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To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of establishing an independent commission to set the rates of allowances for local councillors in England.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of establishing an independent commission to set the rates of allowances for local councillors in England.
Local authorities are responsible for their own scheme of allowances. Each local authority must have an Independent Remuneration Panel to make recommendations about allowance levels and the decisions are rightly made locally. This ensures that allowances are reasonable, proportionate and reflect local circumstances. We think decisions should remain at the local level.
I am making this statement to provide an update on the Coastguard Rescue Service. I would like to begin by recognising the extraordinary contribution made by Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) across the United Kingdom. For generations, HM Coastguard’s coastal response has depended on people from local communities who choose to...
I am making this statement to provide an update on the Coastguard Rescue Service. I would like to begin by recognising the extraordinary contribution made by Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) across the United Kingdom. For generations, HM Coastguard’s coastal response has depended on people from local communities who choose to...
My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Keir Mather), has made the following Ministerial Statement.
I am making this statement to provide an update on the Coastguard Rescue Service. I would like to begin by recognising the extraordinary contribution made by Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) across the United Kingdom....
My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Keir Mather), has made the following Ministerial Statement.
I am making this statement to provide an update on the Coastguard Rescue Service. I would like to begin by recognising the extraordinary contribution made by Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) across the United Kingdom....
The twelfth report of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The Body considered the pay and allowances for police officers in the federated and superintending ranks in England and Wales. The supplement to the forty-eighth annual report of the Senior Salaries Review...
The twelfth report of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The Body considered the pay and allowances for police officers in the federated and superintending ranks in England and Wales. The supplement to the forty-eighth annual report of the Senior Salaries Review...
The twelfth report of the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The NCARRB report advises the Government on the pay and allowances for National Crime Agency (NCA) officers with operational powers and to consider the whole NCA workforce.
I would like...
The twelfth report of the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The NCARRB report advises the Government on the pay and allowances for National Crime Agency (NCA) officers with operational powers and to consider the whole NCA workforce.
I would like...
My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
The twelfth report of the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The NCARRB report advises the Government on the pay...
My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
The twelfth report of the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The NCARRB report advises the Government on the pay...
My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
The twelfth report of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The Body considered the pay and allowances for police officers in...
My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
The twelfth report of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) is being laid before Parliament and published today. The Body considered the pay and allowances for police officers in...
Motion, That this House has considered expenses rates for employees travelling outside the UK. Agreed to on question.
Motion, That this House has considered expenses rates for employees travelling outside the UK. Agreed to on question.
I beg to move,
That this House has considered expenses rates for employees travelling outside the UK.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I am calling on the Government to ensure that serious consideration is given to reassessing the scale rates for expenses and subsistence paid to...
I beg to move,
That this House has considered expenses rates for employees travelling outside the UK.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I am calling on the Government to ensure that serious consideration is given to reassessing the scale rates for expenses and subsistence paid to...
I represent Horsham, an adjacent constituency, and very much experience the same problems, so the issue is not rare. I have many cabin crew in my area who say the same thing. One of the people affected is trying to get leave to remain, but the visa application is made...
I represent Horsham, an adjacent constituency, and very much experience the same problems, so the issue is not rare. I have many cabin crew in my area who say the same thing. One of the people affected is trying to get leave to remain, but the visa application is made...
I take that fully on board. I am delighted that the hon. Member is here for this debate.
There are cities in Europe where the situation is even more pronounced than in Amsterdam. In Budapest, the total residual rate set in 2013 and unchanged since 2014 has been eaten away by...
I take that fully on board. I am delighted that the hon. Member is here for this debate.
There are cities in Europe where the situation is even more pronounced than in Amsterdam. In Budapest, the total residual rate set in 2013 and unchanged since 2014 has been eaten away by...
It is a pleasure to speak in this debate with you in the Chair, Sir Christopher. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Peter Lamb) for raising this important issue today and for the work that he and neighbouring MPs, on a cross-party basis, have been doing to...
It is a pleasure to speak in this debate with you in the Chair, Sir Christopher. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Peter Lamb) for raising this important issue today and for the work that he and neighbouring MPs, on a cross-party basis, have been doing to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of jury service loss-of-earnings allowances in meeting the cost of living of jurors.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of jury service loss-of-earnings allowances in meeting the cost of living of jurors.
Jury service is an important civic duty, and the Government is committed to ensuring jurors feel supported throughout their service. All support for jurors is kept under review to ensure that it remains appropriate and accessible. Where jury service is likely to result in financial hardship, the jury summoning process provides for applications for deferral or excusal from service.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much Jonathan Powell has claimed on expenses since he was appointed a special adviser; and whether any expense claims have been submitted but not approved.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much Jonathan Powell has claimed on expenses since he was appointed a special adviser; and whether any expense claims have been submitted but not approved.
The National Security Adviser claims expenses in the usual way, in line with Cabinet Office policies.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will consider counting a married couple as a single family unit and transfer the personal allowances of an unpaid parent to the working parent.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will consider counting a married couple as a single family unit and transfer the personal allowances of an unpaid parent to the working parent.
Marriage Allowance allows a spouse or civil partner to transfer ten per cent of their income tax personal allowance, as long as the partner is not paying tax at higher rates.
In 2026-27, the Marriage Allowance is worth up to £252.
There are no current plans to change the rules on Marriage Allowance. As with all taxes, the Government keeps Marriage Allowance under review.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Ministerial Envoys were consulted over the mayoral and councillor allowance increases in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Ministerial Envoys were consulted over the mayoral and councillor allowance increases in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The detail of day-to-day discussions between ministerial appointees and their local authority is not routinely reported to ministers, and I am not in a position to comment on those conversations.
The Envoys are continuing to work comprehensively within the Council, acting as advisers, mentors and monitors to oversee the Council’s improvement journey and ensure compliance with its Best Value Duty.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 27 April 2026 to Question 125694 on Proof of Identity: Digital Technology, if he will publish the letter sent to selected households inviting them to attend; whether any types of person are not permitted to participate;...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 27 April 2026 to Question 125694 on Proof of Identity: Digital Technology, if he will publish the letter sent to selected households inviting them to attend; whether any types of person are not permitted to participate;...
All members of the public over 18 were eligible to participate in the People’s Panel, with the exception of:
- Elected representatives
- Paid employees of any political party
- Members of the House of Commons, MPs, their staff, or their spouses and any immediate relatives
- Journalists, or those working for media organisations
This follows industry standards to ensure that participants are able to have open and free discussions.
For information on involvement payment and expenses, I refer to my response in PQ 4156.
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
I am today announcing the Government’s decision to accept in full the 2026 Pay Award recommendations for Armed Forces remuneration made by the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB).
Armed Forces...
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
I am today announcing the Government’s decision to accept in full the 2026 Pay Award recommendations for Armed Forces remuneration made by the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB).
Armed Forces...
I am today announcing the Government’s decision to accept in full the 2026 Pay Award recommendations for Armed Forces remuneration made by the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB).
Armed Forces personnel will receive their third consecutive above-inflation pay rise of 3.6%, demonstrating the government’s commitment to renewing the nation’s...
I am today announcing the Government’s decision to accept in full the 2026 Pay Award recommendations for Armed Forces remuneration made by the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB).
Armed Forces personnel will receive their third consecutive above-inflation pay rise of 3.6%, demonstrating the government’s commitment to renewing the nation’s...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the panel of experts supporting the report by David Ormerod into the function and purpose of criminal courts for child defendants will be (a) paid a salary and (b) compensated for expenses.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the panel of experts supporting the report by David Ormerod into the function and purpose of criminal courts for child defendants will be (a) paid a salary and (b) compensated for expenses.
David Ormerod was appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice as an Expert Advisor on the future of criminal courts for children via the Direct Ministerial Appointments process. As set out in the published Terms of Reference, the Expert Advisor will be supported by a panel of independent experts and a dedicated Secretariat. The estimated total cost of this work, including salary and expense arrangements of everyone involved cannot be confirmed until the composition of the panel and the Secretariat have been finalised. However, the remuneration arrangements for the Expert Advisor are confirmed and are available here. The evidence gathering phase of this work will involve consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. It will be for the Expert Advisor and the panel members to determine which specific individuals and organisations they intend to consult in due course.
Letter dated 28/05/2026 from Louise Sandher-Jones MP to Ben Obese-Jecty MP regarding a parliamentary question concerning the number of armed forces personnel who have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction (numbers given for each year 2006 to part 2026). 2p.
Letter dated 28/05/2026 from Louise Sandher-Jones MP to Ben Obese-Jecty MP regarding a parliamentary question concerning the number of armed forces personnel who have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction (numbers given for each year 2006 to part 2026). 2p.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of expenses rates for people undertaking jury service.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of expenses rates for people undertaking jury service.
The Government recognises the important civic duty undertaken by jurors and is committed to ensuring they feel supported throughout their service.
Jurors can claim travel, subsistence, and loss of earnings or additional care costs. All support provided to jurors throughout their service is kept under review to ensure it remains appropriate and accessible.
I represent a very rural area, and people have to drive many miles to get to a court. With fuel prices currently so high, why are ordinary citizens reimbursed for jury service at the rate of only 31.4p per mile for travel by car, yet the standard HMRC approved rate is 45p per mile? It does not cover the cost of travel, and penalises those who live in rural areas.
I represent a very rural area, and people have to drive many miles to get to a court. With fuel prices currently so high, why are ordinary citizens reimbursed for jury service at the rate of only 31.4p per mile for travel by car, yet the standard HMRC approved rate is 45p per mile? It does not cover the cost of travel, and penalises those who live in rural areas.
The hon. Member is a member of the Justice Committee, and she raises an important and practical point. The Government recognise the hugely important civic duty role that jurors play day in, day out across the country, and we will always keep remuneration and travel costs under review. We have heard the question.
The hon. Member is a member of the Justice Committee, and she raises an important and practical point. The Government recognise the hugely important civic duty role that jurors play day in, day out across the country, and we will always keep remuneration and travel costs under review. We have heard the question.
