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I thank the Minister for her detailed response. Will she join me in praising the Cheshire domestic violence partnership, which was recently shortlisted for a local innovation award? It is working extremely well with the special advisers that the Minister has mentioned.
Children who witness domestic violence are also victims. What advice do the Government give to domestic violence partnerships and the courts on supporting children?
I thank the Minister for her detailed response. Will she join me in praising the Cheshire domestic violence partnership, which was recently shortlisted for a local innovation award? It is working extremely well with the special advisers that the Minister has mentioned.
Children who witness domestic violence are also victims. What advice do the Government give to domestic violence partnerships and the courts on supporting children?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
23 March 2010
Of course I join my hon. Friend in praising the work of the Cheshire domestic violence partnership. The effect on children who witness domestic violence and abuse can be harrowing, and their needs must be reflected in any strategy dealing with the effects of such abuse. The services of independent domestic violence advisers are integral to providing additional support to the victims of domestic violence and their families in both normal criminal courts and family courts. I am happy to write to my hon. Friend about the other services that we are providing for victims, especially through the national victims service.
Subjects
Domestic abuse; Victim support schemes
Date
23 March 2010
Reference
508 c121-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What steps his Department is taking to assist victims of domestic violence.
What steps his Department is taking to assist victims of domestic violence.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Claire Ward
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 March 2010
For answer on
23 March 2010
Answered on
23 March 2010
Since 1997, the Government have been working to ensure that domestic violence law supports and protects all victims of domestic abuse. We have introduced practical system changes to promote co-ordinated community responses to domestic violence, including the establishment of specialist domestic violence courts. On 19 March, we announced that from 1 April 2010 there will be 141 SDVC systems. That means that the Government's target of having a total of 128 court systems in place by 2011 will be not only met but exceeded a year ahead of schedule.
Subjects
Domestic abuse; Victim support schemes
Date
23 March 2010
Reference
508 c121; 323392
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in what (a) circumstances and (b) proportion of cases interest is applied to arrears owed by non-resident parents in cases managed by the Child Support Agency.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in what (a) circumstances and (b) proportion of cases interest is applied to arrears owed by non-resident parents in cases managed by the Child Support Agency.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Helen Goodman
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 March 2010
For answer on
3 March 2010
Answered on
16 March 2010
The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.Letter from Stephen Geraghty:"In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.""You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in what (a) circumstances and (b) proportion of cases interest is applied to arrears owed by non-resident parents in cases managed by the Child Support Agency. [320377]""The CSA does not apply interest charges to maintenance arrears and has not done so since April 1995. Section 43 of the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act 2008 extinguished liability for any interest outstanding from periods prior to April 1995.""There are however exceptions for enforcement cases when interest can be charged following registration of a liability with the County Court. Interest in these circumstances is not calculated under Child Support legislation, but under general rules applying to court orders. In practice, this is only applied in cases involving applications for an Order for Sale, where the CSA may apply to the court for any interest accruing between the date a liability order was registered with the County Court and the application for an Order for Sale.""As of 31 December 2009 the CSA was dealing with 1,213,100 live and assessed cases. Only Order for Sale cases with a secured debt balance in excess of £5000 have interest collected on them. As at 31 December 2009 the CSA had referred 342 Order for Sale actions, which represents less than 0.3% of the live and assessed caseload.""I hope you find this answer helpful."
Subjects
Children; Maintenance
Date
16 March 2010
Reference
507 c801-2W; 320377
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to revise his Department's Caldicott Guardian Manual 2006 on data sharing.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to revise his Department's Caldicott Guardian Manual 2006 on data sharing.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Mike O'Brien
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 February 2010
For answer on
1 March 2010
Answered on
3 March 2010
The Department's Caldicott Guardian Manual has recently been revised in collaboration with the UK Council of Caldicott Guardians. The revised manual will be published shortly.
Subjects
Data protection; Department of Health
Date
3 March 2010
Reference
506 c1210W; 319895
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what progress his Department has made towards its objective of opening 3,500 children's centres by 2010.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what progress his Department has made towards its objective of opening 3,500 children's centres by 2010.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Primarolo
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 January 2010
For answer on
25 January 2010
Answered on
25 January 2010
We are on track to meet our target of at least 3,500 Sure Start Children's Centres by March 2010. By the end of December 2009, there were 3,381 designated centres, providing access to services for over 2.7 million young children and their families.
Subjects
Children's centres
Date
25 January 2010
Reference
504 c614W; 312599
House
House of Commons
In Chester, parents greatly value and appreciate our four excellent children's centres. Will my right hon. Friend reassure me that those centres will continue to provide universal access to all parents, irrespective of their background and circumstances?
