with local authorities and quarterly meetings with local conflict mediation. As a result, local peace forum groups have been created to take steps to protect Hindus and other minority communities during their religious festivals. The UN Human Rights Office have now published their report; this provides credible independent data on events last year.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_19

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of civil society by the government of Vietnam, and of the implications for freedom of religion or belief in that country. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK has raised concerns about the treatment of civil society by the government of Vietnam, both publicly and privately. The UK believes the Vietnamese authorities should ensure civil society organisations can operate without fear of unfair treatment, targeting or prosecution. The UK encourages Vietnam to respect all human rights, including freedom of expression and association, in accordance with Vietnam's constitution and international commitments. In October 2024, The Minister for the Indo-Pacific raised Vietnam's obligations regarding freedom of religion or belief with her Vietnamese counterpart during the UK-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_20

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Vietnam about the prohibition on its citizens travelling to the International Religious Freedom Summit. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK remains strongly committed to promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, attended the International Religious Freedom Summit. He highlighted that by working with diverse international partnerships and a broad range of civil society voices, we can create meaningful change. The joint declaration for the UK-Vietnam strategic partnership commits both countries to cooperation on human rights. We will continue to raise concerns and specific cases directly with the Vietnamese government, including through our Ambassador in Hanoi.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_21

Lord Swire:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will list all property seized from Russian nationals with assets of more than £1 million in the United Kingdom which has been sold, and the total amount raised; and whether the proceeds have been donated to Ukraine. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Between February 2022 and October 2023, £22.7 billion in frozen funds had been reported to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in relation to the Russia sanctions regime. This is a cumulative total of assets reported as OFSI do not disclose the value of any funds held by particular designated persons or entities. OFSI intends to publish its 2023-2024 Annual Frozen Asset Review this spring 2025.

An asset freeze does not involve a change in ownership of the frozen funds or economic resources, nor are they transferred to HM Treasury.

It would not be appropriate to comment on future designations or the reasons why an individual is not currently designated. The UK does not hold a consolidated list of Russian nationals with more than £1 million in assets.

To date, the UK has sanctioned over 2200 individual and entities under the Russia regulations, over 2000 of which were sanctioned following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_22

Lord Wrottesley:To ask His Majesty's Government why the Baltic states were not invited to the meeting of European leaders on Ukraine that took place on the 2 March, and whether future meetings on similar matters will include the leaders of the Baltic States. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We engage regularly with the Baltic States. The Prime Minister called Baltic leaders on the morning of 2 March and all three Baltic States attended the most recent leaders' meeting on 15 March. The Foreign Secretary discussed security with Estonian and Lithuanian counterparts on 3 and 12 March respectively. The Minister of State, Stephen Doughty hosted representatives from the Baltic States at a roundtable of ministers and senior officials on 11 March and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Permanent Under-Secretary hosted Estonian and Latvian counterparts on 10 and 12 March respectively to discuss developments in Ukraine.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_23

Lord Caine:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of value added tax (VAT) on independent school fees on voluntary grammar schools in Northern Ireland that offer boarding places that fall within the scope of VAT, compared to England where state run boarding places are exempt. \p Lord Livermore: To ensure parity with English state boarding schools, the UK Government has provided financial support to voluntary grammar schools in Northern Ireland providing an equivalent service to state run boarding in England, but for whom it was not possible to legislate for a carve-out from the VAT charge. This will ensure pupils boarding at these schools are on the same footing as those attending English boarding schools.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_24

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed ban on issuing new licences to explore oil and gas fields on investment, jobs, tax revenue and the balance of payments. \p Lord Livermore: Forecasts for oil and gas tax revenues are published by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which take into account many factors including the sector’s expectations and the Government’s policy at the time. The most recent forecast was published at Autumn Budget 2024 in the Economic and Fiscal Outlook October 2024 [1] . This also includes other economic projections, including in relation to future investment in the oil and gas sector and the UK’s balance of payments.

Future OBR forecasts will consider any changes to policy that may have an impact on investment in the oil and gas sector, oil and gas production or tax revenues from the sector.

1. https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-october-2024/
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-21 conversation_25

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what the Barnett consequentials are of additional funding to the Northern Ireland Executive to support the increased cost to public sector bodies as a result of changes to employer National Insurance contributions. \p Lord Livermore: The UK Government will provide support for departments and other public sector employers for additional employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) costs. This funding will be allocated to UK Government departments, with the Barnett formula applying in the usual way for the Northern Ireland Executive at Main Estimates 2025-26.

