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To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on the constituency since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on the constituency since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Gerry Sutcliffe
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
8 April 2010
[holding answer 7 April 2010]: My Department's aim is to improve the quality of life for everyone through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries.The impact of bodies and policies of my Department on the Croydon, Central constituency since 2005 include:"£4,955 given from Arts Council England to organisations based in Croydon in 2008-09 through the Grants for the Arts programme.""£58,000 of English Heritage grant offers to the Croydon, Central constituency in 2008-09.""Digital switchover is due to take place in Croydon, Central in 2012. By the time switchover is complete at the end of 2012, 98.5 per cent. of households nationwide will be able to receive digital TV—the same number that can currently receive analogue.""Over £5,117,088 of national lottery grants made to applications from the Croydon, Central constituency since 2005."The Croydon, Central constituency has also benefited from other policies and spending whose impact cannot be broken down by constituency. This includes:"£4 billion of Exchequer funding spent on culture.""More than £5.5 billion invested in sport by the Government and the national lottery since 1997.""Almost 750,000 free swims taken in London in the first eight months of the Free Swimming programme.""A 68 per cent. increase in national museum visits from 1998-99 to 2008-09—10 per cent. of which were by adults from lower socioeconomic groups.""£416.6 million in grants allocated by English Heritage since 1997.""48 per cent. of buildings on the original 1999 Buildings at Risk Register having their future secured.""90 per cent. of all pupils taking part in at least two hours of high quality PE or sport per week in 2008 from an estimated 25 per cent. in 2003-04—exceeding our target."
Subjects
Croydon; Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Date
8 April 2010
Reference
508 (Not in Daily Part);508 c1606W; 325820
House
House of Commons
Such a Government initiative has been of great benefit to New Addington in Croydon, a significant social housing estate that was excellent for the 1950s in terms of space and good design. What can be done to support the initiative of local people who want the area to become an eco-town? What prospects are there?
Such a Government initiative has been of great benefit to New Addington in Croydon, a significant social housing estate that was excellent for the 1950s in terms of space and good design. What can be done to support the initiative of local people who want the area to become an eco-town? What prospects are there?
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answering body
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
8 April 2010
The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing recently announced the first wave of eco-towns and funding under that. We want to do more on this. There is great enthusiasm in local areas for this to happen, including in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. I hope that we can take this forward.
Subjects
Housing; Carbon emissions
Date
8 April 2010
Reference
508 c1161
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What recent steps his Department has taken to improve the energy efficiency of housing; and if he will make a statement.
What recent steps his Department has taken to improve the energy efficiency of housing; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Ed Miliband
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2010
For answer on
8 April 2010
Answered on
8 April 2010
Since 2002, the carbon emission reduction target has helped fund over 7 million insulation measures. We recently published a household energy management strategy for pay-as-you-save insulation, devolution of powers over energy efficiency to local authorities and new standards of regulation in the social and private rented sector that together will help reduce emissions from households by 29 per cent. by 2020.
Subjects
Housing; Carbon emissions
Date
8 April 2010
Reference
508 c1161; 325604
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
When I walk home late at night following late sittings in the House, I often notice birds singing because of the light pollution. Does the Minister think that that is a potential issue, and could any action be taken to deal with that significant distortion to our climate and environment?
When I walk home late at night following late sittings in the House, I often notice birds singing because of the light pollution. Does the Minister think that that is a potential issue, and could any action be taken to deal with that significant distortion to our climate and environment?
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answering body
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Topical questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
8 April 2010
The hon. Gentleman has obviously not had the pleasure that I have had from a nightingale that I find singing in my garden. There can be joys in hearing birdsong in the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately, he is still awake at that time, like me and many other hon. Members. The demands of energy efficiency mean that the Government look increasingly at whether light levels could be reduced while being consistent with the safety of people, such as the hon. Gentleman and me, who are on their way home.
Subjects
Pollution; Lighting
Date
8 April 2010
Reference
508 c1179-80
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Joan Ruddock
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Topical questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Answered on
8 April 2010
Notes
Lead question not printed
Subjects
Pollution; Lighting
Date
8 April 2010
Reference
508 c1179-80; 325636
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on that constituency since 2005.
To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on that constituency since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Ian Lucas
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
Since 2005, the policies and actions of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (and its predecessors) have focused on building a competitive economy and on delivering prosperity and sustainable economic growth. The implementation of BIS policy in the London borough of Croydon (information is not available specifically for the Croydon Central constituency) has been taken forward primarily by the London Development Agency and Government Office for London, working in partnership with the local authority and other relevant bodies.Caution must be exercised in seeking to attribute directly the effects of specific measures on local economic indicators. None the less, examples of how BIS policies and actions have impacted on Croydon include:Levels of skills have increased in Croydon since 2005 and remain at around the London and national averages:"Performance at level 2 has increased from 68.7 per cent. to 71.4 per cent.""Performance at level 3 has increased from 49.9 per cent. to 53.7 per cent.""Performance at level 4 has increased from 31.6 per cent. to 35.6 per cent."The overall stock of registered businesses in Croydon grew from 9,000 in 2005 to 9,435 in 2007 (latest data available).The number of businesses supported by Business Link in London has increased steadily since 2007-08, when it picked up the contract:"From 4,222 businesses accessing information in 2007-08 to 6,388 in 2009-10""From 196 businesses receiving intensive assistance in 2007-08 to 369 in 2009-10."
Subjects
Croydon; Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1406W; 325823
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Lord Wills
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
The Ministry of Justice's work spans criminal, civil and family justice, democracy, rights and the constitution. Every year around nine million people use, our services in 900 locations across the United Kingdom, including 650 courts and tribunals and 139 prisons in England and Wales.The range of the Department's policies and actions is wide and the statistical information relating to it is not normally collected on a constituency basis. Consequently, some of the information requested in the question cannot be provided in the form requested except at a disproportionate cost."Although data on sentencing for the period are not available for the constituency of Croydon, Central, it is available for London. These show the total number of offenders sentenced annually was 216,107 in 2005 and 242,429 in 2008, the latest period for which such information is available.""The number of offences brought to justice for London increased from 182,350 for the 12 months ending 31 March 2006 to 230,202 (provisional figures) for the 12 months ending 31 March 2009.""With regard to prosecutions, data are not available for the constituency of Croydon, Central. However, the total number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts by the Metropolitan Police was 261,617 in 2005, compared to 279,581 in 2008.""The latest data, which cover reoffending in the period 1 October 2008 to 30 September 2009, showed that the three month reoffending rate for offenders on the probation caseload in Croydon was 9.49 per cent. After controlling for changes in the characteristics of offenders on the probation caseload, there was an increase in reoffending of 3.12 per cent. compared to the 2007-08 baseline. Data are not available prior to 2007 on this basis.""The number of persons commencing court order supervision by the Probation Service in London was 18,931 in 2005 and 23,787 in 2008.""154,616 civil non-family proceedings were started in the county courts of London Civil and Family HMCS area in 2009, compared to 175,889 in 2005. There were also 15,437 private law applications and 886 public law applications made in the county or High Courts of this HMCS area in 2008-09, compared to 14,540 and 1,207 respectively in 2005-06."In addition, at a national level:"Local communities are being better engaged in criminal justice—by giving them a say in the types of Community Payback projects offenders carry out and allowing them to see justice being done, for example through the use of high visibility jackets. Offenders have now worked more than 14 million hours, with an estimated value to the taxpayer of over £80 million.""Major constitutional reforms have been delivered, including devolution, the Human Rights Act, Freedom of Information, Lords Reform, and a new Supreme Court for the UK."
Subjects
Croydon; Ministry of Justice
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1372W; 325588
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on that constituency since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on that constituency since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Mike O'Brien
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
The Government have put in place a programme of national health service investment and reform since 1997 to improve service delivery in all parts of the United Kingdom. 93 per cent. of people nationally now rate the NHS as good or excellent. The NHS Constitution contains 25 rights and 14 pledges for patients and the public including new rights to be treated within 18-weeks, or be seen by a cancer specialist within two weeks and an NHS health check every five years for those aged 40-74 years.There is significant evidence that these policies have yielded considerable benefits for the Croydon Central constituency.For example:Figures for January 2010 show that in Croydon primary care trust (PCT):"93 per cent. of patients whose treatment involved admission to hospital started their treatment within 18-weeks.""99 per cent. of patients whose treatment did not involve admission to hospital started their treatment within 18-weeks.""Between September 2001 and September 2009 the number of general practitioners (GPs) per 100,000 people within Croydon Central PCT has increased from 50.4 to 69.6.""In December 2009, at Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust, 98.3 per cent. of patients spent less than four hours in accident and emergency from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge.""Between September 1997 and September 2009 the number of consultants at Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust increased from 79 to 121. Between September 1997 and September 2009 the estimated number of nurses increased from 730 to 1,279.""95.5 per cent. of urgent GP referrals to Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust with suspected cancer are seen by a specialist within two weeks of the referral."Although statistical information is not available at a local level, Croydon Central will have also benefitted from national policies in other areas. For example:"Since 1997, gross current expenditure on personal social services has increased by around 70 per cent, in real terms with around 105,000 households now receiving intensive home care and 3,076 new extra care housing units—exceeding the original target of 1,500 new extra care units."Other strategies currently being implemented are:"Subject to parliamentary approval, the Personal Care at Home Bill will guarantee free personal care for 280,000 people with the highest needs and help around 130,000 people who need home care for the first time to regain their independence;"""Shaping the Future of Care Together Green Paper, published in July 2009, sets out a vision for a national care service for all adults in England which is fair, simple and affordable. The Department has consulted widely on this reform and is currently analysing the responses, which will feed into a White Paper later this year;""The National Carer's Strategy—"(Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities)—launched in 2008;""The first National Dementia Strategy was published in February 2009;"""Valuing People Now"—a three year strategy for people with learning disabilities published in January 2009; and""New Horizons: A Shared Vision for Mental Health—launched in December 2009—to maintain improvements in mental health services combined with a new cross-Government approach to promoting public mental health."Since 1998, there are now 2.4 million fewer smokers in England as a result of the Government's comprehensive tobacco control strategy which has had a measurable impact on reducing smoking prevalence.Child obesity levels are reducing due to the efforts of families across England, supported by the Government's obesity strategy. In 2008, 13.9 per cent. of children (aged two to 10) in England were classified as obese, compared with 17.3 per cent. in 2005.Overall, life expectancy at birth for men has increased from 74.5 years (1995-1997 data) to 77.7 years (2006-08 data) while for women, life expectancy at birth has increased from 79.6 years (1995-97 data) to 81.9 years (2006-08 data).
Subjects
Croydon; Department of Health
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1437-8W; 325819
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on the constituency since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on the constituency since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Barbara Follett
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
This Department does not routinely collect information at constituency level but, as the constituency of Croydon, Central, falls within the local authority of Croydon we have, where relevant included information from them in this answer.The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at:"http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/"Communities and Local Government statistical publications can be found at:"http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/researchandstatistics/statistics/"This includes time series data across the Department's remit at various geographic levels.Details of research projects commissioned by Communities and Local Government and its predecessors are available from our Research Database (RD) at:"http://www.rmd.communities.gov.uk/"This includes evaluations of key policies.Over the last year, Communities and Local Government has:"Played a critical role responding to the recession ensuring people, business and communities receive the practical help they need, including: helping people avoid repossession; Real Help Now; supporting the construction industry, critical regeneration projects, jobs through Future Jobs Fund; and businesses with the business rates deferral scheme.""Set in place a platform for greater local devolution for more effective decision making through local area agreements (LAAs)—including slashing central performance standards from over 1,200 to fewer than 200.""Continued building on this through Total Place pilots, leading innovation across public services—cutting out waste, overlap and duplication, meaning more and better quality services at less cost to the taxpayer.""Established the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) set out in the Planning Act 2008—which will make the major infrastructure planning decisions for the country, delivering a faster, fairer and more transparent planning regime.""Announced the £1.5 billion Housing Pledge to deliver an additional 20,000 units of affordable housing, creating 45,000 jobs in the construction industry over this year and next, including 1,300 new apprenticeship schemes.""Last year there were 600 additional affordable homes provided by Croydon local authority. See link for further information:""http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1406085.xls"During the period since 2005, the Department's achievements include:"Working with local housing authorities to reduce the number of people accepted as owed a main homelessness duty by 43 per cent. since 2005-06, and 72 per cent. since the peak in 2003—the lowest level since the late seventies—through greater emphasis on the prevention of homelessness.""In 2008-09, there were 449 households accepted as being homeless and in priority need in Croydon local authority compared to 581 households accepted as being homeless and in priority need in 2005-06. See link for further information:""http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/141476.xls""Launching the Local Government White Paper 'Strong and Prosperous Communities' which set out a new stage of public sector reform, significantly strengthening leadership and devolving power to local government as well as providing a major expansion of opportunities for local people to influence local decision-making and improve their lives.""Helping reduce accidental fire-related deaths—the lowest level since 1959.""In 2008-09, there were 30 accidental fire related deaths in Greater London, compared to 47 accidental fire relate deaths in 2005/06. At the local level, fire deaths may fluctuate within a general declining national trend. See link for further information (Table 4b):""http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/xls/1403049.xls""Reducing by 1.2 million the number of non decent social homes As at the 1st April 2009, there were 1,088 non-decent dwellings in Croydon local authority, compared to 2,463 non-decent dwellings at 1 April 2006 See links for further information:""2008-09 data""http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1393612.xls""2005-06 data""http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/153226.xls""Investing through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund £1.87 billion for England's 88 most deprived local authorities—leading to real positive change."
Subjects
Croydon; Department for Communities and Local Government
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1397-9W; 325821
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Dan Norris
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
Due to the broad nature of the question and the wide range of DEFRA policies implemented in Croydon Central, it is not possible to provide a detailed answer in the form requested.Croydon Central is obliged through statute to comply with central Government legislation. DEFRA's policy responsibilities are summarised in its departmental strategic objectives (DSOs) that have been agreed with the Treasury:"To promote a society that is adapting to the effects of climate change, through a national programme of action and a contribution to international action.""To promote a healthy, resilient, productive and diverse natural environment.""To promote sustainable, low carbon and resource efficient patterns of consumption and production.""To promote an economy and a society that are resilient to environmental risk.""To champion sustainable development.""To promote a thriving farming and food sector with an improving net environmental impact.""To encourage a sustainable, secure and healthy food supply.""To provide socially and economically sustainable rural communities.""To be a respected Department delivering efficient and high quality services and outcomes."DEFRA publishes annual departmental reports which set out progress against its Public Service Agreement targets and DSOs. The 2009 Report is available at:"http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/reports/documents/2009-deptreport.pdf"Past reports are available online in the National Archives.For information on a specific DEFRA policy in Croydon Central, the Government Office for the South East is able to provide information on implementation and the benefits to the area.
Subjects
Croydon; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1414-5W; 325587
House
House of Commons
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at Parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at"http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk./"The Government have put in place a broad programme of reform since 1997. Over the decade to 2007, the economic performance of all parts of the UK has improved considerably. In Croydon Central, the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance reached its lowest level on record in November 2007.The global recession has had a negative impact on economic activity in all areas of the UK. However, the economy was starting from a position of strength and is actively supported by policies implemented by the Government, including the fiscal stimulus and a significant package of support for those out of work.In Croydon Central people are benefiting from this investment. Having risen through the first half of last year, the claimant count has remained broadly flat since the middle of 2009, with more than 700 people moving off of the claimant count each month on average over the period. Youth unemployment has also started to decline and now stands more than 10 per cent. below the highs seen in the third quarter of 2009.
Subjects
Croydon; Treasury
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1376W; 325586
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of her Department's policies since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of her Department's policies since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Jonathan Shaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
DWP lead the Government's response to some of the biggest issues facing the country—welfare and pension reform—and are a key player in tackling child poverty¹. As the biggest delivery Department in the UK, DWP makes a difference to millions of people every day, helping them to lead safer, fairer and more rewarding lives that are free from poverty. We want to give people more choice and control over their lives and are committed to providing greater choice and personalised support to everyone who needs it so they have the opportunity to get into and remain in work. We believe that work works. Even in economically challenging times we know that work works for the most vulnerable and the disadvantaged.Support to find workThrough Jobcentre Plus, we are promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age. Since February 2005, the number of people unemployed in Croydon, Central has increased by 66 per cent. to 3,365 and the number unemployed for more than one year has increased by 70 per cent. to 375. From August 2005 to August 2009 the number of lone parents claiming income support in Croydon, Central has fallen by 15 per cent. to 2,720.Our new deals have helped lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, disabled people, the over 50s and partners of unemployed people to move from benefit into work. Since their inception over 2.2 million people in Great Britain have found work with the support of the new deal, and 2,330 have been helped in Croydon, Central.Support for childrenWe introduced a target to halve child poverty by 2010-11 on the way to eradicating it by 2020. Poverty is measured using a headline indicator of the proportion of children in households with an income below 60 per cent. of contemporary household median income before housing costs. This is in line with international best practice.Statistics on the numbers of children living in poverty are not available at the constituency level.Support for older peopleSince 1997 our strategy has been to target help on the poorest pensioners while providing a solid foundation of support for all.This year we will be spending over £13 billion more on pensioners than if we had continued with the policies that were in place in 1997. Around half of that money will go to the poorest third of pensioners.In 1997 the poorest pensioners, who received income support, lived on £69 a week (£98 in today's prices). Today pension credit, which was introduced in 2003, means no pensioner needs to live on less than £130 a week, £198.45 for couples. As of August 2009, 4,860 pensioners in Croydon, Central are benefiting from pension credit.In 2007-08 there were 900,000 fewer pensioners living in relative poverty in UK compared to 1998-99 (measured as below 60 per cent. of contemporary median household income after housing costs).Statistics on the proportion of pensioners living in relative poverty are not available at constituency level, and Government office region level data are only available as three-year averages. The London Government office region can however be split into inner and outer London. The latest data for outer London cover the period 2005-08, and show that around 100,000 pensioners (or 19 per cent.) are in poverty (measured as below 60 per cent. of contemporary median household income after housing costs)².Pensioners in the UK also benefit from a range of additional support such as the winter fuel payment which for winter 2009-10 is worth £250 for households with someone aged between 60-79 and £400 for households with someone aged 80 or over. These payments provide vital reassurance to older people that they can afford to turn up their heating during cold weather. Prior to winter 1997-98 less than £60 million per year was spent helping pensioners meet their fuel bills—we now spend around £2.7 billion on winter fuel payments alone. In winter 2008-09 (the last winter for which information is available) 19,360 people aged 60 and over benefited from winter fuel payments in Croydon, Central.We have also taken steps to strengthen and protect the private pensions system to ensure people can continue to have confidence to save for their future through the establishment of the Pensions Protection Fund, the Financial Assistance Scheme and a more powerful and proactive pensions regulator.The protection system ensures that, unlike in 1997, people are not left without a pension even in the event that their employer becomes insolvent.As at end of February a total of 516 people in the London Government office region are receiving compensation from the Pension Protection Fund (data not available at constituency level).³We have also taken forward a radical package of pension reforms in the Pensions Acts of 2007 and 2008 which will deliver a fairer and more generous state pension and extend the opportunity of workplace pension saving to millions, many for the first time.The state pension reforms begin to come into effect from 2010 and will mean around three quarters of women reaching state pension age in 2010 are expected to qualify for a full basic state pension compared to half without reform.Support for disabled people and carersSince 2001, we have significantly extended and improved civil rights for disabled people in areas such as employment, education, access to goods and services and transport. Disabled people in Croydon, Central will have benefited from these improvements. The Welfare Reform Act 2009 contains powers to increase choice and control for disabled adults, including disabled parents who are entitled to state support, enabling them to choose how certain state support is used to meet their individual needs. This will be trailblazed in eight local authority sites from late 2010. Older and less well off carers have gained extra help through the provisions within the National Carers Strategy."¹ The Department for Work and Pensions was created in 2001 and so information relates to the Department and its predecessors.""² Numbers arc shown rounded to the nearest 100,000. Percentages are shown rounded to the nearest whole percentage point.""³ Regional information about assistance payments received by members from the Financial Assistance Scheme could be obtained only at disproportionate cost."
Subjects
Department for Work and Pensions; Croydon
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1425-7W; 325589
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Alan Campbell
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
It has not proved possible to respond in the time available before Prorogation.
Subjects
Croydon; Home Office
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1389W; 325590
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on that constituency since 2005.
To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will set out with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the Croydon Central constituency, the effects of his Department's policies on that constituency since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Lord Khan of Tooting
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
The Department for Transport does not routinely hold transport statistics on a parliamentary constituency basis. However, the Department provides Transport for London (TfL) with a block grant to fund transport delivery in London. This grant has more than doubled in the last nine years, rising to some £3.3 billion in 2010-11. Drawing on these and other resources, the Mayor is responsible for publishing and, through TfL, implementing a Transport Strategy for London, while the boroughs are required to publish local implementation plans which set out how they will contribute to the Mayor's strategy.Bus services in London have improved. 2,247 million passenger journeys were made in 2008-09 and patronage grew by grew by 40 per cent. between 2000-09.Concessionary travel continues to benefit elderly and disabled Londoners, and more than a million older people currently hold a Freedom Pass.South London rail routes serving Croydon have also improved. Southern have delivered a new fleet of trains, some of which operate on South London services, and the remaining rolling stock has been refurbished.TfL took over operational control of Croydon Tramlink in June 2008. Approximately 27.2 million passenger journeys were made on Croydon Tramlink in 2008-09.On the roads, national targets to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured by 40 per cent. and reduce the number of "slight" casualties by 10 per cent. (compared to the period 1994-98) by 2010 were largely exceeded by TfL by 2004, leading to TfL setting themselves new targets of 50 per cent and 25 per cent. respectively.Various improvements in relation to cycling have also been realised across London. TfL report that cycling now accounts for 2 per cent. of trips in London compared to 1.2 per cent in 2000, and London is the only major city in the world to have achieved a modal shift away from the car. From 2000-2009 the mode share of private motorised transport has fallen by around 6 per cent, levels of cycling have almost doubled and public transport use has risen dramatically. On an average weekday over one million people enter Central London on public transport during the morning peak.
Subjects
Department for Transport; Croydon
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c1361W; 325822
House
House of Commons
What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on levels of contraband in immigration removal centres in Scotland.
What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on levels of contraband in immigration removal centres in Scotland.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Ann McKechin
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 March 2010
For answer on
7 April 2010
Answered on
7 April 2010
The Secretary of State has had no recent meetings to discuss levels of contraband in the immigration removal centre in Scotland.
Subjects
Scotland; Immigration removal centres
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c959; 325094
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Given that contraband is being sent into Her Majesty's prison in Edinburgh by the use of crossbows, what is the danger of that happening in the immigration centre? Why do Scottish people use crossbows rather than English longbows?
Given that contraband is being sent into Her Majesty's prison in Edinburgh by the use of crossbows, what is the danger of that happening in the immigration centre? Why do Scottish people use crossbows rather than English longbows?
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answering body
Scotland Office
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
7 April 2010
The management of prisons in Scotland is, of course, a matter for the Scottish Government's Ministry of Justice. We have policies and procedures in place to prevent contraband from coming into removal centres, but we would not comment on the details because that might compromise the safety of the centre.
Subjects
Scotland; Immigration removal centres
Date
7 April 2010
Reference
508 c959
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
That this House welcomes the success of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) through its work in averting the deaths of five million people since 2000 including the vaccination of an additional 233 million children against hepatitis B, sponsoring the development of a better value for money market in vaccines and tapping into effective financing in the capital markets through the World Bank and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation; supports the call for US$ 2.6 billion in additional funding for GAVI projects such that GAVI can save 4.2 million more lives in developing countries, preventing deaths from diseases such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and Haemophilus influenzae type B, but mainly from pneumonia and diarrhoea which kill up to 1.5 million children every year in developing countries; and is encouraged by the long-term agreements made by pharmaceutical firms to supply new, affordable vaccines against pneumococcal disease to the world's poorest countries.
That this House welcomes the success of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) through its work in averting the deaths of five million people since 2000 including the vaccination of an additional 233 million children against hepatitis B, sponsoring the development of a better value for money market...
Primary sponsor
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Type
Early day motions
Subjects
Developing countries; Vaccination
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
1239
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister for Women and Equality, if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of the policies of the Government Equalities Office since it was established.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equality, if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of the policies of the Government Equalities Office since it was established.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answering body
Minister for Women and Equalities
Type
Written questions
Status
Tabled
Tabled on
1 April 2010
For answer on
8 April 2010
Date
1 April 2010
Reference
325836
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of her Department's policies since 2005.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Croydon Central constituency, the effects on that constituency of her Department's policies since 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answering body
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Type
Written questions
Status
Tabled
Tabled on
1 April 2010
For answer on
8 April 2010
Date
1 April 2010
Reference
325835
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the performance of the NHS in Croydon since May 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the performance of the NHS in Croydon since May 2005.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Mike O'Brien
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 March 2010
For answer on
30 March 2010
Answered on
30 March 2010
Local trusts are measured against the NHS Performance Framework supported by the Care Quality Commission annual health check. This will help to ensure the safety and quality of care across all local health providers.The local NHS in Croydon continually monitors its performance to ensure the provision of appropriate, safe, high quality services designed to meet the needs of local people.
Subjects
Croydon; Health services
Date
30 March 2010
Reference
508 c893-4W; 324923
House
House of Commons