In Chester, parents greatly value and appreciate our four excellent children's centres. Will my right hon. Friend reassure me that those centres will continue to provide universal access to all parents, irrespective of their background and circumstances?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Topical questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
25 January 2010
I can reassure my hon. Friend that the Government's commitment is to universal service through children's centres—unlike the Conservative party, which wants to close one in four.
Subjects
Children's centres; Building schools for the future programme
Date
25 January 2010
Reference
504 c550
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I recently visited the further education college in my constituency. It is getting a new campus, and it will train the new generation of construction workers. While I was there looking at the new building, however, I was lobbied by some of the mature students. They asked whether there would be any jobs for them, and whether there would be any homes for them. In west Cheshire, 13,000 people are waiting for housing. What more can be done to encourage local authorities to bring forward their surplus sites?
I recently visited the further education college in my constituency. It is getting a new campus, and it will train the new generation of construction workers. While I was there looking at the new building, however, I was lobbied by some of the mature students. They asked whether there would be any jobs for them, and whether there would be any homes for them. In west Cheshire, 13,000 people are waiting for housing. What more can be done to encourage local authorities to bring forward their surplus sites?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
27 October 2009
If my hon. Friend wants to take a message directly to her own local authority, it should be this. It should bid for the funds we are making available for building; it should drive a harder bargain with its private developers; it should encourage housing associations in the area to build more homes; and it should be ready to give the go-ahead to sensible developments that will lead to the sort of homes that people need in my hon. Friend's area and to house building that can bring jobs for the people she was talking to at her local college.
Subjects
Construction; Apprentices
Date
27 October 2009
Reference
498 c151
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What duties in relation to apprenticeships will be placed on house builders and developers as part of the housing pledge.
What duties in relation to apprenticeships will be placed on house builders and developers as part of the housing pledge.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
John Healey
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 October 2009
For answer on
27 October 2009
Answered on
27 October 2009
Last month, I announced that all future rounds of funding for house building in this country—under the new housing pledge and the affordable housing programme—will require those taking the Government grant to have in place apprenticeship schemes. This means that, over this year and next, we will be able to create an additional 3,000 apprenticeship places across the country.
Subjects
Construction; Apprentices
Date
27 October 2009
Reference
498 c151; 295529
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Can I tell the Solicitor-General about some pro bono heroes in my constituency? I do not know whether she is aware of this, but the College of Law at Chester runs an excellent pro bono scheme, whereby members of the public receive free legal advice from postgraduate students—under the full supervision of fully qualified staff, I hasten to add. Does she agree that that is a very good example of how we can encourage the next generation of lawyers to appreciate the value and, certainly, the need for pro bono work?
Can I tell the Solicitor-General about some pro bono heroes in my constituency? I do not know whether she is aware of this, but the College of Law at Chester runs an excellent pro bono scheme, whereby members of the public receive free legal advice from postgraduate students—under the full supervision of fully qualified staff, I hasten to add. Does she agree that that is a very good example of how we can encourage the next generation of lawyers to appreciate the value and, certainly, the need for pro bono work?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 October 2009
Absolutely; I agree. The College of Law at Chester has a long and proud history, and it is good that—to use a cruel metaphor—two birds are being killed with one stone: people get much-needed help, and at the same time the younger generation of lawyers start to understand the need for such work and the ethics of the profession into which they are moving. Teesside university near my constituency has a similar scheme.
Subjects
Legal profession; Voluntary work
Date
15 October 2009
Reference
497 c430-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What recent progress she has made in encouraging lawyers to undertake pro bono work (a) in England and (b) abroad.
What recent progress she has made in encouraging lawyers to undertake pro bono work (a) in England and (b) abroad.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 October 2009
For answer on
15 October 2009
Answered on
15 October 2009
The domestic and international pro bono co-ordinating committees, which the Attorney-General chairs, continue to undertake excellent work in encouraging lawyers to do pro bono work in the UK and abroad. That includes preparing for the annual pro bono week, which takes place from 9 to 13 November and is intended to raise awareness of pro bono work for lawyers and potential recipients. That week will celebrate the achievements of about 50 pro bono heroes, who have between them carried out 6,500 hours of pro bono work nationally during the past 12 months. If anybody has a non-Latin phrase instead of pro bono, it would be very helpful, because I am stumped for one.
Subjects
Legal profession; Voluntary work
Date
15 October 2009
Reference
497 c430; 293081
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate she has made of the number of women who would become eligible to receive a full state pension if the reduction in the number of qualifying years required for those reaching the state pension age at or after...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate she has made of the number of women who would become eligible to receive a full state pension if the reduction in the number of qualifying years required for those reaching the state pension age at or after...