This additional funding for employer NICs costs will be on top of the £18.2 billion the Northern Ireland Executive is receiving in 2025-26. This is the largest in real terms of any settlement since devolution and ensures that the Northern Ireland Executive continues to receive over 24% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK, including the 2024 restoration financial package.

Decisions on devolved priorities – including the size and pay levels of the public sector – is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Executive. Barnett-based funding for the Northern Ireland Executive is not ringfenced for a specific policy area, giving the Northern Ireland Executive full flexibility to allocate its funding across devolved areas according to its own priorities and local circumstances. The Northern Ireland Executive is accountable to Northern Ireland Assembly for these decisions.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_1

Lord Moylan:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 30 September (HL10522), whether they will answer the question put, namely when the Common Travel Area Forum most recently discussed passport-free direct air travel between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Conversations on this are ongoing including through the Common Travel Area Forum.

The UK and Ireland have a close and collaborative working relationship on a range of issues, including migration and border security. That collaboration includes a joint commitment to protect the Common Travel Area from abuse, while preserving the rights of British and Irish citizens.

Conversations on this are ongoing including through the Common Travel Area Forum which met in May this year.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_2

Lord Mendoza:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost to police forces of training and equipping officers to carry naloxone, and whether doing so diverts resources from other operations. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Naloxone is an important lifesaving medicine to respond to suspected opioid overdoses, when used alongside other first aid measures.

In May 2025, the Minister for Crime and Policing wrote to Chief Constables in England and Wales to highlight the findings of a Home Office commissioned independent evaluation into police administration of naloxone and reiterate Government support for all police forces to roll-out the voluntary provision of naloxone to operational officers.

The Government expects individual police Chiefs’ to allocate resources appropriately with regard to the local area and need.

The majority of police forces in England and Wales have received naloxone supplies and training from their local authority or its commissioned drug and alcohol treatment service. Some forces have funded naloxone projects from their own budgets, through their Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, or, for forces in Wales, through the Welsh Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_3

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of granting for-profit social housing providers the same powers to tackle antisocial behaviour as not-for-profit social housing providers have under the Crime and Policing Act 2014. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Through the Crime and Policing Bill, we are strengthening the powers available to relevant agencies under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to tackle ASB.

For-profit Social Housing Providers have grown in prominence since the 2014 Act first came into force. While it is important that all agencies have the powers they need to tackle ASB, it is also important that changes to the agencies that can use the powers in the 2014 ASB Crime and Policing Act are considered carefully.

We are legislating in the Crime and Policing Bill to extend the power to issue Closure Notices to Registered Social Housing Providers, including For Profit Housing Providers. This will make it easier for Housing Providers to take swift action to prevent disruptive ASB.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_4

Baroness Stowell of Beeston:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed SIM farm offence in the Crime and Policing Bill on the legitimate activities of journalists and broadcasters; whether they will ensure that that offence is not misapplied in ways that could hinder journalism; whether they will maintain transparent oversight of law enforcement practices; and whether they will conduct a policy review two years after the offence becomes law to assess its effectiveness and address concerns. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: We recognise the vital role that journalists and broadcasters play in our democracy and are committed to ensuring that legislation does not hinder legitimate journalistic activity.

The proposed SIM farm offence in the Crime and Policing Bill is designed to tackle the growing threat of fraud facilitated by the misuse of SIM farm devices, which allow criminals to send thousands of scam messages and conduct large-scale robocalling campaigns. These activities have contributed to a significant rise in fraud, which now accounts for over 40% of all reported crime in England and Wales.

We have extensively consulted on this policy, including with representatives from the media and communications sectors. As a result of this engagement, the legislation has been carefully drafted to include specific exemptions for legitimate uses, such as those by journalists and broadcasters. Clause 80 of the Bill explicitly provides that possessing a SIM farm for purposes such as broadcasting services constitutes a “good reason” under the law.

Furthermore, we continue to work closely with journalists and media organisations to ensure that the implementation of this offence does not impede their work. We are actively collaborating with stakeholders to develop clear guidance for law enforcement agencies. This guidance will help ensure that the offence is applied proportionately and that legitimate journalistic activities are protected, while also enabling effective action against those who use SIM farms to defraud the public.

