1-20 of 2,798 results for house:"House of Lords"
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.498 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.036 seconds
- Search query
- house:"House of Lords"
- We searched for
- legislature_ses:25277
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
More
Primary member
More
Answering member
More
Legislative stage
Legislation
More
Subject
More
Publisher
Tabled by
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the devolved governments regarding monitoring of their public expenditure.
Tabled by
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the devolved governments regarding monitoring of their public expenditure.
My Lords, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for the Treasury’s relationship with the devolved Administrations and last met their Finance Ministers a week ago, on 12 January. The devolved Administrations provide the Treasury with information on their spending every month to support the management of the public finances. It is for the devolved Administrations to allocate their Barnett-based funding across their devolved responsibilities. They are accountable to their respective legislatures for their decisions.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what green initiatives are being undertaken as part of the Dover Inland Border Facility; and how the initiatives will enable Dover District Council to reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what green initiatives are being undertaken as part of the Dover Inland Border Facility; and how the initiatives will enable Dover District Council to reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral.
HMRC’s teams are developing key features as part of the Dover Inland Border Facility (IBF) development to ensure their wider goal of reducing carbon impacts. These include reducing the environmental impact, enhancing the socio-economic standing of the areas and surrounding sites, and working to achieve a Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method – ‘Very Good’ rating.
The inclusion of initiatives incorporated into the site masterplan for the Dover IBF will be delivered through the retention and protection of key ecological features. This includes the formation of a landscape buffer between the operational areas of the proposed development and the local residential area. The colour scheme of the proposed buildings is being designed in accordance with the guidance published by the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the buildings themselves are adaptable for re-use elsewhere if required.
External lighting on the site has been designed to minimise any potential effects in accordance with the appropriate British Standards. In conjunction with these initiatives, the site has been designed to minimise carbon emissions and will include an engine off policy when vehicles are parked. Electric hook up provision will be provided on site to allow goods vehicles with refrigeration units to be powered whilst parked. Electric vehicle charging will also be provided on site. The scheme has been designed to encourage methods of sustainable travel for site staff, including a cycle lane and promoting public transport over car travel.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what the findings were of the Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken as part of the Special Development Order establishing the Dover Inland Border Facility.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what the findings were of the Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken as part of the Special Development Order establishing the Dover Inland Border Facility.
In accordance with the Special Development Order (SDO) Regulations, an Analysis of the Likely Environmental Effects of the Development Report and a Habitat Regulations Assessment Screening Report have been undertaken for the Dover Inland Border Facility (IBF) scheme. The reports have concluded that there are no significant effects on the environment from the proposals.
The inclusion of initiatives incorporated into the site masterplan for the Dover IBF will be delivered through the retention and protection of the key ecological features and further enhancements. In conjunction with these initiatives, the site has been designed to minimise carbon emissions and a carbon assessment will be submitted as part of the SDO.
To ask Her Majesty's Government why they used the mechanism of a Special Development Order to grant temporary planning permission for the Dover Inland Border Facility; why this development has been considered to be a response to a national emergency; and why the responses to previous consultations are not being...
To ask Her Majesty's Government why they used the mechanism of a Special Development Order to grant temporary planning permission for the Dover Inland Border Facility; why this development has been considered to be a response to a national emergency; and why the responses to previous consultations are not being...
Special Development Orders (SDOs) are a long-established part of the planning system, designed for handling planning proposals of national significance. The SDO route has therefore been chosen because it allows permission to be granted in a timely manner whilst also providing effective mechanisms to ensure development is appropriate.
The proposals for a Dover Inland Border Facility have been subject to two rounds of public engagement as well as ongoing informal engagement with local stakeholders. Comments on the previous proposals have been considered and have informed the current proposals. All comments, including those previously received, will be included in any formal submission under the SDO.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of household debt in England.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of household debt in England.
The Government regularly monitors personal debt levels by working closely with the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Government also engages regularly with a range of stakeholders in the debt advice sector on their research and findings.
The FCA conducts a biennial Financial Lives Survey which provides a comprehensive insight into the finances of the UK population. The latest findings from the survey were published in February 2021, which also analysed the impact of the pandemic on people’s finances. The results showed that between March and October 2020, the number of people with low financial resilience increased by 3.5 million, from 10.7 million to 14.2 million.
MaPS monitors financial difficulty through their research, in particular the Debt Need Survey. MaPS will publish the results of their 2021 Debt Need Survey early this calendar year, which will include a regional breakdown of their new Need for Debt Advice measure.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Agnew of Oulton on 21 December 2021 (HL4995), what was the total amount of import tariffs collected on tuna imported from the Maldives in (1) financial year 2020–21, and (2) each of the preceding four years.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Agnew of Oulton on 21 December 2021 (HL4995), what was the total amount of import tariffs collected on tuna imported from the Maldives in (1) financial year 2020–21, and (2) each of the preceding four years.
HMRC does not hold the information requested. Traders pay customs duty and import VAT based on calculated liabilities for goods, either immediately or on a monthly basis via duty deferment accounts. The subsequent revenue collected is not recorded on a product or sector basis, and thus no breakdown by product or country of origin is held.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to increase Universal Credit payments in the event that energy bills increase.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to increase Universal Credit payments in the event that energy bills increase.
The Government recognises the recent increase in wholesale global gas prices will be a cause of concern for consumers, businesses, and energy suppliers across the UK.
There is a wide range of Government support in place to support consumers with their energy costs. The Energy Price Cap has been shielding millions of consumers from the volatility in the wholesale markets, and the Government is supporting low income and fuel poor households with their energy bills in a number of ways, the total value of this support being £2.5 billion a year including:
• The Warm Home Discount, which provides eligible households with a £140 discount.
• Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which help ensure those most vulnerable are better able to heat their homes over the colder months.
There is also support available this winter through the £500m Household Support Fund, which helps those in greatest need with the cost of essentials over the coming months.
The Government has also taken decisive action to support low-income working households on Universal Credit by cutting the taper rate from 63p to 55p and increasing work allowances by £500 a year. These changes are effectively a tax cut for low paid households on Universal Credit worth £2.2 billion in 2022-23 and mean that 1.9 million households will keep on average around an extra £1,000 on an annual basis.
In the long-term, the best way to reduce energy bills for households is to invest in energy efficiency. The Government has allocated over £500 million to Local Authorities this year for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and the Sustainable Warmth programmes. These schemes will help reduce low-income households’ energy use through efficiency improvements, which are estimated to save participants an average of £350-450 per year on their energy bills. At the Spending Review, an additional £1.8bn was confirmed to accelerate these programmes over the next three years.
My Lords, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for the Treasury’s relationship with the devolved Administrations and last met their Finance Ministers a week ago, on 12 January. The devolved Administrations provide the Treasury with information on their spending every month to support the management of the public finances. It is for the devolved Administrations to allocate their Barnett-based funding across their devolved responsibilities. They are accountable to their respective legislatures for their decisions.
My Lords, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for the Treasury’s relationship with the devolved Administrations and last met their Finance Ministers a week ago, on 12 January. The devolved Administrations provide the Treasury with information on their spending every month to support the management of the public finances. It is for the devolved Administrations to allocate their Barnett-based funding across their devolved responsibilities. They are accountable to their respective legislatures for their decisions.
Tabled by
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the devolved governments regarding monitoring of their public expenditure.
My Lords, as I said in my opening Answer, the Scottish Government are accountable to their electorate and to the Treasury here for how they spend their money. They have had a very generous settlement in the SR—an additional £8.7 billion went to the devolved Administrations, of which £4.6 billion per year has gone to Scotland. I encourage the noble Lord to keep his scrutiny up.
My Lords, as I said in my opening Answer, the Scottish Government are accountable to their electorate and to the Treasury here for how they spend their money. They have had a very generous settlement in the SR—an additional £8.7 billion went to the devolved Administrations, of which £4.6 billion per year has gone to Scotland. I encourage the noble Lord to keep his scrutiny up.
My Lords, the Minister is aware, as he says, of the billions of pounds that are transferred to the Scottish Government under what is known as the Barnett consequentials, but does he know where it is spent? The Scottish Government seem remarkably reluctant to tell the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish people how that money is spent. What does he think of the fact that, at the moment, the Scottish Government are starving Scottish local authorities of money, thereby forcing them either to put up council taxes or cut services?
I agree with my noble friend that any wastage in government is extremely distressing, certainly to me. In October of last year, we reached an agreement with the Scottish Government to jointly commission an independent report covering the block grant adjustment arrangements. The independent report will inform a broader review of the Scottish Government’s fiscal framework later this year.
I agree with my noble friend that any wastage in government is extremely distressing, certainly to me. In October of last year, we reached an agreement with the Scottish Government to jointly commission an independent report covering the block grant adjustment arrangements. The independent report will inform a broader review of the Scottish Government’s fiscal framework later this year.
My Lords, does my noble friend realise that there has been a series of major financial scandals in Scotland, such as two ferries for the price of five? There is a whole series of
examples of complete mismanagement of public money, and there seems to be no consequence. Following on from the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Robertson, about the Barnett formula, the Scottish Government have the gall to blame Westminster for cuts in the health service where they fail to spend the Barnett consequentials on health that they have been given. There is no transparency. Surely the Treasury has a responsibility to ensure that transparency is given.
My Lords, in 2005, the then Labour Government agreed to allow the Scottish Government to have international development involvement. To my knowledge, they are involved in three countries—Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia. I can only come back to my earlier point that it is for the Scottish electorate to decide whether that is a good use of public funds.
My Lords, in 2005, the then Labour Government agreed to allow the Scottish Government to have international development involvement. To my knowledge, they are involved in three countries—Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia. I can only come back to my earlier point that it is for the Scottish electorate to decide whether that is a good use of public funds.
My Lords, the Scottish Government have a Minister for consular affairs. Does the Minister believe that this is consistent with the delivery of devolution? Following up on the intervention by the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, would the Scottish Government not better serve the people of Scotland if they concentrated on protecting and delivering public services and developing a strong economy, instead of fiddling in a way that has had a disastrous effect on the economy and job losses?
My Lords, we are certainly keen to see more transparency. At the moment, the Treasury receives monthly reports on expenditure—but I accept that more transparency would be useful.
My Lords, we are certainly keen to see more transparency. At the moment, the Treasury receives monthly reports on expenditure—but I accept that more transparency would be useful.
My Lords, my noble friend mentioned the discussions which are happening and the report that will come later this year. Will it be clear that there will be more transparency on how the money is spent? It is not the money going from here but how the money is spent in Scotland that is so opaque.
My Lords, as someone who is very against the independence movement in Scotland, I would agree. We have also to accept that
an increasing amount of revenue is raised in Scotland for the Scottish Government. For example, from 2017-18 Scottish income tax rates were entirely devolved, and all revenues from Scottish income tax are retained. Likewise, in 2015, stamp duty was devolved to the Scottish Government. So there is a rising percentage that is in their own gift and I can only assume that some of that is being used for what is, in my view, a mistaken approach.
My Lords, as someone who is very against the independence movement in Scotland, I would agree. We have also to accept that
an increasing amount of revenue is raised in Scotland for the Scottish Government. For example, from 2017-18 Scottish income tax rates were entirely devolved, and all revenues from Scottish income tax are retained. Likewise, in 2015, stamp duty was devolved to the Scottish Government. So there is a rising percentage that is in their own gift and I can only assume that some of that is being used for what is, in my view, a mistaken approach.
My Lords, the Scottish Government have a unit committed to making the case—or more correctly, preparing the case—for independence. Does the Minister think that that is a proper expenditure for the people of the United Kingdom to have to bear?
My Lords, I think we all know that the Barnett formula was something of a fudge, put together many years ago. It is an extremely complicated thing to try to unravel. We know that the amount of funding that goes to individual citizens is favourable to the devolved regions, but the formula is not necessarily satisfactory—so I would encourage the noble Lord to keep up his campaign to push for a review.
My Lords, I think we all know that the Barnett formula was something of a fudge, put together many years ago. It is an extremely complicated thing to try to unravel. We know that the amount of funding that goes to individual citizens is favourable to the devolved regions, but the formula is not necessarily satisfactory—so I would encourage the noble Lord to keep up his campaign to push for a review.
My Lords, perhaps I might take a moment to remind the House that, as well as Scotland, Wales has a devolved Government. I believe transparency there is of an order of which we could all be proud. I want to pick up on a point made yesterday by the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, during a Question about the Barnett formula. In his opinion—and in the opinion of many of us—it needs to be looked at in a radically new way for a new age. The Answer from the Dispatch Box yesterday was, quite simply, that there was no prospect of such a review. Is the Minister today, who is refreshingly different from the Minister yesterday, of the same mind?
I think the noble Baroness makes a very good point. I will suggest to the relevant Ministers that the work on the fiscal framework, announced in October, includes a review of the points raised.
I think the noble Baroness makes a very good point. I will suggest to the relevant Ministers that the work on the fiscal framework, announced in October, includes a review of the points raised.
My Lords, given the Minister’s dislike of waste in government, could he comment on the article earlier this month by the Comptroller of the National Audit Office, Gareth Davies? He criticised the lack of any formal process for evaluating both the efficiency and delivery of cross-government projects. He said that there was very little information on
“what difference is made by the billions”
spent by government. What does the Minister think of that?
The noble Lord raises a very good point. I believe that I will be coming back on Monday to deal with an Urgent Question on this specific subject. I would remind noble Lords that these schemes were stood up at an incredibly fast pace to protect the productive capacity of this country. Yes, the fraud losses are extremely frustrating but, if we had not got that money to the business community as quickly as we did, we would have seen a lot more damage to our economy.
The noble Lord raises a very good point. I believe that I will be coming back on Monday to deal with an Urgent Question on this specific subject. I would remind noble Lords that these schemes were stood up at an incredibly fast pace to protect the productive capacity of this country. Yes, the fraud losses are extremely frustrating but, if we had not got that money to the business community as quickly as we did, we would have seen a lot more damage to our economy.
My Lords, building on that point, is not the problem that the UK Government are in no position to lecture others—whether it is the National Audit Office, influential think tanks or others? We regularly hear of cases where Ministers have exercised poor judgment when spending public funds. The most recent example was the quiet announcement that the Treasury does not intend to chase down an estimated £4.3 billion fraudulently claimed from coronavirus support schemes. Why did the Government not listen to Labour’s warning about potential fraud earlier in
the pandemic, and why will family units have to pay the price for the actions of fraudsters through upcoming tax increases?
My noble and learned friend is right that we need to remind Scottish citizens that a great deal of the funding that goes into Scotland comes from here. We now have a Minister for the Union, Michael Gove, and his job is to keep reminding all the devolved Administrations that we are one union. A very senior civil servant, Sue Gray—of whom some of you may have heard—is the Permanent Secretary for the Union, and we are encouraging engagement at, for example, local authority level on a much more frequent basis.
My noble and learned friend is right that we need to remind Scottish citizens that a great deal of the funding that goes into Scotland comes from here. We now have a Minister for the Union, Michael Gove, and his job is to keep reminding all the devolved Administrations that we are one union. A very senior civil servant, Sue Gray—of whom some of you may have heard—is the Permanent Secretary for the Union, and we are encouraging engagement at, for example, local authority level on a much more frequent basis.
My Lords, to what extent do the UK Government make clear in the publicity in the devolved Administrations the amounts of money that come from the UK Government to those Administrations?
I thank the noble Lord for his support. Homelessness is one of society’s most complicated problems and we are very committed to trying to minimise it.
I thank the noble Lord for his support. Homelessness is one of society’s most complicated problems and we are very committed to trying to minimise it.
My Lords, we are talking about the spending of government money, and I congratulate the Government on the fact that, on 26 December 2021, although it did not get a lot of press, they decided to spend £360 million—for which I and others had been asking—on homeless prevention grants, so that people were not put out because they had lost their job due to Covid-19.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in each of the last six years, how many Skilled Persons Reports the Financial Conduct Authority has commissioned where the issue of representative annual percentage rates (APRs), including the formulation or deployment of representative APR in the market, has been the “matter concerned”.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in each of the last six years, how many Skilled Persons Reports the Financial Conduct Authority has commissioned where the issue of representative annual percentage rates (APRs), including the formulation or deployment of representative APR in the market, has been the “matter concerned”.
This question has been passed on to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA will reply directly to the noble Lord by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in each of the last six years, (1) how many times the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has asked a firm to outline how it calculates its annual percentage rates (APRs) except at the point of granting of authorisation; (2) where the FCA has discovered representative...
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in each of the last six years, (1) how many times the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has asked a firm to outline how it calculates its annual percentage rates (APRs) except at the point of granting of authorisation; (2) where the FCA has discovered representative...
This question has been passed on to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA will reply directly to the noble Lord by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.