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To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment it has made of the practical incentives, other than retention payments, available to ensure good building construction practices.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment it has made of the practical incentives, other than retention payments, available to ensure good building construction practices.
Since 2023, dutyholders, including clients, principal contractors and principal designers, are regulated through the building control process. Prosecutions may be brought for breaches of the building regulations under Section 35 of the Building Act 1984 where appropriate. The government has also accepted a recommendation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report to introduce principal contractor licensing, to ensure principal contractors working on higher-risk buildings are appropriately competent. We are progressing work to develop this recommendation, which includes a review of the dutyholder regime and whether it is working as intended. This will inform the design of an effective licensing scheme. We expect to publish the findings from the review in late 2026.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish guidance for triggering investigations into poor payment practices.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish guidance for triggering investigations into poor payment practices.
The Commercial Payments Bill provides the Small Business Commissioner with the power to investigate a larger business where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that it has persistently engaged in poor payment practices. The Commissioner must consider the extent and impact of the suspected conduct, the resources required for an investigation, and whether an investigation would be proportionate in all the circumstances. Further detail will be set out in secondary legislation.
The Government will work with the Commissioner to ensure businesses understand their obligations and to consider what operational guidance should be published before the new legislation comes into force.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to publish a funding plan for the Small Business Commissioner; and, if so, when they will do so.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to publish a funding plan for the Small Business Commissioner; and, if so, when they will do so.
The Government has confirmed that the Small Business Commissioner will have the resources needed to carry out its expanded functions. Detailed future funding arrangements will be determined through the usual departmental business planning and spending review processes. The Government does not currently intend to publish a separate funding plan, but will provide further information on the Commissioner's resourcing as the new functions are implemented.
My Lords, on behalf of the House, I welcome the Minister for her first Question. But is she aware that, last week in the other place, speaker after speaker condemned the Employment Rights Act, the impact of the increase in national insurance contributions and regulations generally, which have created the largest number of young people not in education, employment or training for well over 10 years? Is she further aware that the other place then proceeded to pass a Motion, without one vote against, to say that the Government should change course to support summer jobs, flexible working and seasonal work? Does the Minister accept that judgment of the elected House? What specific changes of policy is the new Prime Minister, Mr Burnham, going to bring in?
My Lords, on behalf of the House, I welcome the Minister for her first Question. But is she aware that, last week in the other place, speaker after speaker condemned the Employment Rights Act, the impact of the increase in national insurance contributions and regulations generally, which have created the largest number of young people not in education, employment or training for well over 10 years? Is she further aware that the other place then proceeded to pass a Motion, without one vote against, to say that the Government should change course to support summer jobs, flexible working and seasonal work? Does the Minister accept that judgment of the elected House? What specific changes of policy is the new Prime Minister, Mr Burnham, going to bring in?
That is a nice and easy first question. It is an honour, and slightly terrifying, to answer my first Oral Question from a previous Secretary of State for Employment. It is, however, a very interesting Question.
Summer jobs—particularly in hospitality, retail and tourism—are often a young person’s first step into the labour market. My own first summer job was as a guide at the Black Country Museum. As a Government, we are not complacent about the challenges that we face. The Government are investing £2.5 billion through the youth guarantee and the growth and skills levy to support almost 1 million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. This includes expanded work experience opportunities, skills boot camps, foundation apprenticeships, sector-based work academy programmes and incentives for employers to hire young apprentices. Alongside this, the Government
are supporting hospitality businesses through business rates reforms, sector-specific funding and measures to boost summer demand.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of current business hiring intentions and their implications for the wider economy.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of current business hiring intentions and their implications for the wider economy.
The UK labour market and economy remain resilient despite geopolitical uncertainties. The UK had the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first quarter of this year. For the labour market, ONS data shows that there are 399,000 more people in work than a year ago, and its business insights survey shows that over 80% of businesses intend to either maintain or increase their staff levels in July this year.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Lloyd of Effra on 13 April (HL16133), on what date they intend to commence their review of the functioning of section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Lloyd of Effra on 13 April (HL16133), on what date they intend to commence their review of the functioning of section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999.