Our approach balances the need to protect the public from fraud with the imperative to safeguard press freedom and legitimate communication practices.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_5

Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to issue guidance to faith communities regarding mandatory reporting duties to be imposed by the Crime and Policing Bill. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government will set out clear guidance on the operation of the mandatory reporting duty. We will continue to engage with groups that may be impacted, including in faith settings, to ensure the requirements of the new duty are clearly communicated ahead of implementation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_6

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to publish the tackling violence against women and girls strategy. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: This Government has been clear that the level of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in our country is intolerable, and we are treating it as the national emergency that it is.

The new VAWG Strategy will set the direction for the next decade, driving forward the Government’s bold ambition to halve VAWG within ten years. This is a landmark commitment that demands a truly transformational approach.

We are working tirelessly across government to deliver a Strategy that will set out bold, concrete actions to prevent violence and abuse, pursue perpetrators and bring them to justice, and protect victims and survivors. It’s vital we get it right. We're working towards publication of the Strategy as soon as possible and I will continue to keep the House updated on its development and forthcoming publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_7

Lord Garnier:To ask His Majesty's Government which Crown courts in England and Wales have court rooms that are (1) usable but unused, and (2) unusable because of their state of repair or a lack of judges or court staff, in each week of the last 12 months for which figures are available. \p Baroness Levitt: The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The Crown Court operates from 84 buildings across England and Wales, with a core estate of over 500 courtrooms. Most are jury-enabled and suitable for trials, with the remainder supporting other judicial work, such as interlocutory hearings. The wider HMCTS estate—including magistrates’, civil, family, and tribunal rooms —can also be used for Crown Court business when required. As a result, the precise number of rooms available for Crown Court use at any given time is variable.

HMCTS’s priority is to ensure all funded sitting days are fully utilised each financial year through active courtroom management. Estate capacity is not a limiting factor: last year, we sat 107,771, representing over 99% of our allocation, and we remain on track to deliver all allocated days this year.

Temporary unavailability may arise due to maintenance, but also due to overspill from other trials, alternative judicial activities (such as, box work, civil, family and tribunals hearings, or coroner’s court work), or other legitimate uses (including meetings and video-link sessions). However, these factors do not prevent the Crown Courts from sitting at their funded allocation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_8

Lord Garnier:To ask His Majesty's Government how many barristers and solicitors (1) are available to sit as Crown court recorders in England and Wales, and (2) sat as Crown court recorders in each week of the last 12 months for which figures are available \p Baroness Levitt: The table below sets out the data held per month for the number of Recorders who hold a live Crime ticket (weekly data is not available) over the 12 months to June 2025, which is the latest month for which the data is available. It also sets out the number of Recorders who sat for at least 1 day in the Crown Court during that same month.

It should be noted that many Recorders will hold multiple tickets, so the Recorders listed here who have not sat in the Crown Court may have been sitting in Family or Civil instead. In addition, Recorders may have other professional obligations which mean that they are not available to sit in a particular month.

The Deputy Prime Minister recently announced an additional 1,250 sitting days in the Crown Court this year, which means the Crown Court will be able to sit for 111,250 days this year, 5,000 more than the days initially allocated last year. This enables the Crown Court to sit more days this year than ever before.

YEAR/MONTH

RECORDERS WITH CRIME AUTHORISATIONS

DAYS RECORDERS SAT  IN CROWN

2024/07

889

299

2024/08

886

299

2024/09

884

301

2024/10

881

257

2024/11

878

251

2024/12

874

182

2025/01

874

183

2025/02

872

167

2025/03

871

167

2025/04

867

228

2025/05

864

216

2025/06

862

241
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_9

Lord Garnier:To ask His Majesty's Government how many barristers and solicitors (1) are available to sit as deputy district judges (magistrates’ courts) in England and Wales, and (2) sat as deputy district judges (magistrates’ courts) in each week of the last 12 months for which figures are available. \p Baroness Levitt: As at 1 April 2025 (the most recent month for which there are published statistics), there were 88 Deputy District Judges (Magistrates Court) where this was their primary appointment. Whilst we do collect data on Deputy District Judge sittings in the Magistrates’ Court, the data held centrally does not allow us robustly to identify how many of the 88 primary appointment Deputy District Judges sat each week or month.

Decisions as to when to list cases before Deputy District Judges rather than a panel of lay magistrates are made by the judiciary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Baroness Neville-Rolfe:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing (1) export duties, and (2) restrictions, on unprocessed aluminium scrap exports to non-European Union counties. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government recognises the importance of a circular economy and the need for domestic supply of scrap to meet demand, whilst also ensuring the market remains fair and beneficial for all stakeholders. We are actively listening to the perspectives of all involved parties.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Baroness Neville-Rolfe:To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the National Wealth Fund, whether they plan to establish a fund to increase (1) domestic remelting infrastructure, and (2) collection logistics for scrap aluminium. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is the UK Government’s principal investor and policy bank. It invests according to its investment principles which are agreed with HMG but remains operationally independent. Financing would be available for companies operating in the domestic remelting field or collection logistics for scrap aluminimum providing they met the investment criteria.

Aluminium is recognised through the UK’s 2024 Critically Assessment as a critical material. The Government remains committed to supporting strategic industries such as aluminium, recognising their essential role in the UK’s net zero ambitions and economic future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government what are the rates of child poverty in (1) England, (2) Wales, (3) Scotland, and (4) Northern Ireland. \p Baroness Sherlock: Relative low income after housing costs is the government’s headline measure of poverty. Based on a three-year average for 2021/22 to 2023/24, 31 per cent of children in England, 31 per cent of children in Wales, 23 per cent of children in Scotland, and 24 per cent of children in Northern Ireland were in relative low income after housing costs.

Further statistics on the number of children living in absolute and relative poverty in the UK are published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication, the latest available being: Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2024 - GOV.UK.

This government is committed to tackling child poverty and the Child Poverty Taskforce is developing an ambitious Child Poverty Strategy which we will publish in the autumn. We are considering all available levers as part of our strategy, including social security reforms, to give every child the best start in life. The causes of child poverty are wide-ranging and deep-rooted, and so it is right that the Taskforce carefully considers and assesses the available levers as it develops this Strategy.

In the meantime, we are pressing ahead with action.

As a significant downpayment ahead of strategy publication, we have already taken substantive action across major drivers of child poverty through the Spending Review 2025. The government will provide £410 million per year by 2028-29 to expand Free School Meals eligibility to all pupils in England with a parent receiving Universal Credit. The government will also provide £80 million per year by 2028-29 for early years and post-16 settings to support this expansion. This expansion will lift 100,000 children out of poverty by the end of the parliament. We are also establishing a long-term Crisis and Resilience Fund supported by £1bn a year, including £158 million to the devolved governments, investing in local family support services and extending the £3 bus fare cap.

In August, we confirmed funding of £600m for the Holiday Activities and Food programme for the next three years, ensuring that children and young people in England can continue to benefit from enriching experiences and nutritious meals during the school holidays.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_13

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell:To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to reform Jobcentres to ensure they are better able to support local hiring. \p Baroness Sherlock: We are reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service across Great Britain that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them to progress in work, including through an enhanced focus on skills and careers.

The new service will be for anyone who wants to look for work, wants help to increase their earnings, or who wants help to change their career or re-train. Employment and careers support will be available to all - not just those on benefits - who want support to find or progress in work.

We will ensure the service is responsive to local employers, inclusive for all users, and works in partnership with other local services. It will be a locally tailored and embedded service, designed to meet the different needs of local labour markets, local people and local employers. It will be an active partner with key local stakeholders and providers of services and will be flexible, operating differently in different areas to reflect local systems.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_14

Lord Blunkett:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by the Prime Minister on 16 September (HCWS930), whether they plan to introduce legislation to repeal the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 to reflect the move of Skills England from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: A workforce with world-class skills is central to this Government’s Plan for Change. Skills England is delivering on its vision to create better skills for better jobs, enabling growth and opportunity across the country. This includes supporting the development of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, working with businesses in priority sectors to develop sector packages and publishing its first three reports, which provide robust evidence to help government and partners make informed decisions on skills.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc.) Act 2025 was vital in establishing Skills England and there are no plans to repeal it.

The transfer of responsibilities, including Skills England, from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions will strengthen the Government’s approach to adult employment and training. These departments will continue to work closely together and I will serve as a joint Minister for Skills.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_15

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address the number of those who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness. \p Baroness Sherlock: Long-term sickness continues to be the most common reason for economic inactivity among the working age population. Good work is generally good for health and wellbeing, so we want everyone to get work and get on in work, whoever they are and wherever they live. Backed by £240 million investment, the Get Britain Working White Paper launched last November will drive forward approaches to tackling economic inactivity and work toward the long-term ambition of an 80% employment rate.

