theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_1

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has made an assessment of the impact of the removal of the additional Limited Capability for Work payment in 2017 on the likelihood of claimants applying for the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity payment. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_2

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of occupational therapy-led vocational rehabilitation services in helping people to remain in work. \p Alison McGovern: Evidence shows that expert support such as Occupational Health services (including vocational rehabilitation services) can be a critical component in helping individuals remain in and return to work, reducing unnecessary sickness absence, increasing productivity and enabling individuals to live better for longer. This Government set out our plans to tackle economic inactivity driven by ill health and increase participation in the labour market in the Get Britain Working White Paper last year. These included an independent review which is considering how to support and enable employers to recruit and retain more people with a health condition or disability, promote healthy workplaces and support more people to stay in or return to work from periods of sickness absence.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_3

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Health and Safety Executive Inspections of farms employing workers on the Seasonal Worker visa were conducted in each of the last five years in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, this includes workplace health and safety risks created in agriculture.

The table below shows the total number of farm inspections carried out by HSE over the last 5 years in Scotland, England and Wales. HSE’s farm inspection programme over those years focused on health and safety standards on site for all workers. No farm inspection programmes over the last 5 years were focused exclusively on one group of farm workers such as seasonal workers. If during a farm site visit, matters directly affecting a specific group or number of workers on a particular site were identified by the inspector, they would be dealt with accordingly.

Please see the figures for farm inspections conducted in each of the last five years in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales:

:

Number of Farm Inspections*

YEAR**

Scotland

England

Wales

Total

2019/20

143

534

18

695

2020/21

34

174

4

212

2021/22

70

263

59

392

2022/23

105

627

51

783

2023/24

22

424

34

480

2024/25

7

62

7

76

*defined by the Nature of business: Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes

** years commencing 1st April
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_4

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Powers for landlords to collect rent from benefit payments to be re-examined, published on 25 January 2025, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ending landlord deductions on (a) landlords' rent arrears, (b) evictions and (c) the supply of property in that part of the private rented sector. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No assessment has been made as there are no plans to end landlord deductions from benefit payments.

The Press release was in relation to the Nathan Roberts judgement, and the Department is considering the actions required carefully with regards to implementing it.

A key point is that payment of ongoing rent and deductions for rent arrears to landlords were not deemed as unlawful, and the judgement was around operational delivery. In the customer’s personal circumstances, it is worth pointing out that whenever a decision is made to apply a deduction to a Universal Credit (UC) award, in respect of rent arrears, UC customers have always had the opportunity to seek a review of the decision by requesting a mandatory reconsideration (MR). If the MR results in the decision remaining unchanged, the UC customer has the right to appeal the decision via the Courts and Tribunal Service.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_5

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of lowering the Housing Benefit taper rate and increasing the applicable amount for young people in supported housing to reduce barriers to employment. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department acknowledges there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those residing in Supported and Temporary Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit. The department is considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.

Maintaining Housing Benefit for customers in this type of housing has meant that they are not subject to the same restrictions that apply in general needs housing. We have taken this approach in recognition of the higher costs that can be associated with these types of housing.

Currently, a broad spectrum of customers receive their rent support through Housing Benefit. This includes pensioners, those resident in Supported or Temporary Accommodation as well as those customers who have not yet migrated to Universal Credit. Any amendment to the Housing Benefit taper rate would apply to all these groups.

Therefore, there are no plans to align the Housing Benefit taper with that of Universal Credit. The two benefits have different earnings rules, however, both include tapers that ensure that all customers are better off working than wholly reliant on benefits.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_6

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of Universal Credit provisions for single parent families. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Child Poverty Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change. The Strategy will look at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, including considering social security reforms, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years.

Benefit rates are reviewed each year, increasing by 6.7% in April 2024 and by a further 1.7% from April 2025, in line with inflation. We have recently announced a Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions will be introduced from April 2025, helping approximately 1.2 million households benefit by an average of £420 a year.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_7

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the potential impact of increasing employment among young people in supported accommodation through benefit reform on costs to the Exchequer. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We acknowledge there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those residing in Supported Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit.

We recognise that there is potential for savings to the Exchequer from young people in supported accommodation increasing their earnings. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.

We are considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_8

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the gender breakdown is for Universal Credit claimants who are single parents. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_9

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to reinstate the Independent Living Fund to provide additional support to young people in supported accommodation. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There are currently no plans to replace the Independent Living Fund.

DWP provides support with rent and other living costs to those who are eligible and living in supported accommodation through Housing Benefit and Universal Credit. In 2023/24, DWP spent £32 billion on housing support.

Individuals, including young people with low income living in supported accommodation, may be eligible for housing costs to be paid by Housing Benefit if they meet legislative criteria. Housing Benefit may cover all or part of the rent and any eligible service charges, and in most cases, the full rent is paid.

The Department acknowledges there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those residing in Supported Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit. The department is considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_10

Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of national economic policies on addressing the root causes of child poverty. \p Alison McGovern: Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this Government, and the Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change. The causes of child poverty are deep-rooted and complex, and the Taskforce is exploring all available levers to drive forward short and long-term actions across government to reduce child poverty.

The Strategy will look at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across government and work underway in Devolved Governments.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_11

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the introduction of Universal Credit on the ease of applying for (a) the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element and (b) other incapacity benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We are always looking to make improvements to the service we provide to customers, including how they apply for benefits

As a modern digital service Universal Credit is iterated all the time. It is developed taking into consideration the users of the service. Before and after any changes are made Universal Credit undertakes user research with claimants, including those with health conditions, to gain feedback on their experience and suggestions for improvements.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_12

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many women have been granted an exemption to the two-child limit as a result of non-consensual conception since April 2017. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The requested information is provided in the table below and shows in April of each year from 2017 to 2024, the number of households with a non-consensual conception exception to the two-child policy, who were women (if single claimants) or couples in which at least one claimant was a woman.

Single UC Households, with a non-consensual conception exception

Couple UC households, with a non-consensual conception exception

Apr-17

0

0

Apr-18

10

-

Apr-19

140

10

Apr-20

560

40

Apr-21

1,000

70

Apr-22

1,500

110

Apr-23

2,100

130

Apr-24

2,400

170

Notes:
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_13

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to increase support for (a) Citizens Advice and (b) other charitable organisations in (i) Norfolk and (ii) England. \p Sir Stephen Timms: DWPs funding will be confirmed once the outcome of the Spending Review is known.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_14

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to help reduce occupational exposure to (a) ultrafine particles and (b) toxic emissions for (i) baggage handlers, (ii) ground staff (iii) and freight workers at Heathrow airport. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The UK has a robust and well-established occupational safety and health regulatory framework in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) (as amended) Regulations 2002, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), require employers in GB to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances including chemicals. Under COSHH, employers have a duty to assess the risk and ensure that the exposure of their employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.

HSE has not visited Heathrow Airport to look at this issue specifically. HSE expect all employers to ensure they follow the requirements of COSHH and act accordingly to meet their statutory duties.

The Department for Transport (DfT) seeks to minimise the impact of aviation on people’s health and wellbeing, including those who work at airports, in the context of other government priorities. It is in regular contact on issues of air quality with other government departments and their agencies, including the Department of Health and Social Care.

While there are currently no legal limits for ultra fine particulate concentrations, air quality at Heathrow Airport is closely monitored and is reported in its Sustainability Reports. Emissions from aircraft are strictly regulated by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). ICAO sets global standards to limit emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulates and some other air pollutants from aircraft engines.

The UK has played a leading role in developing these standards and supports the aviation industry's actions to cut airport-related emissions. This includes operating aircraft more efficiently, introducing new lower emission technologies and practices, reducing vehicle emissions within the airport boundary, and improving public transport links to airports.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_15

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to align with recent changes to EU classification, labelling and packaging regulations requiring regular and timely updates on non-animal science. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The United Kingdom (UK) is no longer required to implement changes to European Union (EU) legislation automatically following our withdrawal from the EU. This includes Regulation (EU) 2024/2865 of 23 October 2024, which amends the EU Classification Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (CLP) Regulation. The assimilated Great Britain (GB) CLP Regulation aims to ensure the effective identification and communication of chemical hazards and the safe and secure packaging of chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment. The EU legislation will apply in Northern Ireland under the terms of the Windsor Framework.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which leads on CLP issues in the UK, is currently examining the scientific and technical basis and the wider policy context and it will advise the Government on whether any of these amendments have any merits that could be incorporated into the GB CLP regulations.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_16

Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to review the inclusion of military compensation as income in the means-testing criteria for benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 5 December 2024 to question UIN 16635.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_17

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has considered reviewing Universal Credit childcare rules to provide more support to home-educating families using registered educational settings. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No such assessment has been made.

Childcare cost claims should be relevant to the hours a customer is undertaking paid work, but allowances are made for reasonable travelling time. For school-age children, eligible childcare costs should be outside of school hours.

Childcare support in Universal Credit is paid in respect of payments to registered childcare providers. This generally means the childcare provider is registered with OFSTED (or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), a child-minder that is registered with a Child-Minding Agency (CMA) or by a domiciliary care provider registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Childcare provided under the direction of the proprietor of a school, on school premises, out of school hours are also eligible.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_18

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of ending the two-child benefits limit on levels of family incomes. \p Alison McGovern: Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this Government, and the Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change.

The Strategy will look at all available levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, including considering social security reforms, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across Government and work underway in Devolved Governments.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_19

Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average Personal Independence Payment was in the 2023-24 financial year, broken down by (a) total, (b) daily living part and (c) mobility part. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The average weekly Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award for the 2023-24 financial year can be found in the table below.

Average Weekly PIP Award

(a) Total

(b) Daily Living Component

(c) Mobility Component

£126

£83

£44

Source: PIP Administrative Data

Notes:
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_20

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Worker Support Centre's Annual Report 2024, published on 14 February 2025, whether the Health and Safety Executive has plans to commission a review into (a) the use of personal protective equipment and (b) repeated injuries on farms employing seasonal workers. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, this includes workplace health and safety risks created in agriculture.

HSE can confirm that the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 were amended in 2022 to bring all workers into scope. The above regulations will be subject to a post implementation review (PIR) in 2027. These regulations already require that suitable personal protective equipment is provided, at no cost, to the worker and that workers are trained in its use. Therefore, HSE is of the view that the regulations are currently fit for purpose and have no plans to review them before the planned PIR. Farms have a legal duty to ensure that they provide appropriate PPE to all workers, including seasonal workers, and that those workers also use the PPE provided.

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, dutyholders such as farmers have a legal duty to report certain work-related injuries to HSE. Where required, HSE can and does investigate individual reports of work-related incidents across all industries, including farming. In addition, HSE also monitors the accident data that it receives under the above regulations, and tailors its subsequent engagement with the industry in the best, most efficient way to drive improvement in onsite health and safety standards. HSE has no plans to commission a specific review of injuries on farms employing seasonal workers.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_21

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people claiming benefits under special rules with a form SR1 have been claiming for (a) more than 12 months and (b) less than 12 months. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department supports people nearing the end of life through special benefit rules – called the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). These enable people who are nearing the end of their lives to get faster, easier access to certain benefits, without needing to attend a medical assessment, serve waiting periods and in most cases, receive the highest rate of benefit.

SREL applies to these benefits Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit (UC), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Disability Living Allowance for children (DLAc) and Attendance Allowance (AA).

The department holds some data on special rules for end of life (SREL) claims for PIP and UC based on receipt of the medical evidence form, the SR1, but does not centrally collate equivalent data on SREL claims for AA, DLA and ESA, so we cannot provide the total number of SREL claimants. We have therefore provided data for UC and PIP only below.

Benefit*

Claim duration less than 12 months

Claim duration of 12 months or more.

Total

PIP

16,900

15,400

32,300

UC

5,900

4,800

10,700

*All figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

The PIP data covers England and Wales and is from October 2024. The UC data covers Great Britain and is from September 2024.

The numbers above count the number of claims for each benefit, not the number of individuals. Some individuals may be counted more than once, as they may be in receipt of both benefits.

It is possible, although rare, to make a SREL claim without a SR1 form, so these data do not necessarily present the full picture in terms of total numbers of SREL claims.

‘DLA: Cases in Payment - Data from May 2018’ and ‘AA: Cases in Payment - Data from May 2018’ data is available on Stat-Xplore by ‘Main Disabling Condition’, this includes ‘Terminally Ill’ claims. This data is available by ‘Duration of Current Claim’. ESA - Data from May 2018 is available on Stat-Xplore by ‘Medical condition’ which includes ‘Neoplasms’. This data is available by ‘Duration of Current Claim’. A claimant’s main disabling condition being ‘Terminally Ill’ does not necessarily mean they are classed as an SREL claimant. Users can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest user and, if needed, can access guidance on how to extract the information required.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_22
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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of people claiming (a) disability and (b) incapacity benefits with a mental health condition are eligible for those benefits due solely to a mental health condition. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_23

Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the impact of existing social security policies on children in poverty in (a) Stockport and (b) Greater Manchester. \p Alison McGovern: Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this Government, and the Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change.

The Strategy will look at all available levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, including considering social security reforms, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across Government and work underway in Devolved Governments.

The numbers of children living in low income families before housing costs by local areas are published annually in the Children in Low Income Families Publication, available here: Children in low income families: local area statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

In 2022/23, 9,973 children aged under 16 (17.6% of all children aged under 16) were in relative poverty before housing costs (BHC) in Stockport.

In 2022/23, 179,814 children aged under 16 (30.4% of all children aged under 16) were in relative poverty before housing costs (BHC) in Greater Manchester.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_24

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to paragraph 3.26 of the Autumn Statement 2023, CP 977, what progress her Department has made on rolling out mandatory work placements for Universal Credit claimants who were unable to find employment at the end of the Restart programme. \p Alison McGovern: Decisions about the future direction of the work, health and skills agenda will be set out at the multi-year spending review in 2025, building on the ambitions set out in the Get Britain Working white paper.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_25

Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2025 to Question 30791 on Employment: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid, whether the proposed reforms will (a) ensure appropriate assessment of the work capability of individuals with fluctuating conditions and (b) provide adequate support for people with ME who are unable to work due to their illness. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Government believes there is a strong case to change the system of health and disability benefits across Great Britain so that it better enables people to enter and remain in work and to respond to the complex and fluctuating nature of the health conditions many people live with today. The system must also work to support disabled people and those with health to live independently.

We are therefore working to develop proposals for health and disability reform and will set them out in a Green Paper ahead of the Spring Statement. This will launch a consultation on the proposals, with a conclusion to be set out in a white paper later this year.

This Government is committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people at the heart of all that we do, so we will consult on these proposals, where appropriate, with disabled people and representative organisations.

Ahead of the formal consultation for the Green Paper, we have already started to explore ways of engaging with disabled people and their representatives, including through stakeholder roundtables and public visits. We look forward to progressing these initiatives over the coming months.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_26

Sarah Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the welfare system in supporting families with disabled children. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Families with disabled children get an extra amount of Universal Credit of up to £487.58 per month, no matter how many children they have. This increased in line with inflation. If they are receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, they are also exempt from the benefit cap.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_27

Mr Will Forster:What steps she is taking to improve her Department's customer service. \p Andrew Western: We are modernising our services, enabling customers to self-serve online, while retaining non-digital channels for those that need them, avoiding digital inclusion and ensuring everyone gets the level of support they need.

For example, we are starting to use conversational platform in some service lines, which provides an automated conversational experience and reduces avoidable contact by signposting customers to more appropriate routeways.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_28

Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to ensure young people aged under 25 and live independently receive the same amount of Universal Credit as those aged over 25. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There are currently no plans to pay the higher rate of Universal Credit to those aged under 25.  The lower rate of Universal Credit for those aged under 25 reflects the fact that the majority of young people live in someone else’s household and are therefore likely to have lower living costs.

Younger workers also typically earn less as they are earlier in their careers, with the lower rate maintaining the incentive for younger people to find and progress in work.

Support is available to help those who live independently or have additional living costs. Depending on their circumstances, they may also be eligible for additional Universal Credit elements, including for housing, children, and disability.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_29

Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average household income is of people who receive the Personal Independence Payment in (a) Wales and (b) the UK. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The average household income of families in receipt of Personal Independence Payment in the UK and in Wales is shown in the table below:

Weighted mean of household total, gross weekly income from all sources (2022-23)

Household in Receipt of PIP Daily Living Only

Household in Receipt of PIP Mobility Only

Household in Receipt of PIP Daily Living and Mobility

UK

£639

£810

£753

Wales

£488

£314

£735

This data is available publicly on the Stat Xplore website (https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/) under the Family Resources Survey folder, in the Household dataset (2022-23).

Please note:

- Average household income is estimated based on sample data from the Family Resources Survey (FRS).

- The data uses grossing factors based on 2011 Census data, so caution should be exercised when making comparisons with published reports and tables prior to 2012-13.

- Relative to administrative records, the FRS is known to under-report State Support and benefit receipt. Please refer to the M6A and M6B tables in the FRS Methodology and Standard Error data tables.

- In 2022-23, income from Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, Disability Cost of Living Payment, low-income benefits and tax credits Cost of Living Payment, Council Tax energy rebate, Energy Bills Support Scheme, Warm Home Discount and Welsh Fuel Support Scheme is included.

- From 2021-22 income from directors’ dividends has been included in this data.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_30

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to give other Front Line Commands financial freedoms of a similar nature to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. \p Luke Pollard: As part of Defence Reform, we will review the financial structures of the Department to strip out bureaucracy to cut costs and drive faster delivery, while increasing accountability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_31

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) men, (b) women, (c) male children and (d) female children have come to the UK via the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy since 1 April 2021. \p Luke Pollard: The Home Office publishes data on the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) – the cross-Government delivery pipeline for all Afghan resettlement schemes - in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on resettled arrivals is published in table Asy_D02 of the ‘Asylum and resettlement detailed datasets’, with breakdowns by resettlement scheme, sex and age. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data relates to December 2024.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_32

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on European security of a drawdown of US Air Force in Europe – United Kingdom (USAFE-UK) forces; and what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of such a drawdown for local economies in areas surrounding USAFE-UK bases. \p Luke Pollard: Decisions on the deployment of US forces are for the US Administration. We welcome the continued presence of United States forces in the UK, their engagement with the local communities in which they are based and the role they play in contributing to European defence, security and deterrence.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_33

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the answer of 11 November 2024 to the urgent question on Defence: 2.5% GDP Spending Commitment, Official Report, column 508, what the outcome was of the NATO test he conducted. \p Luke Pollard: We conducted a NATO Test in the first 100 days of this Government and was completed in October 2024. The Honourable Gentleman will understand that detail is classified, but it offered a clear assessment of how well the UK currently meets NATO’s ask on defence as inherited by this Government, following the General Election. The outcomes were fed into the Strategic Defence Review which will ensure that we have a NATO-first policy at the heart of Britain’s defence plans for the future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_34

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average monthly flying hours are for each F-35 by airframe since they entered full operational capability. \p Luke Pollard: Average monthly flying hours of individual airframes is not a metric that is collated and as the information is not held in this format it could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The metric that is collated is the total airframe hours since delivery for which I refer the hon. Member to the Answer to Question 34922 on 6 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_35

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to introduce higher minimum standards for energy efficiency for Service Family Accommodation by 2029. \p Al Carns: Work on a new Military Housing Strategy has begun, with plans for publication in Summer 2025. This will set out the Ministry of Defence’s intent for energy efficiency in Service Family Accommodation.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_36

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his target date is for the launch of the Home Hub portal. \p Al Carns: Work on a new Military Housing Strategy has begun, with plans for publication in Summer 2025.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Year three Review of the Future Defence Infrastructure Service Accommodation Contracts has started and is on target to complete by Summer 2025.

The target date for the launch of the Defence Homes Website is Spring 2025.

The Home Hub Portal will be launched this Spring to a closed user group of 200/300 families.

The launch date of a Home Hub Portal with Full Operating Capability to all families will follow at the end of the year, once actions following the closed user group testing have been completed.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_37

Adam Thompson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans and People will meet with (a) survivors, (b) relatives and (c) friends of people affected by the sinking of RMS Lancastria during the Second World War to discuss recognition of this matter. \p Al Carns: The sinking of the HMT Lancastria remains the United Kingdom's worst maritime disaster. Although it occurred almost 85 years ago, the loss of several thousand servicemen and civilians, and the fortitude of those who were saved that day, must never be forgotten.

A number of memorials commemorate the sinking, and loss of life, most notably in England at the National Memorial Arboretum, at St Nazaire in France, and at the former Dalmuir shipyard at Clydebank, Scotland. The HMT Lancastria Association also has its own memorial in the Church of St. Katherine Cree in the City of London, which is the site of an annual memorial ceremony.

Unfortunately, it is impractical to commemorate the anniversaries of all wartime tragedies with a bespoke Government-led event and thus I have no plans to discuss further recognition.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_38

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF pilots have (a) retired or (b) left the profession for other reasons in each of the last ten years. \p Al Carns: The outflow of Regular Royal Air Force Pilots by Training Indicator and Exit Reason by Calendar Years 2015 to 2019 can be found in the table below:

Trained

Untrained

Calendar Year

End of Engagement

All Other Outflow

All Other Outflow

2015

60

92

~

2016

49

84

~

2017

41

81

~

2018

54

57

~

2019

63

61

6

Please note the following:

The outflow for Calendar Years 2020 to 2024 has been withheld as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.

This withholding of data for later years reflects the continual review of information suitable for release and considers a variety of factors including the current threat and risk factors.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_39

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of their Department's officials have been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024. \p Al Carns: No staff have been seconded from the Institute for Economic Affairs, the Policy Exchange, the Adam Smith Institute nor Labour Together into the Ministry of Defence or its Executive Agencies since July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_40

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2025 to Question 36131 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, if the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry will meet with the hon. Member for Angus and Perthshire Glens to discuss that answer. \p Maria Eagle: I would be happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss that answer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_41

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on the use of the Expenditure Period Support System. \p Maria Eagle: In year controls are used across the Department to manage its performance against the Defence budget as part of good financial management. This ensures we continue to spend on our priorities and secure value for money for taxpayers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_42

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for the next Army Messing Survey. \p Maria Eagle: The Army Messing Survey 2021 document was developed for an internal audience and there are no current plans to publish the results. The Department incorporated the feedback of this survey into the Army Exploring the Appetites of Today Soldiers (EATS) proposition, trialled across a series of 14-18 month pilots. The results of the pilots led to a final report published in 2023 and informed the development of the Defence Catering Strategy (DCS) - the implementation of which began in May in early 2024.

There are no plans for another wholesale review in the near term and, as referred to in my answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 35639, the DCS provides personnel with the opportunity to provide regular feedback through a wide variety of existing means so that we can continually improve food quality across Defence.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_43

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ajax armoured vehicles the Army will have taken delivery of by 31 December 2025. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 438 dated 22 July 2024.

The Armoured Cavalry Programme (Ajax) is projecting the delivery of over 180 operationally deployable platforms by the end of 2025.

Ajax Vehicles: Procurement (docx, 15.6KB)
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_44

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to announce the next stages of the Type 83 Destroyer programme. \p Maria Eagle: The next stage of the Type 83 Destroyer programme, which is one element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, will be announced following the completion of the Strategic Defence Review.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_45

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last held discussions with the (a) Scottish Government and (b) (i) further and (ii) higher education sector in Scotland to encourage the effective supply of skills for the defence industrial sector from Scotland. \p Maria Eagle: This Government recognises the critical importance of attracting new entrants into the defence sector in order to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to sustain a vibrant, innovative and competitive defence industrial base. While discussions with the Scottish Government and education establishments in Scotland have not been held by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Ministry of Defence welcomes engagement and consultation with stakeholders across the United Kingdom to ensure our defence sector has the right people and skills to meet the challenges of the future.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_46

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what bases in the UK will have capability to hold Dreadnought class submarines for (a) repairs and (b) maintenance by 2035. \p Maria Eagle: There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards.

For operational security reasons further details cannot be released as to do so could be used to undermine the security and capability of our Armed Forces.
wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-17 conversation_47

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 34636 on HMS Northumberland: Decommissioning, what the target date is for the delivery of the fleet solid support ships. \p Maria Eagle: Each of the Ships Programmes are progressing.

All of the Type 26 Ships are expected to enter service between 2028 and 2035. The five Type 31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and the three Fleet Solid Support Ships by 2032.

The Multi-Role Strike Ship programme continues to progress through the Concept Phase. The Outline Business Case is due for submission mid-2025 which will detail the schedule for future contract award milestones.