The government has committed to review the functioning of section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 in its entirety. As part of this review, we will engage with relevant and interested stakeholders and publish our findings in Parliament. The review will start shortly and the government will write to interested parties in due course.
I will start by congratulating the Minister on the hard work he has carried out in preparing for this Question, and in particular the discussions he has been having with Royal Mail. However, does he not accept that, by increasing national insurance contributions, which I reckon adds around £120 million to the costs of one of Britain’s largest and most labour-intensive employers, the Government have made it significantly harder for Royal Mail to restore service standards, maintain the universal service obligation and invest in those improvements that customers and businesses expect?
I will start by congratulating the Minister on the hard work he has carried out in preparing for this Question, and in particular the discussions he has been having with Royal Mail. However, does he not accept that, by increasing national insurance contributions, which I reckon adds around £120 million to the costs of one of Britain’s largest and most labour-intensive employers, the Government have made it significantly harder for Royal Mail to restore service standards, maintain the universal service obligation and invest in those improvements that customers and businesses expect?
I appreciate the comment on my hard work—it is now noted. I cannot agree with the noble Lord on that particular point. It is unfair to think about an individual tax application on the investment in this specific case. There is £500 million of committed capital from the new investor, EP Group, and that is a non-trivial undertaking that has been committed on an £8 billion business. At the moment, we are proud,
as a Labour Government, that we are shoring up the fiscal rules and the economic prospects of this country, so that we can invest in the public services that we rightly believe we need to.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the availability of food-safe recycled plastic and other compliant alternatives to virgin plastic packaging for food and drink businesses subject to the Plastic Packaging Tax.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the availability of food-safe recycled plastic and other compliant alternatives to virgin plastic packaging for food and drink businesses subject to the Plastic Packaging Tax.
Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) was introduced in April 2022 to provide a clear incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in packaging, thereby supporting increased recycling and reducing plastic waste.
At Budget 2025, the government announced businesses will be able to use a Mass Balance Approach (MBA) for the purposes of PPT from April 2027. This will enable chemically recycled plastic to qualify for the PPT exemption, which is suitable for food-grade packaging as it produces outputs equivalent to virgin plastic. Chemical recycling can provide a recycling route for plastic waste which is otherwise difficult to recycle using established, mechanical methods, such as plastic films.
Allowing a MBA for chemically recycled plastic will help to create the conditions for the emerging chemical recycling sector to thrive in the UK.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of abolishing the Plastic Packaging Tax for food contact packaging where no safe, commercially viable recycled-content alternative is available.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of abolishing the Plastic Packaging Tax for food contact packaging where no safe, commercially viable recycled-content alternative is available.
Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) was introduced in April 2022 to provide a clear incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in packaging, thereby supporting increased recycling and reducing plastic waste.
At Budget 2025, the government announced businesses will be able to use a Mass Balance Approach (MBA) for the purposes of PPT from April 2027. This will enable chemically recycled plastic to qualify for the PPT exemption, which is suitable for food-grade packaging as it produces outputs equivalent to virgin plastic. Chemical recycling can provide a recycling route for plastic waste which is otherwise difficult to recycle using established, mechanical methods, such as plastic films.
Allowing a MBA for chemically recycled plastic will help to create the conditions for the emerging chemical recycling sector to thrive in the UK.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Packaging Recovery Note system in investment in the UK recycling infrastructure and recycling rates; and whether they plan to reform or abolish that system.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Packaging Recovery Note system in investment in the UK recycling infrastructure and recycling rates; and whether they plan to reform or abolish that system.
The Packaging Waste Recycling Note (PRN) system has supported an increase in packaging waste recycling rates from 45% in 2003 to 64.7% in 2023 and has continued to support delivery of recycling targets.
The system generated £322m in revenue from the sale of PRN/PERNs in 2025. Reprocessors and exporters accredited to issue PRN/PERNs are required to report on how they have used this revenue to help build increased capacity across the recycling sector as part of their business plan.
A consultation on reforms to the PRN system has recently closed. Defra officials will review the responses and decide on next steps shortly.
To ask His Majesty's Government what evidence they have that the introduction of modulated Extended Producer Responsibility fees will improve packaging recycling rates in the absence of reform to local collection and recycling infrastructure.
To ask His Majesty's Government what evidence they have that the introduction of modulated Extended Producer Responsibility fees will improve packaging recycling rates in the absence of reform to local collection and recycling infrastructure.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is part of this Government’s broader Collection and Packaging Reforms, including Simpler Recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme (due to launch in October 2027). These reforms together shift the financial burden of recycling household packaging from the public purse to producers and incentivise more efficient and effective recycling systems to push up levels of recycling across the country. The Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) funding from year 1 of the scheme has already been distributed to Local Authorities providing additional funding to deliver Simpler Recycling reforms across England, ensuring that people can recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school.
From year 2 of EPR (2026/27) onwards, fees will be modulated to ensure that packaging materials that are less recyclable incur higher fees and packaging materials which are more recyclable incur lower fees, incentivising industry to transition towards more recyclable material. PackUK, the EPR scheme administrator, is working closely with local authorities to ensure the efficient and effective management of household packaging waste.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to postpone the introduction of modulated fees under Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging until measurable improvements have been delivered in local authority packaging collection and recycling systems.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to postpone the introduction of modulated fees under Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging until measurable improvements have been delivered in local authority packaging collection and recycling systems.
As required under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, from 2026/27 onwards, The Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees will be modulated to ensure that packaging materials that are less recyclable incur higher fees, and packaging materials which are more recyclable incur lower fees. The fee modulation policy will be reviewed every 3 years. PackUK, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme administrator, is working closely with local authorities to ensure the efficient and effective management of household packaging waste.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of current business hiring intentions and their implications for the wider economy.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of current business hiring intentions and their implications for the wider economy.
The UK labour market and economy remain resilient despite geopolitical uncertainties. The UK had the fastest growing-economy in the G7 in Q1 2026. On the labour market, ONS data shows that there are 416,000 more people in work than a year ago. Its business insights survey shows that over 80% of businesses intend to either maintain or increase their staff levels in June 2026.
I greatly regret to tell the House that the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of young people not in training, education or employment has exceeded 1 million. I believe we are heading to figures for 18 to 24 year-olds which have not been seen since 2008 when, under the previous Labour Government, the future looked very grim. Recent measures were introduced by the Government, including the business-busting Employment Rights Act, the national insurance contributions—the list is endless, and if noble Lords would like to read them all, they are in the report of the unemployment adviser, Mr Alan Milburn, or the essay published by the previous Prime Minister. Will the Minister wake up and do something about this?
I greatly regret to tell the House that the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of young people not in training, education or employment has exceeded 1 million. I believe we are heading to figures for 18 to 24 year-olds which have not been seen since 2008 when, under the previous Labour Government, the future looked very grim. Recent measures were introduced by the Government, including the business-busting Employment Rights Act, the national insurance contributions—the list is endless, and if noble Lords would like to read them all, they are in the report of the unemployment adviser, Mr Alan Milburn, or the essay published by the previous Prime Minister. Will the Minister wake up and do something about this?
I do not accept the characterisation presented. We recognise there is a crisis of participation, and Alan Milburn’s interim report clearly laid out many of the contributing factors in health and education, which have been there for many years. Under the previous Government between 2021 and 2024, the number of young NEETs increased by 250,000. This is an issue that we are tackling. As I mentioned, in Q1 of 2026 the economy was one of the fastest-growing in the G7. We are taking actions on youth employment, supporting young people to get into work, supporting them with work experience, training and apprenticeships. This is exactly what we need to do in these circumstances.
But has the Minister not heard the comments of Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, who said—and this is a direct quote—that
“temporary exemptions … may still generate additional revenues for Russia’s war machine”?