Disabled people and people with health conditions are a diverse group so access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time, is key. We therefore have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work, including those that join up employment and health systems.

Measures include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres and Access to Work grants, as well as joining up health and employment support around the individual through Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care and WorkWell.

It is also recognised that employers play an important role in addressing health and disability. To build on this, the DWP and DHSC Joint Work & Health Directorate (JWHD) is facilitating “Keep Britain Working”, an independent review of the role of UK employers in reducing health-related inactivity and to promote healthy and inclusive workplaces. The lead reviewer, Sir Charlie Mayfield, is expected to bring forward recommendations in Autumn 2025. Additionally, the JWHD has developed a digital information service for employers, continues to oversee the Disability Confident Scheme, and continues to increase access to Occupational Health.

In our March Green Paper, we set out our Pathways to Work Guarantee, backed by £1 billion a year of new additional funding by 2030. We will build towards a guaranteed offer of personalised work, health and skills support for all disabled people and those with health conditions on out of work benefits.

The 10 Year Health Plan, published in July, stated our intention to break down barriers to opportunity by delivering the holistic support that people need to access and thrive in employment by ensuring a better health service for everyone, regardless of condition or service area. The Plan sets out the vision for what good joined-up care looks like for people with a combination of health and care needs, including for disabled people. Furthermore, it outlines how the neighbourhood health service will join up support from across the work, health and skills systems to help address the multiple complex challenges that often stop people finding and staying in work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_16

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support expanding employer-led return-to-work schemes for those with mental health conditions. \p Baroness Sherlock: His Majesty’s Government recognises the vital role that employer-led return-to-work schemes play in supporting individuals with mental health conditions to remain in or re-enter the workforce. A range of initiatives and services are in place to help employers create inclusive, supportive environments that facilitate sustainable employment for those experiencing mental ill health.

Occupational Health (OH) services can be effective in supporting return-to-work planning. OH professionals provide tailored assessments and advice to help employers understand the impact of mental health conditions on work capacity and identify appropriate adjustments. This includes phased return plans, workplace modifications, and ongoing support to ensure a safe and productive reintegration into work. OH services also help employers meet their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 by advising on reasonable adjustments.

The Support with Employee Health and Disability digital service, which provides tailored guidance for employers managing health and disability in the workplace, including mental health. The service, which includes guidance on disclosures, having conversations, legal obligations and making reasonable adjustments, is in national live testing and continues to be updated on an iterative basis, including in response to user research.

The Access to Work scheme offers personalised support for individuals with mental health conditions. This includes grants for workplace adaptations, specialist equipment, and tailored mental health support such as one-to-one sessions with professionals and workplace coping strategies. The scheme complements employers’ legal duties by funding support beyond reasonable adjustments, helping individuals stay in or return to work.

Additionally, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance and resources through its Working Minds campaign, which encourages employers to take proactive steps to prevent work-related stress. The campaign promotes a five-step approach—Reach out, Recognise, Respond, Reflect, and make it Routine—to help businesses address the root causes of stress and foster mentally healthy workplaces.

These efforts are part of a broader Government commitment to reduce economic inactivity and improve employment outcomes for people with health conditions. Importantly, the Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, is exploring what more employers and government can do to tackle economic inactivity due to ill-health and disability.

Together, these measures aim to empower employers with the tools and knowledge needed to support employees with mental health conditions, ensuring that more people can get in and get on in work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-27 conversation_17

Lord Blunkett:To ask His Majesty's Government which organisations or charities constitute the collaboration committee relating to the Access to Work programme; and what are the role and remit of that committee, and what changes it has agreed in relation to entitlement to Access to Work. \p Baroness Sherlock: Collaboration Committees bring together groups of disabled people, organisations that advocate for disability rights and other experts for specific work areas, including Access to Work, to collaborate and provide discussion, challenge, and recommendations.

Each committee is between 10-15 people to ensure there is space for everyone to talk. In addition, at least 50% of each committee are individuals with lived experience. Recommendations are still being drafted in conjunction with the Collaboration Committee who are providing insight to inform the design of the support we offer.

No changes have been made to Access to Work policy. Following the close of the Pathways to Work Green Paper consultation at the end of June, we are considering all responses to the consultation and will set out our plans in due course.