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 July 2009
For answer on
3 July 2009
Answered on
20 July 2009
It is estimated that an extra 850,000 women in Great Britain would become eligible to receive a full basic state pension based on their own contributions if the number of qualifying years necessary to receive a full basic state pension were lowered from 39 to 30, along with the implementation of other changes in the 2007 pension reforms, for women already in receipt of a basic state pension in April 2010.Calculating basic state pension entitlement on the basis of 30 qualifying years, along with the implementation of other changes in the 2007 pension reforms, for women pensioners would cost around £1 billion (2009-10 price terms) in 2010 (net of income-related benefits).
Subjects
Women; State retirement pensions
Date
20 July 2009
Reference
496 c858W; 284491
House
House of Commons
I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. In my constituency, there are 26 applicants for every social housing vacancy. The Homes and Communities Agency has made a good start in giving £12 million to the Chester and district housing trust to build 350 homes, but 3,500 homes are needed. What more can she and the agency do to put pressure on the banks and building societies to make borrowing affordable for housing associations?
I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. In my constituency, there are 26 applicants for every social housing vacancy. The Homes and Communities Agency has made a good start in giving £12 million to the Chester and district housing trust to build 350 homes, but 3,500 homes are needed. What more can she and the agency do to put pressure on the banks and building societies to make borrowing affordable for housing associations?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
2 June 2009
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. Perhaps I can direct her to the evidence given yesterday to the Select Committee, which will be published. Questions were asked about housing associations' capacity to raise funding. Although there is general recognition of their concerns about the loans that lenders are making available, it appears that the situation is easing to some degree. I share her anxieties and can assure her that we keep this matter under review.
Subjects
Social rented housing
Date
2 June 2009
Reference
493 c157-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What plans the Homes and Communities Agency has to increase the supply of social housing; and if she will make a statement.
What plans the Homes and Communities Agency has to increase the supply of social housing; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Beckett
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 May 2009
For answer on
2 June 2009
Answered on
2 June 2009
We have announced a series of measures over the past 12 months designed to improve delivery of social rented housing in the current difficult market conditions, including a £1 billion housing package in the Budget, focused on maintaining activity and jobs, and further help for those who need it in the short term. We remain committed to the delivery of affordable housing for social rent and low-cost home ownership and we are assessing delivery and targets with the HCA as part of its corporate plan process.
Subjects
Social rented housing
Date
2 June 2009
Reference
493 c157; 277609
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Most people find the presence of CCTV in their neighbourhoods reassuring, and most police officers find them very helpful in assisting the detection of crime and the reduction of antisocial behaviour. However, there is also a strong view out there that they can result in a real invasion of an individual's personal liberty. Has the Department commissioned, or will it consider commissioning, a fully independent survey of the effectiveness of CCTV cameras?
Most people find the presence of CCTV in their neighbourhoods reassuring, and most police officers find them very helpful in assisting the detection of crime and the reduction of antisocial behaviour. However, there is also a strong view out there that they can result in a real invasion of an individual's personal liberty. Has the Department commissioned, or will it consider commissioning, a fully independent survey of the effectiveness of CCTV cameras?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Topical questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 May 2009
My hon. Friend has raised an important point about the balance between the rights of the individual and the protection of the community. The Home Office is examining the way in which we manage CCTV systems throughout the country, and also the possibility of establishing a national CCTV board.
According to a recent report from the Campbell Collaboration crime and justice group, CCTV has""a modest but significant desirable impact on crime"."
The report says that it is most effective in reducing crime in car parks and targeting vehicle crime, and that it is more effective in reducing crime in the United Kingdom than in other countries. I think that that is an endorsement of CCTV, but we must of course consider the impact on the privacy of the individual as well.
Subjects
CCTV
Date
18 May 2009
Reference
492 c1202
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Coaker
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Topical questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 May 2009
Notes
Lead question not printed.
Subjects
CCTV
Date
18 May 2009
Reference
492 c1202; 275739
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply; the news that our Government are responding positively in helping the agencies to rebuild the shattered lives of people in Gaza is certainly welcome. Many of my constituents have donated very generously to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. At a meeting last week, my constituents asked me what assurance we could give our aid agencies and NGOs that we will keep up the diplomatic pressure on Israel to make sure that there is free movement across the border crossings for the aid workers and the essential supplies that they are taking in.
I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply; the news that our Government are responding positively in helping the agencies to rebuild the shattered lives of people in Gaza is certainly welcome. Many of my constituents have donated very generously to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. At a meeting last week, my constituents asked me what assurance we could give our aid agencies and NGOs that we will keep up the diplomatic pressure on Israel to make sure that there is free movement across the border crossings for the aid workers and the essential supplies that they are taking in.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
11 February 2009
My hon. Friend's constituents in Chester share the concern widely felt across the United Kingdom that support should be provided to people who have suffered terribly in Gaza in recent weeks and months. I assure her and her constituents that we have been unstinting in our demand of the Israeli Government that there should be free and unfettered access not only for the aid, but for the humanitarian aid workers so that they can carry out their vital work.