What is his answer to the commissioner? While I am on my feet, can I just say that I think it is appalling the way our own petrol refineries are warning that they are at risk of closure due to high carbon taxes? Does the Minister not agree that meeting demand through domestically refined oil products is preferable to financing Putin’s war in Ukraine, and will he commit to reviewing the tax burden which is currently risking our own refineries?
But has the Minister not heard the comments of Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, who said—and this is a direct quote—that
“temporary exemptions … may still generate additional revenues for Russia’s war machine”?
What is his answer to the commissioner? While I am on my feet, can I just say that I think it is appalling the way our own petrol refineries are warning that they are at risk of closure due to high carbon taxes? Does the Minister not agree that meeting demand through domestically refined oil products is preferable to financing Putin’s war in Ukraine, and will he commit to reviewing the tax burden which is currently risking our own refineries?
I think the noble Lord will know that the UK refineries are not able at present to refine exactly what is required as far as a profile of a country’s energy needs are concerned because of the nature of the set-up of those particular refineries and the nature of the crude oil that is coming into those refineries for refining. Therefore, it makes complete sense to ensure that we have a proper profile of imports of various refined products in not just a climate emergency but the present emergency relating to Hormuz, which may not involve UK refineries only. The quote that the noble Lord mentioned is about imports of crude oil from Russia being relaxed to countries across the world—not by the UK but relating to relaxation by other states. The UK is firmly behind the notion that there will not be crude oil coming into the UK from Russia, but the question of refined products is another matter.
Does the Minister not accept that the real problem is that employment costs are rising to such an extent that it is now much more difficult for businesses to offer enhanced paternity leave and other support for working parents? Will she consult with her colleagues and bring forward a clear strategy to reduce business costs, so that more employers and self-employed parents have the flexibility to support families when a new child arrives?
Does the Minister not accept that the real problem is that employment costs are rising to such an extent that it is now much more difficult for businesses to offer enhanced paternity leave and other support for working parents? Will she consult with her colleagues and bring forward a clear strategy to reduce business costs, so that more employers and self-employed parents have the flexibility to support families when a new child arrives?
I am pleased to take this opportunity to say that the UK had the highest growth in the G7 in the last quarter. I am also pleased to highlight the measures we are taking to reduce costs on business—for example, ending mandatory strategic reports. I am also pleased to talk about the measures we are now taking to support families with the cost of living, be it energy costs or expanding free school meals.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the CS01 confirmation statement filed by British Steel Ltd on 14 April 2026, stating that the company’s intended future activities were lawful, was filed with the prior knowledge, consent or direction of the Secretary of State; and whether the accuracy of that statement depended...
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the CS01 confirmation statement filed by British Steel Ltd on 14 April 2026, stating that the company’s intended future activities were lawful, was filed with the prior knowledge, consent or direction of the Secretary of State; and whether the accuracy of that statement depended...
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish all ministerial directions issued in relation to British Steel Ltd under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025, including any directions concerning access to premises, accounting records, bank accounts, management information, insolvency proceedings, funding, trading decisions or relations with Jingye Group.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish all ministerial directions issued in relation to British Steel Ltd under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025, including any directions concerning access to premises, accounting records, bank accounts, management information, insolvency proceedings, funding, trading decisions or relations with Jingye Group.
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Secretary of State has issued any direction under section 2(5)(d) of the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 requiring British Steel Ltd, its directors, officers, creditors or any other person to refrain from taking proceedings under the Insolvency Act 1986 or otherwise in...
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Secretary of State has issued any direction under section 2(5)(d) of the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 requiring British Steel Ltd, its directors, officers, creditors or any other person to refrain from taking proceedings under the Insolvency Act 1986 or otherwise in...
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether British Steel Ltd is balance-sheet solvent and cash-flow solvent, both including and excluding Government funding provided since 12 April 2025; and whether they will publish any such assessment.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether British Steel Ltd is balance-sheet solvent and cash-flow solvent, both including and excluding Government funding provided since 12 April 2025; and whether they will publish any such assessment.
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.