The hon. Member is a member of the Justice Committee, and she raises an important and practical point. The Government recognise the hugely important civic duty role that jurors play day in, day out across the country, and we will always keep remuneration and travel costs under review. We have heard the question.
I represent a very rural area, and people have to drive many miles to get to a court. With fuel prices currently so high, why are ordinary citizens reimbursed for jury service at the rate of only 31.4p per mile for travel by car, yet the standard HMRC approved rate is 45p per mile? It does not cover the cost of travel, and penalises those who live in rural areas.
What is the procedure for recalling Parliament, when has Parliament been recalled recently and can the devolved legislatures be recalled?
What is the procedure for recalling Parliament, when has Parliament been recalled recently and can the devolved legislatures be recalled?
Clauses 8 to 20 discussed with Schedule 3 and amendments and new clauses. Clause 8 agreed to. Clause 9, amendment 68 withdrawn. Clauses 9 to 12 agreed to. Clause 13, amendment 70 withdrawn. Clauses 13 to 16 agreed to. Clause 17, amendment 14 negatived on division (3 to 9). Clauses 17 to 20 agreed to. Schedule 3, Government amendments 72 to 96 agreed to. Schedule 3, as amended, agreed to. Committee adjourned. Written evidence reported to the House.
Clauses 8 to 20 discussed with Schedule 3 and amendments and new clauses. Clause 8 agreed to. Clause 9, amendment 68 withdrawn. Clauses 9 to 12 agreed to. Clause 13, amendment 70 withdrawn. Clauses 13 to 16 agreed to. Clause 17, amendment 14 negatived on division (3 to 9). Clauses...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the Civil Service People Group has given to Departments on whether civil servants can claim expenses for travelling to work.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the Civil Service People Group has given to Departments on whether civil servants can claim expenses for travelling to work.
The Civil Service Management Code (chapter 8) specifies the regulations for the reimbursement of expenses and details the conditions under which such expenses can be made. Departments must not reimburse the costs of home to office travel, unless explicitly permitted elsewhere within the Code.
This page links to Library briefings on MPs’ pay and expenses published since 2001.
This page links to Library briefings on MPs’ pay and expenses published since 2001.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the tapered annual allowance for pensions on the level of retention of senior NHS clinicians; and whether her Department plans to consider the potential merits of changing the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the tapered annual allowance for pensions on the level of retention of senior NHS clinicians; and whether her Department plans to consider the potential merits of changing the...
The annual allowance limits the amount that an individual can save in all their pension pots before they have to pay a tax charge. It aims to ensure that the incentives for pension saving, which are costly to the taxpayer, are appropriately targeted across society. Tax policy, including the level of the annual allowance, is a matter for my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Increases to the level of the standard annual allowance, the adjusted income threshold, and the minimum tapered allowance were made in 2023. These reforms aimed to encourage highly skilled National Health Service staff to remain in the workforce for longer by easing the tax burden on the highest earners, reducing incentives for early retirement and supporting consultants to take on additional work, helping to increase capacity and reduce waiting lists.
Decisions about undertaking extra work are influenced by a range of personal and professional factors, making it difficult to isolate the specific impact of pension tax policy. There is no clear evidence from national NHS payroll data that the annual allowance pension tax regime constrains consultant activity in aggregate.
Where NHS staff have pension savings that exceed their annual allowance, they can carry forward any unused annual allowance from the previous three tax years. This will increase their current year’s allowance, reducing or potentially avoiding any annual allowance tax charge that is due.
Additionally, the NHS Pension Scheme offers a Scheme Pays facility which allows impacted members to pay charges using the value of their pension. This spreads the cost of paying a tax charge over the lifetime of the pension rather than requiring an immediate outlay. For most members, the growth in their pension benefits at retirement, even net of a charge, would still represent an excellent return on their pension contributions.
Information for members is available on the NHS Pensions website, which is available at the following link:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether diplomats based in the British Embassy in Washington pay UK (i) income tax and (ii) National Insurance on (a) Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and (b) Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA), and (c) their core salary.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether diplomats based in the British Embassy in Washington pay UK (i) income tax and (ii) National Insurance on (a) Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and (b) Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA), and (c) their core salary.
All UK Based staff working overseas for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office pay UK income tax and National Insurance (for the first 52 weeks' service overseas) on their base salary. Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA) are both exempt from UK income tax and National Insurance deductions.
This briefing looks at MPs' pay and expenses and how they are determined. It reports salary levels and budget limits for MPs' expenses since 2010.
This briefing looks at MPs' pay and expenses and how they are determined. It reports salary levels and budget limits for MPs' expenses since 2010.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) number and (b) proportion of staff in her Department are eligible to receive Continuity of Education Allowance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) number and (b) proportion of staff in her Department are eligible to receive Continuity of Education Allowance.
Under the long-standing arrangements for continuity of education, 237 officers received Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) in academic year 2024-25. This figure represents approximately 11 per cent of officers posted overseas. Eligibility for CEA is based on a range of factors that vary over time, so the Department does not hold a centrally maintained figure for the total number of overseas staff who may be eligible for CEA at any given point.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) number and (b) proportion of staff in her Department that are posted overseas receive Continuity of Education Allowance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) number and (b) proportion of staff in her Department that are posted overseas receive Continuity of Education Allowance.
Under the long-standing arrangements for continuity of education, 237 officers received Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) in academic year 2024-25. This figure represents approximately 11 per cent of officers posted overseas. Eligibility for CEA is based on a range of factors that vary over time, so the Department does not hold a centrally maintained figure for the total number of overseas staff who may be eligible for CEA at any given point.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff in her Department are in receipt of Continuity of Education Allowance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff in her Department are in receipt of Continuity of Education Allowance.
Under the long-standing arrangements for continuity of education, 237 officers received Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) in academic year 2024-25. This figure represents approximately 11 per cent of officers posted overseas. Eligibility for CEA is based on a range of factors that vary over time, so the Department does not hold a centrally maintained figure for the total number of overseas staff who may be eligible for CEA at any given point.
Lords report stage first day. Amendments 50, 51, 53 to 56, 59, 60, 62 to 65, 67, 68, 75 and 76 agreed to. Amendment 79 disagreed to on division (70 to 132). (Part 2 of 2).
Lords report stage first day. Amendments 50, 51, 53 to 56, 59, 60, 62 to 65, 67, 68, 75 and 76 agreed to. Amendment 79 disagreed to on division (70 to 132). (Part 2 of 2).
Moved by
Lord Shipley
49: After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause—
“Scrutiny of mayoral commissioners
(1) The mayor of a combined county authority must establish, for each commissioner appointed by the mayor, a scrutiny committee composed of elected members of the constituent local authorities.
(2) The purpose of each scrutiny committee is to...
Moved by
Lord Shipley
49: After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause—
“Scrutiny of mayoral commissioners
(1) The mayor of a combined county authority must establish, for each commissioner appointed by the mayor, a scrutiny committee composed of elected members of the constituent local authorities.
(2) The purpose of each scrutiny committee is to...
My Lords, in this group I have Amendments 49, 95 and 96, and I have signed Amendment 182 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Bichard.
In speaking to Amendment 49, I want to thank the Minister for having written to us last week—she proposed a whole raft of new...
My Lords, in this group I have Amendments 49, 95 and 96, and I have signed Amendment 182 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Bichard.
In speaking to Amendment 49, I want to thank the Minister for having written to us last week—she proposed a whole raft of new...
My Lords, I rise to speak on cue to my Amendment 182, declare an interest as an honorary vice-president of the Local Government Association and thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for supporting my amendment.
I welcome the Government’s amendment to establish overview and scrutiny committees. Why then have I persisted...
My Lords, I rise to speak on cue to my Amendment 182, declare an interest as an honorary vice-president of the Local Government Association and thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for supporting my amendment.
I welcome the Government’s amendment to establish overview and scrutiny committees. Why then have I persisted...
My Lords, this group of amendments raises important issues concerning accountability and transparency within our evolving system of devolved governance. Amendments 49, 95 and 96 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, engage with the central principle that, where power is exercised, it should be subject to effective...
My Lords, this group of amendments raises important issues concerning accountability and transparency within our evolving system of devolved governance. Amendments 49, 95 and 96 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, engage with the central principle that, where power is exercised, it should be subject to effective...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lords, Lord Bichard and Lord Shipley, and the noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon, for their amendments on scrutiny and accountability. These have been recurring themes during debates on the Bill. I thank the noble Baronesses, Lady Scott and Lady Pinnock, and the noble Lords, Lord...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lords, Lord Bichard and Lord Shipley, and the noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon, for their amendments on scrutiny and accountability. These have been recurring themes during debates on the Bill. I thank the noble Baronesses, Lady Scott and Lady Pinnock, and the noble Lords, Lord...
I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
50: Schedule 3, page 122, line 24, leave out “paragraphs 4(3) and 5” and insert “paragraph 4(3)”
Member’s explanatory statement
This would be consequential on the amendment to leave out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 2A that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill.
51: Schedule 3,...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
50: Schedule 3, page 122, line 24, leave out “paragraphs 4(3) and 5” and insert “paragraph 4(3)”
Member’s explanatory statement
This would be consequential on the amendment to leave out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 2A that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill.
51: Schedule 3,...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
53: Schedule 3, page 123, leave out lines 21 to 32
Member’s explanatory statement
This would enable more than one commissioner to operate in a particular area of competence (by leaving out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 2A that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill).
54:...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
53: Schedule 3, page 123, leave out lines 21 to 32
Member’s explanatory statement
This would enable more than one commissioner to operate in a particular area of competence (by leaving out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 2A that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill).
54:...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
59: Schedule 3, page 130, line 15, leave out “paragraphs 4(3) and 5” and insert “paragraph 4(3)”
Member’s explanatory statement
This would be consequential on the amendment to leave out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 5BA that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill.
60: Schedule 3,...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
59: Schedule 3, page 130, line 15, leave out “paragraphs 4(3) and 5” and insert “paragraph 4(3)”
Member’s explanatory statement
This would be consequential on the amendment to leave out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 5BA that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill.
60: Schedule 3,...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
62: Schedule 3, page 131, leave out lines 7 to 18
Member’s explanatory statement
This would enable more than one commissioner to operate in a particular area of competence (by leaving out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 5BA that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill).
63:...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
62: Schedule 3, page 131, leave out lines 7 to 18
Member’s explanatory statement
This would enable more than one commissioner to operate in a particular area of competence (by leaving out paragraph 5 of the new Schedule 5BA that is inserted by Schedule 3 to the Bill).
63:...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
67: After Schedule 3, insert the following new Schedule—
“Schedule
Mayoral CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees
Part 1
New scrutiny regime for CCAs that are established mayoral strategic authorities
Introduction
1 LURA 2023 is amended in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
The new scrutiny regime
2 After Schedule 1 insert—
“Schedule 1A
Mayoral CCAs...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
67: After Schedule 3, insert the following new Schedule—
“Schedule
Mayoral CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees
Part 1
New scrutiny regime for CCAs that are established mayoral strategic authorities
Introduction
1 LURA 2023 is amended in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
The new scrutiny regime
2 After Schedule 1 insert—
“Schedule 1A
Mayoral CCAs...
Moved by
Baroness Scott of Bybrook
69: Clause 10, page 12, line 33, after “publish” insert “quarterly”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment ensures that reports on allowances are published quarterly.
Moved by
Baroness Scott of Bybrook
69: Clause 10, page 12, line 33, after “publish” insert “quarterly”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment ensures that reports on allowances are published quarterly.
My Lords, the amendments in this group, all of which are in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Jamieson, relate to Clause 10 and the reporting of allowances within combined county authorities. These amendments are straightforward but they address an important principle: transparency and the use of...
My Lords, the amendments in this group, all of which are in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Jamieson, relate to Clause 10 and the reporting of allowances within combined county authorities. These amendments are straightforward but they address an important principle: transparency and the use of...
My Lords, it seems to me that all the amendments in this group would amount to good practice; this is what should happen. I hope the Minister will confirm that the amendments are agreeable.
My Lords, it seems to me that all the amendments in this group would amount to good practice; this is what should happen. I hope the Minister will confirm that the amendments are agreeable.
My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Scott, for her Amendments 69 to 74. While I recognise her commitment to accountability in local government, the Bill provides that combined and combined county authorities and independent remuneration panels must take account of any guidance issued by the Secretary of State...
My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Scott, for her Amendments 69 to 74. While I recognise her commitment to accountability in local government, the Bill provides that combined and combined county authorities and independent remuneration panels must take account of any guidance issued by the Secretary of State...
We have heard from the Minister that the functions may already exist to provide a degree of oversight. However, the question before us is not simply whether information is recorded; rather, it is whether that information is made very visible, accessible and consistently available to the public.
These amendments do not...
We have heard from the Minister that the functions may already exist to provide a degree of oversight. However, the question before us is not simply whether information is recorded; rather, it is whether that information is made very visible, accessible and consistently available to the public.
These amendments do not...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
75: Clause 10, page 14, line 31, leave out “CCA” and insert “combined authority”
Member’s explanatory statement
This provision is about combined authorities, and so this amendment would correct the reference to “CCA” that appears here.
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
75: Clause 10, page 14, line 31, leave out “CCA” and insert “combined authority”
Member’s explanatory statement
This provision is about combined authorities, and so this amendment would correct the reference to “CCA” that appears here.
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
76: After Clause 10, insert the following new Clause—
“Mayoral combined authorities and CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees
(1) Schedule (Mayoral CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees) changes the system of overview and scrutiny committees for mayoral CCAs.
(2) Schedule (Mayoral combined authorities: overview and scrutiny committees) changes the system...
Moved by
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
76: After Clause 10, insert the following new Clause—
“Mayoral combined authorities and CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees
(1) Schedule (Mayoral CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees) changes the system of overview and scrutiny committees for mayoral CCAs.
(2) Schedule (Mayoral combined authorities: overview and scrutiny committees) changes the system...
Moved by
Lord Jamieson
77: Clause 11, page 14, line 33, leave out subsection (1)
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment seeks to remove amendments to the precept arrangements set out in section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
Moved by
Lord Jamieson
77: Clause 11, page 14, line 33, leave out subsection (1)
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment seeks to remove amendments to the precept arrangements set out in section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
My Lords, I will speak to the amendments in my name and that of my noble friend Lady Scott of Bybrook regarding the changes proposed in this Bill to the mayoral precept arrangements. As we raised in Committee, it is important to ensure value for money and that a mayoral...
My Lords, I will speak to the amendments in my name and that of my noble friend Lady Scott of Bybrook regarding the changes proposed in this Bill to the mayoral precept arrangements. As we raised in Committee, it is important to ensure value for money and that a mayoral...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson, for the amendments on precepts. The precept reforms which Amendment 77 seeks to prevent will enable mayors to levy a precept across the full range of an authority’s functions, giving them greater freedom in how they resource and deliver their priorities....
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson, for the amendments on precepts. The precept reforms which Amendment 77 seeks to prevent will enable mayors to levy a precept across the full range of an authority’s functions, giving them greater freedom in how they resource and deliver their priorities....
I thank the Minister for his response. However, we believe that there needs to be greater transparency in the approach to local taxation, to encourage not just accountability for financial decisions but also public trust. Therefore, if the Government do not wish to press ahead with their changes to their...
I thank the Minister for his response. However, we believe that there needs to be greater transparency in the approach to local taxation, to encourage not just accountability for financial decisions but also public trust. Therefore, if the Government do not wish to press ahead with their changes to their...
Moved by
Lord Jamieson
79: After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to publish statement on increase of mayoral precept
(1) Where the mayor of a strategic authority sets a precept which is higher than the precept set for the previous financial year, the mayor must publish a statement explaining the reasons...
Moved by
Lord Jamieson
79: After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to publish statement on increase of mayoral precept
(1) Where the mayor of a strategic authority sets a precept which is higher than the precept set for the previous financial year, the mayor must publish a statement explaining the reasons...
I beg leave to test the opinion of the House.
I beg leave to test the opinion of the House.
Moved by
Lord Jamieson
80: After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on the exercise of powers to borrow
(1) The Secretary of State must publish an annual report on the exercise of powers to borrow money by strategic authorities.
(2) This report must include an assessment of the ability of specific authorities...
Moved by
Lord Jamieson
80: After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on the exercise of powers to borrow
(1) The Secretary of State must publish an annual report on the exercise of powers to borrow money by strategic authorities.
(2) This report must include an assessment of the ability of specific authorities...
My Lords, this new clause would require the Secretary of State to report on the exercise of powers to borrow money by strategic authorities and their ability to repay the debts incurred. I thank the Minister for her correspondence on powers to borrow after this was debated in Committee. As...
My Lords, this new clause would require the Secretary of State to report on the exercise of powers to borrow money by strategic authorities and their ability to repay the debts incurred. I thank the Minister for her correspondence on powers to borrow after this was debated in Committee. As...
My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson, on this matter, which I have raised on a number of occasions in your Lordships’ House because I have never been clear about who will actually pick up an overspend when one exists. So this partly about the ability to...
My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson, on this matter, which I have raised on a number of occasions in your Lordships’ House because I have never been clear about who will actually pick up an overspend when one exists. So this partly about the ability to...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson, for this amendment, requiring the Secretary of State to report on strategic authorities’ exercise of powers to borrow money. I recognise that this is a well-intentioned and well-reasoned amendment, but I do not believe the provision is necessary. Like the rest...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson, for this amendment, requiring the Secretary of State to report on strategic authorities’ exercise of powers to borrow money. I recognise that this is a well-intentioned and well-reasoned amendment, but I do not believe the provision is necessary. Like the rest...
I just have a quick question before I make my closing speech. Local authorities are required to have a Section 151 officer. Will the strategic authority be required to have one?
I just have a quick question before I make my closing speech. Local authorities are required to have a Section 151 officer. Will the strategic authority be required to have one?
I do not want to give a definitive answer to that from the Dispatch Box, but I think the answer is yes—it would certainly be in accordance with local government accounting procedures and practice for anybody involved in spending local government finance to have the professional assistance of a Section...
I do not want to give a definitive answer to that from the Dispatch Box, but I think the answer is yes—it would certainly be in accordance with local government accounting procedures and practice for anybody involved in spending local government finance to have the professional assistance of a Section...
My Lords, I am very grateful for the Minister’s response on this matter and her continued engagement since Committee. I also thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for his comments.
We will not push this further beyond reminding the House that this is an aspect of local government finance that deserves...
My Lords, I am very grateful for the Minister’s response on this matter and her continued engagement since Committee. I also thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for his comments.
We will not push this further beyond reminding the House that this is an aspect of local government finance that deserves...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, under which tax regime was Lord Mandelson’s salary and allowances subject to when he was Ambassador; and whether he was entitled to tax reliefs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, under which tax regime was Lord Mandelson’s salary and allowances subject to when he was Ambassador; and whether he was entitled to tax reliefs.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 March in response to Question 120407.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson’s (a) salary and (b) allowances whilst a member of the Senior Civil Service were liable for income tax and National Insurance, and whether he was resident and domiciled in the UK for tax purposes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson’s (a) salary and (b) allowances whilst a member of the Senior Civil Service were liable for income tax and National Insurance, and whether he was resident and domiciled in the UK for tax purposes.
The same tax rules applied to Mr Mandelson's remuneration as apply to all other permanent UK civil service staff working overseas on standard contracts for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces personnel have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces personnel have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction.
It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to him when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance she has issued to (a) Health and Social Care Trusts and (b) fostering service providers on the treatment of foster care allowances in the assessment of Universal Credit; and what steps she is taking to ensure that potential foster carers...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance she has issued to (a) Health and Social Care Trusts and (b) fostering service providers on the treatment of foster care allowances in the assessment of Universal Credit; and what steps she is taking to ensure that potential foster carers...
Fostering is a devolved issue. Guidance to Health and Social Care Trusts is a matter for the devolved Northern Irish government.
The department funds Fosterline, which provides guidance on Universal Credit to fostering services and to prospective and current foster carers in England.
In England, the government sets the National Minimum Allowance to cover carers’ day‑to‑day caring costs. Fostering income is disregarded when determining eligibility for Universal Credit.
During discussions with a Department for Work & Pensions work coach, foster carer support can be tailored by recording that they are an approved foster carer and looking after children.
English fostering standards make clear that carers should receive clear information about the financial support they will receive before they start looking after a child. The department has also launched a call for evidence which included questions on financial transparency, to improve the understanding and consistency of financial support that is available to foster carers.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the specified operational locations which qualify service personnel to receive the Operational Allowance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the specified operational locations which qualify service personnel to receive the Operational Allowance.
Service personnel on deployed operations in the following Specified Operational Locations qualify for the payment of Operational Allowance:
Chad (all locations)
Egypt (Sinai only)
Iraq (all locations)
Mali (all locations)
Somalia (all locations)
South Sudan (all locations)
Democratic Republic of Congo (Goma only)
Lebanon (Naquora only)
Lebanon (Beirut only) – backdated for period 6 September 2024 to 27 November 2024 only
Red Sea (within operational areas) – backdated to 23 May 2025
I am withholding the names of some locations for the purpose of safeguarding national security, as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
I. Fostering for the future: improving the foster care system. Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children. Government call for evidence. 25p. II. Foster care reform: proposed changes to assessment and handling of allegations of abuse. Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children. Government consultation. 21p.
I. Fostering for the future: improving the foster care system. Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children. Government call for evidence. 25p. II. Foster care reform: proposed changes to assessment and handling of allegations of abuse. Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children. Government consultation. 21p.
Lords motion to agree the ninth report of the Conduct Committee on The conduct of the Earl of Shrewsbury (HL 254). Agreed to on question. Lords motion to resolve that, in accordance with Standing Order 11, the Earl of Shrewsbury be suspended from the service of the House for a period of two weeks; and that, in accordance with section 1 of the House of Lords (Expulsion and Suspension) Act 2015, in the opinion of this House, the conduct giving rise to this resolution occurred after the coming into force of that Act. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to agree the ninth report of the Conduct Committee on The conduct of the Earl of Shrewsbury (HL 254). Agreed to on question. Lords motion to resolve that, in accordance with Standing Order 11, the Earl of Shrewsbury be suspended from the service of the House for a...
My Lords, if I may, before I speak to the Motion, and in the light of the tributes to the noble Lord, Lord McFall, from the Front Benches, I offer a brief thank you from the Back Benches for his tireless and devoted service to our House.
On behalf of my...
My Lords, if I may, before I speak to the Motion, and in the light of the tributes to the noble Lord, Lord McFall, from the Front Benches, I offer a brief thank you from the Back Benches for his tireless and devoted service to our House.
On behalf of my...
Moved by
The Earl of Devon
Moved by
The Earl of Devon
Committee stage, except clauses 1 to 8, schedules 1 and 2, clauses 9, 10, 69 and 62, schedule 12, clauses 63 to 68 and 83 to 85, schedule 13, clause 86 and any new clauses or new schedules relating to the subject matter of these clauses and schedules. Programme motion agreed to. Written evidence motion agreed to. Clauses 11 and 12 agreed to. Clause 13, discussed with Government amendments and new clause 34. Clause 13 agreed to as amended. Clause 14, discussed with Government amendments, an amendment, clause 15 stand part, and new clause 1. Clause 14 agreed to. Amendment to clause 15 negatived on division (2 votes to 10). Clause 15 agreed to as amended. Clauses 16 to 23 agreed to. clause 24 agreed to as amended. Clause 25, discussed with clauses 26 and 27 stand part, Government amendments and new clause 25. Clauses 25 and 27 agreed to as amended. Clause 26 agreed to. Clause 28, discussed with clause 29 stand part, and new clause 2. Clauses 28 and 29 agreed to. Clause 30, discussed with new clause 3, agreed to. Clauses 31 to 34 agreed to. Clause 35, discussed with new clauses 28 and 29
Committee stage, except clauses 1 to 8, schedules 1 and 2, clauses 9, 10, 69 and 62, schedule 12, clauses 63 to 68 and 83 to 85, schedule 13, clause 86 and any new clauses or new schedules relating to the subject matter of these clauses and schedules. Programme motion...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the estimated time is for staff working in the Forestry Commission to be reimbursed for the purchase of equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment, who do not have access to a Government Procurement Card.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the estimated time is for staff working in the Forestry Commission to be reimbursed for the purchase of equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment, who do not have access to a Government Procurement Card.
Most purchases of equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are not paid for by individual employees. The Forestry Commission has existing PPE supply contracts that allow staff to order what they need, with costs invoiced directly to the organisation. New suppliers have been added to our systems where they have been identified. When bespoke or urgent PPE is required, nominated staff can still use a Government Procurement Card (GPC).
If an employee without a GPC pays for essential time-critical PPE themselves, reimbursement times vary across the Commission depending on local systems. However, any expense claim that meets policy requirements, has the correct approvals, and includes receipts is processed either twice weekly or three times per month, depending on the business area payment system. A cash advance option is also available for staff who need or prefer upfront support for work-related expenses. Additional contracts to cover other small-scale purchases are currently being developed.
Lords committee stage second day. Clause 6 agreed to. Schedule 2 agreed to. Clauses 7 to 9 agreed to. Schedule 3 agreed to. Clauses 10 to 12 agreed to. Clause 13, as amended, agreed to. Clause 14 agreed to.
Lords committee stage second day. Clause 6 agreed to. Schedule 2 agreed to. Clauses 7 to 9 agreed to. Schedule 3 agreed to. Clauses 10 to 12 agreed to. Clause 13, as amended, agreed to. Clause 14 agreed to.
Moved by
Baroness Scott of Bybrook
41: Clause 6, page 3, line 32, leave out from “CCA” to end of line 33
Member’s explanatory statement
This probing amendment seeks to explore the justification for providing the mayor with a veto over decisions of a Combined County Authority.
Moved by
Baroness Scott of Bybrook
41: Clause 6, page 3, line 32, leave out from “CCA” to end of line 33
Member’s explanatory statement
This probing amendment seeks to explore the justification for providing the mayor with a veto over decisions of a Combined County Authority.
My Lords, Amendment 41 in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Jamieson is a probing amendment concerning why the Government wish to give mayors a veto over the decisions of a combined county authority.
If this Bill is truly about empowering local communities, decision-making power should be allocated...
My Lords, Amendment 41 in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Jamieson is a probing amendment concerning why the Government wish to give mayors a veto over the decisions of a combined county authority.
If this Bill is truly about empowering local communities, decision-making power should be allocated...
My Lords, I rather suspect that the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, and I are fishing in a similar pool here. My Amendment 196B is all about local accounting officers and is designed to help to improve the level of scrutiny and accountability for each mayoral strategic authority.
The system of departmental...
My Lords, I rather suspect that the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, and I are fishing in a similar pool here. My Amendment 196B is all about local accounting officers and is designed to help to improve the level of scrutiny and accountability for each mayoral strategic authority.
The system of departmental...
My Lords, I will make a brief comment on Amendment 196B, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Bassam, which is worth discussing further, especially given how it fits with Amendment 191 from the Lord, Lord Bichard, which I strongly support.
The question I asked myself, perhaps trying to anticipate the Minister’s...
My Lords, I will make a brief comment on Amendment 196B, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Bassam, which is worth discussing further, especially given how it fits with Amendment 191 from the Lord, Lord Bichard, which I strongly support.
The question I asked myself, perhaps trying to anticipate the Minister’s...
My Lords, I support the principle of Amendment 191 in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, and the noble Baroness, Lady Thornhill. I observe that, for the first time, we are bringing local, parish and community councils substantially into scope, for I believe that the definitions provided in...
My Lords, I support the principle of Amendment 191 in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, and the noble Baroness, Lady Thornhill. I observe that, for the first time, we are bringing local, parish and community councils substantially into scope, for I believe that the definitions provided in...
My Lords, I will take a step back to reflect on what this debate is really about. It is not simply about committees, processes or institutional design—it is about trust that power, once devolved, will be exercised well; trust that decisions will be open to challenge; and trust that the...
My Lords, I will take a step back to reflect on what this debate is really about. It is not simply about committees, processes or institutional design—it is about trust that power, once devolved, will be exercised well; trust that decisions will be open to challenge; and trust that the...
My Lords, I thank my noble friend Lord Bassam and the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, for their amendments relating to accountability and scrutiny, and I hope that the noble Baroness, Lady Pinnock, is recovering.
Starting with Amendment 191, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, there is already an existing system...
My Lords, I thank my noble friend Lord Bassam and the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, for their amendments relating to accountability and scrutiny, and I hope that the noble Baroness, Lady Pinnock, is recovering.
Starting with Amendment 191, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Bichard, there is already an existing system...
I am grateful to the Minister for a comprehensive reply to a comprehensive set of issues. It gives us pause for thought. I am glad that the Minister recognises the importance of pre-scrutiny. That is a fundamental issue, so if it can be better built into the Bill before it...
I am grateful to the Minister for a comprehensive reply to a comprehensive set of issues. It gives us pause for thought. I am glad that the Minister recognises the importance of pre-scrutiny. That is a fundamental issue, so if it can be better built into the Bill before it...
Moved by
Baroness Scott of Bybrook
62: Clause 10, page 12, line 34, at end insert—
“(3A) Any report produced under subsection (3) must be produced annually and published on the website of the Combined County Authority.”
Moved by
Baroness Scott of Bybrook
62: Clause 10, page 12, line 34, at end insert—
“(3A) Any report produced under subsection (3) must be produced annually and published on the website of the Combined County Authority.”
My Lords, Amendment 263 is in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Jamieson. If there is one theme that runs consistently through today’s debates, it is the need for transparency, certainty and a clear understanding of the Government’s plans for governance structures, from Whitehall’s right down to...
My Lords, Amendment 263 is in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Jamieson. If there is one theme that runs consistently through today’s debates, it is the need for transparency, certainty and a clear understanding of the Government’s plans for governance structures, from Whitehall’s right down to...