Subjects
Development aid; Palestine
Date
11 February 2009
Reference
487 c1351;487 c1349
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What support the Government are providing to non-governmental organisations and charities that are delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
What support the Government are providing to non-governmental organisations and charities that are delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Douglas Alexander
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 February 2009
For answer on
11 February 2009
Answered on
11 February 2009
Since the start of the conflict, the United Kingdom Government have allocated almost £3.5 million directly to non-governmental organisations and charities, with staff and resources on the ground, to provide immediate relief such as safe drinking water, emergency medical treatment, health and hygiene-related items, shelter and emotional support to civilians affected by the conflict. In addition, £4 million has been committed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and £1 million has been committed to the United Nations humanitarian emergency response fund, to which non-governmental organisations and charities can apply.
Subjects
Development aid; Palestine
Date
11 February 2009
Reference
487 c1351; 255785
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend has just mentioned the amazing success of Liverpool as European capital of culture, and he will be aware of the significant contribution that the designation of world heritage site status in 2004 made to the economic regeneration of Liverpool. Will my right hon. Friend or his ministerial colleague give me an assurance that in the ongoing review there will be no change of policy that could in any way undermine the aspiration of my city, Chester, for world heritage site status on the basis of its well preserved and unique medieval rows?
My right hon. Friend has just mentioned the amazing success of Liverpool as European capital of culture, and he will be aware of the significant contribution that the designation of world heritage site status in 2004 made to the economic regeneration of Liverpool. Will my right hon. Friend or his ministerial colleague give me an assurance that in the ongoing review there will be no change of policy that could in any way undermine the aspiration of my city, Chester, for world heritage site status on the basis of its well preserved and unique medieval rows?
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Topical questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 January 2009
As my hon. Friend will know, we are consulting on the ““World Heritage for the Nation”” consultation paper. That consultation will close next month and we will have to consider the responses very carefully. No decision has yet been made about future nominations and no decisions about them will be made until that has been done. Chester is one of the most ancient and pretty towns in England, which has won lots of awards for its visitor experience, and I hope that it continues to do so.
Subjects
World Heritage sites
Date
19 January 2009
Reference
486 c474
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answered by
Andy Burnham
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Topical questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 January 2009
For answer on
19 January 2009
Answered on
19 January 2009
I am sure that the whole House will wish to join me in congratulating Liverpool on an exceptional year as European capital of culture, and in recognising the role played by Phil Redmond and Bryan Gray in achieving that success. Two weeks ago, the Minister with responsibility for culture and I hosted a national tourism summit to consider how best the Government can help this crucial industry in these challenging economic times. We will make further statements on actions arising from that in due course. On Wednesday, Ofcom will publish its review of public service broadcasting, and I shall arrange for copies of the report to be placed in the House Library. I will also address the Oxford media convention on Thursday, and Lord Carter's interim ““Digital Britain”” report will follow next week.
Subjects
Departmental responsibilities; Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Date
19 January 2009
Reference
486 c474; 248281
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be aware that more than 90 million working days are lost in Britain every year through mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. Many employers do not quite know what to do about mental health problems, so may I invite him to look at the innovative work being developed by the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, together with local employers across Cheshire and the Wirral, which is having significant results? In particular, I point out the partnership between the trust and Airbus; their work has resulted in a 20 per cent. reduction in staff absences at Airbus.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be aware that more than 90 million working days are lost in Britain every year through mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. Many employers do not quite know what to do about mental health problems, so may I invite him to look at the innovative work being developed by the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, together with local employers across Cheshire and the Wirral, which is having significant results? In particular, I point out the partnership between the trust and Airbus; their work has resulted in a 20 per cent. reduction in staff absences at Airbus.
Asked by
Christine Russell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Topical questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
16 December 2008
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing to my attention, and the attention of the House, the excellent work done by Cheshire and the Wirral, and the scheme involving Airbus, which she identified as working very well. She is quite right; there are issues to do with mental health and employment that need to be addressed. She will know that we launched a consultation on the subject earlier this year, and a report on the issue is due in the spring. Dame Carol Black is chairing a steering group that is looking into how mental health provision can be better tailored and integrated to help people to find, stay in or return to work. I will certainly draw to the steering group's attention the excellent work that my hon. Friend describes in her constituency.
Subjects
Mental health services; Cheshire
Date
16 December 2008
Reference
485 c958
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons